Clamping and / or braking device, components for a clamping and / or braking device, and elastic element thereof

Abstract

A component for clamping and / or braking devices includes: a housing portion having a connection opening for clamping and / or braking devices to apply a pressure medium to the clamping and / or braking devices, and a stepped housing inner surface defining a stepped recess in the housing portion adjacent to the connection opening; an adhesive and / or sealing compound; an elastic element having a connection seal defining an edge of a sealing opening for fluid connection to the connection opening, and the connection seal forming a connection protrusion at least partially surrounding the sealing opening along the edge of the sealing opening; the connection seal being disposed in the stepped recess of the housing portion such that the adhesive and / or sealing compound is disposed between the connection protrusion and the stepped housing inner surface of the housing portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a component for a clamping and / or braking device, and also relates to a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device having the component. In addition, the present invention relates to an elastic element. Prior Art

[0002] In the production of tools or machine parts, processing machines, particularly spindles or other machine tools, use tools mounted on shafts to machine workpieces to achieve the desired shape. The shafts that hold the tools can be rotating or pivoting axes of the processing machine. Furthermore, worktables that rotate or pivot using the shafts are used to position tools or workpieces for processing or to move them at the appropriate rotational speed. Precise and efficient processing requires high shaft rotational speeds. Therefore, emergency or safety systems are tasked with stopping the movement of shafts in the event of a system malfunction or failure, such as a power outage or cable disconnection, or securing the shafts in a fixed position.

[0003] Common processing machines have electromagnetic, hydraulic, or pneumatic clamping and / or braking devices. These devices have friction pads that are frictionally connected to the shaft through force transmission. This allows the shaft to be fixed at different speeds.

[0004] In a hydraulic clamping device, hydraulic oil is applied to its chamber, securing a rotating shaft or disk. Passive hydraulic clamps are also well known. However, these hydraulic clamps can have long response times, or they can have short response times and incur significant costs. Furthermore, hydraulic materials, particularly hydraulic valves and hydraulic hoses, are expensive and require a long assembly time. Hydraulic oil also carries the added expense of maintaining a clean environment around the hydraulic clamp.

[0005] In pneumatic clamping and / or braking devices, compressed air is usually applied to elastic elements, especially elastic plates, and can overcome some of the disadvantages of the above-mentioned hydraulic clamping devices.

[0006] EP 1 585 616 B1 and EP 1 651 881 B1 describe pneumatic clamping devices with two annular spring plates. These plates are incorporated into the housing of the clamping device and form a pressure chamber therein. This pressure chamber can be pressurized or vented, and vented with compressed air to change the deflection of the spring plates, thereby switching the clamping device between a closed state and an open state. In the closed state, the object to be clamped, such as a rotatable shaft, is clamped; in the open state, the clamped object is released. However, in practice, it has been found that the rubber spring plates of such clamps can lift off in the connection area when excessive pressure is applied, potentially causing the clamp to leak or necessitating the use of large amounts of adhesive and / or sealing compounds, which is neither environmentally friendly nor cost-effective. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Following on from the prior art mentioned at the outset, the object of the present invention is to provide a device which enables a clamping and / or braking device to be reliably sealed in the connection area for the pressure medium.

[0008] This object is achieved by a component having the features of independent claim 1, by a clamping and / or braking device having the features of claim 10, and by a spring element having the features of claim 2. Some possible embodiments are described in the appended claims, the description and the drawings.

[0009] According to a solution of some embodiments, a component for a clamping and / or braking device is proposed, which comprises: a shell part, the shell part comprising: a connection opening, the connection opening being for connecting the clamping and / or braking device to apply pressure medium to the pressure chamber of the clamping and / or braking device, and a stepped shell inner surface, the stepped shell inner surface defining a stepped recess in the shell part adjacent to the connection opening; an adhesive and / or sealing compound; and, for example, an annular elastic element, wherein the annular elastic element has a connection seal, which defines the edge of the sealing opening of the connection seal for a fluid connection to the connection opening, and wherein the connection seal forms a connection protrusion along the edge of the sealing opening, the connection protrusion at least partially surrounding the sealing opening; wherein the connection seal is arranged in the stepped recess of the shell part, so that the adhesive and / or sealing compound is arranged between the connection protrusion and the stepped shell inner surface of the shell part.

[0010] Because the stepped recess in the housing portion adjacent to the connection opening is defined by the stepped housing inner surface, the connection seal forms a connection protrusion along the edge of the sealing opening. The connection protrusion at least partially surrounds the sealing opening, and the connection seal is disposed in the stepped recess of the housing portion, so that the adhesive and / or sealing compound is disposed between the connection protrusion and the stepped housing inner surface of the housing portion. Therefore, by operating the device using a pressure medium (e.g., compressed air), shearing forces in the connection between the connection seal and the housing portion can be reduced or even completely prevented. This, on the one hand, increases the leak-tightness of the relevant connection, and on the other hand, reduces the required amount of adhesive and / or sealing compound, which is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

[0011] The step on the inner surface of the housing and the connecting protrusion can be formed in a complementary manner. For example, the connecting protrusion can also form a step with the rest of the connecting seal, with this step complementing the step on the inner side of the housing. When the connecting protrusion is arranged on the inner surface of the housing, the two steps can engage with each other. Each of the steps mentioned here can be formed by two (substantially) mutually perpendicular legs (pitch and slope). The number of steps formed by the inner surface of the housing and / or the connecting seal or the connecting protrusion can be one, two, or more, respectively.

[0012] The stepped recess adjacent to the connecting opening includes a first region having a first extension in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connecting opening. The stepped recess further includes a second region adjacent to the first region, the second region having a second extension in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connecting opening, wherein the second extension is greater than the first extension.

[0013] According to some embodiments, a solution is also proposed, for example, an annular elastic element, wherein the elastic element has a connecting seal, which defines the edge of the sealing opening of the connecting seal, wherein the connecting seal forms a connecting protrusion along the edge of the sealing opening, and the connecting protrusion at least partially surrounds the sealing opening, wherein the connecting seal has, for example, a circular stop element, which protrudes from the side surface facing away from the connecting protrusion.

[0014] Since the connection seal has a stop element protruding from the side surface facing away from the connection protrusion, when two opposing elastic elements are installed, axial fixation can be generated through the stop elements of these installed elastic elements, which reduces or prevents the lifting of the connection seal during operation with a pressure medium.

[0015] Therefore, the component according to some embodiments and the elastic element according to some embodiments achieve the same technical effect in different ways, namely suppressing or preventing the connection seal from rising from the housing component.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the solution, a clamping and / or braking device for clamping and / or braking an object to be clamped and / or braked is also proposed, wherein, in the device, at least two of the components according to some embodiments are fixed to each other, and these components can optionally be equipped with elastic elements according to some embodiments in each case.

[0017] The problem of a failure-prone area adjacent to one of the multiple connections, which has long been an unsolved problem, is overcome by various aspects of the present invention.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, the elastic element comprises, for example, an annular spring plate, to which the connection seal is secured, for example, by vulcanization. The spring plate has a first side surface disposed on a first side of the spring plate and a second side surface disposed on a second side of the spring plate, the second side surface facing away from the first side surface. The connection seal extends, for example, continuously, from the first side surface of the spring plate and wraps around the radially outer edge of the spring plate to the second side surface of the spring plate, thereby at least partially enclosing the radially outer edge of the spring plate. Consequently, the radial separation point between the spring plate and the connection seal is shifted in a manner that promotes stability and facilitates sealing. The likelihood of the connection seal being pulled apart or detached from the spring plate is thereby reduced. This also achieves improved sealing for the application of the pressure medium to the relevant connection. This enclosure can be combined with a stop element in the elastic element, or the elastic element can be provided without a stop element (for example, in components according to some embodiments). Alternatively, the stop element can be present in an elastic element without an enclosure.

[0019] According to one aspect, a portion of the connection seal protrudes radially outward from the outer edge of the spring plate, thereby forming an "ear" of the spring plate. The relevant portion can be rounded or angular. For example, the relevant portion or "ear" includes the connection protrusion and / or the sealing opening. Because the connection seal forms the "ear" of the spring plate, the relevant connection can be particularly well sealed without introducing additional components separate from the elastic element or the spring plate into the device, thereby reducing complexity.

[0020] For example, the connection seal, in particular the connection protrusion and / or the stop element, is made of an elastic material, such as rubber.

[0021] By means of the measures described herein, either individually or in combination, clamps can be provided which achieve a reliable and effective seal in the connection area of the pressure medium without thereby adversely affecting the opening and closing dynamics of the clamp.

[0022] If the features mentioned in the brief description of this case are not included in the patent scope of the patent application, then these features are not necessary features that must be included in the patent scope of the patent application when describing this case, but these features are particularly prominent implementation methods of the claimed subject matter, which can be combined with any patent scope of the patent application, and can also be combined with each other as needed. Simple diagram description

[0023] FIG. 1A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an inwardly directed passive pneumatic clamping and / or braking device in a closed state. [ FIG. 1B ] is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an outward-facing passive pneumatic clamping and / or braking device in a closed state. FIG. 2A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an inwardly directed passive pneumatic clamping and / or braking device in an open state. FIG. [ FIG. 2B ] A schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an outwardly directed passive pneumatic clamping and / or braking device in an open state. FIG. 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an inwardly directed active pneumatic clamping and / or braking device in an open state. FIG. [ FIG. 3B ] A schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an outwardly active pneumatic clamping and / or braking device in an open state. FIG. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an inwardly directed active pneumatic clamping and / or braking device in a closed state. [ FIG. 4B ] A schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an outwardly active pneumatic clamping and / or braking device in a closed state. [Figure 5A] shows a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device. 5B to 5D are schematic diagrams illustrating deformation of the component of FIG. 5A . [FIGS. 6A to 6C] illustrate an embodiment of a deformation of the housing portion. [FIGS. 7A to 7C] illustrate a first embodiment of the elastic element. [Figure 8] illustrates details of a two-part clamping and / or braking device with some embodiments. [FIGS. 9A to 9C] illustrate a second embodiment of the elastic element.

[0024] Elements depicted in several drawings have the same reference symbols. Implementation Method

[0025] The present invention relates to an annular elastic element, a housing portion for a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device, and a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device having the annular elastic element.

[0026] When this document refers to the device "clamping" or "clamping device", "clamping force" or "clamping" operation, the device "braking" or "braking device" or "braking force" or "braking" operation is also included.

[0027] 1A to 5A and FIG. 8 illustrate schematic cross-sectional views of a clamping device 10 according to some embodiments, wherein the clamping device 10 has a housing 3 comprising two housing portions 3a, 3b, and a spring 1 disposed in the housing 3 and comprising at least two annular elastic elements 1a, 1b according to some embodiments.

[0028] A clamping device 10 according to some embodiments comprises the following: a first component according to some embodiments and a second component according to some embodiments, each of which comprises one or more elastic elements 1a, 1b according to some embodiments and one or more housing portions 3a, 3b. The housing portions 3a, 3b form part of the device's housing 3, and are positioned relative to and fixed to one another such that the inner surfaces of the housing portions 3a, 3b together define an interior space within the housing 3, and the stop elements 18 of the elastic elements 1a, 1b of the two components are designed to abut against one another. One or more clamping elements 8, each having a clamping surface 7. A spring 1 is disposed in the interior space and comprises a first elastic element 1a and a second elastic element 1b. The elastic elements 1a and 1b are clamped in the interior space such that a first pressure chamber 4 is formed in the interior space between the elastic elements 1a and 1b and the inner surfaces of the housing parts 3a and 3b (the first pressure chamber 4 may be disposed outside the spring 1). The first pressure chamber 4 can be ventilated and subjected to an overpressure by a pressure medium that can be supplied to the housing parts 3a and 3b. The spring 1 is designed such that when the first pressure chamber 4 is vented or exhausted, or when the first pressure chamber 4 is overpressurized, the deflection of at least one of the elastic elements 1a and 1b is variable, thereby causing the device 10 to change between an open state in which the object 5 to be clamped is spaced apart from the one or more clamping surfaces 7, and a closed state in which at least one of the one or more clamping surfaces 7 transmits a clamping and / or braking force to the object 5. According to some embodiments, the device 10 includes the aforementioned means for enabling reliable operation of the device 10. These measures are explained in more detail in conjunction with Figures 6 to 9.

[0029] FIG1A , FIG1B , FIG4A , and FIG4B each depict a clamping device 10 in a closed position, wherein the clamping surface 7 of the clamping element 8 contacts the periphery of the object 5 . The clamping element 8 is also referred to as a clamping lip. The clamping element 8 may be integrally formed with the other parts of the housing portion 3a, 3b, or may be a component of the housing portion 3a, 3b that is structurally separate from the other parts.

[0030] The clamping force or actuation of the clamping surface 7 on the object 5 to be clamped occurs in a clamping plane defined by two vectors, each of which forms a radius of the elastic element 1a, 1b or the annular recess 11 (see FIG. 5A ). Axis 9, which may pass through the center point of the ring, described here as an annular component, and may therefore be referred to as the main axis of the clamping device 10, may be perpendicular to the clamping plane. When reference is made herein to "inner" and "outer" protrusions, edges, or ends, the inner edge, inner protrusion, or inner end is closer to axis 9 than the corresponding outer edge, outer protrusion, or outer end. The same applies to the other components.

[0031] The clamping device 10 can be configured to have rotational symmetry about this main axis 9. The main axis 9 can pass approximately or exactly through the center of the opening of the clamping device 10 (see opening 14 in FIG. 5B ). In FIG. 1A and FIG. 4A , the object 5 to be clamped, such as a rotatable shaft of a machine or a table, is placed in the opening 14, so that the clamping force of the clamping device is directed toward the main axis 9 (perpendicular to the main axis 9) within the clamping plane. In FIG. 1B and FIG. 4B , the object 5 to be clamped is placed outside the clamping device 10, so that the clamping force of the clamping device is directed away from the main axis 9 (perpendicular to the main axis 9) within the clamping plane.

[0032] In Figures 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A, the clamping element 8 is located between the spring 1 and the opening 14 or the spindle 9. In Figures 1B, 2B, 3B, and 4B, on the other hand, the object 5 to be clamped at least partially surrounds the clamping device 10, so that the clamping element 8 is located between the object 5 and the opening 14 or the spindle 9. In Figures 1B, 2B, 3B, and 4B, instead of the object 5 to be clamped, a component that at least partially fills the opening 14 and extends through the spindle 9 can be introduced into the opening 14.

[0033] In each of Figures 1A to 5A , spring 1 is clamped between two contact surfaces ( 101 and 102 in Figures 5C and 5D ) within housing 3 of clamping device 10 and extends between the two contact surfaces. In Figures 1A to 2B , when device 10 is in its unpressurized initial state, spring 1 may be slightly bent to ensure secure clamping within housing 3 in this state. The same applies to any other state of device 10, where the degree of bending of spring 1 depends on the state of device 10. If device 10 is in a state where spring 1 is bent (e.g., bent to a greater degree than in the unpressurized initial state, such as in the open state), venting of spring 1's internal pressure chamber 2 and external pressure chamber 4 can cause at least partial relaxation of spring 1. Simultaneously, spring 1 presses against radial contact surfaces, slightly increasing the distance between the radial contact surfaces. This causes housing 3 to elastically deform in the region of clamping element 8 or clamping surface 7, causing clamping surface 7 to contact object 5 and exert a (predefined) clamping force on object 5, thereby securely clamping object 5. Object 5 is securely clamped, and clamping device 10 is in the closed state, as shown in Figures 1A and 1B. In the closed state of device 10, even after partial relaxation, spring 1 may still be slightly bent, thereby being securely clamped in housing 3 in this state.

[0034] In this case, clamping element 8 can be an elastic element, such as a spring fork. In the unstressed initial state of device 10, due to the spring force of the (slightly) bent spring 1, for example, through the bending of the spring fork, spring 1 can bend from the relaxed initial position of the elastic element to a braced position until equilibrium is reached between the restoring force of elastic element 8 and the spring force of elastic element 8. In this equilibrium, clamping surface 7 can be pressed against object 5.

[0035] In the closed state, the gripping force can be selectively increased by a predetermined value by applying additional compressed air (e.g., 4 bar or 6 bar) to the external pressure chamber 4. This is illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B by the optional addition of a compressed air pump (booster) 6 and the hatching (compressed air) in the external pressure chamber 4. The external pressure chamber 4 can be connected to port 1 (or "close") via an opening in the housing 3, to which the compressed air pump 6 can be connected.

[0036] Thus, braking of the device 10 is possible, for example, so as to vary between a braking movement of the object 5 (in the pressure-free state) and a complete gripping of the object (in the event of application of sufficient pressure).

[0037] Even though two pressure chambers 2 , 4 are shown and described here by way of example, the clamping device 10 can also be operated with a single pressure chamber, which can be, for example, the inner pressure chamber 2 or the outer pressure chamber 4 .

[0038] 2A and 2B illustrate the clamping device 10 of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B in an open state, wherein the clamping surface 7 does not contact or is spaced apart from the surroundings of the object 5. The internal pressure chamber 2 can be connected to port II (or "open") through an opening in the housing 3, and the compressed air pump 6 can be connected to port II.

[0039] Compressed air (e.g., 4 bar or 6 bar) is applied to the inner pressure chamber 2 via the compressed air pump 6, and the outer pressure chamber 4 is vented. Compared to the closed state shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the spring 1 is bent or supported to a greater extent (protruding). The spring 1 or the distance between the two bearing surfaces is radially shortened. The clamping surface 7 is raised from the object 5, releasing the clamp. The object 5 is free to move (e.g., rotate about the main axis 9 or move linearly along the main axis 9), and the clamping device 10 is in the open state.

[0040] It is possible to change the device 10 back and forth between a closed state and an open state.

[0041] Compared to hydraulic clamps, this pneumatic clamping device 10 has many advantages.

[0042] By using a combination of elastic elements, such as the spring 1 and elastic elements 1a and 1b in this example, and compressed air, a very short reaction time can be achieved during the switchover between the open and closed states, while also ensuring a secure grip on the object 5. The spring 1 can be configured in a plate-shaped manner, as shown in detail in Figure 5 , where two elastic elements 1a and 1b stacked on top of each other form the spring 1, with the internal pressure chamber 2 of the spring 1 located between the elastic elements 1a and 1b. The elastic elements 1a and 1b can also be annular, as shown in Figure 5 , and can optionally be provided with radial slots to enable changes in the inner diameter with particularly low forces. The elastic elements 1a and 1b can be rubber-coated, at least in the area of the slots, to achieve the required compressed air tightness. The elastic elements 1a and 1b typically possess sufficient pressure resistance and elastic flexibility and are positioned within the housing 3 of the clamping device 10, forming an internal pressure chamber 2 within the spring 1 and an external pressure chamber 4 between the elastic elements 1a and 1b and the housing 3 or housing parts 3a and 3b of the clamping device 10. FIG5 shows a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the clamping device 10 similar to FIG1A and FIG2A .

[0043] By venting or applying compressed air to the external pressure chamber 4 and exhausting the internal pressure chamber 2, as shown in Figure 1A, the spring 1 at least partially relaxes and generates a clamping force on the object 5 to be clamped, particularly around the shaft 5. Therefore, in the event of an energy or pressure failure, the object 5 is clamped or the shaft 5 is immediately stopped, thereby providing secure clamping. Depending on the scale, the clamping device 10 can achieve holding torques ranging from hundreds to thousands of N·m. This holding torque can be further increased by additionally applying compressed air to the external pressure chamber 4, as shown in Figure 1A by a compressed air pump 6 (booster). Here, only a few bars of compressed air (e.g., 4 or 6 bar) are sufficient to provide many times the holding torque achieved without the booster. In this case, the small transverse curvature of the elastic elements 1a, 1b (perpendicular to their longitudinal axis) generates a large spring force during the switching between the open and closed states of the clamping device 10, which can be used to clamp or release the prestressed clamping device 10. Thus, even a rapidly rotating machine shaft 5 can be securely clamped and released.

[0044] Pneumatic materials also have lower costs and assembly requirements than hydraulic materials, and because compressed air is used, there is no additional expense for system fabrication and cleaning. This pneumatic clamping device also enables small overall dimensions, as minimal lateral deflection and minimal longitudinal extension (small longitudinal change) of the spring, and thus a small pressure chamber volume, are sufficient to generate the required clamping force.

[0045] In principle, the clamping device 10 can be divided into a passive clamping device 10, as shown in Figures 1A to 2B, and an active clamping device 10, as shown in Figures 3A to 4B.

[0046] In its unstressed initial state, spring 1 can bend to varying degrees (laterally) and, therefore, contract inward to varying degrees. The interior of housing 3 can be adapted to or define the curvature of elastic elements 1a, 1b. For example, corresponding stop surfaces for elastic elements 1a, 1b can be formed through the inner wall of the housing. The inner wall of the housing can have a shape (e.g., concave) that complements the curvature (e.g., convex) of elastic elements 1a, 1b.

[0047] In the case of a passive clamping device 10, in its unpressurized initial state, the spring 1 is typically slightly elastically curved (e.g., convex) or prestressed, allowing the clamping device 10 to close (Figures 1A and 1B). The clamping device 10 can only be opened by applying compressed air to the internal pressure chamber 2, thereby acting as an internal force (Figures 2A and 2B). In most cases, the spring 1 is slightly curved in its unpressurized initial state. Therefore, when clamped or when pressure drops, the spring force provided by the energy stored in the spring 1 is transmitted as a clamping force to the object 5 to be clamped, thereby clamping the object 5.

[0048] In the case of an active clamping device 10, in the unpressurized initial state (Figures 3A and 3B), spring 1 bends laterally outward to a greater extent than in a passive clamping device, particularly a greater degree than in a passive clamping device. Consequently, the distance between the two radial bearing surfaces is shortened, and clamping device 10 is opened. No clamping force is exerted on object 5 through clamping surface 7. Since clamping surface 7 does not contact object 5 or is spaced apart from object 5, the object is free.

[0049] Through plastic deformation of the elastic elements 1a and 1b, the spring 1 can bend laterally outward to a greater degree within the same housing 3, thereby shortening radially more in the initial, unstressed state than with a passive clamping device. This reduced radial bending of the elastic elements 1a and 1b in the initial, unstressed state may result in the clamping device 10 being in an open position in the initial, unstressed state. Even under plastic deformation, the elastic elements 1a and 1b can still bend elastically and press against the bearing surface, thereby securing the spring within the housing. The interior space or recess of the housing can accommodate the greater degree of bending caused by the plastic deformation in the initial state.

[0050] In some embodiments, a clamping force must be actively generated externally, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, to convert the clamping device into a closed state. Compressed air is introduced into the external pressure chamber 4 via a compressed air pump 6. This compressed air is then applied externally to the spring 1, causing it to actively relax. This reduces the spring's curvature, increases the distance between the two bearing surfaces, and allows the housing 3 to elastically deform within the area of the clamping element 8 or clamping surface 7, bringing the clamping surface 7 into contact with the object 5. This in turn applies a clamping force to the object 5, securing it. The active clamping device 10 is now in a closed state.

[0051] Therefore, depending on the application and the required safety regulations, either an active or passive clamping device 10 is used. If secure clamping is primarily desired, a passive clamping device is generally used. By using this pneumatic passive clamping device, a predetermined clamping force can be generated during the assembly process of the entire device, even in a pressure-free state, to exert a certain clamping force on the object 5 to be clamped. By applying overpressure or underpressure, the force imparted to the object can be increased, reduced, or completely eliminated, opening up a wide range of applications. On the other hand, if the clamping device is primarily intended to perform a desired operation, such as a tool change, an active clamping device is generally used.

[0052] As shown in FIG5A , the housing 3 of the clamping device 10 according to some embodiments includes two housing portions 3a and 3b. These two housing portions 3a and 3b are fixed to each other and assembled together using fixing means, such as screws. In the assembled state, the two housing portions 3a and 3b define an interior space 13 within the housing 3. The spring 1 and its annular elastic elements 1a and 1b according to some embodiments are disposed together within the interior space 13. Each housing portion 3a and 3b defines a recess 11, also annular, for accommodating the annular elastic elements 1a and 1b, as shown in FIG5A through FIG5D . At least a portion of the first contact surface 101 and / or a portion of the second contact surface 102 can be (substantially) perpendicular to the radial direction R of the annular recess 11.

[0053] An opening 14 ( FIG. 5B ) extends through the center of the housing 3 , into which an object 5 to be clamped (e.g., a shaft) can be introduced. The housing can extend up to 360° around the opening 14 and at least partially surround the object 5 in at least one plane, referred to as the clamping plane. The central main axis 9 of the clamping device extends centrally through the opening 14 and perpendicularly to the clamping plane. In the clamping devices shown in FIG. 1A , FIG. 2A , FIG. 3A , FIG. 4A , and FIG. 5A , the main axis 9 extends centrally through the shaft along its longitudinal axis.

[0054] One or more clamping surfaces 7 are located along the periphery of the housing 3 or the opening 14. When the housing 3 is elastically deformed in the region of the clamping elements 8 or the clamping surfaces 7, the clamping surfaces 7 exert a clamping force on the periphery of the object 5, thereby clamping the object 5. In order to effectively open and close the clamping device 10 relative to the object 5 to be clamped, a symmetrical distribution of the clamping force along the clamping surfaces 7 or along the circumference of the object 5 is desirable without damaging the object 5. An asymmetrical distribution of the clamping force may result in damage to the object 5. For example, one or both of the contact surfaces 101, 102 may be configured as a circle within the clamping plane. For example, the clamping surface 7 may be configured as a circle within the clamping plane. The clamping element 8 may be configured as an annular shape. All annular or circular components described herein may, individually or in combination, have a center point (e.g., the center point of the opening 14) centered at the intersection of the main axis 9 and the clamping plane.

[0055] FIG5B illustrates a component 40 or 50 (here, the upper housing portion 3a in FIG5A ) according to some embodiments, wherein the housing portion 3a of the component has an annular recess 11 for retaining an annular elastic element 1a, and wherein the housing portion 3a has an inner surface defined by the recess 11 (see 105 in FIG7 ). The annular recess 11 defines, for example, an annular opening 12 in the housing portion, wherein the annular opening is formed between a first annular edge 12a and a second annular edge 12b of the housing portion. The elastic element 1a can be retained between the first annular edge 12a and the second annular edge 12b.

[0056] When the elastic element 1a is introduced into the recess 11 through the opening 12 with its first side (see 16c in FIG6C ) facing the inner surface and is clamped within the recess 11, a first pressure chamber 4 is formed between the inner surface and the elastic element 1a. According to some embodiments, the elastic element has the aforementioned features, which allow for a reliable and effective seal at port II. These features are explained in more detail with reference to FIG6 through FIG9 .

[0057] As shown in Figures 5C and 5D , the elastic element 1a of the illustrated spring 1 extends from a first contact surface 101 within the housing portion 3a to a second contact surface 102 within the housing portion 3a and can contact the second contact surface 102. When viewed from the center point of the opening 14, the first contact surface 101 is radially positioned further outward than the second contact surface 102.

[0058] FIG5C shows a cross section of the housing portion 3a shown in FIG5B , wherein, for example, the upper elastic element 1a of the spring 1 meets and, for example, contacts the first contact surface 101. FIG5D shows a cross section of the housing portion 3a shown in FIG5B , wherein, for example, the upper elastic element 1a of the spring 1 meets and, for example, contacts the second contact surface 102. However, one or more additional components may also be located radially between the elastic element 1a and one or more of the contact surfaces 101, 102, through which the elastic element 1a exerts its spring force on the contact surfaces 101, 102.

[0059] As shown in Figures 5B and 5D , the spring element 1a is clamped in a recess 11 between the inner surfaces of the housing parts 3a. During assembly, the spring plates of the spring 1 are introduced into the recess 11 of the corresponding housing part through the opening 12, along the inner surface of the housing part 3a, in the direction of the main axis 9 of the clamping device 10, until each spring plate rests against stops 112, 122 at the ends of the two contact surfaces 101, 102, respectively, and is thus unable to be introduced further into the recess 11. Because the extent of the spring element 1a in the clamping plane, or in the radial direction of the annular recess, is greater than the extent of the interior space defined by the housing parts, the spring element 1a can be bent or prestressed in its unstressed initial state.

[0060] 6A to 6C illustrate housing components according to some embodiments.

[0061] Figure 6A shows a plan view of the housing parts 3a, 3b in this example. Figure 6B shows an enlarged view of the area indicated by the rectangle in Figure 6A and adjacent to the connection opening 15. Figure 6C shows a cross section of the housing parts 3a, 3b taken along the dashed line AA in Figure 6A.

[0062] Housing parts 3a, 3b include a connection opening 15 for connection II of clamping and / or braking device 10 for applying pressure medium to pressure chamber 2 of clamping and / or braking device 10; and a stepped housing inner surface 17a defining a stepped recess 17b of housing parts 3a, 3b adjacent to connection opening 15. The step mentioned here can be formed by two (substantially) mutually perpendicular legs (bevel and inclination), as shown in FIG6C . The number of steps can be any number (one, two, or more).

[0063] The stepped recess 17b adjacent to the connecting opening 15 includes a first region 17c having a first extension in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connecting opening 15. The stepped recess 17b further includes a second region 17d adjacent to the first region, having a second extension in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connecting opening, wherein the second extension is greater than the first extension, thereby forming one, two or more steps.

[0064] 7A to 7C illustrate a spring element according to a first embodiment. In this embodiment, there is a stop element 18, but the encirclement of the radially outer edge of the spring plate 16 is optional.

[0065] Figure 7A shows a plan view of the inner side of the elastic elements 1a and 1b in this example. Figure 7B shows an enlarged view of the area indicated by the rectangle in Figure 7A and adjacent to the sealing opening 23. Figure 7C shows a cross section of the elastic elements 1a and 1b taken along the dashed line CC in Figure 7A.

[0066] For example, the annular elastic elements 1a, 1b have a connecting seal 20, which defines an edge 22 of a sealing opening 23 of the connecting seal 20 for a fluid connection to the connecting opening 15 (for example, when the pressure chamber 2 is applied, the pressure medium flows through the openings 15 and 23), and wherein the connecting seal 20 forms a circular connecting protrusion 21, for example, along the edge 22 of the sealing opening 23, which at least partially surrounds, for example, the circular sealing opening 23.

[0067] The elastic elements 1a, 1b include, for example, an annular spring plate 16, to which the connecting seal 20 is fixed, and the annular spring plate 16 is vulcanized, for example.

[0068] A portion of the connection seal 20 protrudes radially outward from the outer edge of the spring plate 16 , wherein the portion includes the connection protrusion 21 and the sealing opening 23 . The portion of the connection seal 20 protruding radially outward from the outer edge of the spring plate 16 includes a portion of the stop element 18 .

[0069] The connection seal 20 has, for example, a circular stop element 18 which is located on the second side surface 24 and protrudes from the second side surface 24 facing away from the connection protrusion 21. The first side surface of the connection seal 20 faces the inner surface 105 of the housing portion.

[0070] The spring plate 16 has a first side surface 16 a provided on a first side 16 c of the spring plate 16 and a second side surface 16 b provided on a second side 16 d of the spring plate 16 and facing away from the first side surface 16 a .

[0071] The stop element 18 is located on the second side 16 d of the spring plate 16 , and the connecting protrusion 21 is located on the first side 16 c of the spring plate 16 .

[0072] The connection seal 20 , in particular the connection projection 21 and / or the stop element 18 , may be made of an elastic material, such as rubber.

[0073] 8 illustrates details of a clamping and / or braking device according to some embodiments, having the two components shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 according to some embodiments.

[0074] In this case, the connection seal 20 of each component 40, 50 is arranged in the stepped recess 17 of each housing part 3a, 3b, so that the adhesive and / or sealing compound 30 is arranged between each connection protrusion 21 and the stepped housing inner surface 17a of each housing part 3a, 3b. As a result, the housing parts are bonded and / or sealed to the connection seal 20 in the area of port II via the step and the adhesive and / or sealing compound 30.

[0075] The connection seal 20 forms a connection protrusion 21 along an edge 22 of the sealing opening 23, the connection protrusion 21 at least partially surrounding the sealing opening 23. The connection seal 20 includes, for example, a circular stop element 18 located on a side surface 24 and protruding from the side surface 24 facing away from the connection protrusion 21 (see FIG. 7C ). The stop elements 18 of the elastic elements 1a, 1b of the components 40, 50 are designed to abut against each other when an overpressure is applied to the first pressure chamber 4 (see the dashed ellipse in FIG. 8 ), thereby at least suppressing or preventing the connection seal 20, and in particular the connection protrusion 21, from rising from the housing inner surface 17a (see FIG. 7C ) of the components 40, 50.

[0076] 9A to 9C illustrate a spring element according to a second embodiment. In this embodiment, there is an enclosure of the spring plate 16 on its radially outer edge, but the stop element 18 is optional.

[0077] Figure 9A shows a plan view of the outer side of the elastic elements 1a and 1b in this example. Figure 9B shows an enlarged view of the area indicated by the rectangle in Figure 9A and adjacent to the sealing opening 23. Figure 9C shows a cross section of the elastic elements 1a and 1b taken along the dashed line EE in Figure 9A.

[0078] For example, an annular elastic element 1a, 1b is disclosed, wherein the elastic element 1a, 1b has a connecting seal 20, which defines an edge 22 of a sealing opening 23 of the connecting seal 20. The connecting seal 20 forms a connecting protrusion 21 along the edge 22 of the sealing opening 23, and the connecting protrusion 21 at least partially surrounds the sealing opening 23. The elastic element 1a, 1b includes, for example, an annular spring plate 16, to which the connecting seal 20 is fixed. The annular spring plate 16 is vulcanized, for example. The spring plate 16 has a first side surface 16a disposed on a first side 16c of the spring plate 16, and a second side surface 16b disposed on a second side 16d of the spring plate 16 and facing away from the first side surface 16a. The connecting seal 20 extends, for example, continuously, from the first side surface 16a of the spring plate 16 and around the radial outer edge of the spring plate 16 to the second side surface 16b of the spring plate 16, thereby at least partially surrounding the radial outer edge of the spring plate 16, as indicated by the arrow in FIG9C . As a result, the transition between the port II or opening 15, 23 and the first pressure chamber 4 between the elastic element and the housing portion is more effectively sealed, and the connecting seal 20 is more securely attached to the spring plate 16 (see FIG6C , FIG8 , and FIG9C ).

[0079] By means of the methods described herein, either individually or in combination, clamps can be provided which can be operated reliably and efficiently (e.g. by saving adhesive and / or sealing compound 30 and reducing the number of parts) within the connection area (particularly port II) without thereby adversely affecting the opening and closing dynamics of the clamp.

[0080] The present specification and drawings describe embodiments of the subject matter claimed in the appended claims. The optional features disclosed in the foregoing specification, claims, and drawings may be used individually or in any desired combination to implement various configurations of the subject matter claimed in the appended claims.

[0081] The various aspects and embodiments described above can be combined to create additional embodiments. Further modifications to the embodiments are possible based on the above detailed description. Generally speaking, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific aspects and embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but rather should be construed to encompass all possible embodiments and their equivalents.

[0082] 1: Spring 1a, 1b: elastic element 10: (Clamping and / or braking) device 101: (first) contact surface 102: (Second) contact surface 105: Inner surface 11: (ring-shaped) recess 112: Stopper 12: (ring-shaped) opening 12a: first annular edge 12b: Second annular edge 122: Stopper 13: Interior Space 14: Opening 15: (Connection) Opening 16: (ring) spring plate 16a: first side surface (or outer edge or inner edge) 16b: second side surface (or outer edge or inner edge) 16c: First side 16d: Second side 17a: (Stepped) shell inner surface 17b: stepped recess 17c: First Area 17d: Second Area 18: (round) stop element 2: (Second or Inner) Pressure Chamber 20: Connecting seal 21: Connecting protrusion 22: Edge 23: (Sealed) Opening 24: (Second) side surface 3: Shell 3a, 3b: Shell part 4: (First or External) Pressure Chamber 40: (first) component 5: Object (or shaft) (to be clamped and / or braked) 50: (Second) component 6: Compressed air pump (booster) 7: Clamping surface 8: Clamping element (or elastic element) 9: (Main) axis 30: Adhesive and / or sealing compound AA, CC, EE: dotted line I:port II: Port (or connection) R: radial direction

Claims

1. A component (40, 50) for clamping and / or braking device (10), the component comprising: a housing portion (3a, 3b) including: a connection opening (15) for a port (II) of the clamping and / or braking device (10) to apply a pressure medium to a second pressure chamber (2) of the clamping and / or braking device (10); and a stepped housing inner surface (17a) defining a stepped recess (17b) in the housing portion (3a, 3b) adjacent to the connection opening (15); an adhesive and / or sealing compound (30); and an elastic element (1a, 1b), wherein, The elastic element (1a, 1b) has a connecting seal (20) that defines an edge (22) of a sealing opening (23) for fluid connection to the connecting opening (15), and wherein the connecting seal (20) forms a connecting protrusion (21) along the edge (22) of the sealing opening (23), the connecting protrusion (21) at least partially surrounding the sealing opening (23); wherein the connecting seal (20) is disposed in the stepped recess (17b) of the housing portion (3a, 3b) such that the adhesive and / or sealing compound (30) is disposed between the connecting protrusion (21) and the stepped inner surface (17a) of the housing portion (3a, 3b).

2. An elastic element (1a, 1b), wherein, The elastic element (1a, 1b) has a connecting seal (20) that defines an edge (22) of a sealing opening (23) of the connecting seal (20), wherein the connecting seal (20) forms a connecting protrusion (21) along the edge (22) of the sealing opening (23), the connecting protrusion (21) at least partially surrounding the sealing opening (23), wherein the connecting seal (20) has a circular stop element (18) that protrudes from a side surface (24) opposite to the connecting protrusion (21).

3. The components (40, 50) as described in claim 1, wherein, The elastic element (1a, 1b) is a ring-shaped elastic element (1a, 1b).

4. The components (40, 50) as described in claim 1, wherein, The elastic element (1a, 1b) includes a spring plate (16), to which the connecting seal (20) is fixed.

5. The components (40, 50) as described in claim 4, wherein, The spring plate (16) is a ring spring plate (16).

6. The components (40, 50) as described in claim 4, wherein, A portion of the connecting seal (20) protrudes radially outward from the outer edge of the spring plate (16), wherein the portion includes the connecting protrusion (21) and / or the sealing opening (23).

7. The components (40, 50) as described in claim 4, wherein, The connection seal (20) has a circular stop element (18) that protrudes from one side surface (24) opposite to the connection protrusion (21).

8. The components (40, 50) as described in claim 7, wherein, The spring plate (16) has a first side surface (16a) disposed on a first side (16c) of one of the spring plates (16) and a second side surface (16b) disposed on a second side (16d) of one of the spring plates (16), and the second side surface (16b) is opposite to the first side surface (16a).

9. The components (40, 50) as described in claim 8, wherein, The connecting seal (20) extends from the first side surface (16a) of the spring plate (16) and around the radial outer edge of the spring plate (16) to the second side surface (16b) of the spring plate (16), thereby at least partially surrounding the radial outer edge of the spring plate (16).

10. The components (40, 50) as described in claim 8, wherein, The circular stop element (18) is located on the second side (16d) of the spring plate (16), and / or the connecting protrusion (21) is located on the first side (16c) of the spring plate (16).

11. The components (40, 50) as described in claim 7, wherein, A portion of the connecting seal (20), which protrudes radially outward from one outer edge of the spring plate (16), includes a portion of the circular stop element (18).

12. A clamping and / or braking device (10) for clamping and / or braking an object (5) to be clamped and / or braked, comprising: components (40, 50) as claimed in claim 1; wherein, The housing portions (3a, 3b) of the two components (40, 50) are arranged opposite to each other and fixed to each other, such that the inner surfaces (105) of the housing portions (3a, 3b) together define an internal space within a housing (3), and the elastic elements (1a, 1b) of the two components (40, 50) are designed to be adjacent to each other. One or more clamping elements (8), each of which has a clamping surface (7); and a spring (1) disposed in the internal space and comprising the elastic element (1a) of the component (40) and the elastic element (1b) of the component (50), wherein the elastic elements (1b) are clamped in the internal space such that a first pressure chamber (4) is formed in the internal space between the elastic elements (1a, 1b) and the inner surfaces (105) of the housing portions (3a, 3b), wherein the first pressure chamber (4) is ventilated and actuated by overpressure of a pressure medium supplied to the housing portions (3a, 3b); The spring (1) is designed such that when the first pressure chamber (4) is vented or vented, or when the first pressure chamber (4) is overpressurized, the bending of at least one of the elastic elements (1a, 1b) is variable, thereby causing the clamping and / or braking device (10) to change between an open state and a closed state, in which the object to be clamped (5) is spaced apart from one or more of the clamping surfaces (7), and in the closed state, at least one of the one or more clamping surfaces (7) transmits a clamping and / or braking force to the object (5).

13. The clamping and / or braking device (10) as described in claim 12, wherein, The elastic elements (1a, 1b) of the two components (40, 50) each have a circular stop element (18) which is designed to be adjacent to each other when the first pressure chamber (4) is overpressurized, so as to at least suppress or prevent the rise of each of the connecting seals (20) from the stepped housing inner surface (17a) of each of the components (40, 50).

14. The clamping and / or braking device (10) as described in claim 12 or 13, wherein, The connection seal (20) and / or the adhesive and / or sealing compound (30) of at least one of the components (40, 50) substantially seal the port (II) of the clamping and / or braking device (10) for applying a pressure medium to the second pressure chamber (2) of the clamping and / or braking device (10).

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