U.S. patent application number 11/098979 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-04 for tool coolant application and direction assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Advanced Industries. Invention is credited to Beckington, Kevin.
Application Number | 20050169718 11/098979 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 30442937 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050169718 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Beckington, Kevin |
August 4, 2005 |
Tool coolant application and direction assembly
Abstract
A coolant assembly for supplying coolant fluid to a tool
includes an outer ring defining an inlet and an insert pressed
within the outer ring including an annular channel. The annular
channel is in communication with the inlet defined by the outer
ring and includes a plurality of passages disposed to direct fluid
along an axis of a tool. At least two of the passages are disposed
at different angles relative to the axis of the tool to direct
coolant along the entire length of the tool in order to provide a
uniform and consistent stream of coolant and uniform and consistent
temperature of the tool.
Inventors: |
Beckington, Kevin; (Ann
Arbor, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CARLSON, GASKEY & OLDS, P.C.
400 WEST MAPLE ROAD
SUITE 350
BIRMINGHAM
MI
48009
US
|
Assignee: |
Advanced Industries
|
Family ID: |
30442937 |
Appl. No.: |
11/098979 |
Filed: |
April 5, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11098979 |
Apr 5, 2005 |
|
|
|
10197390 |
Jul 17, 2002 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
408/61 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B23Q 11/1076 20130101;
Y10T 408/44 20150115; Y10T 409/304032 20150115; Y10T 279/17111
20150115; Y10T 408/46 20150115; B23Q 1/0036 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
408/061 |
International
Class: |
B23B 003/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A tool holder assembly comprising; an inlet for cooling fluid; a
body portion including an opening for mounting a tool along an
axis, said body portion including a channel in fluid communication
with said inlet; wherein said channel comprises passages disposed
adjacent an outer periphery of said body portion; and an insert
disposed within said channel including coolant openings disposed at
an angle relative to said axis,
2. The assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said coolant
openings are disposed a distance from said opening for mounting
said tool.
3. The assembly as recited in claim 2, wherein said distance is
between 0.1 inches and 0.5 inches from said opening.
4. The assembly as recited in claim 2, wherein said distance is
between 0.1 inches and 0.5 inches from said opening.
5. The assembly as recited in claim 2, wherein said distance is
between 0.1 inches and 0.5 inches.
6. The assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said inlet is
disposed at a rear end of said body along said axis.
7. The assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said angle of said
coolant openings is between 2.degree. and 25.degree. relative to
said axis.
8. The assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said angle of said
coolant openings is between 2.degree. and 25.degree. relative to
said axis.
9. The assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said angle of said
coolant openings is between 2.degree. and 25.degree. relative to
said axis.
10. The assembly of claim 1, further including a fluid supply
collar coupled to said body portion for supplying coolant fluid to
said channels.
11. The assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said channel
further comprises a sleeve disposed about said body portion forming
a portion of said channel in cooperation with said passages
disposed adjacent an outer periphery of said body portion.
12. A tool holder assembly for mounting a tool comprising; an inlet
for supplying coolant; and a body for mounting the tool along an
axis, said body portion including a coolant channel communicating
coolant from said inlet to a plurality of coolant passages, said
cooling channel disposed longitudinally along an outer perimeter of
said body.
13. The assembly as recited in claim 12, wherein said inlet is
disposed along said axis to an opening adjacent a rear end of said
body.
14. The assembly as recited in claim 12, wherein said body includes
a face transverse to said axis, said face including an annular
channel and an insert disposed within said annular channel.
15. The assembly as recited in claim 14, wherein said insert
includes said coolant passages.
16. The assembly as recited in claim 15, wherein said coolant
passages are radially spaced from an opening for the tool.
17. The assembly as recited in claim 16, wherein said spacing is
between 0.1 inch and 0.5 inches.
18. The assembly as recited in claim 17, wherein said body includes
a tapered portion.
19. The assembly as recited in claim 12, including a coolant nut
and a collet within said body, said coolant nut including said
cooling holes and said collet including a groove defining a portion
of said coolant passages to said cooling holes.
20. The assembly as recited in claim 19, wherein said collet
includes a face and a groove disposed on said face for establishing
a portion of said cooling passages to said cooling holes.
21. A tool holder assembly for mounting a tool comprising; an inlet
for supplying coolant; a body defining a coolant inlet; and a
coolant nut engaged to said body and including a plurality of
coolant openings receiving coolant from said coolant passage.
22. The assembly as recited in claim 21, including a collet
disposed within said body for mounting the tool along an axis, said
collet defining a portion of a coolant passage from said coolant
inlet
23. The assembly as recited in claim 22, wherein said collet
includes a face transverse to said axis, said face including a
groove defining a portion of said coolant passage.
24. The assembly as recited in claim 21, wherein said body includes
a flange and said coolant inlet is disposed within said flange.
25. The assembly as recited in claim 21, wherein said body includes
an end and said coolant inlet is disposed adjacent said end.
26. The assembly as recited in claim 21, wherein said coolant
openings within said coolant nut are angled relative to said axis
such that coolant is directed at said tool.
27. The assembly as recited in claim 26, wherein at least two of
said coolant openings are disposed at different angles relative to
said axis.
28. The assembly as recited in 21, wherein said coolant passages
are radially spaced from an opening for the tool.
29. The assembly as recited in claim 28, wherein said spacing is
between 0.1 inch and 0.5 inches.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is a continuation
of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/197,390 filed on
Jul. 17, 2002.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to an assembly for directing coolant
flow onto a machine tool, and specifically to an assembly for
directing coolant flow onto a tool at different locations along the
rotational axis.
[0002] Typically, in a conventional machining process a stream of
coolant is directed onto the cutting tool to maintain a constant
temperature. Without coolant flow, friction from the tool and the
workpiece generate heat of a degree sufficient to damage the tool.
Further, not only would the tool be damaged, but also the quality
of the machines surface of the work piece is degraded. For these
reasons it is desirable direct a stream of coolant onto a tool
during machining operations. Machining produces metal chips that
are preferably evacuated from the machining area in order to
prevent damage to the tool and work piece. The stream of coolant
aids evacuation of metal chips from the work piece during
machining.
[0003] Typical arrangements for directing coolant onto a tool
include the use of a plurality of hoses arranged to direct fluid
onto the tool. These hoses are typically of a semi-rigid design
extending around a tool and manually positioned to direct coolant
onto a tool. Often during the machining, the work piece or chips
bump and contact the coolant lines changing the position of the
hose such that the coolant is no longer directed as originally
positioned onto the tool. In addition, hoses are often not
positionable for providing coolant as desired when machining of
relatively deep openings or holes. Further, in some part
configurations an adjustable coolant hose is simply not feasible
and does not supply and direct coolant flow adequately to the
tool.
[0004] It is known in the art to provide a system for directing
fluid between the machine and spindle to direct flow. Such systems
require expensive and complicated fluid routing mechanisms in order
to route coolant fluid substantially near the axis of rotation of
the tool. Further, such systems are not easily adaptable to tool
changes.
[0005] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a low cost, easily
changeable and configurable coolant directing assembly that directs
coolant along the tool without obstructing machining
operations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An embodiment of this invention is a coolant collar placed
over a tool and including a plurality of passages having differing
angles to direct coolant flow at different locations along the axis
of rotation of the tool.
[0007] In one embodiment of this invention, an outer ring includes
an inlet for coolant and an insert pressed within the outer ring
including an annular channel in fluid communication with the inlet.
A plurality of passages in fluid communication with the annular
channel includes openings disposed annularly about an axis of
rotation. Each passage is disposed at an angle relative to the axis
of rotation of the tool and at least two of the passages can be at
differing angles relative to each other to direct the coolant flow
at different points along the axis of rotation of the tool.
[0008] The insert also includes at least one coolant hole
communicating coolant fluid to an interface between the rotating
tool and an inner diameter of the insert. The coolant hole creates
a fluid bearing between the tool and the inner diameter of the
insert that retards frictional build-up of heat. The inner diameter
of the insert slides over the rotating tool and is held in place on
the tool by a semi-flexible coolant line. The collar simply slides
over the rotating tool providing for quick tooling changeovers.
[0009] In another embodiment of this invention, a tool holder
includes an insert having an annular channel in fluid communication
with an inlet defined by an outer ring pressed onto the outer
diameter of the insert. The insert includes a body portion for
rigidly mounting the tool to the machine and includes at least one
setscrew securing the tool within the tool holder. In this
embodiment, the tool is held stationary as the workpiece is rotated
about an axis of rotation. Coolant flow through the inlet and
annular channel exits the insert through passages directing coolant
fluid along the axis of the tool. The passages are annularly
disposed about a face of the insert and include at least two
passages can be of differing angles for directing coolant fluid at
different points along the tool.
[0010] In yet another embodiment of this invention, a tool holder
includes an insert having an annular channel, and coolant channels
communicating coolant from an inlet within the insert to coolant
passages. An outer sleeve completes a portion of the coolant
channels to provide continuous fluid communication from the inset
to the coolant passages. The tool holder of this embodiment secures
the tool within an inner diameter and rotates with the spindle of
the machine. Coolant is communicated through the tool holder from a
coolant source within the machine that provide coolant to the inlet
in the tool holder.
[0011] Accordingly, embodiments of this invention provide easy
mounting to existing tooling and machinery while directs coolant
along the entire length of a tool without complex piping and
valving and does not interfere with the work piece tool interface
during machining.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The various features and advantages of this invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following
detailed description of the currently preferred embodiment. The
drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly
described as follows:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of this
invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of this
invention shown in FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is plan view of an outer ring;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a side view of the outer ring;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the insert;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the insert;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of another embodiment of this
invention;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the embodiment of this invention
shown in FIG. 7;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the outer ring;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a side view of the outer ring;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a side partial cross-sectional view of the
insert;
[0024] FIG. 12 is a plan view of the insert;
[0025] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
this invention;
[0026] FIG. 14 if a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 13;
[0027] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
this invention;
[0028] FIG. 16 is a plan view of the embodiment in shown in FIG.
15;
[0029] FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment
of this invention;
[0030] FIG. 18 is a side view of another tool holder according to
this invention;
[0031] FIG. 19 is a side view of another end mill holder according
to this invention;
[0032] FIG. 20 is a side view of a collet according to this
invention;
[0033] FIG. 21 is a front view of the collet of FIG. 20;
[0034] FIG. 22 is a side view of a coolant nut according to this
invention; and
[0035] FIG. 23 is a front view of the coolant nut.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0036] Referring to the FIG. 1, a machine 10 rotates a spindle 12
and tool 14 about an axis 18. The tool 14 is of any kind known to a
worker skilled in the art. Disposed about the tool 14 is a coolant
collar assembly 20. The coolant collar 20 is held in place by
semi-rigid coolant line 16. The coolant line 16 is a hose or pipe
capable of maintaining a desired position as understood by a worker
skilled in the art. The collar 20 slides over the tool 14 and abuts
the spindle 12. The coolant collar 20 includes an outer ring 22
having a coolant inlet 26. Within the outer ring 22 is insert 24.
The insert 24 includes an annular channel 28 in fluid communication
with the inlet 26 of the outer ring 22 to provide fluid to coolant
passages 30. The coolant passages 30 are disposed at an angle
relative to the axis of rotation 18 to direct coolant flow along
the tool 14.
[0037] Each of the passages 30 terminates at an opening 29 on the
face 56 of the insert. No portion of the passage 30 extends past
the face 56 of the insert. The passages 30 are disposed at an angle
relative to the axis of rotation 18 such that coolant is directed
at different locations along the axis 18. Directing coolant along
the tool 14 provides consistent and uniform cooling of the tool 14.
As appreciated, non-uniform and non-consistent cooling can increase
wear on the tool 14 decreasing tool life. At least two of the
passages 30 can be at differing angles. The differing angles
provide for the application of coolant at differing locations and
points along the tool 14.
[0038] In one embodiment of this invention, one of the coolant
passages 30 includes an angle 34 and another of the coolant
passages 30 includes an angle 32. Angles 32 and 34 are different
from each other. Preferably, the angles 32, 34 are at between
2.degree. and 25.degree. relative to the axis of rotation. It
should be understood that it is within the contemplation of this
invention any angle 2.degree. and 25.degree. may be used within
this invention such that coolant is directed at several points
along the tool 14.
[0039] The insert 24 includes at least one coolant hole 36. The
inner diameter 44 is sized such that the coolant collar 20 simply
slides over the tool 14. The interface between the tool 14 and
inner diameter 44 is a bearing surface. Preferably, the insert is
constructed from bronze to provide desirable wear properties,
however, it is within the contemplation of this invention to use
other materials as are known to a worker skilled in the art.
[0040] The coolant hole 36 provides coolant at the interface
between the tool 14 and the inner diameter of insert 24. Coolant
between the tool 14 and insert 24 creates a fluid bearing that
prevents heat buildup between a shank 15 of the tool 14 and the
coolant collar 20.
[0041] The inner diameter 44 of the insert 24 is sized to cooperate
with the outer diameter of the tool 14. The specific inner diameter
of the insert 24 may be of any size desired to accommodate the tool
14. The inner diameter 44 is preferably sized to provide a slip fit
while maintaining desired position of the coolant collar 20
relative to the tool 14.
[0042] An advantage of this invention is the ease in changeovers of
coolant collars 20 corresponding with different sizes and types of
tools. The tool 14 and insert 24 are changed to provide for
differing tool sizes by disconnecting the coolant hose 16 from the
collar 20, changing the tool 14 and then sliding a correspondingly
sized coolant collar 20 onto the new tool.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 2, the coolant collar 20 is shown in
cross-section and includes the outer ring 20 surrounding the insert
24. The insert 24 includes the annular channel 28. The annular
channel 28 cooperates and corresponds to the inlet 26 to provide a
flow passage for coolant. The passages 30 are disposed at an angle
relative to the axis of rotation 18. The insert 24 also includes
the coolant holes 36. Although, two coolant holes are show, it is
within the contemplation of this invention to provide any number of
coolant holes to provide coolant between the inner diameter 44 and
the tool 14.
[0044] The passages 30 terminate at the opening 29 on the face 56
of the insert 24. No portion of any passage 30 extends beyond the
face 56. An angle 32,34 of the passages 30 are the only means of
directing coolant flow onto a tool rotating along the axis of
rotation 18. There are no external features to the coolant collar
20 to interfere with machining of a workpiece. Further, there are
no external features that can interfere between the interface of
the tool 14 and workpiece.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the insert 24 is shown
disassembled from the outer ring 22. The outer ring 22 includes a
width 50 common with the width 52 of the insert 24 (FIG. 6). The
outer ring 22 includes outer diameter 38 and inner diameter 40. The
inner diameter 40 preferably provides a fluid tight press fit with
the outer diameter 42 of the insert 24 (FIG. 6). The press fit
between the outer ring 20 and insert 24 is as is known in the art
to provide a fluid seal in order to prevent large quantities of
coolant from escaping through the interface between the insert 24
and outer ring 22. As appreciated, a certain amount of fluid flow
through the interface of the insert 24 and outer ring 22 is
allowable and does not degrade the performance of the coolant
collar 20.
[0046] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, passages 30 terminate at the
face 56 and are disposed annular about the axis 18. Preferably,
each of the passages 30 are annularly spaced at consecutive angles
indicated at 48. Preferably, the angle between each passage is
45.degree., however, as appreciated, other annular distances and
spacing are within the contemplation of this invention as required
by application specific requirements.
[0047] The insert 24 includes thickness 56. The thickness 56
ensures that the passages 30 have sufficient length 31 to direct
and form a coolant stream. The thickness 56 must be of sufficient
width to form a stream of coolant. The thickness 56 must be such
that a stream is created. A simple opening in the insert would
create a spray of coolant that would not sufficiently and uniformly
cool the tool. For this reason, the thickness 56 is of such a
thickness to provide passages 30 sufficient length 31 such that a
steam of coolant is formed and directed at the tool.
[0048] The insert 24 includes the annular channel 28. The annular
channel 28 has an inner diameter 58. The inner diameter 58
cooperates with the overall outer diameter 42 of the insert 24 to
form the channel and provide sufficient coolant supply to the
passages 30. Further, the diameter 58 of the annular channel 28
provides communication of coolant between the inlet 26 the passages
30. Along with the diameter 58 is a width 54 of the annular channel
28. The width 54 of the annular channel 28 also provides for the
sufficient supply of coolant through the passages 30. The insert 24
also includes an overall thickness 52. As appreciated the overall
thickness 52, 50 of the coolant collar 20 is application specific
and other thicknesses are within the contemplation of this
invention.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 7, another embodiment of this invention is
a tool holder indicated at 70 mounted within a machine 60 for
holding a non-rotating tool 64. The non-rotating tool 64 is
disposed along an axis 68. The tool holder 70 of this embodiment
includes an outer ring 72 having a coolant inlet 88. The coolant
inlet 88 is in communication with coolant line 66. The outer ring
72 is pressed onto insert 74. The insert 74 includes an annular
channel 80 in fluid communication with the inlet 88 and passages
86.
[0050] The insert 74 includes a body portion 76 that is mounted
within the machine 60 and includes setscrews 84 securing the tool
64 within the tool holder 70. The body 76 is generally a
cylindrical having a flat surface 82 for aligning the tool holder
70 within the machine 60. The insert 74 includes passages 86
disposed at an angle relative to the axis 68. The angle of passages
86 relative to the axis 68 directs coolant along the tool 64.
[0051] In this embodiment, the tool 64 does not rotate about the
axis 68. The tool 64 in this embodiment does not rotate relative to
rotation of the work piece and may be of any type known to a worker
skilled in the art. Preferably, the tool 64 is a boring bar used
for machining surfaces within a work piece. Such surfaces require
coolant discharge within an opening of the workpiece. The passages
86 terminates at face 106 of the insert 74 and do not extend beyond
that face 106. In this way, coolant is discharged onto the tool 64
does not hindered machining of the work piece. The specific angle
of the passages 86 are such that coolant is directed along the axis
68 to provide uniform cooling of the tool 64. Further, the
direction of coolant along the tool 64 provides for the evacuation
of chips created during the machining process. The tool holder 70
of this invention includes a substantially flat face 106 with an
opening 87 at which passages 86 terminated and are angled relative
to the axis 68 directing flow along the tool 64. This allows the
tool 64 to extend within the work piece without substantial
interference.
[0052] Referring to FIGS. 8 through 12, the tool holder 70 is shown
disassembled from the machine 60. The outer ring 72 includes a
clearance hole 90 corresponding to a set screw 92 for securing the
tool 64 within the insert 74.
[0053] The outer ring 72 includes an inner diameter 112 that
cooperates with an outer diameter 98 of the insert 74. The outer
ring 72 includes the inlet 88. The inlet 88 may be threaded as is
known by a worker skilled in the art for a corresponding fitting of
the coolant line 66. The outer ring 72 includes a width 108
corresponding with the insert 74 and annular groove 80.
[0054] The insert 74 includes an annular groove 80 that has a width
94. The width 94 cooperates with the width 108 of the outer ring 72
to form a fluid channel to provide coolant from the inlet 88
through the passages 86. The insert 74 also includes an inner
diameter 96 that is sized to correspond with the outer diameter of
the tool 64. The inner diameter 96 may be of any size or shape as
is known to a worker skilled in the art to correspond with the
mounting of a tool 64. The insert 74 includes the flat surface
portion 82 corresponding with the machine 60 to align and orientate
the tool 64 along the axis 68. As appreciated, the specific
configuration of machine and tool mounting features of the tool
holder 70 are as is known to a worker skilled in the art, and other
configuration of alignment and securing features are within the
contemplation of this invention.
[0055] The face 106 of the insert 74 includes the openings 87 of
each of the passages 86 disposed annularly about the face 106 of
the insert 74. The angular spacing between each of the passages
shown at 100 may be of any angle required by the specific
application. Preferably, the angular spacing of the passages is
45.degree., however, with additional passages 86 the specific
angular distance between passages may be increased or decreased as
required by the specific application. Further, the passages 86 and
87 are disposed concentrically about the opening for the tool. In
an example embodiment the passages are disposed concentrically
about the tool opening that is between 0.10 inches and 0.50 inches
larger in diameter than the opening in the tool holder. Such a
configuration provides a spacing 85 from the tool holder
opening.
[0056] At least two of the passages 86 can be at a differing angle
relative to the axis 68. Preferably, the angles are between
2.degree. and 25.degree. relative to the axis 68. The differing
angles provides for the direction of coolant flow along different
points of the tool 64. Further, the angles of the passages can
range between 2.degree. and 25.degree.. It is within the
contemplation of this invention that the specific angles of the
passages may be of any angular dimension relative to the axis 68
required to uniformly and consistently provide coolant to the tool
64 such that the entire tool 64 is uniformly and consistently
cooled. In other words, the passages 86 direct coolant along the
tool 64 such that the tool maintains a uniform and consistent
temperature, which in turn extends the life of the tool 64 and
improves the cutting life and surface finish machined by the tool
64.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 13 and 14, another embodiment of a tool
holder is generally indicated at 120. The tool holder 120 includes
a body portion 122 having an inlet 130 through which coolant flows
to lateral passages 136 that are in turn in fluid communication
with coolant grooves 138. The coolant grooves 138 are in fluid
communication with an annular channel 140. The annular channel 140
is in turn in fluid communication with fluid passages 142. The
fluid passages 142 direct coolants along the axis 159. At least two
of the coolant passages 146 can be at differing angles 158, 160.
The differing angles of the fluid passages 146 provide for the
direction of coolant fluid along different points of the axis 159.
Preferably, the angles 158, 160 are between 2.degree. and
25.degree. relative to the central axis 159.
[0058] The tool holder 120 of this embodiment includes the coolant
channels 138 that are formed on an outer periphery of the body 122.
As appreciated forming grooves on an outer periphery 139 of the
body 122 simplifies manufacture of the tool holder assembly 120.
The coolant channels 138 eliminate requirement for deep drilling
within the tool body 122. The fluid coolant channels 138 are
completed by pressing this sleeve 148 onto the body 122. The sleeve
148 seals and completes formation of coolant channels 138 that are
in fluid communication with the inlet 130.
[0059] The inlet 130 is disposed at a rear portion of the body 122.
The body 122 also includes a tapered portion 126. The tapered
portion 126 cooperates with a mount portion 134 of the tool body
122. This configuration is as is known to a worker skilled in the
art and may be of differing configuration as is required for the
specific application.
[0060] The inlet 130 is disposed in a rear portion of the body 122
and cooperates with machine internal coolant system (not shown). In
machines equipped with a thru spindle coolant system coolant is
provided through the rear of the tool holder 120 to a tool mounted
within the inner diameter 150 of the tool holder 120. Coolant
provided from the rear of the tool holder 120 is preferable
injected through a tool mounted within the tool holder 120.
However, in some instances tools are used with specific tool
holders that do not include passages that allow coolant to run
therethrough. In these instances, the tool holder 120 includes
fluid channels that direct fluid from the inlet 130 to the coolant
passages 142 at a face 144 of the tool holder 120
[0061] At least one setscrew 152 is provided to secure a tool
within the tool holder 120. The tool preferably will mount within
the inner diameter 150 of the tool holder 120. It should be
understood that it is within the contemplation of this invention
that the tool holder 120 may be modified as is known to a worker
skilled in the art to conform and fit differing tool sizes where
the inner diameter 150 would be modified to fit tools of differing
outer diameters.
[0062] The tool holder 120 includes the face 144. The face 144
includes a plurality of openings 146. The openings 146 do not
extend outward from the face 144. This provides for no intrusion on
the tool or the work piece for the tool holder 120. The outer
diameter 164 of the tool holder 120 is sized as required for this
specification application. The openings 146 are disposed about the
axis 159 at an angle. This angle is between 2.degree. and
25.degree. to provide coolant along the axis 159 to a tool. The
openings 146 are disposed concentrically about the opening for the
tool. The openings 146 are spaced away from the tool opening a
distance 145. The distance 145 is between 0.10 inches and 0.50
inches in diameter larger than tool opening 150.
[0063] The outer sleeve 148 is sized to fit onto the tool body 122
and become and integral part therewith. Preferably, the outer
sleeve 148 is heated to an elevated temperature relative to the
tool body 122 and then pressed on to the tool body 122. As
appreciated once the outer sleeve 148 cools to a temperature
substantially the same as the tool body 122 it will become an
integral part of the tool holder 120. Once the outer sleeve 148 has
cooled it will contract to form a fluid tight seal around the body
122. The outer sleeve 148 completes the coolant grooves 138 from
the lateral passage 136 to the annular channel 140.
[0064] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16 another embodiment of the tool
holder is generally shown at 170. The tool holder 170 includes an
inlet 202 through a rear portion of a body 172. The body 172 also
includes a tapered portion 176 and a mount portion 178. The inlet
202 provides coolant fluid through an inlet passage 184. The inlet
passage 184 is in turn in fluid communication with lateral passages
182. In this embodiment of the tool holder 170 the fluid passages
from the annular groove channel 192 are drilled therefore removing
the need for the outer sleeve as shown in the embodiment of FIG.
13. Coolant channels 186 are formed by drilling a hole from the
annular channel 192 to lateral channels 182 that drilled from an
outer diameter 198 of the tool holder 170 to communicate with the
inlet passage 184. The lateral passages are then plugged with plugs
180. The body portion 172 includes setscrews 190 to secure a tool
within the inner diameter 196.
[0065] The insert 174 in this embodiment is pressed within the
annular channel 192. The insert includes the passages 188 disposed
at an angle 204, 206 relative to the central axis 205. As a
appreciated and discussed in and throughout this application the
differing angles of the coolant passages 188 provides for coolant
to be directed at differing points along the axis 205 to provide
optimal coverage and cooling of a tool mounted within the tool
holder 170. Each of the coolant passages 188 includes an opening
200. No portions of the coolant passages 188 extend beyond the face
209 of the tool holder 170. The openings 146 are disposed
concentrically about the opening for the tool. The openings 200 are
spaced away from the tool opening a distance 197. The distance 197
is preferably between 0.10 inches and 0.50 inches in diameter
larger than tool opening.
[0066] Preferably the insert 174 is fabricated from a steel
material however it is within the contemplation of this invention
that the insert 174 may be fabricated from many material as is
known by workers skilled in the art. Further, the tool holder 170
is fabricated from any material known to a worker skilled in the
art.
[0067] Referring to FIG. 17 another embodiment of the tool holder
170 is shown including an inlet collar 210. In this embodiment,
coolant fluid is provided to the tool holder 170 through a
stationary ring 210. As appreciated, the tool holder 170 rotates
about the axis 205. In this embodiment, coolant is provided to the
tool holder through the stationary ring 210. The stationary ring
cooperates with the tool holder 170 to provide coolant through the
rotating tool holder 170. The rotating collar 210 includes seals
214 cooperating with a body portion of the tool holder 172. The
insert 174 receives coolant from the inlet 216 through he coolant
hose 212.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 18 another tool holder 220 according to
this invention includes a collet type chuck tool holding system. A
tool 222 is held within a collet 226 by tightening a coolant nut
224 onto threads 234 of the tool holder 220. The tool holder 220
includes a rear inlet 238 adjacent an end 236. Coolant flows into
the rear inlet 238 through a passage 242 defined within the tool
holder 220 to the collet 226. The collet 226 includes at least one
groove 244 (FIG. 20) that establishes a flow path for coolant to
the face 225 of the collet 226. The collet 226 operates as is known
in the art to compress around the tool 222. The coolant nut 226 is
tightened to compress the collet 226 and thereby hold the tool 222
in place. Coolant at the coolant nut 236 exits through cooling
holes 270 and is directed onto the tool 222.
[0069] The tool holder 220 includes a flange 230 for securing
within a machine tool (not shown). The flange 230 can also include
an inlet 240. The inlet 240 can be utilized instead or with the
inlet 238. The specific combination and inlet utilized to
communicate coolant to the tool 222 is dependent on the
configuration of the machine tool.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 19, an end mill holder 250 according to
this invention includes a coolant nut 254 that threaded onto a body
258 to compress a collet 256 and thereby secure a tool 252. The end
mill holder 250 includes an inlet 262 adjacent a rear end 264 of
the body 258. The coolant nut includes a plurality of coolant
openings 270 onto the tool 252. The body 258 also includes a flange
portion 268. The flange portion 268 provides for securing of the
end mill holder 250 within a machine tool as is known to a worker
skilled in the art. As in the tool holder 220, a coolant inlet 266
may also be disposed within the flange 258 to correspond with the
specific machine tool coolant flow configuration.
[0071] Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, the collet 226 is shown and
includes slots 248 that provide for the expansion and contraction
utilized to secure a tool within an opening 249. The collet 226
includes the groove 244 that establishes a coolant flow path to the
face 225 of the collet 226. The face 225 includes a groove 246 that
communicates coolant about the circumference of the face 225.
[0072] Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, the coolant nut 224 includes
the cooling holes 270 that distribute coolant onto the tool. The
coolant nut 224 threads onto the body of the tool holder 220 and
causes the collet 226 to compress and secure the tool 222 in a
known manner. The cooling holes 270 are radially spaced from each
other to provide the desired amount of coolant to the tool during
operation. Sides 274 of the coolant nut 224 provide a hexagon shape
to provide for engagement with a tool for tightening to the body
228. The coolant nut 224 provides for the direct application of
coolant to the tool in a manner that improves tool operation and
increases the useful life of the tool. The openings 270 are
disposed concentrically about the opening for the tool. The
openings 270 are spaced away from the tool opening a distance of
between 0.10 inches and 0.50 inches. Preferably, the openings 270
are formed in a diameter that is between 0.10 and 0.5 inches larger
than the tool opening.
[0073] The foregoing description is exemplary and not just a
material specification. The invention has been described in an
illustrative manner, and should be understood that the terminology
used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather
than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the
present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The
preferred embodiments of this invention have been disclosed,
however, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that
certain modifications are within the scope of this invention. It is
understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the
invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described. For that reason the following claims should be studied
to determine the true scope and content of this invention.
* * * * *