Assembly for clamping and / or braking devices

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly (40, 50) for a clamping and / or braking device (10), comprising: a housing part (3a, 3b) comprising a connection opening (15) for an interface (II) of the clamping and / or braking device (10) to apply a pressurized medium to a pressure chamber (2) of the clamping and / or braking device (10), and a stepped housing inner surface (17a) defining a stepped recess (17b) in the housing part (3a, 3b) adjacent to the connection opening (15); an adhesive and / or sealing compound (30); an elastic element (1a, 1b), preferably ring-shaped, comprising a connection seal (20) defining an edge (22) of a sealing opening (23) of the connection seal (20) for fluid connection with the connection opening (15), and a connection protrusion (21) formed along the edge (22) of the sealing opening (23) surrounding at least a portion of the sealing opening (23); wherein the connection seal (20) is positioned in the stepped recess (17) of the housing part (3a, 3b) in such a way that the adhesive and / or sealing compound (30) is positioned between the connection protrusion (21) and the stepped housing inner surface (17a) of the housing part (3a, 3b).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to components for clamping and / or braking devices and pneumatic clamping and / or braking devices having the same components. Additionally, this disclosure relates to resilient elements. Background Technology

[0002] In the production of tools or machine parts, machining tools or other machine tool equipment, especially spindles, are used. These machine tools remove material from the workpiece by means of a tool fastened to the spindle, particularly to machine it into the desired shape. This spindle can be the axis of rotation or the axis of pivot of such machine tools. In addition, a worktable that rotates or pivots via the spindle is used to place the tool or workpiece in the appropriate machining position or to move the workpiece at a corresponding speed. High spindle speeds are a prerequisite for achieving precise and efficient machining. Therefore, the task of an emergency or safety system is to stop the spindle or hold it in a fixed position and lock it in case of system failure or malfunction (e.g., power failure or cable breakage).

[0003] Common machine tools are equipped with electromagnetic, hydraulic, or pneumatic clamping and / or braking devices. These devices have friction pads that form a frictional connection with the shaft through force transmission. This allows the shaft to be fixed at different speeds.

[0004] In hydraulic clamping devices, hydraulic oil is applied to a chamber to firmly clamp a rotating shaft or disc. Passive hydraulic clamps are also known. However, these types of hydraulic clamps have long response times, or require very high investment to achieve short response times. Furthermore, hydraulic components, especially hydraulic valves and hydraulic lines, are expensive and require longer assembly times. Hydraulic oil also involves additional cleaning and maintenance costs in the environment surrounding the hydraulic clamp.

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

[0006] EP 1585616 B1 and EP 1651881 B1 describe a pneumatic clamping device with two annular spring plates. These spring plates are introduced into the housing of the clamping device, forming a pressure chamber within the housing. This pressure chamber can be pressurized or ventilated with compressed air to alter the curvature of the spring plates, thereby changing the clamping device between a closed and an open state. In the closed state, a clamped object, such as a rotatable shaft, is clamped; in the open state, the object is released. However, in practice, it has been found that the rubber-coated spring plates of such clamps can lift at the connection area when overpressure is applied, leading to clamp leakage, or requiring the use of large amounts of adhesives and / or sealing compounds, which is neither environmentally friendly nor economical. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Based on the aforementioned prior art, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a means to ensure that pneumatic clamping and / or braking devices can achieve reliable sealing in the pressurized medium connection area.

[0008] The above-mentioned objective is achieved by a component having the features of independent claim 1, a clamping and / or braking device having the features of claim 10, and an elastic element having the features of claim 2. Some possible embodiments are described in the dependent claims, the specification, and the drawings.

[0009] According to a solution of the present invention, an assembly for a clamping and / or braking device is provided, the assembly comprising: a housing component including: a connection opening for connecting the clamping and / or braking device to apply a pressurizing medium to a pressure chamber of the clamping and / or braking device; and a stepped inner surface of the housing component defining a stepped recess in the housing component adjoining the connection opening; an adhesive and / or a sealing compound; for example, an annular elastic element having a connection seal defining an edge of a sealing opening for fluid connection to the connection opening, and wherein the connection seal forms a connection protrusion along the edge of the sealing opening, the connection protrusion at least partially surrounding the sealing opening; wherein the connection seal is disposed in the stepped recess of the housing component such that the adhesive and / or sealing compound is disposed between the connection protrusion and the stepped inner surface of the housing component.

[0010] Because the stepped groove adjacent to the connection opening in the housing component is defined by the stepped inner surface of the housing, the connection seal forms a connection protrusion along the edge of the sealing opening, which at least partially surrounds the sealing opening, and the connection seal is arranged in the stepped groove of the housing component such that adhesive and / or sealing compound are disposed between the connection protrusion and the stepped inner surface of the housing component. Therefore, by operating the device with a pressurized medium (e.g., compressed air), shearing between the connection seal and the housing component is reduced or even completely prevented. On the one hand, this increases the sealing performance of the associated interface; on the other hand, it reduces the amount of adhesive and / or sealing compound required, which is environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

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

[0012] The stepped groove adjacent to the connecting opening includes a first region having a first extent (or "extension") in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connecting opening. The stepped groove also includes a second region adjacent to the first region, the second region having a second extent in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connecting opening, wherein the second extent is larger than the first extent.

[0013] According to the present invention, an annular elastic element is also proposed, wherein the elastic element has a connecting seal (20) that defines the edge of a sealing opening of the connecting seal, wherein the connecting seal forms a connecting protrusion along the edge of the sealing opening that at least partially surrounds the sealing opening, and wherein the connecting seal has, for example, a circular stop element that protrudes from a side surface opposite to the connecting protrusion.

[0014] Because the connecting seal has a stop element protruding from the side surface opposite to the connecting protrusion, axial fixation can be generated by the stop element of these mounted elastic elements when two opposing elastic elements are installed. This axial fixation reduces or prevents the connecting seal from lifting during operation with a pressurized medium.

[0015] Therefore, the components according to the invention and the elastic elements according to the invention achieve the same technical effect, namely, suppressing or preventing the connection seal from being lifted from the housing component in different ways.

[0016] According to 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 at least two of the components according to the present invention are fastened to each other in the device, the components optionally being equipped with an elastic element according to the present invention in each case.

[0017] The aspects of this disclosure can overcome the problem of a faulty area around an interface that has not been overcome for a long time.

[0018] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the resilient element includes, for example, an annular spring plate to which a connecting seal is fastened, for example, by vulcanization. The spring plate has a first side surface disposed on a first side of the spring plate and a second side surface disposed on a second side of the spring plate and facing away from the first side surface (16b). The connecting seal extends, for example, continuously from the first side surface of the spring plate around the radially outer edge of the spring plate to the second side surface of the spring plate, thus the seal at least segmentally surrounds the radially outer edge of the spring plate. Therefore, the radial separation point between the spring plate and the connecting seal is switched in a manner that promotes stability and facilitates sealing. Therefore, the possibility of the connecting seal being torn or detached from the spring plate is reduced. Therefore, an improved seal is also achieved for the associated interface for applying a pressurized medium. This encapsulation can be combined with a stop element in the resilient element, or it can be present in the absence of a stop element in the resilient element (e.g., in the assembly according to the invention). The stop element can also be present in the resilient element without encapsulation.

[0019] According to one aspect, a portion of the connecting seal protrudes radially outward from the outer edge of the spring plate, thus forming an "ear" of the spring plate. The related component can be round or angled. For example, the related portion or "ear" includes a connecting protrusion and / or a sealing opening. As a result of forming the "ear" of the spring plate through the connecting seal, the related interface can be sealed particularly well without introducing additional components separate from the elastic element or spring plate into the device, which reduces complexity.

[0020] For example, connecting seals, particularly connecting protrusions and / or stop elements, are made of elastic materials, such as rubber.

[0021] The devices described here individually and in combination can provide clamps that reliably and effectively seal the connection area for pressurized media without adversely affecting the dynamics of opening and closing the clamps.

[0022] If the brief description of this disclosure describes features not listed in the patent claims, such features are not essential features in the sense that they must be included in the patent claims to describe this disclosure, but are particularly prominent implementations of the claimed subject matter and may be combined with any patent claim and may also be combined with each other as needed. Attached Figure Description

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0031] Figure 5A A cross-section of the pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the invention is shown in three-dimensional sectional view form.

[0032] Figures 5B to 5D It shows the source Figure 5A Variations of the components.

[0033] Figures 6A to 6C An embodiment of the housing component according to the present invention is shown.

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

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

[0036] Figures 9A to 9C A second embodiment of the elastic element according to the present invention is shown.

[0037] Components shown in multiple figures use the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0038] This disclosure relates to annular elastic elements and housing components for pneumatic clamping and / or braking devices, and pneumatic clamping and / or braking devices having such annular elastic elements.

[0039] When this document refers to a device as “clamping” or “clamping device,” “clamping force” or “clamping” operation, it also includes “brake” or “brakeing device,” “braking force” or “braking” operation.

[0040] Figures 1A to 5A and Figure 8 The schematic diagram shows a cross-section of a clamping device 10 according to the invention, which has a housing 3 and a spring 1. The housing 3 includes two housing parts 3a and 3b, and the spring 1 is arranged in the housing 3 and includes at least two annular elastic elements 1a and 1b according to the invention.

[0041] The clamping device 10 according to the invention comprises: a first component according to the invention and a second component according to the invention, each component comprising one or more elastic elements 1a, 1b according to the invention and one or more housing parts 3a, 3b. The housing parts 3a, 3b form portions of the housing 3 of the device and are arranged relative to and fastened to each other such that the inner surfaces of the housing parts 3a, 3b together define an internal space within the housing 3, and the stop elements of the elastic elements 1a, 1b of the two components are designed to abut against each other; one or more clamping elements 8, wherein each clamping element has a clamping surface 7; and a spring 1, which is arranged in the internal space and comprises the elastic elements 1a of the first component and the elastic elements 1b of the second component, wherein the elastic elements 1a, 1b are clamped within the internal space such that a first pressure is formed in the internal space between the elastic elements 1a, 1b and the inner surfaces of the housing parts 3a, 3b. A pressure chamber 4 (the first pressure chamber 4 may be arranged outside the spring 1) is included, wherein the first pressure chamber 4 can be vented and overpressured by a pressurizing medium that can be supplied to the housing components 3a, 3b. The spring 1 is designed such that the bending of at least one of the elastic elements 1a, 1b is variable when the first pressure chamber 4 is inflated or vented, or when the first pressure chamber 4 is overpressured. The device 10 thus changes between an open state and a closed state, wherein in the open state, the clamped object 5 is spaced apart from one or more clamping surfaces 7, and in the closed state, at least one of the one or more clamping surfaces 7 transmits clamping and / or braking force to the object 5. The device 10 according to the invention includes the components mentioned at the beginning of this document that allow for reliable operation of the device. These components are explained in more detail with reference to Figures 6 through 9.

[0042] Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 4A and Figure 4B Each of these clamping devices 10 is shown in a closed state, in which the clamping surface 7 of the clamping element 8 is in circumferential contact with the object 5. The clamping element 8 is also referred to as a clamping lip. The clamping element 8 can be integrally formed with the rest of the housing parts 3a and 3b, or it can be a structurally independent component on the housing parts 3a and 3b.

[0043] The clamping force or action of the clamping surface 7 on the object to be clamped 5 occurs in the clamping plane spanned by two vectors, each vector forming the radius of the annular elastic elements 1a, 1b or the annular groove 11 (see...). Figure 5AAxis 9 may pass through the center point of the ring of the assembly described herein as an annular structure, and may therefore be referred to as the main axis of clamping device 10, which may extend perpendicularly to the clamping plane. When referring herein to “inner” and “outer” protrusions, edges, or ends, the inner edge, inner protrusion, or inner end is closer to axis 9 than the corresponding outer edge, outer protrusion, or outer end. The same definition may also apply to other assemblies.

[0044] The clamping device 10 can be configured to be rotationally symmetrical about the main axis 9. The main axis 9 can pass approximately or precisely centered through the opening of the clamping device 10. Figure 5B (Opening 14 in the middle). Figure 1A , Figure 4A In the clamping device, the object 5 to be clamped (e.g., a rotatable shaft of a machine tool or worktable) is placed in the opening 14, and the clamping force of the clamping device thus points radially inward (perpendicular to the main axis 9) towards the main axis 9 within the clamping plane. Figure 1B , Figure 4B In the clamping device 10, the object 5 to be clamped is placed outside the clamping device 10, and the clamping force of the clamping device is therefore radially outward (perpendicular to the main axis 9) away from the main axis 9 in the clamping plane.

[0045] exist Figure 1A , Figure 2A , Figure 3A , 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 , 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 , Figure 4B In this case, an object 5 to be clamped can be introduced into the opening 14 in place of a component that at least partially fills the opening 14 and through which the main axis 9 passes.

[0046] exist Figures 1A to 5A In the various cases shown, the spring 1 is clamped within the housing 3 of the clamping device 10 at the two contact surfaces ( Figure 5C and Figure 5D Between 101 and 102, and extending between the two contact surfaces. Figures 1A to 2BIn the unpressurized initial state of device 10, spring 1 can be slightly bent to securely hold it within housing 3 in that state; the same applies to any other state of device 10, where the degree of bending of spring 1 depends on the state of device 10. If device 10 is in a bent state (e.g., more bent than in the unpressurized initial state, such as in the open state), the venting of the inner pressure chamber 2 and the inflation of the outer pressure chamber 4 of spring 1 can cause at least partial relaxation of spring 1, while spring 1 presses against the radial contact surface with a slightly increased gap, causing housing 3 to elastically deform in the area of ​​clamping element 8 or clamping surface 7, thereby causing clamping surface 7 to contact object 5 and press against object 5 with a (predefined) clamping force to securely clamp object 5. Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, object 5 is securely clamped and clamping device 10 is in a closed state. In the closed state of device 10, even after partial relaxation, spring 1 can still bend slightly so as to be securely fixed in housing 3 in this state.

[0047] In this configuration, the clamping element 8 can be an elastic element, such as a spring fork. In the unpressured initial state of the device 10, this elastic element is moved from its relaxed initial position to a tensioned position by the spring force of the (slightly) bent spring 1 (e.g., by bending the spring fork 8) until a balance is reached between the restoring force of the elastic element 8 and the spring force of the spring 1 in the unpressured initial state. In this balanced state, the clamping surface 7 can press against the object 5.

[0048] In the closed state, by applying additional compressed air (e.g., 4 bar or 6 bar) to the external pressure chamber 4, there is an optional possibility to increase the clamping force by a predetermined value. This is in Figure 1A , Figure 1B The optional additional compressed air pump (booster) 6 and the shaded line (compressed air) in the external pressure chamber 4 are indicated in the diagram. The external pressure chamber 4 can be connected to port I (also known as the "closed" port) through an opening in the housing 3, and the compressed air pump 6 can be connected to port I.

[0049] Therefore, for example, the actuation device 10 can be changed in such a way as to vary between the braking motion of the object 5 (in a pressureless state) and the complete clamping of the object (when sufficient pressure is applied).

[0050] Even though this document shows and describes two pressure chambers 2 and 4 by way of example, the clamping device 10 can also be operated with a single pressure chamber, which can be, for example, the inner pressure chamber 2 or the outer pressure chamber 4.

[0051] Figure 2A and Figure 2B They are shown respectively Figure 1A and Figure 1B The clamping device 10 is in the open state, wherein the clamping surface 7 is not in contact with 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 port II (also referred to as the "open" port) through an opening in the housing 3, and the compressed air pump 6 can be connected to port II.

[0052] Compressed air (e.g., 4 bar or 6 bar) is applied to the inner pressure chamber 2 and discharged from the outer pressure chamber 4 by the compressed air pump 6. Figure 1A Compared to the closed state in Figure 1B, spring 1 will be more (convex) bent or tensioned, and the distance between spring 1 or the two supporting surfaces will be radially shortened. Clamping surface 7 is lifted from object 5, thereby releasing the clamp. Object 5 can move freely (e.g., it can rotate about axis 9 or move linearly along axis 9), and clamping device 10 is opened.

[0053] The device 10 can switch back and forth between the closed and open states.

[0054] Compared with hydraulic clamps, this type of pneumatic clamp 10 has many advantages.

[0055] By combining the elastic component (here, spring 1 together with elastic elements 1a and 1b) with compressed air, extremely short reaction times can be achieved, for example, when changing between an open and closed state, while still reliably clamping the object 5. Spring 1 can be constructed as a plate, as shown in more detail in Figure 5, where two stacked elastic elements 1a and 1b form spring 1, and an internal pressure chamber 2 of spring 1 is formed between plates 1a and 1b. Also as shown in Figure 5, plates 1a and 1b can also be annular and optionally additionally have radial grooves, thereby enabling changes in inner diameter with very small forces. Elastic elements 1a and 1b can be covered with rubber, at least in the grooved areas, to produce the sealing required by the compressed air. The elastic elements 1a and 1b are typically designed to be pressure-resistant and thus flexible, and are arranged in the housing 3 of the clamping device 10 as follows: an inner pressure chamber 2 is formed between the elastic elements 1a and 1b inside the spring 1, while an outer pressure chamber 4 is formed between each elastic element 1a and 1b and the housing 3 or the housing components 3a and 3b of the clamping device 10, respectively. Figure 5 shows the... Figure 1A and Figure 2A A three-dimensional view of a similar clamping device 10.

[0056] like Figure 1AAs shown, by inflating the outer pressure chamber 4 or applying compressed air and venting the inner pressure chamber 2, the spring 1 is at least partially relaxed and generates a clamping force on the object 5 to be clamped, particularly on the circumference of the shaft 5. As a result, in the event of energy or pressure failure, the object 5 is clamped or the shaft 5 stops immediately, thus providing a safe clamping. Depending on its size, such pneumatic clamps 10 can achieve holding torques of several hundred Newton-meters (Nm) or even several thousand Nm by additionally applying compressed air (such as air to the outer pressure chamber 4) Figure 1A As shown by the pressure pump 6 (booster pump), the holding torque can be further increased. Here, only a few bar of compressed air (e.g., 4 bar or 6 bar) is needed to provide several times the holding torque without the booster pump. In this case, the fact that a small lateral bend (perpendicular to its longitudinal axis) of the plates 1a, 1b generates a large spring force when the clamp 10 changes between its open and closed states is utilized, which can be used to clamp or release the preload of the clamping device 10. This allows for reliable clamping and release even for the rapidly rotating machine tool axis 5.

[0057] In terms of pneumatic components, they are also less expensive and require less assembly compared to hydraulic components, and the use of compressed air does not impose any additional maintenance costs on the cleanliness of the system. This pneumatic clamp also allows for a small overall size because the smaller lateral bending and longitudinal range (and its variation) of the spring, and the resulting smaller pressure chamber volume, are sufficient to apply the required clamping force.

[0058] For pneumatic clamps, they are generally classified as follows: Figures 1A to 2B The passive clamping device 10 shown is as follows: Figures 3A to 4B The active clamping device 10 shown.

[0059] In the initial, unpressurized state, spring 1 can bend to varying degrees (laterally), thus shortening radially to varying degrees. The inner side of housing 3 may be adapted to or may limit the bending of elastic elements 1a, 1b. The corresponding stop surfaces of elastic elements 1a, 1b may be formed, for example, by the inner wall of housing. This inner wall of housing may have a shape complementary to (e.g., concave) the (e.g., convex) bending of elastic elements 1a, 1b.

[0060] For the passive clamping device 10, in the initial state without pressure, the spring 1 is typically slightly elastic (e.g., convex) bent or preloaded, and the clamping device 10 can be closed. Figure 1A , Figure 1B The clamping device 10 is opened only by applying inward force (i.e., by applying compressed air into 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 clamping or pressure decreases, the spring force given by the energy stored in spring 1 is transmitted as a clamping force to the clamped object 5.

[0061] For the active clamping device 10, in the initial state without pressure ( Figure 3A , 3B The spring 1 bends laterally to a greater extent than the passive clamping device, specifically its bending amplitude is more significant. This results in a shorter distance between the two radial bearing surfaces, thus putting the clamping device 10 in the open state. At this time, the clamping surface 7 does not exert any clamping force on the object 5. Since the clamping surface 7 does not contact the object 5, or maintains a certain distance from the object 5, the object 5 is in a free state.

[0062] By plastically deforming the elastic elements 1a and 1b within the same housing 3, the spring 1 can bend more laterally outward in the unpressured initial state, thus its radial shortening is greater than that of a passive clamping device. This smaller radial range of the elastic elements 1a and 1b in the unpressured initial state causes 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 elastically bend and press against the support surface, thus fixing the spring within the housing. The internal space or groove of the housing can accommodate the stronger curvature resulting from plastic deformation in the initial state.

[0063] like Figure 4A and 4B As shown, a clamping force must be actively applied from the outside to change the clamping device to the closed state. Here, compressed air is introduced into the external pressure chamber 4 through the compressed air pump 6, so the compressed air is applied to the spring 1 from the outside, causing the spring 1 to actively relax, the curvature of the spring 1 to decrease, the distance between the two bearing surfaces to increase, and the housing 3 to undergo elastic deformation in the area of ​​the clamping element 8 or the clamping surface 7. As a result, the clamping surface 7 contacts the object 5 and generates a clamping force on the object 5, thereby firmly clamping the object 5. Then, the active clamping device 10 is in the closed state.

[0064] Therefore, depending on the application area and prescribed safety regulations, either an active or passive clamping system 10 can be used. If the primary objective is safe clamping, a passive clamping device is typically used. With such a pneumatic passive clamping system, even in a pressureless state, a predetermined clamping force can be generated when the device is appropriately assembled into the overall equipment, and the object to be clamped 5 is subjected to this predetermined clamping force. By applying overpressure or negative pressure, the force transmitted to the object can be increased, decreased, or completely eliminated, opening up diverse application scenarios. On the other hand, if the clamping device is primarily used to perform intentional operations (such as tool changing), an active clamping device is typically used.

[0065] 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 fastened together by fastening means (e.g., screws) and installed in such a way that, in the installed state, the two housing components 3a and 3b define an internal space 13 between them within the housing 3, in which the spring 1 according to the invention, together with its annular elastic elements 1a and 1b, is arranged. Each housing component 3a and 3b defines an annular groove 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 R of the annular groove 11, and / or at least a portion of the second contact surface 102 of the housing component may extend (substantially) perpendicular to the radial R of the annular groove 11.

[0066] Opening 14 ( Figure 5B An opening 14 extends through the center of the housing 3, into which the object 5 (e.g., a shaft) to be clamped can be introduced. The housing can extend up to 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 axis 9 of the clamping device passes centrally through the opening 14 and is perpendicular to the clamping plane. Figure 1A , Figure 2A , Figure 3A , Figure 4A , Figure 5A In the clamping device, the main axis 9 passes through the shaft in the center along its longitudinal axis.

[0067] One or more clamping surfaces 7 are arranged circumferentially along the housing 3 or opening 14. When the housing 3 undergoes elastic deformation in the area of ​​the clamping element 8 or clamping surface 7, the clamping surface 7 generates a clamping force on the outer periphery of the object 5, thereby clamping the object 5. In order to effectively open and close the clamping device 10 relative to the object 5 without posing a risk of damage to the object 5, the clamping force needs to be symmetrically distributed along the clamping surface 7 or along the circumference of the object 5. Asymmetrical distribution of the clamping force can lead to damage to the object 5. For example, one or two contact surfaces 101, 102 are arranged in a circular configuration within the clamping plane. As another example, the clamping surface 7 is arranged in a circular configuration within the clamping plane. The clamping element 8 can be arranged in a ring. All ring or circular components described herein can be individually or in combination with the intersection of the main axis 9 and the clamping plane (e.g., the center point of the opening 14) as their center.

[0068] Figure 5B Embodiments of components 40 and 50 according to the present invention are shown (hereinafter referred to as...). Figure 5A The upper housing component 3a of the component has an annular groove 11 for clamping an annular elastic element 1a, and the housing component 3a has an inner surface defined by the groove 11 (see 105 in FIG. 7). The annular groove 11 defines, for example, an annular opening 12 in the housing component, which 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.

[0069] When the elastic element 1a passes through the opening 12 to face the first side of the inner surface (see...) Figure 6C When 16a) is introduced into the groove 11 and is clamped in the groove 11, a first pressure chamber 4 is formed between the inner surface and the elastic element 1a. Here, the elastic element according to the invention has the means described at the beginning that enables a reliable and effective seal at port II. These means will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 6 to 9.

[0070] like Figure 5C and Figure 5D As shown, the elastic element 1a of the illustrated spring 1 extends from the first contact surface 101 within the housing component 3a to the second contact surface 102 within the housing component 3a and can contact the second contact surface. Here, viewed from the center point of the opening 14, the first contact surface 101 is arranged radially further outward than the second contact surface 102.

[0071] Figure 5C It shows Figure 5B A portion of the housing component 3a shown, wherein the upper plate 1a of the spring 1 is in contact with and, for example, in contact with the first contact surface 101. Figure 5D It shows Figure 5B A portion of the housing component 3a shown, wherein the upper plate 1a of the spring 1 is in contact with and, for example, in contact with the second contact surface 102. However, one or more other components (through which the elastic element 1a applies spring force to the contact surfaces 101, 102) may also be radially located between the elastic element 1a and one or more contact surfaces 101, 102.

[0072] from Figure 5B , Figure 5D As can be seen, the elastic element 1a is clamped in the groove 11 between the inner sides of the housing component 3a. During assembly, each plate of the spring 1 is introduced into the corresponding groove 11 of the housing component along the inner surface of the housing component 3a and along the main axis 9 of the clamping device 10 through the opening 12, until the corresponding plate abuts against the stop portions 112 and 122 at the ends of the two contact surfaces 101 and 102, thus preventing further introduction into the groove 11. Since the size of the elastic element 1a in the clamping plane or in the radial direction of the annular groove can be larger than the size of the internal space defined by the housing component, the plate 1a can be bent or pre-tightened in the initial state without pressure.

[0073] Figures 6A to 6C An embodiment of the housing component according to the present invention is shown.

[0074] Figure 6A Plan views of housing components 3a and 3b are shown in this case. Figure 6B It shows the way Figure 6A The rectangle in the image indicates an enlarged view of the area surrounding the connecting opening 15. Figure 6C It shows along Figure 6A The dashed line AA passes through a portion of the cross-section of the housing components 3a and 3b.

[0075] Housing components 3a and 3b include: a connection opening 15 for an interface II for clamping and / or braking device 10, for applying pressurizing medium to a pressure chamber 2 of the clamping and / or braking device 10; and a stepped inner housing surface 17a that defines a stepped groove 17b in housing components 3a and 3b adjacent to the connection opening 15. The step may be formed by two (substantially) perpendicular legs (pitch and slope), such as... Figure 6C As shown. The number of steps is arbitrary (one, two, or more).

[0076] The stepped groove 17b adjacent to the connecting opening 15 includes a first region 17c having a first extent in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connecting opening 15. The stepped groove 17b also includes a second region 17d adjacent to the first region having a second extent in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connecting opening, wherein the second extent is larger than the first extent, thus forming one, two or more steps.

[0077] Figures 7A to 7C A first embodiment of the elastic element according to the invention is shown. In this embodiment, a stop element 18 is present, but the surrounding of the radial outer edge of the spring plate 16 is optional.

[0078] Figure 7A In this case, a plan view of the inner side of the elastic elements 1a and 1b is shown. Figure 7B It shows the result of Figure 7A The rectangle in the image indicates an enlarged view of the area surrounding the sealed opening 23. Figure 7C It shows along Figure 7A The dashed line CC passes through a portion of the cross-section of the elastic elements 1a and 1b.

[0079] For example, the annular elastic elements 1a, 1b have a connecting seal 20 that defines the edge 22 of the sealing opening 23 of the connecting seal 20 for fluid connection to the connecting opening 15 (e.g., when the pressure chamber 2 is applied, the pressurized medium flows through the openings 15 and 23), and wherein the connecting seal 20 forms, for example, a circular connecting protrusion 21 along the edge 22 of the sealing opening 23, which at least partially surrounds, for example, the circular sealing opening 23.

[0080] The elastic elements 1a and 1b include, for example, an annular spring plate 16, to which the connecting seal 20 is fastened (e.g., vulcanized).

[0081] A portion of the connecting seal 20 protrudes radially outward from the outer edge of the spring plate 16, and this portion includes a connecting protrusion 21 and a sealing opening 23. The portion of the connecting seal 20 that protrudes radially outward from the radial outer edge of the spring plate 16 includes a portion of a stop element 18.

[0082] The connecting seal 20 has, for example, a circular stop element 18 that protrudes from the second side surface 24 on the side opposite to the connecting protrusion 21. The first side surface of the connecting seal 20 faces the inner surface 105 of the housing component.

[0083] The spring plate 16 has a first side surface 16a disposed on a first side 16c of the spring plate 16 and a second side surface 16b disposed on a second side 16d of the spring plate 16 and opposite to the first side surface 16a.

[0084] The stop element 18 is located on the second side 16d of the spring plate 16, and the connecting protrusion 21 is located on the first side 16c of the spring plate 16.

[0085] The connecting seal 20, particularly the connecting protrusion 21 and / or the stop element 18, may be made of an elastic material, such as rubber.

[0086] Figure 8 Details of the clamping and / or braking device according to the invention are shown, which has two components according to the invention according to Figures 6 and 7.

[0087] In this embodiment, the connecting seal 20 of each component 40, 50 is arranged in the stepped groove 17 of the corresponding housing component 3a, 3b, such that the adhesive and / or sealing compound 30 is arranged between the corresponding connecting protrusion 21 and the corresponding stepped housing inner surface 17a of the housing component 3a, 3b, and thus the corresponding housing component is bonded and / or sealed with the connecting seal 20 in the region of port II by means of the step and the adhesive and / or sealing compound 30.

[0088] The connecting seal 20 forms a connecting protrusion 21 along the edge 22 of the sealing opening 23, the protrusion at least partially surrounding the sealing opening 23, wherein the connecting seal 20 has, for example, a circular stop element 18 that protrudes from the side surface 24 on the side surface 24 opposite to the connecting protrusion 21 (see [link]). Figure 7C The stop element 18 of the elastic elements 1a and 1b of the two components 40 and 50 is designed to stop when the first pressure chamber 4 is overpressurized. Figure 8 When the dashed ellipse in the figure is adjacent to each other, it at least inhibits or prevents the corresponding connecting seals 20 (in particular the corresponding connecting protrusions 21) from the inner surface 17a of the housing of the corresponding components 40, 50 (see the dashed ellipse in the figure). Figure 7C )promote.

[0089] Figures 9A to 9C A second embodiment of the elastic element according to the invention is shown. In this embodiment, the outer shell of the spring plate 16 is present at the radial outer edge of the spring plate, but the stop element 18 is optional.

[0090] Figure 9A In this case, a plan view of the outer side of the elastic elements 1a and 1b is shown. Figure 9B It shows the result of Figure 9A The rectangle in the image indicates an enlarged view of the area surrounding the sealing opening 23. Figure 9C It shows along Figure 9A The dashed line EE passes through a portion of the cross-section of the elastic elements 1a and 1b.

[0091] For example, annular elastic elements 1a and 1b are disclosed, wherein the elastic elements 1a and 1b have a connecting seal 20 defining an edge 22 of a sealing opening 23 of the connecting seal 20, wherein the connecting seal 20 forms a connecting protrusion 21 along the edge 22 of the sealing opening 23, the connecting protrusion at least partially surrounding the sealing opening 23. The elastic elements 1a and 1b include, for example, an annular spring plate 16, to which the connecting seal 20 is fastened (e.g., vulcanized). The spring plate 16 has a first side surface 16a disposed on a first side 16c of the spring plate 16 and a second side surface 16b disposed on a second side 16d of the spring plate 16 and facing away from the first side surface 16a. The connecting seal 20 extends continuously, for example, from the first side surface 16a of the spring plate 16 around the radially outer edge of the spring plate 16 to the second side surface 16b of the spring plate 16, thereby at least segmentally surrounding the radially outer edge of the spring plate 16, such as... Figure 9C As indicated by the arrows in the diagram. Therefore, the transition between port II or openings 15, 23 and the first pressure chamber 4 between the elastic element and the housing component is better sealed, and the connecting seal 20 is more securely attached to the spring plate 16 (see...). Figure 6C , Figure 8 , Figure 9C ).

[0092] The devices described here individually and in combination can provide a clamp that operates reliably and efficiently in the area of ​​the interface (particularly port II) (in terms of saving adhesives and / or sealing compounds, and reducing the number of parts), without adversely affecting the dynamic characteristics of the clamp opening and closing.

[0093] Preferred embodiments of the subject matter claimed in the appended claims have been described in the specification and drawings. The optional features disclosed in the foregoing specification, claims, and drawings may be used individually or in any desired combination to implement the subject matter claimed herein in various configurations according to the appended claims.

[0094] The foregoing aspects and embodiments can be combined to produce further embodiments. Based on the detailed description above, these and other modifications can be made to these embodiments. In general, 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 as covering all possible embodiments and the full scope of equivalents claimed.

Claims

1. An assembly (40, 50) for clamping and / or braking devices (10), said assembly comprising: The housing components (3a, 3b) include: A connection opening (15) is provided for the interface (II) of the clamping and / or braking device (10) to apply a pressurizing medium to the pressure chamber (2) of the clamping and / or braking device (10), and A stepped inner surface of the housing (17a) defines a stepped groove (17b) in the housing components (3a, 3b) adjacent to the connection opening (15); Adhesives and / or sealing compounds (30); Preferably, the elastic element (1a, 1b) is an annular elastic element, wherein the elastic element (1a, 1b) has a connecting seal (20) defining an edge (22) of a sealing opening (23) of the connecting seal (20) for fluid connection with the connecting opening (15), and wherein the connecting seal (20) forms a connecting protrusion (21) along the edge (22) of the sealing opening (23), the connecting protrusion at least partially surrounding the sealing opening (23); The connecting seal (20) is arranged in the stepped groove (17) of the housing component (3a, 3b) in such a way that the adhesive and / or sealing compound (30) is disposed between the connecting protrusion (21) and the stepped inner surface (17a) of the housing component (3a, 3b).

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

3. The component (40, 50) or elastic element (1a, 1b) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elastic element (1a, 1b) comprises a spring plate (16) preferably annular, and the connecting seal (20) is preferably fastened to the spring plate by vulcanization.

4. The component (40, 50) or elastic element (1a, 1b) according to claim 3, wherein a portion of the connecting seal (20) protrudes radially outward from the outer edge of the spring plate (16), preferably wherein the portion includes the connecting protrusion (21) and / or the sealing opening (23).

5. The component (40, 50) or elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting seal (20) has a preferably circular stop element (18) protruding from a second side surface (24) opposite to the connecting protrusion (21).

6. The component (40, 50) or elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the spring plate (16) has a first side surface (16a) disposed on a first side (16c) of the spring plate (16) and a second side surface (16b) disposed on a second side (16d) of the spring plate (16) and opposite to the first side surface (16a).

7. The component (40, 50) or elastic element (1a, 1b) according to claim 6, wherein the connecting seal (20) extends from the first side surface (16a) of the spring plate (16) around the radial outer edge of the spring plate (16), preferably continuously extending to the second side surface (16b) of the spring plate (16), and thereby at least segmentally covering the radial outer edge of the spring plate (16).

8. The component (40, 50) or elastic element (1a, 1b) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the stop element (18) is located on the second side (16d) of the spring plate (16) and / or the connecting protrusion (21) is located on the first side (16c) of the spring plate (16).

9. The component (40, 50) or elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the portion of the connecting seal (20) that projects radially outward from the outer edge of the spring plate (16) includes a portion of the stop element (18).

10. A clamping and / or braking device (10) for clamping and / or braking an object to be clamped and / or braked, comprising: The first component (40) according to any one of the preceding claims and the second component (50) according to any one of the preceding claims; The housing parts (3a, 3b) of the two components (40, 50) are arranged opposite to each other and fastened to each other in such a way that the inner surfaces (105) of the housing parts (3a, 3b) together define the internal space within the housing (3), and the elastic elements (1a, 1b) of the two components (40, 50), preferably the stop elements (18) of the elastic elements, are designed to abut against each other; One or more clamping elements (8), wherein each of the clamping elements has a clamping surface (7); A spring (1) is arranged in the internal space and includes the elastic element (1a) of the first component (40) and the elastic element (1b) of the second component (50), wherein the elastic elements (1a, 1b) are clamped in the internal space in such a way that a first pressure chamber (4) is formed in the internal space between the elastic elements (1a, 1b) and the inner surface (105) of the housing component (3a, 3b), wherein the first pressure chamber (4) is ventable and actuable by overpressure of a pressurizing medium supplied to the housing component (3a, 3b); The spring (1) is designed such that the bending of at least one of the elastic elements (1a, 1b) is variable when the first pressure chamber (4) is inflated or deflated, or when the first pressure chamber (4) is overpressurized, and the device (10) thereby changes 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 which in the closed state at least one of the one or more clamping surfaces (7) transmits clamping and / or braking force to the object (5).

11. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 10, wherein, The stop element (18) of the elastic element (1a, 1b) of the two components (40, 50) is designed to abut against each other when the first pressure chamber (4) is overpressurized, preferably thereby at least inhibiting or preventing the corresponding connecting seal (20), in particular the corresponding connecting protrusion (21), from lifting off the inner surface (17a) of the housing of the corresponding component (40, 50).

12. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein, The clamping and / or braking force is generated by the inner or outer edge of at least one spring plate (16) of the elastic element (1a, 1b) being supported on an inner surface (105), and the outer or inner edge (16a, 16b) of the at least one spring plate (16) pressing against the clamping element.

13. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, The first spring plate (16) of the first elastic element (1a) is designed to reduce the curvature of the first pressure chamber (4) by applying overpressure, so that when the inner edge or the outer edge of the first spring plate (16) is supported on the inner surface (105) of the first housing component, the outer edge or the inner edge of the first spring plate (16) is pressed against a clamping element, thereby causing the clamping and / or braking force from the clamping surface of the clamping element to be transmitted to the object (5) to be clamped and / or braked, and the device (10) changes from the open state to the closed state; and / or The device (10) is designed such that by venting the first pressure chamber or by applying overpressure to the first pressure chamber (4), one of the clamping elements is removed from a portion of the inner surface (105) and / or the bending of at least one of the spring plates (16) of the elastic element is reduced, and the device (10) thereby changes from the open state to the closed state.

14. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein, The internal space includes a second pressure chamber (2) disposed inside the spring (1) between the elastic elements. Preferably, the device (10) is designed such that by inflating the second pressure chamber (2) or by applying overpressure to the second pressure chamber (2), one of the clamping elements (8) moves toward a portion of one of the inner surfaces (105) and / or increases the bending of at least one of the spring plates (16) of the elastic elements, and the device (10) thereby changes from the closed state to the open state.

15. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 14 or the component (40, 50) according to any one of claims 1 or 3 to 9, wherein, The connection seal (20) of at least one of the components (40, 50) and / or the adhesive and / or sealing compound (30) substantially seal the interface (II) of the clamping and / or braking device (10) to apply a pressurizing medium to the clamping and / or braking device (10), preferably the second pressure chamber (2).

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