Coolant tanks and machine tools

Abstract

To provide a coolant tank and machine tool that allow for easy draining of the coolant. [Solution] The tank body (120) is defined as having a first tank section (660) extending in a first direction (510), a second tank section (670) extending in a second direction (520) perpendicular to the first direction (510), and a corner section (680) connecting the end of the first tank section (660) in the first direction (510) and the end of the second tank section (670) in the second direction (520). The bottom surface (121) includes a first inclined section (611) located in the first tank section (660) that is inclined to shift downward as it approaches the corner section (680) in the first direction (510), and a second inclined section (612) located in the second tank section (670) that is inclined to shift downward as it approaches the corner section (680) in the second direction (520).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a coolant tank and a machine tool.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2023-184251 (Patent Document 1) discloses a coolant circulation device including a tank and a recovery unit for recovering the coolant after being used for machining in a machining head into the tank. The recovery unit has a recovery path that slopes in a manner of descending toward the downstream side in the flow direction of the coolant.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As disclosed in the above Patent Document 1, a coolant treatment device that cleans the coolant used for workpiece machining and supplies the clean coolant to the machine tool body again is known.

[0005] During maintenance of such a coolant treatment device, or during assembly of the machine tool, etc., an operation of draining the coolant from the coolant tank is performed. However, when the coolant tank has an L-shaped configuration in a top view, the coolant stays over a wide area of the bottom surface of the coolant tank, making it difficult to drain the coolant from the coolant tank.

[0006] An object of this invention is to provide a coolant tank and a machine tool capable of easily performing the operation of draining the coolant.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A coolant tank according to this invention comprises a tank body having a bottom surface and forming a space on the bottom surface in which coolant can be stored. The tank body is defined as having a first tank section extending in a first direction, a second tank section extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a corner section connecting the end of the first tank section in the first direction and the end of the second tank section in the second direction. The bottom surface includes a first inclined section located in the first tank section and inclined to shift downward as it approaches the corner section in the first direction, and a second inclined section located in the second tank section and inclined to shift downward as it approaches the corner section in the second direction.

[0008] A machine tool according to this invention comprises a machine tool body for machining a workpiece, and a coolant treatment device having the coolant tank described above, for treating the coolant used for machining the workpiece in the machine tool body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this invention, it is possible to provide a coolant tank and a machine tool that allow for easy draining of the coolant. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a machine tool using a coolant processing device according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the coolant processing apparatus. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a system diagram showing the flow of coolant processing in the coolant processing device. [Figure 4] This is a plan view showing the interior of the first tank in Figure 2. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view showing the first tank and chip conveyor in Figure 1. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view showing the coolant processing device as seen in the direction of the arrow along the line VI-VI in Figure 2. [Figure 7]This is a perspective view of the coolant processing apparatus as seen in the direction indicated by arrow VII in Figure 2. [Figure 8] This is a plan view showing the interior of the first tank in a machine tool according to Embodiment 2 of this invention. [Figure 9] This is a plan view showing a modified example of the first tank in Figure 8. [Figure 10] These are a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing the inclined structure of the bottom and side surfaces of the first tank in Embodiment 3 of this invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of this invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings referred to below, the same or equivalent components are given the same numbers.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a machine tool using a coolant processing device according to Embodiment 1 of this invention.

[0013] Referring to Figure 1, the coolant processing device 100 in this embodiment is used in a machine tool 200. The machine tool 200 is a lathe that processes a workpiece by bringing a tool into contact with a rotating workpiece. The machine tool 200 is an NC (Numerically Controlled) machine tool in which various operations for workpiece processing are automated by computer numerical control.

[0014] Furthermore, the machine tool in which the coolant processing device of the present invention is used is not limited to the lathe described above, but may also be, for example, a machining center that processes a workpiece by bringing a rotating tool into contact with the workpiece, a multi-tasking machine having both turning and milling functions, or an AM / SM hybrid machine capable of both additive manufacturing (AM) and subtractive manufacturing (SM) processes on a workpiece.

[0015] The machine tool 200 has a machine tool main body 210, a chip conveyor 230, and a coolant processing device 100. The machine tool main body 210 is the main body portion of the machine tool 200 and performs machining of a workpiece.

[0016] The machine tool main body 210 has a cover body 211, a door 213, a tool rest (not shown) for holding a tool in the machining area 220, a workpiece spindle (not shown) for rotating the workpiece in the machining area 220, and a bed (not shown) for supporting the tool rest and the workpiece spindle.

[0017] The cover body 211 defines the machining area 220 and forms the appearance of the machine tool 200. The machining area 220 is a space where machining of the workpiece is performed, and is sealed by the cover body 211 and the door 213 so that foreign matters such as chips or coolant accompanying the workpiece machining do not leak outside the machining area 220.

[0018] An opening 212 is provided in the cover body 211. The opening 212 opens the machining area 220 to the external space. The door 213 is provided in the opening 212. The door 213 is attached to the cover body 211 so as to be slidable in the horizontal direction. By the sliding operation of the door 213, the opening 212 is brought into an open state or a closed state.

[0019] The chip conveyor 230 discharges chips and coolant generated during workpiece machining in the machining area 220 to the outside of the machine tool main body 210.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5 to be described later, the chip conveyor 230 has a cover portion 231 and a conveying device 236. The cover portion 231 forms the appearance of the chip conveyor 230. The cover portion 231 forms an internal space in which the conveying device 236 is disposed. A chip inlet 233 and a chip outlet 234 are provided in the cover portion 231.

[0021] The chip conveyor 230 is positioned relative to the machine tool body 210 such that the chip receiving port 233 opens upward directly below the processing area 220, and the chip discharge port 234 opens downward at a position horizontally offset from the machine tool body 210. Below the chip discharge port 234, a chip bucket (not shown) is positioned for collecting chips.

[0022] Chips and coolant generated in the processing area 220 are received into the cover section 231 through the chip receiving port 233. The chips are transported by the conveying device 236 from the chip receiving port 233 to the chip discharge port 234. The chips are discharged to the outside of the cover section 231 through the chip discharge port 234 and also collected in the chip bucket. Meanwhile, the coolant received into the cover section 231 is discharged into the first tank 110 through the coolant discharge port 232. The coolant discharge port 232 and the first tank 110 will be described in detail later.

[0023] The chip conveyor 230 has a plurality of wheels 241. The plurality of wheels 241 are positioned to be in contact with the floor surface FL of a factory or the like where the machine tool body 210 is installed. The plurality of wheels 241 are positioned apart from each other in the horizontal direction. The chip conveyor 230, together with the first tank 110 described later, is pulled out from the machine tool body 210 by sliding in the second direction 520.

[0024] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the coolant processing apparatus in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a system diagram showing the coolant processing flow in the coolant processing apparatus in Figure 1.

[0025] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the coolant processing device 100 is installed alongside the machine tool body 210. The coolant processing device 100 is a device for processing the coolant used for workpiece machining in the machine tool body 210. Coolant discharged from the machine tool body 210 during workpiece machining is guided into the coolant processing device 100, where it is stored. The coolant processing device 100 cleans the coolant from the machine tool body 210 and supplies the clean coolant back to the machine tool body 210.

[0026] In Figures 1 and 2, and later in Figures 4 to 7, as well as in Figure 10, the first direction 510, the second direction 520, and the third direction 530 are indicated by arrows. The first direction 510 is parallel to the horizontal direction. The second direction 520 is parallel to the horizontal direction and perpendicular to the first direction 510. The third direction 530 is parallel to the vertical direction. When the coolant processing device 100 is installed attached to the machine tool body 210, the first direction 510 corresponds to the rotation axis direction (Z axis direction) of the workpiece spindle. The first direction 510 corresponds to the left-right direction (width direction) of the machine tool body 210, and the second direction 520 corresponds to the front-rear direction (depth direction) of the machine tool body 210.

[0027] The coolant processing device 100 includes a first tank 110 and a second tank 160. Each of the first tank 110 and the second tank 160 consists of a box-shaped container capable of storing coolant.

[0028] The first tank 110 is placed on the floor level (FL). In a top view, a portion of the first tank 110 overlaps with a portion of the machine tool body 210. The second tank 160 is stacked on top of the first tank 110. In a top view, the second tank 160 overlaps with a portion of the first tank 110. In a top view, the second tank 160 is positioned offset from the machine tool body 210.

[0029] The area of ​​the second tank 160 in a top view is smaller than the area of ​​the first tank 110 in a top view. The coolant capacity that can be stored in the second tank 160 is less than the coolant capacity that can be stored in the first tank 110. The coolant capacity that can be stored in the second tank 160 may be greater than or equal to the coolant capacity that can be stored in the first tank 110.

[0030] The first tank 110 has a tank body 120 and a lid 130. The tank body 120 has a box shape with a bottom surface 121 and side surfaces 122. The bottom surface 121 is located at the bottom of the tank body 120. The side surfaces 122 rise up from the periphery of the bottom surface 121. A first storage space 126 is formed on the bottom surface 121 and enclosed by the side surfaces 122. The first tank 110 stores coolant in the first storage space 126. The lid 130 is attached to the upper end of the side surfaces 122. The lid 130 faces the bottom surface 121 in a third direction 530.

[0031] The first tank 110 has a plurality of wheels 111. The plurality of wheels 111 are positioned to be in contact with the floor surface FL. The plurality of wheels 111 are positioned apart from each other in the horizontal direction. The first tank 110 is pulled out from the machine tool body 210 by sliding in the second direction 520. The direction in which the first tank 110 is pulled out may be the first direction 510.

[0032] The second tank 160 has a tank body 170 and a lid 180. The tank body 170 has a box shape with a bottom surface 171 and side surfaces 172. The bottom surface 171 is located at the bottom of the tank body 170. In the third direction 530, the bottom surface 171 faces the lid 130 of the first tank 110. The side surfaces 172 rise from the periphery of the bottom surface 171. A second storage space 176 is formed on the bottom surface 171 at a position surrounded by the side surfaces 172. The second tank 160 stores coolant in the second storage space 176. The lid 180 is attached to the upper end of the side surfaces 172. In the third direction 530, the lid 180 faces the bottom surface 171.

[0033] The distance between the lid 130 and the bottom surface 171 in the third direction 530 is less than the distance between the bottom surface 171 and the lid 180 in the third direction 530. The distance between the bottom surface 171 and the lid 180 in the third direction 530 is greater than the distance between the bottom surface 121 and the lid 130 in the third direction 530. The distance between the bottom surface 171 and the lid 180 in the third direction 530 may be less than or equal to the distance between the bottom surface 121 and the lid 130 in the third direction 530.

[0034] The two-tiered structure of the coolant tank, consisting of a first tank 110 and a second tank 160, allows for an increased tank capacity while keeping the installation area of ​​the coolant treatment device 100 small when viewed from above.

[0035] The coolant processing apparatus 100 further includes a coolant temperature control device 190. The coolant temperature control device 190 is a device for controlling the temperature of the coolant and cools the coolant whose temperature rises due to workpiece processing. The coolant temperature control device 190 is installed in the second tank 160. The coolant temperature control device 190 cools the coolant stored in the second tank 160. The coolant temperature control device 190 is mounted on the top of the second tank 160. The coolant temperature control device 190 is mounted on the lid 180. The coolant temperature control device 190 has a box shape that rises from the lid 180.

[0036] The coolant temperature control device 190 is of the immersion type and has a heat exchange coil (cooling coil) that is immersed in the coolant. In this configuration, since the heat exchange coil is immersed in the clean coolant stored in the second tank 160, it is less likely for chips to clog the heat exchange coil. As a result, the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange coil is maintained over a long period of time, and the maintenance burden can be reduced. Furthermore, since the immersion type coolant temperature control device 190 is mounted on the top (lid 180) of the second tank 160, the installation area of ​​the coolant treatment device 100 when viewed from above can be further reduced.

[0037] Figure 4 is a plan view showing the interior of the first tank in Figure 2. Referring to Figures 2 through 4, the first tank 110 has a first tank area 310, a second tank area 320, and a third tank area 330.

[0038] The third tank area 330 is located between the first tank area 310 and the second tank area 320 in the second direction 520. The first tank area 310, the third tank area 330, and the second tank area 320 are arranged in the second direction 520 in the order listed above. The first tank area 310 is connected to one end of the third tank area 330 in the second direction 520, and the second tank area 320 is connected to the other end of the third tank area 330 in the second direction 520.

[0039] The first tank region 310 and the second tank region 320 are spaced apart from each other, with the third tank region 330 in between them. The first tank region 310 is bound only by the third tank region 330 of the two tank regions 320 and 330. The second tank region 320 is bound only by the third tank region 330 of the two tank regions 330 and 310. The third tank region 330 is bound by both the first tank region 310 and the second tank region 320.

[0040] The first tank region 310 extends in the first direction 510. The first tank region 310 protrudes more in the first direction 510 than the third tank region 330. In a top view, the first tank region 310 has an elongated shape with the first direction 510 being the longitudinal direction and the second direction 520 being the transverse direction (width direction). The maximum length of the first tank region 310 in the first direction 510 is greater than the maximum length of the first tank region 310 in the second direction 520.

[0041] The second tank region 320 extends in the first direction 510. The second tank region 320 protrudes more in the first direction 510 than the third tank region 330. The direction of protrusion of the second tank region 320 in the first direction 510 is opposite to the direction of protrusion of the first tank region 310 in the first direction 510.

[0042] The length of the third tank region 330 in the first direction 510 is smaller than the length of the second tank region 320 in the first direction 510, and also smaller than the length of the first tank region 310 in the first direction 510. The length of the second tank region 320 in the first direction 510 is smaller than the length of the first tank region 310 in the first direction 510. The length of the second tank region 320 in the second direction 520 is larger than the length of the first tank region 310 in the second direction 520, and also larger than the length of the third tank region 330 in the second direction 520.

[0043] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the first tank and chip conveyor in Figure 1. In Figures 4 and 5, the coolant flow in the first tank 110 is indicated by arrows, and the discharge direction of the coolant from the first nozzle 61 and the second nozzle 62, which will be described later, is indicated by white arrows.

[0044] Referring to Figures 2 to 5, a position 370 is set in the first tank area 310 where coolant from the machine tool body 210 flows in. The first tank area 310 is positioned directly below the machining area 220.

[0045] The chip conveyor 230 is housed in the first tank area 310. The cover portion 231 is provided with a coolant outlet 232. The coolant outlet 232 opens facing the second direction 520. The coolant outlet 232 opens facing the side surface 122 of the tank body 120. The coolant outlet 232 has a rectangular opening shape, for example, with the first direction 510 being the longitudinal direction and the third direction 530 being the short direction. Multiple coolant outlets 232 may be provided spaced apart from each other in the first direction 510.

[0046] Coolant received from the machine tool body 210 (machining area 220) into the cover portion 231 of the chip conveyor 230 flows into the first tank area 310 through the coolant outlet 232. The opening surface of the coolant outlet 232 in the cover portion 231 corresponds to the position 370 into which the coolant flows from the machine tool body 210.

[0047] The coolant processing device 100 further includes a first pump 51. The first pump 51 is installed in the first tank 110. The first pump 51 is attached to the lid 130. The first pump 51 is an immersion type pump and has a pump section (not shown) that is immersed in the coolant. The first pump 51 pumps the coolant stored in the first tank 110 to the second tank 160.

[0048] In the third tank region 330, a position 380 is set where the first pump 51 is installed. The first pump 51 is located in the second direction 520, closer to the second tank region 320 than to the first tank region 310.

[0049] The side surface 122 has a second side surface 122j and a third side surface 122k. The second side surface 122j and the third side surface 122k are located in the third tank area 330. The second side surface 122j and the third side surface 122k are spaced apart from each other and face each other in the first direction 510. A first storage space 126 is formed between the second side surface 122j and the third side surface 122k in the third tank area 330. The first pump 51 is located in the first direction 510, closer to the second side surface 122j than to the third side surface 122k. The position 380 where the first pump 51 is located is offset in the first direction 510 and the second direction 520 from the position 370 where coolant flows in from the machine tool body 210.

[0050] The coolant processing device 100 further includes a trough 31. The trough 31 is provided in the first tank 110. The trough 31 can guide the coolant from the machine tool body 210 toward the first pump 51.

[0051] The trough 31 is provided in the first tank area 310. The trough 31 is attached to the side surface 122. The trough 31 extends in the first direction 510. The trough 31 is provided below the coolant outlet 232. When the trough 31 is cut by a plane perpendicular to the first direction 510, it has a tray-shaped cross section. The trough 31 forms a flow path through which coolant can flow. The trough 31 receives coolant from the coolant outlet 232 and is configured to guide the coolant in a direction along the first direction 510 and toward the third tank area 330.

[0052] The coolant processing device 100 further has a plurality of first nozzles 61 (61A, 61B, 61C). The first nozzles 61 are provided in the first tank 110. The first nozzles 61 discharge coolant to form a coolant flow from the first tank area 310 toward the first pump 51.

[0053] The first nozzle 61 is provided on the bottom surface 121. Multiple first nozzles 61 are provided at intervals from each other in the planar direction of the bottom surface 121. The first nozzle 61 is provided in the first tank region 310. The first nozzle 61 discharges coolant in the first tank region 310 in a direction that approaches the second tank region 320.

[0054] The first nozzles 61A, 61B, and 61C are spaced apart from each other in the first direction 510. Of the first nozzles 61A, 61B, and 61C, the first nozzle 61A is located furthest upstream in the coolant flow from the first tank area 310 toward the first pump 51. Of the first nozzles 61A, 61B, and 61C, the first nozzle 61C is located furthest downstream in the coolant flow from the first tank area 310 toward the first pump 51. The first nozzle 61B is located between the first nozzles 61A and 61C in the first direction 510.

[0055] The first nozzle 61A discharges coolant in a direction along the first direction 510 and toward the third tank area 330. The first nozzle 61B discharges coolant in a direction along the first direction 510 and toward the third tank area 330. The first nozzle 61C discharges coolant in a direction along the second direction 520 and toward the third tank area 330. The coolant discharge port 61a of the first nozzle 61C opens toward the first pump 51.

[0056] The first tank 110 further has a partition wall 46. The partition wall 46 has a wall shape rising from the bottom surface 121. The partition wall 46 is provided along the boundary between the first tank area 310 and the third tank area 330. The partition wall 46 is provided at a position offset from the straight line connecting the first nozzle 61C in the first tank area 310 and the first pump 51 in the third tank area 330. The partition wall 46 extends from the third side surface 122k and extends in the first direction 510. The partition wall 46 is provided at a position away from the second side surface 122j in the first direction 510. The partition wall 46 functions as a guide to more reliably direct the coolant from the first tank area 310 to the first pump 51.

[0057] The first tank area 310 includes a corner area 310p. The corner area 310p is defined as the end of the first tank area 310 in the first direction 510, and is located at the position furthest from the third tank area 330. The length (width) of the first tank area 310 in the second direction 520 is locally smaller at the corner area 310p. By providing the corner area 310p in the first tank area 310, the tank capacity can be further increased.

[0058] The coolant processing device 100 further includes a third nozzle 63. The third nozzle 63 is located in the first tank area 310. The third nozzle 63 discharges coolant to form a coolant flow toward the corner area 310p. With this configuration, by discharging coolant toward the corner area 310p where stagnation occurs in the coolant flow, the coolant stored in the corner area 310p can be forcibly circulated.

[0059] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the coolant processing apparatus as seen in the direction of the arrow along the line VI-VI in Figure 2. Referring to Figures 2 through 6, the second tank 160 is located in the second tank region 320. In a top view, the second tank 160 overlaps with a portion of the second tank region 320.

[0060] The coolant processing device 100 further includes a coolant return mechanism 21. The coolant return mechanism 21 is provided in the second tank 160. The coolant return mechanism 21 is configured to return the coolant that overflows from the second tank 160 to the first tank 110.

[0061] The second tank 160 is provided with an opening 173. The opening 173 is a through-hole that penetrates the side surface 172 and communicates with the second storage space 176. In the third direction 530, the opening 173 is located closer to the lid 180 than the bottom surface 171. The first tank 110 is provided with an opening 131. The opening 131 is a through-hole that penetrates the lid 130 and communicates with the first storage space 126.

[0062] The coolant return mechanism 21 has the openings 173 and 131 and a drain pipe 22. The drain pipe 22 extends in the third direction 530. The drain pipe 22 extends between the openings 173 and 131. When the coolant level in the second tank 160 exceeds a predetermined height, the coolant enters the first storage space 126 from the second storage space 176, passing through the openings 173, drain pipe 22, and opening 131 in that order.

[0063] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, a position 360 is set in the second tank region 320 where coolant is returned from the second tank 160 by the coolant return mechanism 21. The opening surface of the opening 131 in the lid 130 corresponds to the position 360 where coolant is returned from the second tank 160 by the coolant return mechanism 21.

[0064] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the coolant processing apparatus as seen in the direction indicated by arrow VII in Figure 2. Referring to Figure 7, the coolant processing apparatus 100 further includes a foreign matter capture device 41. The foreign matter capture device 41 is a device for capturing foreign matter such as chips or sludge contained in the coolant. The foreign matter capture device 41 captures foreign matter contained in the coolant from the first pump 51.

[0065] The foreign object capture device 41 is a filterless type that does not have a filtration filter. The foreign object capture device 41 is a cyclone separator that captures foreign objects using centrifugal force. The foreign object capture device 41 as a whole has a cylindrical shape that extends in the third direction 530. The foreign object capture device 41 consists of an elongated body with the third direction 530 as its longitudinal direction.

[0066] The foreign matter capture device 41 includes a foreign matter separation section 42, a foreign matter recovery section 43, a coolant inlet section 45, and a coolant outlet section 44. The coolant treatment device 100 further includes a first pipe 410 and a second pipe 420.

[0067] The foreign matter separation section 42 and the foreign matter recovery section 43 are connected in the third direction 530. The lower end of the foreign matter separation section 42 is connected to the upper end of the foreign matter recovery section 43. The coolant inlet section 45 is connected to the outer circumferential surface of the foreign matter separation section 42. The coolant outlet section 44 is connected to the upper end of the foreign matter separation section 42.

[0068] The first pipe 410 extends between the first pump 51 and the coolant inlet 45. The second pipe 420 extends between the coolant outlet 44 and the second tank 160 (lid 180). Each of the first pipe 410 and the second pipe 420 consists of a steel pipe or hose through which coolant can flow.

[0069] Coolant from the first pump 51 flows through the first pipe 410 and into the foreign matter separation section 42 through the coolant inlet 45. The coolant flows spirally inside the foreign matter separation section 42, during which time the coolant and the foreign matter contained in the coolant are separated by centrifugal force. The cleaned coolant flows out of the foreign matter separation section 42 through the coolant outlet 44 and is supplied to the second tank 160 via the second pipe 420. The foreign matter separated from the coolant falls by gravity and is collected in the foreign matter recovery section 43.

[0070] The second tank 160 is provided with a notch 161. When the second tank 160 is viewed from above, the notch 161 has a notch shape in which one of the four corners of a rectangle is cut out in a rectangular shape. The foreign matter capturing device 41 is located in the notch 161 when viewed from above. The foreign matter recovery unit 43 is located above the lid 130 and is positioned opposite the second tank 160 in the first direction 510 and the second direction 520. The foreign matter separation unit 42 is located above the lid 180. The foreign matter separation unit 42 is positioned opposite the coolant temperature control device 190 in the first direction 510 and opposite the second pump 52 (described later) in the second direction 520.

[0071] Referring to Figures 2 to 4, the coolant processing device 100 further comprises a second pump 52 and a plurality of third pumps 53.

[0072] The second pump 52 is located in the second tank 160. The second pump 52 is attached to the lid 180. The second pump 52 is an immersion type pump. The second pump 52 supplies the coolant stored in the second tank 160 to the machine tool body 210.

[0073] Coolant from the second pump 52 is supplied to at least one of the tool and the workpiece in the machine tool body 210. For example, coolant from the second pump 52 is supplied to the cutting edge coolant nozzle 253 and the through-spindle coolant device 254. The cutting edge coolant nozzle 253 is located on the tool post of the machine tool body 210. The cutting edge coolant nozzle 253 is configured to discharge coolant toward the cutting edge of the tool held on the tool post. The through-spindle coolant device 254 is located on the workpiece spindle of the machine tool body 210. The through-spindle coolant device 254 is configured to discharge coolant toward the workpiece from the chuck of the workpiece spindle.

[0074] Multiple third pumps 53 are provided in the first tank 110. The third pumps 53 are attached to the lid 130. The third pumps 53 are submersible pumps. The third pumps 53 supply coolant stored in the second tank area 320 to the machine tool body 210.

[0075] Coolant from the third pump 53 is supplied to a location in the machine tool body 210 that is away from the tool and workpiece. For example, coolant from the third pump 53 is supplied to the base coolant nozzle 251 and the machine coolant circulation device 252. The base coolant nozzle 251 is configured to discharge coolant toward the bed and / or the cover body 211 that demarcates the machining area 220. The machine coolant circulation device 252 is configured to circulate coolant through a coolant circulation path provided in the bed, with the aim of equalizing the temperature of the casting that makes up the bed and suppressing changes in the posture of the machine tool body 210.

[0076] The minimum opening area of ​​the coolant flow path supplied from the second pump 52 to the machine tool body 210 may be smaller than the minimum opening area of ​​the coolant flow path supplied from the third pump 53 to the machine tool body 210.

[0077] Referring to Figure 4, the coolant processing device 100 further has a plurality of second nozzles 62 (62A, 62B, 62C, 62D). The second nozzles 62 are provided in the first tank 110. The second nozzles 62 discharge coolant in such a way that it forms a swirling flow along the periphery of the second tank region 320 when viewed from above.

[0078] The second nozzle 62 is provided on the bottom surface 121. Multiple second nozzles 62 are provided at intervals from each other in the planar direction of the bottom surface 121. The second nozzle 62 is provided in the second tank region 320. Multiple second nozzles 62 are provided at intervals from each other along the periphery of the bottom surface 121 in the second tank region 320.

[0079] The bottom surface 121 of the second tank region 320 has a rectangular shape. The second nozzles 62A, 62B, 62C, and 62D are arranged in the circumferential direction of the periphery of the bottom surface 121 in the order listed above. The second nozzles 62A, 62B, 62C, and 62D are each provided at the four corners of the bottom surface 121 of the second tank region 320. The coolant outlet 62a of the second nozzle 62A opens toward the second nozzle 62B, the coolant outlet 62a of the second nozzle 62B opens toward the second nozzle 62C, the coolant outlet 62a of the second nozzle 62C opens toward the second nozzle 62D, and the coolant outlet 62a of the second nozzle 62D opens toward the second nozzle 62A.

[0080] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, coolant from the machine tool body 210 (machining area 220) is received by the chip conveyor 230 and then flows into the first tank 110 (first tank area 310) through the coolant outlet 232 provided in the cover portion 231. The coolant that has flowed into the first tank 110 moves from the first tank area 310 toward the third tank area 330 where the first pump 51 is located.

[0081] The first pump 51 pumps the coolant that has moved to the third tank area 330 up to the second tank 160. At this time, the foreign matter capture device 41 captures foreign matter contained in the coolant from the first pump 51, so that clean coolant is supplied to the second tank 160. The second pump 52 supplies the coolant stored in the second tank 160 to at least one of the tool and workpiece in the machine tool body 210, such as the cutting edge coolant nozzle 253 and the through spindle coolant device 254.

[0082] When the coolant level in the second tank 160 exceeds a predetermined height, the coolant return mechanism 21 returns the coolant that has overflowed from the second tank 160 to the first tank 110 (second tank area 320). The third pump 53 supplies the coolant stored in the second tank area 320 of the first tank 110 to positions in the machine tool body 210 that are away from the tool and workpiece, such as the base coolant nozzle 251 and the machine coolant circulation device 252.

[0083] To summarize the configuration of the coolant processing apparatus 100 in Embodiment 1 of the present invention as described above, the coolant processing apparatus 100 in this embodiment comprises a first tank 110, a second tank 160 stacked on top of the first tank 110, a first pump 51 provided in the first tank 110 for pumping the coolant stored in the first tank 110 to the second tank 160, a foreign matter capturing device 41 for capturing foreign matter contained in the coolant from the first pump 51, and a coolant return mechanism 21 provided in the second tank 160 for returning the coolant that has overflowed from the second tank 160 back to the first tank 110. The first tank 110 includes a first tank region 310 where a position 370 is set for coolant to flow in from the machine tool body 210, a second tank region 320 where a position 360 is set for coolant to be returned from the second tank 160 by the coolant return mechanism 21, and a third tank region 330 located between the first tank region 310 and the second tank region 320 in a top view, where a position 380 is set for the first pump 51.

[0084] Thus, the third tank region 330, where the position 380 for the first pump 51 is set, is located between the first tank region 310, where the position 370 for coolant flowing in from the machine tool body 210 is set, and the second tank region 320, where the position 360 for coolant being returned from the second tank 160 by the coolant return mechanism 21 is set, in a top view. With this configuration, the dirty coolant that has flowed from the machine tool body 210 into the first tank region 310 of the first tank 110 can be efficiently guided to the first pump 51 in the third tank region 330, and the first pump 51 can pump it up to the second tank 160. As a result, clean coolant from which foreign matter has been captured by the foreign matter capture device 41 can be supplied to the second tank 160. Furthermore, the third tank area 330 is positioned between the first tank area 310 and the second tank area 320 in a top view, so the second tank area 320 is positioned on the opposite side of the third tank area 330 from the first tank area 310. In this configuration, dirty coolant from the first tank area 310 is pumped up to the second tank 160 by the first pump 51 in the third tank area 330, thereby preventing dirty coolant from entering the second tank area 320.

[0085] As a result, the second tank 160 can function as a clean tank for storing coolant with a high degree of cleanliness, and the second tank area 320 in the first tank 110 can function as a semi-clean tank for storing coolant with an intermediate degree of cleanliness. This allows for a sufficient supply of clean coolant from the coolant treatment device 100 to the machine tool body 210.

[0086] Furthermore, the second tank 160 is stacked above the second tank area 320. With this configuration, the coolant return mechanism 21 can be made simpler by bringing the second tank 160 closer to the position 360 where the coolant is returned from the second tank 160 by the coolant return mechanism 21.

[0087] Furthermore, the coolant processing device 100 is provided in the first tank 110 and further includes a trough 31 that guides the coolant from the machine tool body 210 toward the first pump 51. With this configuration, the trough 31 can forcibly direct the coolant from the machine tool body 210 toward the first pump 51. This makes it possible to more efficiently guide the dirty coolant that has flowed from the machine tool body 210 into the first tank area 310 toward the first pump 51 in the third tank area 330.

[0088] Furthermore, the coolant processing device 100 is provided in the first tank 110 and further includes a first nozzle 61 that discharges coolant to form a coolant flow from the first tank region 310 toward the first pump 51.

[0089] With this configuration, the dirty coolant that flows from the machine tool body 210 into the first tank area 310 can be more efficiently guided to the first pump 51 in the third tank area 330.

[0090] Furthermore, the coolant processing device 100 is provided in the first tank 110 and further includes a second nozzle 62 that discharges coolant in such a way that it forms a swirling flow along the periphery of the second tank region 320 when viewed from above.

[0091] With this configuration, by actively forming a swirling flow in the second tank region 320, it is possible to suppress the coolant stored in the second tank region 320 from moving towards the first pump 51. This prevents a decrease in the efficiency of the first pump 51 from pumping out dirty coolant.

[0092] Furthermore, the coolant processing device 100 includes a second pump 52 provided in the second tank 160 for supplying the coolant stored in the second tank 160 to the machine tool body 210, and a third pump 53 provided in the first tank 110 for supplying the coolant stored in the second tank area 320 to the machine tool body 210.

[0093] With this configuration, the coolant stored in the second tank 160 and the coolant stored in the second tank area 320 of the first tank 110 can be supplied to the machine tool body 210 independently of each other.

[0094] Furthermore, the coolant from the second pump 52 is supplied to at least one of the tool and the workpiece in the machine tool body 210. The coolant from the third pump 53 is supplied to a location in the machine tool body 210 that is away from the tool and the workpiece.

[0095] With this configuration, the impact of foreign matter in the coolant on the machining accuracy of the workpiece is relatively large in the coolant supplied to at least one of the tool and the workpiece, and relatively small in the coolant supplied to a position away from the tool and the workpiece. Therefore, by supplying a coolant with a high degree of cleanliness to at least one of the tool and the workpiece, and supplying a coolant with an intermediate degree of cleanliness to a position away from the tool and the workpiece, the machining accuracy of the workpiece can be efficiently improved.

[0096] Furthermore, the coolant treatment device 100 further includes an immersion-type coolant temperature control device 190 that is mounted on top of the second tank 160. With this configuration, the maintainability of the coolant temperature control device 190 can be improved while reducing the installation area of ​​the coolant treatment device 100 when viewed from above.

[0097] The features of the first tank region 310, the second tank region 320, and the third tank region 330 are described below. Referring to Figure 4, the third tank region 330 has a rectangle in a top view having a pair of edges extending in the first direction 510 and a pair of edges extending in the second direction 520. The first tank region 310 is connected to one end of the third tank region 330 in the second direction 520, and the second tank region 320 is connected to the other end of the third tank region 330 in the second direction 520. The first tank region 310 protrudes more than the third tank region 330 in one direction along the first direction 510 which is perpendicular to the second direction 520. The second tank region 320 protrudes more than the third tank region 330 in the other direction along the first direction 510.

[0098] The area of ​​the third tank region 330 in a top view is smaller than the area of ​​the first tank region 310 in a top view. The area of ​​the third tank region 330 in a top view is smaller than the area of ​​the second tank region 320 in a top view. The area of ​​the second tank region 320 in a top view may be greater than or equal to the area of ​​the first tank region 310 in a top view, or less than the area of ​​the first tank region 310 in a top view.

[0099] In the first tank region 310, a coolant flow is formed in a direction along the first direction 510 and approaching the third tank region 330. In the second tank region 320, a coolant flow is formed that swirls along the periphery of the second tank region 320 when viewed from above. In the third tank region 330, a coolant flow is formed in a direction along the second direction 520 and approaching the first pump 51 from the first tank region 310.

[0100] (Embodiment 2) The machine tool in this embodiment has the same structure as the machine tool 200 in Embodiment 1. Hereafter, the structure that overlaps with that of the machine tool 200 in Embodiment 1 will not be described again. In particular, in this embodiment, the structure of the first tank 110 will be described from a different perspective than that described in Embodiment 1.

[0101] Figure 8 is a plan view showing the interior of the first tank in a machine tool according to Embodiment 2 of this invention. Figure 8 corresponds to Figure 4 in Embodiment 1.

[0102] In Figure 8 and the later Figure 9, the first direction 560, the second direction 570, and the third direction 580 are indicated by arrows. The second direction 570 intersects with the first direction 560. The third direction 580 intersects with the second direction 570. The first direction 560, the second direction 570, and the third direction 580 are parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0103] In this embodiment, as a typical example, the first direction 560 is the direction parallel to the rotation axis direction (Z-axis direction) of the workpiece spindle, the second direction 570 is the direction perpendicular to the first direction 560, and the third direction 580 is the direction perpendicular to the second direction 570. When the coolant processing device 100 is installed attached to the machine tool body 210, the first direction 560 corresponds to the left-right direction (width direction) of the machine tool body 210, and the second direction 570 corresponds to the front-rear direction (depth direction) of the machine tool body 210.

[0104] The angle formed by the first direction 560 and the second direction 570 may be in the range of 90°±45°, 90°±30°, or 90°±10°. The angle formed by the second direction 570 and the third direction 580 may be in the range of 90°±30°, 90°±10°, or 90°±5°.

[0105] The first tank 110 has a first tank section 710. The first tank section 710 extends in a first direction 560. Coolant flowing from the processing area 220 flows into the first tank section 710.

[0106] The first tank section 710 corresponds to the first tank area 310 described in Embodiment 1. In a top view, the first tank section 710 has an elongated shape with the first direction 560 being the longitudinal direction and the second direction 570 being the short direction (width direction). A position 370 is set in the first tank section 710 where coolant from the machine tool body 210 (machining area 220) flows in. The first tank section 710 is positioned directly below the machining area 220. The chip conveyor 230 is housed in the first tank section 710.

[0107] The first tank 110 further has a second tank section 720. The second tank section 720 extends in a second direction 570 that intersects with the first direction 560. Coolant that has flowed through the first tank section 710 flows into the second tank section 720.

[0108] The second tank section 720 corresponds to the second tank region 320 and the third tank region 330 described in Embodiment 1. The second tank section 720 is connected to the end of the first tank section 710 in the first direction 560. The second tank section 720 extends from the first tank section 710 in the second direction 570.

[0109] The second tank section 720 has a first region 721 and a second region 722. The first region 721 has a pumping section 730 for drawing up coolant. The second region 722 has an inlet section 740 into which coolant that has been treated to remove foreign matter contained in the coolant flows.

[0110] The first region 721 corresponds to the third tank region 330 described in Embodiment 1. The second region 722 corresponds to the second tank region 320 described in Embodiment 1. The length (width) of the second region 722 in the first direction 560 is greater than the length (width) of the first region 721 in the first direction 560. The second region 722 protrudes more in the first direction 560 than the first region 721.

[0111] The first region 721 and the second region 722 are aligned in the second direction 570. The first region 721 is located between the first tank section 710 and the second region 722. The first tank section 710 and the second region 722 are spaced apart from each other, with the first region 721 in between. The first tank section 710 is bound only by the first region 721 of the two regions 722. The second region 722 is bound only by the first region 721 of the two regions 721. The first region 721 is bound by both the first tank section 710 and the second region 722.

[0112] In the first region 721, a position 380 is set where the first pump 51, as described in Embodiment 1, is installed. The pumping section 730 for drawing up the coolant corresponds to the position 380 where the first pump 51 is installed. In the second region 722, a position 360 is set where the coolant is returned from the second tank 160, as described in Embodiment 1. The inlet section 740 into which the coolant, which has been treated for foreign matter contained in the coolant, flows in corresponds to the position 360 where the coolant is returned from the second tank 160.

[0113] The first tank 110 further includes a flow forming section 750. The flow forming section 750 forms a boundary between the first region 721 and the second region 722, and in relation to the coolant flowing in the first region 721 in the second direction 570, it forms a flow of coolant in a third direction 580 that intersects with the second direction 570.

[0114] The flow forming section 750 is located at the boundary between the first region 721 and the second region 722. The flow forming section 750 extends in the first direction 560. In Figure 8, the flow forming section 750 is shown as a band-shaped region extending in the first direction 560 while having a constant width in the second direction 570, but the flow forming section 750 is a region of minute width that forms the boundary layer between the first region 721 and the second region 722.

[0115] Multiple second nozzles 62 (62A, 62B, 62C, 62D) are arranged in the second region 722. The multiple second nozzles 62 (62A, 62B, 62C, 62D) form a swirling flow that flows along the periphery of the second region 722 when viewed from above. In particular, the second nozzle 62A is located adjacent to the flow forming section 750 in the second direction 570. The coolant discharge port 62a of the second nozzle 62A faces the third direction 580.

[0116] In this configuration, a coolant flow is formed in the flow forming section 750 that forms the boundary between the first region 721 and the second region 722, along a third direction 580 that intersects with the coolant flow direction (second direction 570) in the first region 721. The flow forming section 750 is located between the pumping section 730 and the inlet section 740 in the second direction 570, and corresponds to the region where coolant flow along the third direction 580 is generated by the multiple second nozzles 62.

[0117] Figure 9 is a plan view showing a modified example of the first tank in Figure 8. Referring to Figure 9, in this modified example, the length (width) of the second tank section 720 in the first direction 560 is constant regardless of its position in the second direction 570. The length (width) of the second region 722 in the first direction 560 is the same as the length (width) of the first region 721 in the first direction 560.

[0118] To summarize the configuration of the first tank 110 in Embodiment 3 of the present invention as described above, the first tank 110 as a coolant tank in this embodiment includes a first tank section 710 into which coolant flowing from the processing area 220 flows and which extends in a first direction 560, and a second tank section 720 into which coolant flowing from the first tank section 710 flows and which extends in a second direction 570 intersecting the first direction 560, and which includes a first region 721 having a pumping section 730 for pumping up coolant, and a second region 722 having an inlet section 740 into which coolant that has been treated for foreign matter contained in the coolant flows, and a flow forming section 750 that forms a flow of coolant in a third direction 580 intersecting the second direction 570 with respect to the coolant flowing in the first region 721 in the second direction 570.

[0119] With this configuration, dirty coolant flowing from the processing area 220 into the first tank section 710 is guided to the pumping section 730 in the second region 722 and pumped up by the pumping section 730. In this case, to form a boundary between the first region 721 and the second region 722, a flow forming section 750 forms a flow of coolant in a third direction 580 that intersects the second direction 570 with the coolant flowing in the second direction 570 in the first region 721, thereby suppressing the entry of dirty coolant from the first region 721 into the second region 722. As a result, in the second region 722, where there is an inlet section 740 into which coolant that has been treated for foreign matter contained in the coolant flows, it is possible to prevent dirty coolant from mixing with clean coolant.

[0120] The machine tool 200 in this embodiment includes a machine tool body 210 for machining a workpiece, and a coolant processing device 100 for processing the coolant used for machining the workpiece in the machine tool body 210, which has a first tank 110 as a coolant tank.

[0121] This configuration makes it possible to supply a sufficient amount of clean coolant from the first tank 110 to the machine tool body 210.

[0122] In this embodiment, the second tank 160 may not be stacked on top of the first tank 110, but rather placed separately from the first tank 110.

[0123] (Embodiment 3) Figure 10 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing the inclined structure of the bottom and side surfaces of the first tank in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the inclined structure of the bottom surface 121 and side surfaces 122 of the first tank 110 in Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0124] Referring to Figure 10, the tank body 120 is defined as having a first tank section 660, a second tank section 670, and a corner section 680.

[0125] The first tank section 660 extends in the first direction 510 when viewed from above. The first tank section 660 has an elongated shape, with the first direction 510 being the longitudinal direction and the second direction 520 being the short direction (width direction). The maximum length of the first tank section 660 in the first direction 510 is greater than the maximum length of the first tank section 660 in the second direction 520.

[0126] The second tank section 670 extends in the second direction 520 when viewed from above. The second tank section 670 has an elongated shape in which the second direction 520 is the longitudinal direction and the first direction 510 is the transverse direction (width direction). The maximum length of the second tank section 670 in the second direction 520 is greater than the maximum length of the second tank section 670 in the first direction 510.

[0127] The corner section 680 connects the end of the first tank section 660 in the first direction 510 and the end of the second tank section 670 in the second direction 520. The corner section 680 is located at the corner formed by the first tank section 660 and the second tank section 670. The first tank section 660 extends from the corner section 680 in the first direction 510. The second tank section 670 extends from the corner section 680 in the second direction 520. The corner section 680 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above.

[0128] The bottom surface 121 has a first inclined section 611, a second inclined section 612, and a horizontal section 613. The first inclined section 611 is located in the first tank section 660. The first inclined section 611 is inclined to shift downward as it approaches the corner section 680 in the first direction 510. The first inclined section 611 is configured to be a downhill slope toward the corner section 680 in the first direction 510.

[0129] The first inclined section 611 has a distal end 611p and a proximal end 611q. In the first direction 510, the first inclined section 611 extends between the distal end 611p and the proximal end 611q. The distal end 611p is located furthest from the corner section 680 in the first direction 510. The proximal end 611q is connected to the horizontal section 613, which will be described later. The first inclined section 611 has a slope (gradient) that is highest at the distal end 611p and lowest at the proximal end 611q. The inclination of the first inclined section 611 is constant between the distal end 611p and the proximal end 611q. In the third direction 530 (vertical direction), the distance between the first inclined portion 611 and the water surface of the coolant stored in the first storage space 126 on the first inclined portion 611 is minimum at the distal end 611p and maximum at the proximal end 611q.

[0130] The second inclined section 612 is located in the second tank section 670. The second inclined section 612 is inclined to shift downward as it approaches the corner section 680 in the second direction 520. The second inclined section 612 is configured to be a downhill slope toward the corner section 680 in the second direction 520.

[0131] The second inclined section 612 has a distal end 612p and a proximal end 612q. In the second direction 520, the second inclined section 612 extends between the distal end 612p and the proximal end 612q. The distal end 612p is located furthest from the corner section 680 in the second direction 520. The proximal end 612q is connected to the horizontal section 613, which will be described later. The second inclined section 612 has a slope (gradient) that is highest at the distal end 612p and lowest at the proximal end 612q. The inclination of the second inclined section 612 is constant between the distal end 612p and the proximal end 612q. In the third direction 530 (vertical direction), the distance between the second inclined portion 612 and the water surface of the coolant stored in the first storage space 126 on the second inclined portion 612 is minimum at the distal end 612p and maximum at the proximal end 612q.

[0132] The horizontal section 613 is located at the corner section 680. The horizontal section 613 extends horizontally. In the third direction 530 (vertical direction), the distance between the horizontal section 613 and the water surface of the coolant stored in the first storage space 126 on the horizontal section 613 is constant in the horizontal section 613.

[0133] When the degree of inclination of the first inclined portion 611 is defined as the difference in step size between the distal end 611p and the proximal end 611q in the third direction 530 per unit length of the first inclined portion 611 in the first direction 510, the degree of inclination of the first inclined portion 611 (H1 / L1) may be in the range of 5 mm / m or more and 50 mm / m or less. Similarly, the degree of inclination of the second inclined portion 612 (H2 / L2) may be in the range of 5 mm / m or more and 50 mm / m or less.

[0134] The length L1 of the first inclined portion 611 in the first direction 510 is greater than the length L2 of the second inclined portion 612 in the second direction 520 (L1 > L2). In this case, the angle θ1 that the first inclined portion 611 makes with respect to the horizontal direction is smaller than the angle θ2 that the second inclined portion 612 makes with respect to the horizontal direction (θ1 < θ2). The magnitude H1 of the step difference between the distal end 611p and the proximal end 611q of the first inclined portion 611 may be the same as the magnitude H2 of the step difference between the distal end 612p and the proximal end 612q of the second inclined portion 612 (H1 = H2).

[0135] The angle θ1 that the first inclined portion 611 makes with respect to the horizontal direction may be the same as the angle θ2 that the second inclined portion 612 makes with respect to the horizontal direction (θ1=θ2), or it may be greater than the angle θ2 that the second inclined portion 612 makes with respect to the horizontal direction (θ1>θ2).

[0136] The tank body 121 is further defined with an overhang 690. The overhang 690 is located away from the corner portion 680 in the second direction 520. The overhang 690 extends from the second tank portion 670 in the first direction 510. The first tank portion 660 extends from the corner portion 680 in one direction along the first direction 510. The overhang 690 protrudes from the second tank portion 670 in the other direction along the first direction 510.

[0137] The bottom surface 121 further has a third inclined portion 614. The third inclined portion 614 is located on the protruding portion 690. The third inclined portion 614 is inclined to shift downward as it approaches the corner portion 680 in the second direction 520. The third inclined portion 614 is configured to be a downhill slope toward the corner portion 680 in the second direction 520.

[0138] The third inclined section 614 has a distal end 614p and a proximal end 614q. In the second direction 520, the third inclined section 614 extends between the distal end 614p and the proximal end 614q. The distal end 614p is located furthest from the corner section 680 in the second direction 520. In the second direction 520, the distal end 614p is positioned in alignment with the distal end 612p of the second inclined section 612. The proximal end 614q is located closest to the corner section 680 in the second direction 520. In the second direction 520, the proximal end 614q is positioned between the distal end 612p and the proximal end 612q of the second inclined section 612. The proximal end 614q is positioned in the second direction 520 closer to the proximal end 612q of the second inclined portion 612 than to the distal end 612p of the second inclined portion 612.

[0139] The third inclined section 614 has a slope (gradient) that is highest at the distal end 614p and lowest at the proximal end 614q. The inclination of the third inclined section 614 is constant between the distal end 612p and the proximal end 612q. In the third direction 530 (vertical direction), the distance between the third inclined section 614 and the water surface of the coolant stored in the first storage space 126 on the third inclined section 614 is minimum at the distal end 614p and maximum at the proximal end 614q.

[0140] The third inclined portion 614 has the same degree of inclination as the second inclined portion 612. The height of the distal end 614p is the same as the height of the distal end 612p of the second inclined portion 612. The angle θ3 that the third inclined portion 614 makes with respect to the horizontal is the same as the angle θ2 that the second inclined portion 612 makes with respect to the horizontal (θ3 = θ2).

[0141] Side surface 122 has a first side surface portion 122i and a second side surface portion 122j. The first side surface portion 122i rises from the third inclined portion 614. The first side surface portion 122i rises from the proximal end 614q. The second side surface portion 122j rises from the second inclined portion 612. The second side surface portion 122j extends in the second direction 520. The second side surface portion 122j is connected to the first side surface portion 122i.

[0142] The first side portion 122i is inclined such that, in a top view, it approaches the second side portion 122j in the first direction 510 and approaches the corner portion 680 in the second direction 520. In a top view, the first side portion 122i extends diagonally with respect to the first direction 510. The first side portion 122i and the second side portion 122j are connected to each other at an angle θ4 greater than 90° (θ4 > 90°).

[0143] In this configuration, the height of the proximal end 614q along the first side portion 122i decreases as it approaches the second side portion 122j in the first direction 510.

[0144] To summarize the configuration of the first tank 110 in Embodiment 3 of the present invention described above, the first tank 110 as a coolant tank in this embodiment comprises a tank body 120 having a bottom surface 121 and forming a first storage space 126 on the bottom surface 121 as a space in which coolant can be stored. The tank body 120 is defined as having a first tank section 660 extending in a first direction 510, a second tank section 670 extending in a second direction 520 perpendicular to the first direction 510, and a corner section 680 connecting the end of the first tank section 660 in the first direction 510 and the end of the second tank section 670 in the second direction 520. The bottom surface 121 includes a first inclined portion 611 located in the first tank section 660 and inclined to shift downward as it approaches the corner section 680 in the first direction 510, and a second inclined portion 612 located in the second tank section 670 and inclined to shift downward as it approaches the corner section 680 in the second direction 520.

[0145] With this configuration, when draining coolant from the tank body 120, the coolant remaining in the first tank section 660 and the second tank section 670 can be collected at the corner section 680 by the inclination of the first inclined section 611 and the second inclined section 612, respectively (in Figure 10, the flow of coolant when draining coolant from the tank body 120 is indicated by arrows). This makes it easy to drain the coolant from the tank body 120.

[0146] For example, during the assembly of the machine tool 200, after attaching the cover body 211 to the machine tool body 210 in the factory, the coolant may need to be drained from the tank body 120. Even in such cases, by removing the lid 130J (see Figures 1 and 2) located directly above the corner section 680, the coolant accumulated in the corner section 680 can be sucked out using a pump. This eliminates the need to pull the first tank 110 out of the machine tool body 210 or to tilt the first tank 110 to collect the coolant in one place, thereby greatly improving the work efficiency when draining the coolant from the first tank 110.

[0147] Furthermore, the bottom surface 121 is positioned at the corner section 680 and further includes a horizontal section 613 that extends horizontally. With this configuration, the coolant from the first tank section 660 and the second tank section 670 is retained on the horizontal section 613 at the corner section 680, making it even easier to drain the coolant from the tank body 120.

[0148] Furthermore, the length L1 of the first inclined portion 611 in the first direction 510 is greater than the length L2 of the second inclined portion 612 in the second direction 520. The angle θ1 that the first inclined portion 611 makes with respect to the horizontal direction is smaller than the angle θ2 that the second inclined portion 612 makes with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0149] With this configuration, by keeping the height of the highest point (distal end 611p) of the first inclined section 611 low, the volume of the first tank 110 can be sufficiently secured.

[0150] Furthermore, if the angle θ1 made by the first inclined section 611 with respect to the horizontal direction is greater than the angle θ2 made by the second inclined section 612 with respect to the horizontal direction, the coolant can be efficiently collected at the corner section 680 even in the first inclined section 611, where the path length to the corner section 680 is relatively large.

[0151] The tank body 120 further includes an overhang 690 located away from the corner portion 680 in the second direction 520 and extending from the second tank portion 670 in the first direction 510. The bottom surface 121 is further defined by a third inclined portion 614 positioned on the overhang 690 and inclined to shift downward as it approaches the corner portion 680 in the second direction 520. The tank body 120 further has a side surface 122 that rises from the bottom surface 121 and together with the bottom surface 121 forms a first storage space 126. The side surface 122 includes a first side surface 122i rising from the third inclined portion 614 and a second side surface 122j rising from the second inclined portion 612, extending in the second direction 520 and connected to the first side surface 122i. The first side portion 122i is inclined such that, when viewed from above, it approaches the second side portion 122j in the first direction 510 and approaches the corner portion 680 in the second direction 520.

[0152] With this configuration, the coolant accumulating in the protruding section 690 moves to the first side section 122i due to the inclination of the third inclined section 614. In this case, the first side section 122i is inclined such that, when viewed from above, it approaches the second side section 122j in the first direction 510 and approaches the corner section 680 in the second direction 520. This allows the coolant to move along the first side section 122i towards the second side section 122j. As a result, the coolant from the protruding section 690 can be merged with the coolant flow towards the corner section 680 in the second tank section 670.

[0153] Furthermore, in the tank body 120, the coolant from the machine tool body 210 that flows into the first tank section 660 enters the second tank section 670 via the corner section 680, and in the second tank section 670, a coolant flow is formed that moves from the lower to the higher part of the second inclined section 612.

[0154] With this configuration, during normal operation of the machine tool 200, the second inclined section 612 is positioned to flow against the coolant flow in the tank body 120. However, when the coolant is being drained from the tank body 120, the second inclined section 612 can smoothly collect the coolant remaining in the second tank section 670 into the corner section 680.

[0155] The machine tool 200 in this embodiment includes a machine tool body 210 for machining a workpiece, and a coolant processing device 100 for processing the coolant used for machining the workpiece in the machine tool body 210, which has a first tank 110 as a coolant tank.

[0156] With this configuration, it is possible to realize a machine tool 200 that can easily perform the task of draining coolant from the tank body 120.

[0157] The second tank 160 has an L-shape when viewed from above (see Figures 2 and 7). In this configuration, the bottom surface 171 of the second tank 160 may also be provided with a sloping structure similar to that of the bottom surface 121 of the first tank 110. In this case, the coolant collected in the corner of the second tank 160 can be easily drained by removing the lid 180J (see Figure 2) located directly above the corner of the second tank 160 and inserting the suction part of a manual pump or a small electric pump into the second tank 160.

[0158] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0159] 21 Coolant return mechanism, 22 Drain pipe, 31 Tub, 41 Foreign matter capture device, 42 Foreign matter separation section, 43 Foreign matter recovery section, 44 Coolant outlet section, 45 Coolant inlet section, 46 Partition wall, 51 First pump, 52 Second pump, 53 Third pump, 61, 61A, 61B, 61C First nozzle, 61a, 62a Coolant outlet, 62, 62A, 62B, 62C, 62D Second nozzle, 63 Third nozzle, 100 Coolant processing device, 110 First tank, 111, 241 Wheels, 120, 170 Tank body, 121, 171 Bottom, 122, 172 Side, 122i First side section, 122j Second side section, 122k Third side section, 126 First storage space, 130, 130J, 180, 180J Lid, 131, 173, 212 Opening, 160 Second tank, 161 Notch, 176 Second storage space, 190 Coolant temperature control device, 200 Machine tool, 210 Machine tool body, 211 Cover, 213 Door, 220 Machining area, 230 Chip conveyor, 231 Cover, 232 Coolant outlet, 233 Chip receiving port, 234 Chip outlet, 236 Conveying device, 251 Base coolant nozzle, 252 Machine body coolant circulation device, 253 Cutting edge coolant nozzle, 254 Through spindle coolant device, 310 First tank area, 310p Corner area, 320 Second tank area, 330 Third tank area, 360, 370, 380 Position, 410 First piping, 420 Second piping, 510, 560 First direction, 520, 570 Second direction, 530, 580 Third direction, 611 First inclined section, 611p, 612p, 614p Distal end, 611q, 612q, 614q Proximal end, 612 Second inclined section, 613 Horizontal section, 614 Overhanging section, 660, 710 First tank section, 670, 720 Second tank section, 680 Corner section, 690 Overhanging section, 721 First area, 722 Second area, 730 Pumping section, 740 Inlet section, 750 Flow forming section, FL Floor surface.

Claims

1. The tank body has a bottom surface and a space on the bottom surface in which coolant can be stored, The tank body includes, A first tank section extending in the first direction, A second tank section extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, A corner section is defined that connects the end of the first tank section in the first direction and the end of the second tank section in the second direction. The aforementioned bottom surface is A first inclined portion is positioned in the first tank section and is inclined to shift downward as it approaches the corner section in the first direction, A coolant tank comprising a second inclined portion located in the second tank portion and inclined such that it shifts downward as it approaches the corner portion in the second direction.

2. The coolant tank according to claim 1, wherein the bottom surface further includes a horizontal portion positioned at the corner and extending horizontally.

3. The length of the first inclined portion in the first direction is greater than the length of the second inclined portion in the second direction. The coolant tank according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the angle made by the first inclined portion with respect to the horizontal direction is smaller than the angle made by the second inclined portion with respect to the horizontal direction.

4. The tank body is further provided with an overhang that is located away from the corner portion in the second direction and extends from the second tank portion in the first direction. The bottom surface further includes a third inclined portion positioned on the protruding portion and inclined such that it shifts downward as it approaches the corner portion in the second direction, The tank body further has sides that rise from the bottom surface and together with the bottom surface form the space, The aforementioned side is, The first side portion rising from the third inclined portion, It includes a second side portion that rises from the second inclined portion, extends in the second direction, and is connected to the first side portion, The coolant tank according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first side portion is inclined such that, when viewed from above, it approaches the second side portion in the first direction and approaches the corner portion in the second direction.

5. The coolant tank according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coolant from the machine tool body that flows into the first tank section enters the second tank section via the corner section, and in the second tank section, a coolant flow is formed that moves from the lower to the higher part of the second inclined section.

6. The machine tool body that processes the workpiece, A machine tool comprising a coolant tank according to claim 1 or 2, and a coolant processing device for processing the coolant used for workpiece machining in the machine tool body.

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