Thread Milling Tool Inclined Clamping Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing milling tools face challenges in securely and reliably fastening cutting inserts due to complex and expensive manufacturing processes, as well as insufficient tensioning mechanisms, leading to potential misalignment and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates clamping elements with inclined surfaces that clamp the cutting inserts on both sides, allowing for secure positioning and alignment, with the option of using one or multiple clamping elements depending on insert length, and features a conical clamping head or flat contact for easy assembly and precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cutting inserts are secured by fastening screws clamping the outer sides, then the cutting inserts can be fastened in the working part, but the tension is insufficient and the production is complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of clamping the cutting insert from the sides or front, the invention clamps the insert from the rear using an inclined clamping surface that converges inwardly toward the working portion. This inverted clamping approach provides sufficient tension while simplifying the structure, as the clamping force is applied through the inclined surface rather than requiring complex side-clamping mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the clamping mechanism by introducing an inclined clamping surface with a specific angle (α) between 5° and 15°. This parameter change allows the clamping element to effectively secure the cutting insert with sufficient tension while maintaining simple manufacturing, as the inclined geometry naturally provides mechanical advantage for clamping force distribution.
2Reliability
If cutting inserts are provided with indentations for clamping screws, then the cutting inserts can be held in the receptacle, but the production of such cutting inserts is complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the cutting insert with complex indentations and recesses, the invention places the inclined clamping surface on the receptacle or holder. This inversion simplifies insert manufacturing, as the insert only needs a basic flat rear surface, while the complex clamping geometry is implemented in the holder where it is more easily manufactured.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the complex clamping geometry from the cutting insert and relocates it to the holder/receptacle. This separation allows the insert to be manufactured simply with minimal features, while the holder contains the inclined clamping surface and clamping element mechanism.
3Manufacturing precision
If clamping elements are used to clamp the cutting insert on an inclined clamping surface, then the cutting insert is reliably clamped and positioned, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a carefully selected inclination angle (α) between 5° and 15° for the clamping surface. This parameter optimization ensures that the clamping element can effectively position and secure the cutting insert with high precision, while the moderate angle prevents excessive complexity in the clamping mechanism design.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined clamping surface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the clamping action, positions the cutting insert axially and radially, and ensures concentricity of the insert with the working part. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate positioning features, thereby simplifying the overall structure.
4Reliability
If the sloping surfaces converge inwardly toward the working portion, then the cutting insert is positioned and braced reliably, but the receptacle design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention specifies a controlled convergence angle (α) between 5° and 15° for the inclined clamping surface. This parameter constraint ensures reliable bracing and positioning of the cutting insert while preventing the receptacle design from becoming overly complex. The moderate angle allows for straightforward manufacturing of the converging surfaces.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to milling tools, comprising a shaft (1) and a work element (2), that is provided with holders (7) for cutting inserts (8). So that the milling tool allows secure and reliable fastening and positioning of the cutting inserts (8) on the work element (2), while being simple to manufacture and assemble, the fastening elements (22) are formed by clamping elements, by means of which the cutting inserts (8) are clamped with at least one oblique surface against an oblique surface of the holder (7). The clamping elements (22) engage on an oblique clamping surface of the cutting insert (8) located opposite of the oblique surface of the cutting insert (8). Under the force of the clamping elements, the oblique surfaces of the cutting inserts (8) are braced against the oblique surfaces of the holders (7). Simultaneously with the bracing, the cutting inserts (8) are positioned in the mounted position. The milling tools are advantageously thread millers.