Vacuum-compatible clamping and / or braking device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an annular elastic element for a clamping and / or braking device, the element comprising an annular spring plate having a first annular side face and a second annular side face, and a sealing element arranged on the second side face of the spring plate, the sealing element forming an inner projection in the region of the inner edge of the annular spring plate and an outer projection in the region of the outer edge of the annular spring plate, the inner and / or outer projections of the sealing element each forming a bulge at least partially. The present disclosure further relates to a housing member for a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device and to a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device having an annular elastic element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an annular elastic element of a pneumatic clamp and / or brake device, a housing member, and a pneumatic clamp and / or brake device having such an annular elastic element.

Background Art

[0002] In the manufacture of tools or machine members, processing machines, particularly work spindles or other machine tools, are used. These machines process materials from workpieces, particularly to a desired shape, using tools attached to a shaft. The shaft may be the rotating or swiveling axis of such a machine. Further, a rotatable or swiveling table is used to position a tool or workpiece at an appropriate machining position or to move the workpiece at an appropriate rotational speed using the shaft. A prerequisite for performing precise and efficient machining is, in particular, a high rotational speed of the shaft. Therefore, an emergency system or safety system has the problem of stopping or holding the shaft in a fixed position and fixing it when a system failure or malfunction occurs, such as a power outage or cable disconnection.

[0003] At this time, general processing machines are equipped with electromagnetic, hydraulic, or pneumatic clamp and / or brake devices. Such devices are provided with a friction lining that can be frictionally connected to the shaft by force transmission. This makes it possible to fix the shaft at different speeds.

[0004] In the case of a hydraulic clamping device, hydraulic oil is supplied to the chamber, and a rotating shaft or disk is clamped. Passive hydraulic clamps are also known. However, such hydraulic clamps have a long reaction time, or a short reaction time requires very high costs. Further, hydraulic materials, particularly hydraulic valves and hydraulic pipes, are expensive and require a relatively long time for assembly. Also, additional costs are required to maintain the cleanliness around the hydraulic clamp due to the hydraulic oil.

[0005] In the case of pneumatic clamping and / or braking devices, generally, compressed air is supplied to an elastic element, particularly an elastic plate, and some of the drawbacks of the hydraulic clamping devices described above can be overcome.

[0006] Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 describe a pneumatic clamping device provided with two annular spring plates. The spring plates are introduced into the housing of the clamping device to form a pressure chamber. Compressed air is supplied to the pressure chamber, or ventilation and air passage of the pressure chamber are carried out. As a result, the bending of the spring plates changes, and switching is performed between the closed state of the clamping device in which an object to be clamped, such as a rotatable shaft, is clamped and the open state of the clamping device in which the object is free. However, in practice, it has been revealed that such clamping cannot operate without problems for the clamping and the environment in a vacuum and a clean room.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] Based on the prior art described at the beginning, the problem of the present disclosure is to provide means for enabling a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device to operate reliably in a vacuum or a clean room.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] This problem is solved by an annular elastic element having the features described in claim 1, a housing member having the features described in claim 33, and a clamp and / or brake device having the features described in claim 46. Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims, the specification and the drawings.

[0010] According to the solution according to the invention, an annular elastic element for a clamp device and / or a brake device is provided, which element is an annular spring plate having a first annular side face and a second annular side face, and a sealing element (also referred to herein as the "second sealing element" since it is arranged on the second side of the spring plate), the sealing element being arranged on the second side of the spring plate, the sealing element forming an inner projection in the region of the inner edge of the annular spring plate and an outer projection in the region of the outer edge of the annular spring plate, and the inner and / or outer projections of the sealing element each forming a bulge at least partially.

[0011] In the present disclosure, the term "annular" should not necessarily be understood as circular. Other annular forms such as an angular annular form are also included in this concept.

[0012] According to the concept of "projection", the inner projection and the outer projection protrude or project from one or more surfaces of the (second) sealing element. Preferably, the (second) sealing element is formed integrally with and / or as one piece with the inner and / or outer projections.

[0013] According to the solution according to the present invention, a housing member for a clamp and / or a brake device is further provided. The housing member has an annular recess for clamping the elastic element according to the present invention. The recess forms a first annular edge and a second annular edge of the annular opening of the housing member. The annular recess defines the inner surface of the housing member between the first annular edge and the second annular edge. The inner surface forms a first inclination in the region of the first annular edge and a second inclination in the region of the second annular edge. The inclinations are aligned such that the annular opening expands towards the first and second edges. The bulge and the inclination have the effect of forming a product in which the elastic element according to the present invention and the housing member according to the present invention are related to each other. This is because each bulge can contact one of the inclinations.

[0014] According to the solution according to the present invention, there is further provided a clamping and / or braking device for clamping and / or braking an object to be clamped and / or braked, the device comprising a first elastic element according to the present invention and a second elastic element according to the present invention, and a housing comprising a first, preferably a housing member according to the present invention, having an inner surface, and a second, preferably a housing member according to the present invention, having an inner surface, wherein the housing members are arranged relative to each other such that the inner surfaces of the housing members together partition an internal space inside the housing and are fastened to each other; one or more clamping elements, each clamping element having a clamping surface; and a spring arranged in the internal space, comprising a first elastic element and a second elastic element, wherein the elastic elements are arranged in the internal space such that a first pressure chamber is formed between the elastic elements and the inner surfaces of the housing members, and the first pressure chamber can be ventilated and a positive pressure of a pressure medium supplyable to the housing can be applied thereto, the first elastic element being clamped in the internal space with its first side facing the inner surface of the first housing member, the second elastic element being clamped in the internal space with its first side facing the inner surface of the second housing member, the spring being configured such that when the first pressure chamber is ventilated or aerated, or when a positive pressure is applied to the first pressure chamber, the bending of at least one spring plate of the elastic element becomes variable, whereby the device comprises a spring that switches between an open state in which the object to be clamped is spaced apart from one or more clamping surfaces and a closed state in which at least one clamping surface transmits a clamping force and / or a braking force to the object; and a bulge of an inner or outer protrusion of at least one elastic element is configured to establish contact with a first portion of the inner surface of one of the housing members within the housing member, whereby at least a fluid connection between the first pressure chamber and the transition between the housing members is blocked.

[0015] The long-unresolved problem of the prone-to-failure operation of the clamping and / or braking device in a vacuum or clean room (the clamp fails and / or the surrounding atmosphere is contaminated by the clamp) has been overcome by aspects of the present invention. The following developments by the inventors, each individually and in combination, further contribute to the overcoming.

[0016] For example, the inner and / or outer protrusions of the (second) sealing element can each form at least partially, preferably a bulge (or curvature or outward-facing arch) extending radially, thereby obtaining particularly good sealing performance at the transition of the housing member for use in a vacuum or clean room. The bulge can be formed by applying additional (elastic) material of the sealing element to the remaining part of the protrusion. The bulge can, for example, close the inner space within the housing member in the region of the gap at the transition of the housing member and be brought into contact to seal against the inner wall of the housing member (e.g., an inclined or long chamfer). Preferably, the bulge of the outer protrusion of the second sealing element extends radially outward, preferably beyond the outer edge of the spring plate. Preferably, the bulge of the inner protrusion of the second sealing element extends radially inward, preferably beyond the inner edge of the spring plate.

[0017] The bulge is particularly advantageous for the sealing performance of the first pressure chamber with respect to the gap at the transition of the adjacent housing members. The bulge has the effect that hardly any or no medium flows in or out through the edge of the housing during the operation of the first pressure chamber.

[0018] Instead of, or in addition to, the bulge, the inner and / or outer protrusions of the second sealing element preferably each have at least a partially flat surface, which can function, for example, as a support surface for sealing against the housing wall or other elastic elements. Thereby, the clamp or its second pressure chamber is more firmly sealed to prevent or prevent the pressure medium from flowing out of the second pressure chamber to the surroundings. The flat surface increases the resistance to the permeation of the pressure medium (especially gas) when the pressure medium is supplied to the second pressure chamber. The flat surface reduces or prevents the overflow of the medium between the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber. Preferably, the bulges are each close to or adjacent to the flat surface. Preferably, the flat surface merges with the bulge.

[0019] The flat surface further assists the displacement of the bulge with respect to the inner wall of the housing member and also assists the above-described action of the bulge. This assistance is particularly significant when the flat surface is close to or adjacent to and / or merges with the bulge to which it belongs, as described above. The flat surface and the respective attached bulge thus form a combination of features that act synergistically, but can also exist individually.

[0020] Regarding use in a vacuum or clean room, the elastic material used for the elastic element may preferably be a suitable material that hardly emits or does not emit any material in a vacuum (high resistance to the medium), is suitable for high temperatures, and / or has low gas permeability.

[0021] In use in a vacuum environment or clean room, in order to further contribute to particularly good sealing performance, the elastic element according to the present invention can have a first connection seal for the first connection for supplying the pressure medium to the first pressure chamber, and the first connection seal seals the first connection. Preferably, the edge of the first connection seal can at least partially, preferably completely, surround the first connection opening and can have the shape of an O-ring.

[0022] To further contribute to particularly good sealing for use in a vacuum environment or a clean room, the elastic element according to the invention can have a second connection seal for a second connection for supplying a pressure medium to the second pressure chamber, the second connection seal sealing the second connection. Preferably, the edge of the second connection seal can at least partially, preferably completely, surround the second connection opening and can have the shape of an O-ring. Particularly preferably, the edge can form a connection projection of the second connection seal, the connection projection at least partially forming an undercut at the edge of the second connection opening. The housing member can be gripped from behind by the undercut of the connection projection of the elastic element. The undercut of the second connection seal reinforces the seal to the outside and, in particular, reduces the risk of the second connection seal lifting off from the flat surface of the housing when supplying the first pressure chamber. Furthermore, the use of a sealant (adhesive) at this location can be avoided by the undercut. Such a sealant can have an adverse effect on the vacuum or the clean room.

[0023] To further contribute to particularly good sealing for use in a vacuum environment or a clean room, the housing member according to the invention or the device according to the invention can have a groove or notch, preferably circular, for receiving an O-ring. The groove or notch with the O-ring supports the above-described functions of the bulge and the first connection seal so that fluid does not flow in or out through the edge of the housing when the first pressure chamber operates. Furthermore, a sealant (adhesive) between the housing halves, which is undesirable for use in a vacuum and a clean room, can be omitted.

[0024] To enable use even in a high-humidity environment by adding a clamp to the vacuum or clean room, the inventors have developed a series of measures described below, which can be used alone or in combination with the above-described measures.

[0025] When operating the device under the influence of a liquid medium, especially in the area of the clamping surface, there is a possibility that the liquid medium may penetrate into the housing of the device. As a result of this possibility, during operation, the medium penetrates into the first pressure chamber, which causes retention in the first pressure chamber. The penetration of the liquid medium leads to component failure due to leakage (e.g., rubber damage), contamination within the device, and deterioration of the response time of the device. The inventors recognize that the penetration of the liquid medium is mainly due to small gaps existing in the housing members of the device, especially at the transition of the two clamping elements or the clamping surface of the housing member. During the opening process, for example, by supplying compressed air to the second pressure chamber, the second pressure chamber expands. At the same time, the first pressure chamber is vented. Due to the movement of the elastic element (e.g., a rubber-coated spring plate), air is pushed out of the first pressure chamber, resulting in a suction effect through the first pressure chamber. As a result of the liquid medium penetrating into the first pressure chamber, usually, especially a continuous small leakage to the second pressure chamber occurs, and as long as the second pressure chamber is expanding, a certain flow of the liquid medium is brought about. This effect enhances the suction effect, accelerates the failure of the device, or causes an early malfunction in the device.

[0026] Against this background, the inventor recognized that by attaching a sealing element with a protrusion to the side of the first pressure chamber of the elastic element, this suction effect is interrupted or suppressed, and the above-described failure or malfunction can no longer occur in the device. In particular, by means of this measure, the fluid connection between the first pressure chamber and the transition part of the housing member or the clamping element can be blocked without impairing the opening and closing function or the dynamics of the device. In the elastic element according to the invention, a second sealing element is arranged on the second side of the annular spring plate, and the second sealing element has an inner protrusion in the region of the inner edge of the annular spring plate of the elastic element and an outer protrusion in the region of the outer edge of the annular spring plate. These two protrusions on the inner and outer edges of the spring plate are generally placed on the inner wall of the second elastic element or the housing facing them and are used to form the second pressure chamber. Therefore, each of these two protrusions may preferably have a supporting surface. In accordance with the above recognition of the inventor, the elastic element according to the invention has a (first) sealing element on the other (first) side of the spring plate which may face the first pressure chamber, and the sealing element forms a first protrusion, and the first protrusion thus protrudes into the first pressure chamber and is suitable for at least blocking the fluid connection between the first pressure chamber and the transition part of the housing member in the first pressure chamber.

[0027] The first protrusion is preferably formed between the inner edge and the outer edge of the annular spring plate, and particularly preferably, the first protrusion is formed in the region of the inner edge or the outer edge of the annular spring plate so as to be close to the gap between the above-described clamping elements depending on whether the clamping action is directed inward or outward. The first protrusion is preferably attached to the first side of the annular spring plate so as to be suitable for protruding into the first pressure chamber in the region of the transition part of the housing member or the clamping element.

[0028] Accordingly, the first protrusion extends from or projects from the surface of the first sealing element. Preferably, the first sealing element is formed integrally with and / or as one piece with the first protrusion.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the elastic element, the first sealing element further preferably has a second protrusion on the first side, preferably in the region of the edge of the annular spring plate on the side opposite to the edge where the first protrusion is arranged, and the second protrusion serves to further interrupt or prevent the fluid connection between the first pressure chamber and the transition of the housing member or the clamping element.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment of the elastic element, the first and / or second sealing elements are vulcanized on the spring plate, whereby they are particularly well fixed.

[0031] Preferably, each of the first protrusion and / or the second protrusion has a surface that is at least partially rounded in order to establish contact on the inner wall of the housing having any shape, whereby the prevention or interruption of the fluid connection described above can be brought about.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment of the housing member or the device, the housing member has a recess or a concave portion on the inner surface of the housing member, and the recess or the concave portion is preferably complementary to the surface of the contacting first or second protrusion in its shape, whereby the above-described contact becomes particularly effective (sealing).

[0033] The inventor recognizes that both the first protrusion of the first sealing element and any second protrusion are also suitable for preventing or avoiding the outflow of the pressure medium (especially gas) that can be supplied to the first pressure chamber. This makes it easier to use in a high-humidity environment in addition to the use of the clamp in a vacuum or clean room.

[0034] For use in a high humidity environment, a vacuum, or a clean room, the housing member can preferably be made of a suitable material that is resistant to corrosion, preferably a steel material, in order to avoid the release of rust into the vacuum or clean room.

[0035] The means described herein can be used individually or in combination to provide a clamp that can operate reliably within a vacuum and / or a clean room, and optionally also in a high humidity environment, without adversely affecting the dynamics of the opening and closing of the clamp.

[0036] In the brief description, when describing features not recited in the claims, these features are not essential features in the sense that they must necessarily be included in the claims, but these features are particularly important and preferred realizations of the subject matter recited in the claims and can be combined with any of the claims and, optionally, with each other.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0037]

Figure 1A

Figure 1B

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 5C

Figure 5D

Figure 6A

Figure 6B

Figure 6C

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] Members shown in multiple drawings are labeled with the same reference numerals.

[0039] The present disclosure relates to an annular elastic element and a housing member for a pneumatic clamp and / or brake device, and a pneumatic clamp and / or brake device provided with such an annular elastic element.

[0040] As used herein, references to a "clamp" device or "clamping device", "clamping force" or the "clamping" process also include, by the same token, a "brake" device or "braking device", "braking force" or the "braking" process.

[0041] FIGS. 1A to 5A and FIG. 8 schematically show a cross-section of such a clamping device 10 according to the present invention having a housing 3 including two housing members 3a, 3b and a spring 1 disposed within the housing 3 including at least two annular elastic elements 1a, 1b according to the present invention.

[0042] At this time, the clamping device 10 according to the present invention includes the following: a first elastic element 1a and a second elastic element 1b according to the present invention; a housing 3 including a first housing member 3a having an inner surface and a second housing member 3b having an inner surface, wherein the housing members 3a, 3b are arranged relative to each other such that the inner surfaces of the housing members 3a, 3b together define an internal space 13 inside the housing 3, and the housing 3 is fastened to each other; one or more clamping elements 8, each clamping element 8 having a clamping surface 7; a spring 1 disposed in the internal space 13 including the first elastic element 1a and the second elastic element 1b, the elastic elements 1a, 1b being disposed in the internal space 13 such that a first pressure chamber 4 is formed between the elastic elements 1a, 1b and the inner surfaces of the housing members 3a, 3b in the internal space 13, and the first pressure chamber 4 is capable of ventilation and applying a positive pressure of a pressure medium that can be supplied to the housing 3. The first elastic element 1a is clamped in the internal space 13 with its first side facing the inner surface of the first housing member 3a, and the second elastic element 1b is clamped in the internal space 13 with its first side facing the inner surface of the second housing member 3b. The spring 1 is configured such that when the first pressure chamber 4 is ventilated or aerated, or when a positive pressure is applied to the first pressure chamber 4, the bending of at least one spring plate of the elastic elements 1a, 1b becomes variable. As a result, the device 10 can switch between an open state in which the object 5 to be clamped is separated from one or more clamping surfaces 7 and a closed state in which at least one clamping surface 7 transmits a clamping force and / or a braking force to the object 5. The device 10 according to the present invention further includes the means described at the beginning, and by means of these means, reliable operation of the device in a vacuum and / or a clean room is possible. These means will be described in more detail in relation to FIGS. 6 to 12.

[0043] Figures 1A, 1B, 4A and 4B each show the clamping device 10 in a closed state where the clamping surface 7 of the clamping element 8 is in contact with the circumference of the object 5. The clamping element 8 is also called a clamping lip. The clamping element 8 may be integrally formed with other members of the housing members 3a, 3b, or may be a member structurally separated from other members of the housing members 3a, 3b.

[0044] The clamping force or clamping action of the clamping surface 7 on the object 5 to be clamped occurs in a clamping plane formed by two vectors that respectively form the radii of the annular elastic elements 1a, 1b or the annular recess 11 (see Figure 5A). The axis 9 extends here through the center point of the ring of the member described as annular, and thus may be referred to as the main axis of the clamping device 10 and may extend perpendicular to the clamping plane. When referring herein to "inner" and "outer" protrusions, edges or ends, the inner edge, protrusion or end is closer to the axis 9 than the corresponding outer edge, protrusion or end. The same applies to other members.

[0045] The clamping device 10 may be formed to be rotationally symmetric about the main axis 9. The main axis 9 may extend through the opening of the clamping device 10 (the opening 14 in Figure 5B) at or approximately at the center. In Figures 1A and 4A, the object 5 to be clamped, such as the rotatable shaft of a machine or a table, is disposed within the opening 14, and thus the clamping force of the clamping device is directed radially inward in the clamping plane toward the main axis 9 (perpendicular to the main axis 9). In Figures 1B and 4B, the object 5 to be clamped is disposed outside the clamping device 10, and thus the clamping force of the clamping device is directed radially outward in the clamping plane away from the main axis 9 (perpendicular to the main axis 9).

[0046] In FIGS. 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A, the clamping element 8 is positioned between the spring 1 and the opening 14 or the spindle 9. On the other hand, in FIGS. 1B, 2B, 3B, and 4B, since the object 5 to be clamped at least partially surrounds the clamping device 10, the clamping element 8 is positioned between the object 5 and the opening 14 or the spindle 9. In FIGS. 1B, 2B, 3B, and 4B, instead of the object 5 to be clamped, it is possible to introduce a member that at least partially fills the opening 14 into the opening 14, and the spindle 9 extends through the member.

[0047] In each of FIGS. 1A to 5A, the spring 1 is clamped between two contact surfaces (101 and 102 in FIGS. 5C and 5D) within the housing 3 of the clamping device 10 and extends between the two contact surfaces. In the initial state where the device 10 in FIGS. 1A to 2B is not pressurized, the spring 1 may be slightly bent so as to be fixed within the housing 3 in that state, and the same also applies to other states of the device 10. The degree of bending of the spring 1 depends on the state of the device 10. When the device 10 is in a state where the spring 1 is bent (for example, a state where it is more bent than the initial non-pressurized state such as the open state), by ventilation of the pressure chamber 2 inside the spring 1 and ventilation of the pressure chamber 4 outside, while the spring 1 presses against the radial contact surface, the spring 1 at least partially relaxes and the interval slightly expands. As a result, the housing 3 elastically deforms in the region of the clamping element 8 or the clamping surface 7, and the clamping surface 7 thereby contacts the object 5 and is pressed against the object 5 with a (predetermined) clamping force to firmly clamp the object 5. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the object 5 is firmly clamped and the clamping device 10 is in the closed state. In the closed state of the device 10, the spring 1 may be slightly bent even after being partially relaxed so as to be fixed within the housing 3 in that state.

[0048] At this time, the clamping element 8 may be an elastic element such as a spring fork, and this elastic element is, in the unpressurized initial state of the device 10, bent (slightly) by the elastic force of the spring 1, for example, by bending the spring fork 8 until an equilibrium is obtained between the restoring force of the elastic element 8 and the elastic force of the spring 1 in the unpressurized initial state, from the starting position where the elastic element is relaxed to the position where it is under tension. In this equilibrium state, the clamping surface 7 can press the object 5.

[0049] There is any possibility of increasing the clamping force by a predetermined value by additionally supplying compressed air (for example, at 4 bar or 6 bar) to the outer pressure chamber 4 in the closed state. This is suggested in FIGS. 1A and 1B by an optional additional compressed air pump (booster) 6 and the hatching (compressed air) in the outer pressure chamber 4. The outer pressure chamber 4 may be connected by an opening of the housing 3 to an air connection I (also called "close"), and the compressed air pump 6 may be connected to the air connection I.

[0050] This makes it possible to operate the device 10 so that, for example, a switch is made between the (braked) movement of the supplied object 5 (in the unpressurized state) and the complete clamping of the object (in a sufficiently pressurized state).

[0051] Although two pressure chambers 2 and 4 are shown and described here as an example, the clamping device 10 can also operate with only one pressure chamber, which can be, for example, the inner pressure chamber 2 or the outer pressure chamber 4.

[0052] FIGS. 2A and 2B show the clamping device 10 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, respectively, in the open state, in which the clamping surface 7 does not contact or is spaced from the circumference of the object 5. The inner pressure chamber 2 may be connected by an opening of the housing 3 to an air connection II (also called "open"), and the compressed air pump 6 may be connected to the air connection II.

[0053] Compressed air (e.g., 4 bar or 6 bar) is supplied to the inner pressure chamber 2 by the compressed air pump 6, and by venting the outer pressure chamber 4, the spring 1 is bent or stretched more strongly (convexly) compared to the closed state in FIGS. 1A and 1B, and the distance between the spring 1 or the two contact surfaces is shortened in the radial direction. To release the clamp, the clamp surface 7 is lifted from the object 5. The object 5 is freely movable (e.g., rotatable around the shaft 9 or linearly movable along the shaft 9), and the clamping device 10 is open.

[0054] The switching between the closed state and the open state of the device 10 is possible in both directions.

[0055] Such a pneumatic clamp 10 has many advantages compared to a hydraulic clamp.

[0056] By using a combination of an elastic member, in this case the spring 1 including the elastic elements 1a, 1b, and compressed air, a very short reaction time can be obtained, for example, when switching between the open state and the closed state, and reliable clamping of the object 5 is also achieved. The spring 1 may preferably be plate-shaped as shown in detail in FIG. 5, and two overlapping elastic elements 1a, 1b form the spring 1 and the inner pressure chamber 2 inside the spring 1 between the plates 1a, 1b. The plates 1a, 1b may be annular as shown in FIG. 5 and may optionally additionally have radial slots, whereby it is possible to change the inner diameter with a particularly small force. The elastic elements 1a, 1b may be coated with rubber at least in the region of the slots to establish the necessary airtightness for the compressed air. The elastic elements 1a, 1b generally have pressure resistance and are configured to be elastically bent, and are arranged inside the housing 3 of the clamping device 10. Inside the spring 1, an inner pressure chamber 2 is formed between the elastic elements 1a, 1b, and an outer pressure chamber 4 is formed between each elastic element 1a, 1b and the housing 3 of the clamping device 10 or the housing members 3a, 3b. FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional representation showing a clamping device 10 similar to FIGS. 1A and 2A.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 1A, by ventilation of the outer pressure chamber 4 or supply of compressed air, and ventilation of the inner pressure chamber 2, the spring 1 is at least partially relaxed, providing a clamping force around the object 5 to be clamped, in particular around the shaft 5. Thereby, when the energy or pressure is cut off, the object 5 is clamped or the shaft 5 stops immediately, thus providing a safe clamping. Such a pneumatic clamp 10 can, depending on its dimensions, obtain a holding torque from several 100 Nm up to a maximum of 1000 Nm. The holding torque can be further increased, as suggested by the pressure pump 6 (booster) in Fig. 1A, by additionally supplying compressed air to the outer pressure chamber 4. In this case, a few bar (for example 4 bar or 6 bar) of compressed air is sufficient to provide several times the holding torque obtained without using a booster. At this time, when switching the open / closed state of the clamp 10, the fact that a slight lateral bending (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) of the plates 1a, 1b generates a large elasticity that can be used to clamp or release the pre-tensioned clamping device 10 is utilized. Thus, even for a rapidly rotating machine shaft 5, reliable clamping and release are possible.

[0058] In the case of pneumatic materials, the cost and assembly cost are also lower compared to hydraulic materials, and no additional cost for cleaning the equipment is incurred by using compressed air. Such a pneumatic clamp can also have a smaller overall dimension. This is because to apply the required clamping force, a small lateral bending of the spring and a small extension of the spring in the longitudinal direction (a small change in the longitudinal extension), and thus a small volume of the pressure chamber, are sufficient.

[0059] In the case of pneumatic clamps, in principle, a passive clamping device 10 as shown in Figs. 1A to 2B and an active clamping device 10 as shown in Figs. 3A to 4B are distinguished.

[0060] Spring 1 may be bent (laterally) with different strengths in its unpressurized initial state and can thus be shortened radially to different degrees. The inner surface of the housing 3 can adapt to the bending of the elastic elements 1a, 1b or can determine the bending. The stopper surfaces corresponding to the elastic elements 1a, 1b can be formed, for example, by the inner wall of the housing. The inner wall of the housing may be formed complementary (e.g., concave) to the (e.g., convex) bending of the elastic elements 1a, 1b.

[0061] In the passive clamping device 10, the spring 1 is usually slightly elastically bent (e.g., convexly) in its unpressurized initial state or has a pre-tension applied, and the clamping device 10 may be closed (FIGS. 1A, 1B). The clamping device 10 is opened only by a force acting from the inside by supplying compressed air to the inner pressure chamber 2 (FIGS. 2A, 2B). In many cases, since the spring 1 is slightly bent in its unpressurized initial state, the spring 1 transmits, as elastic force given by the energy stored in the spring 1, the clamping force to the object 5 to be clamped in order to clamp the object 5 in the case of clamping or when the pressure drops.

[0062] In the active clamping device 10, the spring 1 is curved more strongly in its unpressurized initial state (FIGS. 3A, 3B) than in the case of the passive clamping device, particularly strongly outward in the lateral direction and convexly, so that the distance between the two radial contact surfaces becomes smaller and the clamping device 10 is in an open state. No clamping force acts on the object 5 via the clamping surface 7. Since the clamping surface 7 does not contact the object 5 or is spaced apart from the object 5, the object is free.

[0063] Due to the plastic deformation of the elastic elements 1a, 1b, spring 1 can bend more strongly outward in the lateral direction than in the case of a passive clamping device in the unpressurized initial state within the same housing 3, and thus can be significantly shortened radially. This small radial extension of the elastic elements 1a, 1b in the unpressurized initial state can result in the open state of the clamping device 10 in the unpressurized initial state. Even in the case of plastic deformation, since the elastic elements 1a, 1b are elastically bent and pressed against the contact surface, the spring is fixed to the housing. The internal space or recess of the housing can accommodate a greater curvature brought about by plastic deformation in the initial state.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, in order to shift the clamp to the closed state, it is necessary to actively induce a clamping force from the outside. Here, compressed air is introduced into the outer pressure chamber 4 by the compressed air pump 6, and the spring 1 is supplied with compressed air from the outside. As a result, the spring 1 actively relaxes, the curvature of the spring 1 decreases, the distance between the two contact surfaces increases, and the housing 3 elastically deforms in the region of the clamping element 8 or the clamping surface 7. Thus, the clamping surface 7 contacts the object 5, a clamping force is exerted on the object 5, and the object 5 is firmly clamped thereby. The active clamping device 10 is in the closed state.

[0065] Depending on the application field and the predetermined safety regulations, an active or passive clamping device 10 is used. First, when a safe clamp is desired, generally a passive clamping device is used. In such a pneumatic passive clamping system, when assembling the device corresponding to the entire device, it is possible to generate a predetermined clamping force even in the unpressurized state, and this clamping force is applied to the object 5 to be clamped. By applying positive or negative pressure, it is possible to increase, decrease, or completely stop the force transmitted to the object, thereby opening up a variety of applications. On the other hand, when the clamping device is generally intended to perform an intentional working process such as tool change, an active clamping device is generally used.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 5A, the housing 3 of the clamping device 10 according to the present invention includes two housing members 3a, 3b, which are assembled by being fastened to each other by fastening means such as screws. In the assembled state, the two housing members 3a, 3b define an internal space 13 between the housing members 3a, 3b within the housing 3. Inside the internal space 13, a spring 1 is arranged together with the annular elastic elements 1a, 1b according to the present invention. As shown in Figs. 5A to 5D, the housing members 3a, 3b each define a recess 11, which is also annular and is used to receive the annular elastic elements 1a, 1b. At least a part of the first contact surface 101 of the housing member can extend (substantially) perpendicular to the radial direction R of the annular recess 11, and / or a part of the second contact surface 102 of the housing member can extend (substantially) perpendicular to the radial direction R of the annular recess 11.

[0067] An opening 14 (Fig. 5B) extends through the center of the housing 3, and an object 5 to be clamped, such as a shaft, can be introduced into the opening 14. The housing can extend up to 360° around the opening and at least partially surrounds the object 5 in at least one plane called the clamping plane. The main axis 9 at the center of the clamping device passes through the center of the opening 14 and extends perpendicular to the clamping plane. In the clamping devices according to Figs. 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, the main axis 9 passes through the center of the shaft along its longitudinal axis.

[0068] Along the circumferential direction of the housing 3 or the opening 14, there is one or more clamping surfaces 7. When the housing 3 elastically deforms in the region of the clamping element 8 or the clamping surface 7, the clamping surface 7 exerts a clamping force on the outer periphery of the object 5, thereby clamping the object 5. In order to effectively open and close the clamping device 10 with respect to the object 5 to be clamped without risking damage to the object 5, it is desirable that the clamping force be symmetrically distributed along the clamping surface 7 or along the circumference of the object 5. If the clamping force is asymmetrically distributed, the object 5 may be damaged. Preferably, one or both of the contact surfaces 101, 102 are formed circularly within the clamping plane. Preferably, the clamping surface 7 is formed circularly within the clamping plane. The clamping element 8 may be formed in an annular shape. Each of the annular or circular members described herein may have, individually or in combination, the intersection point with the clamping plane of the main axis 9 as the center point (for example, the center point of the opening 14).

[0069] FIG. 5B shows an embodiment of a housing member (the upper housing member 3a in FIG. 5A in this figure) according to the present invention. The housing member 3a has an annular recess 11 for clamping an annular elastic element 1a. The housing member 3a has an inner surface (see 105 in FIG. 7) defined by the recess 11. The annular recess 11 preferably defines an annular opening 12 in the housing member. The annular opening is formed between a first annular edge 12a and a second annular edge 12b of the housing member. The elastic element 1a can be clamped between the first annular edge 12a and the second annular edge 12b.

[0070] When the elastic element 1a is inserted through the opening 12 into the recess 11 with the first side surface (see 16c in FIG. 6C) facing the inner surface and clamped in the recess 11, a first pressure chamber 4 is formed between the inner surface and the elastic element 1a. At this time, the elastic element according to the present invention has the means mentioned at the beginning, and the means enables the member to be reliably used in a vacuum and / or a clean room. The means will be described in more detail in connection with FIGS. 6 to 12.

[0071] As shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D, the illustrated elastic element 1a of the spring 1 extends from a first contact surface 101 within the housing member 3a to a second contact surface 102 within the housing member 3a and can contact the second contact surface 102. At this time, the first contact surface 101 is arranged radially outside the second contact surface 102 when viewed from the center point of the opening 14.

[0072] FIG. 5C shows a portion of the housing member 3a shown in FIG. 5B, where the upper plate 1a of the spring 1 collides with and preferably contacts the first contact surface 101. FIG. 5D shows a portion of the housing member 3a shown in FIG. 5B, where the upper plate 1a of the spring 1 collides with and preferably contacts the second contact surface 102. However, one or more additional members may exist radially between the elastic element 1a and the one or more contact surfaces 101, 102, and the elastic element 1a can exert an elastic force on the contact surfaces 101, 102 through the said members.

[0073] As is clear from FIGS. 5B and 5D, the elastic element 1a is clamped within the recess 11 between the inner surfaces of the housing member 3a. Each plate of the spring 1 abuts against the stoppers 112, 122 at the ends of the two contact surfaces 101, 102 respectively during assembly, and thus is introduced through the opening 12 along the inner surface of the housing member 3a in the direction of the spindle 9 of the clamping device 10 into the recess 11 of the respective attached housing member until it can no longer be introduced further into the recess 11. Since the extending portion of the elastic element 1a in the clamping plane or in the radial direction of the annular recess is larger than the extending portion of the internal space defined by the housing member, the plate 1a may be bent in the initial state without being pressurized or may have a pre-tension applied.

[0074] In FIGS. 6A - 6C, embodiments of the means of the elastic element according to the present invention for use in a vacuum and / or clean room, as well as any means for use in a high humidity environment, are shown in more detail.

[0075] Figure 6A shows the annular elastic elements 1a, 1b for the clamp and / or brake device 10 according to the present invention, which elements 1a, 1b include: an annular spring plate 16 having a first annular side surface 16c and a second annular side surface 16d; an optional (first) seal element 17, preferably arranged on the first side surface 16c of the spring plate 16; a (second) seal element 15, where the (second) seal element 15 is arranged on the second side surface 16d of the spring plate 16, the (second) seal element 15 forms an inner protrusion 15a in the region of the inner edge 16a of the annular spring plate 16 and an outer protrusion 15b in the region of the outer edge 16b of the annular spring plate 16, and the inner and / or outer protrusions 15a, 15b of the (second) seal element 15 each form at least partially a bulge 15c, 15d. Preferably, the optional (first) seal element 17 forms a first protrusion 17a.

[0076] Figures 6B and 6C show that the first protrusion 17a is formed between the inner edge 16a and the outer edge 16b of the annular spring plate 16. Here, by way of example, the first protrusion 17a is formed in the region of the inner edge 16a or the outer edge 16b of the annular spring plate 16.

[0077] Figures 6A and 6B further show that the first seal element 17 preferably forms an optional second protrusion 17b on the first side surface 16c in the region of the outer edge 16b of the annular spring plate 16.

[0078] Each of the protrusions 15a, 15b, 17a, 17b of the first and / or second seal elements 15, 17 may be at least partially annular and may extend annularly around the axis 9. Each of the protrusions 15a, 15b, 17a, 17b of the first and / or second seal elements 15, 17 can be fixed to the spring plate 16, preferably may be vulcanized, or may be removably arranged from the spring plate 16, preferably as an O-ring.

[0079] Figures 6A and 6C further show that the longitudinal axis of the first protrusion 17a of the first seal element 17 extends (substantially) perpendicular to the first side surface 16c of the spring plate 16.

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C, the inner protrusion 15a and / or the outer protrusion 15b of the second seal element 15 each have at least partially flat surfaces 15e, 15f, and the flat surfaces 15e, 15f function as support surfaces for, for example, the (inner) housing wall or other elastic elements to partition and seal the second pressure chamber 2. These figures further show that the inner protrusion and / or the outer protrusion 15a, 15b of the second seal element 15 each form bulges 15c, 15d that extend at least partially radially.

[0081] Preferably, as shown in FIG. 6B, the bulge 15d of the outer protrusion 15b of the second seal element 15 extends radially outward, preferably beyond the outer edge 16b of the spring plate 16. Preferably, the bulge 15d is close to or adjacent to the flat surface 15f. Preferably, the flat surface 15f merges with the bulge 15d.

[0082] Preferably, as shown in FIG. 6C, the bulge 15c of the inner protrusion 15a of the second seal element 15 extends radially inward, preferably beyond the inner edge 16a of the spring plate 16. Preferably, the bulge 15c is close to or adjacent to the flat surface 15e. Preferably, the flat surface 15e merges with the bulge 15c.

[0083] The first seal element 17 and / or the second seal element 15 may be individually or both made of an elastic material, preferably rubber or other suitable material, and the seal element is fixed (e.g., vulcanized) to the spring plate 16.

[0084] Figure 7 shows the housing members 3a, 3b according to the present invention. The housing members have an advantageous and preferred fit with respect to the elastic elements 1a, 1b according to the present invention.

[0085] The housing members 3a, 3b include an annular recess 11 for clamping the annular elastic elements 1a, 1b. The recess 11 forms a first annular edge portion 12a and a second annular edge portion 12b of the annular opening 12 of the housing members 3a, 3b. The annular recess 11 defines an inner surface 105 of the housing members 3a, 3b between the first annular edge portion 12a and the second annular edge portion 12b. The inner surface 105 forms a first inclination 103 (or a long chamfer) in the region of the first annular edge portion 12a, and the inner surface 105 forms a second inclination 104 (or a long chamfer) in the region of the second annular edge portion 12b. The inclinations 103, 104 are aligned such that the annular opening 12 expands towards the first and second edge portions 12a, 12b.

[0086] The inner surface 105 can form a first contact surface 101 and a second contact surface 102. The first contact surface 101 and the second contact surface 102 are configured to clamp the spring plates 16 of the elastic elements 1a, 1b according to the present invention therebetween. The first inclination 103 is disposed between the first contact surface 101 and the first annular edge portion 12a, and the second inclination 104 is disposed between the second contact surface 102 and the second annular edge portion 12b. When the elastic elements 1a, 1b are clamped in the recess 11 with the first side surface 16c facing the inner surface 105, the bulges 15c, 15d preferably come into contact with the inclinations 103, 104 in a sealing manner.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 7, the first contact surface 101 may form or merge with a first slope 103 (or a long chamfer), and / or the second contact surface 102 may form or merge with a second slope 104 (or a long chamfer). The slopes 103 and 104 are preferably positioned such that the annular opening 12 or the recess 11 expands towards the first and second edges 12a, 12b (see FIGS. 7 and 5B). By each of these slopes 103 and 104, the force that bends the clamp element 8 is substantially avoided from being transmitted to the clamp element 8 by the second seal element 15. Instead, the spring plate 16, or the inner edge 16a, mainly transmits the force for clamping or braking the object 5 to the clamp element 8 and the clamping surface 7. Thereby, the second seal element 15 is protected and the opening and closing process of the device becomes more reliable.

[0088] The bulges 15c, 15d are provided to block the spaces of the slopes 103, 104 and come into contact with the slopes 103, 104. The bulges 15c, 15d are advantageous for the sealing performance of the first pressure chamber 4 with respect to the gap at the transition portion of the clamp element 8 between the adjacent housing members 3a, 3b. The bulges at the edges of the housing having the slopes 103, 104 are advantageous in that during the operation of the first pressure chamber 4, hardly any or no medium flows in or out through the edges of the housing.

[0089] On the one hand, the flat surfaces 15e, 15f increase the resistance to the permeation of the pressure medium (especially gas) when the pressure medium is supplied to the second pressure chamber 2. The flat surfaces 15e, 15f reduce or prevent the overflow of the medium between the first pressure chamber 4 and the second pressure chamber 2. Further, the flat surfaces 15f and 15e assist the displacement of the bulges 15c, 15d with respect to the inclined surfaces 103, 104 of the housing, and thus the action of the above-described bulges. This assistance is particularly prominent when the flat surface 15e or 15f is adjacent to and / or merges with the bulge 15c or 15d to which it belongs, as described in connection with FIGS. 6B and 6C. Thus, the flat surface and the respective attached bulge form a combination of features that act synergistically, but may also exist individually. When considering the vacuum operation, each seal element 17a and 17b is regarded as an additional barrier and assists in the sealing of the first pressure chamber 4 against the environment.

[0090] The housing members 3a, 3b may have grooves or notches 110, preferably circular, for receiving O-rings. The grooves or notches 110 can preferably completely surround the housing members 3a, 3b along the circumference of the housing members in the region of the first annular edge 12a or between the outer edge 100b of the housing member and the first contact surface 101 or recess 11. The grooves or notches 110 can alternatively or additionally completely surround the housing members 3a, 3b along the circumference of the housing members in the region of the second annular edge 12b or between the inner edge 100a of the housing member and the second contact surface 102 or recess 11.

[0091] To ensure additional favorable sealing for use in a high-humidity environment, a first sealing element is provided. When the elastic elements 1a, 1b are clamped in the recess 11 with the first side surface 16c facing the inner surface 105, the first protrusion 17a of the first sealing element 17 preferably contacts and seals with the first portion of the inner surface 105 of the housing members 3a, 3b. The first portion can have a depression or recess 106 in the housing members 3a, 3b. Preferably, the surface shapes of the first protrusion 17a and the first portion 106 are at least partially complementary to establish contact for particularly effective sealing. When the elastic elements 1a, 1b are clamped in the recess 11 with the first side surface 16c facing the inner surface 105, the second protrusion 17b of the first sealing element 17 preferably contacts and seals with another portion of the inner surface 105 of the housing members 3a, 3b. This another portion can have a depression or recess 107 in the housing members 3a, 3b. Preferably, the surface shapes of the second protrusion 17b and the portion 107 are at least partially complementary to establish contact for particularly effective sealing. Each of the two protrusions 17a, 17b inhibits or completely blocks the fluid connection between the first pressure chamber 4 and the surroundings of the housing, particularly in the transition region between two adjacent housing members 3a, 3b.

[0092] Preferably, the housing member is made of a corrosion-resistant material.

[0093] FIG. 8 shows the clamping and / or braking device 10 according to the present invention. FIG. 8 shows a device 10 having an inward clamping action as shown, for example, in FIGS. 1A, 2A, and 5.

[0094] In FIG. 8, the first protrusion 17a of the first seal element 17 of at least one of the elastic elements 1a, 1b preferably contacts the first portion (e.g., 106) of the inner surface 105 of one of the housing members 3a, 3b so as to be sealed, whereby the fluid connection between the region of the first pressure chamber 4 and the transition portion between the housing members 3a, 3b is at least blocked. This contact may be at least partially sealed against a medium, preferably a fluid or a liquid, flowing into the housing 3 from outside the device 10 through the gap at the transition portion of the housing members 3a, 3b or the clamp element 8.

[0095] In FIG. 8, the region of the first pressure chamber 4 is disposed between the first protrusion 17a of the first seal element 17 of at least one of the elastic elements 1a, 1b and the outer edge 16b of the spring plate 16 of at least one of the elastic elements 1a, 1b, or between the second protrusion 17b of the first seal element 17 of at least one of the elastic elements.

[0096] Any second protrusion 17b of the first seal element 17 of at least one of the elastic elements 1a, 1b establishes contact with the second portion (e.g., 107) of the inner surface 105 of the housing members 3a, 3b, and the second portion of the inner surface 105 is preferably located between the first contact surface 101 and the second contact surface 102 of the housing members 3a, 3b. This protrusion can also reduce the fluid connection between the first pressure chamber 4 and the region outside the clamp element 8. The inner surface 105 can have one or more depressions or recesses 106, 107, and the shape of the depressions or recesses 106, 107 is preferably complementary to the surface of the contacting protrusions 17a, 17b.

[0097] When FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 are combined, it is clear that the first contact surfaces 101 of the housing members 3a, 3b form a first inclination 103, and the second contact surfaces 102 of the housing members 3a, 3b form a second inclination 104. The bulge 15c of the inner projection 15a of the second seal element 15 of the first elastic element contacts the second inclination 104 of the second contact surface 102 of the housing members 3a, 3b, and the bulge 15d of the outer projection 15b of the second seal element 15 of the first elastic element contacts the first inclination 103 of the first contact surface 101 of the housing members 3a, 3b.

[0098] In FIG. 8, the first elastic element 1a and the second elastic element 1b are clamped in the internal space 13 such that the flat surfaces 15e of the inner projections 15a of the second seal elements 15 of the elastic elements 1a, 1b contact each other and / or the flat surfaces 15f of the outer projections 15b of the second seal elements of the elastic elements 1a, 1b contact each other, thereby partitioning the second pressure chamber 2 and sealing the second pressure chamber 2, particularly while supplying a pressure medium.

[0099] FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the elastic elements 1a, 1b according to the present invention having a first connection seal 30 and / or a second connection seal 20.

[0100] The annular spring plate 16 may be disposed between a portion of the second connection seal 20 and a portion of the first connection seal 30. The first connection seal 30 and the second connection seal 20 can be disposed at opposing portions of the inner edge 16a or the outer edge 16b of the annular spring plate 16.

[0101] The first connection seal 30 and / or the second connection seal 20 may each be made of an elastic material, preferably rubber.

[0102] The first connection seal 30 may be arranged at least partially offset radially inwards or outwards from the inner edge 16a and / or the outer edge 16b (see Fig. 9) of the spring plate 16 of the elastic elements 1a, 1b. The first connection seal 30 may be part of the first seal element 17 and / or the second seal element 15. The first connection seal 30 can project radially beyond the inner edge 16a or the outer edge 16b (see Fig. 9).

[0103] The second connection seal 20 may be arranged at least partially offset radially inwards or outwards from the inner edge 16a and / or the outer edge 16b (see Fig. 9) of the spring plate 16 of the elastic elements 1a, 1b. The second connection seal 20 may be part of the first seal element 17 and / or the second seal element 15. The second connection seal 20 can project radially beyond the inner edge 16a or the outer edge 16b (see Fig. 9).

[0104] Figs. 11 and 12 each show a partial cross-section of the device 10 according to the invention. The left and right halves of Figs. 11 and 12 each show a cross-section of the elastic elements 1a, 1b according to the invention shown in Fig. 9 in a state where they are attached to the housing members 3a, 3b according to Fig. 10. At this time, the elastic elements 1a, 1b are clamped between the inner edge 100a (or the clamping element 8 having the clamping surface 7) and the outer edge 100b of the housing members 3a, 3b in the recess 11 such that the first connection seal 30 contacts the region of the housing members 3a, 3b for the first connection portion I and the second connection seal 20 contacts the region of the housing members 3a, 3b for the second connection portion II. By doing this twice, two members according to the invention are prepared and fastened to each other as shown in Figs. 11 and 12.

[0105] The cross-sectional portion of the device 10 shown in FIG. 11 corresponds, at that location, to the cross-section XI of the elastic elements 1a, 1b and the housing members 3a, 3b in the region of the second connection seal 20 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The second connection seal 20 has an edge along the second connection opening, and this edge is used to seal the second connection II of the clamping and / or braking device 10 in order to supply pressure medium to the second pressure chamber 2 of the clamping and / or braking device 10. The second connection seal 20 forms a connection projection 21 along the edge of the second connection opening, and the connection projection 21 at least partially, preferably completely, surrounds the second connection opening.

[0106] The connection projection 21 of the second connection seal 20 forms an undercut 22 at least partially at the edge of the second connection opening, in particular to reinforce the seal against the outflow of the pressure medium into the environment. The undercut 22 of the second connection seal 20 reduces the risk that the second connection seal 20 will lift off from the flat surface of the housing, especially when the first pressure chamber 4 is being supplied. Furthermore, the use of a sealant (adhesive) at this location can be avoided by the undercut 22. Such a sealant can have an adverse effect on a vacuum or a clean room.

[0107] The second connection seal 20 can form a part of the inner or outer projections 15a, 15b of the second seal element 15. The projection part of the second seal element 15 formed by the second connection seal 20 can be arranged on the side of the second connection opening 20 that faces away from and / or is opposite to the side of the second connection opening 20 where the connection projection 21 is formed by the second connection seal 20.

[0108] The cross-sectional portion of the device 10 shown in FIG. 12 corresponds, at that location, to the cross-section XII of the elastic elements 1a, 1b and the housing members 3a, 3b in the region of the first connection seal 30 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The first connection seal 30 has an edge of the first connection opening, and the edge is used to seal the first connection I of the clamp and / or brake device 10 in order to supply a pressure medium to the first pressure chamber 4 of the clamp and / or brake device 10. The edge of the first connection seal 30 at least partially, preferably completely, surrounds the first connection opening.

[0109] The first connection seal 30 may include an O-ring surrounding the first connection opening. The bulge 15d of the protrusion 15b having the inclination 103, together with the first connection seal 30 at the connection I, ensures that no fluid flows in or out through the edge of the housing when the supply to the first pressure chamber 4 is made. In addition, this may obviate the need for an undesirable sealant (adhesive) between the housing halves. Such a sealant may have an adverse effect on a vacuum or a clean room.

[0110] By using the means described herein individually or in combination, it is possible to provide a clamp that can operate reliably in a vacuum and / or a clean room and, optionally, in a high humidity environment without adversely affecting the dynamics of the opening and closing of the clamp.

[0111] The specification and the drawings describe preferred embodiments of the subject matter claimed by the appended claims. Any features disclosed in the above specification, claims and drawings can be used, in various embodiments, individually and in any combination, for the implementation of the subject matter claimed by the appended claims.

[0112] The various aspects and embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above detailed description. In general, the concepts used in the following claims should not be construed as limited to the specific aspects and embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments together with the full scope of equivalents to which these claims are entitled.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0113] 1 Spring, 1a, 1b Elastic elements, 2, 4 Pressure chambers, 3 Housing, 3a, 3b Housing members, 5 Object, 6 Compressed air pump, 7 Clamping surface, 8 Clamping element, 9 Spindle, 10 Clamping and / or braking device, 11 Recess, 12 Annular opening, 12a First annular edge, 12b Second annular edge, 13 Internal space, 14 Opening, 15 Second sealing element, 15a Inner projection, 15b Outer projection, 15c, 15d Bulge, 15e, 15f Flat surface, 16 Spring plate, 16a Inner edge, 16b Outer edge, 16c First side surface, 16d Second side surface, 17 First sealing element, 17a First projection, 17b Second projection, 20 Second connection seal, 21 Connection projection, 22 Undercut, 30 First connection seal, 100a Inner edge, 100b Outer edge, 101 First contact surface, 102 Second contact surface, 103 First inclination, 104 Second inclination, 105 Inner surface, 106, 107 Depression or recess, 110 Groove or notch, 112, 122 Stopper, I First connection portion, II Second connection portion, R Radial direction, XI, XII Cross section

Claims

1. An annular elastic element (1a, 1b) for a clamp and / or brake device (10), an annular spring plate (16) having a first annular side surface (16c) and a second annular side surface (16d), a seal element (15) disposed on the second side surface (16d) of the spring plate (16), the seal element (15) forming an inner protrusion (15a) in the region of the inner edge (16a) of the annular spring plate (16) and an outer protrusion (15b) in the region of the outer edge (16b) of the annular spring plate (16), wherein in the elastic element (1a, 1b) comprising the inner and / or outer protrusions (15a, 15b) of the seal element (15) each form at least partially a bulge (15c, 15d), characterized in that the elastic element (1a, 1b).

2. The bulge (15c) of the inner protrusion (15a) of the seal element (15) extends radially inward, preferably beyond the inner edge (16a) of the spring plate (16) and radially inward, and / or the bulge (15d) of the outer protrusion (15b) of the seal element (15) extends radially outward, preferably beyond the outer edge (16b) of the spring plate (16) and radially outward, characterized in that the elastic element (1a, 1b) according to claim 1.

3. The inner and / or outer protrusions (15a, 15b) of the seal element (15) each have at least partially a flat surface, which flat surface is preferably a support surface for sealing the pressure chamber (2), characterized in that the elastic element (1a, 1b) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The bulge (15c) of the inner protrusion (15a) is close to or adjacent to the flat surface (15e) of the inner protrusion (15a), and / or the bulge (15d) of the outer protrusion (15b) is close to or adjacent to the flat surface (15f) of the outer protrusion (15b), characterized in that the elastic element (1a, 1b) according to claim 3.

5. The sealing element (15) is the second sealing element (15), and the elastic element further includes a first sealing element (17), and the first sealing element (17) is arranged on a first side surface (16c) of the spring plate (16). The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that.

6. The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to claim 5, characterized in that the first sealing element (17) forms a first protrusion (17a).

7. The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to claim 6, characterized in that the first protrusion (17a) is formed between an inner edge and an outer edge of the annular spring plate (16), and preferably the first protrusion (17a) is formed in a region of the inner edge (16a) or the outer edge (16b) of the annular spring plate (16).

8. The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the inner and / or outer protrusions of the sealing element (15) respectively protrude from a second side surface (16d), preferably formed on the second side surface (16d), and / or the first protrusion (17a) of the sealing element (17) protrudes from the first side surface (16c), preferably formed on the first side surface (16c).

9. The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the first sealing element (17) further forms a second protrusion (17b) between an inner edge and an outer edge of the annular spring plate (16), particularly preferably in a region of the outer edge (16b) of the annular spring plate (16) on the first side surface (16c).

10. The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the protrusions of the first and / or second sealing elements (15, 17) are at least partially annular.

11. The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the first protrusion (17a) and / or the second protrusion (17b) of the first sealing element (17) have a surface with at least partially rounded edges.

12. The projections of the first and / or second seal elements (15) are each fixed to the spring plate (16), preferably vulcanized, or releasably from the spring plate (16), preferably arranged as an O-ring, The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that.

13. The projections of the first and / or second seal elements (15, 17) each extend along a plane intersecting the plane in which the spring plate (16) extends annularly, The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that.

14. The first projection (17a) of the first seal element (17) has a surface that is at least partially rounded, The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 6 to 13, characterized in that.

15. The longitudinal axis of the first projection (17a) of the first seal element (17) extends substantially perpendicular to the first side surface of the spring plate (16), The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 6 to 14, characterized in that.

16. The inner and / or outer projections (15a, 15b) of the seal element (15) each have a surface that is at least partially flat, and the surface is preferably a support surface for sealing the pressure chamber (2), The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that.

17. The outer projection of the seal element (15) is at least partially formed on the second side surface of the spring plate (16), and / or the outer projection of the seal element (15) is at least partially formed on the second side surface of the spring plate (16). The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that it is arranged radially outward from the outer edge of the annular spring plate (16), preferably outside the second side surface (16d) of the spring plate (16).

18. The elastic elements (1a, 1b) further include a first connection seal (30), and the first connection seal defines an edge of a first connection opening of the first connection seal (30), and the edge is suitable for sealing a first connection part (I) of the clamping and / or braking device (10) in order to supply a pressure medium to a first pressure chamber (4) of the clamping and / or braking device (10). The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that.

19. The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to claim 18, characterized in that an edge of the first connection seal (30) at least partially, preferably completely surrounds the first connection opening.

20. The elastic elements (1a, 1b) further include a second connection seal (20), and the second connection seal defines an edge of a second connection opening of the second connection seal (20), and the edge is suitable for sealing a second connection part (II) of the clamping and / or braking device (10) in order to supply a pressure medium to a second pressure chamber (2) of the clamping and / or braking device (10). The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that.

21. The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to claim 20, characterized in that the second connection seal (20) forms a connection protrusion (21) along an edge of the second connection opening, and the connection protrusion at least partially, preferably completely surrounds the second connection opening.

22. The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to claim 21, characterized in that a connection protrusion (21) of the second connection seal (20) at least partially forms an undercut (22) at an edge of the second connection opening.

23. The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 18 to 22, characterized in that the first connection seal (30) and / or the second connection seal (20) are respectively parts of a first seal element (17) and / or a second connection element (15).

24. The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 3 to 23, characterized in that a flat surface (15e) of the inner protrusion (15a) merges into a bulge (15c) of the inner protrusion (15a), and / or a flat surface (15f) of the outer protrusion (15b) merges into a bulge (15d) of the outer protrusion (15b).

25. The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 18 to 24, characterized in that the first connection seal (30) is arranged at least partially radially offset with respect to the first side surface (16c) and / or the second side surface (16d) of the spring plate (16).

26. The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 20 to 25, characterized in that the second connection seal (20) is arranged at least partially radially offset with respect to the first side surface (16c) and / or the second side surface (16d) of the spring plate (16).

27. An annular spring plate (16) is arranged between the portion of the second connection seal (20) and the portion of the first connection seal (30), and / or the first connection seal (30) and the second connection seal (20) are arranged at opposite portions of the inner or outer edge (16b) of the annular spring plate (16). The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 20 to 26, characterized by this.

28. The second connection seal (20) forms a portion of the inner or outer protrusion (15b) of the second seal element (15), and preferably the portion of the protrusion of the second seal element (15) is arranged at least partially radially offset with respect to the second side surface (16d) of the spring plate (16). The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 20 to 27, characterized by this.

29. The portion of the protrusion of the second seal element (15) formed by the second connection seal (20) is arranged on the side surface of the second connection opening (20) that faces away from and / or is opposite to the side surface of the second connection opening (20) where the connection protrusion (21) is formed by the second connection seal (20). The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to claim 28, characterized by this.

30. The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 29, characterized in that the flat surfaces (15e, 15f) are support surfaces for sealing the pressure chamber (2).

31. The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 30, characterized in that the first sealing element (17) and / or the second sealing element (15) and / or the first connecting seal (30) and / or the second connecting seal (20) are each made of an elastic material, preferably rubber.

32. The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to claim 31, wherein the elastic material is made of rubber.

33. A housing member (3a, 3b) for a clamp and / or brake device (10), the housing member (3a, 3b) comprising an annular recess (11) for clamping the annular elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the recess (11) forms a first annular edge (12a) and a second annular edge (12b) of an annular opening (12) of the housing member (3a, 3b), the annular recess (11) defines an inner surface (105) of the housing member (3a, 3b) between the first annular edge (12a) and the second annular edge (12b), the inner surface (105) forms a first inclination (103) in the region of the first annular edge (12a) and a second inclination (104) in the region of the second annular edge (12b), the inclinations (103, 104) being positioned such that the annular opening (12) widens towards the first and second edges (12a, 12b) of the housing member (3a, 3b).

34. The inner surface (105) forms a first contact surface (101) and a second contact surface (102), the first contact surface (101) and the second contact surface (102) being configured to clamp a spring plate (16) of the elastic element according to any one of claims 1 to 32 between the first contact surface (101) and the second contact surface (102), the first inclination (103) being arranged between the first contact surface (101) and the first annular edge (12a), and the second inclination (104) being arranged between the second contact surface (102) and the second annular edge (12b) of the housing member according to claim 33.

35. When the elastic elements (1a, 1b) are clamped in the recess (11) with the first side surface (16c) facing the inner surface (105), the first protrusion (17a) of the first sealing element (17) is configured to establish contact with the first portion of the inner surface (105) of the housing member (3a, 3b), and preferably the first portion of the inner surface (105) is located between the first contact surface (101) and the second contact surface (102). The housing member according to claim 33 or 34.

36. The elastic elements (1a, 1b) can be clamped between the first contact surface (101) and the second contact surface (102) of the housing member, and the first portion of the inner surface (105) is located between the first contact surface (101) and the second contact surface (102). The housing member according to any one of claims 33 to 35.

37. The annular recess (11) defines an annular opening in the housing member, and the annular opening is formed between the first annular edge (12a) and the second annular edge (12b) of the housing member. The housing member according to any one of claims 33 to 36.

38. The elastic elements (1a, 1b) can be clamped between the first annular edge (12a) and the second annular edge (12b). The housing member according to any one of claims 33 to 37.

39. The contact part is sealed against a medium, preferably a fluid such as a liquid, flowing into the recess (11) from the outside of the housing member (3a, 3b), preferably in the region of one of the contact surfaces (101, 102) or the annular edges (12a, 12b). The housing member according to any one of claims 33 to 38.

40. The first contact surface (101) forms a first inclination (103), the second contact surface (102) forms a second inclination (104), and the inclinations (103, 104) are aligned such that the annular opening expands towards the first and second edges (12a, 12b). The housing member according to any one of claims 33 to 39.

41. The housing member (3a, 3b) is characterized by having a groove or notch (110), preferably a circular groove or notch (110), for receiving an O-ring, according to any one of claims 33 to 40.

42. The groove or notch (110) preferably completely surrounds the housing member along the circumference of the housing member between the outer edge (100b) of the housing member and the first contact surface (101), or in the region of the first annular edge (12a), and / or between the inner edge (100a) of the housing member and the second contact surface (102), or in the region of the second annular edge (12b), preferably completely surrounding, according to claim 41.

43. The housing member is made of a corrosion-resistant material, according to any one of claims 33 to 42.

44. When the elastic elements (1a, 1b) are clamped in the recess (11) with the first side surface (16c) facing the inner surface (105), the second protrusion (17b) of the first sealing element (17) is configured to establish contact with a second portion of the inner surface (105) of the housing member, and the second portion of the inner surface (105) is located between the first contact surface (101) and the second contact surface (102), according to any one of claims 33 to 43.

45. The first and / or second portions are respectively depressions or recesses (106, 107) on the inner surface (105), and preferably, the shape of the depressions or recesses (106, 107) is complementary to the surface of the contacting protrusion, according to any one of claims 33 to 44.

46. A clamping and / or braking device (10) for clamping and / or braking an object to be clamped and / or braked, The first elastic element (1a) according to any one of claims 1 to 32 and the second elastic element (1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 32, A housing (3) comprising a first housing member (3a) having an inner surface (105), preferably according to any one of claims 33 to 45, and a second housing member (3b) having an inner surface (105), preferably according to any one of claims 33 to 45, wherein the housing members are arranged relative to each other such that the inner surfaces (105) of the housing members (3a, 3b) together delimit an internal space inside the housing (3), and are fastened to each other. One or more clamp elements (8), each clamp element having a clamping surface (7). A spring (1) disposed in the internal space and including a first elastic element (1a, 1b) and a second elastic element (1a, 1b), the elastic elements being disposed in the internal space such that a first pressure chamber (4) is formed between the elastic elements (1a, 1b) and the inner surface (105) of the housing member. The first pressure chamber (4) is capable of ventilation and applying a positive pressure of a pressure medium that can be supplied to the housing. The first elastic element (1a, 1b) is clamped in the internal space with a first side surface (16c) of the first elastic element facing the inner surface (105) of the first housing member (3a). The second elastic element (1a, 1b) is clamped in the internal space with a first side surface (16c) of the second elastic element facing the inner surface (105) of the second housing member (3b). The spring (1) is configured such that when the first pressure chamber (4) is ventilated or vented, or when a positive pressure is applied to the first pressure chamber (4), the bending of at least one spring plate (16) of the elastic element (1a, 1b) becomes variable. Thereby, the device (10) switches between an open state in which an object (5) to be clamped is separated from one or more clamping surfaces (7) and a closed state in which at least one clamping surface (7) transmits a clamping force and / or a braking force to the object (5). Including The bulge (15c, 15d) of the inner or outer protrusion (15a, 15b) of at least one elastic element (1a, 1b) is configured to establish contact with a first portion of the inner surface (105) of one of the housing members within the housing members (3a, 3b), whereby a clamp and / or brake device (10) is provided that at least prevents fluid connection between the first pressure chamber (4) and the transition portion between the housing members (3a, 3b). Claim 47 The first protrusion (17a) of the first sealing element (17) of at least one elastic element (1a, 1b) is configured to establish contact with a second portion of the inner surface (105) of one of the housing members within the housing members (3a, 3b), whereby at least a fluid connection between the region of the first pressure chamber (4) and the transition portion between the housing members (3a, 3b) is prevented, the device according to claim 46. Claim 48 The contact portion is at least partially sealed against a medium, preferably a fluid or liquid, flowing into the housing or the first pressure chamber (4) from the surroundings of the device, through the transition portion of the housing member, preferably in the region of at least one clamping surface (7), the device (10) according to claim 46 or 47. Claim 49 The region of the first pressure chamber (4) is arranged between the first protrusion (17a) of the first sealing element (17) of at least one elastic element, and the inner or outer edge of the spring plate (16) of at least one elastic element, or the second protrusion (17b) of the first sealing element (17) of at least one elastic element, the device (10) according to any one of claims 46 to 48. Claim 50 The first housing member is gripped at the rear by an undercut (22) of the connection protrusion (21) of the first elastic element, and / or the second housing member is gripped at the rear by an undercut (22) of the connection protrusion (21) of the second elastic element, the device (10) according to any one of claims 46 to 49. Claim 51 The clamping force and / or the braking force is provided by the inner or outer edge of at least one spring plate (16) of the elastic element (1a, 1b) being supported by one of the inner surfaces within the inner surface (105), and the outer or inner edge (16a, 16b) of at least one spring plate (16) pressing the clamping element, the device (10) according to any one of claims 46 to 50.

52. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 46 to 51, wherein the first pressure chamber (4) is arranged outside the spring (1).

53. The first spring plate (16) of the first elastic element, by applying a positive pressure to the first pressure chamber, reduces the bending of the first spring plate, and when the inner or outer edge of the first spring plate (16) is supported by the inner surface (105) of the first housing member, it is configured to press one of the clamping elements at the outer or inner edge of the first spring plate (16), whereby the clamping force and / or the braking force is transmitted from the clamping surface of the clamping element to the object (5) to be clamped and / or braked, and the device (10) switches from the open state to the closed state, the clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 46 to 52.

54. The device (10) is configured such that by ventilation of the first pressure chamber or by applying a positive pressure to the first pressure chamber (4), one of the clamping elements moves away from a portion of one of the inner surfaces (105) within the inner surface (105), and / or the bending of at least one spring plate (16) of the elastic element is reduced, whereby the device (10) switches from the open state to the closed state, the clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 46 to 53.

55. The inner space includes a second pressure chamber (2), and the second pressure chamber (2) is arranged between elastic elements inside the spring (1). Preferably, the device (10) is configured such that, by ventilation of the second pressure chamber (2) or by applying a positive pressure to the second pressure chamber (4), one of the clamping elements within the clamping elements (8) moves towards a portion of one of the inner surfaces (105) of the inner surface (105), and / or the bending of at least one spring plate (16) of the elastic elements increases, whereby the device (10) is configured to switch from a closed state to an open state. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 46 to 54.

56. The spring plate (16) of at least one elastic element (1a, 1b) is clamped between a first contact surface (101) of the first housing member and a second contact surface (102) of the first housing member, and a first portion of the inner surface (105) is located between the first and / or second contact surfaces (101, 102) of the first housing member and the transition portion of the housing members (3a, 3b). The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 46 to 55.

57. The first portion of the inner surface (105) forms first and second inclinations (103, 104), the bulges (15c, 15d) of the inner protrusions (15a) of at least one elastic element (1a, 1b) contact the second inclination of the second contact surface (102) of the first housing member, and the bulges (15c, 15d) of the outer protrusions (15b) of at least one elastic element (1a, 1b) contact the first inclination of the first contact surface (101) of the first housing member. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 46 to 56.

58. The second elastic element (1a, 1b) is clamped between a first contact surface (101) of the second housing member and a second contact surface (102) of the second housing member, and a first portion of the inner surface (105) is located between the first contact surface (101) of the second housing member and the second contact surface (102) of the second housing member. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 46 to 57.

59. The first contact surface (101) of the second housing member forms a first inclination (103), the second contact surface (102) of the second housing member forms a second inclination (104), and bulges (15c, 15d) of the inner protrusion (15a) of the second seal element (15) of the second elastic element contact the second inclination of the second contact surface (102) of the second housing member, and bulges (15c, 15d) of the outer protrusion (15b) of the second seal element (15) of the second elastic element contact the first inclination of the first contact surface (101) of the second housing member. The clamp and / or brake device (10) according to claim 58, characterized in that.

60. The first elastic element (1a, 1b) and the second elastic element (1a, 1b) are clamped in the internal space such that the flat surfaces (15e, 15f) of the inner protrusions (15a) of the elastic elements contact each other and / or the flat surfaces (15e, 15f) of the outer protrusions (15b) of the elastic elements contact each other, and preferably, thereby, the second pressure chamber (2) is partitioned. The clamp and / or brake device (10) according to any one of claims 46 to 59, characterized in that.

61. The second protrusion (17b) of the first seal element (17) of at least one elastic element is configured to establish contact with a second portion of the inner surface (105) of the housing member. Preferably, the second portion of the inner surface (105) is located between the first contact surface (101) and the second contact surface (102). The clamp and / or brake device (10) according to any one of claims 46 to 60, characterized in that.

62. The first and / or second portions are respectively depressions or recesses (106, 107) in the inner surface (105). Preferably, the shape of the depression or recess (106, 107) is complementary to the surface of the contacting protrusion. The clamp and / or brake device (10) according to any one of claims 46 to 61, characterized in that.

63. The first connection seal (30) of at least one elastic element seals the first connection portion (I) of the clamp and / or brake device (10) for supplying a pressure medium to the first pressure chamber (4). The clamp and / or brake device (10) according to any one of claims 46 to 62, characterized in that.

64. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 46 to 63, characterized in that a second connection seal (20) of at least one elastic element seals a second connection (II) of the clamping and / or braking device (10) in order to supply pressure medium to a second pressure chamber (2) of the clamping and / or braking device (10).

65. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 46 to 64, characterized in that each housing member has a groove or notch (110), preferably a circular groove or notch (110), and two contacting O-rings are received in the groove or notch (110) between the housing members.

66. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 65, characterized in that the groove or notch (110) of each housing member preferably extends in a circle around the housing member between an outer edge (100b) of the housing member and a recess (11) or a first contact surface (101) along the circumference of the housing member.

67. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 46 to 66, characterized in that each housing member is made of a corrosion-resistant material.

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