Grooving tool for cutting grooves in workpieces and a grooving tool tool holder for permitting replacement of inserts and permitting inserts to be replaced without moving the tool holder with respect to the grooving tool in which the tool holder is installed

A grooving tool for cutting grooves in workpieces and a grooving tool tool holder for permitting replacement of inserts and permitting inserts to be replaced without moving the tool holder with respect to the grooving tool in which the tool holder is installed.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present application relates to a grooving tool for cutting grooves in workpieces and a grooving tool tool holder for permitting replacement of inserts and permitting inserts to be replaced without moving the tool holder with respect to the grooving tool in which the tool holder is installed.

2. Background Information

Background information is for informational purposes only and does not necessarily admit that subsequently mentioned information and publications are prior art.

The present application relates to a tool holder, in one possible embodiment for a grooving tool, having a parent body which extends along a holder longitudinal axis and which has at the front end a clamping head for accommodating a cutting body, wherein the clamping head has a cutting body receptacle defined by a clamping claw and a bottom bearing surface, and the clamping claw can be tightened in the direction of the bottom bearing surface by means of a tightening element. The present application also relates to a cutting body for such a tool holder.

Some tool holders are used for example for grooving and longitudinal turning and for cutting-off operations on a rotating workpiece. The workpiece to be machined normally passes through a plurality of machining stages. In each machining stage, the workpiece is machined with a different tool. To this end, a plurality of tool holders, also different tool holders, which are fitted with different tools, are arranged in a row in a machine mounting, for example a cassette. The workpiece, which rotates during the machining, is then brought alternately into contact with the different tools for the machining.

On account of the machining, the cutting bodies are subjected to wear and therefore have to be exchanged from time to time. In order to keep the downtimes as short as possible during the workpiece machining, as simple an exchange of the individual tools as possible is desired. At the same time, the individual tools, for example cutting bodies, must or should be held reliably and free of play in an exact or general and defined position in the tool holder in order to make possible the desired, high-precision machining.

OBJECT OR OBJECTS

An object of the present application is to make possible a simple exchange of a cutting body. Another object of the present application is also to specify a cutting body suitable for this purpose.

SUMMARY

This object is achieved according to the present application by a tool holder. The tool holder has a normally parallelepiped-shaped parent body which extends along a holder longitudinal axis in the x direction. The parent body has a width extending in the y direction and a height extending in the z direction. At its front end, the tool holder comprises a clamping head for accommodating a cutting body. The clamping head has a cutting body receptacle which is defined at the top by a clamping claw and at the bottom by a bottom bearing surface. A cutting body is clamped in place between the clamping claw and the bearing surface. To this end, a separating slot running between the clamping claw and the bearing surface is provided, such that the clamping claw is held elastically on the parent body. For tightening the cutting body in the cutting body receptacle, a tightening element is provided, by means of which the clamping claw can be tightened on the bottom bearing surface. The tightening element extends over the separating slot and is held in an abutment in the parent body, such that, when the tightening element is being tightened, the clamping claw presses directly against the bearing surface. In order to now make possible simple and problem-free accessibility for the exchange of the cutting body, a center axis of the tightening element encloses a tightening angle less than forty-five degrees and in one possible embodiment less than thirty degrees relative to the holder longitudinal axis. The center axis of the tightening element is therefore inclined by the tightening angle within the x-z plane relative to the holder longitudinal axis and thus relative to the x direction, such that, overall, the head surface of a head of the tightening element is oriented very steeply and thus in a readily accessible manner relative to the holder longitudinal axis. Due to the very good accessibility at the front end, an exchange of the cutting body is possible without any problems, even if the tool holder is clamped in place together with a plurality of further tool holders and in a narrow space in a machine mounting. Tests have shown that, on account of the small tightening angle, very good accessibility is provided for and at the same time—despite the small tightening angle—a sufficient clamping force in the normal direction, i.e. essentially in the z direction, can be achieved by means of the tightening element, such that secure and reliable seating of the cutting body in the cutting body receptacle is essentially ensured or promoted. In order to essentially ensure or promote a sufficient clamping force, the clamping angle is in one possible embodiment greater than ten degrees and in one possible embodiment greater than twenty degrees to twenty-five degrees.

According to one possible embodiment, the clamping claw has a countersunk receptacle for accommodating a head of the tightening element, the countersunk receptacle extending along a center line. This center line is arranged offset relative to the centre axis of the tightening element, to be precise or general offset upward. That is to say, the center axis and the center line have an offset within the x-z plane. Due to this measure, an additional force component is exerted in the clamping direction, i.e. essentially in the z direction, when the tightening element is being tightened. The clamping force is thereby increased. Here, the offset is in one possible embodiment within the range of between 0.2 millimeter and 0.3 millimeter.

In order to permit simple production of the tool holder, an end face, running next to the cutting body receptacle, of the parent body is in one possible embodiment formed by at most two flat end faces sections. In an embodiment variant, the end face is formed by a single end face section which is oriented in one possible embodiment perpendicularly or virtually perpendicularly to the center axis of the tightening element.

If the end face is formed by two end face sections, the top end face section, which accommodates the head of the tightening element, is in one possible embodiment oriented perpendicularly or virtually perpendicular to the center axis of the tightening element. The second end face section adjoining at the bottom is in one possible embodiment oriented perpendicularly or virtually perpendicularly to the holder longitudinal axis. The orientation perpendicular or virtually perpendicular to the holder longitudinal axis provides for a large free space for the chip disposal. Yet even in the design of the end face having one inclined end face section, a sufficient free space for the workpiece to be machined is achieved on account of the comparatively steep orientation.

Due to the configuration of the end face sections as a flat surface free of curvature, the end face can be produced, during the production of the tool holder, by very simple machining operations, such as milling for example.

The separating slot which separates the clamping claw from the rest of the parent body except for a bending cross section is provided for tightening the clamping claw relative to the bearing surface. A single separating slot is in one possible embodiment provided. The at least one end face section extends free of edges in one possible embodiment up to this separating slot. This end face section can therefore be produced in one possible embodiment by a simple milling operation. On account of the small tightening angle, no curved surface is required or desired here in order to make possible a sufficient free space for the workpiece machining.

According to one possible embodiment, the separating slot ends within the clamping head, i.e. the bending cross section lies in the clamping head. The extent of the clamping head in the direction of the holder longitudinal axis is in this case determined by a head region which is raised relative to a top shank surface of the parent body. Since the tightening element used is normally a tightening screw and therefore a thread is required and/or desired in the parent body for applying the requisite or desired tightening force, said thread being arranged on that side of the separating slot which faces away from the clamping claw, this design makes possible as large a thread length as possible. Due to the arrangement of the separating slot in the clamping body region, there is therefore still a comparatively large thread length, such that as large a force transmission distance as possible is achieved. The thread therefore forms an abutment for the tightening element in the parent body.

The cutting head receptacle in one possible embodiment extends beyond the head region. This allows the formation of a head region which is as short as possible. This head region, which is as short as possible, is in one possible embodiment in a multiple arrangement of a plurality of tool holders, for example in a cassette in longitudinal turning automatic lathes. The tool holders are arranged therein next to one another, for example vertically one above the other. The tool holder described here is intended in one possible embodiment for accommodating an insert for forming a cutting-off tool. Such cutting-off tools, in the multiple arrangement of different tools, are normally those which have the greatest length, the “projecting length.” Since the individual cutting edges of the tools have to be set to a common plane, the cutting-off tool is therefore the limiting factor. In this respect, in one possible embodiment of the present application, the head region of the tool holder can be kept as small as possible, such that the tool holder can be displaced as far to the rear as possible in the cassette.

In order to obtain as large a thread length as possible, the separating slot in one possible embodiment ends within the raised head region.

Furthermore, in order to make possible the compact configuration, provision is made for the separating slot to run in an S shape and for it to be oriented in its central section approximately perpendicularly to the center axis of the tightening element. In this case, provision is made in one possible embodiment for the central section to be arranged, with respect to the holder longitudinal axis, in the front region, that is to say approximately in or in front of the center of the clamping head. The separating slot is therefore arranged very close to the end face of the parent body, such that a long force transmission distance for the tightening element remains overall.

According to one possible embodiment, the cutting body receptacle extends along a longitudinal axis which is inclined by a secondary clearance angle relative to the holder longitudinal axis with respect to the x-z plane. That is to say, the longitudinal axis is arranged at a secondary clearance angle relative to the vertical plane extending in the direction of the holder longitudinal axis. Said secondary clearance angle is in one possible embodiment within a region of less than two degrees and in one possible embodiment within the range of one degree and one and one-half degrees. Since the side faces of the parallelepiped-shaped parent body run parallel or virtually parallel to the holder longitudinal axis, the cutting body receptacle is oriented at the secondary clearance angle relative to the one side face of the parent body. This side face normally also defines a zero position relative to the y position, which zero position can be predetermined exactly or generally via the machine control.

As viewed in the direction of the holder longitudinal axis, the cutting body receptacle comprises a rear stop surface, on which the cutting body is supported in the fitted position. This rear stop surface is in this case oriented at a perpendicular or virtually perpendicular angle to the holder longitudinal axis. This means that the stop surface is additionally inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the cutting body receptacle by the magnitude of the secondary clearance angle. The stop surface is therefore slightly inclined overall and not at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the cutting body receptacle. Corresponding thereto, a front end of the cutting body is likewise inclined relative to an insert body longitudinal axis by an angle corresponding to the magnitude of the secondary clearance angle, to be precise or general in such a way that the front end of the cutting body bears flat against the stop surface.

When the cutting body is inserted, a cutting corner of the cutting body is in alignment with this side face of the parent body. Due to this measure, the cutting corner is therefore in the zero position predetermined by the machine mounting, such that the activation is kept simple and no conversion is necessary and/or desired. This exact or general orientation of the cutting corner within the plane which forms the defined zero position is made possible in one possible embodiment by virtue of the fact that very high tolerance requirements are imposed on the parent body, in one possible embodiment its side dimensions, and are complied with.

In a development, in one possible embodiment in addition to the inclination by the secondary clearance angle with respect to the x-z plane, the cutting body receptacle is in one possible embodiment also arranged inclined by an inclination angle relative to the holder longitudinal axis with respect to the x-y plane. That is to say, the cutting body receptacle is inclined by the inclination angle relative to the horizontal plane. Said inclination angle is within the range of a few degrees, for example within the range of three degrees to ten degrees, in one possible embodiment within the region of about five degrees. Due to the inclination angle, the cutting body receptacle runs obliquely into the parent body, as a result of which the cutting body receptacle is arranged deeper within the parent body in the rear region. Finally, this measure assists the formation of as short a clamping head as possible, since the cutting body receptacle can extend beyond the clamping head without any problems.

Furthermore, the object is achieved according to the present application by a cutting body for such a tool holder described here. The cutting body extends along an insert longitudinal axis and has a plate-shaped cutting region having a cutting edge at the front end. In one possible embodiment, the cutting region widens in the direction of the insert longitudinal axis from a narrow side toward the cutting edge. The two opposite side faces of the plate-shaped cutting region therefore diverge in the direction of the cutting edge, such that the cutting region widens toward the cutting edge. As a result, an insert secondary clearance angle is formed directly at the cutting body itself. Said insert secondary clearance angle therefore acts in addition to the secondary clearance angle as formed by the inclined arrangement of the cutting body receptacle.

The cutting body is generally of rotationally symmetrical design about one hundred-eighty degrees relative to a center rotation axis. The cutting body is therefore designed as a two-sided indexable insert.

The indexable insert in this case in one possible embodiment comprises a thickened central region. A plate-shaped cutting region adjoins each side of the thickened central region. These two plate-shaped cutting regions are in this case arranged offset and approximately diagonally opposite one another. The outer sides of the plate-shaped cutting regions are in this case largely in alignment with an outer side of the central region.

In one possible embodiment of the present application, the cutting region has an outer cutting corner which is oriented in alignment, that is in line, with an outer edge of the central region. Therefore an outer side face of the cutting region adjoins the central region. At the front end of the cutting region, the cutting corner is formed at the top corner of the outer side face.

In one possible embodiment of the present application, different grooving widths are possible without any problems using the same cutting body receptacle of the tool holder. The grooving width is defined in this case by the length of the cutting edge starting from the cutting corner. On account of the thickened central region, it is possible here to set a variable grooving width at the cutting body. The grooving width in this case, starting from the cutting corner, can extend up to a maximum grooving width which corresponds to the thickness of the central region.

On the opposite side, an end wall acting like a step is in contrast formed in the transition region between the plate-shaped cutting region and the thickened central region. This end wall is in one possible embodiment arranged inclined relative to the insert longitudinal axis. The inclination angle is in this case selected in such a way that the end wall runs, in the fitted state, parallel or virtually parallel to and in one possible embodiment in alignment with the end face section in the region of the head of the tightening element. In the fitted state, therefore, the end wall in one possible embodiment forms a continuation of this end face section. The surface normal of the end wall is therefore inclined relative to the insert longitudinal axis within a region less than forty-five degrees and in one possible embodiment less than thirty degrees. The tightening angle is, for example, twenty-five degrees and at the same time the entire cutting body receptacle is inclined by an inclination angle of five degrees relative to the horizontal plane; thus the angle between the end wall and the insert longitudinal axis is twenty degrees.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT OR EMBODIMENTS

Parts having the same effect are provided with the same designations in the figures.

The tool holder2according toFIG. 1comprises a parent body or connecting body4which extends in the direction of a holder longitudinal axis6. The holder longitudinal axis6at the same time forms the x direction of a Cartesian coordinate system. In its height, the parent body4extends in the z direction of this Cartesian coordinate system. Its width extends in the x direction of the Cartesian coordinate system. In its front end region, the parent body4has a clamping head10having a cutting body receptacle8(cf. in this respect inFIG. 2). The clamping head10comprises at the top essentially a clamping claw or upper portion11and at the bottom a bottom bearing surface or lower portion12. The bottom bearing surface12and the underside of the clamping claw11have a roof-shaped recess for a cutting body or cutting insert14(cf.FIG. 1), said recess forming a guide and said cutting body14engaging in said recess in a positive-locking manner in the fitted position. The clamping claw11is formed by incorporating a separating slot15in the parent body4. The separating slot15separates the clamping claw11from the rest of the parent body4except for a remaining bending cross section16. At its rear end, the cutting body receptacle or cutting insert receptacle8has a stop surface17, against which the cutting body14is supported in the fitted position. In this case, the stop surface17is designed to be inclined, to be precise or general in such a way that the cutting body14, with its rear end face, comes to bear flat against the stop surface17, as can be seen fromFIG. 1andFIG. 4. As viewed in the z direction, recessed portions18, each forming a free space, adjoin the stop surface17. The respective corner regions of the cutting body14, designed as a two-sided indexable insert, come to lie in these recessed portions18in the fitted end position. As a result, damage in one possible embodiment to the cutting edges20of the cutting body14is avoided, restricted, and/or minimized.

The cutting body receptacle8is designed to be open to a side face22of the parent body and is not defined in this region by a wall. In other words and according to at least one possible embodiment of the present application, one side of the cutting insert14contacts the tool holder2, while the opposite side of the cutting insert14is exposed or open to the air.

To fasten the cutting body14, said cutting body14is fastened in a clamping manner by a tightening element designed as a tightening screw24in the possible embodiment. To this end, the tightening screw24, starting from a front first end face section or first side face26A, runs inclined relative to the holder longitudinal axis6into the parent body4. In this case, a countersunk receptacle or threaded hole28is formed in the region of the clamping head10, a head30of the tightening screw coming to rest in said countersunk receptacle28in the fitted position. The tightening screw24extends along a center axis or longitudinal axis32, relative to which the tightening screw is designed to be rotationally symmetrical or substantially symmetrical. A center line34of the countersunk receptacle28runs parallel or virtually parallel to the center axis32, but not congruently. The center line34and the center axis32therefore have an offset relative to one another, which in one possible embodiment is within the range of between 0.2 and 0.3 millimeter.

As can be seen fromFIG. 4and/orFIG. 1, the separating slot15, starting at the bottom end region of the first end face section26A, runs from the front end of the parent body4horizontally in order to then extend in a roughly S-shaped bend into a head region44of the clamping claw11. In this case, the separating slot15has a central section46which is oriented essentially perpendicularly to the center axis32of the tightening screw24.

The separating slot15begins between the front first end face section26A and bottom end face section or second side surface26B and continues inwardly in the tool holder2toward the parent body4. Additionally, the separating slot15comprises an s-shaped curve or a serpentine shape. The separating slot15begins adjacent the front first end face section26A and the bottom end face section26B and extends essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis52. The separating slot15then curves to extend upwardly toward the head region44of the clamping claw11, and the curves again to produce an s-shape. The center portion46of the s-shaped curve is disposed perpendicular or essentially perpendicular to the center axis32of the tightening screw24.

The head region44of the clamping head10is in this case defined by a bead-like prominence relative to a top shank surface48of the parent body4. In the possible embodiment, this prominence is designed like a trapezoid. In one possible embodiment, the separating slot15ends above this top boundary side48and inside the head region44. This makes possible a very short head region44overall. A thread50, which is incorporated in the parent body4such as to follow the separating slot15, can therefore have a sufficiently large length, such that large forces can be transmitted to the clamping claw11and thus to the cutting body14via the tightening screw24. The tightening screw24is sufficiently long to engage the parent body4.

As can also be seen fromFIG. 1, the cutting body receptacle8extends beyond the head region44. The cutting body length S is therefore larger overall than a projecting length A. The cutting body length S is in this case defined by the largest extent of the cutting body8in its longitudinal direction. The projecting length A is defined by the distance between the bend region in which the head region44merges into the shank surface48and the position in which the cutting edge20is located in the fitted position.

The center axis32of the tightening screw24is arranged inclined within the vertical plane relative to the holder longitudinal axis6by a tightening angle α. The vertical plane is in this case established by the x-z plane. In the possible embodiment, the tightening angle α is about twenty-five degrees. Corresponding thereto, the first end face section26A oriented perpendicularly or virtually perpendicularly to the center axis32is oriented at an angle α′ to the holder longitudinal axis6, where the relationship is α′=ninety degrees+α.

Due to this small tightening angle α, the tightening screw24runs into the parent body4with a very gentle inclination. As a result, the first end face section26A is arranged comparatively steeply and therefore offers good accessibility of the tightening screw24at the front end. The latter can therefore be readily actuated from the front end without any problems. This permits simple and quick exchange of the cutting body14when required and/or desired, if said cutting body14is worn for example. It is therefore not necessary or desired for the entire tool holder2to be removed from the receptacle on the machine side. For this would mean considerable effort, since the tool holder is normally oriented in a highly precise or general manner inside the machine holder or inside a cassette. In one possible embodiment with the arrangement of a plurality of tool holders2having different tools next to and above one another, simple exchangeability and good accessibility is achieved by the small tightening angle α.

In order to achieve reliable clamping and as high a clamping force as possible on the cutting body14in the direction of the bottom bearing surface12, a plurality of measures are provided, which can be used individually but in one possible embodiment lead in combination with one another to in one possible embodiment reliable clamping. This is firstly the offset between the center axis32and the center line34in such a way that the center axis32is arranged below the center line34in the z direction. Due to this eccentric arrangement of the two lines32,34, an additional force component is produced in the direction of the bottom bearing surface12, thereby increasing the clamping force.

Furthermore, in order to produce a sufficiently high clamping force, the arrangement and configuration of the separating slot15is in one possible embodiment important. Furthermore, a comparatively large accommodating length of the cutting body14inside the parent body4is achieved by virtue of the fact that the cutting body receptacle8extends beyond the head region44. This is helped, inter alia, by the fact that the cutting body receptacle8, which extends along a longitudinal axis52, is inclined by an inclination angle .beta. relative to the holder longitudinal axis6. In this case, the longitudinal axis52runs parallel or virtually parallel to both the bottom bearing surface12and the underside of the clamping claw11. The inclination angle β is in one possible embodiment within the region of five degrees.

In at least one possible embodiment and as seen inFIG. 1A, the clamping head10of the tool holder2comprises a plurality of surfaces, including the front first end face section26A and bottom end face section26B. Also seen is the rear surface or side surface16a, which is opposite the front first end face section26A. Also seen inFIG. 1Aare the surfaces15aand15bof the separating slot15. The surface15ais closer to or nearer the front first end face section26A than the surface15b. The surface15bis closer to or nearer the parent body or connecting body4than the surface15a.

In the side view according toFIG. 3A, a workpiece54to be machined is additionally shown by way of example. As can be seen fromFIG. 3A, the front end of the tool holder2requires or desires no special cutouts, recesses, etc., in order to provide a sufficient free machining space for the workpiece54. On the contrary, it is sufficient on account of the relatively steep orientation of the front end face in accordance with the angle α′ for this front end face to be designed as a flat surface.

As can be seen from the sectional illustration according toFIG. 4, the longitudinal axis52of the cutting body receptacle8is oriented at the second clearance angle γ relative to the holder longitudinal axis6, to be precise or general with respect to the vertical plane, i.e. the longitudinal axis52is arranged at the secondary clearance angle γ relative to the x-z plane. In the possible embodiment, the secondary clearance angle γ is one and one-half degrees. Owing to the fact that the longitudinal axis52of the cutting body receptacle8does not run parallel or virtually parallel to the holder longitudinal axis6, the cutting body14is oriented obliquely in its fitted position. In addition, the cutting body14has at its front end a plate-shaped cutting region56which widens from a narrow point58up to the cutting edge20. As a result, an insert secondary clearance angle is additionally formed on the cutting body14, said insert secondary clearance angle being formed between an insert body longitudinal axis60and the orientation of the outer side of the cutting region56. In the fitted position, the insert body longitudinal axis60and the longitudinal axis52of the cutting body receptacle52are oriented parallel or virtually parallel to one another.

The secondary clearance angle γ, the length of the cutting body14and that of the cutting body receptacle8are now dimensioned in such a way that an outer cutting corner61of the cutting body14is in line with the side face22of the parent body4. Since the zero position of the tool holder2in the y direction is normally defined via the side face22, this measure essentially ensures or promotes that the cutting corner61is also directly located in this zero position.

The rear stop surface17is oriented at an angle δ of ninety degrees relative to the holder longitudinal axis6. Therefore the stop surface17is additionally arranged inclined relative to the longitudinal axis52by the magnitude of the secondary clearance angle γ. The stop surface17is thus inclined relative to the longitudinal axis52at an angle of ninety-one and one-half degrees. A corresponding angle of the rear end face of the cutting body14is thereby corrected. As can be seen fromFIG. 1, the cutting body14bears against the stop surface17merely with a central region of the end face adjoining the cutting edge20. Due to the correction carried out by the angle δ, this end face bears as flat as possible against the stop surface17. This is because, on account of the secondary clearance angle γ, the cutting edge20is likewise oriented at an angle, corresponding to the magnitude of the secondary clearance angle, to the longitudinal axis52and thus to the insert body longitudinal axis60. This measure essentially ensures or promotes that the cutting edge20is oriented exactly perpendicularly or virtually perpendicularly to the holder longitudinal axis6.

This means, during a machining operation, namely the “grooving operation,” that the workpiece surface machined via the cutting edge20is oriented perpendicularly or virtually perpendicularly to the infeed direction and thus to the holder longitudinal axis6. The length of the cutting edge20defines in this case the “grooving width” b. The latter, starting from the cutting corner61, is in principle freely adjustable up to the thickness of the central region64. By the provision of cutting bodies14having different grooving widths b, it is therefore possible, without any problems, to realize different grooving widths b using the same tool holder2.

The cutting corner61in one possible embodiment lies in line with the outer marginal side of the central region64. Sufficient freedom of movement of the cutting edge20on its outer side is achieved due to the secondary clearance angle γ. On the inner side face76, opposite the cutting corner61, of the cutting region56, the latter has a clearance angle. Due to the inclination of the cutting body14, said clearance angle is formed as a double clearance angle in order to compensate for the inclination.

Three different embodiment variants of the tool holder2are shown inFIGS. 5,6and7A,7B. In the embodiment variant according toFIG. 5, a second, bottom end face section26B adjoins the top, first end face section26A and is oriented approximately perpendicularly to the holder longitudinal axis6. In this case, the separating slot15is arranged to run transversely in the bottom fifth of the top, first end face section26A. An end wall62of a thickened central region64of the cutting body14(for the thickened central region64, cf., in one possible embodiment,FIGS. 8A,8B andFIG. 4) is in this case arranged in alignment with the first end face section26A.

In the embodiment variant according toFIG. 6, one continuous end face section26A is provided, which is subdivided approximately in its center by the separating slot15. In the embodiment variant according toFIGS. 7A,7B, a second, approximately vertically oriented bottom end face section26B is again provided. The separating slots15is arranged, in this embodiment variant, below the first end face section26A. In this embodiment, the risk of removed chips jamming in the separating slot15is slight, since an enlarged free space is available on account of the vertical orientation of the second end face section26B. At the same time, a supporting web66which additionally supports the cutting body14in its central region64is drawn out below the cutting body14.

In the possible embodiments shown inFIGS. 2,5to7, the separating slot15in each case runs into the head region44and has a turning point there at a highest point in order to then run downward in a curved manner. The separating slot15is therefore designed like a walking stick in its top and central regions. Due to this measure, the central section46is displaced as far as possible in the direction of the front end. At the same time, the separating slot15is drawn right up close to the bend region between the head region44and the top shank surface48, such that a remaining bending cross section16is obtained.

A cutting body14intended for use in the tool holder2described is shown schematically inFIGS. 8A,8B.FIG. 8Ashows in this case the underside70of the cutting body14, said underside70being tightened against the bottom bearing surface12in the fitted state. Conversely,FIG. 8Bshows the top side72of the cutting body14, against which the underside of the clamping claw11is tightened. Both the underside70and the top side72have a roughly roof-shaped prominence which engages in a positive-locking manner in the bottom bearing surface12and the underside of the clamping claw11, respectively.

The cutting body14is designed overall like a double-sided indexable insert which is of one hundred eighty degrees rotationally symmetrical design relative to a center rotation axis68. The cutting body14is subdivided overall more or less into three regions. These are the thickened central region64and the plate-shaped cutting regions56adjoining said central region64on both sides. The smallest narrow point58of the cutting body14is formed directly in the transition region between the thickened central region64and the cutting region56. The cutting region56widens from here continuously up to the front cutting edge20.

Starting from the cutting edge20, which is formed on the top side72, the cutting region56tapers downward toward the underside70. At the same time, the top side72is also beveled toward the cutting region56starting from the thickened central region64, such that the section of the top side72in the cutting region56is arranged, in the z direction, slightly below the section of the top side72in the thickened central region64.

Whereas the cutting body14has, at its outer side face74, in the transition region between the central region64and the cutting region56, merely an edge and a slight recess, the end wall62, which is oriented obliquely to the insert longitudinal axis60, is arranged at its inner side face76in this transition region.

As viewed from the top side72, the cutting corner61lies on a rectilinear extension of the outer side of the central region64. The cutting corner61is therefore in alignment with the outer side of the central region64and thus lies with this outer side in the same plane. A front end78extends downward starting from the cutting edge20, said front end78enclosing a clearance angle with the cutting edge20. The front end78is trapezoidal, such that the cutting region56tapers downward overall. As a result, the recess already mentioned is formed in the bottom region toward the central region64. This recess is zero at the top edge, since the cutting corner61is in alignment with the outer side of the central region64. At the same time, the front end78is inclined relate to the center rotation axis68.

In order to permit simple exchangeability of a cutting body14, provision is made in a tool holder2, in one possible embodiment for a grooving tool, for the cutting body14to be held in a clamping manner in a cutting body receptacle8by means of a clamping claw11and a tightening screw24. The tightening screw24extends in this case along a center axis32which is oriented at a tightening angle α relative to a holder longitudinal axis6. The tightening angle α is in this case less than forty-five degrees and in one possible embodiment less than thirty degrees. This provides for good accessibility of the tightening screw24at the front end, such that simple exchange of the cutting body14is made possible.

One feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in a tool holder2, in one possible embodiment for a grooving tool, having a parent body4which extends along a holder longitudinal axis6in the x direction and the width of which extends in the y direction and the height of which extends in the z direction and which has at the front end a clamping head10for accommodating a cutting body14, wherein the clamping head10has a cutting body receptacle8defined by a clamping claw11and a bottom bearing surface12, wherein a separating slot15runs between the clamping claw11and the bearing surface12, and the clamping claw11can be tightened in the direction of the bottom bearing surface12by means of a tightening element24inclined relative to the holder longitudinal axis6and extending over the separating slot15, wherein a center axis32of the tightening element24encloses a tightening angle α less than forty-five degrees and in one possible embodiment less than thirty degrees relative to the holder longitudinal axis6.

Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the tool holder2, wherein the clamping claw11has a countersunk receptacle28for accommodating a head30of the tightening element24, said countersunk receptacle28extending along a center line34, the centre axis32of the tightening element24being arranged offset from the center line34of the countersunk receptacle28in the direction of the bottom bearing surface12.

Yet another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the tool holder2, wherein an end face, running next to the cutting body receptacle8, of the parent body is formed by at most two flat end faces sections26A, B.

Still another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the tool holder2, wherein the clamping claw11is separated from the parent body4by a separating slot15except for a bending cross section16, and in that the parent body4has in the region of the tightening element24an end face section26A which is inclined relative to the holder longitudinal axis6and which extends free of edges up to the separating slot15.

A further feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the tool holder2, wherein the clamping claw11is separated from the parent body4by the separating slot15except for a bending cross section16, the bending cross section16lying within the clamping head10, the extent of said bending cross section16in the direction of the holder longitudinal axis6being determined by a head region44which is raised relative to a top shank surface48of the parent body4.

Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the tool holder2, wherein the cutting head receptacle8extends in the direction of the holder longitudinal axis6beyond the head region44.

Yet another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the tool holder2, wherein the separating slot15ends in the raised head region44.

Still another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the tool holder2, wherein the separating slot15runs in an S shape and is oriented in a central section46approximately perpendicularly to the center axis32of the tightening element24.

Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the grooving tool, wherein: said angle is less than about thirty degrees; said upper portion, during use, of said clamping head comprises a countersunk receptacle for accommodating a head of said threaded clamping screw, which countersunk receptacle extends along a center line; the longitudinal axis of said threaded clamping screw is arranged offset from the center line of said countersunk receptacle in the direction of said lower portion, during use, of said clamping head; and an end face, running next to said cutting insert receptacle is formed by said first side surface and said second side surface.

Yet another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the tool holder, wherein: said upper portion, during use, of said clamping head is separated from said connecting body by said separating slot except for a bending cross section; said first side surface is in the region of said threaded clamping screw and said first side surface is inclined relative to the grooving tool tool holder longitudinal axis and which extends free of edges up to said separating slot; said upper portion, during use, of said clamping head is separated from said connecting body by said separating slot except for said bending cross section; said bending cross section lies within said clamping head, the extent of said bending cross section in the direction of the grooving tool tool holder longitudinal axis being determined by a head region which is raised relative to a top shank surface of said connecting body; said cutting insert receptacle extends in the direction of said grooving tool tool holder longitudinal axis beyond said head region; and said separating slot ends in the raised head region.

Still another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in a tool holder of a machine tool configured to permit replacement of cutting inserts in order to provide substantially secure clamping of replacement cutting inserts during operation of a machine tool and in order to permit a cutting insert to be replaced in said tool holder without said tool holder being moved in a machine tool in which said tool holder is installed, said tool holder comprising: a length, a height, and a width; said tool holder length being greater than either said tool holder height or said tool holder width; a tool holder longitudinal axis extending along said tool holder length; a clamping head being disposed on a first end of said tool holder length and being configured and disposed to accept a cutting insert; said clamping head comprising a receptacle being configured and disposed to accept a cutting insert; said clamping head comprising a first portion being disposed on a first side of said cutting insert receptacle; said clamping head comprising a second portion being disposed on a second side of said cutting insert receptacle, which second side is opposite said first side, and said second portion being adjacent said first portion; a separating slot being disposed between and separating said first portion of said clamping head and said second portion of said clamping head; a tightening element being configured and disposed to: extend between and connect said first portion of said clamping head and said second portion of said clamping head; narrow said separating slot by bringing said first portion of said clamping head and said second portion of said clamping head closer together to clamp said clamping head about a cutting insert; and expand said separating slot by moving said first portion of said clamping head and said second portion of said clamping head farther apart to loosen said clamping head around a cutting insert; and said tightening element comprising a tightening element longitudinal axis; said tightening element longitudinal axis being disposed with respect to the tool holder longitudinal axis at an angle, which angle permits accessibility for loosening and tightening of said tightening element, and thereby to permit replacing cutting inserts in said cutting insert receptacle, in order to provide substantially secure clamping of replacement cutting inserts during operation of a machine tool and thus permit a cutting insert to be replaced in said tool holder without said tool holder being moved in a machine tool in which said tool holder is installed; and said angle being less than about forty-five degrees.

A further feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the tool holder, wherein: said clamping head comprises: a short surface; a long surface; a first side surface being disposed adjacent said first end of said tool holder length and being disposed adjacent said short surface; a second side surface being disposed adjacent said first end of said tool holder length and being disposed adjacent said long surface; and a third side surface being disposed adjacent said short surface and being opposite said first side surface; and said angle permits replacing cutting inserts in said cutting insert receptacle, in order to provide secure clamping of replacement cutting inserts during operation of a machine tool in which access to said first portion and/or side portions, during use, is blocked, such that an adjustment tool for said tightening element is blocked from accessing a tightening element disposed on a first portion and/or side portion, during use, of a tool holder.

Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the tool holder, wherein: said tool holder further comprises a connecting body extending away from said first end of said tool holder length and extending away from said clamping head in the direction of the tool holder longitudinal axis and being configured to connect said tool holder to a machine tool; said cutting insert receptacle is configured and disposed to accept a cutting insert such that one side of a cutting insert is in contact with said tool holder and the other side of the cutting insert is open to the air; said cutting insert receptacle comprises two v-shaped slots, which two v-shaped slots extend in the direction of said tool holder longitudinal axis and are configured and disposed to allow a cutting insert to slide into said grooving insert receptacle upon assembly; said cutting insert receptacle further comprises a stop surface being disposed opposite said first end of said tool holder length; said separating slot comprises a first surface and a second surface; said first surface and said second surface are substantially parallel; said first surface of said separating slot is disposed nearer to said first side surface of said clamping head than said second surface of said separating slot; said second surface of said separating slot is disposed nearer to said connecting body than said first surface of said separating slot; said separating slot comprises a substantially s-shaped curve in a cross-sectional view, which substantially s-shaped curve comprises: a first slot portion, in which said first surface and said second surface extend from said first end of said tool holder length toward said connecting body and said first surface and said second surface extend substantially parallel to said tool holder longitudinal axis; a second slot portion extending from said first slot portion and curving toward said first portion of said clamping head, in which said first surface curves convexly toward said connecting body and said second surface curves concavely away from said first side surface of said clamping head; a third slot portion extending from said second slot portion, in which said first surface and said second surface are substantially straight; and a fourth slot portion extending from said third slot portion, in which said first surface curves concavely away from said connecting body and said second surface curves convexly toward said first side surface; and said tightening element longitudinal axis being substantially perpendicular to said first surface and said second surface of said third slot portion of said separating slot.

Yet another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the tool holder, wherein said angle is less than about thirty degrees.

Still another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the tool holder, wherein said first portion of said clamping head comprises a countersunk receptacle for accommodating a head of said tightening element, which countersunk receptacle extends along a center line, the center axis of said tightening element being arranged offset from the center line of said countersunk receptacle in the direction of said second portion of said clamping head.

A further feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the tool holder, wherein an end face, running next to said cutting insert receptacle is formed by said first side surface and said second side surface.

Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the tool holder, wherein: said first portion of said clamping head is separated from said connecting body by said separating slot except for a bending cross section; and said first side surface is in the region of said tightening element and said first side surface is inclined relative to the tool holder longitudinal axis and which extends free of edges up to said separating slot.

Yet another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the tool holder, wherein: said first portion of said clamping head is separated from said connecting body by said separating slot except for said bending cross section; said bending cross section lies within said clamping head, the extent of said bending cross section in the direction of the tool holder longitudinal axis being determined by a head region which is raised relative to a top shank surface of said connecting body.

Still another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the tool holder, wherein: said cutting insert receptacle extends in the direction of said tool holder longitudinal axis beyond said head region; and said separating slot ends in the raised head region.

A further feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in a tool holder of a machine tool configured to permit replacement of cutting inserts in order to provide substantially secure clamping of replacement cutting inserts during operation of a machine tool and in order to permit a cutting insert to be replaced in said tool holder without said tool holder being moved in a machine tool in which said tool holder is installed, said tool holder comprising: a length, a height, and a width; said tool holder length being greater than either said tool holder height or said tool holder width; a tool holder longitudinal axis extending along said tool holder length; a clamping head being disposed on a first end of said tool holder length and being configured and disposed to accept a cutting insert; said clamping head comprising a receptacle being configured and disposed to accept a cutting insert; said clamping head comprising a first portion being disposed on a first side of said cutting insert receptacle; said clamping head comprising a second portion being disposed on a second side of said cutting insert receptacle, which second side is opposite said first side, and said second portion being adjacent said first portion; a separating slot being disposed between and separating said first portion of said clamping head and said second portion of said clamping head; a tightening element being configured and disposed to: extend between and connect said first portion of said clamping head and said second portion of said clamping head; narrow said separating slot by bringing said first portion of said clamping head and said second portion of said clamping head closer together to clamp said clamping head about a cutting insert; and expand said separating slot by moving said first portion of said clamping head and said second portion of said clamping head farther apart to loosen said clamping head around a cutting insert; and said tightening element comprising a tightening element longitudinal axis; said tightening element longitudinal axis being disposed with respect to the tool holder longitudinal axis at an angle, which angle permits accessibility for loosening and tightening of said tightening element, and thereby to permit replacing cutting inserts in said cutting insert receptacle, in order to provide substantially secure clamping of replacement cutting inserts during operation of a machine tool in which access to said first portion and/or side portions is blocked, such that an adjustment tool for said threaded clamping screw is blocked from accessing a threaded clamping screw disposed on an upper and/or side portion, during use, of a grooving tool tool holder, and thus permit a cutting insert to be replaced in said tool holder without said tool holder being moved in a machine tool in which said tool holder is installed; and said angle being an acute angle substantially less than ninety degrees.

One feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the tool holder, wherein said angle is less than 45 degrees.

Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the tool holder, wherein said clamping head comprises: a short surface; a long surface; a first side surface being disposed adjacent said first end of said tool holder length and being disposed adjacent said short surface; a second side surface being disposed adjacent said first end of said tool holder length and being disposed adjacent said long surface; and a third side surface being disposed adjacent said short surface and being opposite said first side surface.

Yet another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the tool holder, wherein: said tool holder further comprises a connecting body extending away from said first end of said tool holder length and extending away from said clamping head in the direction of the tool holder longitudinal axis and being configured to connect said tool holder to a machine tool; said cutting insert receptacle is configured and disposed to accept a cutting insert such that one side of a cutting insert is in contact with said tool holder and the other side of the cutting insert is open to the air; said cutting insert receptacle comprises two v-shaped slots, which two v-shaped slots extend in the direction of said tool holder longitudinal axis and are configured and disposed to allow a cutting insert to slide into said grooving insert receptacle upon assembly; said cutting insert receptacle further comprises a stop surface being disposed opposite said first end of said tool holder length; said separating slot comprises a first surface and a second surface; said first surface and said second surface are substantially parallel; said first surface of said separating slot is disposed nearer to said first side surface of said clamping head than said second surface of said separating slot; said second surface of said separating slot is disposed nearer to said connecting body than said first surface of said separating slot; said separating slot comprises a substantially s-shaped curve in a cross-sectional view, which substantially s-shaped curve comprises: a first slot portion, in which said first surface and said second surface extend from said first end of said tool holder length toward said connecting body and said first surface and said second surface extend substantially parallel to said tool holder longitudinal axis; a second slot portion extending from said first slot portion and curving toward said first portion of said clamping head, in which said first surface curves convexly toward said connecting body and said second surface curves concavely away from said first side surface of said clamping head; a third slot portion extending from said second slot portion, in which said first surface and said second surface are substantially straight; and a fourth slot portion extending from said third slot portion, in which said first surface curves concavely away from said connecting body and said second surface curves convexly toward said first side surface; and said tightening element longitudinal axis being substantially perpendicular to said first surface and said second surface of said third slot portion of said separating slot.

Still another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the tool holder, wherein said angle is less than about thirty degrees.

A further feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the tool holder, wherein said first portion of said clamping head comprises a countersunk receptacle for accommodating a head of said tightening element, which countersunk receptacle extends along a center line, the center axis of said tightening element being arranged offset from the center line of said countersunk receptacle in the direction of said second portion of said clamping head.

Another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the tool holder, wherein an end face, running next to said cutting insert receptacle is formed by said first side surface and said second side surface.

Yet another feature or aspect of an embodiment is believed at the time of the filing of this patent application to possibly reside broadly in the tool holder, wherein: said first portion of said clamping head is separated from said connecting body by said separating slot except for a bending cross section; said first side surface is in the region of said tightening element and said first side surface is inclined relative to the tool holder longitudinal axis and which extends free of edges up to said separating slot; said first portion of said clamping head is separated from said connecting body by said separating slot except for said bending cross section; said bending cross section lies within said clamping head, the extent of said bending cross section in the direction of the tool holder longitudinal axis being determined by a head region which is raised relative to a top shank surface of said connecting body; said cutting insert receptacle extends in the direction of said tool holder longitudinal axis beyond said head region; and said separating slot ends in the raised head region.

The components disclosed in the various publications, disclosed or incorporated by reference herein, may possibly be used in possible embodiments of the present invention, as well as equivalents thereof.

It will be understood that the examples of patents, published patent applications, and other documents which are included in this application and which are referred to in paragraphs which state “Some examples of . . . which may possibly be used in at least one possible embodiment of the present application . . . ” may possibly not be used or useable in any one or more embodiments of the application.

The sentence immediately above relates to patents, published patent applications and other documents either incorporated by reference or not incorporated by reference.

All of the patents, patent applications or patent publications, which were cited in the International Search Report dated Apr. 17, 2008, and/or cited elsewhere are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein as follows: DE 101 32 721, having the following English translation of the German title “CUTTING DEVICE,” published Jan. 23, 2003; EP 1 252 954, having the title “CUTTING TOOL FOR PARTING AND GROOVING OPERATIONS,” published on Oct. 30, 2002; DE 88 04 365, having applicant Klaus KEMMER, ING., published on May 11, 1988; FR 2 373 349, having the French title “OUTIL DE COUPE À INSERTION DU TAILLANT,” published Jul. 7, 1978; DE 27 55 003, having the German title “SCHNEIDWERKZEUNG MIT SCHNEIDEINSATZ,” published Jun. 15, 1978; and EP 1 533 056, having the title “CUTTING TOOL HEAD FOR A METAL WORKING TOOL,” published on May 25, 2005.

The patents, patent applications, and patent publication listed above in the preceding paragraph are herein incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety. The purpose of incorporating U.S. patents, Foreign patents, publications, etc. is solely to provide additional information relating to technical features of one or more embodiments, which information may not be completely disclosed in the wording in the pages of this application. Words relating to the opinions and judgments of the author and not directly relating to the technical details of the description of the embodiments therein are not incorporated by reference. The words all, always, absolutely, consistently, preferably, guarantee, particularly, constantly, ensure, necessarily, immediately, endlessly, avoid, exactly, continually, expediently, need, must, only, perpetual, precise, perfect, require, requisite, simultaneous, total, unavoidable, and unnecessary, or words substantially equivalent to the above-mentioned words in this sentence, when not used to describe technical features of one or more embodiments, are not considered to be incorporated by reference herein.

The corresponding foreign and international patent publication applications, namely, Federal Republic of Germany Patent Application No. 10 2006 059 717.3, filed on Dec. 18, 2006, having inventor Igor KAUFMANN, and DE-OS 10 2006 059 and DE-PS 10 2006 059 717.3, and International Application No. PCT/2007/008794, filed on Oct. 10, 2007, having WIPO Publication No. WO 2008/074374 and inventor Igor KAUFMANN, are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein for the purpose of correcting and explaining any possible misinterpretations of the English translation thereof. In addition, the published equivalents of the above corresponding foreign and international patent publication applications, and other equivalents or corresponding applications, if any, in corresponding cases in the Federal Republic of Germany and elsewhere, and the references and documents cited in any of the documents cited herein, such as the patents, patent applications and publications, are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein.

The purpose of incorporating the Foreign equivalent patent application PCT/2007/008794 and German Patent Application 10 2006 059 is solely for the purpose of providing a basis of correction of any wording in the pages of the present application, which may have been mistranslated or misinterpreted by the translator. Words relating to opinions and judgments of the author and not directly relating to the technical details of the description of the embodiments therein are not to be incorporated by reference. The words all, always, absolutely, consistently, preferably, guarantee, particularly, constantly, ensure, necessarily, immediately, endlessly, avoid, exactly, continually, expediently, need, must, only, perpetual, precise, perfect, require, requisite, simultaneous, total, unavoidable, and unnecessary, or words substantially equivalent to the above-mentioned word in this sentence, when not used to describe technical features of one or more embodiments, are not generally considered to be incorporated by reference herein.

Statements made in the original foreign patent applications PCT/2007/008794 and DE 10 2006 059 717.3 from which this patent application claims priority which do not have to do with the correction of the translation in this patent application are not to be included in this patent application in the incorporation by reference.

All of the references and documents, cited in any of the documents cited herein, are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein. All of the documents cited herein, referred to in the immediately preceding sentence, include all of the patents, patent applications and publications cited anywhere in the present application.

The description of the embodiment or embodiments is believed, at the time of the filing of this patent application, to adequately describe the embodiment or embodiments of this patent application. However, portions of the description of the embodiment or embodiments may not be completely applicable to the claims as originally filed in this patent application, as amended during prosecution of this patent application, and as ultimately allowed in any patent issuing from this patent application. Therefore, any statements made relating to the embodiment or embodiments are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

The embodiments of the invention described herein above in the context of the preferred embodiments are not to be taken as limiting the embodiments of the invention to all of the provided details thereof, since modifications and variations thereof may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the invention.