TOOL HEAD FOR A MODULAR SHANK TOOL

Abstract

A tool head for use with a modular shank tool includes at least two preforms. Each preform of the at least two preforms is made separately from the other preform of the at least two preforms from granular materials and then put together and jointly compressed and integrally bonded.

Claims

1-16. (canceled)

17. A method for manufacturing a tool head for use with a modular shank tool, wherein the tool head has a central longitudinal axis about which the tool head rotates during operation, the method comprising: producing at least two preforms separately from each other in an injection molding or diecasting process from granular materials; abutting the at least two preforms together in a desired relationship; integrally bonding the at least two preforms together by jointly compressing the at least two preforms.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein producing at least two preforms separately from each other in an injection molding or diecasting process from granular materials comprises forming duct portions in each of the at least two preforms.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein forming duct portions in each of the at least two preforms comprises forming linear ducts in each of the at least two preforms.

20. The method of claim 18 wherein producing at least two preforms separately from each other in an injection molding or diecasting process from granular materials further comprises forming at least one distributor chamber between and defined by the at least two preforms.

21. The method of claim 17, wherein said producing comprises forming each of the at least two preforms from a different material.

22. The method of claim 17, wherein: said producing comprises producing a first preform and a second preform, wherein: the first preform comprises a cutter end structured to engage a workpiece; and the second preform comprises a coupling end structured to connect the tool head to a tool shank of the modular shank tool; and said bonding comprises jointly compressing and sintering the first preform and the second preform together, to form an integral bond along a connecting zone.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein: the cutter end is disposed axially opposite the connecting zone in the first preform; the coupling end comprises a coupling structure disposed axially opposite the connecting zone in the second preform; and the coupling structure is structured to engage a complementary shaped structure of the tool shank, for coupling the tool head to the tool shank in a releasable manner.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the coupling structure comprises a thread structured to engage a corresponding thread of the tool shank.

25. The method of claim 22, wherein the connecting zone runs approximately perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the tool head and does not extend into the first preform at the central longitudinal axis.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the first preform does not apply a compressive radial force with respect to the second preform subsequent to said bonding.

27. The method of claim 22, wherein the connecting zone comprises one or more conical regions.

28. The method of claim 22, wherein the connecting zone has a major dimension which runs perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis and a minor dimension which runs parallel with respect to the central longitudinal axis, the major dimension being greater than the minor dimension.

29. The method of claim 22, wherein said producing comprises forming a duct system for a cooling lubricant, wherein: the duct system comprises a straight duct portion in the second preform, and at least one distributor chamber that lies in the connecting zone between the first preform and the second preform; the straight duct portion leading into the at least one distributor chamber; and the at least one distributor chamber having a larger diameter than the straight duct portion.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the cutter end includes at least one outlet opening for the cooling lubricant, wherein the at least one outlet opening is connected by the duct system to at least one inlet opening for the cooling lubricant on the coupling end.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the at least one outlet opening includes an opening geometry that is round, oval or substantially polygonal.

32. The method of claim 30, wherein the at least one outlet opening includes at least two outlet openings which are connected by the duct system to a common inlet opening on the coupling end.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein said forming of a duct system comprises forming straight subduct portions in the first preform.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein: the at least one distributor chamber is in communication with the straight subduct portions disposed in the first preform and the straight duct portion that is disposed in the second preform; and the at least one distributor chamber has a larger diameter than the straight subduct portions disposed in the first preform.

35. The method of claim 29, wherein: said producing of the first preform comprises forming an end face which is disposed axially opposite the cutter end, and at the connecting zone; and the at least one distributor chamber has an inlet for the cooling lubricant disposed axially away from the cutter end, wherein the inlet is flush with the end face.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

[0034] Novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as an example mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

[0035] FIG. 1 shows in schematic representation a modular shank tool comprising a main body and a tool head exchangeably connected thereto, in the assembled state, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention,

[0036] FIG. 2 shows in a representation similar to FIG. 1 the shank tool in an unconnected state,

[0037] FIG. 3 shows in perspective representation the tool head divided into two preforms (represented partially sectioned),

[0038] FIG. 4 shows in perspective representation the tool head with the assembled preforms,

[0039] FIG. 5 shows the tool head in a longitudinal section,

[0040] FIG. 6 shows in a representation similar to FIG. 5 a further embodiment of the tool head,

[0041] FIG. 7 shows in a representation similar to FIG. 5 yet another embodiment of the tool head,

[0042] FIG. 8 shows in perspective representation the main body of the shank tool in a further embodiment,

[0043] FIG. 9 shows in a representation similar to FIG. 8 the main body of the shank tool in yet a further embodiment,

[0044] FIG. 10 shows in a top view of a cutter end the tool head with openings for a cooling lubricant in a first nozzle arrangement,

[0045] FIG. 11 shows in a representation similar to FIG. 10 a second construction of the tool head with an alternative nozzle arrangement,

[0046] FIG. 12 shows in a representation similar to FIG. 10 a third construction of the tool head with another alternative nozzle arrangement,

[0047] FIG. 13 shows in a representation similar to FIG. 10 a fourth construction of the tool head with a further nozzle arrangement, and

[0048] FIG. 14 shows in a representation similar to FIG. 2 a variant of the shank tool with two-piece main body which is featured there.

[0049] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0050] The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a modular shank tool 1 comprising a main body 2 (also tool shank) and a tool head 3. The represented shank tool 1 is in the form of a rotary tool, namely a drill. A (rotational) axis 4 for a rotary motion of the shank tool 1 during the machine cutting of workpieces runs in a longitudinal direction centrally through the shank tool 1. To the shank tool 1 is assigned a machining direction 5. The machining direction 5 defines a front end of the shank tool 1, with which the latter, in normal operation, is advanced against the workpiece, as well as a rear end opposite to said front end.

[0052] In the main body 2 are sunk two chip grooves 6a and 6b, and also a bore, running along the rotational axis 4, as the supply line 8 for a cooling lubricant. At its rear end, the main body 2 has a (non-represented) structure for reception in a machine tool. On the front end of the main body 2 in the machining direction 5, a coupling region 10 is shaped with a coupling structure 15. The coupling structure 15 has a centrally arranged cylindrical recess 16 with a cylindrical pin 17 arranged coaxially therein. The pin 17 projects along the axis 4 in the machining direction 5 and encloses the supply line 8.

[0053] The tool head 3 comprises two preforms 20 and 25, which are put together in a connecting zone 30 standing perpendicularly to the axis 4. The front preform 20 in the machining direction 5 has a conically tapered front (cutter) end 35, with cutters for the machine cutting, and a tool tip 36. A rear end of the other, rear preform 25, which rear end thus faces the main body 2, is configured as a coupling end 40 and accordingly bears a coupling structure 45. This coupling structure 45 is realized complementary to the coupling structure 15 of the main body 2, so that automatic centering and connection between the main body 2 and the tool head 3 is ensured. In the tool head 3 are inserted two nozzles 50a and 50b, which are connected by a branched duct system 55 to an inlet opening 60 on the coupling end 40. The branched duct system 55 comprises a straight duct 65 in the rear preform 25 and in each case a straight subduct 70a and 70b in the front preform 20. The duct 65 leads into a distributor chamber 75, which is arranged in the connecting zone 30 in the front preform 20. Branching off from this distributor chamber 75 are the subducts 70a and 70b. The subducts 70a and 70b lead to the nozzles 50a and 50b.

[0054] For a secure and, at the same time, releasable connection between the main body 2 and the tool head 3, an external thread is formed onto the coupling structure 45 of the tool head 3. The external thread engages in a corresponding internal thread in the recess 16 of the main body 2. The threads are realized with a spiral opposite to the rotary motion of the shank tool 1, so that the connection between the tool head 3 and the main body 2 is not released during the machining. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the threads are not represented.

[0055] FIG. 1 shows the shank tool 1, wherein the main body 2 is fully connected to the tool head 3. The tool head 3 is here oriented and fixed in the main body 2 by the coupling structures 15 and 45 such that the supply line 8 for the cooling lubricant and the inlet opening 60 of the duct system 55 are arranged in mutual alignment. As a result of the threads of the coupling structures 15 and 45, a sufficiently media-tight connection is additionally assured, so that no leakage of the cooling lubricant occurs.

[0056] FIG. 2 shows the main body 2 and the tool head 3 in a non-assembled state.

[0057] The preforms 20 and 25 of the tool head 3 are respectively separately made in an injection molding process. To this end, a granular material of tungsten carbide and cobalt particles is respectively first converted into a doughy state with a binding agent containing volatile organic components and is then injected at high pressure into an injection mold. The duct system 55 and the duct 65 are here respectively recessed by movable cores in a cavity of the injection mold. After the injection molding operation, the movable cores are withdrawn from the cavity and the respective preform 20 or 25, the injection mold is opened and the preform 20 or 25 is removed from the mold. Next, in a further process step, the volatile components of the binding agent are removed by baking of the preforms 20 and 25.

[0058] The preforms 20 and 25 are put together along the connecting zone 30 and are jointly compressed and burnt in a sintering furnace until an integral bond between the preforms 20 and 25 is formed. The tool head 3 finally exists as an integrally coherent component. In following steps, the cutters of the tool head are brought by grinding operations into a definitive form for the machine cutting.

[0059] For a precisely fitting assembly and a centering of the preforms 20 and 25 relative to each other, a connecting surface 80 having a conical shoulder 85 is formed on the preform 20 in the connecting zone 30 (see FIGS. 3 to 5). Corresponding to this connecting surface 80, a connecting surface 90 having a corresponding inner cone 95 is shaped on the preform 25. The chip grooves 6a and 6b of the main body 2 are continued in alignment in the tool head 3.

[0060] FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment of the connecting surfaces 80 and 90 between the preforms 20 and 25 for precisely fitting connection and centering. Here the shoulder 85 in the connecting surface 80 of the preform 20, in contrast to the previously described conical embodiment, is of perpendicularly stepped construction. The connecting surface 90 accordingly has no inner cone 95, but rather a shoulder 100 corresponding to the shoulder 85.

[0061] FIG. 7 shows a particularly simple embodiment of the connecting surfaces 80 and 90 without shoulder 85 and inner cone 95 or shoulder 100. In this embodiment, the precisely fitting connection is expediently achieved by a centering pin. When the preforms 20 and 25 are put together, the centering pin is inserted into the duct 65.

[0062] FIG. 8 shows the main body 2in an alternative embodiment to FIGS. 1 and 2with paired supply lines 105a and 105b for the cooling lubricant. The paired supply lines 105a and 105b run parallel to the chip grooves 6a and 6b on an outer rim of the main body 2, wherein the supply lines 105a and 105b lie on a radius around the rotational axis 4 and are in contact with openings in the preform 25. The coupling structure 15 of the main body 2 here comprises the cylindrical recess 16, into which a corresponding mating part of the coupling structure 45 of the tool head 3 is inserted.

[0063] A further embodiment of the main body 2, represented in FIG. 9, comprises the central supply line 8 corresponding to the embodiment in FIGS. 1 and 2. In contrast to the embodiment in FIGS. 1 and 2, in this case the central pin 17 is not provided in the recess 16 of the coupling structure 15.

[0064] According to FIG. 10, a first alternative nozzle arrangement of the tool head 3 has a cutter geometry for a rotation in a rotational direction 110. In FIG. 10, the rotational direction 110 of the tool head 3 is directed counterclockwise. The cutter geometry comprises two main cutters 115a and 115b. The main cutters 115a and 115b are arranged lagging behind the chip grooves 6a and 6b in the rotational direction 110. Counter to the rotational direction 110, the main cutters 115a and 115b are adjoined by (main) flanks 120a and 120b. The main cutters 115a and 115b are arranged parallel to each other on opposite sides of the tool head 3 and are connected by a centerline 125. The centerline 125 runs through the axis 4. The tool head 3 is delimited in the radial direction by a shell surface 130 (also: peripheral surface), into which the chip grooves 6a and 6b are formed.

[0065] In this nozzle arrangement, the nozzles 50a and 50b are represented by respectively six round miniature nozzles 135a to 135l. The miniature nozzles 135a to 135l are arranged directly behind the main cutters 115a and 115b on the respective flanks 120a and 120b. The miniature nozzles 135a to 135l are shaped side by side along the main cutters 115a and 115b and the centerline 125. The centerline is thereby bordered on both sides by the miniature nozzles 135a to 135c and 135j to 135l. The arrangement of the lined-up miniature nozzles 135a to 135l corresponds to the shape of two ice hockey sticks having respectively a long arm along the main cutters 115a and 115b and respectively a short arm along the centerline 125.

[0066] A second alternative nozzle arrangement of the tool head 3 has two polygonal, slot-shaped angled nozzles 50a and 50b with rounded-off corners (FIG. 11). Comparably to FIG. 10, the shapes of the angled nozzles 50a and 50b likewise correspond to two ice hockey sticks. The long arms of the angled nozzles 50a and 50b are once again arranged along the main cutters 115a and 115b on the associated flanks 120a and 120b. The short arms are shaped parallel to and on both sides of the centerline 125.

[0067] In a third alternative nozzle arrangement according to FIG. 12, the nozzles 50a and 50b are realized as rectangles with rounded-off corners or straight slots along the main cutters 115a and 115b. As in the previously described nozzle arrangements (FIGS. 10 and 12), the nozzles 50a and 50b are shaped in the flanks 120a and 120b.

[0068] A fourth alternative nozzle arrangement of the tool head 3 comprises, in turn, two slot-shaped, kidney-shaped nozzles 50a and 50b. According to FIG. 13, the slot-shaped nozzles 50a and 50b are curved parallel to the mantle surface 130 and are shaped along the mantle surface 130 in the flanks 120a and 120b.

[0069] The main body 2 (previously represented in one piece) can also be realized within the scope of the invention in multipart construction. In a variant of the shank tool 1 according to FIGS. 1 and 2, which variant is represented in FIG. 14, that pin 17 of the main body 2 which is featured there is by way of example thus replaced by a separate transition unit 140 (here in the form of a sleeve). The transition unit 140 preferably consists of soft metal (in particular brass) or rubber and serves for better sealing of the transition between the duct system 55 and the supply line 8.

[0070] The subject of the invention is not limited to the above-described illustrative embodiments. Rather, further embodiments of the invention can be derived from the above description by the person skilled in the art. In particular, those individual features of the invention which are described with reference to the various illustrative embodiments, and the design variants thereof, can also be differently combined with one another.