Coolant tank and machine tool

Abstract

A coolant tank (110) comprises: a first tank part (810) in which a coolant from a processing area (220) flows; a second tank part (820) having a pumping unit (730) that pumps up the coolant; and a flow changing part (830) that connects the first tank part (810) and the second tank part (820) and changes the direction of the coolant flowing from the first tank part (810) toward the second tank part (820). The coolant tank (110) has a bottom face (121) that includes: a bottom portion (853) disposed in the flow changing part (830); a first inclined portion (851) that is disposed in the first tank part (810), is contiguous to the bottom portion (853), and is inclined in a manner of shifting downward as the distance to the bottom portion (853) decreases; and a second inclined portion (852) that is disposed in the second tank part (820), is contiguous to the bottom portion (853), and is inclined in a manner of shifting downward as the distance to the bottom portion (853) decreases.

Description

Coolant tanks and machine tools

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

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2023-184251 (Patent Document 1) discloses a coolant circulation device including a tank and a recovery section for recovering coolant after it has been used in machining in a machining head. The recovery section has a recovery path that slopes downward toward the downstream side of the coolant flow direction.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-184251

[0004] As disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, a coolant processing device is known that purifies coolant used in machining a workpiece and supplies the clean coolant back to the machine tool body.

[0005] When performing maintenance on such a coolant processing device, or when assembling a machine tool, the coolant must be drained from the coolant tank. However, if the coolant tank is L-shaped when viewed from above, the coolant accumulates 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 the present invention is to provide a coolant tank and a machine tool that allow the coolant to be easily drained.

[0007] A coolant tank according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first tank portion through which coolant flows from a machining area, a second tank portion having a pumping portion that pumps up the coolant, and a flow changing portion that connects the first tank portion and the second tank portion and changes the direction of the coolant flow from the first tank portion to the second tank portion. The bottom surface of the coolant tank includes a bottom portion that is disposed in the flow changing portion, a first inclined portion that is disposed in the first tank portion and connected to the bottom and slopes downward as it approaches the bottom, and a second inclined portion that is disposed in the second tank portion and connected to the bottom and slopes downward as it approaches the bottom.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, a coolant tank includes a tank body having a bottom surface and defining a space on the bottom surface capable of storing coolant. The tank body defines a first tank portion extending in a first direction, a second tank portion extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a corner portion connecting an end of the first tank portion in the first direction to an end of the second tank portion in the second direction. The bottom surface includes a first inclined portion disposed in the first tank portion and inclined so as to shift downward as it approaches the corner portion in the first direction, and a second inclined portion disposed in the second tank portion and inclined so as to shift downward as it approaches the corner portion in the second direction.

[0009] A machine tool according to the present invention comprises a machine tool main body that processes a workpiece, and a coolant treatment device that has the above-mentioned coolant tank and treats the coolant used for processing the workpiece in the machine tool main body.

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a coolant tank and a machine tool that allow the coolant to be easily drained.

[0011] 1 is a perspective view showing a machine tool using a coolant treatment device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the coolant treatment device in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a system diagram showing the flow of coolant treatment in the coolant treatment device in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the interior of the first tank in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the first tank and the chip conveyor in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the coolant treatment device as seen in the direction of the arrows on line VI-VI in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the coolant treatment device as seen in the direction indicated by the arrow VII in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the interior of the first tank in a machine tool according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a modified example of the first tank in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing the sloped structure of the bottom and side surfaces of the first tank according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing the sloped structure of the bottom surface of the first tank according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same or corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0013] (First Embodiment) Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a machine tool using a coolant treatment device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] 1, a coolant treatment device 100 according to 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 the rotating workpiece. The machine tool 200 is an NC (Numerically Controlled) machine tool in which various operations for processing the workpiece are automated by computer numerical control.

[0015] The machine tool in which the coolant treatment device of the present invention is used is not limited to the lathe described above, but may be, for example, a machining center that processes a workpiece by bringing a rotating tool into contact with the workpiece, a multi-tasking machine that has both turning and milling functions, or an AM / SM hybrid machine that is capable of additive manufacturing (AM) processing of a workpiece and subtractive manufacturing (SM) processing of a workpiece.

[0016] The machine tool 200 has a machine tool main body 210, a chip conveyor 230, and a coolant treatment device 100. The machine tool main body 210 is the main body of the machine tool 200, and performs machining of a workpiece.

[0017] The machine tool body 210 has a cover body 211, a door 213, a tool post (not shown) for holding tools in the processing area 220, a work spindle (not shown) for rotating a workpiece in the processing area 220, and a bed (not shown) for supporting the tool post and the work spindle.

[0018] Cover body 211 defines machining area 220 and also forms the exterior of machine tool 200. Machining area 220 is a space where workpieces are machined, and is sealed by cover body 211 and door 213 to prevent foreign matter such as chips or coolant generated during workpiece machining from leaking outside machining area 220.

[0019] An opening 212 is provided in the cover body 211. The opening 212 opens the processing area 220 to the outside space. A 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. The door 213 slides to open or close the opening 212.

[0020] 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 .

[0021] As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 5, the chip conveyor 230 has a cover 231 and a transport device 236. The cover 231 forms the exterior of the chip conveyor 230. The cover 231 forms an internal space in which the transport device 236 is disposed. The cover 231 is provided with a chip receiving opening 233 and a chip discharge opening 234.

[0022] The chip conveyor 230 is positioned relative to the machine tool body 210 so that the chip receiving opening 233 opens facing upward directly below the machining area 220, and the chip discharge opening 234 opens facing downward at a position horizontally offset from the machine tool body 210. A chip bucket (not shown) for collecting chips is arranged below the chip discharge opening 234.

[0023] Chips and coolant generated in the machining area 220 are received inside the cover part 231 through the chip receiving port 233. The chips are transported from the chip receiving port 233 toward the chip discharge port 234 by a transport device 236. The chips are discharged to the outside of the cover part 231 through the chip discharge port 234 and collected in a chip bucket. Meanwhile, the coolant received inside the cover part 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.

[0024] The chip conveyor 230 has a plurality of wheels 241. The wheels 241 are arranged so as to come into contact with the floor FL of the factory or the like on which the machine tool main body 210 is installed. The wheels 241 are arranged at positions spaced apart from one another in the horizontal direction. The chip conveyor 230 is pulled out from the machine tool main body 210 by sliding in the second direction 520 together with a first tank 110 (described later).

[0025] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the coolant processing device in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a system diagram showing the flow of coolant processing in the coolant processing device in Fig. 1.

[0026] 1 to 3, the coolant treatment device 100 is provided alongside the machine tool main body 210. The coolant treatment device 100 is a device for treating the coolant used in workpiece machining on the machine tool main body 210. Coolant discharged from the machine tool main body 210 as the workpiece is machined is guided to the coolant treatment device 100, which stores the coolant. The coolant treatment device 100 purifies the coolant from the machine tool main body 210 and supplies the clean coolant back to the machine tool main body 210.

[0027] 1 and 2, as well as FIGS. 4 to 7 and 10, a first direction 510, a second direction 520, and a 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 up-down direction. When the coolant treatment device 100 is installed next to the machine tool main body 210, the first direction 510 corresponds to the rotational 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 main body 210, and the second direction 520 corresponds to the front-rear direction (depth direction) of the machine tool main body 210.

[0028] The coolant processing device 100 has a first tank 110 and a second tank 160. Each of the first tank 110 and the second tank 160 is formed of a box capable of storing coolant.

[0029] The first tank 110 is placed on a floor surface FL. In a top view, a portion of the first tank 110 overlaps a portion of the machine tool main body 210. The second tank 160 is stacked above the first tank 110. In a top view, the second tank 160 overlaps a portion of the first tank 110. In a top view, the second tank 160 is provided at a position offset from the machine tool main body 210.

[0030] 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 capacity of the coolant that can be stored in the second tank 160 is smaller than the capacity of the coolant that can be stored in the first tank 110. The capacity of the coolant that can be stored in the second tank 160 may be equal to or larger than the capacity of the coolant that can be stored in the first tank 110.

[0031] 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 disposed at the bottom of the tank body 120. The side surfaces 122 rise from the periphery of the bottom surface 121. A first storage space 126 is formed on the bottom surface 121 at a position surrounded 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 the third direction 530.

[0032] The first tank 110 has a plurality of wheels 111. The plurality of wheels 111 are provided so as to come into contact with the floor surface FL. The plurality of wheels 111 are provided at positions spaced apart from one another in the horizontal direction. The first tank 110 is pulled out from the machine tool main body 210 by sliding in the second direction 520. The pulling direction of the first tank 110 may be the first direction 510.

[0033] 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 disposed at the bottom of the tank body 170. The bottom surface 171 faces the lid 130 of the first tank 110 in the third direction 530. 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. The lid 180 faces the bottom surface 171 in the third direction 530.

[0034] The distance between the lid 130 and the bottom surface 121 in the third direction 530 is smaller 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 larger 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 equal to or smaller than the distance between the bottom surface 121 and the lid 130 in the third direction 530.

[0035] The two-story coolant tank structure consisting of the first tank 110 and the second tank 160 allows the tank capacity to be increased while keeping the installation area of ​​the coolant processing device 100 small when viewed from above.

[0036] The coolant processing device 100 further includes a coolant temperature adjustment device 190. The coolant temperature adjustment device 190 is a device for adjusting the temperature of the coolant, and cools the coolant whose temperature has risen due to workpiece machining. The coolant temperature adjustment device 190 is provided in the second tank 160. The coolant temperature adjustment device 190 cools the coolant stored in the second tank 160. The coolant temperature adjustment device 190 is attached to the top of the second tank 160. The coolant temperature adjustment device 190 is attached to the lid 180. The coolant temperature adjustment device 190 has a box shape that stands up from the lid 180.

[0037] The coolant temperature adjustment device 190 is an immersion type and has a heat exchange coil (cooling coil) that is immersed in the coolant. In this configuration, the heat exchange coil is immersed in the clean coolant stored in the second tank 160, making it less likely to become clogged with chips. This allows the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange coil to be maintained over a long period of time, reducing the burden of maintenance. In addition, because the immersion type coolant temperature adjustment device 190 is attached to the top (lid 180) of the second tank 160, the installation area of ​​the coolant treatment device 100 can be further reduced when viewed from above.

[0038] Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the inside of the first tank in Fig. 2. With reference to Figs. 2 to 4, the first tank 110 has a first tank region 310, a second tank region 320, and a third tank region 330.

[0039] The third tank region 330 is disposed between the first tank region 310 and the second tank region 320 in the second direction 520. The first tank region 310, the third tank region 330, and the second tank region 320 are arranged in the listed order 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.

[0040] The first tank region 310 and the second tank region 320 are separated from each other with the third tank region 330 sandwiched between them. The first tank region 310 is bounded only by the third tank region 330 of the second tank region 320 and the third tank region 330. The second tank region 320 is bounded only by the third tank region 330 of the first tank region 310 and the third tank region 330. The third tank region 330 is bounded by both the first tank region 310 and the second tank region 320.

[0041] The first tank region 310 extends in a first direction 510. The first tank region 310 protrudes further 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 lateral 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.

[0042] The second tank region 320 extends in the first direction 510. The second tank region 320 protrudes further in the first direction 510 than the third tank region 330. The protruding direction of the second tank region 320 in the first direction 510 is opposite to the protruding direction of the first tank region 310 in the first direction 510.

[0043] 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 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 greater than the length of the first tank region 310 in the second direction 520 and larger than the length of the third tank region 330 in the second direction 520.

[0044] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the first tank and chip conveyor in Fig. 1. In Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the coolant flow in the first tank 110 is indicated by arrows, and the direction of coolant ejection from the first nozzle 61 and second nozzle 62 (described later) is indicated by outline arrows.

[0045] 2 to 5, a position 370 into which coolant from the machine tool main body 210 flows is set in the first tank region 310. The first tank region 310 is positioned directly below the machining area 220.

[0046] The chip conveyor 230 is housed in the first tank region 310. A coolant outlet 232 is provided in the cover portion 231. 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, for example, a rectangular opening shape with the first direction 510 as the longitudinal direction and the third direction 530 as the lateral direction. Multiple coolant outlets 232 may be provided at intervals from one another in the first direction 510.

[0047] The coolant received from the machine tool main body 210 (machining area 220) into the inside of the cover portion 231 of the chip conveyor 230 flows into the first tank region 310 through the coolant discharge port 232. The opening surface of the coolant discharge port 232 in the cover portion 231 corresponds to the position 370 where the coolant from the machine tool main body 210 flows in.

[0048] The coolant treatment device 100 further includes a first pump 51. The first pump 51 is provided in the first tank 110. The first pump 51 is attached to the lid 130. The first pump 51 is an immersion pump and includes a pump portion (not shown) that is immersed in the coolant. The first pump 51 pumps the coolant stored in the first tank 110 into the second tank 160.

[0049] A position 380 where the first pump 51 is provided is set in the third tank region 330. The first pump 51 is provided at a position closer to the second tank region 320 than the first tank region 310 in the second direction 520.

[0050] The side surface 122 has a second side surface portion 122j and a third side surface portion 122k. The second side surface portion 122j and the third side surface portion 122k are provided in a third tank region 330. The second side surface portion 122j and the third side surface portion 122k face each other with a gap in between in the first direction 510. A first storage space 126 in the third tank region 330 is formed between the second side surface portion 122j and the third side surface portion 122k. The first pump 51 is provided in a position closer to the second side surface portion 122j than to the third side surface portion 122k in the first direction 510. A position 380 at which the first pump 51 is provided is offset in both the first direction 510 and the second direction 520 from a position 370 into which coolant from the machine tool main body 210 flows in.

[0051] The coolant treatment device 100 further includes a gutter 31. The gutter 31 is provided in the first tank 110. The gutter 31 can guide the coolant from the machine tool body 210 toward the first pump 51.

[0052] The gutter 31 is provided in the first tank region 310. The gutter 31 is attached to the side surface 122. The gutter 31 extends in the first direction 510. The gutter 31 is provided below the coolant discharge port 232. When cut along a plane perpendicular to the first direction 510, the gutter 31 has a saucer-shaped cross section. The gutter 31 forms a flow path through which the coolant can flow. The gutter 31 is configured to receive the coolant from the coolant discharge port 232 and to guide the coolant in a direction along the first direction 510, in a direction approaching the third tank region 330.

[0053] The coolant treatment device 100 further includes 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 the coolant so as to form a coolant flow from the first tank region 310 toward the first pump 51.

[0054] The first nozzles 61 are provided on the bottom surface 121. The multiple first nozzles 61 are provided at intervals from one another in the planar direction of the bottom surface 121. The first nozzles 61 are provided in the first tank region 310. The first nozzles 61 eject coolant in the first tank region 310 so as to form a coolant flow in a direction approaching the second tank region 320.

[0055] The first nozzle 61A, the first nozzle 61B, and the first nozzle 61C are spaced apart from one another in the first direction 510. Of the first nozzle 61A, the first nozzle 61B, and the first nozzle 61C, the first nozzle 61A is arranged furthest upstream in the coolant flow from the first tank region 310 toward the first pump 51. Of the first nozzle 61A, the first nozzle 61B, and the first nozzle 61C, the first nozzle 61C is arranged furthest downstream in the coolant flow from the first tank region 310 toward the first pump 51. The first nozzle 61B is arranged between the first nozzle 61A and the first nozzle 61C in the first direction 510.

[0056] The first nozzle 61A ejects coolant in a direction along the first direction 510 to form a coolant flow in a direction approaching the third tank region 330. The first nozzle 61B ejects coolant in a direction along the first direction 510 to form a coolant flow in a direction approaching the third tank region 330. The first nozzle 61C ejects coolant in a direction along the second direction 520 to form a coolant flow in a direction approaching the third tank region 330. The coolant ejection port 61a of the first nozzle 61C opens toward the first pump 51.

[0057] The first tank 110 further includes 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 region 310 and the third tank region 330. The partition wall 46 is provided at a position offset from a straight line connecting the first nozzle 61C in the first tank region 310 and the first pump 51 in the third tank region 330. The partition wall 46 extends from the third side surface portion 122k and extends in the first direction 510. The partition wall 46 is provided at a position away from the second side surface portion 122j in the first direction 510. The partition wall 46 functions as a guide to more reliably direct the coolant from the first tank region 310 toward the first pump 51.

[0058] The first tank region 310 includes a corner region 310p. The corner region 310p is defined as the end of the first tank region 310 in the first direction 510 and is located at the position farthest from the third tank region 330. The length (width) of the first tank region 310 in the second direction 520 is locally reduced in the corner region 310p. By providing the corner region 310p in the first tank region 310, the tank capacity can be further increased.

[0059] The coolant treatment device 100 further includes a third nozzle 63. The third nozzle 63 is provided in the first tank region 310. The third nozzle 63 ejects coolant so as to form a coolant flow toward the corner region 310p. With this configuration, by ejecting the coolant toward the corner region 310p where stagnation occurs in the coolant flow, the coolant stored in the corner region 310p can be forcibly circulated.

[0060] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the coolant treatment device as seen in the direction of the arrows on line VI-VI in Fig. 2. With reference to Figs. 2 to 6, the second tank 160 is provided in the second tank region 320. In a top view, the second tank 160 overlaps a portion of the second tank region 320.

[0061] 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 coolant that has overflowed from the second tank 160 to the first tank 110.

[0062] The second tank 160 has an opening 173. The opening 173 is a through-hole that penetrates the side surface 172 and communicates with the second storage space 176. The opening 173 is provided at a position closer to the lid 180 than the bottom surface 171 in the third direction 530. The first tank 110 has an opening 131. The opening 131 is a through-hole that penetrates the lid 130 and communicates with the first storage space 126.

[0063] The coolant return mechanism 21 has the opening 173, the opening 131, and the drain pipe 22. The drain pipe 22 extends in the third direction 530. The drain pipe 22 extends between the opening 173 and the opening 131. When the coolant level in the second tank 160 exceeds a predetermined height, the coolant flows from the second storage space 176 through the opening 173, the drain pipe 22, and the opening 131 in this order, and enters the first storage space 126.

[0064] 4 and 6 , a position 360 is set in the second tank area 320 where the 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 the coolant is returned from the second tank 160 by the coolant return mechanism 21.

[0065] 7 is a perspective view showing the coolant treatment device 100 as viewed in the direction indicated by arrow VII in FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 7, the coolant treatment device 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.

[0066] The foreign object capture device 41 is a filterless type that does not include 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 has an overall cylindrical shape that extends in the third direction 530. The foreign object capture device 41 is an elongated body whose longitudinal direction is the third direction 530.

[0067] The foreign matter capturing device 41 has a foreign matter separating section 42, a foreign matter collecting section 43, a coolant inlet section 45, and a coolant outlet section 44. The coolant processing device 100 further has a first pipe 410 and a second pipe 420.

[0068] The foreign matter separation unit 42 and the foreign matter collection unit 43 are connected in the third direction 530. The lower end of the foreign matter separation unit 42 is connected to the upper end of the foreign matter collection unit 43. The coolant inlet 45 is connected to the outer circumferential surface of the foreign matter separation unit 42. The coolant outlet 44 is connected to the upper end of the foreign matter separation unit 42.

[0069] 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 is made of a steel pipe, a hose, or the like through which coolant can flow.

[0070] The coolant from the first pump 51 flows through the first pipe 410 and into the foreign matter separation unit 42 through the coolant inlet port 45. The coolant flows in a spiral pattern inside the foreign matter separation unit 42, and during this flow, centrifugal force separates the coolant from foreign matter contained in the coolant. The purified coolant flows out of the foreign matter separation unit 42 through the coolant outlet port 44 and flows through the second pipe 420 to be supplied to the second tank 160. The foreign matter separated from the coolant falls due to gravity and is collected in the foreign matter collection unit 43.

[0071] The second tank 160 has a cutout 161. When the second tank 160 is viewed from above, the cutout 161 has a rectangular shape with one of the four corners cut out. The foreign matter capture device 41 is disposed in the cutout 161 when viewed from above. The foreign matter recovery unit 43 is disposed above the lid 130 and in a position facing the second tank 160 in the first direction 510 and the second direction 520. The foreign matter separation unit 42 is disposed above the lid 180. The foreign matter separation unit 42 is disposed in a position facing the coolant temperature adjustment device 190 in the first direction 510 and facing a second pump 52 (described later) in the second direction 520.

[0072] 2 to 4, the coolant treatment device 100 further includes a second pump 52 and a plurality of third pumps 53.

[0073] The second pump 52 is provided in the second tank 160. The second pump 52 is attached to the lid 180. The second pump 52 is an immersion pump. The second pump 52 supplies the coolant stored in the second tank 160 to the machine tool main body 210.

[0074] The coolant from the second pump 52 is supplied toward at least one of a tool and a workpiece in the machine tool body 210. For example, the coolant from the second pump 52 is supplied to a cutting edge coolant nozzle 253 and a through-spindle coolant device 254. The cutting edge coolant nozzle 253 is provided on the tool post of the machine tool body 210. The cutting edge coolant nozzle 253 is configured to eject coolant toward the cutting edge of the tool held on the tool post. The through-spindle coolant device 254 is provided on the workpiece spindle of the machine tool body 210. The through-spindle coolant device 254 is configured to eject coolant from the chuck of the workpiece spindle toward the workpiece.

[0075] A plurality of 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 immersion pumps. The third pumps 53 supply the coolant stored in the second tank region 320 to the machine tool main body 210.

[0076] The coolant from the third pump 53 is supplied toward a position in the machine tool main body 210 away from the tool and workpiece. For example, the coolant from the third pump 53 is supplied to a base coolant nozzle 251 and a machine body coolant circulation device 252. The base coolant nozzle 251 is configured to discharge coolant toward a bed or the like arranged in the machining area 220 and / or toward the cover body 211 that defines the machining area 220. The machine body coolant circulation device 252 is configured to circulate coolant through a coolant circulation path provided in the bed, with the aim of uniformly maintaining the temperature of the castings that make up the bed and suppressing changes in the posture of the machine tool main body 210.

[0077] The minimum opening area of ​​the flow path for the coolant supplied from the second pump 52 to the machine tool body 210 may be smaller than the minimum opening area of ​​the flow path for the coolant supplied from the third pump 53 to the machine tool body 210 .

[0078] 4, the coolant treatment device 100 further includes 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 eject the coolant so as to form a swirling flow that flows along the periphery of the second tank region 320 when viewed from above.

[0079] The second nozzles 62 are provided on the bottom surface 121. The second nozzles 62 are provided at intervals from one another in the planar direction of the bottom surface 121. The second nozzles 62 are provided in the second tank region 320. The second nozzles 62 are provided at intervals from one another along the periphery of the bottom surface 121 in the second tank region 320.

[0080] 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 listed order in the circumferential direction of the periphery of the bottom surface 121. The second nozzles 62A, 62B, 62C, and 62D are provided at the four corners of the bottom surface 121 of the second tank region 320, respectively. 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.

[0081] 3 to 5, coolant from the machine tool main body 210 (machining area 220) is received by the chip conveyor 230 and flows into the first tank 110 (first tank area 310) through a coolant outlet 232 provided in a 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 in which a first pump 51 is provided.

[0082] The first pump 51 pumps the coolant that has moved to the third tank region 330 into the second tank 160. At this time, the foreign matter capturing device 41 captures foreign matter contained in the coolant from the first pump 51, thereby supplying clean coolant to the second tank 160. The second pump 52 supplies the coolant stored in the second tank 160 toward at least one of a tool and a workpiece in the machine tool main body 210, such as through the cutting edge coolant nozzle 253 and the through-spindle coolant device 254.

[0083] 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 main body 210 that are away from the tools and workpieces, such as the base coolant nozzle 251 and the machine body coolant circulation device 252.

[0084] To summarize the configuration of the coolant processing device 100 in embodiment 1 of the present invention as described above, the coolant processing device 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 and pumping the coolant stored in the first tank 110 into the second tank 160, a foreign matter capture device 41 that captures foreign matter contained in the coolant from the first pump 51, and a coolant return mechanism 21 provided in the second tank 160 and returning coolant that has overflowed from the second tank 160 to the first tank 110. The first tank 110 has a first tank area 310 where a position 370 where coolant flows in from the machine tool main body 210 is set, a second tank area 320 where a position 360 where coolant is returned from the second tank 160 by the coolant return mechanism 21 is set, and a third tank area 330 which is positioned between the first tank area 310 and the second tank area 320 when viewed from above and where a position 380 where a first pump 51 is provided is set.

[0085] As described above, the third tank region 330, in which the position 380 where the first pump 51 is provided, is located, in a top view, between the first tank region 310, in which the position 370 where the coolant flows in from the machine tool body 210 is located, and the second tank region 320, in which the position 360 where the coolant is returned from the second tank 160 by the coolant return mechanism 21 is located. With this configuration, 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 pumped up by the first pump 51 into the second tank 160. This allows clean coolant, from which foreign matter has been captured by the foreign matter capturing device 41, to be supplied to the second tank 160. Furthermore, because the third tank region 330 is configured to be disposed between the first tank region 310 and the second tank region 320 in a top view, the second tank region 320 is disposed on the opposite side of the first tank region 310 across the third tank region 330. In this configuration, dirty coolant from the first tank region 310 is pumped up into the second tank 160 by the first pump 51 in the third tank region 330, thereby preventing the dirty coolant from entering the second tank region 320.

[0086] As a result, the second tank 160 can function as a clean tank that stores coolant with a high level of cleanliness, and the second tank region 320 in the first tank 110 can function as a semi-clean tank that stores coolant with an intermediate level of cleanliness. This allows a sufficient amount of clean coolant to be supplied from the coolant treatment device 100 to the machine tool body 210.

[0087] Additionally, the second tank 160 is stacked above the second tank region 320. With this configuration, the second tank 160 is located close to a position 360 where the coolant is returned from the second tank 160 by the coolant return mechanism 21, which makes it possible to more simply configure the coolant return mechanism 21.

[0088] The coolant treatment device 100 also includes a gutter 31 that is provided in the first tank 110 and guides the coolant from the machine tool body 210 toward the first pump 51. With this configuration, the gutter 31 can forcibly direct the coolant from the machine tool body 210 toward the first pump 51. This allows the dirty coolant that has flowed from the machine tool body 210 into the first tank area 310 to be guided more efficiently to the first pump 51 in the third tank area 330.

[0089] The coolant treatment device 100 further includes a first nozzle 61 provided in the first tank 110 and configured to eject coolant so as to form a coolant flow from the first tank region 310 toward the first pump 51 .

[0090] With this configuration, dirty coolant that has flowed into the first tank area 310 from the machine tool main body 210 can be guided more efficiently to the first pump 51 in the third tank area 330.

[0091] The coolant treatment device 100 further includes a second nozzle 62 provided in the first tank 110 and ejecting the coolant so as to form a swirling flow that flows along the periphery of the second tank region 320 when viewed from above.

[0092] According to this configuration, by actively forming a swirling flow in the second tank region 320, it is possible to prevent the coolant stored in the second tank region 320 from flowing toward the first pump 51. This makes it possible to prevent a decrease in the efficiency with which the first pump 51 pumps up dirty coolant.

[0093] The coolant treatment device 100 further includes a second pump 52 provided in the second tank 160 and supplying the coolant stored in the second tank 160 to the machine tool main body 210, and a third pump 53 provided in the first tank 110 and supplying the coolant stored in the second tank area 320 to the machine tool main body 210.

[0094] 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.

[0095] The coolant from the second pump 52 is supplied toward at least one of the tool and the workpiece in the machine tool main body 210. The coolant from the third pump 53 is supplied toward a position in the machine tool main body 210 that is distant from the tool and the workpiece.

[0096] With this configuration, the impact of foreign matter contained in the coolant on the machining accuracy of the workpiece is relatively large in the coolant supplied toward at least one of the tool and the workpiece, and relatively small in the coolant supplied toward a position away from the tool and the workpiece. Therefore, by supplying coolant with a high cleanliness level toward at least one of the tool and the workpiece, and supplying coolant with an intermediate cleanliness level toward a position away from the tool and the workpiece, the machining accuracy of the workpiece can be efficiently improved.

[0097] The coolant treatment device 100 further includes an immersion-type coolant temperature adjustment device 190 that is attached to the top of the second tank 160. This configuration improves the maintainability of the coolant temperature adjustment device 190 while reducing the installation area of ​​the coolant treatment device 100 when viewed from above.

[0098] The following describes the characteristics of the first tank region 310, the second tank region 320, and the third tank region 330. Referring to FIG. 4 , the third tank region 330 has a rectangular shape in a top view having a pair of end sides extending in a first direction 510 and a pair of end sides extending in a 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 further 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 further than the third tank region 330 in the other direction along the first direction 510.

[0099] The area of ​​the third tank region 330 in the top view is smaller than the area of ​​the first tank region 310 in the top view. The area of ​​the third tank region 330 in the top view is smaller than the area of ​​the second tank region 320 in the top view. The area of ​​the second tank region 320 in the top view may be equal to or larger than the area of ​​the first tank region 310 in the top view, or may be smaller than the area of ​​the first tank region 310 in the top view.

[0100] In the first tank region 310, a coolant flow is formed along the first direction 510, in a direction 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 along the second direction 520, in a direction from the first tank region 310 toward the first pump 51.

[0101] (Embodiment 2) A machine tool in this embodiment has the same structure as machine tool 200 in embodiment 1. Hereinafter, description of the structure that overlaps with machine tool 200 in embodiment 1 will not be repeated. In particular, in this embodiment, the structure of first tank 110 will be described from a different perspective than that described in embodiment 1.

[0102] 8 is a plan view showing the inside of a first tank in a machine tool according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 4 in the first embodiment.

[0103] 8 and later-described FIG. 9 , a first direction 560, a second direction 570, and a third direction 580 are indicated by arrows. The second direction 570 is a direction that intersects with the first direction 560. The third direction 580 is a direction that 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.

[0104] In this embodiment, as a representative example, the first direction 560 is a direction parallel to the rotation axis direction (Z-axis direction) of the workpiece spindle, the second direction 570 is a direction perpendicular to the first direction 560, and the third direction 580 is a direction perpendicular to the second direction 570. When the coolant treatment device 100 is installed next to the machine tool main body 210, the first direction 560 corresponds to the left-right direction (width direction) of the machine tool main body 210, and the second direction 570 corresponds to the front-rear direction (depth direction) of the machine tool main body 210.

[0105] The angle formed by first direction 560 and second direction 570 may be in the range of 90°±45°, 90°±30°, or 90°±10°. The angle formed by second direction 570 and third direction 580 may be in the range of 90°±30°, 90°±10°, or 90°±5°.

[0106] The first tank 110 has a first tank portion 710. The first tank portion 710 extends in the first direction 560. The coolant flowing from the machining area 220 flows into the first tank portion 710.

[0107] The first tank section 710 corresponds to the first tank region 310 described in the first embodiment. The first tank section 710 has an elongated shape in which the first direction 560 is the longitudinal direction and the second direction 570 is the lateral direction (width direction) in a top view. The first tank section 710 has a position 370 where coolant from the machine tool main 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.

[0108] The first tank 110 further includes a second tank portion 720. The second tank portion 720 extends in a second direction 570 that intersects with the first direction 560. The coolant that has flowed through the first tank portion 710 flows into the second tank portion 720.

[0109] The second tank portion 720 corresponds to the second tank region 320 and the third tank region 330 described in embodiment 1. The second tank portion 720 is connected to the end of the first tank portion 710 in the first direction 560. The second tank portion 720 extends from the first tank portion 710 in the second direction 570.

[0110] The second tank portion 720 has a first region 721 and a second region 722. The first region 721 has a pumping portion 730 that pumps up the coolant. The second region 722 has an inlet portion 740 into which the coolant, which has been treated to remove foreign matter from the coolant, flows.

[0111] 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 further in the first direction 560 than the first region 721.

[0112] The first region 721 and the second region 722 are aligned in the second direction 570. The first region 721 is disposed between the first tank portion 710 and the second region 722. The first tank portion 710 and the second region 722 are spaced apart from each other with the first region 721 sandwiched between the first tank portion 710 and the second region 722. The first tank portion 710 is bounded only by the first region 721 of the first region 721 and the second region 722. The second region 722 is bounded only by the first region 721 of the first tank portion 710 and the first region 721. The first region 721 is bounded by both the first tank portion 710 and the second region 722.

[0113] The first region 721 is provided with a position 380 where the first pump 51 is provided, as described in the first embodiment. A pumping section 730 that pumps up the coolant corresponds to the position 380 where the first pump 51 is provided. The second region 722 is provided with a position 360 where the coolant is returned from the second tank 160, as described in the first embodiment. An inflow section 740 into which the coolant that 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.

[0114] The first tank 110 further includes a flow forming portion 750. The flow forming portion 750 forms a boundary between the first region 721 and the second region 722, and therefore forms a flow of the coolant in a third direction 580 that intersects with the second direction 570, with respect to the coolant flowing in the first region 721 in the second direction 570.

[0115] The flow forming portion 750 is disposed at the boundary between the first region 721 and the second region 722. The flow forming portion 750 extends in the first direction 560. In FIG. 8 , the flow forming portion 750 is shown as a band-shaped region that extends in the first direction 560 while having a constant width in the second direction 570, but the flow forming portion 750 is actually a region of a very small width that forms a boundary layer between the first region 721 and the second region 722.

[0116] The plurality of second nozzles 62 (62A, 62B, 62C, 62D) are arranged in the second region 722. The plurality of 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 provided at a position adjacent to the flow forming portion 750 in the second direction 570. The coolant discharge port 62a of the second nozzle 62A faces the third direction 580.

[0117] In this configuration, a coolant flow is formed in flow forming portion 750, which forms the boundary between first region 721 and second region 722, along third direction 580 that intersects with the coolant flow direction (second direction 570) in first region 721. Flow forming portion 750 is located between pumping portion 730 and inflow portion 740 in second direction 570, and corresponds to a region where a coolant flow along third direction 580 is generated by multiple second nozzles 62.

[0118] Fig. 9 is a plan view showing a modified example of the first tank in Fig. 8. Referring to Fig. 9, in this modified example, the length (width) of second tank portion 720 in first direction 560 is constant regardless of the position in second direction 570. The length (width) of second region 722 in first direction 560 is the same as the length (width) of first region 721 in first direction 560.

[0119] To summarize the configuration of the first tank 110 in the second embodiment of the present invention described above, the first tank 110 as a coolant tank in this embodiment includes a first tank portion 710 that extends in a first direction 560 and into which the coolant flowing from the machining area 220 flows, and a second tank portion 720 that extends in a second direction 570 that intersects with the first direction 560 and into which the coolant that has flowed through the first tank portion 710 flows, the second tank portion 720 including a first region 721 that includes a pumping portion 730 that pumps up the coolant, and a second region 722 that includes an inlet portion 740 into which the coolant that has been treated for foreign matter flows, and a flow forming portion 750 that forms a flow of coolant in a third direction 580 that intersects with the second direction 570, for the coolant flowing through the first region 721 in the second direction 570, to form a boundary between the first region 721 and the second region 722.

[0120] With this configuration, dirty coolant that flows into the first tank 710 from the machining area 220 is guided to the pumping unit 730 in the second region 722 and pumped up by the pumping unit 730. In this case, the flow forming unit 750 forms a boundary between the first region 721 and the second region 722. The flow forming unit 750 forms a coolant flow in a third direction 580 intersecting with the second direction 570, preventing the dirty coolant from entering the second region 722 from the first region 721. This prevents the dirty coolant from mixing with the clean coolant in the second region 722, which includes the inlet 740 through which the coolant that has been treated for foreign matter flows in. As a result, a sufficient amount of clean coolant can be supplied from the first tank 110.

[0121] The machine tool 200 in this embodiment has a machine tool main body 210 that processes the workpiece, a first tank 110 as a coolant tank, and a coolant processing device 100 for processing the coolant used for workpiece processing in the machine tool main body 210.

[0122] With this configuration, it is possible to supply a sufficient amount of clean coolant from the first tank 110 to the machine tool body 210 .

[0123] In this embodiment, the second tank 160 may be configured to be separate from the first tank 110 rather than being stacked above the first tank 110 .

[0124] 10 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing the inclined structure of the bottom surface and side surface of the first tank in the third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the inclined structure of the bottom surface 121 and side surface 122 of the first tank 110 in the first embodiment will be described.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 10, the tank body 120 has a first tank portion 660, a second tank portion 670, and a corner portion 680 defined therein.

[0126] In a top view, the first tank portion 660 extends in the first direction 510. The first tank portion 660 has an elongated shape with the first direction 510 being the longitudinal direction and the second direction 520 being the lateral direction (width direction). The maximum length of the first tank portion 660 in the first direction 510 is greater than the maximum length of the first tank portion 660 in the second direction 520.

[0127] In a top view, the second tank portion 670 extends in the second direction 520. The second tank portion 670 has an elongated shape with the second direction 520 being the longitudinal direction and the first direction 510 being the lateral direction (width direction). The maximum length of the second tank portion 670 in the second direction 520 is greater than the maximum length of the second tank portion 670 in the first direction 510.

[0128] Corner portion 680 connects the end of first tank portion 660 in first direction 510 and the end of second tank portion 670 in second direction 520. Corner portion 680 is disposed at the corner formed by first tank portion 660 and second tank portion 670. First tank portion 660 extends from corner portion 680 in first direction 510. Second tank portion 670 extends from corner portion 680 in second direction 520. Corner portion 680 has a rectangular shape in a top view.

[0129] The bottom surface 121 has a first inclined portion 611, a second inclined portion 612, and a horizontal portion (corner bottom portion) 613. The first inclined portion 611 is disposed in the first tank portion 660. The first inclined portion 611 is inclined so as to shift downward as it approaches the corner portion 680 in the first direction 510. The first inclined portion 611 is configured to slope downward toward the corner portion 680 in the first direction 510.

[0130] The first inclined portion 611 has a distal end 611p and a proximal end 611q. The first inclined portion 611 extends in the first direction 510 between the distal end 611p and the proximal end 611q. The distal end 611p is located farthest from the corner portion 680 in the first direction 510. The proximal end 611q is continuous with the horizontal portion 613 described below. The first inclined portion 611 has an inclination (gradient) that is highest at the distal end 611p and lowest at the proximal end 611q. The inclination of the first inclined portion 611 is constant between the distal end 611p and the proximal end 611q. The distance in the third direction 530 (up and down direction) between the first inclined portion 611 and the water surface of the coolant stored in the first storage space 126 above the first inclined portion 611 is smallest at the distal end 611p and largest at the proximal end 611q.

[0131] Second inclined portion 612 is disposed in second tank portion 670. Second inclined portion 612 is inclined so as to shift downward as it approaches corner portion 680 in second direction 520. Second inclined portion 612 is configured to slope downward toward corner portion 680 in second direction 520.

[0132] The second inclined portion 612 has a distal end 612p and a proximal end 612q. The second inclined portion 612 extends in the second direction 520 between the distal end 612p and the proximal end 612q. The distal end 612p is located farthest from the corner portion 680 in the second direction 520. The proximal end 612q is continuous with the horizontal portion 613 described below. The second inclined portion 612 has an inclination (gradient) that is highest at the distal end 612p and lowest at the proximal end 612q. The inclination of the second inclined portion 612 is constant between the distal end 612p and the proximal end 612q. The distance in the third direction 530 (up and down direction) between the second inclined portion 612 and the water surface of the coolant stored in the first storage space 126 above the second inclined portion 612 is smallest at the distal end 612p and largest at the proximal end 612q.

[0133] The horizontal portion (corner bottom) 613 is disposed in the corner portion 680. The horizontal portion 613 extends in the horizontal direction. The distance in the third direction 530 (the up-down direction) between the horizontal portion 613 and the surface of the coolant stored in the first storage space 126 above the horizontal portion 613 is constant along the horizontal portion 613.

[0134] When the magnitude of the step between distal end 611p and proximal end 611q in third direction 530 per unit length of first inclined portion 611 in first direction 510 is referred to as the inclination of first inclined portion 611, the inclination (H1 / L1) of first inclined portion 611 may be in the range of 5 mm / m to 50 mm / m. Similarly, the inclination (H2 / L2) of second inclined portion 612 may be in the range of 5 mm / m to 50 mm / m.

[0135] 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 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 between the distal end 612p and the proximal end 612q of the second inclined portion 612 (H1 = H2).

[0136] In addition, 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 may be greater than the angle θ2 that the second inclined portion 612 makes with respect to the horizontal direction (θ1 > θ2).

[0137] The tank body 120 further defines a protruding portion 690. The protruding portion 690 is provided at a position away from the corner portion 680 in the second direction 520. The protruding portion 690 protrudes 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 protruding portion 690 protrudes from the second tank portion 670 in the other direction along the first direction 510.

[0138] The bottom surface 121 further has a third inclined portion 614. The third inclined portion 614 is disposed on the protruding portion 690. The third inclined portion 614 is inclined so as to shift downward as it approaches the corner portion 680 in the second direction 520. The third inclined portion 614 is configured to slope downward toward the corner portion 680 in the second direction 520.

[0139] The third ramp portion 614 has a distal end 614p and a proximal end 614q. The third ramp portion 614 extends in the second direction 520 between the distal end 614p and the proximal end 614q. The distal end 614p is located farthest from the corner 680 in the second direction 520. The distal end 614p is aligned with the distal end 612p of the second ramp portion 612 in the second direction 520. The proximal end 614q is located closest to the corner 680 in the second direction 520. The proximal end 614q is located between the distal end 612p and the proximal end 612q of the second ramp portion 612 in the second direction 520. The proximal end 614q is positioned closer to the proximal end 612q of the second inclined portion 612 than the distal end 612p of the second inclined portion 612 in the second direction 520.

[0140] The third inclined portion 614 has a slope (gradient) that is highest at the distal end 614p and lowest at the proximal end 614q. The slope of the third inclined portion 614 is constant between the distal end 612p and the proximal end 612q. The distance in the third direction 530 (the up-down direction) between the third inclined portion 614 and the surface of the coolant stored in the first storage space 126 above the third inclined portion 614 is smallest at the distal end 614p and largest at the proximal end 614q.

[0141] The third inclined portion 614 has the same 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 direction is the same as the angle θ2 that the second inclined portion 612 makes with respect to the horizontal direction (θ3 = θ2).

[0142] The 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.

[0143] In top view, the first side surface portion 122i is inclined such that the closer it is to the second side surface portion 122j in the first direction 510, the closer it is to the corner portion 680 in the second direction 520. In top view, the first side surface portion 122i extends in an oblique direction with respect to the first direction 510. The first side surface portion 122i and the second side surface portion 122j are connected to each other at an angle θ4 greater than 90° (θ4>90°).

[0144] In this configuration, the height of the proximal end 614q along the first side surface portion 122i decreases as it approaches the second side surface portion 122j in the first direction 510.

[0145] To summarize the configuration of first tank 110 according to the third embodiment of the present invention as described above, first tank 110 as a coolant tank according to the present embodiment includes tank body 120 having bottom surface 121 and forming first storage space 126 as a space capable of storing coolant on bottom surface 121. Tank body 120 is defined with first tank portion 660 extending in first direction 510, second tank portion 670 extending in second direction 520 perpendicular to first direction 510, and corner portion 680 connecting an end of first tank portion 660 in first direction 510 to an end of second tank portion 670 in second direction 520. The bottom surface 121 includes a first inclined portion 611 arranged in the first tank portion 660 and inclined so as to shift downward as it approaches the corner portion 680 in the first direction 510, and a second inclined portion 612 arranged in the second tank portion 670 and inclined so as to shift downward as it approaches the corner portion 680 in the second direction 520.

[0146] The coolant tank (110) in this embodiment has a bottom surface (121) and includes a tank body (120) on the bottom surface (121) that forms a space (126) capable of storing coolant and chips generated during workpiece machining in a machining area (220) of the machine tool. The tank body (120) is defined with a first tank section (660) extending in a first direction (510) and into which coolant flows from the machining area (220), a second tank section (670) extending in a second direction (520) perpendicular to the first direction (510) and into which coolant enters from the first tank section (660), and a corner section (680) connecting an end of the first tank section (660) in the first direction (510) to an end of the second tank section (670) in the second direction (520). The bottom surface (121) has a corner bottom (613) arranged in the corner portion (680), and a first inclined portion (611) arranged in the first tank portion (660) and inclined so as to shift downward as it approaches the corner portion (680) in the first direction (510), and has a first distal end (611p) farthest from the corner portion (680) in the first direction (510) and a first proximal end (611q) nearest to the corner portion (680) in the first direction (510) and connected to the corner bottom (613), and the first distal end (611p) is The second tank portion (670) includes a first inclined portion (611) that is higher, and a second inclined portion (612) that is arranged in the second tank portion (670) and inclined so as to shift downward as it approaches the corner portion (680) in the second direction (520), the second inclined portion (612) having a second distal end (612p) that is farthest from the corner portion (680) in the second direction (520) and a second proximal end (612q) that is closest to the corner portion (680) in the second direction (520) and is connected to the corner bottom (613), the second distal end (612p) being higher than the second proximal end (612q).

[0147] With this configuration, when the coolant is drained from the tank body 120, the coolant remaining in the first tank portion 660 and the second tank portion 670 can be collected in the corner portion 680 due to the inclination of the first inclined portion 611 and the second inclined portion 612, respectively (in FIG. 10 , the flow of the coolant when the coolant is drained from the tank body 120 is indicated by arrows). This makes it easy to drain the coolant from the tank body 120.

[0148] For example, when assembling machine tool 200 in a factory, the coolant may be drained from tank body 120 after cover body 211 is attached to machine tool body 210. Even in such a case, by removing lid 130J (see FIGS. 1 and 2) located directly above corner portion 680, the coolant that has collected in corner portion 680 can be sucked out using a pump. This eliminates the need to pull first tank 110 out of machine tool body 210 or tilt first tank 110 to collect the coolant in one place, greatly improving the ease of draining coolant from first tank 110.

[0149] In addition, bottom surface 121 further includes horizontal portion 613 that is disposed at corner portion 680 and extends horizontally. With this configuration, coolant from first tank portion 660 and second tank portion 670 is retained on horizontal portion 613 at corner portion 680, making it even easier to drain the coolant from tank body 120.

[0150] 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.

[0151] According to this configuration, by keeping the height of the topmost part (distal end 611p) of the first inclined portion 611 low, it is possible to ensure a sufficient volume of the first tank 110.

[0152] Furthermore, when the angle θ1 of the first inclined portion 611 relative to the horizontal direction is greater than the angle θ2 of the second inclined portion 612 relative to the horizontal direction, the coolant can be efficiently collected at the corner portion 680 even in the case of the first inclined portion 611, which has a relatively long path length to the corner portion 680.

[0153] The tank body 120 further includes an overhanging portion 690 that is provided at a position away from the corner portion 680 in the second direction 520 and overhangs from the second tank portion 670 in the first direction 510. The bottom surface 121 is disposed on the overhanging portion 690 and further includes a third inclined portion 614 that is inclined so as to shift downward as it approaches the corner portion 680 in the second direction 520. The tank body 120 further includes a side surface 122 that rises from the bottom surface 121 and forms a first storage space 126 together with the bottom surface 121. The side surface 122 includes a first side surface portion 122i that rises from the third inclined portion 614 and a second side surface portion 122j that rises from the second inclined portion 612, extends in the second direction 520, and is connected to the first side surface portion 122i. When viewed from above, the first side surface portion 122i is inclined so that the closer it is to the second side surface portion 122j in the first direction 510, the closer it is to the corner portion 680 in the second direction 520.

[0154] With this configuration, the coolant remaining in the overhanging portion 690 moves to the first side surface portion 122i due to the inclination of the third inclined portion 614. In this case, the first side surface portion 122i is inclined such that the closer it is to the second side surface portion 122j in the first direction 510, the closer it is to the corner portion 680 in the second direction 520, in a top view. This allows the coolant to move along the first side surface portion 122i toward the second side surface portion 122j. This allows the coolant from the overhanging portion 690 to merge with the coolant flow toward the corner portion 680 in the second tank portion 670.

[0155] In addition, in the tank body 120, coolant from the machine tool body 210 that flows into the first tank section 660 passes through the corner section 680 and enters the second tank section 670, and in the second tank section 670, a coolant flow is formed that moves from the low position to the high position of the second inclined section 612.

[0156] With this configuration, during normal operation of the machine tool 200, the second inclined portion 612 is configured to oppose the flow of coolant in the tank body 120, while when coolant is being extracted from the tank body 120, the second inclined portion 612 allows the coolant accumulating in the second tank portion 670 to be smoothly collected in the corner portion 680.

[0157] The machine tool 200 in this embodiment has a machine tool main body 210 that processes the workpiece, a first tank 110 as a coolant tank, and a coolant processing device 100 for processing the coolant used for workpiece processing in the machine tool main body 210.

[0158] With this configuration, it is possible to realize machine tool 200 that allows the coolant to be easily drained from tank body 120.

[0159] The second tank 160 has an L-shape when viewed from above (see FIGS. 2 and 7). In this configuration, the bottom surface 171 of the second tank 160 may also be provided with an inclined structure similar to the bottom surface 121 of the first tank 110. In this case, by removing the lid 180J (see FIG. 2) located directly above the corner of the second tank 160 and inserting the suction portion of a manual pump or a small electric pump into the second tank 160, the coolant collected in the corner of the second tank 160 can be easily drained.

[0160] The inclined structure of the bottom surface 121 of the first tank 110 will be described from another perspective. As shown in Figures 8 and 10, the coolant tank (110) in this embodiment includes a first tank section (660) through which coolant flows from the machining area (220), a second tank section (670) having a pumping section (730) that pumps up the coolant, and a flow changing section (680) that connects the first tank section (660) and the second tank section (670) and changes the direction of the coolant flow from the first tank section (670) to the second tank section (670). The bottom surface (121) of the coolant tank (110) includes a bottom (613) disposed in the flow change section (680), a first inclined section (611) disposed in the first tank section (660), connected to the bottom (613), and inclined so as to shift downward as it approaches the bottom (613), and a second inclined section (612) disposed in the second tank section (670), connected to the bottom (613), and inclined so as to shift downward as it approaches the bottom (613).

[0161] The coolant tank (110) in this embodiment includes a tank body (120) having a bottom surface (121) and forming a space (126) capable of storing coolant on the bottom surface (121). The tank body (120) defines a first tank portion (660) through which coolant flows from the machine tool body (210), a second tank portion (670) having a pumping portion (730) that pumps up the coolant and through which coolant flows from the first tank portion (660), and a corner portion (680) that is located at the corner formed by the first tank portion (660) and the second tank portion (670). The bottom surface (121) includes a corner bottom (613) arranged in the corner portion (680), a first inclined portion (611) arranged in the first tank portion (660), connected to the corner bottom (613), and inclined so as to shift downward as it approaches the corner bottom (613), and a second inclined portion (612) arranged in the second tank portion (670), connected to the corner bottom (613), and inclined so as to shift downward as it approaches the corner bottom (613).

[0162] The height of the bottom surface 121 relative to the floor surface on which the first tank 110 (tank body 120) is installed is lowest at the horizontal portion 613, gradually increases from the proximal end 611q to the distal end 611p of the first inclined portion 611, and gradually increases from the proximal end 612q to the distal end 612p of the second inclined portion 612.

[0163] During normal operation of machine tool 200, coolant from machine tool main body 210 (machining area 220) flows into first tank portion 660. In first tank portion 660, the coolant flows from distal end 611p toward proximal end 611q. The coolant from first tank portion 660 flows into second tank portion 670 via corner portion 680. In second tank portion 670, the coolant flows in a direction away from proximal end 612q, and is pumped up from first tank 110 (tank main body 120) by pumping unit 380.

[0164] 11 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing the inclined structure of the bottom surface of a first tank according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The coolant tank (first tank 110) according to this embodiment basically has the same structure as the coolant tank (first tank 110) according to the third embodiment. Hereinafter, description of the overlapping configuration will not be repeated.

[0165] In Figure 11, the flow of coolant when draining coolant from the first tank 110 is indicated by solid arrows, and the flow of coolant during normal operation of the machine tool 200 is indicated by dashed arrows.

[0166] Referring to FIG. 11, the first tank 110 in this embodiment has a first tank portion 810 , a second tank portion 820 , and a flow change portion 830 .

[0167] Coolant from the machining area 220 flows into the first tank unit 810. The first tank 810 corresponds to the first tank unit 660 described in the preceding embodiment. The first tank 810 accommodates the chip conveyor 230. The coolant from the machining area 220 of the machine tool main body 210 flows in the first direction 510 in the first tank unit 710 (chip conveyor 230).

[0168] The second tank portion 820 has a pumping portion 730. The pumping portion 730 pumps up the coolant. The coolant from the first tank portion 810 flows into the second tank portion 820 via the flow changing portion 830. The coolant that has flowed into the second tank portion 820 flows toward the pumping portion 730.

[0169] The second tank portion 820 corresponds to the second tank portion 670 described in the preceding embodiment. In this embodiment, the second tank portion 820 does not have the protruding portion 690 described in embodiment 3. The second tank portion 820 is composed of only the third tank region 330 of the second tank region 320 and the third tank region 330 shown in FIG.

[0170] The pumping unit 730 pumps the coolant stored in the second tank unit 820 into the second tank 160. At this time, the foreign matter capturing device 41 captures foreign matter contained in the coolant from the first tank 110, thereby supplying clean coolant to the second tank 160. The second pump 52 supplies the coolant stored in the second tank 160 to the machine tool main body 210.

[0171] The flow changer 830 connects the first tank portion 810 and the second tank portion 820. The flow changer 830 is provided between the first tank portion 810 and the second tank portion 820. The flow changer 830 is provided on a path of the coolant flow from the first tank portion 810 to the second tank portion 820. The flow changer 830 changes the direction of the coolant flow from the first tank portion 810 to the second tank portion 820. The flow changer 830 changes the direction of the coolant flow from the first tank portion 810 to the second tank portion 820 from the first direction 510 to a direction intersecting the first direction 510. The flow changer 830 changes the direction of the coolant flow from the first tank portion 810 to the second tank portion 820 from the first direction 510 to a second direction 520 that is perpendicular to the first direction 510.

[0172] The flow modifier 830 corresponds to the corner 680 described in the previous embodiment.

[0173] The bottom surface 121 of the first tank 110 has a bottom portion 853, a first inclined portion 851, and a second inclined portion 852. The bottom portion 853 is disposed in the flow changer 830. The bottom portion 853 corresponds to the horizontal portion (corner bottom) 613 described in the preceding embodiment. The first inclined portion 851 is disposed in the first tank portion 810. The first inclined portion 851 has a distal end 851p and a proximal end 851q. The first inclined portion 851 corresponds to the first inclined portion 611 described in the preceding embodiment. The distal end 851p and the proximal end 851q correspond to the distal end 611p and the proximal end 611q, respectively, described in the preceding embodiment. The second inclined portion 852 is disposed in the second tank portion 820. The second inclined portion 852 has a distal end 852p and a proximal end 852q. The second inclined portion 852 corresponds to the second inclined portion 612 described in the preceding embodiment. The distal end 852p and the proximal end 852q correspond to the distal end 612p and the proximal end 612q, respectively, described in the preceding embodiment.

[0174] The coolant tank (110) in this embodiment includes a first tank section (810) through which coolant flows from the processing area (220), a second tank section (820) having a pumping section (730) that pumps up the coolant, and a flow change section (830) that connects the first tank section (810) and the second tank section (820) and changes the direction of the coolant flow from the first tank section (810) to the second tank section (820). The bottom surface (121) of the coolant tank (110) includes a bottom portion (853) arranged in the flow change portion (830), a first inclined portion (851) arranged in the first tank portion (810), connected to the bottom portion (853), and inclined so as to shift downward as it approaches the bottom portion (853), and a second inclined portion (852) arranged in the second tank portion (820), connected to the bottom portion (853), and inclined so as to shift downward as it approaches the bottom portion (853).

[0175] According to the coolant tank (110) of the fourth embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the same effects as those described in the third embodiment can be achieved.

[0176] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0177] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-154101 filed with the Japan Patent Office on September 6, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0178] 21 Coolant return mechanism, 22 Drain pipe, 31 Gutter, 41 Foreign matter capture device, 42 Foreign matter separation section, 43 Foreign matter recovery section, 44 Coolant outflow section, 45 Coolant inflow section, 46 Partition wall, 51 First pump, 52 Second pump, 53 Third pump, 61, 61A, 61B, 61C First nozzle, 61a, 62a Coolant discharge port, 62, 62A, 62B, 62C, 62D Second nozzle, 63 Third nozzle, 100 Coolant treatment device, 110 First tank, 111, 241 Wheels, 120, 170 Tank body, 121, 171 Bottom surface, 122, 172 Side surface, 122i First side surface portion, 122j Second side surface portion, 122k Third side surface portion, 126 First storage space, 130, 130J, 180, 180J Lid, 131, 173, 212 Opening, 160 Second tank, 161 Cutout, 176 Second storage space, 190 Coolant temperature adjustment 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 Conveyor, 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 pipe, 420 Second pipe, 510, 560 First direction, 520, 570 Second direction, 530, 580 Third direction, 611 First inclined portion, 611p, 612p, 614p Distal end, 611q, 612q, 614q Proximal end, 612 Second inclined portion, 613 Third inclined portion, 614 Overhang portion, 660, 710 First tank portion, 670, 720 Second tank portion, 680 Corner portion, 690 Overhang portion, 721 First region, 722 Second region, 730 Pumping portion, 740 Inflow portion, 750 Flow forming portion, 810 First tank portion, 820 Second tank portion, 830 Flow changing portion, 851 First inclined portion, 851p, 852p Distal end, 851q, 852q proximal end, 852 second inclined portion, 853 bottom portion, FL floor surface.

Claims

1. A coolant tank comprising: a first tank section through which coolant from a processing area flows; a second tank section having a pumping section that pumps up coolant; and a flow changing section that connects the first tank section and the second tank section and changes the direction of coolant flow from the first tank section to the second tank section, wherein the bottom surface of the coolant tank includes: a bottom section that is disposed in the flow changing section; a first inclined section that is disposed in the first tank section, connected to the bottom, and inclined so as to shift downward as it approaches the bottom; and a second inclined section that is disposed in the second tank section, connected to the bottom, and inclined so as to shift downward as it approaches the bottom.

2. A machine tool comprising: a machine tool body that processes a workpiece in the processing area; and a coolant processing device having the coolant tank according to claim 1 and for processing the coolant used in processing the workpiece in the machine tool body.

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