RU2773752C2 - Milling set containing indexed insert without holes and positioning device with surface for insert retention - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: material processing.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to material processing by cutting; it can be used in operation with milling tools with indexed triangular inserts. A positioning device is made with the possibility of retention of a decreased indexed cutting insert without holes, using magnetic force, electrostatic force and/or adhesion force, and it has outward-facing surface for insert retention, having an elongated shape that corresponds to a shape of a side of the decreased cutting insert. A milling set contains the specified positioning device and at least one decreased cutting insert. The milling set may also contain, if necessary, a milling tool with one or more sockets for an insert, made with the possibility of accommodation of such cutting inserts, as well as one or more clamping screws made with the possibility of fixation by clamping from the outer side of such inserts in the specified socket without passage through inserts. A method for the replacement of a cutting insert using a device is disclosed.

EFFECT: reliable retention of a cutting insert is provided.

24 cl, 16 dwg

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[001] The present invention relates to milling tools. In particular, it relates to miniature milling tools with reduced indexable triangular or trigonal cutting inserts for milling, which lack a through hole for clamping said insert.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] In general, replaceable/consumable cutting inserts mounted in a reusable steel body are preferred over solid cutting tools in which the tool body has built-in sharp cutting edges. Solid instruments dominated the lower end of the scale for instrument size/diameter. This is particularly true for cutting inserts under a certain size, where it becomes impractical (or even impossible) to use interchangeable cutting inserts because they cannot be secured in the socket with a set screw that normally goes through the clamp hole in the insert. The main reason for this is that clamping screws (and especially their heads) below a certain size become too small for standard screwdrivers and wrenches.

[003] Another and probably more important problem with replaceable/consumable indexable inserts is that it is very difficult to handle such small, barely visible elements by hand. The milling set according to the present invention, and in particular the magnetic positioner, overcomes these problems and provides a milling tool with replaceable reduced cutting inserts for milling.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[004] According to a first aspect of the present application, there is provided a positioner configured to hold a reduced indexable cutting insert without holes, the positioner comprising an outwardly facing insert holding surface having an elongated shape,

and

the shape of the surface for holding the insert corresponds to the shape of the side of the cutting insert.

[005] According to the second aspect of the present application, a milling kit is further provided, comprising a positioning device and a reduced cutting insert without holes.

[006] According to a third aspect of the present application, a milling kit is further provided, comprising a milling tool having an insert socket, a reduced indexable cutting insert without holes, fixed in the said socket with a clamp screw from the outside, and a positioning device.

[007] According to a fourth aspect of the present application, a method for replacing a reduced insert (typically because all cutting edges have worn out) using a magnetic positioning device is further provided, which may include the following steps:

a. attaching a surface to hold the insert to any part of the reduced insert;

b. loosening the screw to open or release the reduced insert;

c. pulling the insert out of the socket, detaching the insert from the surface to hold the insert, and ejecting it;

d. attaching an insert holding surface to an unused lead surface of the replaceable cutting insert;

e. inserting the replacement insert into the socket and securing the screw.

[008] A fifth aspect of the present application further provides a method for incrementally moving a reduced insert (typically due to a worn cutting edge) with a magnetic positioner, which may include the following steps:

a. attaching said magnetic holding surface to an open or accessible main take-off surface associated with a working, typically worn, main cutting edge;

b. unscrewing the screw to open or release the reduced insert;

c. attaching said magnetic device to the insert;

d. removing the insert from the socket and stepping it in such a way that the unused primary lead-off surface is attached to the insert-retaining surface;

e. inserting the reduced insert 14 into the socket 18 and fixing the screw.

[009] Any of the following features, either alone or in combination, may be applicable to any of the above aspects of the present application.

[0010] The positioner may have a magnetic or magnetized insert-retaining surface that is configured to magnetically retain the insert. In some embodiments, the positioning device may comprise a natural magnet, while in other embodiments, the positioning device may comprise an electromagnet.

[0011] The positioner may have an electrostatic insert-retaining surface that is configured to electrostatically retain the insert.

[0012] The positioner may have an adhesive surface for holding the insert, to which the insert, upon contact, can be temporarily attached by adhesion.

[0013] The insert holding surface is elongated in the extension direction, and the positioner may further comprise opposing enlarged gripping surfaces that extend in the extension direction (ED) and are configured to provide grip and orientation when the operator holds the positioner.

[0014] The insert-retaining surface may also have opposing major edges extending in the extension direction and two shorter minor edges extending between the major edges.

[0015] The tool body is elongated in the axial direction extending from the positioning head, and the insert holding surface is the outermost surface that protrudes axially outward from the positioning head.

[0016] The reduced insert is triangular or trigonal, and the insert holding surface is configured to interact with one of the three main deflection surfaces of the reduced insert.

[0017] The insert-retaining surface may comprise opposing identical major edges that range from 1.8 mm to 4.2 mm.

[0018] The insert-retaining surface has opposing minor edges that connect opposing major edges and are in the range of 1.1 mm to 2.4 mm.

[0019] The positioning tool may be modular, and the rear end of the tool body of the tool can be selectively attachable to and detachable from the power tool.

[0020] The positioning tool may have an elastic sleeve fixedly attached to the positioning head.

[0021] The tool body is elongated in the axial direction extending from the positioning head; the surface for holding the insert is elongated in the direction of extension; and when viewed along the axial direction, the insert holding surface has a smaller footprint than the fixture body.

[0022] The positioning head may include two head surfaces that extend back from the insert-retaining surface at a divergence.

[0023] The positioning tool may further comprise a non-ferromagnetic, non-magnetic holding portion fixedly attached to the body of the tool and configured to capture and apply torque transmission.

[0024] The cutting insert has only three main cutting edges and an inscribed circle that is in tangential contact with all three main cutting edges.

[0025] The inscribed circle may have an inscribed circle diameter ranging from 2.5 mm to 3.8 mm.

[0026] The inscribed circle may have an inscribed circle diameter ranging from 2.5 mm to 3.2 mm.

[0027] The shape of the insert holding surface corresponds to the shape of the main withdrawal surface of the cutting insert.

[0028] The cutting insert contains:

opposite top and bottom surfaces of the insert and a peripheral surface of the insert extending therebetween;

a central axis of symmetry passing through said top and bottom surfaces; and

the maximum thickness of the insert, measured along the central axis of symmetry and in the range from 1 mm to 2.5 mm.

[0029] The milling tool may include a fluid channel that opens to said at least one insertion socket in the fluid outlet.

[0030] The cutting insert may have a main cutting edge having a main cutting edge length in the range of 2 mm to 4 mm.

[0031] The cutting insert comprises a central axis of symmetry passing through said top and bottom surfaces, around which the cutting insert has rotational symmetry of 120 degrees.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] For a better understanding of the present application, and also in order to show how the subject can be made in practice, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

in fig. 1 is an isometric view of a milling kit comprising a reduced insert and a positioner having a surface to hold the insert;

in fig. 2 shows an isometric view of the first and/or second embodiments of the positioning device with actuating means;

in fig. 3 shows an axial view of the magnetic tool shown in FIG. 2;

in fig. 4 is a side view of the first embodiment of the positioning device shown in FIG. 2;

in fig. 5 shows a third embodiment of a positioning device without actuating means;

in fig. 6 shows an exploded isometric view of a first embodiment of reduced inserts and a milling tool;

in fig. 7 is a side view of the milling tool shown in FIG. 6;

in fig. 8 shows an axial view of the milling tool shown in FIG. 6;

in fig. 9 is a side view of the reduced insert shown in FIG. 6;

in fig. 10 is a plan view of the top surface of the insert of the reduced insert shown in FIG. 6;

in fig. 11 shows an exploded isometric view of a second embodiment of reduced inserts and a milling tool;

in fig. 12 is a side view of the milling tool shown in FIG. eleven;

in fig. 13 is an axial view of the milling tool shown in FIG. eleven;

in fig. 14 is a side view of the reduced insert shown in FIG. eleven;

in fig. 15 is a plan view of the top surface of the insert of the reduced insert shown in FIG. 6; and

in fig. 16 is a sectional view of the fluid passage taken along line XVI-XVI of FIG. 7.

[0033] Where deemed appropriate, reference signs may be repeated throughout the drawings to indicate corresponding or similar elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] In the following description, various aspects of the subject matter of the present application will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in sufficient detail to provide a thorough understanding of the subject matter of the present application. However, one skilled in the art should understand that the subject matter of the present application may be practiced without the specific configurations and details provided herein.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1 and 2. The new milling set 10 for the milling tool 12 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) contains one or more reduced indexable cutting inserts 14 for milling without holes and a positioning device 16 for manipulating said inserts into and out of the socket 18 of the milling tool 12. him.

[0036] Reduced insert 14 is indexable, triangular or trigonal, has a positive geometry and does not contain holes. The insert 14 is fixed in the slots 18 in the milling tool 12. The milling tool 12 has a longitudinal axis A of rotation.

[0037] The word "reduced" is used in a sense that describes a cutting insert 14 that is smaller than currently available replaceable one-piece (i.e., non-soldered or not made from two or more main parts) inserts that contain a clamping hole. In other words, these reduced inserts 14 are so small that they can disappear from view when they are between two fingertips or pads. Under many lighting conditions, such indexable inserts 14, and in particular their cutting edges, are difficult to see with the naked eye. This is especially problematic when distinguishing between new, unused cutting edges and worn cutting edges. Such physical properties lead to significant difficulties for the operator handling these tools and inserts.

[0038] For the present purposes, an insert is said to be reduced when it satisfies one or more predetermined dimensional and geometric criteria, as will be further explained below.

[0039] Accordingly, the milling tool 12 is provided with a positioner 16 (FIGS. 1-5). Stepping, insertion or replacement of such reduced inserts 14 is carried out with at least a positioning device 16 and optimally using a positioning device 16 in combination with two fingers, as will be further explained below.

[0040] The positioner 16 is configured to hold the reduced inserts 14 such that the cutting edges are visible (as opposed to manually holding the inserts 14 where the cutting edges may be literally invisible). In addition, in order to accurately secure and position the insert 14 in the seat 18, as well as to accurately identify worn cutting edges, the positioner 16 is configured to hold the insert 14 in a particular orientation. For example, if the cutting edge is worn, the operator will hold the insert 14 through a retractable surface associated with the worn cutting edge of the insert 14 using the positioning tool 16, remove the insert 14 from the seat 18, reorient the insert 14 relative to the positioning tool 16, and then place the insert 14 back into seat 18 in the desired orientation (ie, with the unused cutting edge facing outward).

[0041] Most operators find it difficult, if not impossible, to position, hold, and increment the reduced inserts 14 without the positioner 16.

[0042] Therefore, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a positioner 16 is provided as part of a milling kit 10 that includes a positioning fixture 16, a milling tool 12, and one or more reduced inserts 14. In accordance with another embodiment, the milling kit 10 contains only positioning device 16 and reduced inserts 14.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 1-2. The positioning fixture 16 has opposite front and rear ends 20, 22 of the fixture. At the front end 20 of the fixture, the positioning fixture 16 has a positioning head 24 which is of a single integral structure. At the rear end 22 of the tool, the positioner 16 has a tool body 22 that is fixedly and permanently attached to the positioning head 24. The tool body 26 may be made of plastic or a suitable non-magnetizable, non-ferromagnetic material.

[0044] The positioning head 24 has an elongated, preferably cylindrical shape. The positioning head 24 has an insert holding surface 28 which is located at the front end 20 of the tool and faces outward in the axial direction.

[0045] For the present purposes, an "insert holding surface" is a surface that retains a reduced insert by applying an attractive force to the surfaces of the insert. To hold the insert, the insert holding surface uses attractive forces such as magnetic force or electrostatic force. In an alternative embodiment, the surface for holding the insert may be an adhesive surface that is temporarily attached by adhesion to the insert upon contact.

[0046] The insert holding surface 28 protrudes axially outward from the positioning head 24. In other words, the insert holding surface 28 is the outermost portion of the positioning head 24 in its axial direction. This is advantageous for better holding the insert 14 without obstruction and for better setting and viewing its orientation. The insert holding surface 28 is configured to interact with and retain the reduced inserts 14. Therefore, the insert-retaining surface 28 has an asymmetric shape that is configured to match or match the shape of a side or peripheral side of the reduced insert 14 (generally, most inserts have elongated sides or peripheral sides). In particular, at least in a plan view of the insert's retracting surface (which is different from the view of the inclined surface of the insert, where there are often symmetrical shapes), the insert has an elongated shape.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, described further below, the attractive force is magnetic. Accordingly, the positioning tool 16 is a magnetic positioning tool 16 having a positioning head 24 provided with a magnetic surface 28 for holding the insert. In such an embodiment of the invention, the head 24 and the surface 28 for holding the insert create magnetic fields generated by both natural magnetic material and ferromagnetic material. In addition, in some embodiments of the invention, the magnetic positioning device 16 may include an electromagnet.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 3. In plan view, the magnetic insert holding surface 28 has a closed elongated peripheral edge that defines the extension direction ED. In other words, in the first direction (extension direction ED), the shape of the insert holding magnetic surface 28 has a maximum dimension that is larger than the maximum dimension in the second direction perpendicular to the extension direction ED. The shape of the magnetic insert holding surface 28 corresponds to the side of the reduced inserts 14. In particular, in the attached position (when the magnetic insert holding surface 28 is in contact with the reduced insert side), the reduced insert 14 is aligned with and conforms to the extension direction ED (as seen from Fig. 3) due to attractive forces. The word "match" is used in the sense that indicates the similarity in geometry (for example, if one shape is a rectangle, then the corresponding shape will not be round) between the shape of the magnetic surface 28 for holding the insert and the shape of the side of the reduced insert 14. This is advantageous because when the magnetic insert holding surface 28 is brought close enough to either side, or side circumferential surface, or take-off surface 82 of the reduced insert 14, magnetic pull forces (generally within the boundaries of the magnetic insert holding surface 28) can change the orientation of the insert. 14 so as to match or match the orientation of the magnetic insert-retaining surface 28.

[0049] In addition, the magnetic positioner 16 includes a holding portion 30 that includes opposing gripping surfaces 32 that allow the operator to grip and also allow the magnetic positioner 16 to easily apply torque. magnetic surface 28 to hold the insert. Opposite gripping surfaces 32 extend in the extension direction ED. The gripping surfaces 32 may be parallel to the extension direction ED. This feature is advantageous because the operator can easily set or easily trace the orientation of the magnetic surface 28 for holding the insert and subsequently the orientation of the reduced insert 14.

[0050] The magnetic insert holding surface 28 has the same or smaller area as compared to the axial cross section of the positioning head 24. In other words, the magnetic insert holding surface 28 has the smallest occupied area of the magnetic positioning fixture 16 in its axial or top view. magnetic surface 28 to hold the insert.

[0051] Referring again to FIG. 3. For example, the insert-retaining magnetic surface 28 may have a generally rectangular shape with a pair of opposing major edges 36 that extend in the extension direction ED and a pair of opposing minor edges 38 (which may not be straight). The positioning head 24 may include head surfaces 34 each extending from a respective major edge 36. The head surfaces 34 radiate away from the magnetic surface 28 to hold the insert. The head surfaces 34 may be planar and configured to assist the operator in establishing the correct orientation and step position of the current magnetically held miniature insert 14 (particularly when the operator steps the insert 14).

[0052] In accordance with the present invention, the magnetic positioner 16 may have three embodiments of the magnetic positioner:

[0053] According to the first embodiment of the magnetic positioner, the magnetic positioner 116 is modular and can be permanently attached/reattached to most screwdrivers 42 or tools. In particular, the rear end 122 of the fixture is configured to be attached to or clipped into the rear end 44 of a powered tool (non-working end). For example, the rear end 122 of the fixture may include a non-magnetic, non-ferromagnetic coupling portion or sleeve 40 that is configured to attach or attach the magnetic fixture 116 to another fixture, such as a powered tool 42, for example.

[0054] In accordance with the second embodiment of the magnetic positioner, the magnetic positioner 216 has a positioning head 24 that is an integral part of the power tool 242 and, in particular, the rear end 244 of the power tool (i.e., its non-working end). The magnetic tool 216 can be, for example, attached by adhesion, inserted into a special recess or screwed into a thread on the rear end 44 of the powered tool.

[0055] According to the third embodiment of the magnetic positioner, the magnetic positioner 316 is a stand-alone device that is only configured to assist the operator in positioning, holding, and stepping the insert 14 as discussed above. According to this embodiment, the magnetic tool 316 does not include any actuating means such as a Torx interface/key. The magnetic positioning fixture 316 at the rear end 322 of the fixture includes a holding portion 330.

[0056] Reduced insert 14 is typically made from a very hard and wear resistant material such as cemented carbide by pressing and sintering carbide powders in a cement. The cemented carbide may be, for example, tungsten carbide. The cutting insert 14 for milling may be coated or uncoated. The reduced inserts 14 are preferably non-demagnetizable. However, during testing, the magnetic positioning fixture 16 functioned adequately and properly held even inserts that were demagnetized.

[0057] Reduced insert 14 has opposing top and bottom insert surfaces 48, 50 and a peripheral insert surface 52 extending therebetween. The insert 14 is 120 degrees rotationally symmetrical about a central axis of symmetry CA that extends through the top and bottom surfaces 48, 50 of the insert. Thus, insert 14 is capable of three-way incremental movement around its central axis of symmetry CA. The insert 14 has a virtual median plane MP which is perpendicular to the central axis CA, midway between the top and bottom surfaces 48, 50 of the insert, and intersects the peripheral surface 52 of the insert. The maximum thickness MIT of the insert is measured in a direction parallel to the central axis CA between the outer edges of the top and bottom surfaces 48, 50 of the insert. The maximum thickness of the MIT insert is preferably in the range of 1.0 mm to 2.5 mm.

[0058] The top surface 48 of the insert has a peripheral top edge 54. The top edge 54 contains exactly three work pieces 56 configured to work on the workpiece. For example, each blade 56 may include, for example, a main cutting edge 58, a corner cutting edge 60, and/or a beveled cutting edge 62. Each blade 56 may include wiper edges 64 that are not configured to remove material, but are configured to smoothing or improving the surface quality of the workpiece.

[0059] Each main cutting edge 58 may have a main cutting edge length CEL that ranges from 2 mm to 4 mm.

[0060] The top surface 48 of the insert includes an upper abutment surface 68 configured to abut a screw 74 to secure the insert 14 in the seat 18. Each upper abutment surface 68 includes exactly three upper abutment subsurfaces 76.

[0061] The top surface 48 of the insert includes major ramps 70 that may be located between the top edge 54 and the top abutment surface 68. Each major ramp 70 extends from a respective major cutting edge 58.

[0062] In accordance with the present embodiments, in a plan view of the top surface 48 of the insert, the insert 14 may be in the shape of an irregular triangle or a regular triangle. The inscribed circle IC is defined between (or is tangent to) three identical major cutting edges 58 of the top edge 54. The inscribed circle IC has an inscribed circle diameter ICD ranging from 2.5 mm to 3.8 mm, and preferably from 2.5 mm to 3.2 mm.

[0063] In most or all examples, the ICD diameter range of the inscribed circle does not leave room for a suitable functional clamping hole (capable of accommodating a suitable/applicable screw with an applicable screw head size), but at the same time also retains adequate insert design. In other words, small sized inserts may be too brittle and unusable, and/or the clamping hole will only accommodate screws that are too small to hold the cutting inserts in place. Therefore, such inserts 14 are devoid of a clamping hole as well as any other through hole and are thus considered to be "no holes" inserts. The absence of a clamping hole is advantageous, at least because compared to an insert with a hole, this insert is stronger and the manufacturing process is cheaper.

[0064] The bottom surface 50 includes a bottom abutment surface 78. The bottom abutment surface 78 is preferably flat. The bottom surface 50 has a bottom edge 80 which may lie in the same plane. The bottom edge 80 is not designed for any type of machining. Therefore, the insert 14 is one-sided. The bottom surface 50 may include a recess located centrally on the bottom abutment surface 78, which can enhance the definition of the interaction (three-point interaction as known in the art) between the bottom abutment surface 78 and the corresponding abutment surface in the seat 18.

[0065] It should be noted, therefore, that a reduced insert 14 may have top and/or bottom surfaces provided with recesses, recesses, and other formations, and still be considered a "no-hole" insert, provided that it does not have a through hole of sufficient size for in order to allow the clamping element to pass through this insert and attach it to the insert socket.

[0066] The peripheral surface 52 of the insert includes retractable surfaces 82, each of which extends from a respective portion of the upper edge 54. The retractable surfaces 82 converge in a downward direction towards the lower edge 80 (increasingly closer to the central axis CA). Therefore, insert 14 is defined as a positive insert 14 known in the art, or an insert having a positive cutting geometry.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 6-10. According to the first embodiment of the insert, the reduced insert 14 is a cutting insert 114 for high feed milling as is known in the art. Each working portion 156 includes a bevelled cutting edge 162 connected transversely (in a plan view of the top surface 148 of the insert, as seen from Fig. 10) with the main cutting edge 158, which is connected to the corner cutting edge 160. The working part 156 may include an auxiliary corner cutting an edge 166 that connects the beveled cutting edge 162 to the main cutting edge 158. Each beveled cutting edge 162 is formed at the intersection between the beveled ramp 184 and the beveled retraction surface 186. Each main cutting edge 158 is formed at the intersection between the main ramp 170 and the main retraction surface 172. The main retraction surface 172 is configured to abut against the surface 28 to hold the insert of the magnetic positioning device 16. Each corner cutting edge 160 is formed at the intersection between the corner slope surface 188 and the corner retraction surface 190. Each of these slopes surfaces is formed on the top surface 148 of the insert. Each of said withdrawal surfaces is formed on the peripheral surface 152 of the insert.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 11-15. According to the second embodiment of the insert, the reduced insert 14 is a shoulder milling cutting insert 214 as is known in the art. The shoulder milling insert is configured to form rectangular shoulders in the workpiece. Each working portion 256 includes a main cutting edge 258, a wiper edge 264, and a corner cutting edge 260 extending therebetween. Each blade 256 may also include a beveled cutting edge 262 that extends between the wiper edge 264 and the main cutting edge 258 of the adjacent blade 256. Each main cutting edge 258 is formed at the intersection between the main ramp 270 and the main run-off surface 272. Each beveled cutting edge edge 262 is formed at the intersection between the beveled ramp 284 and the beveled withdrawal surface 286. Each corner cutting edge 260 is formed at the intersection between the angled ramp 288 and the angled withdrawal surface 290. Each of these ramps is formed on the top surface 248 of the insert. Each of these withdrawal surfaces is formed on the peripheral surface 252 of the insert. The peripheral surface 252 of the insert further comprises wiper run-off surfaces 265, each of which extends from a respective wiper edge 264.

[0069] In the first and second embodiments, the inscribed circle diameter ICD is 3.0 mm and 2.8 mm, respectively.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 6 and 11. The milling tool 12 has a milling body 91 and a cutting portion 92 which extends therefrom and contains at least two pockets 18. The pocket or pockets 18 are those known in the art as radially oriented or radial pockets. 18. Hence the inserts 14 are also referred to as radial inserts.

[0071] Each socket 18 may have a main socket surface 93 and two socket walls 94 extending from it. The walls 94 of the nest may be perpendicular to the main surface 93 of the nest. According to a first embodiment of the insert 114, the two socket walls 194 converge inwardly in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation A (as seen in FIG. 6). According to a second embodiment of the insert 214, the two socket walls 294 converge inwardly in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A (as seen in FIG. 11).

[0072] Each socket 18 contains a wedge-shaped arrangement that secures such reduced inserts 14 without openings. The inserts 14 are not attached by adhesion or soldered in any way to any other parts of the milling tool 12 or adapters/cartridges of any type in order to allow easy, fast and cost effective replacement or stepping of the inserts 14 themselves (without any adapters or gaskets). Each socket 18 contains a screw 74 which is screwed into a threaded hole 95 in the milling tool 12 and does not pass through the insert 14. The threaded hole 95 is not located on the main surface 93 of the socket. The screw 74 is configured to directly contact the insert 14 and press it against the main surface 93 of the socket (ie, the insert 14 is wedged therebetween). The screw 74 also pulls the insert 14 against the socket walls 94 which position the insert 14 in the socket 18. When tightened, the screw 74 engages the upper thrust surface 68 and specifically the screw 74 abuts against one of the upper thrust subsurfaces 76.

[0073] Each seat 18 may further comprise an internal fluid passage 96 that extends along the milling body 91 and opens into a seat 18 in the fluid outlet 98. The fluid outlet 98 may be located proximate the threaded hole 95. The fluid passage 96 and the fluid outlet 98 are separated from the threaded bore 95. The fluid passage 96 may be located between the two walls 94 of the socket.

[0074] Torque wrenches are well known and are sometimes supplied/recommended for use with tools of the art (i.e., miniature milling tools that contain miniature screws) because fasteners of said small diameter can be torn off or broken quite easily. Such torque wrenches contain a torque limiting mechanism that is calibrated to prevent the operator from exceeding the recommended torque limit when applying torque to the appropriate screw size.

[0075] A standard/conventional power tool 42 or torque wrench includes opposing front and rear ends 43, 44 of a power tool and a power tool body 46 that extends therebetween. The drive tool 42 has a drive tool rotation axis DRA. The front end 43 of the driven tool contains a key or torque transmitting geometry such as TORX™. The power tool body 46 includes a power tool holding portion 30 configured to provide a grip. The drive tool holding portion 30 may extend radially outward from the drive tool rotation axis DRA on one or two opposite sides thereof.

[0076] A method for replacing a reduced cutting insert 14 (typically because all cutting edges have worn out) with a magnetic positioner 16 may include the following steps:

a. attaching the insert holding surface 28 to any part of the reduced insert 14;

b. loosening the screw 74 to open or release the reduced insert 14;

c. pulling the insert 14 out of the socket 18, detaching the insert 14 from the surface 28 to hold the insert, and ejecting it;

d. attaching the insert holding surface 28 to an unused lead-off surface 82 of the replaceable cutting insert;

e. inserting the replaceable insert 14 into the socket 18 and fixing the screw 74.

[0077] A method for stepping a reduced cutting insert 14 (typically due to a worn cutting edge) using a magnetic positioner 16 may include the following steps:

a. attaching said magnetic retaining surface 28 to an exposed or accessible main run-off surface 72 associated with a working, typically worn, main cutting edge 25;

b. unscrewing the screw 74 to open or release the reduced insert 14;

c. attaching said magnetic device 16, 116, 216, 316 to insert 14;

d. removing the insert 14 from the seat 18 and stepping it so that the unused main lead surface 72, 172, 272 is attached to the insert retaining surface 28;

e. inserting the reduced insert 14 into the socket 18 and fixing the screw 74.

Claims (58)

1. Positioning device (16, 116, 216, 316) for the insert, configured to hold the indexable cutting insert (14, 114, 214) without holes, while the positioning device (16, 116, 216, 316) for the insert contains: body (26) fixtures having front and rear ends (20, 22, 322) fixtures; a positioning head (24) provided at the front end (20) of the tool body (26) of the tool; and an outward facing surface (28) for holding the insert provided on the positioning head (24), and: the surface (28) for holding the insert has an elongated shape that matches the shape of the side of the cutting insert (14, 114, 214); and an attractive force is applied by the insert holding surface (28) to enable orientation and retention of the cutting insert (14, 114, 214) to position the cutting insert in the insert seat (18) belonging to the cutting tool separate from the insert positioning device. 2. Positioning device (16, 116, 216, 316) according to claim 1, in which: the force of attraction is a magnetic force; the positioner is a magnetic positioner (16, 116, 216, 316); and the surface (28) for holding the insert is a magnetic surface (28) for holding the insert. 3. Positioning device (16, 116, 216, 316) according to claim 2, in which: the magnetic surface (28) for holding the insert is extended in the extension direction (ED); and positioning device (16, 116, 216, 316) further comprises opposite enlarged gripping surfaces (32) that extend in the extension direction (ED) and are configured to provide grip and orientation indication when the operator holds this positioning device (16, 116 , 216, 316). 4. Positioning device (16, 116, 216, 316) according to claim 2, in which: the magnetic surface (28) for holding the insert is extended in the extension direction (ED); and the magnetic surface (28) for holding the insert comprises two opposite main edges (36) extending in the extension direction (ED) and two shorter secondary edges (38) extending between the main edges (36). 5. The positioning tool (16, 116, 216, 316) according to claim 2, wherein the body (26) of the tool is elongated in the axial direction extending from the positioning head (24) and the magnetic surface (28) for holding the insert is the most a distal surface that protrudes axially outward from the positioning head (24). 6. Positioning device (16, 116, 216, 316) according to claim 2, in which: insert (14) is triangular or trigonal, and the magnetic surface (28) for holding the insert is configured to interact with one of the three main withdrawal surfaces (172, 272) of the insert (14). 7. The positioning device (16, 116, 216, 316) according to claim 2, wherein the magnetic surface (28) for holding the insert comprises opposite identical major edges (36) that are in the range from 1.8 mm to 4.2 mm. 8. The positioning device (16, 116, 216, 316) according to claim 7, wherein the magnetic surface (28) for holding the insert comprises opposing minor edges (38) that connect the opposite major edges and are in the range of 1.1 mm up to 2.4 mm. 9. Positioning device (16, 116, 216, 316) according to claim 2, which is modular, and the rear end (22, 322) of the device of the body (26) of the device is made with the possibility of selectively attaching to and detaching from the driven tool (42) . 10. Positioning device (16, 116, 216, 316) according to claim 9, containing an elastic sleeve (40) rigidly attached to the positioning head (24). 11. Positioning device (16, 116, 216, 316) according to claim 2, in which: the tool body (26) is elongated in the axial direction extending from the positioning head (24); the magnetic surface (28) for holding the insert is extended in the extension direction (ED); and in the view along the axial direction, the surface (28) for holding the insert has a smaller occupied area than the body (26) of the device. 12. Positioning device (16, 116, 216, 316) according to claim 1, in which: the positioning head (24) comprises two head surfaces (34) that extend back from the magnetic surface (28) to hold the insert apart. 13. Positioning device (16, 116, 216, 316) according to claim 1, further comprising: a non-ferromagnetic, non-magnetic holding part (30) fixedly attached to the fixture body (26) and configured to capture and apply torque transmission. 14. Milling kit (10) for a milling tool (12) having at least one socket (18) for insertion, while the milling kit (10) contains: positioning device (16, 116, 216, 316) according to any one of paragraphs. 1-13 and at least one indexable cutting insert (14) without holes, made with the possibility of being held by this positioning device (16, 116, 216, 316). 15. Milling set (10) according to claim 14, in which the cutting insert (14) contains only three main cutting edges (158, 258) and an inscribed circle (IC) that is in tangential contact with all three main cutting edges (158 , 258). 16. The milling set (10) of claim 15, wherein the inscribed circle (IC) has an inscribed circle diameter (ICD) ranging from 2.5 mm to 3.8 mm. 17. Milling kit (10) according to claim 15, wherein the inscribed circle (IC) has an inscribed circle diameter (ICD) ranging from 2.5 mm to 3.2 mm. 18. Milling set (10) according to claim 14, in which the shape of the surface (28) for holding the insert corresponds to the shape of the main withdrawal surface (172, 272) of the cutting insert (14). 19. Milling kit (10) according to claim 14, in which the cutting insert (14) contains: opposite top and bottom surfaces (48, 50) of the insert and a peripheral surface (52) of the insert extending therebetween; a central axis (CA) of symmetry passing through said top and bottom surfaces; and the maximum thickness (MIT) of the insert, measured along the central axis (CA) of symmetry and in the range from 1 mm to 2.5 mm. 20. Milling set (10) according to claim 14, in which the milling tool (12) contains a channel (96) for fluid, which opens to the specified at least one socket (18) for insertion in the outlet (98) for fluid environment. 21. Milling set (10) according to claim 14, wherein the cutting insert (14) comprises a main cutting edge (158, 258) having a main cutting edge length (CEL) ranging from 2 mm to 4 mm. 22. Milling kit (10) according to claim 14, in which the cutting insert (14) contains: opposite top and bottom surfaces (48, 50) of the insert and a peripheral surface (52) of the insert extending therebetween; and a central axis (CA) of symmetry passing through said upper and lower surfaces, around which the cutting insert (14) has a rotational symmetry of 120 degrees. 23. Milling kit (10) according to claim 14, additionally containing: a milling tool (12) having a socket (18) for an insert, made with dimensions and shape that allow the cutting insert (14) to be placed. 24. A method for indexing or replacing an indexable cutting insert (14) without holes, fixed in a socket (18) for inserting a milling tool (10) using a clamping screw (74) from the outside, including: a) providing a positioning device (16, 116, 216, 316) according to any one of paragraphs. 1-13; b) making contact with the open main retracting surface (172, 272) of the working main cutting edge (158, 258) of said insert with the insert holding surface (28) of the positioning device to hold, thereby, said cutting insert (14); c) unscrewing the clamping screw (74) to release the cutting insert (14) from the socket (18) for insertion; d) removing the cutting insert (14) from the socket (18) using a positioning device and indexing or replacing the cutting insert (14) manually so that the main withdrawal surface (72, 172, 272) of the unused cutting edge is attached to the surface (28 ) for holding and holding the positioning device insert; e) inserting the indexable or replaceable cutting insert (14) into the socket (18) using a positioning device and f) fixing the clamping screw (74) for fixing the cutting insert (14) in the socket (18) for the insert.

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