Turning – Process of turning
Reexamination Certificate
2001-03-16
2003-09-02
Ackun, Jacob K. (Department: 3712)
Turning
Process of turning
C407S067000, C407S117000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06612207
ABSTRACT:
RELATED INVENTION
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §§119 and/or 365 to patent application(s) Ser. No. 100 12 821.1 and Ser. No. 100 42 779.0 filed in Germany on Mar. 16, 2000 and Aug. 31, 2000, respectively.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a cutting-bit bolder for turning tools, i.e., a cutting-bit holder for a turning machine. By “turning” is meant machining with a closed generally circular cutting movement by rotating the tool or the workpiece. Chipping takes place during a relative rectilinear feed movement between the workpiece and the tool in a direction perpendicular or parallel to the axis of rotation. By “axis of rotation” is meant the axis of rotation of the workpiece when the workpiece turns. If the workpiece is stationary and the tool rotates, e.g., in band-turning machines, facing tools and boring tools with boring bars on boring and milling machines, then the axis of rotation must be understood to be the axis of rotation of the rotating tool.
Such cutting-bit holders are available on the market in many versions. In general, a turning bit (or insert) such as a cutting or cutting-off bit is inserted into and screwed to the cutting-bit holder. The cutting-bit bolder can then be connected to the turning machine. To carry out the cutoff process, the cutting-bit holder is then moved by the turning machine, for example toward the axis of the turning workpiece, so that the cutting insert fixed in the cutting bit holder engages with the workpiece and the latter for example is stripped or cut off.
However, the known cutting-bit holders have the disadvantage that, on the one hand, replacing the turning bit is very time-consuming and, on the other hand in particular when a plurality of grooves is to be incorporated into the workpiece or a plurality of disks is to be cut off from the workpiece, the cut-off process is very time-consuming. That is because the cutting-bit holder, together with the bit, must be moved individually in the direction of feed for each groove or each cut-off process. Moreover, in the case of these versions of holders, the cutting bit is held securely in the cutting-bit holder only after the adjustment of the cutting bit such that, in particular in the case of an overhead mounting, the cutting bit can slip or fall out of the bit holder.
The object of the present invention therefore is to provide a turning assembly, a turning bit, a bit holder, and a turning method for overcoming the above-named disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention, this object is achieved in that the cutting-bit holder is provided for the holding of at least two turning bits (inserts). The turning bits are preferably arranged in the held position such that during the turning process, at least two turning bits can engage simultaneously with the workpiece. Because the cutting-bit holder can hold several turning bits and move them simultaneously in the direction of feed, the turning process can be clearly shortened. Thus, the invention also pertains to an improved turning method.
The turning bits are preferably held in the cutting-bit holder such that they stand essentially parallel to each other.
The cutting-bit holder is particularly preferably developed such that it has at least two holding elements which are each provided for the holding of a turning bit. Because each bit is held by its own holding element, replacement thereof is simplified.
A particularly preferred version provides that the holding elements are adjustable independently of each other in at least one direction, preferably in the direction of feed. Through this feature, the individual bits can be set independently of each other in the direction of feed. It is thereby possible for example to turn grooves of different depths into the work-piece simultaneously with the help of the cutting-bit holder. The bits which are to produce deeper grooves are easily advanced somewhat in the direction of feed together with their holding element vis-á-vis the other bits.
The cutting-bit holder expediently has a base body in which the holding elements are arranged, the holding elements being able to be fixed in the base body.
A particularly preferred version provides that a clamping device is arranged for the fixing of the holding elements in the base body. Through the fixing by means of the clamping device, the individual bit can be very quickly housed and fixed in the holding element. It is thereby guaranteed that the individual holding elements, after adjustment in the direction of feed, can be fixed easily and quickly. The holding elements are particularly preferably clamped by the clamping device in a direction which lies perpendicular to the direction of feed, preferably parallel to the axis of rotation.
Particularly expedient is a version of the cutting-bit holder in which the holding elements are able to be replaced. It is thereby possible to either replace the holding elements together with the bit, in order for example to have another bit available without delay, or simply to change a holding element and to mount the bit on the replaced holding element. This may for example be necessary when the clear distance between the different bits is to be changed, as a holding element with another width can then be advantageous.
The holding elements are preferably developed such that the cutting bits can be inserted into the holding element from the direction of feed.
Particularly preferred is a version in which the cutting-bit holder is provided for the heading of the bits in axial direction or longitudinal direction in at least two positions. By “longitudinal” direction is meant a direction parallel to the workpiece axis. Through this measure, the distance between two adjacent bits in the cutting-bit holder can be varied. Particularly preferred is a version in which the bits can be varied essentially continuously in the axial direction such that they can be securely fixed or held in almost every position. (It is understood that such a variability cannot be realized with a screw connection of the bit to the holding element or the cutting-bit holder.) A preferred version therefore provides for a clamping device for the fixing of the bits in the axial direction. With the help of this clamping device, this position can be fixed simply and above all quickly after the bits have been adjusted, i.e. have been positioned correctly both in the direction of feed and in the axial direction.
An expedient version provides that at least one spacer is provided for insertion between adjacent bits. In particular when not every bit is to be individually fixed or clamped to the holding element or in the cutting-bit holder, it is advantageous if a spacer is placed between two bits, the clear distance of which exceeds a specific value. The bits are then clamped to the spacer by the clamping device such that a type of sandwich clamping results. The high-precision adjustment of the clear distance between the bits is thus effected by the choice of thickness of the spacer. If the clear distance between two bits is to be increased, the use of another spacer or alternatively several spacers is necessary.
In a particularly preferred version, the holding elements are provided for the support or bearing of the bit essentially at three locations. The bit is firstly inserted into the holding element such that it touches the holding element at the three locations. Through the three locations, the position of the bit is precisely specified relative to die holding element. The fixing or clamping device then fixes bit in precisely this position. It is understood that the three locations need not actually be in the form of points, but as a rule represent precisely worked surfaces, preferably on the edge surfaces. The holding element then supports or bears the cutting-off insert essentially at three surfaces.
For some applications, it may be advantageous that each holding element has an attachment apparatus for the fixing of a bit in or at the holding element. Such an attachment apparatus can also be
Ackun Jacob K.
Burns Doane , Swecker, Mathis LLP
Sandvik AB
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