Abstract:
In order to improve a machine tool device, comprising a machine bed with at least one receiving area for receiving chips produced during the machining of a workpiece, and at least one discharging device for discharging the chips from the receiving area, so that it is usable with flexibility, it is proposed that the at least one discharging device comprise at least one conveying device for conveying the chips from the receiving area and/or at least one flushing device for flushing the chips out of the receiving area and/or at least one suction device for evacuating the chips from the receiving area by suction, and that the machine bed comprise at least one first machine bed section for the arrangement of the conveying device, at least one second machine bed section for the arrangement of the flushing device and at least one third machine bed section for the arrangement of the suction device, so that the machine bed is adapted for selective equipment with the conveying device and/or the flushing device and/or the suction device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of International Patent Application Number PCT/EP2008/060646, filed on Aug. 13, 2008, which claims priority to German Patent Application Number 10 2007 044 289.2, filed Sep. 7, 2007, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and for all purposes. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a machine tool device, comprising a machine bed with at least one receiving area for receiving chips produced during the machining of a workpiece, and at least one discharging device for discharging the chips from the receiving area. The machine bed of such a machine tool device serves for the arrangement of fixed or movable parts of a machine tool, for example, a workpiece support device and/or a tool support device. The receiving area of the machine bed serves to receive chips produced during the machining of a workpiece. From there the chips can be discharged from the receiving area with the aid of the discharging device. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    A bed for a machine tool is known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,955,770, which comprises a hole structure, so that chips or oil from the bed can drop from a working area into a hole. 
         [0004]    A chip flushing apparatus is known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,113,558. 
         [0005]    A machine frame of modular construction is known from DE 101 44 028 A1. 
         [0006]    A machine tool for metal cutting comprising a collecting system for chips and liquids disposed below the working area is known from DE 100 41 355 A1. The collecting system comprises a pan with a transverse groove, a chip conveyor arranged in the transverse groove and having a spiral-shaped conveyor element, a liquid collector on one side wall of the pan, and a chip outlet arranged on its other side wall at the outlet end of the chip conveyor. Arranged in the interior of the spiral-shaped conveyor element is an elongated screen element, which extends over at least part of the length of the conveyor element and terminates at the liquid collector. 
         [0007]    A chip conveyor is known from DE 295 18 984 U1 for evacuating chips produced during the machining of a workpiece from a chip-removing manufacturing machine having integrated in the manufacturing machine a conveyor channel which comprises in the working area of the manufacturing machine a collecting device for the accumulating chips, by means of which the chips are conducted to the conveyor channel. In the area of the collecting device of the chip conveyor, a chip-comminuting device is provided for comminuting the chips produced during the workpiece machining of a workpiece before they enter the conveyor channel for evacuation from the manufacturing machine. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    In accordance with the invention, a machine tool device is provided, which is usable with flexibility. 
         [0009]    In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the at least one discharging device comprises at least one conveying device for conveying the chips from the receiving area and/or at least one flushing device for flushing the chips out of the receiving area and/or at least one suction device for evacuating the chips from the receiving area by suction, and the machine bed comprises at least one first machine bed section for the arrangement of the conveying device, at least one second machine bed section for the arrangement of the flushing device and at least one third machine bed section for the arrangement of the suction device, so that the machine bed is adapted for selective equipment with the conveying device and/or the flushing device and/or the suction device. 
         [0010]    The machine tool device according to the invention makes it possible to equip a machine bed selectively with a conveying device and/or a flushing device and/or a suction device. In this way, with the aid of the same machine bed, a machine tool device can be provided, which can be selectively prepared for a machine tool for dry machining and/or for wet machining of a workpiece by a corresponding discharging device for removal of the chips from the receiving area being selected and by this being arranged on a corresponding machine bed section of the machine bed. 
         [0011]    Moreover, the machine tool device according to the invention makes it possible to also equip a machine bed with a plurality of different discharging devices. For example, the discharging of the chips from the receiving area by a mechanically operating conveying device can be aided by the machine bed being additionally equipped with a flushing device and/or a suction device. 
         [0012]    When the machine bed is equipped with a conveying device, the machine tool device is suitable for both dry and wet machining of a workpiece. When the machine bed is equipped with a flushing device, the machine tool device is particularly well-suited for wet machining of a workpiece. When the machine bed is equipped with a suction device, the machine tool device is particularly well-suited for dry machining of a workpiece. 
         [0013]    The first machine bed section advantageously comprises the receiving area. As a result, the conveying device can be arranged in the receiving area, so that it can convey the chips out of the receiving area. 
         [0014]    In particular, it is advantageous for the receiving area to be groove-shaped. This enables simple introduction of the chips produced on a workpiece into the receiving area. A groove-shaped receiving area also enables simple discharge of the chips from the receiving area. 
         [0015]    It is particularly preferred for a bottom delimitation of the receiving area to be inclined in relation to an installation plane of the machine bed. Removal of the chips from the receiving area can be aided by this inclination. 
         [0016]    In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the first machine bed section comprises at least one aperture by means of which the receiving area is connected with an environment of the machine tool device. Such an aperture enables the chips to be transported out of the receiving area into the environment of the machine tool device. The aperture also enables particularly easy coupling of the conveying device to a drive device. 
         [0017]    The conveying device is advantageously adapted for insertion via the aperture into the receiving area. This enables particularly easy assembly of the machine tool device. 
         [0018]    It is preferred for the conveying device to comprise at least one screw conveyor. Such a screw conveyor enables continuous and reliable evacuation of the chips out of the receiving area. 
         [0019]    Furthermore, it is expedient for the conveying device to comprise at least one conveyor belt. A large chip evacuation area can be provided with the aid of such a conveying device. 
         [0020]    The machine tool device advantageously comprises at least one drive device for driving the conveying device, which, in particular, is adapted for arrangement on the machine bed. This enables a compact machine tool device design. 
         [0021]    It is preferred for the second machine bed section to comprise at least one wall element which delimits the receiving area. In this way, the flushing device can be arranged in the immediate vicinity of the chips to be flushed out of the receiving area, so that a particularly good flushing effect can be obtained. 
         [0022]    Furthermore, it is advantageous for the machine bed to be reinforced by the wall element. Such a wall element simultaneously serves to delimit the receiving area and to reinforce a supporting structure of the machine bed. 
         [0023]    The flushing device advantageously comprises at least one nozzle for introducing at least one flushing fluid into the receiving area. With the aid of such a nozzle, a stream of flushing fluid can be generated, which enables flushing of the receiving area for evacuation of the chips. 
         [0024]    In particular, the flushing fluid is a liquid and/or compressed air. 
         [0025]    Furthermore, it is preferred for the third machine bed section to comprise the receiving area. In this way, at least parts of the suction device can be arranged in the receiving area. 
         [0026]    It is preferred for the third machine section to comprise an additional area which is integrated into the machine bed. In this way, an additional area for arrangement of the suction device or parts of the suction device can be provided with the aid of the machine bed. 
         [0027]    The machine tool device preferably comprises at least one passage for connection of the receiving area and the additional area. Such a passage enables a fluidic connection between the receiving area and the additional area, so that chips can be evacuated out of the receiving area through the passage into the additional area. 
         [0028]    It is preferred for the receiving area and the additional area to extend in directions parallel to each other. This enables a space-saving arrangement of the two areas. 
         [0029]    It is particularly preferred for the receiving area to be arranged above the additional area in relation to the direction of gravity. In this way, evacuation of the chips by suction from the receiving area into the additional area is assisted by the action of gravity. 
         [0030]    The suction device preferably comprises at least one chip guiding element which is adapted for insertion into the receiving area. Such a chip guiding element enables a guiding path to be prescribed for a chip falling into the receiving area and/or for a chip to be evacuated from the receiving area by suction. 
         [0031]    The chip guiding element is advantageously funnel-shaped. This enables a large chip introduction area and a small chip discharge area to be provided. The reduction in size of the chip discharge area has the advantage that a higher suction capacity can be provided in the area of the chip discharge area. 
         [0032]    Furthermore, it is expedient for the suction device to comprise a least one suction line which is in fluidic connection with the receiving area. Such a line enables transportation of the chips to be discharged along the machine bed. In particular, it is advantageous for the suction line to be arranged in the additional area of the machine bed. 
         [0033]    If the cross-sectional area of the suction line increases, seen in a direction of chip evacuation by suction, it is possible to provide identical suction capacities at different suction locations along the suction line. 
         [0034]    The machine bed is preferably made from at least one cast part. In this way, parts of the machine bed, for example, a delimitation of the receiving area and/or a delimitation of the additional area, can be produced in a simple way. 
         [0035]    The invention further relates to a machine tool with a machine tool device described hereinabove. In particular, the machine tool is a machining center. 
         [0036]    It is preferred for the at least one receiving area to be at least of the same length as a working area of the machine tool. This enables reliable processing of chips produced during the machining of a workpiece independently of the positioning of the workpiece relative to the receiving area. 
         [0037]    In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the machine tool comprises a plurality of slides movably guided on the machine bed for holding at least one workpiece and/or at least one tool, with each slide having at least one receiving area of its own associated with it, and each receiving area having at least one discharging device of its own associated with it. This enables independent discharging of the chips from each of the receiving areas. 
         [0038]    The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing a machine tool device, comprising a machine bed with at least one receiving area for receiving chips produced during the machining of a workpiece. 
         [0039]    In accordance with the invention, a method of manufacturing a machine tool device is indicated, which is usable with flexibility. 
         [0040]    In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, in a method of manufacturing a machine tool device, such as a device comprising a machine bed with at least one receiving area for receiving chips produced during the machining of a workpiece, at least one conveying device for conveying the chips out of the receiving area, at least one flushing device for flushing the chips out of the receiving area and at least one suction device for evacuating the chips out of the receiving area by suction are provided, and the machine bed is selectively equipped with the conveying device and/or the flushing device and/or the suction device. 
         [0041]    The advantages of the method according to the invention have already been explained hereinabove in conjunction with the embodiments of the device according to the invention. 
         [0042]    Further features and advantages of the invention are the subject matter of the following description and the drawings of preferred embodiments. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0043]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a machine tool with a machine bed; 
           [0044]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the machine bed from  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 3  shows a view corresponding to  FIG. 2  from a rearward perspective; 
           [0046]      FIG. 4  shows a sectional view of the machine bed from  FIG. 2  in accordance with a sectional plane denoted by IV therein; 
           [0047]      FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a machine tool device with a machine bed and with a discharging device; 
           [0048]      FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a machine tool device with a machine bed and with a discharging device; 
           [0049]      FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of the machine tool device shown in  FIG. 6  in accordance with a sectional plane denoted by VII therein; 
           [0050]      FIGS. 8   a  to  8   c  show sectional side views of three further embodiments of a machine tool device; and 
           [0051]      FIGS. 9   a  to  9   d  show sectional side views of four further embodiments of a machine tool device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0052]    An embodiment of a machine tool according to the invention, shown in  FIG. 1  and denoted by  10  therein, comprises a machine bed  12 . The machine tool  10  is installed on a base with the aid of the machine bed  12 . 
         [0053]    A machine frame  14  in the form of a stand or a portal is arranged on the machine bed  12 . 
         [0054]    The machine tool  10  comprises a tool support device  16  which is mounted on the machine frame  14  and driven for movement in an x-direction and in a y-direction perpendicular thereto. 
         [0055]    The machine tool  10  also comprises a first workpiece support device  18  in the form of a first slide  20  and a second workpiece support device  22  in the form of a slide  24 . 
         [0056]    The slides  20  and  24  are mounted on the machine bed  12  and driven for displacement along a respective z-axis associated therewith. 
         [0057]    A workpiece held on the workpiece support device  18  and/or the workpiece support device  22  can be machined by chip removal with the aid of a tool held on the tool support device  16 . This machining takes place in a working area  26  arranged above the machine bed  12  in the direction of gravity. 
         [0058]    The machine bed  12  of the machine tool  10  is shown in  FIG. 2 . The machine bed  12  extends between a front end  28  and a rear end  30 . The machine bed  12  comprises an underside  32  which forms an installation plane for installation of the machine bed  12  on a base. The machine bed  12  also comprises an upper side  34  for arrangement of the machine frame  14  and the workpiece support devices  18 ,  22  (cf.  FIG. 1 ) thereon. 
         [0059]    The machine bed  12  comprises at least one receiving area. The machine bed  12  shown in the drawings comprises two receiving areas  36  and  38 . The receiving areas  36  and  38  extend in each case between the front end  28  and the rear end  30  of the machine bed  12 . 
         [0060]    The receiving areas  36 ,  38  open at the front end  28  of the machine bed  12  in each case into an aperture  40  by means of which the receiving areas  36 ,  38  are connected in each case with an environment of the machine bed  12 . Furthermore, the receiving areas  36  and  38  open at the rear end  30  of the machine bed  12  in each case into an aperture  42  for connection of the receiving areas  36 ,  38  with the environment of the machine bed  12 . 
         [0061]    The receiving areas  36 ,  38  are groove-shaped. The receiving areas  36 ,  38  extend in directions parallel to the z-directions of the machine tool  10 . The receiving areas  36 ,  38  are open in the upward direction in an area associated with the working area  26  of the machine tool  10 . 
         [0062]    The receiving areas  36 ,  38  are delimited by wall elements  46 ,  48  extending in each case at an angle to one another. The wall elements form a V-shaped or U-shaped groove profile. 
         [0063]    The wall elements  46 ,  48  pass in a connecting area  50  into one another. The connecting areas  50  form on their side facing the receiving areas  36 ,  38  a respective bottom delimitation  52  of a receiving area  36 ,  38 . 
         [0064]    It is preferred for the bottom delimitation  52 , seen between the front end  28  and the rear end  30  of the machine bed  12 , to be inclined relative to an installation plane of the machine bed  12 . This facilitates the removal of chips from the receiving area  36 ,  38  into an environment of the machine bed  12 . The installation plane can be defined by the underside  32  of the machine bed  12  or by means of separate installation elements, not shown. The machine bed  12  can, for example, be installed by means of three installation elements (not shown in the drawings) in order to enable a three-point installation of the machine bed  12 . 
         [0065]    The wall element  48  of the receiving area  36  and the wall element  46  of the receiving area  38  jointly form a separating device  54  for separation of the receiving areas  36 , and  38 . The separating device  54  enables chips contained in the receiving areas  36 ,  38  to be separately discharged in each case from these receiving areas. 
         [0066]    The machine bed  12  comprises an additional area  56 . In particular, the additional area is of substantially cuboidal configuration. 
         [0067]    The additional area  56  extends between the front end  28  and the rear end  30  of the machine bed  12 . The additional area  56  and at least one of the receiving areas  36 ,  38  preferably extend in an at least approximately parallel direction. Furthermore, it is preferred for the additional area  56  to be arranged below at least one receiving area  36 ,  38  in the direction of gravity. 
         [0068]    The machine bed  12  comprises a plurality of machine bed sections for the arrangement of different discharging devices for the discharge of chips from the at least one receiving area  36 ,  38 . 
         [0069]    The machine bed  12  comprises a first machine bed section  58 . This is formed, for example, by at least one receiving area  36 ,  38 . The first machine bed section serves for the arrangement of a conveying device by means of which chips can be mechanically conveyed out of the receiving area. 
         [0070]    The machine bed  12  comprises a second machine bed section  60 . This is formed, for example, by at least one wall element  46 ,  48  of at least one receiving area  36 ,  38 . This second machine bed section enables the arrangement of a flushing device by means of which a flushing fluid can be introduced into at least one of the receiving areas  36 ,  38 , so that chips contained in the receiving area  36 ,  38  can be flushed out of it. 
         [0071]    The machine bed  12  also comprises a third machine bed section  62 . The third machine bed section comprises, for example, the additional area  56  and/or at least one receiving area  36 ,  38 . The third machine bed section enables the arrangement of a suction device for evacuation of the chips by suction from at least one of the receiving areas  36 ,  38 . 
         [0072]    The aforementioned machine bed sections  58 ,  60  and  62  enable the machine bed  12  to be selectively equipped with a mechanically operating conveying device and/or with a flushing device and/or with a suction device. 
         [0073]      FIG. 5  shows an embodiment of a machine tool device denoted by  64 , which comprises the machine bed  12  and a discharging device  66  in the form of a conveying device  68 . 
         [0074]    The conveying device  68  comprises at least one screw conveyor  70  which is arranged in a receiving area  36 ,  38 . The screw conveyor  70  extends from the front end  28  of the machine bed  12  to the rear end  30  of the machine bed  12 . There the rear end of the screw conveyor  70  passes through the aperture  42  of a receiving area  36 ,  38 , which is shown in  FIG. 3 . At this end of the screw conveyor  70 , the latter is driven by a drive device  72 . The drive device  72  causes the screw conveyor  70  to rotate, so that chips contained in a receiving area  36 ,  38  are conveyed in the direction towards the rear end  30  of the machine bed  12 . 
         [0075]    The aperture  42  of each receiving area  36 ,  38 , is in fluidic connection with a housing  74  which is preferably closed circumferentially, so that the chips can get from the receiving area  36 ,  38  into the interior of the housing  74 . There is arranged in the housing  74  a conveyor belt  76  which removes chips discharged from a receiving area  36 ,  38 , for example, into a collection container  78 . 
         [0076]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , the drive device  72  is arranged at the rear end  30  of the machine bed  12 . In an alternative embodiment, not shown in the drawings, it is possible for the drive device  72  to be arranged at the front end  28  of the machine bed  12  and for the screw conveyors  70  to interact with the drive device  72  via the apertures  40 . 
         [0077]    In both described variants for arrangement of the drive device  72 , the chips contained in a receiving area  36 ,  38  can be disposed of both in a conveying direction towards the rear end  30  of the machine bed  12  and in a conveying direction towards the front end  28  of the machine bed  12 . Reversal of the conveying direction is brought about by a simple switching-over of the direction of rotation of a screw conveyor  70  by corresponding reversal of the drive device  72 . 
         [0078]    A machine tool device  80  shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7  comprises the machine bed  12  which is equipped with a discharging device  66  in the form of a suction device  82 . 
         [0079]    The suction device  82  comprises at least one chip guiding element  84  adapted for arrangement in a receiving area  36 ,  38 . The at least one chip guiding element  84  can be arranged, in particular, inserted in the at least one receiving area  36 ,  38 . 
         [0080]    The at least one chip guiding element  84  is preferably of funnel-shaped configuration, so that an extensive inlet  86  is formed for chips falling into a chip guiding element  84 . By virtue of the funnel-shaped configuration of a chip guiding element  84 , the latter tapers in the direction towards an outlet  88 . 
         [0081]    The outlet  88  of a chip guiding element  84  extends through a passage  90  arranged in the bottom delimitation  52  of a receiving area  36 ,  38 . With the aid of the passage  90  a connection is made between the at least one receiving area  36 ,  38  and the additional area  56  arranged below it in the direction of gravity. 
         [0082]    There is arranged in the additional area  56  a suction line  92  which is in fluidic connection with a plurality of outlets  88  of several chip guiding elements  84 . 
         [0083]    The suction line  92  expands, seen in a direction  94  of chip evacuation by suction, so that the same suction capacity can be made available in each case at various outlets  88  of various chip guiding elements  84 . 
         [0084]    The suction line  92  opens into the rear end  30  of the machine bed  12 , so that chips can be evacuated by suction in the direction towards the rear end  30 . Alternatively thereto, the suction line  92  can also open into the front end  28  of the machine bed  12 , so that chips can be evacuated by suction in the direction towards the front end  28 . 
         [0085]    Alternatively or supplementarily to a discharging device  66  configured as a conveying device  68  or alternatively to a discharging device  66  configured as a suction device  82 , the discharging device  66  can also comprise a flushing device  96 . Such a flushing device is shown in broken lines in  FIG. 7 . This flushing device  96  can be positioned, for example, at the bottom delimitation  52  of a receiving area  36 ,  38 . 
         [0086]    The flushing device  96  can—as indicated in FIG.  7 —be arranged so that a stream of flushing fluid is directed towards the front end  28  of the machine bed  12 . Alternatively thereto, the flushing device  96  can be arranged so that it generates a stream of flushing fluid directed towards the rear end  30  of the machine bed  12 . 
         [0087]    Preferably, the flushing device  96  comprises at least one nozzle  98  with which a flushing fluid can be introduced into the receiving area  36 ,  38 , so that the latter can be flushed and chips contained in the receiving area can be conveyed out of it. 
         [0088]    For supplying the flushing device  66  with a flushing fluid, for example, a liquid and/or compressed air, the flushing device  96  comprises a flushing fluid supply line  100 . This can be fed by an external flushing fluid source which can be arranged outside of the machine bed  12  or also attached to it. 
         [0089]      FIGS. 8   a ,  8   b , and  8   c  show further embodiments of a machine tool device which is denoted by  102  in  FIG. 8   a , by  110  in  FIG. 8   b  and by  112  in  FIG. 8   c.    
         [0090]    The machine tool devices  102 ,  110  and  112  comprise an identical machine bed  104 . 
         [0091]    The machine bed  104  has a structure which is similar to that of the machine bed  12 . In this connection, reference is to be had to the above description of the structure and the mode of operation of the machine bed  12 . 
         [0092]    The machine bed  104  differs from the machine bed  12  in that there is no separate additional area  56  provided for the arrangement of a discharging device  66 . Furthermore, the machine bed  104  comprises only one receiving area  36  which, in particular, is arranged at the center. 
         [0093]    The bottom delimitation  52  of the receiving area  36  of the machine bed  104  is downwardly inclined in a chip conveying direction  106  indicated in  FIG. 8   a  with respect to the direction of gravity. This facilitates the removal of chips contained in the receiving area  36  with the aid of the discharging device  66 . 
         [0094]    The machine tool device  102  shown in  FIG. 8   a  is equipped with a discharging device  66  in the form of a conveying device  68 . The removal of the chips takes place in the direction  106  towards the rear end  30  of the machine bed  104 . The end of the receiving area  36  that faces the front end  28  of the machine bed  104  is closed by a cover  108 . 
         [0095]    The machine tool device  110  shown in  FIG. 8   b  differs from the machine tool device  102  in that it comprises a discharging device  66  in the form of a suction device  82 . The suction device  82  comprises a plurality of funnel-shaped chip guiding elements  84  arranged in the receiving area  36 . 
         [0096]    In contrast to the embodiment, shown with reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , of a suction device  82  of the machine tool device  80 , the outlets  88  of the chip guiding elements  84  do not open into an additional area  56  or into a suction line  92  but into the receiving area  36 . 
         [0097]    Therefore, chips to be disposed of from the receiving area  36  can be evacuated by suction via the aperture  42  at the rear end  30  of the machine bed  104 . Alternatively thereto, the chips can also be evacuated by suction via the aperture  40  at the front end of the machine bed  104  if there is no cover  108  provided in this area. 
         [0098]    In the embodiment, shown in  FIG. 8   c , of a machine tool device  112 , a discharging device  66  in the form of a flushing device  96  is provided. This is arranged in the receiving area  36  in the area of the aperture  40  of the machine bed  104 . The flushing device  96  preferably comprises at least one nozzle  98  for introducing a flushing fluid into the receiving space  36 . 
         [0099]    The machine tool devices  114 ,  116 ,  118  and  120  shown in  FIGS. 9   a ,  9   b ,  9   c  and  9   d  differ from the machine tool devices  102 ,  110  and  112  shown in  FIGS. 8   a  to  8   c  in that the receiving area  36  is not delimited by parts of the wall structure of the machine bed  104  but by means of delimiting elements  124  which are separate from the latter. These are configured as sheet metal parts, for example. They form at least one bottom delimitation  52  of a receiving area  36 . 
         [0100]    With the aid of the separate delimiting elements  124 , it is possible to vary the inclination of the bottom delimitation  52  of a receiving area  36 . 
         [0101]    In the machine tool device  114  shown in  FIG. 9   a , the bottom delimitation  52  is downwardly inclined from a front end  28  towards a rear end  30  of the machine bed  104  in the chip conveying direction  106 . 
         [0102]    In the embodiment, shown in  FIG. 9   b , of a machine tool device  116 , the chip conveying direction  122  is the reverse of the chip conveying direction  106 . Accordingly, at least the bottom delimitation  52  of the receiving area  36  of the machine tool device  116 , seen in the chip conveying direction  122 , has an inclination in the downward direction from the rear end  30  towards the front end  28  of the machine bed  104 . In the machine tool device  116  shown in  FIG. 9   b , the disposal of the chips does not take place in the area of the rear end  30  (cf.  FIG. 9   a ), but in the area of the front end  28  of the machine bed  104 . Accordingly, the machine tool device  116 , differently from the machine tool device  114 , does not have any cover  108  in the area of the aperture  40 . 
         [0103]    When separate delimiting elements  124  are used, the machine bed  104  can also be equipped with a suction device  82  ( FIG. 9   c ) and/or with a flushing device  96  (cf.  FIG. 9   d ).