Elastic element for clamping and / or braking devices

Abstract

The invention relates to an elastic element, preferably annular, for a clamping and / or braking device, the element comprising: a spring plate having a first side surface and a second side surface facing away from the first side surface; a sealing layer made of an elastic material and applied to the second side surface of the spring plate, the sealing layer comprising: an edge extending along the circumference of the spring plate (16); and a first region adjoining the edge of the sealing layer, extending along at least a portion of the circumference of the spring plate, and having a smaller thickness than the edge; wherein the first region has a first portion along the circumference of the spring plate and a second portion adjoining the first portion, wherein the first portion has a greater thickness than the second portion. The invention also relates to a clamping and / or braking device comprising two or more such elastic elements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to elastic elements for clamping and / or braking devices, and to pneumatic clamping and / or braking devices comprising two or more such elastic elements. Background Technology

[0002] In the production of tooling or machine components, machining machines, particularly spindles or other machine tools, are used to process material from a workpiece by means of tools fastened to the spindle, especially to machine the workpiece into a desired shape. This spindle can be the axis of rotation or pivot of such a machine. Furthermore, a worktable that rotates or pivots by means of the spindle is used to position the tool or workpiece in a suitable machining position, or to move the workpiece at a corresponding rotational speed. Precise and efficient machining is predicated on high rotational speeds of the spindle. Therefore, the task of an emergency or safety system is to stop the spindle or hold it in a fixed position and thus secure it in the event of a system malfunction or failure, such as a power outage or cable breakage.

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

[0004] In hydraulic clamping devices, a chamber is acted upon by hydraulic oil to firmly clamp a rotating shaft or disc. Passive hydraulic clamps are also known. However, such hydraulic clamps have long response times, or require very high investment to achieve short response times. Furthermore, hydraulic materials, especially hydraulic valves and hydraulic lines, are costly and require lengthy assembly times. Hydraulic oil also necessitates additional investment in maintaining the cleanliness of the environment surrounding the hydraulic clamp.

[0005] In pneumatic clamping and / or braking devices, the elastic element, especially the elastic plate, is usually subjected to compressed air and can overcome some of the disadvantages of the aforementioned hydraulic clamping devices.

[0006] EP 1 585 616 B1 and EP 1 651 881 B1 describe a pneumatic clamping device comprising two annular spring plates introduced into the housing of the clamping device, forming a pressure space therein. This pressure space is capable of withstanding the action of compressed air or being inflated and deflated to change the curvature of the spring plates, thereby changing the clamping device between a closed and an open state. In the closed state, an object to be clamped, such as a rotatable shaft, is clamped; in the open state, the object is free. However, in practice it has been shown that the rubber coating of the spring plates can shift and may bulge (radially outward) under positive pressure, thereby causing leakage in the clamp.

[0007] Overview Based on the known technology mentioned at the beginning, this disclosure is made for the purpose of providing means to increase the sealing performance of clamping and / or braking devices.

[0008] This objective is achieved by an elastic element having the features of independent patent claim 1 and by a clamping and / or braking device having the features of patent claim 6. Some preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims, the specification, and the drawings.

[0009] According to the solution of the present invention, a preferably annular elastic element for clamping and / or braking devices is proposed, the elastic element comprising: a spring plate having a first side surface and a second side surface opposite to the first side surface; a sealing layer made of an elastic material and applied to the second side surface of the spring plate, the sealing layer comprising: an edge (e.g., inner or outer) extending along the circumference of the spring plate; and a first region adjacent to the edge of the sealing layer (e.g., outward or inward), the first region extending along at least a portion of the circumference of the spring plate and having a thickness smaller than the edge; wherein the first region has a first portion along the circumference of the spring plate and a second portion (e.g., in the circumferential direction) adjacent to the first portion, wherein the first portion has a thickness greater than the second portion.

[0010] The first region has a thickness smaller than the edge, thereby creating space for pressure within the device when used in clamping and / or braking mechanisms, while simultaneously forming a bearing surface at the edge, allowing the elastic element to be placed on top of another similar elastic element within the device. This is also advantageous for the dynamic performance of the clamping and / or braking mechanism. Since the first region has a first portion along the circumference of the spring plate and a second portion adjacent to the first portion, wherein the first portion has a greater thickness than the second portion, displacement of the sealing layer's edge (e.g., radially inward at the inner edge or radially outward at the outer edge) is at least suppressed, or even completely prevented. This prevents leakage during operation of the clamping and / or braking mechanism without requiring additional components to be introduced into the device housing to establish resistance to edge reaction forces, keeping the device's manufacture simple. The dynamic characteristics of the elastic element are also not adversely affected by the first portion. The first portion is particularly effective if it is at least 0.1 mm thicker than the second portion. Since the first portion is part of the first region, it is thinner than the edge.

[0011] The sealing layer preferably also includes a second region (e.g., outward at the inner edge or inward at the outer edge) that adjoins the first region of the sealing layer and extends along at least a portion of the circumference of the spring plate, wherein the thickness of the second region of the sealing layer is at least as great as the thickness of the first portion of the first region. The first portion thus serves as a bridge between the edge and the second region, connecting the two elements to each other, which is particularly advantageous for reducing leakage.

[0012] The spring plate and the sealing layer are preferably both annular.

[0013] The sealing layer of the annular elastic element according to the invention preferably further includes: another (e.g., outer or inner) edge, along the circumference of the (outer or inner) circle of the ring; a third region, adjacent to the other edge of the sealing layer, and extending along at least a portion of the circumference of the circle, and having a thickness smaller than the other edge; wherein the third region has a third portion along the circumference of the circle and a fourth portion adjacent to the third portion, wherein the third portion has a thickness greater than the fourth portion. This at least suppresses or even completely prevents displacement of the other edge of the sealing layer (e.g., radially outward or inward, depending on the edge type). This also prevents leakage during operation of the clamping and / or braking device without introducing additional components into the housing of the device to establish a reaction force against the other edge, thus keeping the manufacture of the device simple. The third portion is particularly effective if it is at least 0.1 mm thicker than the fourth portion. The third portion is thinner than the edge.

[0014] The extension dimensions of the first and / or third portions of the sealing layer preferably decrease in the circumferential direction toward the respective edges, preferably continuously. The first and / or third portions of the sealing layer are preferably tapered in the direction of the respective edges. This allows the aforementioned effects of reducing leakage to be achieved while reducing the amount of additional material used and reducing the restriction on the pressure space. The first and / or third portions of the sealing layer are preferably tongue-shaped, trapezoidal, or triangular.

[0015] Particularly preferably, the first region has a plurality of such adjacent first and second portions along the circumference of the spring plate, and / or, wherein the third region has a plurality of such adjacent third and fourth portions along the circumference of the (annular) inner circle. Therefore, instead of providing only the first and / or third portions, a plurality of such thickened portions are provided at one or more edges of the sealing layer, which further enhances the aforementioned effects on reducing and / or preventing leakage.

[0016] Each of the first, second, and / or third regions may be annular (e.g., one region, two regions, or all three regions). Each of the edges of the sealing layer described herein may be annular (e.g., one edge or all edges).

[0017] 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 also provided, wherein the device comprises: a first elastic element according to the present invention and a second elastic element according to the present invention; a housing comprising a first housing component having an inner surface and a second housing component having an inner surface, wherein the housing components are arranged relative to each other and fastened to each other such that the inner surfaces of the housing components together define an internal space within the housing; one or more clamping elements, wherein each clamping element has a clamping surface; a spring, arranged in the internal space and comprising the first elastic element and the second elastic element, wherein the spring plate of the first elastic element is clamped in the internal space with a first side surface of the spring plate facing the inner surface of the first housing component, and wherein the spring plate of the second elastic element is clamped in the internal space with a first side surface of the spring plate facing the inner surface of the second housing component. Within the internal space, a pressure space is formed between the sealing layers of the elastic elements, wherein the pressure space is ventable and inflatable or capable of withstanding a pressure medium supplied to the housing; wherein the spring is designed such that the bending of at least one of the spring plates of the elastic elements is changeable when the pressure space is inflated or vented or when the pressure space is under positive pressure, thereby changing the device between an open state and a closed state, wherein in the open state the object to be clamped is spaced apart from one or more clamping surfaces, and in the closed state at least one of the one or more clamping surfaces transmits clamping force and / or braking force to the object; and wherein the thickness of a first portion of a first region of the sealing layer of at least one of the elastic elements is selected such that when the pressure space is inflated or when the pressure space is under positive pressure, displacement of the edge (e.g., radially inward or outward oriented) of the sealing layer of at least one elastic element is at least suppressed.

[0018] In addition to the advantages of the elastic element in terms of sealing of the device and avoiding the introduction of additional components into the housing components, the elastic element according to the invention has further advantages in the scope of such devices.

[0019] The edge of the sealing layer may bulge into the interface used to act on the pressure space, potentially causing cracks and increasing the leakage of the device. As a result, the pressure medium may escape, and although the device is activated, it may not be able to change from one state to another; for example, in such a leakage situation, the device may remain in a closed state. Due to leakage, the pressure medium may also unexpectedly flow from the pressure space into the external interface of the device, thereby interfering with the operation of the device and the pump used with it. This also has a negative impact on the safety associated with the object to be clamped or braked. Therefore, the first portion of the sealing layer is preferably arranged in the region of the housing interface of the clamping and / or braking device to prevent overpressure of the pressure space.

[0020] The elastic material constituting the sealing layer is preferably made of rubber, particularly acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR). The compression set of NBR rubber is preferably reduced by 50% to produce particularly stable and durable operational safety. The sealing layer is preferably applied to and fixed to the spring plate by vulcanization, which is particularly stable and durable.

[0021] The present disclosure can overcome the long-standing problem of fault-prone areas in the edge region of the sealing layer of the elastic element.

[0022] The means described herein, both individually and in combination, can provide a clamp that reliably and effectively seals the pressure medium in the region of the edge of the sealing layer of the elastic element without requiring additional components to be installed in the clamp housing. The dynamic performance of the clamp is also not adversely affected by the elastic element according to the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1A A schematic cross-section of the inwardly oriented passive pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the invention in the closed state is shown.

[0024] Figure 1B A schematic cross-section of the outwardly oriented passive pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the invention in the closed state is shown.

[0025] Figure 2A A schematic cross-section of the inwardly oriented passive pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the invention is shown in the open state.

[0026] Figure 2B A schematic cross-section of the outwardly oriented passive pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the invention is shown in the open state.

[0027] Figure 3A A schematic cross-section of the inwardly oriented active pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the invention is shown in the open state.

[0028] Figure 3B A schematic cross-section of the outwardly oriented active pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the invention is shown in the open state.

[0029] Figure 4A A schematic cross-section of the inwardly oriented active pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the invention in the closed state is shown.

[0030] Figure 4B A schematic cross-section of the outwardly oriented active pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the invention in the closed state is shown.

[0031] Figure 5A A cross-section through the inwardly oriented pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the invention is shown in three-dimensional representation.

[0032] Figures 5B to 5D Showing from Figure 5A A variation of a housing component with elastic elements.

[0033] Figure 6A An embodiment of the housing component of the inwardly oriented pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the present invention is shown.

[0034] Figures 7A to 7C An embodiment of the elastic element according to the present invention is shown.

[0035] Figure 8 Details of a cross-section of a clamping and / or braking device according to the invention are shown, the device having two elastic elements according to the invention.

[0036] The components shown in multiple figures have the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0037] This disclosure relates to annular elastic elements, to housing components for pneumatic clamping and / or braking devices, and to pneumatic clamping and / or braking devices having such annular elastic elements.

[0038] When this article refers to the device as a "clamp" or "clamping device", "clamping force" or "clamping process", the device as a "brake" or "braking device", or "braking force" or "braking" process is also covered.

[0039] Figures 1A to 5A and Figure 8 A schematic cross-section through this clamping device 10 according to the invention is shown. The clamping device 10 has a housing 3, which includes two housing parts 3a and 3b, and has a spring 1 arranged in the housing 3, which includes at least two annular elastic elements 1a and 1b according to the invention.

[0040] The clamping device 10 according to the invention comprises the following: a first elastic element 1a according to the invention and a second elastic element 1b according to the invention; a housing 3, which includes a first housing component 3a having an inner surface and a component having an inner surface (see...). Figure 5AThe second housing component 3b of (105) is arranged and fastened to each other in such a way that the inner surfaces of housing components 3a and 3b together define an internal space within the housing 3; one or more clamping elements 8, each clamping element having a clamping surface 7; and a spring 1 arranged in the internal space, comprising a first elastic element 1a and a second elastic element 1a, wherein the spring plate of the first elastic element 1a (see [reference]). Figure 7C 16) with its first side surface (see Figure 5A 16a) is clamped in the internal space with its first side surface facing the inner surface of the first housing component 3a, and wherein the spring plates of the second elastic elements 1a, 1b are clamped in the internal space with their first side surfaces facing the inner surface of the second housing component 3b, such that a pressure space 2 is formed in the internal space between the sealing layers 17 of the elastic elements 1a, 1b, wherein the pressure space 2 can be vented and inflated or can withstand the positive pressure of a pressure medium (that can be supplied to the housing); wherein the spring 1 is designed such that when the pressure space 2 is inflated or vented or when the pressure space 2 is subjected to positive pressure, the bending of at least one of the spring plates 16 of the elastic elements 1a, 1b can be changed, and as a result, the device 10 changes between an open state (in the open state, the object to be clamped 5 is spaced apart from one or more clamping surfaces 7) and a closed state (in the closed state, at least one of one or more clamping surfaces 7 transmits clamping force and / or braking force to the object 5). The device 10 according to the invention also includes means of the elastic element mentioned at the beginning of the invention, which achieves an improved seal in regions of one or more edges of the sealing layer of the elastic element. (Referring to Figures 7 to...) Figure 8 These methods are explained in more detail.

[0041] Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 4A and Figure 4B Each is shown with the clamping device 10 in a closed state, in which the clamping surface 7 of the clamping element 8 contacts the circumference of the object 5. The clamping element 8 is also referred to as a clamping lip. The clamping element 8 may be integrally formed with the rest of the housing parts 3a and 3b, or it may be a structurally separate part of the housing parts 3a and 3b from the rest of the parts.

[0042] The clamping force acting on the object to be clamped 5 by the clamping surface 7 occurs in the clamping plane, which is stretched by two vectors. Each of the two vectors forms the radius of the annular elastic element 1a, 1b or the annular recess 11 (see...). Figure 5AAxis 9 may pass through the center point of the ring of the component described herein as an annular structure, and may therefore be referred to as the main axis of clamping device 10, which may extend perpendicular to the clamping plane. When referring herein to an “inner” region, edge, or end, and an “outer” region, edge, or end, the inner edge, inner region, or inner end is closer to axis 9 than the corresponding outer edge, outer region, or outer end. The same applies to other components, but not necessarily to them.

[0043] The clamping device 10 is rotationally symmetrical about the main axis 9. The main axis 9 can pass approximately or precisely through the opening of the clamping device 10. Figure 5A , Figure 5B (Opening 14 in the middle). Figure 1A , Figure 4A In this clamping device, the object 5 to be clamped (e.g., a rotatable shaft of a machine or workbench) is placed within the opening 14, and therefore the clamping force of the clamping device is oriented radially inward toward the main axis 9 (perpendicular to the main axis 9) within the clamping plane. Figure 1B , Figure 4B In this case, the object to be clamped 5 is placed outside the clamping device 10, and therefore the clamping force of the clamping device is oriented radially outward away from the main axis 9 (perpendicular to the main axis 9) within the clamping plane.

[0044] exist Figure 1A , Figure 2A , Figure 3A and Figure 4A In this configuration, the clamping element 8 is located between the spring 1 and the opening 14 or the main axis 9. On the other hand, in... Figure 1B , Figure 2B , Figure 3B and Figure 4B In this configuration, the object 5 to be clamped at least partially surrounds the clamping device 10, such that the clamping element 8 is located between the object 5 and the opening 14 or the main axis 9. Figure 1B , Figure 2B , Figure 3B and Figure 4B In this case, a component (which at least partially fills the opening 14 and through which the main axis 9 extends) can be introduced into the opening 14 instead of the object 5 to be clamped.

[0045] exist Figures 1A to 5A In each case, spring 1 is clamped within the housing 3 of clamping device 10 at two contact surfaces. Figure 5C and Figure 5D Between 101 and 102, and extending between the two contact surfaces. Figures 1A to 2BIn the initial, pressureless state of device 10, spring 1 can be slightly bent to securely hold the device within housing 3. The same applies to any other state of device 10, where the degree of bending of spring 1 depends on the state of device 10. If device 10 is in a bent state (e.g., more bent than in the initial pressureless state, e.g., in the open state), the venting of the internal pressure chamber 2 and the inflation of the external pressure chamber 4 of spring 1 can cause spring 1 to at least partially relax. Simultaneously, spring 1 presses against radial contact surfaces, the distance between which slightly increases, causing housing 3 to elastically deform in the region of clamping element 8 or clamping surface 7. Clamping surface 7 then contacts object 5 and presses against object 5 with a (predetermined) clamping force to securely clamp object 5. Object 5 is securely clamped, and clamping device 10 is in a closed state, such as... Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown. In the closed state of device 10, even after partial relaxation, spring 1 can still bend slightly to be securely fixed in housing 3 in that state.

[0046] The clamping element 8 can be an elastic element (e.g., a spring fork). In the unpressured initial state of the device 10, the elastic element is brought into the clamping position from its relaxed initial position by the spring force of the (slightly) bent spring 1, for example, by bending the spring fork 8, until a balance is achieved between the restoring force of the elastic element 8 and the spring force of the spring 1 in the unpressured initial state. In this balance, the clamping surface 7 can press against the object 5.

[0047] By applying additional compressed air (e.g., 4 bar or 6 bar) to the external pressure chamber 4 while it is closed, there is an optional possibility of increasing the clamping force by a predetermined value. This is in Figure 1A , Figure 1B The external pressure chamber 4 is indicated by an optional additional compressed air pump (booster) 6 and a shaded line (compressed air) in the external pressure chamber 4. The external pressure chamber 4 can be connected to interface I (also referred to as "closed") through an opening in the housing 3, to which the compressed air pump 6 can be connected.

[0048] Therefore, for example, actuation of device 10 is possible, such that a change occurs between braking motion of object 5 (in a pressureless state) and full clamping of the object (when sufficient pressure is applied).

[0049] Even though two pressure chambers 2 and 4 are shown and described by way of example herein, the clamping device 10 can also be operated using a single pressure chamber, such as the inner pressure chamber 2 or the outer pressure chamber 4.

[0050] Figure 2A and Figure 2BThe image shows the open state of the source in each case. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The clamping device 10, in its open state, has a clamping surface 7 that does not contact the circumference of the object 5 or is spaced apart from the circumference of the object 5. The internal pressure chamber 2 can be connected to interface II (also referred to as "open") through an opening in the housing 3, and the compressed air pump 6 can be connected to interface II.

[0051] By using compressed air pump 6 to apply compressed air (e.g., 4 bar or 6 bar) to the internal pressure chamber 2 and to exhaust the external pressure chamber 4, [the system]... Figure 1A , Figure 1B Compared to the closed state, spring 1 is bent or clamped to a greater extent (convexly), and the distance between spring 1 or the two bearing surfaces is radially shortened. Clamping surface 7 is lifted off object 5 to release the clamp. Object 5 is able to move freely (e.g., rotate about axis 9 or move linearly along axis 9), and clamping device 10 is opened.

[0052] It can switch back and forth between the closed and open states of the device 10.

[0053] This pneumatic clamp 10 has many advantages over hydraulic clamps.

[0054] By using a combination of elastic components, spring 1, together with elastic elements 1a and 1b and compressed air (when switching between open and closed states), achieves, for example, a very short reaction time and also reliably clamps object 5. Spring 1 is preferably plate-shaped, as shown in more detail in FIG5, wherein two elastic elements 1a and 1b stacked on top of each other form spring 1 and an internal pressure space 2 of spring 1 located between plates 1a and 1b. Plates 1a and 1b can also be annular, as shown in FIG5, and optionally additionally have radial slots, allowing for changes in inner diameter with particularly low force. Elastic elements 1a and 1b can be coated with rubber, at least in the area of ​​the slots, to produce the sealing required by the compressed air. Elastic elements 1a and 1b are generally formed to be sufficiently pressure-resistant and capable of elastic bending, and are arranged in the housing 3 of clamping device 10 such that the internal pressure space 2 is formed between the elastic elements 1a and 1b within spring 1, and an external pressure space 4 is formed between each elastic element 1a and 1b and the housing 3 or the housing components 3a and 3b of clamping device 10. Figure 5 shows a similar example. Figure 1A and Figure 2A A three-dimensional view of the clamping device 10.

[0055] By using compressed air to inflate or act on the external pressure space 4 and to exhaust the internal pressure space 2, such as... Figure 1AAs shown, spring 1 is at least partially relaxed and generates a clamping force on the object 5 to be clamped, particularly on the circumference of shaft 5. Therefore, in the event of energy or pressure failure, object 5 is clamped, or shaft 5 is immediately brought to a stop, thus achieving a safe clamping. Depending on the size, this pneumatic clamp 10 can achieve holding torques ranging from hundreds to thousands of Nm, which can be further increased by additionally applying compressed air to the external pressure chamber 4, such as... Figure 1A The pressure pump 6 (booster) represents this. Here, a few bar (e.g., 4 bar or 6 bar) of compressed air is sufficient to provide several times the holding torque achieved without the booster. In this case, the small lateral bending (perpendicular to its longitudinal axis) of the plates 1a and 1b generates a large spring force when switching between the open and closed states of the clamp 10. This spring force can be used to clamp or release the prestressed clamping device 10. Reliable clamping and release can be achieved even for the rapidly rotating machine shaft 5.

[0056] Compared to hydraulic materials, pneumatic materials also have lower costs and assembly inputs, and using compressed air does not create any additional input to the facility for cleaning. This pneumatic clamp also enables a small overall size due to the small lateral bending of the spring and the small longitudinal extension (variation), and therefore the small volume of the pressure chamber is sufficient to apply the required clamping force.

[0057] In the case of pneumatic clamps, passive clamping devices 10 can be distinguished in principle (such as...). Figures 1A to 2B (as shown) and active clamping device 10 (as shown) Figures 3A to 4B (As shown).

[0058] In the initial unpressurized state, spring 1 can bend (laterally) to different degrees and thus shorten radially to different degrees. The inner side of housing 3 can be adapted to or can limit the bending of elastic elements 1a and 1b. The corresponding stop surfaces for elastic elements 1a and 1b can be formed, for example, by the inner wall of housing. The inner wall of housing can be formed to complement (e.g., concave) the (e.g., convex) bending of elastic elements 1a and 1b.

[0059] In the case of the passive clamping device 10, in the initial state without pressure, the spring 1 is typically slightly elastic (e.g., convex) bent or prestressed, and the clamping device 10 is able to close ( Figure 1A , Figure 1B The clamping device 10 is opened only by internal force, that is, by applying compressed air to the internal pressure chamber 2. Figure 2A , Figure 2BIn most cases, spring 1 is slightly bent in the initial state without pressure, so that when clamped or when pressure decreases, the spring force given by the energy stored in spring 1 is transmitted as a clamping force to the object to be clamped 5 to clamp the object 5.

[0060] In the case of the active clamping device 10, under the initial pressureless state ( Figure 3A , Figure 3B The spring 1 bends laterally outward to a greater extent, particularly a greater extent, convex than in the case of a passive clamping device, thus shortening the distance between the two radial bearing surfaces and opening the clamping device 10. No clamping force is generated on the object 5 through the clamping surface 7. The object is free because the clamping surface 7 does not contact or is spaced apart from the object 5.

[0061] Through the plastic deformation of the elastic elements 1a and 1b, in the same housing 3, the spring 1 can bend laterally outward to a greater extent in the unpressured initial state, and therefore shorten radially to a greater extent than in the case of a passive clamping device. This smaller radial extension of the elastic elements 1a and 1b in the unpressured initial state allows the clamping device 10 to be in the open state in the unpressured initial state. Even in the case of plastic deformation, the elastic elements 1a and 1b are elastically bent and press against the bearing surface, thus fixing the spring in the housing. The internal space or recess of the housing can accommodate the curvature caused by the greater extent of plastic deformation in the initial state.

[0062] Now, clamping force must be actively introduced from the outside, such as... Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, the clamp is switched to the closed state. Here, compressed air is introduced into the external pressure space 4 by the compressed air pump 6, and thus the compressed air acts on the spring 1 from the outside in such a way that the spring 1 is actively relaxed, the curvature of the spring 1 decreases, the distance between the two bearing surfaces increases, and the housing 3 elastically deforms in the area of ​​the clamping element 8 or the clamping surface 7, so that the clamping surface 7 contacts the object 5 and generates a clamping force on the object 5, and the object 5 is thus firmly clamped. The active clamping device 10 is then in the closed state.

[0063] Therefore, depending on the application area and applicable safety regulations, either an active or passive clamping system 10 is used. If the primary requirement is safe clamping, a passive clamping device is typically used. With this pneumatic passive clamping system, even in a pressureless state, a predetermined clamping force can be generated during the corresponding assembly of the device into the overall assembly to act on the object 5 to be clamped. The force transmitted to the object can be increased, decreased, or completely canceled by applying overpressure or negative pressure, opening up a variety of applications. On the other hand, if the clamping device is primarily used for intentional operations, such as tool changing, an active clamping device is typically used.

[0064] like Figure 5A As shown, the housing 3 of the clamping device 10 according to the invention comprises two housing components 3a and 3b, which are fixed to each other by means such as screws and are installed such that, in the assembled state, the two housing components 3a and 3b define an internal space 13 between the housing components 3a and 3b within the housing 3, in which the spring 1, together with its annular elastic elements 1a and 1b according to the invention, is arranged. Each housing component 3a and 3b defines an annular recess 11 for receiving the annular elastic elements 1a and 1b, such as... Figures 5A to 5D As shown. At least a portion of the first contact surface 101 of the housing component may extend (substantially) perpendicular to the radial direction R of the annular recess 11, and / or a portion of the second contact surface 102 of the housing component may extend (substantially) perpendicular to the radial direction R of the annular recess 11.

[0065] Opening 14 ( Figure 5A , Figure 5B An opening 14 extends through the center of the housing 3, into which the object to be clamped, 5, such as a shaft, can be introduced. The housing can extend up to 360° around the opening, and the housing at least partially surrounds the object 5 in at least one plane, referred to as the clamping plane. The central axis 9 of the clamping device passes centrally through the opening 14 and extends perpendicular to the clamping plane. Figure 1A , Figure 2A , Figure 3A , Figure 4A , Figure 5A and Figure 8 In the clamping device, the main axis 9 passes through the shaft at the center along the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

[0066] One or more clamping surfaces 7 are provided along the circumference of the housing 3 or the opening 14. When the housing 3 undergoes elastic deformation in the region of the clamping element 8 or the clamping surface 7, these one or more clamping surfaces 7 generate a clamping force on the outer circumference of the object 5, thereby clamping the object 5. To effectively open and close the clamping device 10 relative to the object 5 without the risk of damaging the object 5, it is desirable that the clamping force be symmetrically distributed along the clamping surface 7 or along the circumference of the object 5. Asymmetrical distribution of the clamping force may cause damage to the object 5. One or both contact surfaces 101, 102 are preferably circular in the clamping plane. The clamping surface 7 is preferably circular in the clamping plane. The clamping element 8 may be annular. All annular or circular components described herein may be individually or in combination centered at the intersection of the main axis 9 and the clamping plane (e.g., the center point of the opening 14).

[0067] Figure 5B Embodiments of components 40 and 50 according to the present invention are shown (here, from...) Figure 5A The upper housing component 3a has an annular recess 11 for clamping an annular elastic element 1a, and the housing component 3a has an inner surface defined by the recess 11 (see 105 in FIG. 6). The annular recess 11 preferably defines an annular opening 12 in the housing component, wherein the annular opening is formed between a first annular edge 12a and a second annular edge 12b of the housing component. The elastic element 1a can be clamped between the first annular edge 12a and the second annular edge 12b.

[0068] When the elastic element 1a is at the first side surface (see...) Figure 5B , Figure 7C When 16a) is introduced into the recess 11 through the opening 12 facing the inner surface and clamped in the recess 11, a first pressure space 4 is formed between the inner surface and the elastic element 1a. The elastic element according to the invention here has the means mentioned at the beginning, which allows for a reliable and effective seal at interface II. Referring to Figures 7 to... Figure 8 These methods are explained in more detail.

[0069] like Figure 5C and Figure 5D As shown, the elastic element 1a of the spring 1 extends from the first bearing surface 101 within the housing component 3a to the second bearing surface 102 within the housing component 3a, and is able to contact the second bearing surface 102. Viewed from the center point of the opening 14, the first bearing surface 101 is arranged radially further outward than the second bearing surface 102.

[0070] Figure 5C It shows Figure 5BThe portion of the housing component 3a shown in the diagram, in which the upper plate 1a of the spring 1 encounters and preferably contacts the first bearing surface 101. Figure 5D It shows Figure 5B The portion of housing component 3a shown in the diagram, in which the upper plate 1a of spring 1 encounters and preferably contacts the second bearing surface 102. However, it is also possible that one or more additional components are radially located between the elastic element 1a and one or more of the bearing surfaces 101, 102, through which the elastic element 1a applies its spring force to the bearing surfaces 101, 102.

[0071] like Figure 5B , Figure 5D As can be seen, the elastic element 1a is clamped in the recess 11 between the inner sides of the housing component 3a. During assembly, each of the plurality of plates of the spring 1 is introduced into the recess 11 of the corresponding associated housing component through the opening 12 along the inner surface of the housing component 3a in the direction of the main axis 9 of the clamping device 10, until the corresponding plate abuts against the stops 112, 122 at the end of each of the two bearing surfaces 101, 102, and therefore cannot be introduced further into the recess 11. Since the extension dimension of the elastic element 1a in the clamping plane or in the radial direction of the annular recess can be greater than the extension dimension of the internal space defined by the housing component, the plate 1a can be bent or prestressed in an unstressed initial state.

[0072] Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment of the housing components 3a, 3b of the inwardly oriented pneumatic clamping and / or braking device 10 according to the present invention. Figures 7A to 7C Embodiments of the elastic elements 1a and 1b according to the present invention are shown. Figure 8 Details of a cross-section of a clamping and / or braking device according to the invention are shown, the device having two such elastic elements 1a, 1b according to the invention.

[0073] The housing components 3a and 3b shown in Figure 6 include annular recesses 11 having an inner housing surface 105. Two housing interfaces I and II and a clamping element 8 are also shown. According to Figure 7, the elastic elements 1a and 1b are inserted into the annular recesses 11 in such a manner that the connecting sealing portion 15 of the sealing layer 17 seals interface II, and region 25 is arranged at interface I. Furthermore, the elastic elements having the sealing layer 17 are inserted upwards into the recesses 11 such that the first side surface 16a of the spring plate 16 of the elastic elements 1a and 1b faces the inner surface 105. The elastic elements are clamped in the recesses 11. Subsequently, the two such components, having housing components 3a and 3b and clamping elastic elements 1a and 1b, are fixed together, as shown... Figure 5A , Figure 8 As shown.

[0074] like Figures 7A to 7C As shown, the elastic element according to the invention includes a spring plate 16 having a first side surface 16a and a second side surface 16b opposite to the first side surface 16a; a sealing layer 17 made of an elastic material is applied to the second side surface 16b of the spring plate 16, the sealing layer 17 including: an outer edge 18 extending along the circumference of the spring plate 16; and a first region 19 that is inwardly adjacent to the outer edge 18 of the sealing layer 17, the first region extending along at least a portion of the circumference of the spring plate 16 and having a thickness smaller than that of the edge 18; wherein the first region 19 has a first portion 19a along the circumference U of the spring plate 16 and a second portion 19b (in the circumferential direction U) adjacent to the first portion, wherein the first portion 19a has a thickness greater than that of the second portion 19b.

[0075] like Figure 7A , Figure 7B As shown, the sealing layer 17 may optionally include a second region 20 that is inwardly adjacent to the first region 19 of the sealing layer 17, the second region extending along at least a portion of the circumference U of the spring plate 16, wherein the thickness of the second region 20 of the sealing layer 17 is preferably at least as large as the thickness of the first portion 19a of the first region 19 (see [reference]). Figure 7C The thickness of the first part 19a is approximately the same as the thickness of the second region 20.

[0076] like Figure 7B As shown, the extension dimension x of the first portion 19a of the first region 19 can decrease along the circumference U of the spring plate 16 toward the outer edge 18, preferably decreasing continuously.

[0077] like Figure 7A As shown, the spring plate 16 and the sealing layer 17 are each annular, wherein the sealing layer 17 preferably further includes: another inner edge 21 along the circumference u of the inner circle of the ring; a third region 22 adjacent to the inner edge 21 of the sealing layer 17, the third region extending along at least a portion of the circumference u of the inner circle and having a thickness smaller than the inner edge 21; wherein the third region 22 has a third portion 19c along the circumference u of the circle and a fourth portion 19d (in the circumferential direction u) adjacent to the third portion, wherein the third portion 19c has a thickness greater than the fourth portion 19d. The third portion 19c can be coupled with... Figure 7B The first part 19a shown is configured in a similar manner in terms of shape and / or extended dimension x.

[0078] For better illustration, and not shown here, the first region 19 may have a plurality of such adjacent first and second portions 19a, 19b along the circumference U of the spring plate 16. Alternatively or additionally, the third region 22 may have a plurality of such adjacent third and fourth portions 19a, 19b along the circumference u of the inner circle.

[0079] As from Figure 5A Figure 7 and Figure 8 As can be seen in the combined view, the thickness of the first portion 19a of the first region 19 of the sealing layer 17 of at least one of the elastic elements 1a and 1b in device 10 is selected such that, when the pressure space 2 is inflated or overpressurized, displacement of the (here, the outer) edge 18 of the sealing layer 17 of at least one elastic element 1a or 1b is at least suppressed or even completely prevented. Therefore, the sealing performance in the edge region of the sealing layer is improved without installing additional components in the housing component.

[0080] Such an additional component is unnecessary in this disclosure and may be a pressure element (in) Figure 8 (Not shown in the image), the pressure members will (here from the radially outer side) press against the outer edge 18 to suppress its radially outward bending. These pressure members will be introduced into the housing components 3a, 3b through openings 30, 31 formed on the end faces. Such openings 30, 31 will require complex electro-erosion and drilling, and will require special structural adaptation of the pressure members in the housing components. This will make the manufacturing process more complex and expensive. It is also more advantageous and simpler to only use the direction along axis 9 (see...) Figure 5A Instead of separately drilling holes in the housing components for fixing means and interfaces, drill holes are introduced in the radial direction on the end face (see...). Figure 5A Drilling is performed using R in the diagram.

[0081] By means described individually and in combination herein, enhanced sealing can be achieved in the region of one or more edges 18, 21 of the sealing layer 17 of the elastic elements 1a, 1b, while minimal adaptation is made in the sealing layer 17 and not in the housing parts 3a, 3b. This enables reliable operation of the clamping and / or braking device 10 without adversely affecting the dynamic performance of the device.

[0082] Preferred embodiments of the subject matter claimed by the appended claims are described in the specification and drawings. Optional features disclosed in the foregoing specification, claims, and drawings can be used individually and in any combination for embodiments of the subject matter claimed herein according to the appended claims in its various configurations.

[0083] The various aspects and embodiments described above can be combined to produce further embodiments. In view of the specific embodiments described above, these and other changes can be made to the embodiments. Generally, the terminology used in the following claims should not be construed as limiting the claims to the specific aspects and embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but should be interpreted to cover all possible embodiments and the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

1. A preferably annular elastic element (1a, 1b) for a clamping and / or braking device, comprising: The spring plate (16) has a first side surface (16a) and a second side surface (16b) facing away from the first side surface (16a). A sealing layer (17), made of an elastic material and applied to the second side surface (16b) of the spring plate (16), the sealing layer (17) comprising: Edge (18), extending along the circumference of the spring plate (16); and A first region (19) is adjacent to the edge (18) of the sealing layer (17), the first region (19) extends along at least a portion of the circumference of the spring plate (16) and has a thickness smaller than the edge (18); Its features are, The first region (19) has a first portion (19a) along the circumference (U) of the spring plate (16) and a second portion (19b) adjacent to the first portion, wherein the first portion (19a) has a thickness greater than that of the second portion (19b).

2. The elastic element according to claim 1, wherein the sealing layer (17) further comprises a second region (20) adjacent to the first region (19) of the sealing layer (17) and extending along at least a portion of the circumference (U) of the spring plate (16), wherein the thickness of the second region (20) of the sealing layer (17) is at least as great as the thickness of the first portion (19a) of the first region (19).

3. The elastic element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the extension dimension (x) of the first portion (19a) of the first region (19) decreases along the circumference (U) of the spring plate (16) toward the edge (18), preferably decreasing continuously.

4. The elastic element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring plate (16) and the sealing layer (17) are annular, wherein the sealing layer (17) preferably further comprises: Another edge (21) extends along the circumference (u) of the inner or outer circle of the ring; The third region (22) is adjacent to the other edge (21) of the sealing layer (17) and extends along at least a portion of the circumference (u) of the circle and has a thickness smaller than that of the other edge (21); The third region (22) has a third portion (19c) along the circumference of the circle and a fourth portion (19d) adjacent to the third portion, wherein the third portion (19c) has a thickness greater than that of the fourth portion.

5. The elastic element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first region (19) has a plurality of such adjacent first portions and second portions (19a, 19b) along the circumference (U) of the spring plate (16), and / or wherein the third region (22) has a plurality of such adjacent third portions and fourth portions (19a, 19b) along the circumference (u) of the circle.

6. A clamping and / or braking device (10) for clamping and / or braking an object to be clamped and / or braked, comprising: The first elastic element (1a) according to any one of the preceding claims and the second elastic element (1b) according to any one of the preceding claims; The housing (3) includes a first housing component (3a) having an inner surface (105) and a second housing component (3b) having an inner surface (105), wherein the housing components are arranged relative to each other and fixed to each other such that the inner surfaces (105) of the housing components (3a, 3b) together define an internal space within the housing (3); One or more clamping elements (8), wherein each clamping element has a clamping surface (7); A spring (1) is arranged in the internal space and includes a first elastic element (1a) and a second elastic element (1a), wherein the spring plate (16) of the first elastic element (1a) is clamped in the internal space such that the first side surface (16a) of the spring plate faces the inner surface (105) of the first housing component (3a), and The spring plate (16) of the second elastic element (1a, 1b) is clamped in the internal space with the first side surface (16a) of the spring plate facing the inner surface (105) of the second housing component (3b), such that a pressure space (2) is formed in the internal space between the sealing layers (17) of the elastic elements (1a, 1b), wherein the pressure space (2) is ventable and inflatable or capable of withstanding overpressure of a pressure medium supplied to the housing; The spring (1) is designed such that when the pressure space (2) is vented or inflated or when the pressure space (2) is overpressurized, the bending of at least one of the spring plates (16) of the elastic element (1a, 1b) is changeable, thereby changing the device (10) between an open state and a closed state, in which the object to be clamped (5) is spaced apart from the one or more clamping surfaces (7), and in the closed state, at least one of the one or more clamping surfaces (7) transmits clamping force and / or braking force to the object (5); and The thickness of the first portion (19a) of the first region (19) of the sealing layer (17) of at least one of the elastic elements (1a, 1b) is selected such that when the pressure space (2) is inflated or the pressure space (2) is overpressurized, the displacement of the edge (18) of the sealing layer (17) of the at least one elastic element (1a, 1b) is at least suppressed.

7. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 6, wherein the spring plate (16) of the elastic element (1a, 1b) is clamped in the internal space such that the edges (18) of the sealing layer (17) of the elastic element (1a, 1b) abut against each other.

8. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure space (2) is arranged within the spring (1) and between the second side surface (16b) of the spring plate (16) of the elastic element (1a, 1b).

9. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion (19a) of the sealing layer (17) of at least one of the elastic elements (1a, 1b) and the connecting sealing portion (15) of the sealing layer (17) of at least one of the elastic elements (1a, 1b) are arranged in a straight line for the housing interface (II) of the clamping and / or braking device (10) so that the pressure space (2) of the clamping and / or braking device (10) is subjected to a pressure medium.

10. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein another pressure space (4) is formed between the first side surface (16a) of the spring plate (16) of the elastic element (1a, 1b) and the inner surface (105) of the housing component (3a, 3b).

11. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 10, wherein the first spring plate (16) of the first elastic element (1a) is designed to reduce the bending of the first spring plate by over-pressuring the other pressure space (4) so ​​that when the inner or outer edge of the first spring plate (16) is supported on the inner surface (105) of the first housing component, the outer or inner edge of the first spring plate (16) is pressed against one of the clamping elements, thereby realizing the transmission of clamping force and / or braking force from the clamping surface of the clamping element to the object to be clamped and / or braked (5), and the device (10) changes from the open state to the closed state.

12. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the device (10) is designed to cause a portion of one of the clamping elements to move away from one of the inner surfaces (105) by inflating the other pressure space (4) or by overpressuring the other pressure space (4), and / or to reduce the bending of at least one of the spring plates (16) of the elastic element, and thereby the device (10) changes from the open state to the closed state.

13. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the first portion (19a) of the sealing layer (17) of at least one of the elastic elements (1a, 1b) is arranged in the region (25) of the housing interface (I) of the clamping and / or braking device (10) to overpressure the other pressure space (4).

14. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping force and / or braking force is achieved by the inner edge or outer edge of at least one of the spring plates (16) of the elastic elements (1a, 1b) supporting one of the inner surfaces (105), and the outer edge or inner edge (16a, 16b) of the at least one spring plate (16) pressing against the clamping element.

15. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (10) is designed to cause one of the clamping elements (8) to move toward a portion of one of the inner surfaces (105) by inflating the pressure space (2) or by overpressuring the pressure space (2), and / or to increase the bending of at least one of the spring plates (16) of the elastic element, thereby changing the device (10) from the closed state to the open state.

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