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 which defines a first contact face and a second contact face 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 recesses of the first and second housing parts together form an inner space within the housing; a spring arranged in the inner 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 between the first contact face and the second contact face of the first housing part and the second annular spring plate is clamped in the annular recess of the second housing part between the first contact face and the second contact face of the second housing part; and at least one clamping element, wherein each clamping element has a clamping face which is designed to transmit a clamping and / or braking force to the object to be clamped and / or braked when a first end of one annular spring plate is supported on the first contact face of one housing part and a second end of the annular spring plate is pressed on the second contact face of the housing part, wherein the first and second annular spring plates are arranged within the inner space such that at least one pressure space is formed in the inner space which is at least partially delimited by the first and second annular spring plates, which pressure space can be vented or evacuated and to which a positive pressure of a pressure medium supplied to the housing can act, wherein the first and second annular spring plates are arranged relative to the at least one pressure space such that by venting or evacuating the pressure space or by acting on the pressure space with a positive pressure, the bending of at least one annular spring plate can be changed, thereby changing the clamping and / or braking device between an open state in which the at least one clamping face is spaced apart from the object and a closed state in which one or more of the at least one clamping face 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 inner 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, processing machines are used, in particular work spindles or other machine tools, which process material from a workpiece using a tool fixed to an axis, in particular to form it into the desired shape. This axis can be a rotating or pivoting axis of such a machine. Furthermore, rotatable or pivoting worktables are used, via which the tool or workpiece is positioned in the appropriate processing position or moved at the appropriate speed. Precise and efficient processing requires, in particular, high axis rotational speeds. Therefore, emergency or safety systems have the task of stopping the axis in the event of a system malfunction or failure (e.g., power failure or cable break) or of securing it by holding it in a fixed position.

[0003] Conventional processing machines have electromagnetic, hydraulic, or pneumatic clamping and / or braking devices. These devices have friction linings that are frictionally connected to the shaft via force transmission. This allows the shaft to be held in place at different speeds.

[0004] In a hydraulic clamping device, a chamber is filled with hydraulic fluid and clamps a rotating shaft or disc. Passive hydraulic clamps are also known. However, these hydraulic clamps typically have a long response time, and reducing this time is very expensive. Furthermore, hydraulic materials, particularly valves and hoses, are expensive, requiring a long assembly time. Hydraulic fluid also incurs additional costs to maintain the cleanliness of the environment surrounding the hydraulic clamp.

[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] 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. The pressure chamber can be filled with compressed air or ventilated and exhausted to change the deflection of the spring plates, thereby switching the clamping device between a closed 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 point between the pneumatic clamping device and the object, and this wear should be reduced 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 wear is reduced at the contact between the pneumatic clamping and / or braking device and the object to be clamped and / or braked.

[0008] Said 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 within 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 by the first contact surface of the first housing part and the second contact surface of the second housing part in the annular recess of the first housing part. The invention also includes a first annular spring plate clamped between the first and second contact surfaces of the second housing portion in an annular recess of the second housing portion; and at least one clamping element, wherein each clamping element has a clamping surface configured to transmit a clamping and / or braking force to an object to be clamped and / or braked when a first end of one of the annular spring plates bears against the first contact surface of one of the housing portions and a second end of the one of the annular spring plates presses against the second contact surface of the one of the housing portions. The annular spring plates are disposed within the interior space such that at least one pressure space is formed within the interior space, the pressure space being at least partially defined by the annular spring plates. The pressure space is ventilable or ventilable and can be acted upon by a positive pressure of a pressure medium supplied to the housing. The annular spring plates are disposed relative to the at least one pressure space, and by venting or venting the pressure space or applying a positive pressure to the pressure space, a degree of deflection of the at least one annular spring plate can be varied, thereby changing the clamping and / or braking device between an open state and a closed state. In the open state, the clamping surfaces (7) are spaced apart from the object, and in the closed state, one or more of the at least one clamping surfaces transmits a clamping and / or braking force to the object. The clamping and / or braking device further comprises at least one insert plate, which is arranged between the first annular spring plate and the second annular spring plate in the interior space.

[0010] Based on the inventors' discoveries, the present invention introduces at least one insert plate between two annular spring plates, allowing the clamping and / or braking device to be configured thicker or wider in the axial direction without altering the dynamic properties 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 adversely affecting the volume available for pressure medium between the annular spring plates, which in turn would alter the opening and closing speeds of the annular spring plates and their dynamic properties. By implementing an axially thicker or wider clamping and / or braking device, the contact surface (clamping surface) between the device and the object is increased in the closed state, reducing wear at the interface between the object and the device. Furthermore, the larger contact surface (clamping surface) allows for more effective clamping and / or braking of the object. Overall, this results in more durable and effective clamping and / or braking of the object. Furthermore, the insert plate allows for the manufacture of an axially thicker or wider device using existing materials and processes, without incurring significant additional manufacturing costs.

[0011] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, an insert plate (preferably a single and / or integral insert plate) extends in each housing part between the corresponding first contact surface and the corresponding second contact surface, which results in the effect of the insert plate being distributed across both housing parts. In particular, the volume displacement of the insert plate occurs (e.g., uniformly) in both housing parts, thereby preserving the dynamic properties of each spring plate as much as possible. Preferably, the thickness of the insert plate in each housing part is approximately half of its total thickness, which promotes a 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, allowing the thickness of the device to be increased by the same amount without impairing or altering the dynamic properties of the spring plates, and also allowing a corresponding extension of the contact surface (clamping surface) between the device and the object in the axial direction, which facilitates conventional use of the clamping and / or braking device.

[0012] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the at least one pressure space includes one or more second pressure spaces, wherein the one or more second pressure spaces are disposed within 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 pressure medium can be applied from the outside, or a region of the interior space between the insert plate and each of the two spring plates can collectively form a second pressure space, to which pressure medium can be applied from the outside. The clamping and / or braking device can be configured such that, by venting the one or more second pressure spaces or applying a positive pressure to the one or more second pressure spaces, the first and second contact surfaces of at least one of the two housing parts move toward each other and / or the degree of deflection of at least one of the spring plates increases, thereby causing the device to transition from a closed state to an open state without significantly altering the dynamic characteristics of the spring plates due to the insert plate. The inventors have recognized that without the insert plate, the larger volume of the second pressure space due to the greater axial thickness or width of the device would alter the dynamic characteristics of the spring plates. If the rubber coating of the spring plates or the spring plates themselves were configured thicker to replace the insert plate, this would also alter the dynamic characteristics of the spring plates, resulting in adverse effects.

[0013] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the insert plate is designed to be rigid and / or floating, thereby ensuring a defined resistance of the spring plates. The spring plates are preferably rubber-coated on the inner and outer diameters as well as at the connections for ventilation / exhaustion and inflation with compressed air, thereby achieving an improved sealing effect in the area 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 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 present invention, the clamping element has elasticity, so that the clamping element forms a lever arm. The lever arm is configured to be elastically deformed by pressing the at least one spring plate against the second contact surface of the 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. Because 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. 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] A longer lever arm increases the holding torque acting on the object for the same (axial) deflection of the spring plate. On the one hand, a longer lever arm itself creates a greater holding torque. On the other hand, the holding torque is also increased because the longer lever arm of the clamping element strikes the object earlier during the closing operation. In this earlier strike, the spring plate bends to a greater degree or relaxes less. Consequently, a greater residual spring force (caused by the restoring force of the spring plate) acts on the second contact surface, resulting in 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 creates a larger and / or more effective contact surface (clamping surface at the end of the lever arm) between the clamping element and the object, further reducing wear on the object and the device. This wear-reducing effect achieved through a larger and / or more effective contact surface (clamping surface) complements the wear-reducing effect achieved through a larger contact surface achieved through 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 provide a more secure and longer-lasting clamping and / or braking of an object through a greater holding torque and lower wear.

[0017] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the lever arm is configured such that during its rotation about the pivot point, the end of the lever arm moves closer to the object through a radial stroke. By making the lever arm longer, a greater radial stroke can be achieved—for the same degree of (axial) bending of the spring plate—with the increase in radial stroke being substantially proportional to the increase in the length of the lever arm. A greater radial stroke can avoid unwanted frictional contact and thus excessive wear. Such unwanted frictional contact can arise, for example, from larger-than-expected object (e.g., a shaft), which can create a risk of grinding the clamping surfaces even when the device is open, or from thermal changes in the object and / or parts of the clamping device during operation, causing the clamping surfaces to grind against the object. Consequently, damage or wear can occur on the object and / or the clamping surfaces. Therefore, a greater radial stroke enables the device to clamp and / or brake a wide range of objects of varying sizes, such as shafts of varying thicknesses. Furthermore, thermally induced wear can be avoided. The length of the lever arm from the pivot point to the end of the lever arm is preferably selected so 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 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 greater 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 portion defines an annular opening in the housing portion, wherein the annular opening is formed between a first annular edge of the housing portion and a second annular edge of the housing portion. A first contact surface of each housing portion is defined by the first annular edge of the housing portion and a first stopper of the housing portion, such that when one of the spring plates enters the annular recess of the housing portion from the outside through the first annular edge, the first stopper forms an obstacle that prevents the spring plate from entering deeper into the annular recess. Preferably, the distance between the first stopper and the first annular edge is 3 mm to 6 mm, 4 mm to 5 mm, or approximately 4.7 mm; and / or, a second contact surface of each housing portion is defined by the second annular edge of the housing portion and a second stopper of the housing portion, such that when one of the spring plates enters the annular recess of the housing portion from the outside through the second annular edge, the second stopper forms an obstacle that prevents the spring plate from entering deeper into the annular recess. Preferably, the distance between the second stopper and the second annular edge is 3 mm to 6 mm, 4 mm to 5 mm, or approximately 4.7 mm. Such one or more stop members make the positioning of the spring plate more reliable and the spring force of the spring plate more effectively directed 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 achieved more effectively.

[0019] According to a preferred aspect of the present application, each housing part comprises a first locking device and a second locking device, wherein the respective spring plate is clamped between the first contact face and the second contact face of the housing part in the annular recess of the housing part, such that the first locking device locks the first end of the respective spring plate on the first contact face and the second locking device locks the second end of the respective spring plate on the second contact face. The above-mentioned aspect of the present application is based on the inventors' finding that the axial positioning of the spring plate within 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 realized that hitherto the axial positioning of the spring plate during assembly mainly depends on the axial press-in pressure, so that the spring plate can easily be in different axial positions within the housing. The inventors have realized that, in order to reliably achieve the symmetrical opening and closing function required for the clamping and / or braking device, a clear and symmetrical positioning of the spring plate within the housing should be reliably achieved. Hitherto, such a clear and symmetrical positioning of the spring plate within the housing has placed high demands on the axial press-in of the spring into the housing during assembly and has proven to be difficult and expensive in practice.

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

[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 face, 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 face, in particular during operation of the clamping and / or braking device.

[0022] The effect of the locking devices during assembly has also been proven in practice, their presence even simplifies the assembly of the spring plate. In addition, the locking devices also bring about further advantages of the type described below, for example, an improved sealing within the housing, so that the locking devices have a multitude 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 includes a first protrusion and a first stop on the first contact surface, which together lock the first end of the corresponding spring plate between the first protrusion and the first stop in the first contact surface area, and / or the second locking device includes a second protrusion and a second stop on the second contact surface, which together lock the second end of the corresponding spring plate between the second protrusion and the second stop in the second contact surface area. This embodiment of the first and second locking devices achieves particularly effective and symmetrical locking of the spring plate, which also facilitates insertion of the spring plate into the housing portion and does not require additional components or materials for the housing, thereby facilitating production and assembly.

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

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

[0026] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, a first protrusion can be positioned between a first annular edge on the first contact surface of the corresponding housing portion in the annular recess and the first stop. Preferably, the first protrusion, or a step or ramp of the first protrusion, can be positioned at a distance of 2 mm to 6 mm, 3 mm to 5 mm, 3 mm to 4 mm, or approximately 3.2 mm from the first annular edge on the first contact surface of the housing portion in the annular recess. Furthermore, a second protrusion can be positioned between a second annular edge on the second contact surface of the corresponding housing portion in the annular recess and the second stop. Preferably, the second protrusion, or a step or ramp of the second protrusion, can be positioned at a distance of 2 mm to 6 mm, 3 mm to 5 mm, 3 mm to 4 mm, or approximately 3.2 mm from the second annular edge on the second contact surface of the housing portion in the recess. This arrangement of one or more protrusions enables more reliable and effective locking and allows the spring force of a spring plate of conventional thickness and any rubber coating present on the spring plate to be directed to the object, thereby enabling the spring plate to have a symmetrical and effective opening and closing function. This spacing also allows the aforementioned particularly advantageous radial travel of the spring plate to be more effectively achieved.

[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. A height transition (e.g., a step or a ramp) of the first protrusion 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 on the inner side of the housing part in the region of the annular recess, and the first protrusion may extend beyond this 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. A height transition (e.g., a step or ramp) of the second projection can be located on the second 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 second projection can preferably be provided on the second contact surface on the inner side of the housing part in the region of the annular recess, and the second projection can extend beyond this distance. The second projection can extend continuously from the second annular edge to the height transition. This arrangement of the projection, step, or ramp is particularly advantageous for, on the one hand, ensuring reliable positioning of the spring plate within the annular recess or housing according to conventional operating parameters of the clamping device, and, on the other hand, for 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 they are particularly outstanding preferred embodiments of the subject matter claimed and can be combined with each claim or with each other as needed. 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] FIG. 5A shows a cross-section of a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the invention in a three-dimensional view.

[0038] 5B to 5D show inventive variations of the housing portion shown in FIG. 5A .

[0039] Figures 6A to 6B A particularly preferred inventive variant of the housing part shown in FIG. 5A is shown in its lower region, respectively.

[0040] Figure 7 Shown with Figure 6BA particularly preferred embodiment of the clamping and / or braking device according to the invention is shown in the housing part.

[0041] The same components shown in multiple figures have the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] 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.

[0043] If the text refers to a device “clamping” or “clamping device”, “clamping force” or “clamping” process, this also includes a device “braking” or “braking device”, “braking force” or “braking” process.

[0044] Figure 1A 5A show a schematic cross-sectional view of a pneumatic clamping device 10 according to the invention, 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.

[0045] 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 Figures 6A to 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 jointly 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 3b between the first contact surface 101 and the second contact surface 102 of the second housing part 3b; at least one clamping element 8, each clamping element 8 having a clamping surface 7, said clamping surface 7 being used to apply the clamping and / or braking force F3 (see FIG3 ) 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 against the second contact surface 102 of one of the housing parts 3a, 3b. Figure 7) to the object 5 to be clamped and / or braked. Spring plates 1a, 1b are disposed within interior space 13, forming at least one pressure space 2, 4 within interior space 13 and at least partially bounded by spring plates 1a, 1b. Pressure spaces 2, 4 are ventilated or exhaustible and can be acted upon by a positive pressure of a pressure medium supplied to housing 3. Spring plates 1a, 1b are configured relative to the at least one pressure space 2, 4 so that by venting or exhausting pressure spaces 2, 4 or applying a positive pressure to pressure spaces 2, 4, the degree of deflection of at least one spring plate 1a, 1b can be varied, thereby changing the clamping and / or braking device 10 between an open state and a closed state. In the open state, the object 5 is not in contact with, and is spaced apart from, one or more clamping surfaces 7. In the closed state, one or more clamping surfaces 7 transmit a 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.

[0046] Figure 1A 、 1B 4A 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 it can be a component of the housing parts 3a, 3b that is structurally separate from the other parts.

[0047] Clamping force F3 (see Figure 7 ) or the clamping surface 7 on the clamped object 5 occurs in the 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 can be called the main axis of the clamping device 10, which extends in a direction perpendicular to the clamping plane. The clamping device 10 can be configured to be rotationally symmetrical around the main axis 9. The main axis 9 can approximately or exactly pass through the opening of the clamping device 10 (opening 14 in Figure 5B). In 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 towards 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 being directed radially outwards away from the main axis 9 (perpendicular to the main axis 9 ) in the clamping plane.

[0048] 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 in order to at least partially fill the opening 14, thereby replacing the object 5 to be clamped, through which component the spindle 9 extends.

[0049] exist Figure 1A In Figures 5A to 5A, the spring 1 is clamped between two contact surfaces (101 and 102 in Figures 5C and 5D) in the housing 3 of the clamping device 10 and extends between the two contact surfaces. Figures 1A to 2B In the pressure-free initial state of the device 10 in FIG. , the spring 1 can 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 the device 10 is in. 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, e.g., in an open state), the venting of the internal pressure space 2 of the spring 1 and the ventilation of the external pressure space 4 can lead to at least partial relaxation of the spring 1, while the spring 1 is pressed against radial contact surfaces, the distance of which is slightly increased, so that the housing 3 is elastically deformed in the area 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 the closed state, as shown 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.

[0050] 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 in the unstressed initial state and the spring force of the spring 1. In this equilibrium, the clamping surface 7 can be pressed against the object 5 with a clamping force F3, for example.

[0051] 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 the 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 "closure"), to which the compressed air pump 6 can be connected.

[0052] 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 (with sufficient pressure applied).

[0053] 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 .

[0054] Figure 2A and 2B Shown Figure 1A and 1B The clamping devices 10 in the housing 3 are each in an open state, wherein the clamping faces 7 do not contact the circumference of the object 5 or are spaced apart from the circumference of the object 5. The internal pressure space 2 can be connected to an air connection 1 (also called "open") via an opening in the housing 3, to which a compressed air pump 6 can be connected.

[0055] By applying compressed air (its 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 spring 1 or the distance between the two contact surfaces is radially shortened compared to the closed state. The clamping surface 7 is lifted off the object 5, releasing the clamp. The object 5 is free to move (e.g., rotated about the axis 9 or linearly along the axis 9), and the clamping device 10 is in the open state.

[0056] The device 10 can be switched back and forth between a closed state and an open state.

[0057] The pneumatic clamp 10 has many advantages over hydraulic clamps.

[0058] 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 open and closed states while simultaneously achieving secure clamping of an object 5. The spring 1 can preferably be configured as a plate, as shown in more detail in FIG5 , with two spring plates 1a, 1b stacked one on top of the other forming the spring 1 and the internal pressure chamber 2 of the spring 1 between the plates 1a, 1b. As shown in FIG5 , the spring plates 1a, 1b can also be annular and can optionally additionally have radial grooves, allowing their inner diameter to be varied with particularly low forces. The spring plates 1a, 1b can be coated with rubber, at least in the region of the grooves, to create the necessary seal 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 embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1A and 2A A similar three-dimensional view of a clamping device 10 .

[0059] By filling or applying compressed air to the external pressure space 4 and exhausting the internal pressure space 2, as Figure 1A As 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 immediately braked, thereby providing a secure clamping force. 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, as shown. Figure 1A As shown, compressed air can be applied via a pressure pump 6 (booster). Here, compressed air at a pressure of a few Pa (e.g., 4 Pa ​​or 6 Pa) is sufficient to provide several times the holding torque achieved without a booster. This utilizes the fact that when the clamp 10 switches between the open and closed positions, a small transverse deflection (perpendicular to their longitudinal axis) of the spring plates 1a, 1b generates a large spring force, which can be used to clamp or release the prestressed clamping device 10. Consequently, even rapidly rotating machine shafts 5 can be reliably clamped and released.

[0060] The cost and assembly expenses of pneumatic materials are also lower than those of hydraulic materials, and because compressed air is used, there is no need for additional expenses to ensure the cleanliness of the system. This type of 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.

[0061] For pneumatic clamps, in principle they are divided into Figures 1A to 2B The passive clamping device 10 shown and Figures 3A to 4B The active clamping device 10 is shown.

[0062] In its unpressurized initial state, spring 1 can bend to varying degrees (laterally) and, therefore, shorten radially to varying degrees. The interior of housing 3 can accommodate or define the curvature of spring plates 1a, 1b. The corresponding stop surfaces for spring plates 1a, 1b can be formed, for example, by the housing's inner wall. The housing's inner wall can be configured to complement (e.g., be concave) the curvature (e.g., convex) of spring plates 1a, 1b.

[0063] 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 an initial state without pressure, so that when clamped or the pressure drops, 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.

[0064] In the case of the active clamping device 10, in the initial state without pressure ( Figure 3A 、 3B ), spring 1 flexes laterally outward to a greater extent than with a passive clamping device, specifically convexing more, thereby shortening the distance between the two radial contact surfaces and opening clamp 10. Clamping surfaces 7 exert no clamping force on object 5. Because clamping surfaces 7 do not contact object 5 or are spaced apart from it, the object is free.

[0065] Due to the plastic deformation of the spring plates 1a, 1b, the spring 1 can bend laterally outward to a greater extent in the same unstressed initial state within the housing 3, thereby achieving a greater radial shortening than with a passive clamping device. This reduced radial extension of the spring plates 1a, 1b in the unstressed initial state allows the clamping device 10 to be in an open position in the unstressed initial state. Even under plastic deformation, the spring plates 1a, 1b elastically bend and press against the contact surface, thereby securing the spring in 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.

[0066] In this case, the clamping force must be actively introduced from the outside, e.g. Figure 4A and 4BAs shown, the clamp is switched to the closed state. At this point, compressed air is introduced into the external pressure space 4 via the compressed air pump 6, thereby applying the compressed air from the outside to the spring 1, causing the spring 1 to actively relax, reducing the curvature of the spring 1 and increasing the distance between the two contact surfaces. Furthermore, the housing 3 elastically deforms in the area of ​​the clamping element 8 or the clamping surface 7, causing the clamping surface 7 to contact the object 5 and generate a clamping force on the object 5, securely clamping the object 5. The active clamping device 10 is thus in the closed state.

[0067] Therefore, depending on the application and the required safety regulations, either an active or passive clamping system 10 can be used. If secure clamping is primarily required, a passive clamping device is typically used. This pneumatic passive clamping system allows a predetermined clamping force to be generated and felt by the object 5 being clamped, even in a pressure-free state. By applying positive or negative pressure, the force transmitted to the object can be increased, reduced, or even eliminated, opening up a wide range of applications. On the other hand, if the clamping device is primarily used for delicate work, such as changing tools, an active clamping device is typically used.

[0068] As shown in FIG5A , the housing 3 of the clamping device 10 of the present invention comprises two housing parts 3a and 3b, which are preferably fastened to one another by fastening means (e.g., screws) and are mounted such that, in the mounted state, the two housing parts 3a and 3b define an interior space 13 between the housing parts 3a and 3b within the housing 3, wherein the spring 1, along with its annular spring plates 1a and 1b and an insert plate (not shown in FIG5A ) between the spring plates 1a and 1b, is disposed. Each housing part 3a and 3b defines a recess 11, which is also annular and is adapted to accommodate the annular spring plates 1a and 1b, as shown in FIG5A and 5B . At least a portion of the first contact surface 101 may extend (substantially) perpendicular to the radial direction R of the annular recess 11, and / or a portion of the second contact surface 102 may extend (substantially) perpendicular to the radial direction R of the annular recess 11.

[0069] An opening 14 ( FIG. 5B ) passes through the center of the housing 3 , into which the object 5 to be clamped (e.g. a shaft) can be inserted. The housing can extend 360° around the opening and at least partially surround the object 5 in at least one plane, referred to as 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.

[0070] 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, thereby clamping the object 5. In order for the clamping device 10 to effectively open and close 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. An 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 so that the projection within the clamping plane is circular. The clamping surface 7 is preferably configured so that the projection within the clamping plane is circular. 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 (for example, the center of the opening 14), either individually or in combination.

[0071] FIG5B shows one of the two housing parts 3a, 3b (here, the upper housing part 3a in FIG5A ) and one of the two spring plates 1a, 1b of spring 1. The illustrated spring plate 1a of spring 1 extends from a first contact surface 101 within housing part 3a to, and can contact, a second contact surface 102 within housing part 3a. As seen from the center of opening 14, first contact surface 101 is located radially outward from second contact surface 102.

[0072] FIG5C shows a cross section of the housing portion 3a shown in FIG5B , in which the upper plate 1a of the spring 1 abuts against, and preferably contacts, the first contact surface 101. FIG5D shows a cross section of the housing portion 3a shown in FIG5B , in which the upper plate 1a of the spring 1 abuts against, and preferably contacts, the second contact surface 102. However, one or more additional components may be radially disposed 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.

[0073] 5B to 5D, for simplified representation, the insert plate 100 of the present invention is shown in the housing portion 3a (see Figure 7) is also not shown. As shown in Figures 5B and 5D, the inner side surfaces of the housing portion 3a can be straight or flat, between which the spring plate 1a is clamped in the recess, with the insert plate extending between the inner side surfaces of the housing portion 3a. During assembly, each plate of the spring 1 is inserted through the opening 12 into the corresponding recess 11 of the housing portion, along the straight or flat inner surface of the housing portion 3a, in the direction of the main axis 9 of the clamping device 10. The plate is inserted along the straight or flat inner surface of the housing portion 3a until it abuts against stops 112, 122 at the ends of each of the two contact surfaces 101, 102, preventing further insertion into the recess 11. Because the radial extension of the spring plate 1a in the clamping plane or annular recess is greater than the extension of the interior space defined by the housing portion, the plate 1a is bent or prestressed in its unpressurized initial state. The insert plate is placed on the spring plate.

[0074] However, as has been shown above, the plates 1a, 1b of the spring 1 are positioned during assembly based on the axial insertion force and are not always positioned axially in the same manner within the housing parts 3a, 3b. The spring plates 1a, 1b may be tilted, inserted into the housing parts at different depths, or bent to varying degrees. Varying the positioning of the plates 1a, 1b within the housing parts, which are crucial for the opening and closing functions of the clamping device 10, can lead to variations in these functions. In particular, the clamping force distribution along the circumference of the clamping surface or opening within the clamping plane may be asymmetrical, which is detrimental to effective and lasting clamping and the preservation of the integrity of the object.

[0075] Figure 6A and 6B The lower area of ​​the clamping device 10 of the present invention is shown in FIG. 5C and FIG. 5D , and is compared with the housing portion shown in FIG. 5C and FIG. 5D . Figure 6A and 6B The housing part shown in Figures 5C and 5D is shown again in the upper area of ​​.

[0076] The housing parts 3a, 3b preferably include 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 serves to clamp one of the annular spring plates 1a, 1b between the first contact surface 101 and the second contact surface 102 of the housing parts 3a, 3b. The housing parts 3a, 3b further include a clamping element 8 having a clamping surface 7 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 between the first contact surface 101 and the second contact surface 102. The first end of the spring plates 1a, 1b rests 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 the second end of the spring plates 1a, 1b presses against the second contact surface 102. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, compared to Figures 5B-5D, Figure 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.

[0077] like Figure 6A As 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 in a defined manner in the direction of the main axis 9 after overcoming the projection 111 between the stop 112 and 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 region of FIG, is also preferably formed with a projection 121. The second end of the spring plate 1a must overcome this projection when inserted in a direction parallel to the main axis 9. The plate 1a is then positioned in a defined manner between the stop 122 and the projection 121 and locked in the aforementioned region 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 projection 121 can be stepped or ramp-shaped, or have some other shape that can perform the function of the projection 121.

[0078] 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 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. 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 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 ( Figure 6A 5B). The first protrusion 111 may protrude or project from the first contact surface 101 or relative to the first contact surface 101 (e.g., 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.

[0079] The second stopper 122 may extend longer in the radial direction R of the annular recess 11 than the second protrusion 121 ( Figure 6B 5B). The second protrusion 121 may protrude or project from the second contact surface 102 or relative to the second contact surface 102 (e.g., 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.

[0080] 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 the first contact surface 101 on the inside of the housing part 3a and project 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 the second contact surface 102 on the inside of the housing part and project into the recess 11 ( Figure 6A 、 6B ).

[0081] The projection 111 and the stop 112 may define a groove in the housing portion 3a, into which the first end of the spring plate 1a may be snapped, wherein the first contact surface 101 may form a portion of the groove. The projection 121 and the stop 122 may also define another groove in the housing portion 3a, into which the second end of the spring plate 1a may be snapped, wherein the second contact surface 102 may form a portion of the other groove.

[0082] By forming locking means 110, 120 in the region of the two contact surfaces 101, 102 (preferably by means of projections 111, 121, possibly in combination with optional stop elements 112, 122), a (particularly axial) positive positioning of the spring plates 1a, 1b is achieved. Due to this positive positioning, the spring plates 1a, 1b are mounted in a stable manner, in particular, positioned in an axially defined manner parallel to the main axis 9 of the clamping device 10, so that the positioning of the spring plates 1a, 1b within the housing parts 3a, 3b is no longer primarily dependent on the axial pressing force. Since the position (axial) of each spring plate 1a, 1b of the spring 1 is clearly defined, the curvature of the spring plates 1a, 1b in the unpressurized state is also configured in a well-defined and desired manner.

[0083] Thanks to the presence of the locking devices 110, 120, the two spring plates 1a, 1b can be positioned more precisely in the clamping device 10, with a well-defined, uniform spacing relative to one another within 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 arrangement achieved by the locking devices 110, 120 produces a symmetrical tension in 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.

[0084] 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 . Consequently, any undesired radial or axial movement of the housing 3 does not result in undesired axial or radial geometric displacements of the clamping surface 7 .

[0085] In addition to the aforementioned positive axial positioning of the spring plate, the locking device also has the beneficial effect that, due to the defined axial positioning of the spring plate, against which the insert plate rests or is determined by the axial positioning of the spring plate, the axial positioning of the insert plate is also more precisely axially defined. Consequently, the displacement of the volume of the interior space by the insert plate is more precisely 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.

[0086] The inventors have discovered that, in addition to the insert plate 100, the locking devices 110, 120, particularly the projections 111, 121, in addition to their well-defined and symmetrical axial positioning within the housing, 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 devices are particularly advantageous when compressed air is additionally applied to the inner and outer pressure spaces 2, 4 to switch the clamping device into one of the two described states. The insert plate 100 and the locking devices 110, 120, particularly the projections 111, 121, create 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 significantly improving the sealing effect.

[0087] The inventors have discovered additional advantages by providing locking devices 110, 120, particularly protrusions 111, 121. For example, by adjusting the thickness of the rubber surrounding the spring plates to define the position of the rubber spring plates 1a, 1b, targeted travel limitation of the spring plates can be achieved to prevent improper use (e.g., zero crossing) at excessively high operating pressures (particularly in the presence of a pressure intensifier). This also reduces the pressure medium requirement (volume), thereby increasing the opening and closing speed of the clamping device 10. These advantages can also be achieved with the insert plate 100.

[0088] 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.

[0089] Figure 7 Shown with Figure 6B A preferred embodiment of the clamping and / or braking device according to the invention of the middle housing part, ie it has an optional locking device 120 comprising an optional projection 121 .

[0090] The figures show 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 illustrated housing part is between spring plates of the other housing part opposite to the illustrated housing part.

[0091] If a force F1 is generated that bends the spring plate 1a or 1b by venting or applying a pressure medium in the second (inner) pressure space 2, the bending of the spring plate generates a spring force F2, and one end of the spring plate is pressed against the second contact surface 102 by means of this spring force F2. 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 may also be part of the locking device 120) and the first protrusion 121 (which may also be part of the locking device 120). However, the stop, protrusion, and locking device are optional.

[0092] The spring force F2 acting on the second contact surface 102 ensures the 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 7 The pivot point D can be located in the region of the end of the lever arm 8a of the housing parts 3a, 3b opposite the end 8b, for example in the region of the end of the lever arm 8a of the housing parts 3a, 3b. Figure 7 In the area marked with D in FIG. , spring force F2 acts on second contact surface 102, which faces away from and toward clamping surface 7, causing lever arm 8a to rotate about pivot point D, and end 8b of lever arm 8a to move toward object 5 to be clamped. In this process, end 8b moves radially toward the object to be clamped by distance H2, and clamping surface 7 contacts the object to be clamped. Thus, bending force F1 generates spring force F2, which in turn generates clamping force F3, which acts via clamping surface 7 on object 5 to be clamped in the area of ​​end 8b of lever arm 8a of clamping element 8, thereby clamping the object 5. The device is now in the closed state.

[0093] In this case, insert plate 100 allows lever arm 8a to have a length L2 longer than the lever arm length L1 of conventional clamping devices. This greater length L2 allows for a greater radial stroke H2 than the prior art radial stroke H1. This means that the aforementioned advantages of a longer lever arm 8a and a greater radial stroke H2 can be achieved without increasing the volume of the interior space 13 of clamping device 10, thereby reducing the closing and opening speed of clamping device 10. Consequently, the dynamic characteristics of spring plates 1a, 1b can remain unchanged as desired. In this case, L2 / L1 can be (approximately) equal to H2 / H1. 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 within the range of 1.3 to 2.2, 1.4 to 2.2, 1.4 to 2.0, 1.4 to 1.7, or 1.3 to 1.8.

[0094] As described above, in the device 10 having the insert plate 100, the distance A2 between the second stop 122 and the second annular edge 12b can 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.

[0095] Preferably, the second protrusion 121 or the step 121 or 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, where V2 is greater than the corresponding distance V1 in the conventional device 10 without the insert plate.

[0096] pass Figure 7 The combination of the insert plate 100 and the lever arm 8a described within the scope of the preferred embodiment of the present invention reduces wear and at the same time makes the clamping operation more effective without negatively affecting the dynamic properties of the spring plate.

[0097] The description and drawings describe preferred embodiments of the subject matter claimed below. 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 appended claims.

[0098] The above aspects and embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above detailed description. In general, 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 should be construed to encompass all possible embodiments and the full scope 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 relative to each other and fastened to each other such 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) within 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), the clamping surface (7) being designed to transmit a clamping and / or braking force to the object (5) to be clamped and / or braked when a 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 a second end of the one annular spring plate is pressed against 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 acting on the pressure space (2, 4) with positive pressure, 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) is 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 claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The insert plate (100) is rigid.

5. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The clamping surface (7) is on a first side of the clamping element (8), and the second contact surface (102) of one of the first housing part (3a) and the second housing part (3b) is on a second side of the clamping element (8), the second side facing away from the first side and / or opposite to the first side.

6. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The clamping element (8) is elastic so that the clamping element (8) forms a lever arm (8a), which 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 rotated about 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 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, or at least 0.15 mm, or 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.

10. 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 5 mm to 7 mm.

11. 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 6 mm to 7 mm.

12. 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 approximately 6.6 mm.

13. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 1, 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 portion is delimited by the first annular edge (12a) and the first stopper (112) of each housing portion, 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 portion, 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), and the distance between the first stopper (112) and the first annular edge (12a) is 3 mm to 6 mm; and / or The second contact surface (102) of each housing portion is delimited by the second annular edge (12b) and the second stopper (122) of each housing portion, 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 housing portion 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), and the distance between the second stopper (122) and the second annular edge (12b) is 3 mm to 6 mm.

14. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 1, 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 portion is delimited by the first annular edge (12a) and the first stopper (112) of each housing portion, 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 portion, 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), and the distance between the first stopper (112) and the first annular edge (12a) is 4 mm to 5 mm; and / or The second contact surface (102) of each housing part is delimited by the second annular edge (12b) and the second stopper (122) of each housing 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 housing 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), and the distance between the second stopper (122) and the second annular edge (12b) is 4 mm to 5 mm.

15. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 1, 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 portion is delimited by the first annular edge (12a) and the first stop (112) of each housing portion, 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 portion, the first stop (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), and the distance between the first stop (112) and the first annular edge (12a) is approximately 4.7 mm; and / or The second contact surface (102) of each housing portion is delimited by the second annular edge (12b) and the second stopper (122) of each housing portion, 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 housing portion 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), and the distance between the second stopper (122) and the second annular edge (12b) is approximately 4.7 mm.

16. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 13 to 15, 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).

17. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 16, 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 the 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).

18. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 17, 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.

19. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that In the region of the annular recess (11), the first protrusion (111) is arranged between the first annular edge (12a) and the first stop (112) on the first contact surface (101) of the corresponding first housing part (3a) or the second housing part (3b), and in the region of the annular recess (11), the first protrusion (111) or the step or slope of the first protrusion is arranged at a position with a distance of 2 mm to 6 mm from the first annular edge (12a) on the first contact surface (101) of the corresponding first housing part (3a) or the second housing part (3b); and / or In the region of the annular recess (11), the second protrusion (121) is arranged between the second annular edge (12b) and the second stop (122) on the second contact surface (102) of the corresponding first housing part (3a) or the second housing part (3b), and in the region 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 housing part (3a) or the second housing part (3b) at a distance of 2 mm to 6 mm from the second annular edge (12b).

20. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that In the region of the annular recess (11), the first protrusion (111) is arranged between the first annular edge (12a) and the first stop (112) on the first contact surface (101) of the corresponding first housing part (3a) or the second housing part (3b), and in the region of the annular recess (11), the first protrusion (111) or the step or slope of the first protrusion is arranged at a position with a distance of 3 mm to 5 mm from the first annular edge (12a) on the first contact surface (101) of the corresponding first housing part (3a) or the second housing part (3b); and / or In the region of the annular recess (11), the second protrusion (121) is arranged between the second annular edge (12b) and the second stop (122) on the second contact surface (102) of the corresponding first housing part (3a) or the second housing part (3b), and in the region 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 housing part (3a) or the second housing part (3b) at a position with a distance of 3 mm to 5 mm from the second annular edge (12b).

21. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that In the region of the annular recess (11), the first protrusion (111) is arranged between the first annular edge (12a) and the first stop (112) on the first contact surface (101) of the corresponding first housing part (3a) or the second housing part (3b), and in the region of the annular recess (11), the first protrusion (111) or the step or slope of the first protrusion is arranged at a position with a distance of 3 mm to 4 mm from the first annular edge (12a) on the first contact surface (101) of the corresponding first housing part (3a) or the second housing part (3b); and / or In the region of the annular recess (11), the second protrusion (121) is arranged between the second annular edge (12b) and the second stop (122) on the second contact surface (102) of the corresponding first housing part (3a) or the second housing part (3b), and in the region 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 housing part (3a) or the second housing part (3b) at a distance of 3 mm to 4 mm from the second annular edge (12b).

22. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that In the region of the annular recess (11), the first protrusion (111) is arranged between the first annular edge (12a) and the first stop (112) on the first contact surface (101) of the corresponding first housing part (3a) or the second housing part (3b), and in the region of the annular recess (11), the first protrusion (111) or the step or slope of the first protrusion is arranged at a distance of approximately 3.2 mm from the first annular edge (12a) on the first contact surface (101) of the corresponding first housing part (3a) or the second housing part (3b); and / or In the region of the annular recess (11), the second protrusion (121) is arranged between the second annular edge (12b) and the second stop (122) on the second contact surface (102) of the corresponding first housing part (3a) or the second housing part (3b), and in the region 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 housing part (3a) or the second housing part (3b) at a distance of approximately 3.2 mm from the second annular edge (12b).

23. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The at least one pressure space includes 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).

24. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 23, 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 (3b), 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.

25. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 23 or 24, 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 housing part (3a) and the second housing 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 open state.

26. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 1, 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).

27. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 26, 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 housing part (3a) and the second housing 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 changing the clamping and / or braking device (10) from the closed state to the open state.

28. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 26 or 27, 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 a 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 a pressure medium can be applied to the second pressure space (2) from the outside.

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