Pneumatic clamping and / or braking device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a clamping and / or braking device for clamping and / or braking an object to be clamped and / or braked, comprising: a housing comprising a first housing part and a second housing part wherein each housing part comprises an annular recess defining a first contact surface and a second contact surface of the housing part, and wherein the two housing parts are arranged opposite to each other and fastened to each other such that the annular notches of the first and second housing parts together form an inner space within the housing; the spring is arranged in the inner space and comprises a first annular spring plate and a second annular spring plate, the first annular spring plate is clamped between the first contact surface and the second contact surface of the first shell part in the annular notch of the first shell part, and the second annular spring plate is clamped between the first contact surface and the second contact surface of the second shell part. The second annular spring plate is clamped between the first contact surface and the second contact surface of the second shell part in the annular notch of the second shell part; and at least one clamping element, each clamping element having a clamping surface which is designed such that, when a first end of an annular spring plate is supported on a first contact surface of a housing part and a second end of the annular spring plate is pressed on a second contact surface of the housing part, the clamping surface is in contact with the first contact surface of the housing part. The clamping and / or braking force is transmitted to an object to be clamped and / or braked, the first and second annular spring plates being arranged in the interior space such that at least one pressure space is formed in the interior space, which pressure space is at least partially delimited by the first and second annular spring plates, which pressure space can be vented or vented, the first and second annular spring plates are arranged relative to the at least one pressure space such that a curvature of the at least one annular spring plate can be changed by venting or venting the pressure space or by acting a positive pressure on the pressure space, and wherein the first and second annular spring plates are arranged relative to the at least one pressure space. The clamping and / or braking device is configured to change the clamping and / or braking device between an open state, in which the at least one clamping surface is spaced from the object, and a closed state, in which one or more of the at least one clamping surface transmits a clamping and / or braking force to the object. Wherein the clamping and / or braking device further comprises at least one insert plate, which is arranged in the interior space between the first annular spring plate and the second annular spring plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device. Background Art

[0002] When manufacturing tools or machine parts, machining machines are used, in particular working spindles or other machine tools, which process material from a workpiece by means of a tool fixed to an axis, in particular in order to bring it into the desired shape. The axis can be a rotating axis or a pivoting axis of such a machine. In addition, rotatable or pivotable worktables are used, via which the tool or workpiece is placed in a suitable machining position or the workpiece is moved at a corresponding speed. The prerequisite for precise and efficient machining is in particular high rotational speeds of the axis. Therefore, the task of emergency or safety systems is to stop the axis in the event of a malfunction or failure of the system (e.g. power failure or cable break) or to hold the axis in a fixed position and thus fix it.

[0003] Conventional processing machines have electromagnetic, hydraulic or pneumatic clamping and / or braking devices. These devices have friction linings that can be frictionally connected to the shaft by force transmission. As a result, the shaft can be fixed at different speeds.

[0004] In the case of hydraulic clamps, the chamber is filled with hydraulic oil and clamps the rotating shaft or rotating disk. Passive hydraulic clamps are also known. However, the reaction time of such hydraulic clamps is usually long and very high costs are required to shorten their reaction time. In addition, hydraulic materials, especially hydraulic valves and hydraulic pipes, are expensive and require long assembly times. Hydraulic oil also leads to additional costs to keep the environment around the hydraulic clamp clean.

[0005] For pneumatic clamping and / or braking devices, the elastic elements, especially the elastic plates, are usually filled with compressed air, which can overcome some of the above-mentioned disadvantages of hydraulic clamping devices.

[0006] EP1585616B1 and EP1651881B1 describe pneumatic clamping devices with two annular spring plates, which are introduced into the housing of the clamping device and form a pressure chamber therein, which can be filled with compressed air or can be ventilated and exhausted to change the bending of the spring plates and thus switch between a closed state of the clamping device and an open state, in which the object to be clamped is clamped like a rotating shaft, and an open state in which the object is free. However, practice has shown that wear occurs at the contact between the pneumatic clamping device and the object, which wear should be reduced in order to extend the service life of the device and avoid damage to the object. Summary of the invention

[0007] Based on the prior art mentioned in the introduction, the object of the present disclosure is to provide a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device, wherein the wear at the contact between the pneumatic clamping and / or braking device and the object to be clamped and / or braked is reduced.

[0008] This object is achieved by a clamping and / or braking device having the features of patent claim 1. Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0009] According to the solution of the present invention, a clamping and / or braking device for clamping and / or braking an object to be clamped and / or braked is proposed, the device comprising: a housing, the housing comprising a first housing part and a second housing part, wherein each housing part comprises an annular recess, the annular recess defining a first contact surface and a second contact surface of the housing part, the two housing parts being arranged opposite to each other and fastened to each other so that the annular recesses of the first and second housing parts jointly form an internal space in the housing; a spring, the spring being arranged in the internal space, comprising a first annular spring plate and a second annular spring plate, wherein the first annular spring plate is clamped in the annular recess of the first housing part and the first contact surface of the first housing part and the second contact surface of the second housing part. The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a plurality of housing parts, wherein the first contact surface of the housing part and the second contact surface of the housing part are sandwiched between the first contact surface and the second contact surface of the housing part, wherein the second annular spring plate is sandwiched between the first contact surface and the second contact surface of the housing part in the annular recess of the second housing part; and at least one clamping element, wherein each clamping element has a clamping surface, wherein the clamping surface is configured to transmit a clamping and / or braking force to the object to be clamped and / or braked when the first end of one of the annular spring plates is supported on the first contact surface of one of the housing parts and the second end of one of the annular spring plates is pressed on the second contact surface of one of the housing parts; wherein the annular spring plate is arranged in the inner space so that at least one pressure space is formed in the inner space, and the pressure space is at least partially defined by the annular spring plate. The pressure space is ventilable or exhaustable and can be acted on by a positive pressure of a pressure medium that can be supplied to the housing. The annular spring plate is arranged relative to the at least one pressure space, and by ventilating or exhausting the pressure space or acting on the pressure space with a positive pressure, the bending degree of the at least one annular spring plate can be changed, so that the clamping and / or braking device changes between an open state and a closed state. In the open state, the clamping surface (7) is spaced from the object, and in the closed state, one or more of the at least one clamping surface transmits a clamping and / or braking force to the object. The clamping and / or braking device also includes at least one insert plate, which is arranged between the first annular spring plate and the second annular spring plate in the inner space.

[0010] Based on the inventor's discovery, the present invention introduces at least one insert plate between two annular spring plates, so that the clamping and / or braking device can be configured thicker or wider in the axial direction without changing the dynamic characteristics of the annular spring plates. The insert plate replaces the volume between the annular spring plates, thereby allowing the device to be configured thicker or wider in the axial direction without causing adverse effects due to increasing the volume available for the pressure medium between the annular spring plates, thereby changing the opening and closing speed of the annular spring plates and changing the dynamic characteristics of the spring plates. By implementing an axially thicker or wider clamping and / or braking device, in the closed state of the device, the contact surface (clamping surface) between the device and the object is increased, reducing the wear at the contact point between the object and the device. In addition, the object can be clamped and / or braked more effectively by a larger contact surface (clamping surface). In general, a more durable and more effective clamping and / or braking of the object can be achieved. In addition, the insert plate has the following effect: an axially thicker or wider device can be manufactured using existing materials and processes without spending a lot of extra costs in the manufacture of the device.

[0011] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, an insert plate (preferably single and / or integral) extends in each housing part between the respective first contact surface and the respective second contact surface, which results in the effect of the insert plate being distributed in both housing parts. In particular, the volume displacement of the insert plate occurs (e.g. uniformly) in both housing parts, so that the dynamic properties of each spring plate are kept as unchanged as possible. Preferably, the thickness of the insert plate in each housing part is set to about half its total thickness, which will be beneficial to the symmetrical configuration and dynamic properties of the device. The insert plate particularly preferably has a thickness of at least 1 mm, at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm or at least 4 mm, so that the thickness of the device is increased by the same amount without damaging or changing the dynamic properties of the spring plates, and also a corresponding extension of the contact surface (clamping surface) between the device and the object in the axial direction, which is beneficial to the conventional application of the clamping and / or braking device.

[0012] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, at least one pressure space includes one or more second pressure spaces, wherein the one or more second pressure spaces are arranged inside the spring, between each of the two spring plates and the insert plate. For example, a separate second pressure space can be formed between the insert plate and each of the two spring plates, to which the pressure medium can be applied separately from the outside, or the region of the inner space between the insert plate and each of the two spring plates jointly forms a second pressure space, to which the pressure medium can be applied from the outside. The clamping and / or braking device can be configured to change the device from a closed state to an open state by ventilating the one or more second pressure spaces or by applying a positive pressure to the one or more second pressure spaces, so that the first contact surface and the second contact surface of at least one of the two housing parts move toward each other and / or the bending degree of at least one spring plate increases, while the dynamic characteristics of the spring plate are not significantly changed by the insert plate. The inventors have recognized that if the insert plate is not introduced, the volume in the second pressure space is larger due to the larger axial thickness or width of the device, which will change the dynamic characteristics of the spring plate. If the rubber coating of the spring plate or the spring plate itself is configured to be thicker to replace the role of the insert plate, the dynamic characteristics of the spring plate will also be changed, thereby having an adverse effect.

[0013] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the insert plate is arranged to be rigid and / or floating, thereby ensuring a defined resistance of the spring plate. The spring plate is preferably coated with rubber on the inner and outer diameters and at the connections for ventilation / exhaustion and inflation with compressed air, thereby achieving a better sealing effect in the region of the spring plates, in particular in the (second) pressure space between the spring plates.

[0014] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the clamping element has a clamping surface on a first side and a second contact surface of one of the housing parts on a second side, which preferably faces away from and / or is opposite to the first side. As a result, the spring force generated by the spring plate on the clamping element can be particularly effectively directed to the object via the clamping surface.

[0015] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the clamping element has elasticity, so that the clamping element forms a lever arm, which is configured to be elastically deformed by pressing at least one spring plate against the second contact surface of at least one housing part, thereby rotating about a pivot point, so that the clamping surface of the clamping element transmits the clamping and / or braking force to the object to be clamped and / or braked. Since the clamping element forms an elastically deformable lever arm, the lever arm presses the clamping surface against the object by rotation, thereby transmitting the clamping and / or braking force to the object, and therefore, the insert plate can also make the lever arm in the clamping element longer (without changing the dynamic characteristics of the spring plate), which has multiple beneficial effects on the device.

[0016] By means of a longer lever arm, the holding torque acting on the object is increased at the same (axial) bending of the spring plate. On the one hand, the longer lever arm itself brings about a greater holding torque. On the other hand, the holding torque is also increased due to the fact that the longer lever arm of the clamping element strikes the object earlier during the closing operation, and in the state of striking the object earlier, the spring plate is bent to a greater extent or relaxes less. As a result, there is a greater residual spring force (the spring force is caused by the restoring force of the spring plate), which acts on the second contact surface and thus brings about a greater clamping and / or braking force than if the lever arm strikes the object later during closing. Thus, the holding torque is increased by a longer lever arm and a greater clamping and / or braking force. Due to its elasticity, a longer lever arm also brings about a larger and / or more effective contact surface (clamping surface in the end region of the lever arm) between the clamping element and the object, which also further reduces the wear of the object and the device. This wear reduction effect achieved by a larger and / or more effective contact surface (clamping surface) is in addition to the wear reduction effect brought about by a larger contact surface achieved by an axially thicker or wider device. A larger contact surface enables a smaller compressive stress (force per unit surface) at the same holding torque. Thus, a longer lever arm can generally make the clamping and / or braking of an object more secure and longer-lasting by a greater holding torque and lower wear.

[0017] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the lever arm is configured so that during the rotation of the lever arm about the pivot point, the end of the lever arm moves closer to the object by means of a radial stroke. By making the lever arm longer, a greater radial stroke can also be achieved - at the same (axial) bending degree of the spring plate - the increase in radial stroke is substantially proportional to the increase in the length of the lever arm. Making the radial stroke larger can avoid undesirable frictional contact and thus avoid additional wear. Such undesirable frictional contact may be caused on the one hand by the size of the object (e.g. a shaft) being larger than expected, for example there is a risk of grinding of the clamping surface even in the open state of the device, or because of thermal changes in the object and / or parts of the clamping device during operation, which causes the clamping surface to grind on the object. As a result, damage or wear may occur on the object and / or the clamping surface. Therefore, on the one hand, a larger radial stroke makes it possible to clamp and / or brake a large number of objects of different sizes by means of the device, for example shafts of different thicknesses. On the other hand, thermal wear can also be avoided. The length of the lever arm from the pivot point to the end of the lever arm is preferably selected such that the radial travel is at least 0.13 mm, preferably at least 0.15 mm, particularly preferably at least 0.17 mm. Such a radial travel is suitable for clamping and / or braking a large number of common objects of different sizes (e.g. shafts) and avoiding the usual thermally induced frictional contact. Preferably, the lever arm is 1.5 mm long from the pivot point (e.g. Figure 7 D) to the end of the lever arm ( Figure 7 8b) length ( Figure 7 L2) is 4 mm to 8 mm, 5 mm to 7 mm (for example, about 5.5 mm), 6 mm to 7 mm or about 6.6 mm, which is longer than the corresponding length L1 in the conventional device 10 without an insert plate and is conducive to achieving this particularly advantageous radial stroke.

[0018] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the annular recess of each housing part defines an annular opening in the housing part, wherein the annular opening is formed between a first annular edge of the housing part and a second annular edge of the housing part. The first contact surface of each housing part is defined by the first annular edge of the housing part and the first stopper of the housing part, so that when one of the spring plates enters the annular recess of the housing part from the outside through the first annular edge, the first stopper forms an obstacle that hinders the spring plate from entering the annular recess more deeply. Preferably, the distance between the first stopper and the first annular edge is 3 mm to 6 mm, 4 mm to 5 mm or about 4.7 mm; and / or, the second contact surface of each housing part is defined by the second annular edge of the housing part and the second stopper of the housing part, so that when one of the spring plates enters the annular recess of the housing part from the outside through the second annular edge, the second stopper forms an obstacle that hinders the spring plate from entering the annular recess more deeply, preferably, the distance between the second stopper and the second annular edge is 3 mm to 6 mm, 4 mm to 5 mm or about 4.7 mm. Such one or more stoppers make the positioning of the spring plate more reliable and make the spring force of the spring plate be more effectively introduced to the second contact surface, thereby achieving a more reliable and effective opening and closing function. With such a distance, the above-mentioned particularly advantageous radial stroke can also be more effectively achieved.

[0019] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, each housing part comprises a first locking device and a second locking device, wherein the corresponding spring plate is clamped between the first contact surface and the second contact surface of the housing part in the annular recess of the housing part, so that the first locking device locks the first end of the corresponding spring plate on the first contact surface and the second locking device locks the second end of the corresponding spring plate on the second contact surface. The above-mentioned aspects of the invention are based on the discovery of the inventors that the axial positioning of the spring plate in the housing of the clamping and / or braking device is of decisive importance for the opening and closing function of the clamping and / or braking device. In particular, the inventors have recognized that, to date, the axial positioning of the spring plate during assembly has mainly depended on the axial pressing pressure, so that the spring plate can easily be in different axial positions in the housing. The inventors have recognized that in order to reliably achieve the required symmetrical opening and closing function of the clamping and / or braking device, a clear and symmetrical positioning of the spring plate in the housing should be reliably achieved. To date, such a clear and symmetrical positioning of the spring plate in the housing has placed high demands on the axial pressing of the spring into the housing during assembly and has proven difficult and expensive in practice.

[0020] Based on this, the inventors realized that a predetermined axial positioning of the spring plate in the housing of the pneumatic clamping and / or braking device can be achieved by a housing part including a first locking device and a second locking device, wherein the first locking device and the second locking device are respectively configured to lock one end of the clamped spring plate, which makes the above-mentioned positioning no longer decisively dependent on the axial pressing pressure during assembly, but can achieve repeatable, clearly defined and symmetrical positioning of the spring plate in the housing of the clamping and / or braking device.

[0021] The first locking device can be configured to hold the first end of the spring plate in a predetermined position relative to the first contact surface, in particular during operation of the clamping and / or braking device, and / or the second locking device can be configured to hold the second end of the spring plate in a predetermined position relative to the second contact surface, in particular during operation of the clamping and / or braking device.

[0022] The role of the locking devices in the assembly process has also been proven in practice, and their presence even simplifies the assembly of the spring plate. In addition, the locking devices bring other advantages of the type described below, such as improved sealing in the housing, so that the locking devices have a variety of positive effects on the operation of the entire system of the clamping and / or braking device.

[0023] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the first locking device comprises a first protrusion and a first stopper of the first contact surface, which together lock the first end of the corresponding spring plate between the first protrusion and the first stopper in the first contact surface area, and / or the second locking device comprises a second protrusion and a second stopper of the second contact surface, which together lock the second end of the corresponding spring plate between the second protrusion and the second stopper in the second contact surface area. Through such a specific implementation of the first and second locking devices, a particularly effective and symmetrical locking of the spring plate is achieved, which also facilitates the insertion of the spring plate into the housing part, and does not require additional components and materials for the housing, which is beneficial to production and assembly.

[0024] Each protrusion may include a height transition between two adjacent areas of the associated contact surface. One of the two areas may be located between the corresponding stop and the height transition and may serve as the area against which one end of the spring plate abuts, while the other area may be the area between the height transition and the corresponding annular edge of the annular opening of the annular recess. Each protrusion may include a step or a ramp as a height transition. The ramp may be an inclined plane, but it may also be an inclined plane with a different shape, such as an inclined plane with a curvature. However, other configurations of the protrusions are also conceivable.

[0025] Preferably, the first stop can extend longer in the radial direction of the annular recess than the first projection, and / or the second stop can extend longer in the radial direction of the annular recess than the second projection. Particularly preferably, each projection can protrude into the annular recess by 0.025 mm to 0.15 mm, preferably 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm, particularly preferably 0.1 mm or 0.05 mm, relative to the corresponding contact surface in the radial direction of the annular recess. On the one hand, such a projection formed by protrusion is particularly advantageous for the customary shortening of the spring plate during operation and, on the other hand, for the simple insertion of the spring plate into the housing part.

[0026] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the first protrusion can be arranged between the first annular edge and the first stopper on the first contact surface of the corresponding housing part in the annular recess area, preferably, the first protrusion, or the step or slope of the first protrusion can be arranged at a distance of 2 mm to 6 mm, 3 mm to 5 mm, 3 mm to 4 mm or about 3.2 mm from the first annular edge on the first contact surface of the housing part in the annular recess area, and / or, the second protrusion is arranged between the second annular edge and the second stopper on the second contact surface of the corresponding housing part in the annular recess area, preferably, the second protrusion, or the step or slope of the second protrusion is arranged at a distance of 2 mm to 6 mm, 3 mm to 5 mm, 3 mm to 4 mm or about 3.2 mm from the second annular edge on the second contact surface of the housing part in the recess area. Such an arrangement of one or more protrusions enables more reliable and effective locking and enables the spring force of a spring plate with a conventional thickness and a possible rubber coating on the spring plate to be directed to the object, so that such a spring plate has a symmetrical and effective opening and closing function. With the help of such a distance, the above-mentioned particularly advantageous radial stroke can also be more effectively achieved for such a spring plate.

[0027] The annular recess may define an annular opening in the housing part, wherein the annular opening is formed between a first annular edge of the housing part and a second annular edge of the housing part. The first protrusion may preferably be arranged between the first annular edge and the first stop on the first contact surface of the housing part in the region of the annular recess. The height transition of the first protrusion (e.g. a step or a ramp) may be located on the first contact surface, at a distance of 3 mm to 6 mm, preferably 3 mm to 5 mm, particularly preferably 3 mm to 4 mm or 3.2 mm from the first annular edge, the height transition of the first protrusion may preferably be arranged on the first contact surface of the inner side of the housing part in the region of the annular recess, and the first protrusion may extend beyond the distance. The first protrusion may extend continuously from the first annular edge to the height transition. The second protrusion may preferably be arranged between the second annular edge and the second stop on the second contact surface of the housing part in the region of the annular recess. The height transition of the second projection, for example a step or a ramp, can be located on the second contact surface, and the height transition of the second projection can preferably be arranged on the second contact surface on the inner side of the housing part in the region of the annular recess at a distance of 3 mm to 6 mm, preferably 3 mm to 5 mm, particularly preferably 3 mm to 4 mm or 3.2 mm from the first annular edge, and the second projection can extend beyond this distance. The second projection can extend continuously from the second annular edge to the height transition. Such an arrangement of the projection or the step or the ramp is particularly advantageous on the one hand for a reliable positioning of the spring plate in the annular recess or the housing according to the normal operating parameters of the clamping device, and on the other hand for a simple insertion of the spring plate into the housing part.

[0028] If the above brief description describes features that are not listed in the claims, these features do not constitute essential features that must be included in the claims, but these features are particularly prominent preferred embodiments of the subject matter claimed and can be combined with each claim or with each other as required. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1A A schematic cross section through an inwardly directed passive pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the invention is shown in the closed state.

[0030] Figure 1B A schematic cross section through an outwardly directed passive pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the invention is shown in the closed state.

[0031] Figure 2A A schematic cross section through an inwardly directed passive pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the invention is shown in the open state.

[0032] Figure 2B A schematic cross section through an outwardly directed passive pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the invention is shown in the open state.

[0033] Figure 3A A schematic cross section through an inwardly directed active pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the invention is shown in the open state.

[0034] Figure 3B A schematic cross section through an outwardly directed active pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the invention is shown in the open state.

[0035] Figure 4A A schematic cross section through an inwardly directed active pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the invention is shown in the closed state.

[0036] Figure 4B A schematic cross section through an outwardly directed active pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the invention is shown in the closed state.

[0037] Figure 5A A cross section through a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the invention is shown in a three-dimensional view.

[0038] FIG. 5B to FIG. 5D Shows Figure 5A An inventive variant of the housing part is shown.

[0039] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B In the upper area, Figures 5B to 5D Variations of the housing components shown.

[0040] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B In the lower area, Figure 5A A particularly preferred inventive variant of a housing part is shown.

[0041] Figure 7 Shows that there is Figure 6B A particularly preferred embodiment of the clamping and / or braking device according to the invention is shown in the housing part.

[0042] The same components shown in several figures have the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The invention relates to a housing part for a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device and to a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device having a housing part according to the invention.

[0044] If the text refers to a device “clamping” or a “clamping device”, a “clamping force” or a “clamping” process, this also includes a device “braking” or a “braking device”, a “braking force” or a “braking” process.

[0045] Figures 1A to 5A A schematic cross-section of a pneumatic clamping device 10 according to the invention is shown, which has a housing 3 comprising two housing parts 3a, 3b and a spring 1 which is arranged in the housing 3 and comprises at least two annular spring plates 1a, 1b.

[0046] The clamping device 10 according to the invention comprises the following components: a housing 3 comprising a first housing part 3a and a second housing part 3b, wherein each housing part 3a, 3b comprises an annular recess 11 (see FIG. 6A to FIG. 7), the annular recess 11 defines a first contact surface 101 of the housing parts 3a, 3b and a second contact surface 102 of the housing parts 3a, 3b, and the two housing parts 3a, 3b are arranged opposite to each other and fastened to each other, so that the annular recess 11 of the first housing part 3a and the annular recess 11 of the second housing part 3b together form an internal space 13 in the housing 3; the spring 1, which is arranged in the internal space 13, includes a first annular spring plate 1a and a second annular spring plate 1b, wherein the first annular spring plate 1a is clamped in the annular recess 11 of the first housing part 3A and is located at the first contact surface 101 of the first housing part 3A. The second annular spring plate 1b is clamped in the annular recess 11 of the second housing part 3A between the first contact surface 101 and the second contact surface 102 of the second housing part 3A; at least one clamping element 8, each clamping element 8 having a clamping surface 7, the clamping surface 7 is used to clamp and / or brake the force F3 (see FIG. 3 ) when the first end of one of the spring plates 1a, 1b is supported on the first contact surface 101 of one of the housing parts 3a, 3b and the second end of one of the spring plates 1a, 1b is pressed on the second contact surface 102 of one of the housing parts 3a, 3b. Figure 7 ) is transmitted to the object 5 to be clamped and / or braked. The spring plates 1a, 1b are arranged in the inner space 13 so that at least one pressure space 2, 4 is formed in the inner space 13, and the pressure space is at least partially delimited by the spring plates 1a, 1b, wherein the pressure space 2, 4 is ventilable or exhaustable, and can be acted on by the positive pressure of the pressure medium that can be supplied to the housing 3. The spring plates 1a, 1b are configured relative to the at least one pressure space 2, 4 so that the bending degree of at least one spring plate 1a, 1b can be changed by ventilating or exhausting the pressure space 2, 4 or acting on the pressure space 2, 4 with positive pressure, so that the clamping and / or braking device 10 changes between an open state and a closed state. In the open state, the object 5 is not in contact with one or any one of the clamping surfaces 7 and is spaced from the one or any one of the clamping surfaces 7, and in the closed state, one or more of the clamping surfaces 7 transmit the clamping and / or braking force to the object 5. The clamping and / or braking device 10 of the present invention further comprises at least one insert plate 100 (see Figure 7 ), the insert plate 100 is arranged between the first spring plate 1a and the second spring plate 1b in the inner space 13. The above-mentioned device 10 can, for example, be changed from a closed state to an open state, and vice versa.

[0047] Figure 1A , 1B4A and 4B respectively show the clamping device 10 in a closed state, wherein the clamping surface 7 of the clamping element 8 contacts the circumference of the object 5. The clamping element 8 is also called a clamping lip. The clamping element 8 can be integrally formed with the other parts of the housing parts 3a, 3b, or can be a component of the housing parts 3a, 3b, which is structurally separated from the other parts.

[0048] Clamping force F3 (see Figure 7 ) or the clamping surface 7 on the clamped object 5 occurs in a clamping plane, which is formed by two vectors, and each vector can form the radius of the annular spring plate 1a, 1b or the annular recess 11 (see Figure 5A ). The axis 9 may be referred to as the main axis of the clamping device 10, which extends in a direction perpendicular to the clamping plane. The clamping device 10 may be configured to be rotationally symmetrical about the main axis 9. The main axis 9 may approximately or exactly pass through the opening of the clamping device 10 ( Figure 5B The opening 14 in the Figure 1A , 4A In the embodiment, the object 5 to be clamped, for example the axis of rotation of a machine or a workbench, is placed in the opening 14, and the clamping force of the clamping device is directed radially inwards in the clamping plane toward the spindle 9 (perpendicular to the spindle 9). Figure 1B , 4B In the embodiment, the object 5 to be clamped is placed outside the clamping device 10, the clamping force of the clamping device is directed radially outwards in the clamping plane away from the main axis 9 (perpendicular to the main axis 9).

[0049] exist Figure 1A , 2A , 3A, 4A, the clamping element 8 is located between the spring 1 and the opening 14 or the spindle 9. On the other hand, in Figure 1B , 2B , 3B, 4B, 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. Figure 1B , 2B , 3B, 4B, a component can be introduced in the opening 14 so as to at least partially fill the opening 14, thereby replacing the object 5 to be clamped, through which component the spindle 9 extends.

[0050] exist Figures 1A to 5A In the embodiment, the spring 1 is clamped on two contact surfaces ( Figure 5C and 5D 101 and 102) and extends between the two contact surfaces. Figures 1A to 2BIn the pressure-free initial state of the device 10 in FIG. 1 , the spring 1 may be slightly bent in order to be securely fixed in the housing 3 in said state, and the same applies to any other state of the device 10, the degree of bending of the spring 1 depending on the state in which the device 10 is located. If the device 10 is in a state in which the spring 1 is bent (e.g., the degree of bending is greater than in the pressure-free initial state, such as in an open state), exhaust of the internal pressure space 2 of the spring 1 and ventilation of the external pressure space 4 may lead to at least partial relaxation of the spring 1, while the spring 1 is pressed against a radial contact surface, the distance of which is slightly increased, so that the housing 3 is elastically deformed in the region of the clamping element 8 or the clamping surface 7, and the clamping surface 7 thereby contacts the object 5 and presses against the object 5 with a (predetermined) clamping force in order to securely clamp the object 5. The object 5 is securely clamped, and the clamping device 10 is in a closed state, such as Figure 1A and 1B In the closed state of the device 10 , the spring 1 can still be slightly bent even after partial relaxation, so that it is firmly fixed in the housing 3 in this state.

[0051] In this case, the clamping element 8 can be an elastic element, for example a spring fork, which, in the unstressed initial state of the device 10, is clamped by the spring force F2 of the (slightly) bent spring 1 (see Figure 7 ) from the relaxed initial position of the elastic element into the tensioned position, for example by bending the spring fork 8, until an equilibrium is reached between the restoring force of the elastic element 8 and the spring force of the spring 1 in the unstressed initial state. In the case of this equilibrium, for example, the clamping surface 7 can be pressed against the object 5 with a clamping force F3.

[0052] By additionally applying compressed air (with a pressure of, for example, 4 Pa ​​or 6 Pa) to the external pressure space 4 in the closed state, the clamping force can be selectively increased by a predetermined value. Figure 1A , 1B This is indicated by an optional additional compressed air pump (booster) 6 and a shading (compressed air) in the external pressure space 4. The external pressure space 4 can be connected via an opening in the housing 3 to an air connection II (also called "closed"), to which the compressed air pump 6 can be connected.

[0053] Thus, the device 10 can be controlled, for example, in such a way that a change occurs between a braking movement of the acted-on object 5 (in the pressure-free state) and a complete clamping of the object (if sufficient pressure is applied).

[0054] Although two pressure spaces 2 , 4 are shown and described here by way of example, the clamping device 10 can also be operated with a single pressure space, which can be, for example, the inner pressure space 2 or the outer pressure space 4 .

[0055] Figure 2A and 2B Shows Figure 1A and 1B The clamping devices 10 in the housing 3 are all in an open state, wherein the clamping surface 7 does not contact the circumference of the object 5 or is spaced apart from the circumference of the object. The internal pressure space 2 can be connected to an air connection I (also called "open") via an opening in the housing 3, to which a compressed air pump 6 can be connected.

[0056] By applying compressed air (whose pressure is, for example, 4 Pa ​​or 6 Pa) to the internal pressure space 2 and exhausting the external pressure space 4 through the compressed air pump 6, the spring 1 can be bent or stretched to the same pressure as the internal pressure space 2. Figure 1A , 1B The clamping device 10 is in the open state, and the spring 1 or the distance between the two contact surfaces is radially shortened. The clamping surface 7 is lifted off the object 5 to release the clamping. The object 5 is free to move (e.g., can rotate about the axis 9 or move linearly along the axis 9), and the clamping device 10 is in the open state.

[0057] The device 10 can be switched back and forth between a closed state and an open state.

[0058] The pneumatic clamp 10 has many advantages over hydraulic clamps.

[0059] By using a combination of elastic components, in this case a spring 1 comprising spring plates 1a, 1b and compressed air, very short reaction times can be achieved, for example, when switching between an open and closed state and simultaneously achieving a secure clamping of an object 5. The spring 1 can preferably be configured in the form of a plate, as shown in more detail in FIG. 5 , wherein two spring plates 1a, 1b stacked one above the other form a spring 1 and an internal pressure space 2 of the spring 1 between the plates 1a, 1b. As shown in FIG. 5 , the spring plates 1a, 1b can also be annular and can optionally additionally have radial grooves so that their inner diameter can be changed with particularly low forces. The spring plates 1a, 1b can be coated with rubber at least in the region of the grooves in order to produce the necessary tightness for the compressed air. The spring plates 1a, 1b can also be completely encased in rubber. The spring plates 1a, 1b are generally configured to be pressure-resistant and elastically bendable and are arranged in the housing 3 of the clamping device 10 so that an inner pressure space 2 is formed inside the spring 1 between the spring plates 1a, 1b and an outer pressure space 4 is formed between each spring plate 1a, 1b and the housing 3 or housing parts 3a, 3b of the clamping device 10. FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of the inner pressure space 2 and the outer pressure space 4 between the spring plates 1a, 1b and the housing 3 or housing parts 3a, 3b of the clamping device 10. Figure 1A and 2A A similar three-dimensional view of a clamping device 10 .

[0060] By filling or applying compressed air to the external pressure space 4 and exhausting the internal pressure space 2, such as Figure 1AAs shown, the spring 1 is at least partially tensioned and generates a clamping force on the object 5 to be clamped, in particular on the circumference of the shaft 5. Thus, in the event of an energy or pressure failure, the object 5 is clamped or the shaft 5 is braked immediately, thereby providing a safe clamping. Depending on the size, such a pneumatic clamp 10 can achieve a holding torque of several hundred nanometers or even up to several thousand nanometers, which can be further increased by additionally applying compressed air to the external pressure space 4, such as Figure 1A As shown, compressed air can be applied by a pressure pump 6 (booster). Here, compressed air with a pressure of several Pa (e.g. 4 Pa ​​or 6 Pa) is sufficient to provide a holding torque that is several times greater than that achieved without a booster. In this case, use is made of the fact that a small transverse bending (perpendicular to its longitudinal axis) of the spring plates 1a, 1b generates a large spring force when the clamp 10 is switched between the open and closed state, and the clamp 10 can be used to clamp or release the prestressed clamping device 10. As a result, even a fast-rotating machine shaft 5 can be reliably clamped and released.

[0061] The cost and assembly expenses of pneumatic materials are also lower than those of hydraulic materials, and since compressed air is used, no additional expenses are required to ensure the cleanliness of the system. This pneumatic clamp can also reduce the overall size, because the lateral bending and longitudinal extension (change) of the spring are small, so the volume of the pressure space is small, which is sufficient to apply the required clamping force.

[0062] For pneumatic clamps, in principle, they are divided into Figures 1A to 2B The passive clamping device 10 and Figures 3A to 4B The active clamping device 10 is shown.

[0063] In the initial state without pressure, the spring 1 can be bent to different degrees (laterally) and can therefore be shortened radially to different degrees. The inner side of the housing 3 can adapt to the bending of the spring plates 1a, 1b or define it. The corresponding stop surface of the spring plates 1a, 1b can be formed by the inner wall of the housing, for example. The inner wall of the housing can be configured to complement (e.g., concave) the bending (e.g., convex) of the spring plates 1a, 1b.

[0064] For a passive clamping device 10, in the initial state without pressure, the spring 1 is usually slightly elastically bent (e.g. convex) or prestressed, and the clamping device 10 can be closed ( Figure 1A , 1B The clamping device 10 is opened only by applying a force from the inside by applying compressed air to the internal pressure space 2 ( Figure 2A , 2B ). In most cases, the spring 1 is slightly bent in the initial state without pressure, so that in the case of clamping or pressure drop, the spring force generated by the energy stored in the spring 1 is transmitted to the object 5 to be clamped as a clamping force to clamp the object 5.

[0065] In the case of the active clamping device 10, in the initial state without pressure ( Figure 3A , 3B ), the spring 1 bends laterally outward to a greater extent than in a passive clamping device, in particular to a greater extent of protrusion, so that the distance between the two radial contact surfaces is shortened and the clamping device 10 is opened. The clamping surface 7 does not exert a clamping force on the object 5. Since the clamping surface 7 does not contact the object 5 or is separated from the object 5, the object is free.

[0066] Due to the plastic deformation of the spring plates 1a, 1b, in the same housing 3 in the stress-free initial state, the spring 1 can bend laterally outward to a greater extent, so that a greater radial shortening can be achieved than in the case of a passive clamping device. This smaller radial extension of the spring plates 1a, 1b in the stress-free initial state can result in the clamping device 10 being in an open state in the stress-free initial state. Even in the case of plastic deformation, the spring plates 1a, 1b bend elastically and press against the contact surface, thereby fixing the spring in the housing. The inner space or recess of the housing can accommodate the greater degree of bending caused by the plastic deformation in the initial state.

[0067] In this case, the clamping force must be actively introduced from the outside, such as Figure 4A and 4B As shown, in order to convert the clamp to the closed state. At this time, compressed air is introduced into the external pressure space 4 by the compressed air pump 6, so that the compressed air from the outside is applied to the spring 1, so that the spring 1 is actively relaxed, the curvature of the spring 1 is reduced, the distance between the two contact surfaces is increased, and the housing 3 is elastically deformed in the area of ​​the clamping element 8 or the clamping surface 7, so that the clamping surface 7 contacts the object 5 and generates a clamping force on the object 5, and the object 5 is fixedly clamped. The active clamping device 10 is therefore in a closed state.

[0068] Thus, depending on the field of application and the prescribed safety regulations, an active or passive clamping system 10 can be used. If a safe clamping is primarily required, a passive clamping device is usually used. With such a pneumatic passive clamping system, a predetermined clamping force can be generated and felt by the object 5 to be clamped even in a pressure-free state when the device is assembled into an overall device. By applying positive or negative pressure, the force transmitted to the object can be increased, reduced or completely eliminated, which opens up a variety of applications. On the other hand, if the clamping device is mainly used to perform delicate work, such as changing tools, an active clamping device is usually used.

[0069] like Figure 5AAs shown, the housing 3 of the clamping device 10 of the present invention comprises two housing parts 3a, 3b, which are preferably fastened to each other by fastening means (e.g. screws) and are installed so that in the installed state, the two housing parts 3a, 3b define an inner space 13 between the housing parts 3a, 3b in the housing 3, wherein the spring 1 together with its annular spring plates 1a, 1b and the insert plate ( Figure 5A The housing parts 3a, 3b each define a recess 11, which is also annular and is used to accommodate the annular spring plates 1a, 1b, such as Figure 5A , 5B At least a portion of the first contact surface 101 may extend along a radial direction R (substantially) perpendicular to the annular recess 11 , and / or a portion of the second contact surface 102 may extend along a radial direction R (substantially) perpendicular to the annular recess 11 .

[0070] Opening 14( Figure 5B ) passes through the center of the housing 3, and the object 5 to be clamped (for example a shaft) can be inserted into the opening 14. The housing can extend 360° around the opening and at least partially surround the object 5 in at least one plane, called the clamping plane. The central spindle 9 of the clamping device passes through the center of the opening 14 and is perpendicular to the clamping plane. Figure 1A , 2A In the clamping devices of , 3A, 4A, and 5A, the spindle 9 passes through the center of the shaft along the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

[0071] One or more clamping surfaces 7 are located on the circumference of the housing 3 or the opening 14. When the housing 3 is elastically deformed in the area of ​​the clamping element 8 or the clamping surface 7, the clamping surface 7 generates a clamping force on the outer circumference of the object 5, so that the object 5 can be clamped. In order to enable the clamping device 10 to open and close effectively relative to the object 5 to be clamped without damaging the object 5, the clamping force is preferably distributed symmetrically along the circumference of the clamping surface 7 or the object 5. Asymmetrical distribution of the clamping force may cause damage to the object 5. One or both of the contact surfaces 101, 102 are preferably configured to have a circular projection in the clamping plane. The clamping surface 7 is preferably configured to have a circular projection in the clamping plane. The clamping element 8 can be configured in an annular shape. All annular or circular components described herein can be centered on the intersection of the main axis 9 and the clamping plane (e.g., the center of the opening 14), either individually or in combination.

[0072] Figure 5B One of the two housing parts 3a, 3b is shown (here Figure 5AThe upper housing part 3a in the opening 14 and one of the two spring plates 1a, 1b of the spring 1. The spring plate 1a of the spring 1 extends from a first contact surface 101 in the housing part 3a to a second contact surface 102 in the housing part 3a and can contact the latter. From the center of the opening 14, the first contact surface 101 is arranged radially at a position further outside than the second contact surface 102.

[0073] Figure 5C Shows Figure 5B A cross section of the housing part 3 a is shown, in which the upper plate 1 a of the spring 1 abuts against the first contact surface 101 and preferably contacts the latter. Figure 5D Shows Figure 5B The cross section of the housing part 3a is shown, in which the upper plate 1a of the spring 1 abuts against the second contact surface 102 and preferably contacts the latter. However, one or more other components can also be arranged radially between the spring plate 1a and one or more contact surfaces 101, 102, respectively, through which the spring plate 1a exerts its spring force on the contact surfaces 101, 102.

[0074] exist Figures 5B to 5D In order to simplify the representation, the insert plate 100 of the present invention in the housing portion 3a is shown (see Figure 7 ) is also not shown. Figure 5B , 5D As shown, the inner side surfaces of the housing parts 3a, between which the spring plates 1a are clamped in the recesses, between which the insert plates extend. During assembly, each plate of the spring 1 is inserted through the opening 12 into the recess 11 of the corresponding housing part in the direction of the main axis 9 of the clamping device 10, along the straight or flat inner surface of the housing part 3a, until the corresponding plate abuts against a stop 112, 122 at the end of each of the two contact surfaces 101, 102, and cannot be inserted further into the recess 11. Since the extension of the spring plate 1a in the radial direction of the clamping plane or the annular recess is greater than the extension of the inner space defined by the housing parts, the plate 1a is bent or prestressed in the initial state without pressure. The insert plate is placed on the spring plate.

[0075] However, it has been shown above that the plates 1a, 1b of the spring 1 are positioned during assembly according to the axial pressing force and are not always axially positioned in the same way in the housing parts 3a, 3b. The spring plates 1a, 1b can be tilted, inserted into the housing parts at different depths or bent to different degrees. By changing the positioning of the plates 1a, 1b in the housing parts, their significant importance for the opening and closing functions of the clamping device 10 will lead to changes in these functions, in particular an asymmetrical distribution of the clamping force along the circumference of the clamping surface or the opening in the clamping plane, which is disadvantageous for an effective and lasting clamping effect and maintaining the integrity of the object.

[0076] Fig. 6A and 6B The lower area of ​​the drawing shows a preferred embodiment of the clamping device 10 of the present invention and is connected with Figure 5C , 5D The housing parts shown are compared for comparison purposes. Fig. 6A and 6B The upper area of Figure 5C , 5D The housing portion shown.

[0077] The housing parts 3a, 3b preferably comprise an annular recess 11 which defines a first contact surface 101 of the housing parts 3a, 3b and a second contact surface 102 of the housing parts 3a, 3b. The annular recess 11 is used to clamp one of the annular spring plates 1a, 1b between the first contact surface 101 and the second contact surface 102 of one of the housing parts 3a, 3b. The housing parts 3a, 3b further comprise a clamping element 8 having a clamping surface 7 which is configured to transmit a clamping and / or braking force to the object 5 to be clamped and / or braked when the spring plates 1a, 1b are clamped in the annular recess 11 and between the first contact surface 101 and the second contact surface 102, so that a first end of the spring plates 1a, 1b is supported on the first contact surface 101, the spring plates 1a, 1b extend from the first contact surface 101 to the second contact surface 102, and a second end of the spring plates 1a, 1b is pressed against the second contact surface 102. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, Figures 5B-5D compared to, Fig. 6A , 6B The housing parts 3a, 3b include: a first locking device 110 and a second locking device 120, wherein, when the spring plates 1a, 1b are clamped in the annular recess 11 between the first contact surface 101 and the second contact surface 102, the first locking device 110 is used to lock the first end of the spring plates 1a, 1b on the first contact surface 101, and the second locking device 120 is used to lock the second end of the spring plates 1a, 1b on the second contact surface 102.

[0078] like Fig. 6AAs shown in the lower area of ​​, a projection 111 is preferably provided on the first contact surface 101, which serves as part of the first locking device. When the plate 1a enters the housing part 3a in a direction parallel to the main axis 9, the first end of the spring plate 1a must overcome the projection 111, which results in the plate 1a being arranged between the stop 112 and the projection 111 in a defined manner in the direction of the main axis 9 after overcoming the projection 111. The plate 1a is locked between the stop 112 and the projection 111 in the area of ​​the first contact surface 101 and can preferably come into contact with the latter here. The projection 111 can be stepped or ramp-shaped, or some other shape that can provide the function of the projection. The same applies to Figure 6B The second contact surface 102 of the present invention shown in the lower area of ​​the spring plate 102 is also preferably formed with a protrusion 121, which the second end of the spring plate 1a must overcome when inserted in a direction parallel to the main axis 9, and then the plate 1a is arranged between the stopper 122 and the protrusion 121 in a defined manner and locked in the above-mentioned area of ​​the second contact surface 102. The second end of the spring plate 1a can preferably contact the second contact surface 102 during locking. The protrusion 121 can be stepped or ramp-shaped, or some other shape that can provide the function of the protrusion 121.

[0079] from Figures 1A to 6B It can be seen that the first protrusion 111 and the first stopper are farther from the object 5 to be clamped than the second protrusion 121 and the second stopper 122. Specifically, the clamping force acts inwardly ( Figure 1A , 2A ) or outward acting ( Figure 1B , 2B ). The first projection 111 and the first stop 112 can be arranged in the housing parts 3a, 3b and opposite to the clamping element 8, while the second projection 121 and the second stop 122 are arranged in the region of the clamping element 8 or can be part of the clamping element 8. The extension of the first stop 112 in the radial direction R of the annular recess 11 can be longer than the first projection 111 ( Fig. 6A , 5B The first protrusion 111 may protrude or project from the first contact surface 101 or relative to the first contact surface 101 (eg, into the recess 11 ) in the radial direction R of the annular recess 11 by 0.025 mm to 0.15 mm, preferably 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm, and particularly preferably 0.1 mm.

[0080] The second stopper 122 may extend longer in the radial direction R of the annular recess 11 than the second protrusion 121 ( Figure 6B , 5BThe second protrusion 121 may protrude or project from the second contact surface 102 or relative to the second contact surface 102 (eg, into the recess 11) in the radial direction R of the annular recess 11 by 0.025 mm to 0.15 mm, preferably 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm, and particularly preferably 0.05 mm.

[0081] The annular recess 11 can delimit an annular opening 12 in the housing parts 3a, 3b (in the clamping plane), wherein the annular opening 12 is formed between a first annular edge 12a of the housing part and a second annular edge 12b of the housing part and serves to introduce the spring plate 1a into the recess 11. A first projection 111 can be arranged in the region of the recess 11 between the first annular edge 12a and a first contact surface 101 on the inner side of the housing part 3a and protrude into the recess 11. A second projection 121 can be arranged in the region of the recess 11 between the second annular edge 12b and a second contact surface 102 on the inner side of the housing part and protrude into the recess 11 ( Fig. 6A , 6B ).

[0082] The projection 111 and the stopper 112 may define a groove in the housing part 3a, into which the first end of the spring plate 1a may be snapped, wherein the first contact surface 101 may form a part of the groove. The projection 121 and the stopper 122 may also define another groove in the housing part 3a, into which the second end of the spring plate 1a may be snapped, wherein the second contact surface 102 may form a part of the another groove.

[0083] By forming locking means 110, 120 in the region of the two contact surfaces 101, 102 (preferably by means of projections 111, 121, also in combination with optional stops 112, 122), a (particularly axial) positive positioning can be formed for the spring plates 1a, 1b. Due to this positive positioning, the spring plates 1a, 1b can be mounted in a stable manner, in particular positioned in an axially defined manner in a direction parallel to the main axis 9 of the clamping device 10, so that the spring plates 1a, 1b are no longer positioned primarily on the basis of the axial pressing force within the housing parts 3a, 3b. Since the position (axially) of each spring plate 1a, 1b of the spring 1 is clearly defined, the curvature of the spring plates 1a, 1b in the stress-free state is also configured in a clear and desired manner.

[0084] Due to the presence of the locking devices 110, 120, the two spring plates 1a, 1b can be arranged more precisely in the clamping device 10 with a well-defined uniform spacing from each other in the housing 3. The spring plates 1a, 1b can be positioned by the locking devices 110, 120 with their longitudinal axes parallel to the clamping plane. The symmetrical functional structure achieved by the locking devices 110, 120 produces a symmetrical tension of the spring 1 over the entire circumference of the opening 14, resulting in a very effective uniform distribution of the clamping force around the object 5 in the clamping plane.

[0085] Thus, the opening and closing functions can be realized symmetrically and more reliably by the locking means 110 , 120 on the circumference of the opening 14 . Thus, possible undesired radial or axial movements of the housing 3 do not lead to undesired axial or radial geometric displacements of the clamping surface 7 .

[0086] In addition to producing the described forced axial positioning for the spring plate, the locking device also has the beneficial effect that, due to the clear axial positioning of the spring plate, against which the insert plate rests or is also determined by the axial positioning of the spring plate, the axial positioning of the insert plate is also more accurately axially defined. As a result, the displacement of the volume in the inner space by the insert plate is more accurately axially defined, uniformly arranged along the spring plate and axially symmetrical, which has a beneficial effect on the desired constant, uniform and axially symmetrical dynamic characteristics of each spring plate.

[0087] The inventors have found that the locking means 110, 120, in particular the projections 111, 121, in addition to the insert plate 100, in addition to the axially clear and symmetrical positioning of the housing interior, also achieve an improved sealing effect between the spring plates 1a, 1b and between each of the two housing parts 3a, 3b and the corresponding plate 1a, 1b of the spring 1. These improved sealing effects of the insert plate and the locking means are particularly advantageous, in particular when compressed air is additionally applied to the inner and outer pressure spaces 2, 4 to convert the clamping device into the other of the two states. The insert plate 100 and the locking means 110, 120, in particular the projections 111, 121, bring about contact between the rubber coatings of the plates 1a, 1b and between the rubber coating of each plate 1a, 1b and the corresponding housing part 3a, 3b, thereby greatly improving the sealing effect.

[0088] By providing the locking means 110, 120, in particular the projections 111, 121, the inventors have found other additional advantages. For example, by defining the position of the rubber spring plates 1a, 1b by adjusting the rubber thickness around the spring plates, a targeted spring plate travel limitation can be achieved to prevent incorrect use (e.g. zero crossing) at excessively high working pressures (in particular with a pressure intensifier), and similarly, the pressure medium requirement (volume) is reduced, and the opening and closing speed of the clamping device 10 is increased. These advantages can also be achieved by the insert plate 100.

[0089] However, when the advantages of the insert plate are realized, the advantages of the locking device do not necessarily have to be realized at the same time. Regardless of whether a particularly preferred locking device is used in the housing part, the clamping and / or braking device of the present invention will have an insert plate 100.

[0090] Figure 7 Shows that there is Figure 6B A preferred embodiment of the clamping and / or braking device according to the invention of the central housing part, ie it has an optional locking device 120 with an optional protrusion 121 .

[0091] The figure shows a housing part 3a or 3b with a corresponding spring plate 1a or 1b and an insert plate 100 which is arranged between the spring plate and the housing part 3a or 3b. Figure 7 The housing part shown is between spring plates of another housing part opposite to the housing part.

[0092] If a force F1 is generated by ventilating or applying a pressure medium in the second (inner) pressure space 2, which bends the spring plate 1a or 1b, the bending of the spring plate will generate a spring force F2, with which one end of the spring plate will be pressed against the second contact surface 102. In the preferred embodiment shown here by way of example, the spring plate is pressed against the second contact surface 102 in the area between the second stop 122 (which can also be part of the locking device 120) and the first protrusion 121 (which can also be part of the locking device 120). However, the stop, the protrusion and the locking device are optional.

[0093] The spring force F2 acting on the second contact surface 102 ensures an elastic deformation of the clamping element 8. The clamping element 8 can be elastic, so that the clamping element forms a lever arm 8a, which is configured to produce the elastic deformation by pressing the spring plate 1a or 1b against the second contact surface 102 of the housing part 3a or 3b with the spring force F2, thereby Figure 7The pivot point D can be located in the region of the end of the lever arm 8a of the housing parts 3a, 3b opposite to the end 8b, for example in Figure 7 The spring force F2 acts on the second contact surface 102, which here deviates from and faces the clamping surface 7, so that the lever arm 8a rotates about the pivot point D, and the end 8b of the lever arm 8a moves toward the object 5 to be clamped. In this case, the end 8b moves the radial stroke H2 toward the object to be clamped, and the clamping surface 7 contacts the object to be clamped. Thus, the bending force F1 generates the spring force F2, which in turn generates the clamping force F3, which acts on the object 5 to be clamped in the region of the end 8b of the lever arm 8a of the clamping element 8 through the clamping surface 7, and clamps the object 5. At this time, the device is switched to the closed state.

[0094] In this case, the insert plate 100 allows the length L2 of the lever arm 8a to be configured longer than the lever arm length L1 of a conventional clamping device. A greater radial stroke H2 than the radial stroke H1 in the prior art can be achieved by a greater length L2. This means that the above-mentioned advantages of a longer lever arm 8a and a greater radial stroke H2 can be achieved without increasing the volume of the region of the inner space 13 of the clamping device 10, thereby reducing the closing and opening speed of the clamping device 10. Therefore, the dynamic characteristics of the spring plates 1a, 1b can remain unchanged as required. In this case, L2 / L1=H2 / H1 can be (approximately). The value of L2 / L1 or H2 / H1 can be at least 1.3, at least 1.4, at least 1.5 or at least 1.7, or preferably in the range of 1.3 to 2.2 or 1.4 to 2.2 or 1.4 to 2.0 or 1.4 to 1.7 or 1.3 to 1.8.

[0095] As described above, in the device 10 having the insert plate 100, the distance A2 between the second stopper 122 and the second annular edge 12b may preferably be 3 mm to 6 mm, 4 mm to 5 mm or approximately 4.7 mm, which is greater than the corresponding distance A1 in the conventional device 10 without the insert plate.

[0096] Preferably, the second protrusion 121 or the step 121 or the slope 121 of the second protrusion can be arranged at a position where the distance V2 from the second annular edge 12b on the second contact surface 102 of the shell part is 2 mm to 6 mm, 3 mm to 5 mm, 3 mm to 4 mm or about 3.2 mm as described above, wherein V2 is greater than the corresponding distance V1 in the conventional device 10 without the insertion plate.

[0097] pass Figure 7The combination of insert plate 100 and lever arm 8a described within the scope of the preferred embodiment of the present invention can reduce wear and at the same time make the clamping operation more effective without negatively affecting the dynamic properties of the spring plate.

[0098] Preferred embodiments of the subject matter claimed in the following claims are described in the specification and drawings. The optional features disclosed in the above description, claims and drawings can be used alone or in any combination to implement the subject matter claimed herein in various configurations according to the attached claims.

[0099] The above aspects and embodiments can be combined to form other embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the embodiments according to the above detailed description. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be interpreted as limiting the claims to the specific aspects and embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but should be interpreted to include all possible embodiments and the full range of equivalents to which these claims are entitled.

Claims

1. A clamping and / or braking device (10) for clamping and / or braking an object (5) to be clamped and / or braked, the clamping and / or braking device (10) comprising: A housing (3) comprising a first housing portion (3a) and a second housing portion (3b), wherein the first housing portion (3a) and the second housing portion (3b) both comprise an annular recess (11), the annular recess (11) defining a first contact surface (101) and a second contact surface (102) of one of the first housing portion (3a) and the second housing portion (3b) corresponding to the annular recess (11), and wherein the first housing portion (3a) and the second housing portion (3b) are arranged opposite to each other and fastened to each other, so that the annular recess (11) of the first housing portion (3a) and the annular recess (11) of the second housing portion (3b) together form an internal space (13) in the housing (3); A spring (1) is arranged in the inner space (13) and comprises a first annular spring plate (1a) and a second annular spring plate (1b), wherein the first annular spring plate (1a) is clamped between the first contact surface (101) and the second contact surface (102) of the first housing part (3a) in the annular recess (11) of the first housing part (3a), and wherein the second annular spring plate (1b) is clamped between the first contact surface (101) and the second contact surface (102) of the second housing part (3b) in the annular recess (11) of the second housing part (3b); and At least one clamping element (8), wherein each clamping element (8) has a clamping surface (7), and the clamping surface (7) is designed to transmit a clamping and / or braking force to the object (5) to be clamped and / or braked when the first end of one of the first annular spring plate (1a) and the second annular spring plate (1b) is supported on the first contact surface (101) of one of the first housing part (3a) and the second housing part (3b), and the second end of the one annular spring plate is pressed on the second contact surface (102) of the one housing part, The first annular spring plate (1a) and the second annular spring plate (1b) are arranged in the inner space (13), so that at least one pressure space (2, 4) is formed in the inner space (13), and the pressure space (2, 4) is at least partially delimited by the first annular spring plate (1a) and the second annular spring plate (1b), wherein the pressure space (2, 4) is ventilated or exhaustible, and the positive pressure of the pressure medium that can be supplied to the housing (3) can act on the pressure space (2, 4), wherein the first annular spring plate (1a) and the second annular spring plate ( 1b) is arranged relative to the at least one pressure space (2, 4) so ​​that by venting or exhausting the pressure space (2, 4) or by applying a positive pressure to the pressure space (2, 4), the bending of at least one of the first annular spring plate (1a) and the second annular spring plate (1b) is variable, so that the clamping and / or braking device (10) can be changed between an open state and a closed state, wherein in the open state, the object (5) is spaced apart from the clamping surface (7), and in the closed state, one or more of the clamping surfaces (7) transmit a clamping and / or braking force to the object (5), The invention is characterized in that the clamping and / or braking device (10) further comprises at least one insert plate (100), which is arranged between the first annular spring plate (1a) and the second annular spring plate (1b) in the inner space (13).

2. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The insert plate (100) extends between the respective first contact surface (101) and the respective second contact surface (102) in each of the first housing part (3a) and the second housing part (3b).

3. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The insert plate is annular.

4. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The insert plate (100) is rigid.

5. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The clamping surface (7) is on the first side of the clamping element (8), and the second contact surface (102) of one of the first shell part (3a) and the second shell part (3b) is on the second side of the clamping element (8), and the second side is preferably facing away from the first side and / or opposite to the first side.

6. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The clamping element (8) is elastic so that the clamping element (8) forms a lever arm (8a), and the lever arm (8a) is designed to be elastically deformed by pressing at least one of the first annular spring plate (1a) and the second annular spring plate (1b) onto the second contact surface (102) of at least one of the first housing part (3a) and the second housing part (3b), and rotate around a pivot point (D) so that the clamping surface (7) of the clamping element (8) transmits the clamping and / or braking force to the object (5) to be clamped and / or braked.

7. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that The lever arm (8a) is designed such that during the rotation of the lever arm (8a) about the pivot point (D), the end (8b) of the lever arm (8a) moves a radial stroke (H2) towards the object (5).

8. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that The length (L2) of the lever arm (8a) from the pivot point (D) to the end (8b) of the lever arm (8a) is selected so that the radial stroke (H2) is at least 0.13 mm, preferably at least 0.15 mm, particularly preferably at least 0.17 mm.

9. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that The length (L2) of the lever arm (8a) from the pivot point (D) to the end (8b) of the lever arm (8a) is 4 mm to 8 mm, 5 mm to 7 mm, 6 mm to 7 mm or approximately 6.6 mm.

10. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The annular recess (11) of each of the first housing portion (3a) and the second housing portion (3b) defines an annular opening (12) in each housing portion, wherein the annular opening (12) is formed between a first annular edge (12a) and a second annular edge (12b) of each housing portion, wherein the first contact surface (101) of each housing part is delimited by the first annular edge (12a) of each housing part and a first stopper (112), so that when one of the first annular spring plate (1a) and the second annular spring plate (1b) is inserted from the outside through the first annular edge (12a) into the annular recess (11) of each housing part, the first stopper (112) prevents one of the first annular spring plate (1a) and the second annular spring plate (1b) from being inserted deeper into the annular recess (11), preferably, the distance (A2) between the first stopper (112) and the first annular edge (12a) is 3 mm to 6 mm, 4 mm to 5 mm or about 4.7 mm; and / or Wherein, the second contact surface (102) of each shell part is bounded by the second annular edge (12b) and the second stopper (122) of each shell part, so that when one of the first annular spring plate (1a) and the second annular spring plate (1b) is inserted into the annular recess (11) of each shell part from the outside through the second annular edge (12b), the second stopper (122) prevents one of the first annular spring plate (1a) and the second annular spring plate (1b) from being inserted deeper into the annular recess (11), preferably, the distance (A2) between the second stopper (122) and the second annular edge (12b) is 3 mm to 6 mm, 4 mm to 5 mm or about 4.7 mm.

11. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Each of the first housing part (3a) and the second housing part (3b) comprises a first locking device (110) and a second locking device (120), wherein the corresponding annular spring plate of the first annular spring plate (1a) and the second annular spring plate (1b) is clamped between the first contact surface (101) and the second contact surface (102) of each housing part in the annular recess (11) of each housing part, so that the first locking device (110) locks the first end of the corresponding annular spring plate to the first contact surface (101), and the second locking device (120) locks the second end of the corresponding annular spring plate to the second contact surface (102).

12. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that The first locking device (110) comprises a first protrusion (111) and a first stopper (112) of the first contact surface (101), and the first protrusion (111) and the first stopper (112) jointly lock the first end of the corresponding annular spring plate between the first protrusion (111) and the first stopper (112) in the region of the first contact surface (101); and / or the second locking device (120) comprises a second protrusion (121) and a second stopper (122) of the second contact surface (102), and the second protrusion (121) and the second stopper (122) jointly lock the second end of the corresponding annular spring plate between the second protrusion (121) and the second stopper (122) in the region of the second contact surface (102).

13. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that The first protrusion (111) includes a step or a slope, and / or the second protrusion (121) includes a step or a slope.

14. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that In the region of the annular recess (11), the first protrusion (111) is arranged on the first contact surface (101) of the corresponding first housing part (3a) or the second housing part (3b) between the first annular edge (12a) and the first stop (112), preferably, in the region of the annular recess (11), the first protrusion (111) or the step or slope of the first protrusion is arranged on the first contact surface (101) of the corresponding first housing part (3a) or the second housing part (3b) at a distance (V2) of 2 mm to 6 mm, 3 mm to 5 mm, 3 mm to 4 mm or about 3.2 mm from the first annular edge (12a); and / or In the area of ​​the annular recess (11), the second protrusion (121) is arranged on the second contact surface (102) of the corresponding first shell part (3a) or the second shell part (3b) between the second annular edge (12b) and the second stop (122). Preferably, in the area of ​​the annular recess (11), the second protrusion (121) or the step or slope of the second protrusion is arranged on the second contact surface (102) of the corresponding first shell part (3a) or the second shell part (3b) at a distance (V2) of 2 mm to 6 mm, 3 mm to 5 mm, 3 mm to 4 mm or about 3.2 mm from the second annular edge (12b).

15. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one pressure space comprises a first pressure space (4), which is arranged outside the spring (1) and between at least one of the first annular spring plate (1a) and the second annular spring plate (1b) and the housing (3).

16. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 15, characterized in that The first annular spring plate (1a) is designed to reduce the bending of the first annular spring plate (1a) by ventilating the first pressure space (4) or by applying positive pressure to the first pressure space (4), so that when the first end of the first annular spring plate (1a) is supported on the first contact surface (101) of the first housing part (3a), the second end of the first annular spring plate (1a) is pressed against the second contact surface (102) of the first housing part (3a), so that the clamping and / or braking force is transmitted from the clamping surface (7) of the clamping element (8) to the object (5) to be clamped and / or braked, and the clamping and / or braking device (10) changes from the closed state to the open state; and / or, The second annular spring plate (1b) is designed to reduce the bending of the second annular spring plate (1b) by ventilating the first pressure space (4) or by applying positive pressure to the first pressure space (4), so that when the first end of the second annular spring plate (1b) is supported on the first contact surface (101) of the second housing part (3b), the second end of the second annular spring plate (1b) is pressed against the second contact surface (102) of the second housing part (3a), so that the clamping and / or braking force is transmitted from the clamping surface (7) of the clamping element (8) to the object (5) to be clamped and / or braked, and the clamping and / or braking device (10) changes from the closed state to the open state.

17. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 15 to 16, characterized in that The clamping and / or braking device (10) is designed such that: by ventilating the first pressure space (4) or applying positive pressure to the first pressure space (4), the first contact surface (101) and the second contact surface (102) of at least one of the first shell part (3a) and the second shell part (3b) move away from each other and / or the bending of at least one of the first annular spring plate (1a) and the second annular spring plate (1b) is reduced, thereby changing the clamping and / or braking device (10) from the closed state to the clamped state.

18. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one pressure space comprises one or more second pressure spaces (2), wherein the one or more second pressure spaces (2) are arranged inside the spring (1) and between each of the first annular spring plate (1a) and the second annular spring plate (1b) and the insert plate (100), 19. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 18, wherein: The clamping and / or braking device (10) is designed such that: by ventilating the one or more second pressure spaces (2) or by applying positive pressure to the one or more second pressure spaces (2), the first contact surface (101) and the second contact surface (102) of at least one of the first shell part (3a) and the second shell part (3b) move toward each other and / or the bending of at least one of the first annular spring plate (1a) and the second annular spring plate (1b) increases, thereby the clamping and / or braking device (10) changes from the closed state to the open state.

20. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that A separate second pressure space (2) is formed between the insert plate (100) and each of the first annular spring plate (1a) and the second annular spring plate (1b), and pressure medium can be applied separately to the separate second pressure space (2) from the outside; or, the area of ​​the internal space between the insert plate (100) and each of the first annular spring plate (1a) and the second annular spring plate (1b) jointly forms a second pressure space (2), and pressure medium can be applied to the second pressure space (2) from the outside.

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