Tool assembly

Abstract

This invention discloses a cutting tool assembly comprising a blade holder, a cutting blade, and a clamp. The clamp is secured to the blade holder via a clamp attachment portion that is fastened to a holder attachment portion of the blade holder. The clamp also includes a clamp portion that abuts a peripheral edge of the cutting blade to secure the cutting blade to a blade recess in the blade holder.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter of this application relates to a cutting blade clamp (hereinafter also referred to as the "clamp") configured to clamp a cutting blade to a cutting blade holder (hereinafter also referred to as the "holder"), the cutting blade holder, and a tool assembly including the cutter and a method of assembling and machining the cutter and cutter. Prior Technology

[0002] This application relates to a tool assembly for a parting (also known as a "parting-off" or "cut-off") operation. However, it should be understood that a tool assembly capable of performing parting can also perform a grooving operation.

[0003] Traditional cut-off blades are elongated to provide a large cutting depth. Typically, this cut-off blade elongates along the tapered longitudinal edge to allow for strong clamping, while still being advantageously adjustable for different extension lengths.

[0004] The applicant has further described the cutting tool assembly assigned to the applicant in US 2019 / 0240741. In that disclosure, for example with reference to Figures 17 to 20, a square, regular-shaped cutting blade and holder are described. This tool assembly forgoes the advantage of adjustable reach for a more stable mounting configuration.

[0005] However, US 2019 / 0240741 contains many features that could be improved. For example, due to the difficulty in providing coolant to both sides of the cutting edge in a regularly shaped insert with recesses at each corner, coolant is only provided to one side of the cutting edge (and the insert entry is located in a non-central position to maximize the depth of cut). Additionally, the screws and plugs used to secure the insert cause a noticeable lateral protrusion to prevent the insert from cutting "near the shoulder". Furthermore, providing internal coolant holes in the cutting insert is an expensive and difficult manufacturing task.

[0006] Regarding the supply of coolant, as with all machine tools, cooling a cutting tool during machining is beneficial to extending its tool life.

[0007] Unlike other cutting tools, supplying coolant to a cutting block held by a parting insert is exceptionally difficult. That is, the parting insert is best made as thin as possible (to reduce material waste) and penetrates deep into a workpiece. The effectiveness of coolant supply decreases as the distance from a coolant outlet increases. Furthermore, since the cutting block is completely surrounded by the workpiece, it is impossible to effectively provide a coolant nozzle on the side of the cutting block. Additionally, the flow of chips on the cutting block causes the coolant to deflect upwards.

[0008] Numerous solutions have been provided to overcome the aforementioned difficulties. For example, in the past, coolant was supplied via an external conduit (used for various tools) spaced apart from the cutting insert, but this was not particularly effective, and chips and workpieces hindered the coolant from reaching the cutting edge. One such solution involves forming a coolant passage within the cutting insert and guiding the coolant through the cutting insert itself, which, as mentioned above, is expensive. Another solution guides the coolant through both the cutting insert and the cutting edge, which complicates the production of the cutting edge. Yet another solution supplies coolant only to one rear end of a cutting edge to avoid coolant flow being obstructed by chips.

[0009] Recently, the most popular solution is to provide high-pressure coolant through the cutting blade (most such blades and blade holders on the market are specified to provide coolant up to 70 bar, and the applicant's products are configured to provide coolant up to 140 bar). However, while high-pressure coolant through the blade overcomes the problem of allowing coolant to reach the essential area to be cooled, these passages within the blade are created through an expensive and slow process. Since blades have a limited tool life and are processed relatively quickly as the resilient tool recess wears out, the cost of these passages in disposable blades becomes a significant consideration. In extremely thin, optimal cutting blade widths, the use of resilient tool recesses is often attributed to a lack of space for screws.

[0010] Although indexable cutting inserts are an alternative to parting inserts, this is due to the fact that the insert material is much more expensive and smaller than that of conventional steel inserts, and that it is difficult or impossible to clamp extremely large inserts. Because the cutting inserts are smaller, coolant supplied directly from a tool holder is more efficient than that of parting inserts with a larger depth of cut (i.e., the cutting edge is relatively far from the tool holder), and this is not a problem. This application is specifically aimed at parting inserts because it is exceptionally difficult to provide effective coolant to a cutting edge that is at a relatively large distance from a tool holder.

[0011] One object of the present invention is to provide an improved cutting blade clamp, a cutting blade, a cutting blade holder, and a tool assembly including the thereof. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The present invention has been developed as a coolant conduit configured for mounting on a cutting blade.

[0013] In other words, the present invention is fixedly mounted on a cutting blade such that its outlet is close to the cutting block to effectively provide coolant to the cutting block as a coolant conduit.

[0014] The coolant conduit may include at least one extension that is thinner than the cutting width of the cutting tool block, so that a portion of the coolant conduit is configured to enter the envelope of a narrow slit within the cut workpiece and face the oncoming chip.

[0015] Numerous unique safety mechanisms have been developed to ensure that processed chips do not move or damage the coolant conduits.

[0016] This coolant conduit has been found to be advantageous for the aforementioned regularly shaped insert concept, where coolant is supplied only to one side. Furthermore, since the coolant conduit is not subject to wear from machining forces (compared to cut-off inserts with internal coolant holes), it can be remounted to a variety of different cut-off inserts, which are now cheaper and simpler to manufacture due to the elimination of internal coolant holes. Additionally, unlike the aforementioned cut-off inserts with coolant holes limited to a maximum pressure of 140 bar, it has been found that the coolant conduit can be supplied with higher coolant pressure at its inlet (resulting in a larger coolant supply and thus further extending the cutting edge tool life). Furthermore, by elongating the cross-section of a coolant passage in a cutting plane, additional coolant can be supplied through each outlet (compared to a conventional circular conduit outlet). Moreover, the cut-off insert is stronger than inserts with less material (due to providing voids, i.e., coolant holes) to allow for maximum machining strength. In other words, the cut-off insert can exist without a coolant passage. This does not mean that coolant conduits cannot be used with cutting blades that have coolant passages, but rather that an advantageous embodiment of the cutting blade does not have expensive internal coolant passages because the coolant conduits provide the coolant.

[0017] Following the development of the coolant conduit, it is envisioned to further combine the coolant conduit with an attachment. The attachment allows the coolant conduit to be mounted on the cutting blade and provides a dual function of securing the cutting blade itself to a holder. The combined coolant conduit and clamp are referred to herein as a "cutting blade clamp" or "clamp". The attachment of the clamp is simply referred to herein as a "clamp attachment" or "attachment".

[0018] Following the development of the cutting blade clamp, it has been found that the developed clamping features are independently superior to those of known blade clamps, even without providing a coolant passage through the clamp. For example, the cutting blade clamp is even superior to the tool assembly in the applicant's US 2019 / 0240741 because it appears to be more stable, does not provide a lateral protrusion when the blade is screwed in as described above, allows for very rapid indexing of one of the cutting blades, and requires fewer parts.

[0019] The further independent and unique forms developed are listed below.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for cutting or slotting a slit in a workpiece using a tool assembly is provided, comprising: a first step in which the tool assembly is moved relative to a workpiece until the workpiece is contacted by a cutting edge of a cutting tool block; a second step in which the tool assembly is moved further relative to the workpiece such that the cutting tool block and a cutting blade mounted thereon cut a slit in the workpiece; wherein during the second step, a portion of a cutting fixture enters the slit formed in the workpiece.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for securing a cutting blade to a blade holder is provided; the method includes providing a cutting blade clamp including an attachment portion and at least one clamping portion and a blade holder including an attachment portion, the method comprising: a first step of connecting the attachment portion of the cutting blade clamp to the attachment portion of the blade holder; a second step of mounting the cutting blade to a blade recess of the blade holder; and a third step of fastening the attachment portion of the cutting blade clamp to the attachment portion of the blade holder such that at least one clamping portion abuts against a peripheral edge of the cutting blade, thereby securing the cutting blade to the blade recess.

[0022] At least one clamping part may be two clamping parts located on different sides of the cutting blade.

[0023] At least one clamping part may be two clamping parts spaced apart from each other.

[0024] At least one clamping portion may include at least one clamping adjacent surface, at least a portion of which extends within an extended width cutting plane PC.

[0025] At least one fixture adjacent surface may be two fixture adjacent surfaces, both of which extend in different directions within the extended width cutting plane PC.

[0026] According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for securing a cutting blade to a blade holder; the method includes simultaneously wedging a cutting blade between two extensions of a mechanically interlocking structure abutting a recessed protruding edge.

[0027] The extension can be part of a single cutting blade clamp, and the fixing step can be achieved by moving the cutting blade clamp in a single direction. This single direction can be toward two adjacent sub-blades protruding from the recessed edge.

[0028] The cutting blade clamp may further include at least one, preferably two, clamping portions.

[0029] The protruding edge of the recess can form at least one mechanical interlocking structure, preferably two.

[0030] According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for securing a cutting blade to a blade holder; the method includes simultaneously wedging a cutting blade between two clamping portions comprising a mechanical interlocking structure abutting a recessed protruding edge.

[0031] The clamping part can be part of a single cutting blade clamp, and the fixing step can be achieved by moving the cutting blade clamp in a single direction. This single direction can be toward two adjacent sub-blades protruding from the recessed edge.

[0032] The cutting blade clamp may further include at least one, preferably two, extension portions.

[0033] The protruding edge of the recess can form at least one mechanical interlocking structure, preferably two.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present invention, a cutting blade clamp is provided, comprising an attachment portion and at least one elongated extension portion; the extension portion is defined therein defining an elongation direction of an extension width cutting plane PC; wherein the attachment portion is located outside the cutting plane.

[0035] "Extension" means that the maximum length LM of one of the extended parts is greater than the maximum height HE of one of the extended parts, that is, the condition LM>HE is satisfied.

[0036] It should be understood that although a greater maximum height HE allows for a greater cross-section (in the height direction) and thus allows for more coolant to be transported through the extension, it requires a larger and less compact structure, which would limit the cutting depth or impede the area required for adjacent tool assemblies. However, it has been found that the coolant conduits of the present invention provide sufficient coolant and thus preferably configure the extension to allow its outlet to be as close as possible to the cutting insert. Therefore, more preferably, the maximum length and maximum height satisfy the condition: LM > 2HE, or even LM > 2.5HE.

[0037] However, to provide a reasonable amount of coolant, also preferably, each linear portion of an extension adjacent to the insert pocket (which are respectively identified as LM1 and LM3 in FIG. 6C) has a maximum length and maximum height that satisfy one of the following conditions: LM < 8HE, more preferably LM < 6HE, and most preferably LM < 5HE. The current best values for existing designs are 2.5HE < LM < 4.5HE, however it should be understood that many design factors (such as the cutoff blade size) can change this preferred range.

[0038] At least one elongate extension may be two extensions spaced apart from each other.

[0039] At least one elongate extension may extend within an extended width cutting plane PC. The entire elongate extension may extend within the extended width cutting plane PC.

[0040] At least one elongate extension may be two extensions extending in different directions within the extended width cutting plane PC.

[0041] The cutoff blade holder may have a coolant passage including an outlet leading to the extension.

[0042] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cutoff blade holder including an attachment portion and at least one clamping portion; the clamping portion includes a holder abutment surface, at least a portion of which extends in an extended width cutting plane PC; wherein the attachment portion is located outside the extended width cutting plane PC.

[0043] At least one holder portion may be two holder portions spaced apart from each other, each of which includes a holder abutment surface, the two holder abutment surfaces extending in different directions and at least partially located within the extended width cutting plane PC.

[0044] The cutting blade clamp may include at least one extension portion extending from the clamp portion along the extension width cutting plane PC.

[0045] The cutting blade clamp may have a coolant passage leading to one of the outlets of the extension.

[0046] Depending on the configuration, the cutting blade clamp may preferably be configured with one or more of the following safety features.

[0047] An extension may include a safety protrusion or a safety recess, preferably a safety protrusion. During installation, a safety protrusion is preferably received without contact within a safety recess.

[0048] An extension portion can be better abutted against a cutting blade offset.

[0049] More preferably, each of the biased surfaces may include a mechanical interlocking structure.

[0050] An extension can be thinner than a cutting blade.

[0051] An extension portion can extend from a lower extension surface to an upper extension surface. This provides greater structural strength than a purely cylindrical conduit, taking into account the unique space constraints of cut-out or slotted applications.

[0052] An extension may have an inclined forward extension surface for deflecting oncoming chips. The inclination may be defined relative to the direction of extension or relative to an adjacent peripheral edge of a cutting blade, etc.

[0053] A forward extension surface can be positioned at a safe distance from a cutting block recess to avoid oncoming chips, even if this distance slightly reduces coolant efficiency.

[0054] One extension may be coated to be heat-resistant or impact-resistant.

[0055] Depending on the configuration, the cutting blade may preferably be configured with one or more of the following safety features.

[0056] A cutting blade may include a safety protrusion or a safety recess, preferably a safety recess. During installation, the safety protrusion of a cutting blade holder is preferably received without contact within the safety recess of the cutting blade. It should be understood that if the safety protrusion were to contact the safety recess, this would reduce the stability of the extended portion adjacent to the cutting blade. Therefore, although this contact can be designed in (within acceptable design tolerances), it is currently preferred to avoid contact.

[0057] An extension portion can better abut against the blade offset of a cutting blade.

[0058] A cutting blade may include a mechanical interlocking structure.

[0059] According to another aspect of the present invention, a cutting blade clamp is provided, which includes an attachment portion and a coolant passage; the coolant passage includes an inlet, an outlet and an intermediate portion; the cutting blade clamp is a rigid body.

[0060] Rigid means that the coolant conduit has a basic shape that is different from a flexible pipe or tube, which is adapted to the shape of one of its components.

[0061] The rigid body can preferably be made of metal, preferably steel.

[0062] The cutting blade clamp can be configured for direct connection to a supply pipe.

[0063] The cutting blade clamp can be considered to extend along two non-parallel blade sub-edges.

[0064] According to another aspect of the present invention, a cutting blade is provided, comprising: A first blade side, a second blade side, and a peripheral blade edge, the peripheral blade edge connecting the first blade side and the second blade side; and A first blade recess is formed along the perimeter of the blade edge; Peripheral blade edge includes: The first blade edge and the second blade edge extend from different sides of the recess in the first blade block; The first cutting block cavity includes: One bottom claw; One second claw; and One end of the groove connects the bottom claw and the second claw; The bottom claw is closer to the first blade edge than the second claw; The second claw is closer to the second blade edge than the bottom claw; One of the following two conditions must be met: A first condition, wherein the second blade edge is longer than the first blade edge; and the first blade edge forms a first blade mechanical interlocking structure; and A second condition, wherein the first blade edge and the second blade edge together form a blade mechanical interlocking structure.

[0065] Generally speaking, introductory terms (such as "second" in the term "second mechanical interlock structure") and similar terms (such as "first") are considered merely as identifying names and do not imply the definition of the existence of several elements.

[0066] Regarding the first condition: It should be understood that another way of saying that the second blade edge is longer than the first blade edge is that the cutting blade extends along the second blade edge. In other words, the cutting blade extends in the same direction as the bottom jaw. In the following text, these blades will be referred to as x-axis blades.

[0067] Only the x-axis blade is known to have a blade mechanical interlocking structure along its extended side (i.e., along the second blade sub-edge and its parallel sub-edge), intended for clamping the cutting blade to a blade holder. Therefore, the x-axis blade has only one flat first blade sub-edge (and therefore no blade mechanical interlocking structure along its first blade sub-edge).

[0068] For clarity, with respect to the present invention, the function of a blade mechanical interlocking structure is not primarily for a conventional tilting blade holder claw (this corresponding element is referred to as a recessed protruding edge in the examples below), but for another component explained below. Thus, for example, a single blade mechanical interlocking structure may be provided to a cutting blade with the remainder (or a portion) of the peripheral blade edge that can be flatly abutted against a blade holder edge (also referred to below as a "recessed protruding edge"), wherein one or more screws provide a lateral force on the cutting blade to engage it with a blade holder support surface (also referred to below as a blade recessed side surface).

[0069] However, for a cutting blade that provides a blade mechanical interlocking structure in any case, the blade mechanical interlocking structure preferably also provides an auxiliary function of providing a lateral force and biasing the cutting blade toward a blade holder support surface.

[0070] Regarding the second condition: There exists an uncommon cutting blade (hereinafter referred to as a Y-axis blade) in which the first blade sub-edge is longer than the second blade sub-edge (in other words, perpendicular to the extension of the bottom jaw). It is only known that such Y-axis blades have a blade mechanical interlocking structure along one of their extended sides (i.e., along the first blade sub-edge and its parallel sub-edge), which is intended for clamping the cutting blade to a blade holder.

[0071] To date, it is unknown whether the extended X-axis and Y-axis cutting inserts have a mechanical interlocking structure with two sub-cutting edges extending from different sides of a cutting edge recess. Of course, providing such a mechanical interlocking structure (which is typically ground) involves a cost; therefore, this feature is unknown because conventional cutting inserts clamped to the opposing extended sides of a cutting insert are not yet necessary. This conventional clamping allows for advantageously variable changes in the extension length of the cutting insert according to the user's needs.

[0072] One of the applicants has recently developed a cutting blade without the benefit of variable extension. These cutting blades are regular-shaped cutting blades (e.g., triangular, square, but not elongated according to the aforementioned x-axis and y-axis) and are hereinafter referred to as "regular-shaped blades". Regular-shaped blades do not have any blade mechanical interlocking structure because the lateral abutment force is provided by a screw extending through a threaded hole formed in the cutting blade and clamping the cutting blade to a blade holder. Providing the screw as a lateral support avoids the need for a blade mechanical interlocking structure and allows for better force support, wherein the peripheral blade edge is flat. Furthermore, combining a blade mechanical interlocking structure with a laterally inserted screw is anomalous and therefore may even hinder the installation of the cutting blade to the edge of a blade holder.

[0073] As mentioned above, the blade mechanical interlock structure preferably also provides an auxiliary function of providing a lateral force and biasing the cutting blade toward a blade holder support surface. However, one concern during the development of cutting blades with lateral support in the form of screws and threaded hole systems (each screw providing hundreds of kilograms of force in the lateral direction) is the increased risk of the cutting blade detaching from a blade holder support surface. However, testing has shown that the system of the present invention provides sufficient lateral support, even without a centrally positioned fixed configuration. However, there may still be some situations where one or more screws can be used in conjunction with the adjacent surfaces of this(e.g.) clamp. In these cases, a smaller screw, or perhaps even a single small screw, may be sufficient to overcome any insufficient clamping in the lateral direction. It should be noted that a small screw will only have an undesirable lateral protrusion, which is much smaller than the lateral protrusion of the significantly larger screws of the prior art that bear the full clamping force of a cutting blade.

[0074] It should be understood that the non-blade form of the present invention can be used with prior art blades having only a prior art blade mechanical interlock structure or even only a prior art blade with a flat peripheral edge. This is because the blade mechanical interlock structure is one of the preferred safety features used in the extensions of the present invention. For example, in one embodiment where one or more extensions have a flat extension abutment surface offset against a corresponding flat peripheral edge abutment surface of a cutting blade, a cutting blade can be used with one of the non-blade forms without a blade mechanical interlock structure, and one or more screws are provided to apply a lateral force to the cutting blade.

[0075] However, for the original form which provides at least one blade mechanical interlock structure, the following are preferred features.

[0076] The blade mechanical interlock structure extends along most of the sub-cutting edge. This feature allows both an extended mechanical interlock structure and a clamping abutment surface to be laterally secured to a blade. Alternatively, this feature allows both an extended abutment surface and a blade holder support surface to be laterally secured to a blade.

[0077] A leading edge sub-blade may form a blade mechanical interlocking structure (e.g., for an x-axis blade, the leading edge sub-blade is the first blade sub-blade, i.e., the non-extended blade sub-blade; or for a regular-shaped blade, the leading edge sub-blade may be the sub-blade furthest from a blade holder shank when the blade is mounted to a blade holder). As discussed above, it is known that blades do not have a blade mechanical interlocking structure on the side not used for clamping to a blade holder.

[0078] Two sub-blades extending from different sides of a blade recess can form a blade mechanical interlocking structure. As discussed above, it is known that a blade does not have a blade mechanical interlocking structure on the side not used for clamping to a blade holder.

[0079] The insert mechanical interlock structure can be any mechanical structure capable of applying a lateral force. In other words, the insert mechanical interlock structure can be any mechanical structure except a flat surface. More specifically, the insert mechanical interlock structure includes at least one insert sub-edge protrusion. More precisely, there is at least one insert sub-edge protrusion in a direction perpendicular to a thickness dimension. Some non-limiting but preferred examples of at least one insert sub-edge protrusion are: a single central insert sub-edge protrusion; or two or more insert sub-edge protrusions, each separated by an insert sub-edge recess located between them; a single non-central insert sub-edge protrusion; or more than one non-central insert sub-edge protrusions, each positioned at a different distance from a tool holder recess. In each example, there is a vertex and at least one insert sub-edge abutment surface extending from the vertex to one of the first and second insert sides. The insert sub-edge abutment surface may be convex or concave, but is preferably a flat, inclined surface that allows for precision grinding. For detailed explanation relative to the preferred embodiment, there exists a single central blade sub-cutting protrusion (corresponding to a typical V-shaped cross-section of the longitudinal cutting edge commonly used in cutting blades). This is because it provides equal lateral support in both lateral directions. More precisely, the single central blade sub-cutting protrusion has a apex and first and second blade sub-cutting abutment surfaces extending from the apex to the first and second blade sides, respectively. Preferably, the first and second blade sub-cutting abutment surfaces are flat, inclined surfaces that allow for precision grinding. However, they may be convex or concave. A preferred internal blade angle α of the single central blade sub-cutting protrusion satisfies the condition: 120° ≤ α ≤ 170°, more preferably 140° ≤ α ≤ 160°, having an α value. Although a typical internal blade angle α of a known x-axis blade mechanical interlocking structure is 150° (which is considered best suited for clamping), slightly smaller angles (e.g., 120°≤α≤148° or 135°≤α≤145°) are preferred for at least a portion of the blade mechanical interlocking structure of the present invention or for at least a portion of a blade mechanical interlocking structure adjacent to a blade recess and / or for at least a foremost blade tip. This is particularly advantageous where a blade mechanical interlocking structure or a portion thereof with this angle is not used to clamp the cutting blade but rather to abut against an extended abutment surface. It should be noted that it is difficult to maintain interlocking contact between a thin extension and a cutting blade; therefore, a more aggressive angle (i.e., the aforementioned smaller angle range) may be preferred. However, in the prototype examples shown, the standard angle of 150° has been found to perform very well. Preferably, the abutment surfaces of the first and second blade tips extend from the apex to the first and second blade sides by equal interior angles. This allows for a similar effect when using the same blade for both left-hand and right-hand blade holders.

[0080] The mechanical interlocking structure of the cutting blades can have the same cross-section. Although a variable cross-section is feasible, a uniform cross-section allows for easier manufacturing.

[0081] According to another aspect of the present invention, a cutting blade is provided, comprising: a first blade side and a second blade side and a peripheral blade edge, the peripheral blade edge connecting the first blade side and the second blade side; and a first blade recess formed along the peripheral blade edge; the peripheral blade edge includes a first blade sub-blade and a second blade sub-blade extending from different sides of the first blade recess; wherein at least one of the first blade sub-blade and the second blade sub-blade forms a blade safety recess.

[0082] Preferably, the first blade recess includes: a bottom claw; a second claw; and a groove end connecting the bottom claw and the second claw; the bottom claw is closer to the first blade cutting edge than the second claw; the second claw is closer to the second blade cutting edge than the bottom claw; wherein the blade safety recess is formed on the second blade cutting edge.

[0083] Preferably, a blade safety recess is formed on each of the first blade edge and the second blade edge.

[0084] Preferably, the blade safety recess adjacent to a common blade block recess is equidistant from the common blade block recess.

[0085] The blade safety recess is a feature that allows an extended safety protrusion to extend into the sub-edge of the blade to prevent oncoming chips from becoming wedged between the extension and the blade, thereby displacing the extension.

[0086] The blade safety recess is optimally used for the second blade sub-edge (associated with the cutting face before mounting to one of the cutting blades to the cutting block, since the first blade sub-edge is adjacent to the bottom jaw).

[0087] However, the blade safety recess can also be preferably used for the first blade sub-edge to perform functions other than preventing oncoming chips from wedging in (as described above), such as providing a user with a visual indicator that the extension is correctly installed to the thin blade. In other words, if a user observes the cutting blade from the side and the extension safety protrusion is located within the blade safety recess, the extension can be considered to be correctly installed.

[0088] Another benefit is that when a cutting blade holder has two extensions, it can be designed symmetrically, with each extension including an extended safety protrusion (and thus the right-hand and left-hand blade holders do not require different cutting blade holders).

[0089] It should be understood that the non-blade version of the present invention can be used with prior art blades that do not have a blade safety recess. This is because the blade safety recess is one of the preferred safety features used in the extension of the present invention.

[0090] However, regarding the present invention which provides at least one blade safety recess, the following are preferred features: a. For the reasons mentioned above, the blade safety recess can preferably be located on the blade edge adjacent to the second blade edge. b. The blade safety recess may preferably be a first blade safety recess and a second blade safety recess respectively provided on the first sub-blade and the second sub-blade. c. When there are more than one insert safety recess on a single cutting edge, they can be positioned equidistant from the center of the cutting edge. In other words, they can be positioned symmetrically along the cutting edge. Alternatively, insert safety recesses adjacent to a common cutting edge recess are equidistant from the common cutting edge recess. This provides the same advantages mentioned above that allow for symmetrical designs of cutting insert fixtures with one of two extensions. In other words, the insert safety recess can preferably be within a recess length LR measured from the cutting edge at the cutting edge recess to one of the insert safety recesses, satisfying the following conditions: LR ≤ 30 mm, preferably LR ≤ 20 mm, and most preferably LR ≤ 15 mm. Although the closer the insert safety recess and thus its extension are to a cutting edge, the better the coolant effect, there is still a limitation on how close it can be positioned due to the risk of chip or workpiece impact (on the clearance side). Therefore, preferably, LR ≥ 4 mm, and more preferably LR ≥ 8 mm. d. The blade safety recess can be positioned adjacent to the blade block recess. In other words, the blade safety recess can be located between a blade block recess and the center of a sub-blade.

[0091] Based on any cutting blade configuration or configuration including a blade, the following are preferred features: a. The cutting blade can be a regular-shaped blade. This allows for the use of a cutting blade clamp to enable a screwless design (thereby reducing the lateral protrusions of the blade assembly, etc.). b. The cutting blade may be a solid cutting blade. "Solid" means that the cutting blade has no internal coolant channel. It should be understood that this allows for a significantly simpler process. However, a cutting blade may have a coolant channel to one side of a cutting edge recess (if it is difficult to provide an extension along that side of the cutting blade). In this case, a blade assembly may have, for example, an extension providing coolant to one side of a cutting edge recess and an internal coolant channel providing coolant to the other side of the cutting edge recess (or the cutting edge, for example, through a hole in the cutting edge). In this case, the internal coolant channel is preferably a through-hole. At least with regard to a through-hole, a process is at least simpler than known prior art with an internal coolant channel because no plugging step is required. c. At least a portion of the cutting blade (adjacent to each blade recess) is an elongated portion. One of the cutting blades configured to be mounted to the blade recess has a cutting width CW that is wider than the thickness dimension of the blade along the elongated portion, thereby allowing the elongated portion to enter a portion of a cut-off workpiece. d. Each blade has a plurality of cutting recesses. It should be understood that the cutting blade is more economical due to the additional cutting recesses. However, preferably, the cutting blade has 2 to 5 cutting recesses, more preferably 3 or 4 cutting recesses. It should be understood that for cutting operations, the chips involved require a significantly larger chip removal area than a larger circular longitudinal cutting blade that can accommodate more than 5 cutting recesses. Preferably, a cutting blade has a cutting recess formed at each of its corners. e. A cutting blade may not have a threaded hole. According to some preferred embodiments, the cutting blade has a single central manufacturing hole. The central manufacturing hole allows the cutting blade to rotate to create a mechanical interlocking structure in a single installation operation. In any case, a cutting blade may not have a threaded hole. f. Although the second claw may be of the type located above the bottom claw (as is common in many cutting edge recesses), it is preferably located behind the bottom claw and extends obliquely (generally vertically) relative to it. This is because a second claw extending above the bottom claw makes it more difficult to align an extension with the cutting edge of a cutting edge (requiring a steeper angle and therefore a greater height of the extension from one of the cutting blades). This consideration applies only to an extension extending along one of the front cutting edges of a cutting edge. However, it should be understood that various types of known cutting edge recesses can be used in this invention. g. Although various types of known cutter recesses can be used in this invention, the cutting blade preferably has a resilient cutter recess (i.e., a cutter recess without a screw or fixing screw lever). This is because the cutting operation is preferably carried out with a smaller cutting width, resulting in less material waste. It should be understood that while this invention is most advantageous for cutting, it is also suitable for grooving, and especially for deep grooving, without a final step of cutting the workpiece. h. Preferably, the thickness dimension DT of the cutting insert satisfies the condition: 0.8 mm ≤ DT ≤ 4 mm, more preferably 1.2 mm ≤ DT ≤ 3 mm, and most preferably 1.4 mm ≤ DT ≤ 2.5 mm. Regarding the lower limit of the range (i.e., 0.8 mm), it should be understood that an integrally formed hole on the insert holder can still provide effective coolant over a short distance (e.g., 10 mm to 20 mm) to provide coolant. Therefore, a significant advantage of a coolant extension is when it is greater than 20 mm in length. However, there are depth-of-cut / extension limitations on the strength achievable with a thin cutting insert, so it is not considered that a very long depth of cut can have a thickness of less than 0.8 mm. In addition, it should be noted that an extension preferably has an extension thickness TE smaller than the thickness dimension DT of the insert (to provide clearance), and the amount of coolant provided in a range of less than 0.8 mm will only provide a small effect. Regarding the upper limit of the range, it should be noted above that to reduce material waste, the thickness dimension of an insert is preferably as small as possible. However, it should be understood that a minimum thickness is still related to the required depth of cut. i. Due to considerations similar to those mentioned regarding the thickness dimension DT of the cutting blade, a regular-shaped cutting blade preferably has a sub-blade length LS that satisfies one of the following conditions: 30 mm ≤ LS ≤ 80 mm, more preferably 40 mm ≤ LS ≤ 70 mm, and most preferably 45 mm ≤ LS ≤ 60 mm. An alternative way to define the size of a standard regular-shaped cutting blade is by using the circumcircle CC of the contact peripheral blade edge. The circumcircle CC preferably satisfies the condition: 40 mm ≤ CC ≤ 80 mm, more preferably 45 mm ≤ CC ≤ 70 mm, and most preferably 50 mm ≤ CC ≤ 65 mm. j. Regarding an elongated cutting blade having a sub-blade length LS along the smaller sub-blade (i.e., the sub-blade of the x-axis blade adjacent to the bottom jaw and the sub-blade of the y-axis blade adjacent to the second jaw), satisfying the condition: 10 mm ≤ LS ≤ 40 mm, more preferably 15 mm ≤ LS ≤ 36 mm, and most preferably 24 mm ≤ LS ≤ 34 mm. k. Due to considerations similar to those mentioned regarding the thickness dimension DT of the cutting blade, the cutting width CW of a cutting tool block preferably satisfies the following conditions: 1.0 mm ≤ CW ≤ 5 mm, more preferably 1.4 mm ≤ CW ≤ 4 mm, and most preferably 1.6 mm ≤ CW ≤ 3.2 mm. l. Due to considerations similar to those mentioned regarding the size of the cutting blade, the cutting depth CD of a cutting assembly preferably satisfies the following conditions: 40 mm ≤ CD ≤ 160 mm, more preferably 50 mm ≤ CD ≤ 140 mm, and most preferably 60 mm ≤ CD ≤ 125 mm.

[0092] It should be understood that for a cutting blade formed within an internal hole, additional material is required at least on one of its front cutting sides to allow the hole to be guided toward a cutting edge. This means adding material to each side of an indexable cutting blade to increase its size. Therefore, the holeless cutting blade of the present invention (while still providing high-pressure coolant adjacent to the blade recess) is smaller and thus the blade itself is structurally more robust (more resistant to bending).

[0093] In addition, a cut-off blade without gaps (i.e., coolant holes) is more robust than a solid cut-off blade.

[0094] According to another aspect of the invention, a retainer is provided, configured to secure a cutting blade to it in two orthogonal directions.

[0095] More precisely, the retainer includes a blade recess configured to secure one of the cutting blades in two orthogonal directions.

[0096] Preferably, the cutting blade is indexable and includes a plurality of blade recesses.

[0097] Preferably, the clamp is configured such that the joint is offset at the corner of the blade recess.

[0098] In addition to the aforementioned developments, it has also been found that this connector can be incorrectly and improperly secured to the holder (for example, the connector may be secured to the holder for X-axis feed operations and then for Y-axis operations). To prevent this from occurring, a mechanism is envisioned to prevent incorrect assembly.

[0099] A preferred embodiment provides a so-called "recess protrusion" in the recess, which protrudes into the blade recess and prevents a cutting blade from being improperly inserted therein (in an incorrect orientation). In other words, the recess protrusion can be accommodated in one recess of the cutting blade in one orthogonal direction of the connector but not in another orthogonal direction.

[0100] Preferably, the recessed protrusion is removable and reattachable, allowing a user to use an alternative orientation when needed. In the example shown, the recessed protrusion is a removable, substantially cylindrical or cylindrical pin.

[0101] Preferably, the recess of the connector has a non-cylindrical shape, so that the cutting blade can be easily placed in the blade recess.

[0102] Preferably, the recess of the cutting blade is an unused blade block recess, so the cutting blade itself does not need to have an additional recess that would weaken or complicate its construction.

[0103] Preferably, the support surface of the cutting blade is mirror-symmetric about the pivot line of the imaginary bisector extending through one of the two orthogonal positions.

[0104] The bisector can extend through the foremost cutting edge of the tool block.

[0105] Preferably, the support surface of the cutting blade is straight in the side view.

[0106] Preferably, the cutting blade has a quadrilateral shape in a side view, more preferably a regular quadrilateral and most preferably a square shape.

[0107] According to another aspect of the present invention, a retainer (not limited to a cutting blade retainer) is provided, which includes a blade recess or blade recess and an attached magnet.

[0108] The holder may include a blade recess, the blade recess including: a blade recess side surface; a recess protruding edge extending from the blade recess side surface; and a magnet attached to the blade recess surface.

[0109] Preferably, the magnet is embedded in the side surface of a blade recess.

[0110] Preferably, for a blade recess, the magnet is made of neodymium. Initially, a ceramic magnet was envisioned due to its heat resistance. However, for a blade recess, the distance from the heated working area is quite large, making heat resistance a secondary consideration to magnet strength. A stronger magnet would mean sacrificing a smaller adjacent area for the blade recess. However, all magnet types are feasible.

[0111] For a single-piece recess, a ceramic magnetic system is preferred; however, other types of magnets are feasible.

[0112] According to another aspect of the present invention, a retainer is provided, which includes a blade recess, the blade recess comprising: The side surface of the blade's recess; A recess protrudes from the edge, extending from the side surface of the blade recess; The protruding edge of the recess includes a first adjacent surface and a second adjacent surface extending in a direction different from the first adjacent surface; and Both the first and second adjacent surfaces are inclined toward the blade recess side surface.

[0113] The holder may include a holder attachment portion configured to clamp a cutting blade to exactly one of its attachment portions. A holder attachment portion may include a single threaded hole. The holder may further include a double-threaded left- or right-hand screw configured to engage with the threaded hole. The threaded hole may be located on the front surface of the holder.

[0114] As will be understood from the following description, the cutting blade clamp may not have an extension. The cutting blade clamp may include a single extension. The cutting blade clamp may include two extensions extending in different directions from each other. According to any of these options, the cutting blade clamp may have or not have a coolant passage.

[0115] As will be understood from the following description, the cutting blade clamp may provide only an auxiliary clamping function and therefore may not have a clamping portion, but may instead have at least one extension portion. This cutting blade clamp may include two extension portions extending in different directions from each other. Depending on any of these options, the cutting blade clamp may have or not have a coolant passage.

[0116] It should be noted that the clamping or extending portion may extend in different directions. These different directions may include right-angle turns.

[0117] A tool assembly may also include a first extension and a second extension that are not connected to each other. In other words, an assembly may include two cutting blade clamps according to the invention, each of which includes an extension.

[0118] A cutting tool assembly may also include a cutting blade clamp according to the invention and a cutting blade having at least one internal coolant hole extending through it.

[0119] Regarding the shape of the cutting blade clamp:

[0120] Preferably, at least one upper body surface (i.e., the foremost surface) is arc-shaped.

[0121] A preferred cutting blade clamp has two extensions and is symmetric about one of the planes PS through which the extensions pass through the center of its body portion.

[0122] Regarding the shape of the extended portion:

[0123] Preferably, an extension or at least a portion thereof including an outlet has a linear shape. Linear or linear shape means that when viewed in a side view (e.g., the side view shown in FIG. 6C), the extension extends along a straight line, even if its cross-section may vary.

[0124] Preferably, the extension portion is located only in a cutting plane PC of one extension width.

[0125] Preferably, the extension portion has an elongation cross section perpendicular to one of the elongation directions of the extension portion. In other words, preferably, the elongation cross section extends in one direction from a lower extension surface to an upper extension surface.

[0126] Regarding the shape of the coolant passage:

[0127] Preferably, the coolant passage in the extension has an elongation passage cross-section perpendicular to one of the elongation directions of the extension. In other words, preferably, the elongation passage cross-section elongates in a direction from one of the lower extension surfaces to one of the upper extension surfaces.

[0128] Preferably, the extended sub-pathway has a linear shape.

[0129] Preferably, a coolant passage splits (or branches) from the inlet in two different directions. The two directions may be opposite to each other.

[0130] According to another aspect of the present invention, a cutting tool assembly is provided, comprising a blade holder, a cutting blade, and a clamp; the clamp clamps the cutting blade to the blade holder; the cutting blade is formed with a first cutting edge and a second cutting edge extending from different sides of a first cutting edge recess; at least one of the first cutting edge and the second cutting edge forms a blade safety recess; the clamp includes an extension portion forming an extended safety protrusion; and wherein the extended safety protrusion is at least partially within the blade safety recess.

[0131] Preferably, there is a gap that separates the blade safety recess from the extended safety portion.

[0132] According to another aspect of the present invention, a cutting blade clamp is provided, comprising: a body portion including a first body end, a second body end, and an intermediate body sub-portion connecting the first end and the second end; an attachment portion connected to the body portion; a first clamp portion connected to the first end; and a second clamp portion connected to the second end; the first clamp portion including a first clamp abutting surface; the second clamp portion including a second clamp abutting surface facing a second direction different from the first direction; the first clamp abutting surface and the second clamp abutting surface are at least partially located in a cutting plane; the first clamp abutting surface faces a first direction; the second clamp abutting surface faces a second direction different from the first direction; and the intermediate body sub-portion is at least partially located outside the cutting plane.

[0133] According to another aspect of the present invention, a cutting blade clamp is provided, comprising: a body portion including a first body end, a second body end, and an intermediate portion connecting the first body end and the second body end; an attachment portion connected to the body portion; at least one first clamping portion connected to the first body end; and a first extension portion connected to the first clamping portion; the first clamping portion including a first clamping adjacent surface; and the entire first extension portion and at least a portion of the first clamping adjacent surface located in a cutting plane.

[0134] According to another aspect of the present invention, a cutting blade clamp is provided, comprising: a body portion including a first body end, a second body end and an intermediate portion connecting the first end and the second end; an attachment portion connected to the body portion; a first extension portion extending from the first body end; and the entire first extension portion being located in a cutting plane and the intermediate body sub-portion being at least partially located outside the cutting plane.

[0135] Preferably, the cutting blade holder includes a clamping surface that is in the cutting plane.

[0136] Preferably, the cutting blade clamp includes two clamping surfaces that extend in different directions and within the cutting plane.

[0137] According to another aspect of the present invention, a cutting blade clamp is provided, comprising: a body portion including a first body end, a second body end and an intermediate portion connecting the first end and the second end; an attachment portion connected to the body portion; a first extension portion extending from the first body end; and the entire first extension portion forming a mechanical interlocking structure.

[0138] According to another aspect of the present invention, a cutting blade clamp is provided, comprising: a body portion including a first body end, a second body end and an intermediate portion connecting the first end and the second end; an attachment portion connected to the body portion; a first extension portion extending from the first body end; and an extension safety protrusion extending from an extension surface adjacent to a front extension surface.

[0139] According to another aspect of the present invention, a cutting tool assembly is provided, comprising a blade holder, a cutting blade, and a clamp; the clamp clamps the cutting blade to the blade holder; the cutting blade has a first clamp portion and a first extension portion extending from the first clamp portion; the first clamp portion clamps the cutting blade to the blade holder; the first extension portion and the cutting blade extend along a common plane.

[0140] According to another aspect of the present invention, a cutting blade clamp is provided, comprising: a body portion including a first body end, a second body end, and an intermediate body sub-portion connecting the first end and the second end; an attachment portion connected to the body portion; a first clamp portion connected to the first end; and a coolant passage; the first clamp portion including a first clamp adjacent surface; the coolant passage including an inlet, a first outlet, and an intermediate passage extending from the inlet to the first outlet.

[0141] Preferably, the coolant passage includes at least two bends, more preferably three bends. Preferably, at least one bend is smoothly curved, and more preferably, all bends are smoothly curved.

[0142] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for mounting a cutting blade clamp to a cutting blade is provided, comprising: a first step of contacting an extension portion with the cutting blade; and a second step of fastening the clamp / conduit to the cutting blade such that the extension portion flexes and a clamp abutment surface adjacent to the extension portion contacts the cutting blade.

[0143] According to another aspect of the invention, a cutting blade clamp is provided, comprising a clamping portion and an extension portion extending from the clamping portion and configured to flex; each of the clamping portion and the extension portion includes adjacent surfaces located in a common cutting plane; the adjacent surfaces of the extension portion are located at a relatively lower position in the cutting plane, such that the extension portion flexes when the two adjacent surfaces clamp a linear shaped object.

[0144] According to another aspect of the invention, a tool assembly is provided, comprising a blade holder, a cutting blade, and a clamp; the clamp holds the cutting blade to the blade holder; wherein the clamp is attached to the blade holder via a single screw.

[0145] Generally, all element names used with numbers (e.g., "first") below are considered to identify names only and do not imply a definition of the number of elements present in the claims. For example, if a technical solution has an element whose name contains "first," this does not imply that the technical solution requires a "second" element; rather, it is merely a name. Similarly, the use of terms such as "above" provides only a definition relative to other elements of the same component and does not define the overall orientation of the component itself.

[0146] As is well known in this art, a rake face is the surface over which the machined chip is intended to flow, and a clearance face is typically designed to recede from a cutting edge. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0147] To better understand the subject matter of this application and to demonstrate how it can be implemented in practice, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A is a perspective side view of a cutting tool assembly according to the present invention; Figure 1B is an exploded perspective view of one of the tool assemblies in Figure 1A; Figure 2A is a side view of one of the cutting blades in the tool assembly shown in Figure 1A; Figure 2B is a first end view of one of the cutting blades in Figure 2A; Figure 2C is a second end view of one of the cutting blades in Figure 2A; Figure 2D is a schematic diagram of one of the feasible mechanical interlocking structures; Figure 2E is a schematic diagram of a structure without a mechanical interlocking mechanism; Figure 2F shows a schematic diagram of one of the feasible mechanical interlocking structures; Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of one of the feasible mechanical interlocking structures in the G series; Figure 2H is a schematic diagram of one of the feasible mechanical interlocking structures; Figure 3A is a front view of one of the retainers in the tool assembly shown in Figure 1A; Figure 3B is a top view of one of the retainers in Figure 3A; Figure 3C is a side view of one of the retainers in Figure 3A; Figure 3D is a bottom view of one of the holders in Figure 3A, and also schematically shows a machine interface; Figure 3E is a rear view of one of the retainers in Figure 3A; Figure 4A is a first end view of one of the fixtures in the tool assembly shown in Figure 1A; Figure 4B is a view of the other end of the fixture in Figure 4A; Figure 4C is a first side view of one of the fixtures in Figure 4A, in which an alternative inlet circle is schematically shown by a dashed line, and one of its surfaces is schematically identified by a cross-section line for identification purposes only; Figure 4D is a view of the fixture at the other end of Figure 4A, and one of its surfaces is schematically identified by a section line for identification purposes only; Figure 4E is a view of the other end of the fixture in Figure 4A; Figure 4F is another side view opposite to the side view shown in Figure 4C; Figure 5A is a view along one of the attachment axes AA and AI of the fixture in Figure 4A, where a coolant passage is schematically shown by dashed lines; Figure 5B is a side view of one of the fixtures in Figure 5A, where the coolant passage is schematically shown by dashed lines; Figure 6A is a front view of one of the tool assemblies in Figure 1A; Figure 6B is a top view of one of the tool assemblies in Figure 6A; Figure 6C is a side view of one of the tool assemblies in Figure 6A; Figure 6D is a bottom view of one of the tool assemblies in Figure 6A; Figure 6E is a rear view of one of the tool assemblies in Figure 6A; Figure 7A is an enlarged view of a part of the tool assembly in Figure 6C, schematically showing a portion of a cylindrical workpiece being cut off by a dashed line; Figure 7B is a front view of one of the tool assemblies in Figure 7A, schematically showing the cutting of a workpiece; Figure 7C is a top view of one of the tool assemblies in Figure 7B, schematically showing the cutting of a workpiece; Figure 7D is a side view of the tool assembly in Figure 7B, schematically showing the cutting of a workpiece; Figure 8A is a perspective side view of another tool assembly according to the present invention; Figure 8B is a side view of the tool assembly in Figure 8A, which further shows a coolant hole option with a dashed line; Figure 9A is a side view of one of the cutting blades in the tool assembly shown in Figure 8A; Figure 9B is a first end view of one of the cutting blades in Figure 9A; Figure 9C is a second end view of one of the cutting blades in Figure 9A; Figure 10A is a front view of one of the retainers in the tool assembly shown in Figure 8A; Figure 10B is a top view of one of the retainers in Figure 10A; Figure 10C is a side view of one of the retainers in Figure 10A; Figure 10D is a bottom view of one of the retainers in Figure 10A; Figure 10E is a rear view of one of the retainers in Figure 10A; Figure 11A is a first side view of one of the fixtures in the tool assembly of Figure 8A; Figure 11B is a rear view of one of the fixtures in Figure 11A; Figure 11C is a top view of one of the fixtures in Figure 11A; Figure 11D is a front view of one of the fixtures in Figure 11A; Figure 11E is another side view of the fixture in Figure 11A; Figure 11F is a bottom view of one of the clamps in Figure 11A; Figure 12A is a first side view of one of the fixtures in Figure 11A, in which a coolant passage is schematically shown by dashed lines; Figure 12B is a top view of one of the fixtures in Figure 12A, where the coolant passage is schematically shown by dashed lines; Figure 12C is a front view of one of the fixtures in Figure 12A, where the coolant passage is schematically shown by dashed lines; Figure 13A is a front view of one of the tool assemblies in Figure 8A; Figure 13B is a bottom view of one of the tool assemblies in Figure 13A; Figure 13C is a side view of one of the tool assemblies in Figure 13A; Figure 13D is a top view of one of the tool assemblies in Figure 13A; Figure 13E is a rear view of one of the tool assemblies in Figure 13A; Figure 14A is a side view of another tool assembly according to the present invention; and Figure 14B is an exploded perspective view of one of the tool assemblies in Figure 14A. Implementation

[0148] Referring to Figures 1A and 1B, an example tool assembly 10 is illustrated, which includes a holder 12, a cutting blade 100 (and a cutting block 14 mounted thereto), and a cutting blade clamp 200 for clamping the cutting blade 100 to the holder 12.

[0149] In this particular example, the tool assembly 10 further includes a screw 16, a first O-ring 18 and a second O-ring 20, a pin 22 and a magnet 24, as will be further described below.

[0150] The cutting tool block 14 includes a rake face 26 and a pair of tool block bottom surfaces 28, a foremost clearance surface 30 extending downward (and slightly inward) from the rake face 26 toward the bottom surface 28, a pair of tool block rear surfaces 32, and a foremost cutting edge 34 formed at the intersection of the rake face 26 and the foremost clearance surface 30. Typically, the rake face 26 includes a chip-forming configuration (not shown).

[0151] The screw 16 includes a first threaded end 16A, a second threaded end 16B, and an intermediate screw portion 16C extending therebetween. The first threaded end 16A is a left-hand thread and also includes a tool receiving recess 16D for receiving a screwdriver tip (not shown). The second threaded end 16B is a right-hand thread.

[0152] While the 16-series double-threaded screws are a preferred option, it should be understood that any attachment mechanism is suitable (lever, single-threaded screw with or without a spring, etc.). However, it should be noted that a significant advantage is provided by the ability to attach a clamp to the cutting blade and then detach it from the cutting blade for replacement or rotation. Therefore, attaching a cutting blade clamp to the cutting blade is preferably a temporary attachment or an "attachable-removable" method (to distinguish it from permanent attachment methods such as welding).

[0153] Referring to Figures 2A to 2C, the cutting blade 100 will be described.

[0154] The cutting blade 100 includes a first blade side 102 and a second blade side 104, and a peripheral blade edge 106 connecting the first blade side 102 and the second blade side 104.

[0155] In the given example, the entire cutting blade 100 has a uniform thickness measured with a thickness dimension DT parallel to a blade axis AB extending through the center of the first and second blade sides. It should be understood that known cutting blades with a smaller thickness dimension near the proximal end of a cutting recess and a larger thickness dimension (i.e., a reinforcing portion) at the distal end of the cutting recess can be used. However, the "flat" or "plate" cutting blade of the present invention with a uniform thickness is simpler and therefore preferred to manufacture. It should also be noted that the holder 12 and / or clamp 200 according to the present invention provide a cutting blade with better stability than any other tool assembly known to the applicant. For example, during testing, a tool assembly 10 shown in FIG. 1A successfully cut a standard steel workpiece with a diameter of 75 mm perfectly straight at a cutting width CW of 1.6 mm.

[0156] In other words, the first blade side 102 and the second blade side 104 are parallel to each other.

[0157] The cutting blade 100 may have a central manufacturing hole 108 extending through one of the first blade side 102 and the second blade side 104.

[0158] The peripheral blade edge 106 includes a first blade edge 110, a second blade edge 112, a third blade edge 114, and a fourth blade edge 116.

[0159] In a given instance, each of the same blade sub-blades has a length LS that is parallel to a given blade sub-blade and measured in a direction orthogonal to the blade axis AB. In other words, the cutting blade 100 is square.

[0160] The blade is also preferably a regularly shaped indexable cutting blade (i.e., including one or more blade recesses), and therefore the blade axis AB can also be regarded as one of the indexing axes around which the cutting blade can be indexed.

[0161] More precisely, the cutting blade 100 includes the same first blade recess 118, second blade recess 120, third blade recess 122 and fourth blade recess 124 formed along the peripheral blade edge.

[0162] The following example illustrates the first blade recess 118 of four identical blade recesses.

[0163] The first cutting block recess includes a bottom claw 118A, a second claw 118B, and a groove end 118C connecting the bottom claw 118A and the second claw 118B.

[0164] Along the peripheral blade edge 106, there is an external recessed clearance surface (also called a "clearance side") 126A adjacent to the bottom claw 118A, and there is an external recessed front blade surface 126B (also called a "front blade side") adjacent to the second claw 118B.

[0165] Using the first cutting block recess 118 as an arbitrary reference, the direction can be defined as follows.

[0166] A blade extends forward in the direction DFB from the third blade sub-edge 114 toward the first blade sub-edge 110; a blade extends backward in the direction DRB, which is opposite to the forward direction DFB; a blade extends upward in the direction DUB, which is perpendicular to the forward direction and extends from the fourth blade sub-edge 116 toward the second blade sub-edge 112; a blade extends downward in the direction DDB, which is opposite to the upward direction DUB; a blade extends in the direction DS1B, which is perpendicular to the forward direction DFB and extends from the first blade sub-edge 102 toward the second blade side 104; and a blade extends in the direction DS2B, which is opposite to the direction DS1B.

[0167] The forward direction of the cutting blade (DFB) constitutes one of the feed directions for the tool assembly 10 to move relative to a workpiece to perform a cutting operation. As will be explained below, when the tool assembly 10 is assembled, the direction defined here for the cutting blade will correspond to the direction defined below for the holder 12.

[0168] It should be noted that the first blade edge 110 and the second blade edge 112 extend from different sides of the first blade recess 118. More specifically, the first blade edge 110 extends from the first blade recess 118 in the downward direction DDB of the blade, and the second blade edge 112 extends from the first blade recess 118 in the rearward direction DRB of the blade.

[0169] The first cutting edge 110 is formed with a first cutting edge mechanical interlocking structure ("interlocking structure") 128. It should be understood that when the cutting block 14 is installed in the first cutting block recess, the machining direction is the forward direction of the cutting edge (DFB), and therefore the first cutting edge 110 is a so-called foremost cutting edge.

[0170] The preferred first blade mechanical interlocking structure 128 is a convex V-shaped cross-section commonly used in the longitudinal cutting edge of a cutting blade. More precisely, the first blade mechanical interlocking structure 128 includes a central vertex 128A and a first blade sub-cutting edge abutting surface 128B and a second blade sub-cutting edge abutting surface 128C extending from the vertex to the first blade side 102 and the second blade side 104, respectively, according to an internal blade angle α shown in Figure 2D.

[0171] Because the cutting blade 100 is four-way rotationally symmetrical (i.e., 90-degree rotationally symmetrical), all the sub-blades in the example are identical, and therefore the second blade sub-blade 112 forms a second blade mechanical interlocking structure 130 that is identical to the mechanical interlocking structure of the first blade described above. More precisely, the second blade mechanical interlocking structure includes a central vertex 130A and first blade sub-blade abutment surfaces 130B and 130C extending from the vertex to the first blade side 102 and the second blade side 104, respectively.

[0172] Each blade edge has two blade safety recesses. The first blade edge 110 has a first blade safety recess 132A adjacent to one of the first blade block recesses 118 and a second blade safety recess 134A adjacent to one of the fourth blade block recesses 124. As shown in FIG2A, the first blade safety recess 132A and the second blade safety recess 134A extend further in the rearward direction than the last point 136 of one of the first blade edges 110 located between the first blade block recess 118 and the first blade safety recess 132A.

[0173] Similarly, the second blade edge 112 has a first blade safety recess 132B adjacent to one of the first blade recesses 118 and a second blade safety recess 134B adjacent to one of the second blade recesses 120. As shown in FIG2A, the first blade safety recess 134B extends further in the downward direction DDB than the lowest point 138 of one of the second blade edges 112 located between the first blade recess 118 and the first blade safety recess 132B.

[0174] Therefore, when an oncoming chip travels toward the clamp 200, it will not get stuck between one of the extended safety protrusions in a safety recess, because the cutting edge over which the chip passes is higher than the starting point of the extension in the safety recess.

[0175] It should be understood that the first blade safety recess of the first blade edge and the first blade safety recess of the second blade edge are only blade safety recesses whose function is related to the first cutting block recess. Specifically, for example, when a cutting block is installed into the second cutting block recess, the second blade safety recess of the second blade edge will be used, and so on. Therefore, it should be understood that the name "first" applied to the blade safety recess is associated with the blade safety recess closest to the operating cutting block recess. Therefore, if the cutting blade seen in FIG. 2A is rotated 90° clockwise and the cutting block recess 120 occupies the position currently occupied by the cutting block recess 118, then the current "second blade safety recess 134B" will be considered as "first blade safety recess 134B".

[0176] More precisely, although the first blade mechanical interlock structure 128 is considered to extend along the entire first sub-blade 110 (i.e., most of it except for minor interruptions, as discussed below), theoretically, the first blade mechanical interlock structure 128 can be considered to include three sub-structures: a first sub-structure 140A (or "first sub-formation") adjacent to one of the first blade recesses 118, a second sub-structure 142A (or "second sub-formation") adjacent to one of the fourth blade recesses 124, and a third sub-structure 144A (or "third sub-formation") located between the first sub-structure 140A and the second sub-structure 142A. Thus, as seen in FIG2A, each blade sub-blade 110, 112, 114, 116 is interrupted by two spaced-apart blade safety recesses.

[0177] Only the first substructure is functionally associated with the first cutting edge recess. One reason for providing this feature to the entire sub-cutting edge is that the second substructure can be adjacent when a cutting edge is mounted to the fourth cutting edge recess. Another reason is that in embodiments where a cutting blade holder includes a holder abutment surface, the second substructure can simultaneously abut the first substructure. One reason for the third substructure is for ease of manufacturing. In either case, a first mechanical interlock structure can extend only adjacent to the associated cutting edge recess (therefore, the first sub-cutting edge can theoretically include only the first substructure 140A).

[0178] In other words, a blade cutting edge (taking the first cutting edge 110 as an example) may include a first mechanical interlocking structure extending only between the first blade recess and the center 146 of the cutting edge (i.e., in the half of the cutting edge closer to the blade recess). The first mechanical interlocking structure may extend only within 1 / 3 of the length LS of the cutting edge from the first blade recess.

[0179] It should be noted that the first blade mechanical interlock structure is not located on a flat (i.e., straight in one of the side views shown in Figure 2A) clearance side. This will allow for a suitable clearance between the cutting blade and a typically cylindrical (or similarly shaped) workpiece.

[0180] Therefore, the mechanical interlocking structure of the first blade extends along most of the first sub-blade 110 (i.e., excluding the first blade safety recess and the second blade safety recess and the clearance side).

[0181] Regarding the position of the first insert safety recess 132B of the second insert cutting edge 112 (which is closest to the oncoming chip), to ensure a safe distance between a forward extension surface 274A (FIG. 5B) and one of the oncoming chips, the extension portion (or "arm") is preferably slightly away from the cutting edge, but close enough to provide effective coolant (the effectiveness increases with increasing proximity). Since the position of the first insert safety recess 132B is associated with one of the foremost points of the forward extension surface 274A, the position of the first insert safety recess 132B is also related to or defines the position of the forward extension surface 274A. Therefore, a recess length LR is measured from the associated insert (in FIG. 2A, for the fourth insert cutting edge 116, it is illustrated as the distance from the second claw of the third recess 122 to an adjacent insert safety recess 116A).

[0182] More precisely, although the second blade mechanical interlock structure 130 is considered to extend along the entire second sub-blade 112 (i.e., most of it except for minor interruptions, as discussed below), theoretically, the second blade mechanical interlock structure 130 can be considered to include three substructures: a first substructure 140B adjacent to the first blade recess 118, a second substructure 142B adjacent to the second blade recess 120, and a third substructure 144B located between the first substructure 140B and the second substructure 142B. It should be understood that the terms "first" and "third" used to describe the blade mechanical interlock substructures are interchangeable, depending on which blade recess is considered operable.

[0183] To provide a better, but symmetrical, clamping mechanism, the safety recess of the insert is preferably equidistant from a tool block recess. More precisely, the extension lines E1 and E2 from adjacent insert cutting edges intersect at a point E3 to define equal safety recess distances DSR1 and DSR2. [E2—needs clarification from position]

[0184] Referring to Figures 2D to 2F, the explanation of the term "mechanical interlocking structure" will be explained in detail using illustrative examples (which similarly applies to both the blade mechanical locking structure and the clamp or extension mechanical locking structure of the present invention).

[0185] A mechanical interlocking structure (hereinafter referred to as "interlocking structure" or "mechanical structure" or "structure") may be any mechanical structure that excludes friction only and prevents a lateral force from being applied to any of the components including the structure.

[0186] Figure 2D shows a first (mechanical) interlocking structure, which includes a first interlocking structure 148 and a second interlocking structure 150. The first interlocking structure 148 corresponds to the first blade mechanical interlocking structure 128 illustrated and described above.

[0187] A second interlocking structure 150 is shown above the first interlocking structure 148 and configured to cooperate with it (i.e., complement it). The second interlocking structure 150 corresponds to the extended mechanical interlocking structure 280A of the first extension 208, as will be illustrated and described below.

[0188] It should be reiterated that the first interlocking structure 148 includes a central vertex 128A and a first blade edge abutment surface 128B and a second blade edge abutment surface 128C extending from the vertex to the first blade side 102 and the second blade side 104 by an internal blade angle α.

[0189] The second interlocking structure 150 includes a central lowest point 290A and a first extended sub-blade adjacent surface 292A and a second extended sub-blade adjacent surface 294A extending from the lowest point 290A.

[0190] It should be understood that although the first blade abutment surface 128B and the second blade abutment surface 128C, the first extended blade abutment surface 292A, and the second extended blade abutment surface 294A are preferably flat, they can also be curved. For example, the first extended blade abutment surface 292A and the second extended blade abutment surface 294A can be convex and the first blade abutment surface 128B and the second blade abutment surface 128C can be flat, or any other combination thereof.

[0191] When the first interlocking structure 148 is biased against the second interlocking structure 150, the lateral movement of the blade in the first lateral direction DS1B and the second lateral direction DS2B (the directions used are referenced to the cutting blade but can also be applied to the clamping directions defined below) is not only hindered by friction but also by a mechanical obstacle (i.e., the two protrusions obstruct each other).

[0192] Specifically, the first blade edge abutment surface 128B abuts the first extended blade edge abutment surface 292A, and the second blade edge abutment surface 128C abuts the second extended blade edge abutment surface 294A. Preferably, the vertex 128A and the center lowest point 290A are configured to be spaced apart from each other such that they do not contact each other (i.e., a gap is left between them) to ensure that the abutment surfaces are adjacent.

[0193] If a lateral force is applied to the first interlocking structure 148 in the second lateral direction DS2B of the blade, the first blade sub-cutting edge abutting surface 128B against the offset of the first extended sub-cutting edge abutting surface 292A (i.e., the two mechanical or geometric protrusions engage with each other) prevents the first interlocking structure 148 from moving relative to or disengaging from the second interlocking structure 150.

[0194] Similarly, if a lateral force is applied to the second interlocking structure 150 in the first lateral direction DS1B of the blade, the bias of the first blade sub-edge abutting surface 128B against the first extended sub-edge abutting surface 292A will prevent the relative movement or disengagement of the first interlocking structure 148 and the second interlocking structure 150.

[0195] Similarly, if a lateral force is applied to the first interlocking structure 148 in the first lateral direction DS1B of the blade, the offset of the second blade sub-edge abutting surface 128C against the second extended sub-edge abutting surface 294A will prevent the relative movement or disengagement of the first interlocking structure 148 and the second interlocking structure 150.

[0196] Similarly, if a lateral force is applied to the second interlocking structure 150 in the second lateral direction DS2B of the blade, the offset of the second blade sub-edge abutting surface 128C against the second extended sub-edge abutting surface 294A will prevent the relative movement or disengagement of the first interlocking structure 148 and the second interlocking structure 150.

[0197] A third interlocking structure 152 with one of the mechanical interlocking structures is shown. The third interlocking structure 152, or more precisely, its adjacent surface 256A corresponds to the first clamp adjacent surface 256A, which will be illustrated and described below.

[0198] When the third interlocking structure 152 is biased against the first interlocking structure 148, the abutment is only between the first clamping surface 256A and the second blade sub-edge surface 128C.

[0199] First, we will understand from the third interlocking structure 152 that the interlocking structure does not need to have only a mirror structure.

[0200] In the given example, this is sufficient because there is mechanical obstruction only in one lateral direction (which is sufficient for the following embodiment because the retainer 12 provides a mechanical obstruction to the cutting blade 100 in the other direction).

[0201] It should be understood that a blade mechanical interlock structure is a safety feature introduced to prevent lateral movement of the clamping surface of an adjacent cutting blade. More specifically, a cutting blade or clamp according to the present invention may not have a mechanical interlock structure.

[0202] For example, Figure 2E shows: a fourth interlocking structure 156, which includes an adjacent surface 156C parallel to the first sidewall 156A and the second sidewall 156B and perpendicular to the first sidewall 156A and the second sidewall 156B; and a fifth interlocking structure 158, which includes an adjacent surface 158C parallel to the first sidewall 158A and the second sidewall 158B and perpendicular to the first sidewall 158A and the second sidewall 158B.

[0203] When adjacent surfaces 156C and 158C are offset against each other, if a lateral force is applied to them, there will be no mechanical obstruction (or geometric protrusion) preventing relative movement. This is because the two adjacent surfaces 156C and 158C shown are flat and parallel to each other.

[0204] However, if they are offset against each other with significant force, there can be sufficient friction to resist a certain amount of lateral force to maintain contact between adjacent surfaces and in a desired position.

[0205] Furthermore, even the extreme action of offsetting two adjacent surfaces against each other is a safety feature. If the structure providing the coolant is sufficiently rigid, it is possible to have conditions that can withstand the vibration and impact of chips. For example, providing an elongated structure on the upward DUB and downward DDB will be significantly more rigid than the prior art circular conduit (with a diameter of the same width in one of the directions perpendicular to the upward DUB and downward DDB).

[0206] Although described above, it is certainly preferable that embodiments of the present invention include a first safety feature (biasing adjacent surfaces against each other). Furthermore, providing a mechanical interlocking structure is even more preferable.

[0207] For example, in addition to being better able to withstand lateral forces, another advantage of the safety features of mechanical interlocking structures is that if there is a slight bend in either structure, the two opposing structures can be offset against each other to correct the misalignment of the structures.

[0208] However, it has been found during development that excessive bias poses a risk of unintentionally bending one (often very thin) cutting blade (especially if one of the components is bent or tilted during installation). Therefore, excessive bias in a mechanical interlocking structure is also a risk.

[0209] Regardless of the presence of offset or a mechanical interlocking structure, it is always preferable for a cutting insert to be thinner than a cutting insert (or a portion thereof) configured to remain within its same extended width cutting plane PC. As will be explained below, in this context, an "extended width cutting plane PC" is defined as having the same width as the cutting edge width CW of a cutting tool used for cutting or grooving.

[0210] Referring again to Figure 2E, as an example, it is assumed that the fourth interlocking structure 156 is a cutting blade and the upper structure is an extension portion, and the extension portion has a maximum extension thickness TE that is less than the thickness dimension DT of a blade, which is generally preferred.

[0211] This applies to all the bias and mechanical interlocking structures illustrated and is yet another preferred but optional safety feature. It should be understood that this safety feature mitigates the risk of imperfect installation, namely, it compensates for the tilt of the extension portion causing it to extend beyond an extension width cutting plane PC (a cutting "plane" ("extension width cutting plane") with a width corresponding to a tool cutting width CW). It should be understood that the production and alignment of components with widths less than 4 mm, 3 mm, and even less than 2 mm are important tasks.

[0212] Returning to the general discussion of mechanical structure options, it should be understood that the blade mechanical interlock structure can be of various other types.

[0213] Figure 2F shows the sixth interlocking structure 160, the seventh interlocking structure 162, and the eighth interlocking structure 164, which can also be mechanical interlocking structures of a cutting blade (or clamp or extension). It should be understood that a cutting blade preferably has a male structure (such as the male structures shown in the first structure 148 and the third structure 152) because it is easier to produce on the cutting blade, but a female structure on the cutting blade is also feasible.

[0214] The sixth interlocking structure 160 includes a parallel first sub-blade surface 160A and a second sub-blade surface 160B, which are separated by a sub-blade recess surface 160C located between them and subsequently include a flat recessed surface 160D.

[0215] The seventh interlocking structure 162 includes a single concave surface 162A. The eighth interlocking structure 164 includes two angular (V-shaped) sub-edge surfaces 164A and 164B, similar to the sub-edge surfaces shown in the second interlocking structure 150.

[0216] One different way to describe a mechanical interlocking structure is through its protrusions. It should also be noted that the number of protrusions (i.e., protruding in a direction perpendicular to a thickness dimension) includes at least one blade protrusion, and its position is variable.

[0217] For example, the first interlocking structure 148 has a central sub-blade protrusion 170A (composed of the first blade sub-blade abutment surface 128B and the second blade sub-blade abutment surface 128C).

[0218] Alternatively, the third interlocking structure 152 can be considered as having a single non-central (or lateral) sub-blade protrusion 170B.

[0219] Alternatively, the second interlocking structure 150 can be considered as having two laterally positioned sub-blade protrusions 150A and 150B.

[0220] Similarly, other parent structures (i.e., the sixth structure 160, the seventh structure 162 and the eighth structure 164) can also be regarded as having two laterally positioned sub-blade protrusions 170C1, 170C2, 170D1, 170D2, 170E1 and 170E2.

[0221] While a mechanical interlocking structure preferably has a uniform cross-section for ease of manufacture, it can also have a ninth interlocking structure 166, as shown in Figure 2G, which includes a first protrusion 166A on one side and then, after some distance, a second protrusion 166B on the other side. This similarly provides lateral support in both lateral directions. It should be noted that a tenth interlocking structure 148A configured to interlock with the ninth interlocking structure 166 can have a similarly non-uniform cross-section. Alternatively, the tenth interlocking structure 148A can be replaced by a single uniform interlocking structure having the same cross-section as the first interlocking structure 148, even if the cross-section of the ninth interlocking structure 166 alternates (at least once) in the cross-section.

[0222] In Figure 2H, an eleventh interlocking structure 168 can also show two or more protrusions (i.e., the first protrusion 168A, the second protrusion 168B and the third protrusion 168C).

[0223] The blade holder 12 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 1B and 3A to 3E.

[0224] The retainer 12 has a basic shape that is generally similar to one of the retainers shown in Figures 19 and 20 of USPA 2019 / 0240741 (the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference), and the main differences will be described below.

[0225] The following are examples of holders: a holder in a forward direction (DFH), a holder in a backward direction (DRH), a holder in an upward direction (DUH), a holder in a downward direction (DDH), a holder in a first lateral direction (DS1H), and a holder in a second lateral direction (DS2H).

[0226] The holder moves forward in the DFH direction to form the tool assembly 10, which is then moved to machine a workpiece 60 in the X-axis feed direction, as shown below (e.g., Figure 7D).

[0227] The retainer 12 includes a retainer head portion 36 and a retainer handle portion 38.

[0228] The holder handle portion 38 is fixed to a machine interface 40, which may be a tool holder or a tool turret, etc.

[0229] The retainer head portion 36 includes a blade recess 42.

[0230] The holder head portion 36 includes a holder front surface 44A, a holder rear surface 44B, a holder upper surface 44C, a holder lower surface 44D, a holder first side surface 44E, and a holder second side surface 44F.

[0231] Preferably, the front surface 44A of the retainer may include a front surface portion 44G, which is preferably concave.

[0232] It should be understood that a first cutting zone boundary 44H is defined on the downward direction DDH of the holder from the foremost point 44I of one of the front surface portions 44G, and a second cutting zone boundary 44J is defined on the rearward direction DRH of the holder from the uppermost point 44K of one of the front surface portions 44G.

[0233] In other words, the holder 12 is designed with a cutting zone ZC located above the first cutting zone boundary 44H and in front of the second cutting zone boundary 44J (Fig. 7A). Since the workpiece 60 is designed to enter the cutting zone ZC, the holder 12 and assembly 10 cannot protrude into it in any way that is wider than the cutting width CW of the cutting tool block 14 or outside the extended width cutting plane PC, as such portions would affect the cutting of the workpiece 60. The arrows at the first cutting zone boundary 44H and the second cutting zone boundary 44J indicate an area through which the workpiece cannot pass because it would collide with the holder 12, which is wider than the extended width cutting plane PC.

[0234] Conversely, outside the defined cutting zone ZC, assemblies, holders, clamps, etc., can protrude beyond the extended width cutting plane PC.

[0235] Alternatively, it should be understood that all tool assemblies are designed for a given depth of cut CD. Therefore, the shape of the cutting zone corresponds to an imaginary cylinder IC (Figure 7A) of the workpiece 60 shown, defined by a radius equal in length to the depth of cut CD (which is subsequently defined from the front surface portion 44G to the foremost cutting edge 34 of the cutting block 14). It should be understood that the actual workpiece diameter must be slightly smaller than the depth of cut CD to provide a tolerance (e.g., 1 mm). Outside the imaginary cylinder IC, the clamp 200 can extend in any direction and is unaffected by the workpiece 60 during its cutting.

[0236] In other words, the holder 12 is designed to cut a cylindrical workpiece 60 having a radius corresponding to the cutting depth CD shown in FIG. 7A (i.e., from the front surface portion 44G to the foremost cutting edge 34 of the cutting block 14), or more precisely, slightly smaller (e.g., providing a clearance of 1 mm or 2 mm). And as seen in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7C, portions of the first clamping portion 204 and the second clamping portion 206 outside the hypothetical cylinder IC can be configured not to enter the slit S formed in the cylindrical workpiece. On the other hand, portions of the extensions 208 and 210 must be configured (e.g., narrow enough) to enter S.

[0237] The blade recess 42 includes a blade recess side surface 46 and a recess protruding edge 48 extending therefrom.

[0238] The protruding edge 48 of the recess may include a lower adjacent surface 48A and a rear adjacent surface 48B of the recess, and preferably includes a recess gap recess 48C.

[0239] To provide lateral retaining force, the recess protruding edge 48 forms an inclined (or non-right-angled) mechanical interlocking structure. Specifically, both the lower adjacent surface 48A and the rear adjacent surface 48B of the recess are inclined in accordance with one of the third interlocking structures 152. This allows the retainer 12 to protrude less laterally in the second lateral direction DS2H of the retainer than in the case where a screw or seal is present (see Figure 20E of USPA 2019 / 0240741).

[0240] The inclination of the lower adjacent surface 48A of the recess is visible in Figure 3A, and the inclination of the rear adjacent surface 48B of the recess is visible in Figure 3B.

[0241] In this example, the inclined recess protruding edge 48 causes the cutting blade 100 to be offset toward the blade recess side surface 46 to enhance structural strength.

[0242] Preferably, the blade recess side surface 46 extends adjacent to the entire cutting blade to provide bending of the cutting blade 100 when (e.g., referring to the first clamping portion 204) the first clamping abutment surface 256A abuts the second blade sub-edge abutment surface 128C of the cutting blade. Due to the thin cutting blade construction, which is particularly easy to bend, it prevents the cutting blade from being able to cut longitudinally into a workpiece.

[0243] The retainer handle portion 38 may have an end portion having a cylindrical or square cross-section. In Figure 3B, the retainer handle portion 38 is shown to have a retainer handle axis As, which is shown to make the cross-sectional shape of the retainer handle circular for understanding its position.

[0244] The blade recess 42, and more specifically, the side surface 46 of the blade recess, is formed with a pin hole 53B for retaining a recess protrusion, which in this non-limiting example is the pin 22 shown in FIG. 1B. When the operator intends to use an x-axis feed direction, the pin 22 prevents the cutting blade 100 from being accidentally inserted in a y-axis feed direction (i.e., the holder-up direction DUH). For operation in a y-axis feed direction, the pin 22 is removed from the pin hole 53B. It should be understood that the position of the pin hole can be changed so that the y-axis feed direction is not involved when a pin is inserted.

[0245] The blade recess 42, and more specifically, the side surface 46 of the blade recess, has a magnet hole 55 for holding one of the magnets 24 shown in FIG. 1B.

[0246] When the clamp 200 does not secure the cutting blade 100 to the holder 12, the magnet 24 prevents the cutting blade 100 from falling off the holder 12.

[0247] Therefore, this is an additional, better, but not necessary feature added for user-friendliness. The magnet 24 cannot resist clamping forces to hold the cutting blade and therefore only prevents so-called "falling parts." This magnet 24 provides an auxiliary attachment mechanism that avoids the need for any corresponding construction on the cutting blade (particularly useful for extremely thin blades with very little mechanical connection space and for indexable cutting blades that would otherwise require corresponding construction for each indexing of the cutting blade). It should also be noted that this auxiliary attachment mechanism does not impede the slidable mounting of the cutting blade 100 into the inclined recessed protruding edge 48.

[0248] Although the use of magnets in conjunction with cutting tools is known, the use of an embedded magnet in a cutting tool recess or a parting insert recess is not known to date. This is because the strength of the magnet is insufficient to resist the machining forces and hold the cutting tool or parting insert in place.

[0249] In other words, the present invention provides a blade or connector (or cutting blade) recess as a completely separate entity, the blade or connector recess having an auxiliary attachment mechanism in the form of a magnet for fixing to the recess. This configuration also includes a clamp or screw or other fixing mechanism for providing a main attachment mechanism.

[0250] One reason this structure is unknown is that it has long been believed that an embedded magnet would magnetize the holder (due to the long-term contact between the magnet and the holder) to cause chips to unintentionally attach to the holder or get stuck between components.

[0251] It was discovered after production that the magnetization of the holder 12 was insufficient to have an impact during processing.

[0252] When the magnet 24 is installed into the magnet hole 55, it is preferably flush with or recessed into the blade recess side surface 46 so as not to interfere with the cutting blade adjacent to the blade recess side surface 46.

[0253] Preferably, the cutting blade 100 completely covers the magnet 24, so that the chips (not shown) are not attracted to the magnet 24.

[0254] Although theoretically the surrounding wall of the magnet hole 55 prevents the cutting blade from pulling the magnet 24, as a safety precaution, the magnet 24 can be glued to the magnet hole 55.

[0255] A groove 56 is formed on the front surface 44 of the retainer.

[0256] The groove 56 is shaped to receive the fixture 200, and more specifically, the majority of the fixture body portion 202 therein.

[0257] Preferably, the groove extends at one of its front sides to the front end of one of the retainers 12. Preferably, the groove extends at one of its rear sides to the top end of one of the retainers. This allows the clamp to be retained therein so that it protrudes from the groove only in an area outside a cutting zone ZC, as will be shown below.

[0258] The groove 56 includes a first sidewall 56A, a second sidewall 56B, and a bottom wall 56C.

[0259] The depth of the groove 56 is determined to allow the body part 202 of the clamp to be flush with or recessed into the front surface 44 of the holder when it is installed therein and the cutting blade 100 is fixed, so as not to interfere with the passage of the workpiece.

[0260] More precisely, the groove 56 has a depth from the front surface portion 44G, which is greater than the body height HB of the body portion 202 defined between the upper (or "inner") body surface 226 and the lower (or "outer") body surface 228 (Fig. 5B).

[0261] The retainer 12 further includes, or in this example, forms a retainer attachment portion 56D. In this example, the retainer attachment portion is formed in a threaded retainer screw hole 56D in the bottom wall 56C of the groove.

[0262] The groove 56 further includes a configuration to provide coolant to the inlet 302 of the clamp and, in this example, to receive the inlet 302 of the clamp into one of the holder outlets 56E.

[0263] As mentioned above, at least one retainer outlet 56E may alternatively be formed in, for example, the first sidewall 56A to provide coolant to the clamping aperture 312 shown in FIG. 4C.

[0264] Coolant is supplied to the holder 12 via a holder inlet 56F located on the lower surface 44D of the holder. However, it should be understood that the holder inlet 56F may be located, for example, on a rear surface 38A or a lower surface 38B of the handle, or multiple holder inlets may be present in any combination of these locations. Although not shown, it is preferable to have holder inlets at each of these three locations to maximize the option of supplying coolant to the clamps 200 at different machine interfaces. One or more plugs may be provided and fitted to holder inlets that are not in use. However, a holder inlet located along the lower surface 38B of the handle does not require a plug (because the machine interface clamping that surface will seal the hole), thereby reducing the number of parts in the assembly 10. However, for a hermetically tight seal, a plug or an O-ring extending therefrom may be provided.

[0265] Referring to Figures 4A to 5B, the cutting blade clamp 200 will be described in more detail.

[0266] The cutting blade clamp 200 includes a body portion 202, a first clamp portion 204 extending from the body portion 202, a second clamp portion 206 extending from the body portion 202, a first extension portion 208 (or "first arm") extending from the first clamp portion 204, and a second extension portion 210 (or "second arm") extending from the second clamp portion 206.

[0267] This example is symmetrical about one of the planes of symmetry PS (Fig. 4C) extending through the center of the body portion 202. Therefore, the features described with respect to the first clamp portion 204 also apply to the second clamp portion 206, and similarly, the features described with respect to the first extension portion 208 also apply to the second extension portion 210.

[0268] For the sole purpose of explaining the so-called boundary between the first clamp portion 204 and the second clamp portion 206, schematic cross-sectional lines have been added to Figures 4C and 4D to identify what the name "second clamp portion 206" (which can be arbitrarily selected from the two identical clamp portions) means.

[0269] In detail, referring to FIG4D, the second extension 210 is defined in the area shown by reference element symbols 212 and 214; the second clamping portion 206 is defined in the area shown by reference element symbols 216 and 218; and the body portion 202 is the remainder of the cutting blade clamp 200 other than the first clamping portion 204 and the first extension 208.

[0270] The main body section 202 will now be described in detail.

[0271] The main body portion 202 includes a first main body end 220, a second main body end 222, and an intermediate sub-portion 224 connecting the first main body end 220 and the second main body end 222.

[0272] The intermediate sub-part 224 further includes: an upper (or "inner") body surface 226, a lower (or "outer") body surface 228 positioned opposite to the upper body surface 226; a first side body surface 230 connecting the upper body surface 226 and the lower body surface 228; a second side body surface 232 connecting the upper body surface 226 and the lower body surface 228; a first end body surface 233A and a second end body surface 233B.

[0273] The intermediate sub-part 224 further includes an attachment portion 234. The attachment portion 234 may be any configuration configured to secure the cutting blade 100 to the retainer 12. Thus, the "attachment portion" may also be referred to as a "retainer attachment portion". For example, the attachment portion may be a female thread (already shown) or any known configuration (e.g., having protrusions receiving a lever, a hook, or a hook receiving configuration, or a recess extending alongside the intermediate sub-part 224 and not passing through a screw head adjacent to the intermediate sub-part 224).

[0274] In this preferred embodiment, the attachment portion 234 has a female thread extending through one of its central attachment axes AA (FIG. 5A) to allow the use of a standard double-threaded screw 16. Advantageously, the screw 16 is a right-hand and left-hand screw, which allows the screw 16 to lift the cutting blade holder 200 from the retainer 12 (allowing for quick removal of the cutting blade 100) without additional components such as springs. More specifically, although the standard thread is generally right-handed, the female thread 234 is a left-handed thread for the aforementioned purpose.

[0275] Referring to Figures 5A and 5B, in a non-limiting embodiment, the cutting blade clamp 200 further includes a coolant passage 300.

[0276] The coolant passage 300 includes an inlet 302, a first outlet 304, a first intermediate passage 306 extending from the inlet 302 to the first outlet 304, a second outlet 308, and a second intermediate passage 310 extending from the inlet 302 to the second outlet 308.

[0277] In this example, entry 302 is formed at intermediate sub-part 224.

[0278] In this preferred embodiment, the inlet 302 has a male protrusion 302 extending through one of its central inlet axes AI (FIG. 5A). It should be understood that an inlet can be provided in different ways. For example, an aperture 312 (without any protrusion; schematically shown in dashed lines in FIG. 4C) may be formed in one of the first side body surface 230 and the second side body surface 232 (exemplified by the second side body surface 232) at a location adjacent to the holder 12 when the cutting blade clamp 200 is mounted to the holder 12 (this abutment reduces leakage).

[0279] In this embodiment, due to the use of a protrusion, the attachment axis AA and the inlet axis AI preferably extend parallel to each other to allow both to be easily inserted into the retainer 12.

[0280] Referring to Figure 5B, to prevent leakage, for example, the male protrusion 302 is formed with the same first O-ring recess 314 and second O-ring recess 316, each configured to receive one of the first O-ring 18 and the second O-ring 20. Although a single O-ring recess and a single O-ring are also feasible (because a larger coolant supply is advantageous, and the coolant supply can be increased by using high-pressure coolant), a second O-ring recess and a second O-ring are provided to ensure ultra-high coolant pressure (e.g., 340 bar or higher) and minimal or no leakage.

[0281] Since the illustrated cutting blade clamp 200 is manufactured by additive manufacturing (3D printing), it has been found advantageous to provide a first O-ring recess 314 and a second O-ring recess 316 with a unique construction. More precisely, each of the first O-ring recess 314 and the second O-ring recess 316 includes a first (lower) annular ring 318A, 318B, a second (upper) annular ring 320A, 320B, and an annular recess 322A, 322B between them.

[0282] As shown, each of the first annular rings 318A and 318B is inclined relative to the entrance axis AI at a first annular angle θ1 toward the associated annular recesses 322A and 322B, satisfying the condition that θ1 ≤ 45°, preferably θ1 ≤ 43°. Each of the opposing second annular rings 320A and 320B is oriented relative to the associated annular recesses 322A and 322B at a second annular angle θ2 relative to the entrance axis AI, satisfying the condition that θ2 ≤ 90°. These configurations are provided for a printing orientation, wherein the male protrusion 302 is the highest vertical portion of the cutting blade clamp 200. It should be understood that the configurations of the first annular rings 318A and 318B and the second annular rings 320A and 320B can be reversed for an opposite printing orientation. It should also be understood that the configurations of the illustrated second annular rings 320A and 320B may differ from the right angles shown.

[0283] Preferably, the attachment portion 234 is closer to the first clamp portion 204 and the second clamp portion 206 than the inlet 302. This reduces the tilting of the cutting blade clamp 200 when mounted to or on the cutting blade 100. Although this results in an additional bend in the coolant passage 300 (which is detrimental to maintaining coolant pressure) to avoid the attachment portion 234, reducing this tilting is considered preferable.

[0284] Although it is preferable that the attachment portion 234 intersects with an extended width cutting plane PC defined by a surface adjacent to the cutting blade 100 (described below) along a warp configuration, in this non-limiting example, a gap G (FIG. 5A) is provided between the nearest point 236 of the body portion 202 (which in this example is the attachment portion 234) and the center of the extended width cutting plane PC to allow additional support for the cutting blade along a blade recess side surface 46. However, it should be understood that this recess support wall may have a window through which the attachment portion 234 may extend. Similarly, it should be understood that a cutting blade clamp according to the invention may still be provided, wherein the inlet is closer to one of the clamp portions 204, 206 than to the attachment portion 234.

[0285] Another feature introduced to reduce this tilting risk is the provision of a plurality of outwardly projecting clamp abutment surfaces (in this example, as shown in FIG4C, the first clamp abutment surface 238A, the second clamp abutment surface 238B, the third clamp abutment surface 238C, and the fourth clamp abutment surface 238D formed along the second side body surface 232, and as shown in FIG4F, the fifth clamp abutment surface 240A and the sixth clamp abutment surface 240B formed along the first side body surface 230). Similar to the above, a cutting blade clamp according to the present invention, having a flat first body surface and a flat second body surface, can still be provided.

[0286] After extensive testing, it has been found that each of the first body cutting edges 242A and 242B (e.g., the second body cutting edge 242B extends along the intersection of the upper body surface 226 and the second end body surface 233B) is preferably not an acute angle (approximately a right angle) (shown) but convex (not shown) to reduce the impact of a falling cut-off piece (not shown) on planing during machining.

[0287] The first clamping portion 204 will now be described in detail. Since the first clamping portion 204 and the second clamping portion 206 are identical, the second clamping portion 206 can be described in less detail.

[0288] The first clamping portion 204 extends from the first body end 220. More precisely, when the body portion 202 extends parallel to the extension width cutting plane PC, the first clamping portion 204 extends laterally from the first body end 220 (or more precisely, from its parallel extension relative to the extension width cutting plane PC). In this non-limiting example, the clamping portion 204 extends orthogonally therefrom. Regardless of the exact angle, it is important that one of the clamping adjacent surfaces of the first clamping portion 204 (described below) lies within the extension width cutting plane PC.

[0289] The first clamping portion 204 includes a first upper clamping surface 244A (connected to the upper body surface 226), a first lower clamping surface 246A (connected to the lower body surface 228) positioned opposite to the first upper clamping surface 244A, a first side clamping surface 248A connecting the first upper clamping surface 244A and the first lower clamping surface 246A, a first outer clamping surface 250A (connected to the first end body surface 233A), and a first inner clamping surface 252A (connected to the second side body surface 232 via a large first fillet 254A, the large first fillet 254A being provided to withstand clamping stress).

[0290] The first inner clamp surface 252A includes a first clamp adjacent surface 256A.

[0291] The second clamping portion 206 includes a second upper clamping surface 244B, a second lower clamping surface 246B, a second side clamping surface 248B, a second outer clamping surface 250B, and a second inner clamping surface 252B (connected to the second side body surface 232 via a large second fillet 254B, the large second fillet 254B being provided to withstand clamping stress).

[0292] The second inner clamp surface 252B includes a second clamp adjacent surface 256B.

[0293] Both the first clamping surface 256A and the second clamping surface 256B are at least partially located on the extended width cutting plane PC (FIG. 4E). Preferably, both extend along the extended width cutting plane PC to provide additional strength when clamping the cutting blade 100.

[0294] It should be noted that the first clamping portion 204 and the second clamping portion 206, and the body portion 202 to which they are connected, are significantly larger (greater) than the thin, elongated first extension portion 208 and the second extension portion 210. This is because the first clamping portion 204 and the second clamping portion 206 are configured to provide a clamping function to the cutting blade to apply a clamping force of several hundred kilograms, and are not substantially designed to provide a strong abutment between the two elements, as will be discussed below in conjunction with the first extension portion 208 and the second extension portion 210.

[0295] To provide additional strength, the first clamping portion 204 and the second clamping portion 206 include a first protrusion 258A and a second protrusion 258B that extend beyond the first extension portion 208 and the second extension portion 210 by a protrusion distance DP.

[0296] Although the first clamping abutment surface 256A and the second clamping abutment surface 256B may extend orthogonally to the extended width cutting plane PC to apply a reverse or rearward force only to the cutting blade 100, in this embodiment, they are preferably inclined at an acute angle β (FIG. 4B) so that the cutting blade 100 is biased against a retainer recess (described below). In other words, the first clamping abutment surface 256A and the second clamping abutment surface 256B are inclined toward the second side body surface 232.

[0297] This avoids the need for one or more screws to provide a lateral clamping force. However, as mentioned above, there are situations where one or more screws can be used in conjunction with the adjacent surfaces of this clamp(s).

[0298] As shown, in this example, each of the first clamp adjacent surface 256A and the second clamp adjacent surface 256B is a single inclined surface.

[0299] Each of the first extension portion 208 and the second extension portion 210 includes a first (proximal) extension end 260A, 260B (connected to the body portion 202), a second (distal) extension end 262A, 262B (farther from the body portion 202 than the associated distal extension end of the same extension portion), an elongated intermediate extension sub-portions 264A, 264B, an upper (outer) extension surface 266A, 266B, a lower (inner) extension surface 268A, 268B positioned opposite to the upper extension surfaces 266A, 266B, and a first side extension surface 270A connecting the upper extension surface 266A, 266B and the lower extension surfaces 268A, 268B. 70B, a second side extension surface 272A, 272B connecting one of the upper extension surfaces 266A, 266B and the lower extension surfaces 268A, 268B, and a front extension surface 274A, 274B located at the second extension ends 262A, 262B and connected to one of the upper extension surfaces 266A, 266B, the lower extension surfaces 268A, 268B, the first side extension surfaces 270A, 270B and the second side extension surfaces 272A, 272B.

[0300] The components of the first extension 208 will now be described in detail. Since the first extension 208 and the second extension 210 are identical, the second extension 210 can be described with less detail.

[0301] The first extension 260A is connected to the first clamping portion 204, and more precisely, to the first upper clamping surface 244A. It should be understood that an extension does not need to be associated with a clamping portion (e.g., there may be a single clamping portion and two extensions), and in this case, an extension (not shown) may be directly connected to a body portion.

[0302] The lower extension surface 268A includes a resilient recess 276A at the first extension end 260A, configured to reduce stress on the first extension portion 208 when it is biased against the cutting blade. It should be understood that a resilient recess may alternatively or additionally be formed along the upper extension surface 266A at the first extension end 260A. However, a preferred location is shown.

[0303] The lower extension surface 268A further includes an extended safety protrusion 278A at the second extension end 262A.

[0304] The lower extension surface 268A further includes a distal extension mechanical interlock structure 280A at the second extension end 262A, which is closer to the first extension end 260A than the extension safety protrusion 278A.

[0305] The lower extension surface 268A further includes a proximal extension mechanical interlock structure 282A at the intermediate extension sub-section 264A.

[0306] Both the extended mechanical interlocking structures 280A and 282A of the lower extended surface 268A include a central lowest point 290A and a first extended sub-blade abutment surface 292A and a second extended sub-blade abutment surface 294A extending from the lowest point 290A. In some embodiments, the extended mechanical interlocking structures 280A and 282A may each have a V-shaped cross-section via the central lowest point 290A and the adjacent extended sub-blade abutment surfaces 292A and 294A. In other embodiments, they may exhibit one of the other mechanical interlocking formations seen in Figures 2D to 2F above.

[0307] As best shown in Figure 5B, the angle between the distal extension mechanical interlock structure 280A at the second extension end 262A and the proximal extension mechanical interlock structure 282A at the intermediate extension sub-section 264A varies slightly. The location of the angle variation is shown by a curvature line marked 284 in Figure 4E (and also Figure 5B).

[0308] This is because the intended abutment area (also referred to as the "first extended abutment surface") of the lower extended surface 268A and the cutting blade 100 is only at the second extended end 262A (and in this example, the first extended abutment surface forms a mechanical interlocking structure, namely, the distal extended mechanical interlocking structure 280A). The reason for specifically abutting the lower extended surface 268A at the second extended end 262A is to ensure that the second extended end 262A is firmly offset against the cutting blade 100, thus preventing chips from accumulating between them—a special safety measure. However, having a flat lower extended surface 268A (i.e., a lower extended surface without angular variation) that also abuts a cutting blade at its intermediate extended portion is a viable option.

[0309] In detail, regarding this example, referring to Figure 4E, only area 286 is intended to contact the cutting blade 100, and area 288 is not intended to contact the cutting blade 100.

[0310] The intermediate extension sub-section 264A has a proximal extension mechanical interlock structure 282A to reduce the gap between the cutting blade and the lower extension surface 268A and thereby reduce the possibility that chips will be trapped between them.

[0311] For illustrative purposes only, a first reference plane PR1 (Figures 4C and 5B) can be defined by the distal extension mechanical interlock structure 280A at the second extension 262A. This reference is chosen because it is adjacent to the cutting blade 100.

[0312] As best shown in Figure 5B, the extended safety protrusion 278A extends below the first reference plane PRL.

[0313] The proximal extension mechanical interlock structure 282A extends above the first reference plane PRL.

[0314] It should be noted that the first clamping abutment surface 256A extends above the first reference plane PR1. This distal extension mechanical interlocking structure 280A is configured to contact the cutting blade 100 before the first clamping abutment surface 256A contacts the cutting blade 100. It should be understood that providing multiple contact points between the two mating components presents manufacturing difficulties. Because one of the extension portions 208, 210 of the invention is less rigid by definition than an associated clamping portion, it has been designed to be slightly flexible. Specifically, when the clamp 200 is mounted to the cutting blade 100, the screw 16 is rotated to bring the distal extension mechanical interlocking structure 280A into contact with the cutting blade 100. Rotation of the screw 16 continues to cause the first extension portion 208 to flex (and apply a biasing force to the cutting blade 100) until the first clamping abutment surface 256A subsequently contacts and clamps the cutting blade 100. This flexing or bending is aided by weakening a final area of ​​the first extension portion 208 with an elastic recess 276A.

[0315] Referring to Figures 5B and 4C, a first forward direction DF1 is defined as being parallel to the first reference plane PR1 and extending from the first extension end 260A toward the second extension end 262A.

[0316] The first backward direction DRl is defined as being opposite to the first forward direction DFl.

[0317] A first upward direction DUl is defined as perpendicular to the first reference plane PRl and extending from the lower surface toward the upper surface.

[0318] The first downward direction DDl is defined as being opposite to the first upward direction DUl.

[0319] A first lateral direction DS1 is defined as being opposite to a second lateral direction DS2, and both directions extend perpendicularly away from the plane of symmetry PS.

[0320] A first elongation axis AE1 is defined as passing through the center of the first extension portion 208.

[0321] The first elongation axis AE1 and the first reference plane PR1 are aligned with an acute coolant angle Ɛ in the first rearward direction DR1 (Fig. 4C). This ensures that the coolant is directed toward the cutting block 14 and preferably toward one of its cutting edges.

[0322] The front extension surface 274A is an inclined deflection surface. Specifically, the front extension surface 274A and the first reference plane PR1 are deflected by a first acute angle μ1, and the upper extension surface 266A and the first reference plane PR1 are deflected by a second acute angle μ2, which is smaller than the first acute angle μ1. It should be understood that since the first extension portion 208 extends entirely above the cutting tool block 14, it is highly likely to be impacted by oncoming chips. If the first deflection angle μ1 is large (i.e., closer to being orthogonal to the first reference plane PR1), the first extension portion 208 will be significantly damaged by oncoming chips. If the first deflection angle μ1 is small (similar to the second acute angle μ2), the coolant will leave the cutting tool holder 200 further away from the cutting tool block 14, and its effectiveness will be reduced. Additionally, an inclined outlet changes the shape / direction of the coolant leaving the extension portion. Preferably, the first acute angle deflection angle μ1 satisfies the condition: 25°≤μ1≤65°, and more preferably 35°≤μ1≤55°.

[0323] If the second acute angle deflection angle μ2 is large, the first extension 208 will be significantly stronger (because the extension will have a more elongated cross-section to increase resistance to backward bending when subjected to chip impact), however, this will result in a less compact construction (discussed below with respect to height HE). In this example, where there are two extensions and the cutting blade clamp 200 is rotationally symmetrical about the left and right-hand tools, it will also increase the forward protrusion of the tool assembly and limit the size of the workpiece that can be cut. Preferably, the second acute angle deflection angle μ2 satisfies the condition: 2° ≤ μ2 ≤ 15°, more preferably 4° ≤ μ2 ≤ 10°.

[0324] Another optional safety feature is to coat the clamp or at least its extension or at least its second extension 262A with a heat-resistant or protective coating.

[0325] The first side extension surface 270A and the second side extension surface 272A preferably extend parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first reference plane PRL. This allows for the transfer of a maximum amount of coolant while still maintaining the first extension portion 208 within the extension width cutting plane PC (i.e., the cutting plane is defined by having a width equal to the cutting edge width CW of the cutting tool block 14; in other words, the extension width cutting plane is defined by the position of the foremost cutting edge 34, has a width equal to the cutting edge width CW of the cutting tool block 14, and is parallel to the feed direction (which is the holder forward direction DFH). It should be noted that the extension width cutting plane therefore extends in all four directions: holder forward direction DFH, holder backward direction DRH, holder upward direction DUH, and holder downward direction DDH. In other words, the extension thickness TE (FIG. 6B) from the first side extension surface 270A to the second side extension surface 272A is less than the cutting width CW of the cutting tool block 14. This clearance ensures that the first extension 208 does not impact the workpiece; that is, it does not contact the workpiece when the extension 208 enters a groove cut by the cutting tool block. Typically, for the same reason, the insert thickness dimension DT is always smaller than the cutting width CW. As a safety precaution, the maximum extension thickness TE is preferably even smaller than the insert thickness dimension DT to provide a clearance that should not be undesired during installation. Although this reduces the amount of coolant that can be supplied through the thinner extension, the risk of impact is more significant.

[0326] However, in all embodiments, since the portion of the fixture within the cutting zone (and therefore within the extended width cutting plane PC) is very thin according to its definition in the first and second lateral directions, it is preferably elongated in the upward and downward directions. This allows for structural strength (even in cases where the extended portion does not have a coolant passage) and, in cases where a coolant passage is present, an increase in the cross-sectional area of ​​the coolant passage (and therefore the coolant supply). However, due to limiting factors (such as enlarging the two extended portions of a symmetrical fixture could result in a reduction in the size of one workpiece that can be machined; an increased risk of chip impact; or simply maintaining the compactness for changing tools in an automatic tool changer), there is a preferred limitation on the extent to which an extended portion can grow.

[0327] Referring to Figures 5A and 5B, a maximum extension height HE and a maximum extension thickness TE are shown, defined perpendicular to one of the elongation directions of the associated extension portions and from the upper extension surface 266A to the lower extension surface 268A. Preferably, these dimensions satisfy the condition: 1.5TE˂HE˂8TE, more preferably 2TE˂HE˂5TE, and most preferably 2TE˂HE˂4TE.

[0328] For completeness, some corresponding elements of the same second extension 210 are identified in Figures 5B and 4B, namely: an elastic recess 276B; an extended safety protrusion 278B; a distal extension mechanical interlock structure 280B; a proximal extension mechanical interlock structure 282B; a central lowest point 290B; and a first extension sub-blade abutment surface 292B and a second extension sub-blade abutment surface 294B.

[0329] Referring to Figures 5A and 5B, it should be noted that the coolant passage 300 has a plurality of turns. More precisely, the first intermediate passage 306 includes a first turn 314A from the inlet 302 to the intermediate sub-section 224, a second turn 314B (which is approximately a right-angle turn) from the body section 202 to the first clamping section 204, and a third turn 314C (which is approximately a right-angle turn) from the first clamping section 204 to the first extension section 208. Alternatively, the second turn 314B and the third turn 314C can be considered as a single U-turn (approximately 180 degrees).

[0330] Similarly, the second intermediate path 310 includes corresponding turns, namely, the first turn 316A, the second turn 316B, and the third turn 316C.

[0331] Referring to Figures 7A and 7B, the operation of assembly 10 cutting workpiece 60 is shown.

[0332] When the cutting blade 100 is installed to the holder 12, the assembly direction can be either the cutting blade direction or the holder direction, the latter being selected as appropriate here.

[0333] Workpiece 60 has a central workpiece axis AW and rotates in the counterclockwise direction DCC as indicated during machining.

[0334] The holder 12 is shown after it has fully entered the workpiece 60 by moving it in one of the feed directions corresponding to the holder forward direction DFH (Fig. 7C).

[0335] In this embodiment, the depth of cut CD (Fig. 7A) is a portion of the tool assembly 10 from the foremost cutting edge 34 to a portion of the tool assembly 10 that is wider than the cutting width CW of the foremost cutting edge 34, that is, the portion of the tool assembly 10 closest to the cutting edge outside the extended cutting plane. In the given example and referring to Fig. 3C, the closest portion of the retainer 12 is the concave front surface 44G of the retainer 12.

[0336] It should be noted that the first clamping portion 204 and the second clamping portion 206 are outside the cutting zone ZC and therefore can extend in front of the path of the workpiece 60, as shown in Figure 7C.

[0337] In contrast, to provide coolant close to the cutting tool block 14, the first extension 208 and the second extension 210 are shown to extend fully within one of the elongated slits S formed in the workpiece 60.

[0338] Figure 7A also shows how the extended safety protrusions 278A and 278B extend below their respective sub-blades and how there are gaps G1 and G2 between each extended safety protrusion 278A and 278B and the associated first blade safety recess 132A and second blade safety recess 132B.

[0339] It should be understood that if the extended safety protrusion contacts the blade safety recess, this will reduce the bias force between the extended portion and the intended adjacent surfaces of the blade (specifically, weaken the interlocking of the mechanical interlocking structure).

[0340] Referring now to Figures 8 to 13, another tool assembly 10' is shown.

[0341] Apart from the significant differences that are visible and will be briefly described below, the tool assembly 10' is generally similar to the tool assembly 10 described above.

[0342] The tool assembly 10' includes a holder 12', a cutting blade 100' (and a cutting block 14' mounted thereto), and a cutting blade clamp 200' that clamps the cutting blade 100' to the holder 12'.

[0343] In this particular example, the tool assembly 10' further includes a screw 16', a single O-ring 18', and a magnet (not shown).

[0344] The cutting blade 100' has a generally triangular shape and is indexable in three directions about a central blade axis BA'.

[0345] Pay attention to the first cutting edge recess 118' (among its three cutting edge recesses), and note that the second claw 118B' is not located behind the bottom claw 118A', but extends above it.

[0346] Due to the forward protrusion 119' of one of the cutting blades 100' (required for mounting purposes), it is difficult to provide coolant to one of its clearance sides 126A'. Therefore, in this example, a feasible option is to provide a single through-hole 121' extending through one of the cutting blades 100' (Figure 8B). It should be understood that although only one of these through-holes 121' is shown schematically, two other through-holes are provided for two other recesses. Alternatively, the cutting blade may be kept without coolant to its clearance side 126A' or an additional device may be provided below the forward protrusion 119'.

[0347] Therefore, only a single sub-blade 112' has a blade safety recess 132B'.

[0348] Regarding the retainer 12', it will be noted that there is no groove.

[0349] Specifically, since the cutting blade clamp 200' has only a single extension 208 and thus extends only to one side of the cutting blade 100', it can be entirely located on only one side of a cutting zone.

[0350] Therefore, the retainer attachment portion 56D' (which is a threaded hole-like hole) is located on the upper retainer surface 44C' behind the front surface portion 44G'.

[0351] Similarly, the holder outlet 56E' is located on the upper surface 44C' of the holder behind the front surface portion 44G'.

[0352] The blade recess side surface 46' includes an upward protrusion 47' to ensure that the entire cutting blade 100' is adjacent to the clamp portion 204' in position adjacent to the cutting blade 100'.

[0353] Regarding the clamp 200', as mentioned, it may have one or two O-rings 18' in any embodiment, depending on the circumstances.

[0354] The clamp 200' includes an attachment portion 234' similar to the attachment portion previously described. A reinforcing portion 235' is added above it to ensure that the clamping force is supported.

[0355] Although the clamp adjacent surface 256A' appears to be V-shaped, similar to the formation seen on the second interlocking structure 150, this only provides a clearance. There is only one clamp adjacent surface 256A' and a clearance adjacent surface 257'.

[0356] Referring to Figures 12A to 12C, the coolant passage 300' has a plurality of turns. More precisely, the intermediate passage 306' includes a first turn 314A' from the inlet 302' to one of the intermediate sub-sections 224', a second turn 314B' from the body section 202 to the clamp section 204', and a third turn 314C' (which is approximately a right-angle turn) from the clamp section 204' to the single extension section 208'. The coolant path is straight from the clamp section 204' to the first extension section 208' and through to the outlet 304'.

[0357] It should be noted that the tool assemblies 10 and 10' are advantageous even if their clamps do not have a coolant passage. As mentioned above, even the clamping configuration is considered superior to known cutting-off tool systems on its own.

[0358] A standard extended blade extends from a blade holder without any support underneath (also referred to as "extension"). It also requires a large screw to prevent the blade from slipping within the holder because there is no stop (referred to herein as a recessed abutment surface) to enable the variable extension length function. In other words, conventional systems use two opposing (parallel) tilted clamps with abutment surfaces (with large screws) to hold a cutting blade.

[0359] This invention provides an additional mechanical interlocking structure above a conventional system. More precisely, a first mechanical interlocking structure formed on a clamp (e.g., a first clamp abutment surface 256A or a second clamp abutment surface 256B) clamps the cutting blade to the protruding edges of two non-parallel recesses (i.e., the lower recess abutment surface 48A and the rear recess abutment surface 48B, as seen in FIG. 3C). It should be noted that this example relies on the two clamp abutment surfaces to clamp the cutting blade at least partially against both the lower recess abutment surface 48A and the rear recess abutment surface 48B (i.e., clamped to the area between them and not parallel to one of them; see clamping force arrow F1 in FIG. 6C). A more relevant example of the orientation of a single clamp abutment surface is shown in the following embodiments in FIG. 8 through 13 (see clamping force arrow F2 in FIG. 13C; it should be noted that it is not necessary to apply force to the center of the two clamp abutment surfaces, but rather to at least partially, or even unevenly, both of them). However, it should be understood that even for a square cutting blade, this embodiment can be modified for a single clamping abutment surface to direct the force to the two retainer abutment surfaces. Additionally, this redirection may not be necessary because, in either case, the machining force causes the blade to be biased against the recessed abutment surface 48A and the recessed rear abutment surface 48B.

[0360] This also reduces the two or more commonly, three or four screw systems of previous technologies to a single screw, which was previously unknown.

[0361] Therefore, the cutting blade is secured from three sides instead of two using a single attachment. Furthermore, installing the cutting blade is simpler, as a defined position exists. One disadvantage is that the extension is no longer variable (which allows a user to minimize the extension and improve stability depending on the application). However, the system of the present invention has been found to have high stability and is completely stable with respect to the desired cutting depth even with only a single extension position.

[0362] This stability is also attributed to the fact that the cutting blade sub-blades (i.e., the third sub-blade 114 and the fourth sub-blade 116) are fully supported along their entire length by the lower adjacent surface 48A and the rear adjacent surface 48B of the recess.

[0363] Similar benefits can be seen in the tool assemblies disclosed in US 2019 / 0240741, except that the assemblies disclosed therein have other disadvantages, such as laterally protruding screws or seals, or an overhang that is not supported in other embodiments. Furthermore, the present invention provides a clamp with a single attachment portion / screw, which is unknown for large depth-of-cut inserts.

[0364] Furthermore, in the tool assembly 10, it has been demonstrated that the cutting blade is secured from four different sides by a mechanical interlocking structure to provide complete stability. This stability is achieved in a tool configured to cut a large-diameter workpiece while being secured by only a single attachment portion.

[0365] Furthermore, regarding clamping, although the extension is not configured to withstand the entire clamping force, it is indeed biased and thus close to the blade recess to "preload" a cutting blade. This provides additional stability to a relatively thin cutting blade and at a point closer to the blade recess than any other known cutting blade system.

[0366] Therefore, any cutting blade (even those clamped by a conventional blade holder with opposing claws or screws as shown in Figures 18 and 19 of US 2019 / 0240741, or any other known blade) will also benefit from stability by providing one or more extensions that provide a biasing force on the cutting blade along a sub-cutting edge associated with a blade recess. This benefit can even be achieved with an extension that does not have a coolant passage.

[0367] Therefore, a clamp may have only one or more extensions (even without a clamping portion) and still benefit from the stability of a cutting blade (which can of course be an auxiliary clamping configuration), and the assembly further includes claws or screws, etc., to provide a primary clamping force. In other words, one or more extensions may provide a clamping function (albeit insufficient), which may be reinforced by additional clamping elements such as claws or screws, etc.

[0368] It should be understood that, on the one hand, a clamp having either a clamping part or an extension part reduces the number of components to be fixed, and on the other hand, if an extension part separates from a clamping part and the extension part is damaged, the clamping part can independently continue to provide a clamping function.

[0369] Finally, it should be understood that all the above systems can additionally benefit from having a coolant passage through them, which, in addition to clamping, increases the tool life of a cutting edge and promotes chip breakage at high coolant pressures. It should be noted that high-pressure cut-off inserts are known to fail to achieve chip breakage due to pressure (which, according to known literature, occurs above approximately 100 bar (the pressure leaving the cut-off insert)). This is because of pressure losses in the insert holder, the transition from the insert holder to the cut-off insert, numerous bends in the insert holder and the cut-off insert, and the presence of small passages through the cut-off insert, etc. The tool assembly illustrated above was tested and achieved coolant pressures far exceeding those generated by even so-called high-pressure coolant inserts. Higher pressures result in smaller chips than those generated at lower coolant pressures.

[0370] Finally, it should be noted that this coolant passage can be provided to a clamp having one or more clamp portions but no extensions (the coolant exits only from one outlet formed in the clamp portions). Or it can be provided to the illustrated embodiment having one or more clamp portions and also one or more extensions. Or it can be provided to an embodiment having one or more extensions but no clamp portions formed on the same clamp as the extensions (i.e., the cutting blade is clamped in another way) (not shown). In the latter embodiment, the invention will be directed to one of the coolant conduits described above, although having one or more unique extensions.

[0371] It should also be noted that the second clamping portion 206 in Figure 7D extends further in the forward direction of the holder than the remainder of the tool assembly 10, which is disadvantageous because it increases the length of the tool assembly 10 (reducing its ability to work in confined areas). However, the other advantages provided are considered to outweigh this disadvantage.

[0372] Referring now to Figures 14A and 14B, another tool assembly 10'' is shown.

[0373] Apart from the significant differences that are visible and will be briefly described below, the tool assembly 10'' is generally similar to the tool assembly 10 described above.

[0374] To provide maximum coolant pressure, the cutter blade clamp 200'' has an inlet 302'', which includes an inlet attachment construction (in this example, an internal thread 201'' is schematically shown, although an external thread connection is also possible, for example).

[0375] In detail, the inlet 302'' includes an elongated neck portion 302A'' extending from the body portion 202'' and may be formed with an external fixing surface 302B'' (which has a hexagonal configuration in this non-limiting example, but may be any known tool configuration, such as two parallel planes) to allow a user to securely hold the inlet 302'' when attaching an external supply tube to the inlet 302''.

[0376] Therefore, instead of the holder 12'' being connected to an external supply pipe (not shown) and transferring coolant to a clamp, the external supply pipe is directly connected to the cutting blade clamp 200'' via inlet 302''.

[0377] This also avoids the need for an O-ring and allows for a simplified retainer construction (no coolant holes).

[0378] The only significant modification to the retainer 12'' is that the groove 56'' continues downward through the front surface 44A'' of the retainer (and the angle and length of the inlet 302'' allow the clamp 200'' to move from a clamping position to a releasing position).

[0379] This configuration can provide a minimum feasible pressure drop to one of the inlets located below this type of holder because there is no coolant transfer interface between the clamp and the holder, etc.

[0380] 10: Tool Assembly 10': Tool Assembly 10'': Tool Assembly 12: Holder 12': Holder 12'': Holder 14: Cutting tool block 14': Cutting tool block 16: Screws 16': Screw 16A: First threaded end 16B: Second threaded end 16C: Middle screw portion 16D: Tool receiving recess 18: First O-ring 18': Single O-ring 20: Second O-ring 22: Sales 24: Magnet 26: Front face 28: Bottom surface of the blade block 30: Forefront clearance 32: Back surface of the cutting block 34:Front cutting edge 36: Holder head section 38: Holder handle portion 38A: Back surface of the shank 38B: Lower surface of the shank 40: Machine Interface 42: Blade recess 44A: Front surface of the retainer 44A'': Front surface of the retainer 44B: Rear surface of the retainer 44C: Upper surface of the retainer 44C': Upper surface of the retainer 44D: Lower surface of the retainer 44E: First side surface of the retainer 44F: Second side surface of the retainer 44G: Front surface portion 44G': Front surface portion 44H: Boundary of the first cutting zone 44I: Foremost point 44J: Boundary of the second cutting zone 44K: Top point 46: Side surface of the blade recess 46': Blade recess side surface 47': Upward protrusion 48: The concave cavity protrudes from the edge. 48A: Adjacent surface to the recess 48B: Adjacent surface to the cavity 48C: Cavity clearance concave part 53B: Pin Hole 55: Magnet hole 56: Groove 56'': Groove 56A: First sidewall 56B: Second sidewall 56C: Groove bottom wall 56D: Holder attachment part 56D': Holder attachment part 56E: Holder Outlet 56E': Holder outlet 56F: Holder Inlet 60: Workpiece 100: Cutting blade 100': Cutting blade 102: First blade side 104: Second blade side 106: Peripheral blade edge 108: Center manufacturing hole 110: First blade edge 112: Second blade edge 112':Zi Ren 114: Third blade edge 116: Fourth blade edge 116A: Safety recess for adjacent blades 118: First cutter block depression 118': First cutter block depression 118A: Bottom claw 118A': Bottom claw 118B: Second claw 118B': Second claw 118C: Slot end 119': Forward protrusion 120: Second blade recess 121': Through hole 122: Third cutter block concave cavity 124: Fourth cutter block depression 126A: External concave gap surface 126A': Clearance side 126B: External concave front cutting face 128: Mechanical interlock structure of the first blade 128A: Central Vertex 128B: First blade edge adjacent surface 128C: Second blade edge adjacent surface 130: Mechanical interlock structure for the second blade 130A: Center Vertex 130B: First blade edge adjacent surface 130C: Second blade edge adjacent surface 132A: Safety recess for the first blade 132B: Safety recess for the first blade 132B': Blade safety recess 134A: Safety recess for the second blade 134B: Safety recess for the second blade 136: Last point 138: lowest point 140A: First substructure 140B: First Substructure 142A: Second Substructure 142B: Second Substructure 144A: Third Substructure 144B: Third Substructure 146: Sub-blade center 148: First Interlock Structure 148A: Tenth Interlock Structure 150: Second interlock structure 150A: Sub-blade protrusion 150B: Sub-blade protrusion 152: Third Interlock Structure 156: Fourth Interlock Structure 156A: First sidewall 156B: Second sidewall 156C: Adjacent surfaces 158: Fifth Interlock Structure 158A: First sidewall 158B: Second sidewall 158C: Adjacent surfaces 160: Sixth Interlock Structure 160A: First sub-blade surface 160B: Second sub-cutting edge surface 160C: Sub-blade concave surface 160D: Flat recessed surface 162: Seventh Interlock Structure 162A: Concave surface 164: Eighth Interlock Structure 164A: Angular sub-blade surface 164B: Angular sub-blade surface 166: Ninth Interlock Structure 166A: First protrusion 166B: Second protuberance 168: Eleventh Interlock Structure 168A: First protrusion 168B: Second protrusion 168C: Third protuberance 170A: Central sub-edge protrusion 170B: Non-central sub-edge protrusion 170C1: Sub-blade protrusion 170C2: Sub-blade protrusion 170D1: Sub-blade protrusion 170D2: Sub-blade protrusion 170E1: Sub-blade protrusion 170E2: Sub-blade protrusion 200: Cutting blade clamp 200': Cutting blade clamp 200'': Cutting blade clamp 201'': Internal thread 202: Main Body 202'': Main Body 204: First clamping part 204': Fixture section 206: Second clamping part 208: First Extension 208': Extension 210: Second Extension 212: Area 214: Area 216: Region 218: Area 220: First Body End 222: Second body end 224: Intermediate Subpart 224': Intermediate subpart 226: Upper body surface 228: Lower body surface 230: First side body surface 232: Second side body surface 233A: First end body surface 233B: Second end body surface 234: Attachment 234': Attachment 235': Enhanced section 236: Closest point 238A: First fixture adjacent surface 238B: Second fixture adjacent surface 238C: Third clamp adjacent surface 238D: Fourth clamp adjacent surface 240A: Fifth fixture adjacent surface 240B: Sixth clamp adjacent surface 242A: First body cutting edge 242B: First body cutting edge 244A: First upper fixture surface 244B: Second upper fixture surface 246A: First lower fixture surface 246B: Second lower fixture surface 248A: First side fixture surface 248B: Second side fixture surface 250A: First external clamp surface 250B: Second outer clamp surface 252A: First inner clamp surface 252B: Second inner clamp surface 254A: Largest First Rounded Corner 254B: Large second rounded corner 256A: First fixture adjacent surface 256A': Fixture adjacent surface 256B: Second fixture adjacent surface 257': Adjacent surfaces 258A: First protruding part 258B: Second protruding part 260A: First extension terminal 260B: First extension end 262A: Second extension end 262B: Second extension end 264A: Elongated intermediate extension sub-section 264B: Elongated intermediate extension sub-section 266A: Upper extended surface 266B: Upper extended surface 268A: Lower extension surface 268B: Lower extension surface 270A: First side extension surface 270B: First side extension surface 272A: Second side extension surface 272B: Second side extension surface 274A: Front extension surface 274B: Forward Extension Surface 276A: Elastic recess 276B: Elastic recess 278A: Extended safety protrusion 278B: Extended safety protrusion 280A: Remote extension mechanical interlock structure 280B: Remote extension mechanical interlock structure 282A: Proximal extension mechanical interlock structure 282B: Proximal extension mechanical interlock structure 284: Curvature Line 286: Area 288: Area 290A: Lowest point of the center 290B: Lowest point of the center 292A: First extended sub-blade adjacent surface 292B: First extended sub-edge adjacent surface 294A: Second extended sub-blade adjacent surface 294B: Second extended sub-blade adjacent surface 300: Coolant passage 300': Coolant passage 302: Entrance 302': Entry 302'': Entry 302A'': Extended neck portion 302B'': External fixing surface 304: Exit 1 304': Export 306: First intermediate path 306': Intermediate Pathway 308: Second Exit 310: Second intermediate pathway 312: Porosity 314: First O-ring recess 314A: First Turn 314A': First Turn 314B: Second Turn 314B': Second Turn 314C: Third Turn 314C': Third Turn 316:Second O-ring recess 316A: First Turn 316B: Second Turn 316C: Third Turn 318A: First ring 318B: First ring 320A: Second ring 320B: Second ring 322A: Annular Recess 322B: Annular Recess AA: Attached axis AB: Blade axis AE1: First elongation axis AI: Entrance Axis As: Axis of the retainer handle AW: Center workpiece axis BA': Center blade axis CD: Depth of cut CW: Cutting Width DCC: Counterclockwise direction DD1: First downward direction DDB: Blade downward direction DDH: Holder downward direction DF1: First forward direction DFB: Blade forward direction DFH: Holder forward direction DP: Prominent Distance DR1: First backward direction DRB: Blade backward direction DRH: Rearward direction of the retainer DS1: First lateral direction DS1B: First lateral direction of the blade DS1H: First lateral direction of the retainer DS2: Second lateral direction DS2B: Second lateral direction of the blade DS2H: Second lateral direction of the retainer DSR1: Safety Recess Distance DSR2: Safety Recess Distance DT: Thickness dimension DU1: First upward direction DUB: Blade upward direction DUH: Holder upward direction E1: Extension line E2: Extension line E3: Intersection point of extension lines F1: Clamping force F2: Clamping force G: Gap G1: Gap G2: Gap HB: Body height HE: Maximum extension height IC: Imaginary cylinder LR: Length of the recess LS: Sub-blade length PC: Extended width cutting plane PR1: First reference plane PS: Symmetrical plane S: Slit TE: Maximum elongation thickness ZC: Cutting zone α: Internal blade angle β: Acute angle Ɛ: Acute angle of coolant θ1: First ring angle θ2: Second ring angle μ1: First acute angle of deflection μ2: Second acute angle deflection angle

Claims

1. A tool assembly (10, 10', 10''), comprising: A blade holder (12, 12', 12''); a cutting blade (100, 100'); a cutting block (14, 14'); and a clamp (200, 200', 200''); The blade holder (12, 12', 12'') includes: a holder attachment portion (56D); and a blade recess (42); the cutting blade (100, 100') is mounted to the blade recess (42) and includes: a first blade side (102) and a second blade side (104) facing each other and a peripheral blade edge (106) connecting the first blade side (102) and the second blade side (104); and at least one first blade recess (118, 118') formed along the peripheral blade edge (106); the peripheral blade edge (106) includes: a first blade sub-edge and a second blade sub-edge (110, 112, 112') extending from different sides of the first blade recess (118, 118'); The cutting tool (14, 14') is mounted to a first tool recess (118, 118'), and its cutting width (CW) defines an extended width cutting plane (PC); the clamp (200, 200', 200'') includes: a clamp attachment portion (234, 234'); and at least one clamp portion (204, 204', 206) including a clamp abutment surface (256A, 256A', 256B); wherein: the clamp attachment portion (234, 234') is fastened to the retainer attachment portion (56D); the clamp abutment surface (256A, 256A', 256B) abuts one of the peripheral cutting edges (106) of the cutting blade (100, 100'), thereby securing the cutting blade (100, 100') to the blade recess (42); and wherein: The clamp (200, 200', 200'') further includes: at least one first extension (208, 208') extending along a common plane with the cutting blade (100, 100'); the entire first extension (208, 208') is located only in the extension width cutting plane (PC); and the first extension (208, 208') has an extension thickness (TE) smaller than that of the extension width cutting plane (PC).

2. The tool assembly (10, 10', 10'') of claim 1, wherein the first extension (208, 208') is adjacent to the peripheral cutting edge (106).

3. The tool assembly (10, 10', 10'') of claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the clamping abutment surfaces (256A, 256A', 256B) and the first extension (208, 208') includes an abutment surface located in a common cutting plane; the abutment surface of the extension is located at a relatively low position in the cutting plane such that when both of the abutment surfaces contact the peripheral cutting edge (106) of the cutting insert (100, 100'), the first extension (208, 208') flexes.

4. The tool assembly (10,10',10'') of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first extension (208,208') is offset at the rake face (126B) of the cutting blade (100,100') relative to the first cutting block recess (118,118') against the peripheral cutting edge (106) of the cutting blade (100,100'), or offset at the clearance side (126A,126A') of the cutting blade (100,100') relative to the first cutting block recess (118,118') against the peripheral cutting edge (106) of the cutting blade (100,100').

5. The tool assembly (10, 10', 10'') of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first extension (208, 208') includes a safety protrusion (278A, 278B) or a safety recess (132A, 132B) and the cutting blade (100, 100') includes a complementary safety protrusion or safety recess.

6. The tool assembly (10, 10', 10'') of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first extension (208, 208') includes a safety protrusion extending from one of its inner extension surfaces (268A, 268B), the safety protrusion being received within a safety recess (132A, 132B) of the cutting blade (100, 100') and not in contact with the cutting blade (100, 100').

7. The tool assembly (10, 10', 10'') of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first extension includes a mechanical interlocking structure (280A, 280B, 282A, 282B) and is biased against a complementary mechanical interlocking structure (128, 130, 148, 148A, 150, 152, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168) formed along the peripheral blade edge (106) of the cutting blade (100, 100').

8. The tool assembly (10, 10', 10'') of claim 1 or 2, wherein the clamp (200, 200'') includes a second clamp portion (206) including a second clamp abutment surface (256B) extending in a direction different from another clamp abutment surface (256A); wherein the second clamp abutment surface (256B) abuts the peripheral blade (106) of the cutting blade (100, 100'), thereby securing the cutting blade (100, 100') to the blade recess (42).

9. The tool assembly (10, 10', 10'') of claim 1 or 2, wherein the clamp (200, 200', 200'') further includes a body portion (202, 202', 202''), the body portion including a first body end (220), a second body end (222), and an intermediate body sub-portion (224, 224') connecting the first body end and the second body end; the clamp attachment portion (234, 234') is connected to the body portion; the clamp portion (204, 204') constitutes a first clamp portion (204, 204') connected to the first body end and a coolant passage (300, 300'); The coolant passage includes an inlet (302, 302', 302''), a first outlet (304, 304'), and an intermediate passage (306, 306') extending from the inlet to the first outlet; and the first outlet leads to the first extension (208, 208').

10. The tool assembly (10, 10', 10'') of claim 9, wherein the first extension (208, 208') has a linear shape near the first tool recess (118, 118'), and a front extension surface (274A, 274B) of the first extension (208, 208') is inclined relative to the linear direction.

11. The tool assembly (10, 10', 10'') of claim 1 or 2, wherein the clamp (200, 200'') includes a second extension (210) extending along a common plane with the cutting blade (100, 100').

12. The tool assembly (10, 10', 10'') of claim 11, wherein the first extension (208, 208') and the second extension (210) are configured to extend along two non-parallel sub-blades (110, 112, 112') of the peripheral blade edge (106).

13. The tool assembly (10,10',10'') of claim 11, wherein the two extensions, namely the first extension (208) and the second extension (210), are symmetrically designed.

14. The tool assembly (10, 10', 10'') of claim 1 or 2, wherein the cutting blade (100, 100') is wedged into a recessed protruding edge (48) of the blade recess (42) between two extensions of the clamp (200, 200''), namely the first extension (208) and a second extension (210), the two extensions including mechanical interlocking structures (280A, 280B, 282A, 282B).

15. The tool assembly (10, 10', 10'') of claim 1 or 2, wherein the cutting blade (100, 100') is wedged into a recessed protruding edge (48) of the blade recess (42) between the two clamping portions (204, 204', 206) of the clamp (200, 200'').

16. The tool assembly (10, 10', 10'') of claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one or both of the first blade sub-edge (110) and the second blade sub-edge (112) form a blade safety recess (132A, 132B).

17. The tool assembly (10, 10', 10'') of claim 16, wherein a blade safety recess (132A, 132B) is formed on the blade side and the clearance side (126B, 126A) before the cutting blade (100, 100') relative to the blade block recess (118, 118'), and the blade safety recesses are equidistant from the blade block recess.

18. The tool assembly (10, 10', 10'') of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first tool block recess (118, 118') includes a bottom jaw (118A, 118A'), a second jaw (118B, 118B'), and a groove end (118C) connecting the bottom jaw and the second jaw; wherein: The bottom claw is closer to the first blade edge (110) than the second claw; the second claw is closer to the second blade edge (112) than the bottom claw; and at least one of the following two conditions is satisfied: a first condition, wherein the second blade edge is longer than the first blade edge, and the first blade edge forms a first blade mechanical interlocking structure (128); and a second condition, wherein the first blade edge and the second blade edge together form a blade mechanical interlocking structure (128, 130).

19. The tool assembly (10,10',10'') of claim 1 or 2, wherein the cutting blade (100,100') has no internal coolant passage.

20. The tool assembly (10, 10', 10'') as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the blade recess (42) includes: A blade recess side surface (46); a recess protruding edge (48) extending from the blade recess side surface; The protruding edge of the recess includes a first adjacent sub-surface (48A) and a second adjacent sub-surface (48B) extending in a direction different from the first adjacent sub-surface; wherein both the first adjacent sub-surface and the second adjacent sub-surface are inclined toward the side surface of the blade recess.

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