Elastic element

Abstract

A preferably annular elastic element (1a, 1b) is described, wherein the elastic element (1a, 1b) has a connection seal (20) which defines an edge (22) of a sealing opening (23) of the connection seal (20), wherein the connection seal (20) forms a connection projection (21) along the edge (22) of the sealing opening (23), which projection at least partially surrounds the sealing opening (23), wherein the connection seal (20) has, on a side surface (24) facing away from the connection projection (21), a preferably round stop element (18) protruding from the side surface (24).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to an elastic element, in particular for a clamping and / or braking device. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In the manufacture of tools or machine parts, processing machines, in particular work spindles or other machine tools, are used which process material from a workpiece using tools attached to a shaft, in particular to give it the desired shape. The shaft can be a rotational axis or pivoting axis of such a machine. Furthermore, rotating or pivoting tables are used with a shaft to place tools or workpieces in the appropriate processing position or to move workpieces at appropriate speeds. A high speed of the shaft is one of the prerequisites for precise and efficient processing. Emergency or safety systems therefore have the task of stopping the shaft or holding it in a fixed position and thus fixing it in the event of a malfunction or failure of the system, such as a power failure or cable break.

[0003] Common machining centers are equipped with electromagnetic, hydraulic, or pneumatic clamping and / or braking devices. These devices feature a friction lining that can be frictionally connected to the shaft via force transmission. This allows the shaft to be clamped at varying speeds.

[0004] In hydraulic clamping devices, a chamber is pressurized with hydraulic oil, clamping the rotating shaft or disc. Passive hydraulic clamps are also known. However, such hydraulic clamps have long response times, or short response times require considerable effort. Furthermore, the hydraulic material, especially hydraulic valves and hydraulic pipes, is expensive and requires longer assembly times. The hydraulic oil also requires additional effort to maintain cleanliness in the area surrounding a hydraulic clamp.

[0005] In pneumatic clamping and / or braking devices, elastic elements, in particular spring plates, are usually pressurized with compressed air and can overcome some of the disadvantages of hydraulic clamping devices mentioned above.

[0006] EP 1585 616 B1 and EP 1 651 881 B1 describe pneumatic clamping devices with two annular spring plates that are inserted into a housing of the clamping device and form a pressure chamber therein that can be pressurized with compressed air or vented and vented in order to change the bending of the spring plates and thereby switch between a closed state of the clamping devices, in which an object to be clamped, such as a rotatable shaft, is clamped, and an open state of the clamping devices, in which the object is free. In practice, however, it has been shown that rubberized spring plates of such clamps can lift off when subjected to excess pressure in the area of the connections, causing the clamp to leak, or that large quantities of adhesive and / or sealing compound must be used, which is neither environmentally friendly nor cost-effective. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Based on the prior art mentioned at the outset, the object of the invention is to provide means that enable a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device to reliably seal in the area of a closure for the pressure medium.

[0008] The invention solves this problem with a preferably annular elastic element, wherein the elastic element has a connection seal which defines an edge of a sealing opening of the connection seal, wherein the connection seal forms a connection projection along the edge of the sealing opening which at least partially surrounds the sealing opening, wherein the connection seal has a preferably round stop element protruding from the side surface on a side surface facing away from the connection projection.

[0009] The fact that the connection seal has a stop element protruding from the side surface on a side surface facing away from the connection projection makes it possible for the stop elements of these installed elastic elements to create an axial fixation when two opposing elastic elements are installed, which reduces or prevents the connection seal from lifting off during operation with the pressure medium.

[0010] The elastic element according to the invention consequently has the technical effect of inhibiting or preventing the connection seal from lifting off the housing part.

[0011] The long-standing problem of the interference-prone area around one of the connections could be overcome by this invention.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the elastic element comprises a preferably annular spring plate to which the connection seal is fastened, preferably vulcanized. The spring plate has a first side surface arranged on a first side of the spring plate and a second side surface arranged on a second side of the spring plate and facing away from the first side surfaces. The connection seal extends, preferably 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, whereby the seal encloses the radially outer edge of the spring plate at least in sections. As a result, a radial separation point between the spring plate and the connection seal is converted in a way that promotes stability and promotes sealing.This reduces the likelihood of the connection seal tearing or detaching from the spring plate. It also provides improved sealing at the relevant connection for the pressure medium. This sheathing can be combined with the stop element in an elastic element, or it can be present in the elastic element without a stop element (e.g., in the component according to the invention). The stop element can, in turn, also be present in an elastic element without a sheathing.

[0013] According to a preferred aspect, a portion of the connection seal protrudes radially outward from the outer edge of the spring plate, thereby forming a type of "ear" from the spring plate. The respective portion may be rounded or angular. Preferably, the respective portion or "ear" comprises the connection projection and / or the sealing opening. By forming a type of "ear" from the spring plate by the connection seal, the respective connection can be sealed particularly well without introducing an additional component separate from the elastic element or the spring plate into the device, thus reducing complexity.

[0014] Preferably, the connection seal, in particular the connection projection and / or the stop element, is made of an elastic material, preferably rubber.

[0015] The means described here, individually and in combination, can be used to provide clamps that seal reliably and effectively in the area of the pressure medium connection without negatively affecting the dynamics of opening and closing of the clamp.

[0016] If this brief description of the invention describes features that are not listed in the patent claims, these features do not represent essential features in the sense that these features must necessarily be included in the patent claims to describe the invention, but these features are particularly prominent preferred implementations of the claimed invention, can be combined with any of the patent claims and can also be combined with each other as desired. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS Fig. Figure 1A shows a schematic cross-section through an inwardly directed, passive pneumatic clamping and / or braking device in the closed state. Fig. Figure 1B shows a schematic cross-section through an outwardly directed, passive pneumatic clamping and / or braking device in the closed state. Fig. Figure 2A shows a schematic cross-section through an inwardly directed, passive pneumatic clamping and / or braking device in the open state. Fig. Figure 2B shows a schematic cross-section through an outwardly directed, passive pneumatic clamping and / or braking device in the open state. Fig. Figure 3A shows a schematic cross-section through an inwardly directed, active pneumatic clamping and / or braking device in the open state. Fig. Figure 3B shows a schematic cross-section through an outwardly directed, active pneumatic clamping and / or braking device in the open state. Fig. Figure 4A shows a schematic cross-section through an inwardly directed, active pneumatic clamping and / or braking device in the closed state. Fig. Figure 4B shows a schematic cross-section through an outwardly directed, active pneumatic clamping and / or braking device in the closed state. Fig. Figure 5A shows a cross-section through a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device in three-dimensional representation. Fig. 5B to 5D show a variant of a Fig. Component taken from 5A. Fig. 6A to 6C show an embodiment of a housing part. Fig. 7A to 7C show a first embodiment of the elastic element according to the invention. Fig. 8 shows a section of a clamping and / or braking device with two elastic elements according to the invention. Fig. 9A to 9C show a second embodiment of the elastic element according to the invention.

[0017] Components shown in several figures have the same reference symbols. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The invention relates to an annular elastic element, in particular for a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device.

[0019] Whenever this document refers to the device “clamp” or “clamping device”, the “clamping force” or the process of “clamping”, this also includes the device “brake” or “braking device” or the “braking force” or the process of “braking”.

[0020] The Fig. 1A to 5A and 8 show schematic cross sections through such a clamping device 10 with a housing 3 comprising two housing parts 3a, 3b, and with a spring 1 arranged in the housing 3, which spring comprises at least two annular elastic elements 1a, 1b according to the invention.

[0021] The clamping device 10 comprises the following: a first component and a second component, each of the components 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 parts of the housing 3 of the device and are arranged and fastened to one another in such a way that inner surfaces of the housing parts 3a, 3b together define an interior space within the housing 3, and the stop elements of the elastic elements 1a, 1b of the two components are designed to abut one another; one or more clamping elements 8, each clamping element having a clamping surface 7; a spring 1 arranged in the interior space, comprising the elastic element 1a of the first component and the elastic element 1b of the second component, the elastic elements 1a, 1b being clamped within the interior space in such a way,that a first pressure chamber 4 is formed in the interior between the elastic elements 1a, 1b and the inner surfaces of the housing parts 3a, 3b (the first pressure chamber 4 can be arranged outside the spring 1), wherein the first pressure chamber 4 can be vented and pressurized with overpressure from a pressure medium supplied to the housing parts 3a, 3, wherein the spring 1 is designed such that when the first pressure chamber 4 is vented or vented or overpressure is applied to the first pressure chamber 4, a bending of at least one of the elastic elements 1a, 1b) can be changed, and thereby the device 10 changes between an open state, in which an object 5 to be clamped is spaced from the one or more clamping surfaces 7, and a closed state, in which at least one of the one or more clamping surfaces 7 transmits a clamping and / or braking force to the object 5. The device 10 according to the invention comprises the means mentioned above,which allow reliable operation of the device. These means are used in conjunction with the , Fig. 6 to 9 are explained in more detail.

[0022] The Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B, Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B each show such clamping devices 10 in the closed state, with the clamping surface 7 of the clamping element 8 touching the periphery of the object 5. The clamping element 8 is also referred to as a clamping lip. The clamping element 8 can be formed integrally with the remaining parts of the housing part 3a, 3b or can be a component of the housing part 3a, 3b that is structurally separate from the remaining parts.

[0023] The clamping force or effect of the clamping surface 7 on the object 5 to be clamped takes place in a clamping plane which is spanned by two vectors, each of which forms a radius of the annular elastic elements 1a, 1b or annular recess 11 (cf. Fig. 5A). The axis 9 can pass through the center of the ring of the components described here as annular and can therefore be referred to as the main axis of the clamping device 10, which can be perpendicular to the clamping plane. When reference is made in this document to "inner" and "outer" projection, edge, or end, the inner edge, projection, or end is closer to the axis 9 than the corresponding outer edge, projection, or end. The same can also apply to other components.

[0024] The clamping device 10 can be designed rotationally symmetrical about this main axis 9. The main axis 9 can run approximately or exactly centrally through an opening of the clamping device 10 (opening 14 in Fig. 5B). In the Fig. 1A, Fig. 4A, the object 5 to be clamped, for example a rotatable shaft of a machine or a table, is placed within the opening 14 and the clamping force of the clamping device is therefore directed radially inwards towards the main axis 9 (perpendicular to the main axis 9) within the clamping plane. In Fig. 1B, Fig. 4B, the object 5 to be clamped is placed outside the clamping device 10 and the clamping force of the clamping device is therefore directed radially outwards away from the main axis 9 (perpendicular to the main axis 9) within the clamping plane.

[0025] In Fig. 1A, Fig. 2A, Fig. 3A, Fig. 4A, the clamping element 8 is located between spring 1 and opening 14 or main axis 9. In Fig. 1B, Fig. 2B, Fig. 3B, Fig. 4B, however, the object 5 to be clamped at least partially surrounds the clamping device 10, so that the clamping element 8 is located between the object 5 and the opening 14 or main axis 9. In Fig. 1B, Fig. 2B, Fig. 3B, Fig. 4B, instead of the object 5 to be clamped, 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.

[0026] In Fig. 1A to 5A, the spring 1 is between two contact surfaces (101 and 102 in Fig. 5C and Fig. 5D) is clamped within the housing 3 of the clamping devices 10 and extends between the two contact surfaces. In the pressure-free initial state of the device 10 in the Fig. 1A to 2B, the spring 1 can be slightly bent in order to be firmly fixed in the housing 3 in this state, and the same can apply to any other state of the device 10, whereby the degree of bending of the spring 1 depends on the state of the device 10. If the device 10 is in a state in which the spring 1 is bent (e.g., more bent than in the initial, pressure-free state, such as in the open state), venting an inner pressure chamber 2 of the spring 1 and ventilating an outer pressure chamber 4 can lead to at least partial relaxation of the spring 1, while the spring 1 presses against the radial contact surfaces, the distance between which increases slightly, so that the housing 3 is elastically deformed in the region of the clamping element 8 or the clamping surface 7, and the clamping surface 7 thereby contacts the object 5 and is pressed against the object 5 with a (predefined) clamping force in order to clamp the object 5.The object 5 is clamped and the clamping device 10 is in the closed state, as in . Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B. In the closed state of the device 10, the spring 1 can still be slightly bent even after partial relaxation in order to be firmly fixed in the housing 3 in this state.

[0027] The clamping element 8 can be an elastic element, such as a spring fork, which, in the pressure-free initial state of the device 10, is brought from an initial position in which the elastic element is relaxed into a tensioned position by the spring force of the (slightly) bent spring 1, for example by bending the spring fork 8, until an equilibrium is established in the pressure-free initial state between a restoring force of the elastic element 8 and the spring force of the spring 1. In this equilibrium, the clamping surface 7 can press against the object 5.

[0028] By additionally applying compressed air (e.g. 4 bar or 6 bar) to the outer pressure chamber 4 in the closed state, there is the option of increasing the clamping force by a predetermined value. This is described in the Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B by the optional additional compressed air pump (booster) 6 and the hatching (compressed air) in the outer pressure chamber 4. The outer pressure chamber 4 can be connected via an opening in the housing 3 to a port I (also referred to as "close") to which the compressed air pump 6 can be connected.

[0029] This makes it possible, for example, to control the device 10 in such a way that a change occurs between a braked movement of the acted-upon object 5 (in the pressureless state) and a complete clamping of the object (with sufficient pressure application).

[0030] Even if two pressure chambers 2, 4 are shown and described here as examples, 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.

[0031] Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B show the clamping devices 10 from the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B in the open state in which the clamping surface 7 does not touch the circumference of the object 5 or is spaced from the circumference of the object 5. The inner pressure chamber 2 can be connected by means of an opening in the housing 3 to a connection II (also referred to as "Open") to which a compressed air pump 6 can be connected.

[0032] By applying compressed air (for example 4 bar or 6 bar) to the inner pressure chamber 2 by the compressed air pump 6 and venting the outer pressure chamber 4, the spring 1 is, compared to the closed state of Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B, is more strongly (convexly) bent or tensioned, resulting in a radial shortening of the spring 1 or the distance between the two contact surfaces. The clamping surface 7 lifts off the object 5 to release the clamping. The object 5 is freely movable (e.g., rotatable about axis 9 or linearly movable along axis 9), and the clamping device 10 is open.

[0033] The device 10 can be switched back and forth between the closed state and the open state.

[0034] Such pneumatic clamps 10 have a number of advantages over hydraulic clamps.

[0035] By using the combination of elastic components, here a spring 1 with elastic elements 1a, 1b, and compressed air, for example, very short reaction times are achieved when switching between the open and closed state and also a secure clamping of the object 5 is ensured. The spring 1 can preferably be designed in the shape of a plate, as in Fig. 5, wherein two superimposed elastic elements 1a, 1b form the spring 1 and the inner pressure chamber 2 of the spring 1 between the plates 1a, 1b. The plates 1a, 1b can also be annular, as in Fig. 5, and can optionally additionally have radial slots so that a change in the inner diameter is possible with particularly low forces. The elastic elements 1a, 1b can be coated with rubber, at least in the area of the slots, in order to create the tightness required for the compressed air. The elastic elements 1a, 1b are generally designed to be pressure-resistant and elastically bendable and are arranged in the housing 3 of the clamping device 10 in such a way that the inner pressure chamber 2 is formed between the elastic elements 1a, 1b within the spring 1 and the outer pressure chamber 4 is formed between each elastic element 1a, 1b and the housing 3 or the housing parts 3a, 3b of the clamping device 10. Fig. 5 shows a three-dimensional view of a clamping device 10 similar to Fig. 1A and Fig. 2A.

[0036] By venting or applying compressed air to the outer pressure chamber 4 and venting the inner pressure chamber 2, as in Fig. 1A, the spring 1 is at least partially relaxed and exerts a clamping force on the object 5 to be clamped, in particular on the circumference of a shaft 5. In the event of a power or pressure failure, the object 5 is clamped or the shaft 5 is immediately brought to a standstill, thus providing a safety clamp. Depending on their size, such pneumatic clamps 10 can achieve holding torques of several 100 Nm and up to several 1000 Nm, which can be increased by additionally pressurizing the outer pressure chamber 4 with compressed air, as shown in Fig. 1A by a pressure pump 6 (booster). Here, compressed air of a few bar (for example, 4 bar or 6 bar) is sufficient to provide several times the holding torque achieved without a booster. This takes advantage of the fact that slight transverse bending of the plates 1a, 1b (perpendicular to their longitudinal axis) when switching between the open and closed state of the clamp 10 generates large spring forces, which can be used to clamp or release preloaded clamping devices 10. This enables secure clamping and release even of rapidly rotating machine shafts 5.

[0037] Pneumatic clamps also require lower costs and assembly effort than hydraulic clamps, and the use of compressed air eliminates any additional effort required to maintain cleanliness within the system. Such pneumatic clamps also allow for compact dimensions, as minimal transverse deflection and minimal (changes in) longitudinal expansion of the spring, and thus small pressure chamber volumes, are sufficient to generate the required clamping forces.

[0038] In pneumatic clamps, a distinction is made between passive clamping devices 10, as in Fig. 1A to 2B, and active clamping devices 10, as shown in Fig. 3A to 4B.

[0039] In the initial, pressure-free state, spring 1 can be bent to varying degrees (transversely) and thus radially shortened to varying degrees. The interior of housing 3 can be adapted to the bending of elastic elements 1a, 1b or define it. A corresponding stop surface for elastic elements 1a, 1b can be formed, for example, by an inner housing wall. The inner housing wall can be designed to complement (e.g., concave) a bending (e.g., convex) of elastic elements 1a, 1b.

[0040] In passive clamping devices 10, the spring 1 is generally slightly elastically bent (e.g. convex) or pre-tensioned in the pressure-free initial state and the clamping devices 10 can be closed ( Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B). The clamping device 10 is only opened by the application of force from the inside by applying compressed air to the inner pressure chamber 2 ( Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B). In the initial, pressure-free state, spring 1 is usually slightly bent, so that in the event of a clamping action or in the event of a pressure drop, the spring force generated by the energy stored in spring 1 is transferred to the object 5 to be clamped as a clamping force in order to clamp the object 5.

[0041] With active clamping devices 10, in the pressureless initial state ( Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B) the spring 1 is curved transversely outwards more strongly, in particular more convexly, than in passive clamping devices, so that the distance between the two radial contact surfaces is shortened and the clamping device 10 is opened. No clamping force is exerted on the object 5 via the clamping surface 7. The object is free because the clamping surface 7 does not touch the object 5 or is spaced from the object 5.

[0042] Due to plastic deformation of the elastic elements 1a, 1b, the spring 1, with the same housing 3, can be more transversely curved outwards in the depressurized initial state and thus more radially shortened than with passive clamping devices. This smaller radial expansion of the elastic elements 1a, 1b in the depressurized initial state can lead to an open state of the clamping device 10 in the depressurized initial state. Even with plastic deformation, the elastic elements 1a, 1b are elastically bent and press against the contact surfaces so that the spring is fixed in the housing. The interior of the housing or the recesses can absorb the greater curvature caused by plastic deformation in the initial state.

[0043] The clamping force must now be actively induced from the outside, as in Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B, to transfer the clamp into the closed state. Here, compressed air is introduced into the external pressure chamber 4 by a compressed air pump 6, thus pressurizing the spring 1 from the outside in such a way that the spring 1 is actively relaxed, the curvature of the spring 1 is reduced, the distance between the two contact surfaces increases, and the housing 3 is elastically deformed in the region of the clamping element 8 or the clamping surface 7, so that the clamping surface 7 touches the object 5 and exerts a clamping force on the object 5, thereby clamping the object 5. The active clamping device 10 is then in the closed state.

[0044] Depending on the area of application and the prescribed safety regulations, an active or passive clamping system 10 is used. If a safety clamp is primarily desired, a passive clamping device is generally used. With such pneumatic passive clamping systems, it is possible to generate a predetermined clamping force even in a depressurized state when the device is appropriately mounted in an overall device, which clamping force is applied to the object 5 to be clamped. By applying overpressure or negative pressure, the forces transmitted to this object can be increased, reduced, or completely eliminated, which opens up a wide variety of applications. If, on the other hand, the clamping device is primarily intended to carry out a deliberate work process, such as a tool change, an active clamping device is generally used.

[0045] As in Fig. 5A, the housing 3 of the clamping devices 10 according to the invention comprises two housing parts 3a, 3b, which are fastened to one another by fastening means, such as screws, and are mounted such that, in the mounted state, the two housing parts 3a, 3b define the interior space 13 between the housing parts 3a, 3b within the housing 3, in which the spring 1, together with its inventive annular elastic elements 1a, 1b, are arranged. The housing parts 3a, 3b each define a recess 11, which is also annular and serves to receive the annular elastic elements 1a, 1b, as shown in Fig. 5A to 5D. At least a portion of the first contact surface 101 of the housing part can 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 part can extend (substantially perpendicular) to the radial direction R of the annular recess 11.

[0046] Through the center of the housing 3 extends an opening 14 (Fig. 5B) into which the object 5 to be clamped, such as a shaft, can be inserted. The housing can extend up to 360° around this opening and at least partially encloses the object 5 in at least one plane, which is referred to as the clamping plane. The central main axis 9 of the clamping devices runs centrally through the opening 14 and perpendicular to the clamping plane. In clamping devices according to Fig. 1A, Fig. 2A, Fig. 3A, Fig. 4A, Fig. 5A, the main axis 9 runs centrally through the shaft along its longitudinal axis.

[0047] Along the circumference of the housing 3 or the opening 14 is one or more of the clamping surfaces 7 which, in the event of elastic deformation of the housing 3 in the region of the clamping element 8 or the clamping surface 7, exert the clamping force on the outer circumference of the object 5 and can thereby clamp the object 5. For effective opening and closing of the clamping device 10 with respect to the object 5 to be clamped, without risk of damage to the object 5, a symmetrical distribution of the clamping force along the clamping surface 7 or along the circumference of the object 5 is desirable. A non-symmetrical distribution of the clamping force can lead to damage to the object 5. Preferably, one or both contact surfaces 101, 102 are circular within the clamping plane. Preferably, the clamping surface 7 is circular within the clamping plane. The clamping element 8 can be annular.All ring-shaped or circular components described herein can, individually or in combination, have as their center point the intersection point of the main axis 9 with the clamping plane (e.g. center point of the opening 14).

[0048] Fig. 5B shows an embodiment of the component 40, 50 according to the invention (here with the upper housing part 3a from Fig. 5A), wherein the respective housing part 3a of the component has an annular recess 11 for clamping the annular elastic element 1a, and wherein the housing part 3a has an inner surface defined by the recess 11 (cf. 105 in Fig. 7). The annular recess 11 preferably defines an annular opening 12 in the housing part, wherein the annular opening is formed between a first annular edge 12a of the housing part and a second annular edge 12b of the housing part. The elastic element 1a can be clamped between the first annular edge 12a and the second annular edge 12b.

[0049] If the elastic element 1a is in contact with the first side surface (cf. 16c in Fig. 6C) is inserted facing the inner surface through the opening 12 into the recess 11 and clamped in the recess 11, the first pressure chamber 4 is formed between the inner surface and the elastic element 1a. The elastic element according to the invention has the means mentioned above, which allow a reliable and effective sealing at connection II. These means are described in connection with the Fig. 6 to 9 are explained in more detail.

[0050] As in the Fig. 5C and Fig. As shown in Figure 5D, the illustrated elastic element 1a of the spring 1 extends from a first contact surface 101 within the housing part 3a to a second contact surface 102 within the housing part 3a and can contact it. The first contact surface 101 is arranged radially further outward from the center of the opening 14 than the second contact surface 102.

[0051] Fig. 5C shows the section of the Fig. 5B in which the upper plate 1a of the spring 1 meets the first contact surface 101 and is preferably in contact with it. Fig. 5D shows the section of the Fig. 5B, in which the upper plate 1a of the spring 1 meets the second contact surface 102 and is preferably in contact with it. However, it is also possible for one or more further components to be located radially between the elastic element 1a and one or more of the contact surfaces 101, 102, via which the elastic element 1a exerts its spring force on the contact surfaces 101, 102.

[0052] As in Fig. 5B, Fig. 5D, the elastic element 1a is clamped in the recess 11 between the inner sides of the housing part 3a. Each of the plates of the spring 1 is inserted in the direction of the main axis 9 of the clamping devices 10 through the opening 12 into the recess 11 of the respective housing part during assembly along the inner surfaces of the housing part 3a until the respective plate abuts a stop 112, 122 at the end of each of the two contact surfaces 101, 102 and therefore cannot be inserted further into the recess 11. Since the expansion of the elastic element 1a in the clamping plane or in the radial direction of the annular recess can be greater than the expansion of the interior defined by the housing part, the plate 1a can be bent or prestressed in the pressure-free initial state.

[0053] Fig. 6A to 6C show an embodiment of a housing part.

[0054] Fig. 6A shows a top view of the housing part 3a, 3b. Fig. Figure 6B shows an enlarged view of the area defined by a rectangle in the Fig. 6A marked area around the connection opening 15. Fig. 6C shows a cross section through a portion of the housing part 3a, 3b along the dashed line AA in Fig. 6A.

[0055] The housing part 3a, 3b comprises: a connection opening 15 for the connection II of the clamping and / or braking device 10 for supplying the pressure chamber 2 of the clamping and / or braking device 10 with a pressure medium, and a stepped housing inner surface 17a, which defines a stepped recess 17b in the housing part 3a, 3b adjoining the connection opening 15. The step can be formed by two (essentially) mutually perpendicular legs (tread and rise), as in Fig. 6C. The number of stages is arbitrary (one, two, or more).

[0056] The stepped recess 17b adjoining the connection opening 15 comprises a first region 17c having a first extension in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connection opening 15. The stepped recess 17b further comprises a second region 17d adjoining the first region, which has a second extension in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connection opening, wherein the second extension is greater than the first extension, thereby forming the one, two, or more steps.

[0057] Fig. 7A to 7C show a first embodiment of the elastic element according to the invention. In this embodiment, a stop element 18 is present, but the sheathing of the radially outer edge of the spring plate 16 is optional.

[0058] Fig. 7A shows a top view of the inside of the elastic element 1a, 1b. Fig. Figure 7B shows an enlarged view of the area defined by a rectangle in the Fig. 7A marked area around the sealing opening 23. Fig. Figure 7C shows a cross section through a portion of the elastic element 1a, 1b along the dashed line CC in Fig. 7A.

[0059] The preferably annular elastic element 1a, 1b has a connection seal 20 which defines an edge 22 of a sealing opening 23 of the connection seal 20 for a fluid connection with the connection opening 15 (through openings 15 and 23, for example, the pressure medium flows when the pressure chamber 2 is pressurized), and wherein the connection seal 20 forms a preferably round connection projection 21 along the edge 22 of the sealing opening 23, which at least partially surrounds the preferably round sealing opening 23.

[0060] The elastic element 1a, 1b comprises a preferably annular spring plate 16 to which the connection seal 20 is attached, preferably vulcanized.

[0061] A portion of the connection seal 20 projects radially outward from the outer edge of the spring plate 16, which portion includes the connection projection 21 and the seal opening 23. The portion of the connection seal 20 that projects radially outward from the radially outer edge of the spring plate 16 includes a portion of the stop element 18.

[0062] The connection seal 20 has, on a second side surface 24 facing away from the connection projection 21, a preferably round stop element 18 protruding from the second side surface 24. The first side surface of the connection seal 20 faces the inner surface 105 of the housing part.

[0063] The spring plate 16 has a first side surface 16a arranged on a first side 16c of the spring plate 16 and a second side surface 16b arranged on a second side 16d of the spring plate 1 and facing away from the first side surfaces 16a.

[0064] The stop element 18 is located on the second side 16d of the spring plate 16 and the connecting projection 21 is located on the first side 16c of the spring plate 16.

[0065] The connection seal 20, in particular the connection projection 21 and / or the stop element 18, can be made of an elastic material, preferably rubber.

[0066] Fig. 8 shows a section of a clamping and / or braking device with two components according to the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7.

[0067] Therein, the connection seal 20 of each component 40, 50 is arranged in the stepped recess 17 of the respective housing part 3a, 3b in such a way that the adhesive and / or sealing compound 30 is arranged between the respective connection projection 21 and the respective stepped housing inner surface 17a of the housing part 3a, 3b and thus the respective housing part is glued and / or sealed against the connection seal 20 in the area of the connection II by means of the steps and the adhesive and / or sealing compound 30.

[0068] The connection seal 20 forms a connection projection 21 along the edge 22 of the sealing opening 23, which at least partially surrounds the sealing opening 23, wherein the connection seal 20 is provided on a side surface 24 facing away from the connection projection 21 (cf. Fig. 7C) has a preferably round stop element 18 projecting from the side surface 24. The stop elements 18 of the elastic elements 1a, 1b of the two components 40, 50 are designed to come into mutual contact when the first pressure chamber 4 is subjected to overpressure (cf. dashed ellipse in Fig. 8) in order to prevent the respective connection seal 20, in particular the respective connection projections 21, from being lifted off the housing inner surface 17a (cf. Fig. 7C) of the respective components 40, 50 at least to inhibit or prevent.

[0069] Fig. 9A to 9C show a second embodiment of the elastic element according to the invention. In this embodiment, the spring plate 16 is sheathed at the radially outer edge of the spring plate, but the stop element 18 is optional.

[0070] Fig. 9A shows a plan view of the outside of the elastic element 1a, 1b. Fig. 9B shows an enlarged view of the area defined by a rectangle in the Fig. 9A marked area around the sealing opening 23. Fig. Figure 9C shows a cross section through a portion of the elastic element 1a, 1b along the dashed line EE in Fig. 9A.

[0071] A preferably annular elastic element 1a, 1b is disclosed which can be claimed independently, wherein the elastic element 1a, 1b has a connection seal 20 which defines an edge 22 of a sealing opening 23 of the connection seal 20, wherein the connection seal 20 forms a connection projection 21 along the edge 22 of the sealing opening 23, which projection at least partially surrounds the sealing opening 23. The elastic element 1a, 1b comprises a preferably annular spring plate 16 to which the connection seal 20 is fastened, preferably vulcanized. The spring plate 16 has a first side surface 16a arranged on a first side 16c of the spring plate 16 and a second side surface 16b arranged on a second side 16d of the spring plate 16 and facing away from the first side surfaces 16a.The connection seal 20 extends, preferably continuously, 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 and thereby encloses the radially outer edge of the spring plate 16 at least in sections, as indicated by the arrows in . Fig. 9C. This ensures that the transition between port II or openings 15, 23 and the first pressure chamber 4 between the elastic element and the housing part is sealed even better, and the connection seal 20 is attached more robustly to the spring plate 16 (cf. Fig. 6C, Fig. 8, Fig. 9C).

[0072] By means of the means described here individually and in combination, terminals can be provided which can be operated reliably and effectively (e.g. saving on adhesive and / or sealing compound, with a reduced number of components) in the area of the connection (especially connection II) without negatively affecting the dynamics of the opening and closing of the terminal.

[0073] The description and figures describe preferred embodiments of the invention claimed by the appended claims. The optional features disclosed in the above description, claims, and drawings may be used both individually and in any combination to implement the invention claimed herein in its various forms according to the appended claims.

Claims

[1] A preferably annular elastic element (1a, 1b), wherein the elastic element (1a, 1b) has a connection seal (20) which defines an edge (22) of a sealing opening (23) of the connection seal (20), wherein the connection seal (20) forms a connection projection (21) along the edge (22) of the sealing opening (23), which projection at least partially surrounds the sealing opening (23), wherein the connection seal (20) has, on a side surface (24) facing away from the connection projection (21), a preferably round stop element (18) protruding from the side surface (24); characterized by that the elastic element (1a, 1b) comprises a preferably annular spring plate (16) to which the connection seal (20) is fastened, preferably vulcanized. [2] The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to claim 1, wherein a part of the connection seal (20) projects radially outward from the outer edge of the spring plate (16). [3] The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to claim 2, wherein the part comprises the connecting projection (21) and / or the sealing opening (23). [4] The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of the preceding claims 1-3, wherein the spring plate (16) has a first side surface (16a) arranged on a first side (16c) of the spring plate (16) and a second side surface (16b) arranged on a second side (16d) of the spring plate (16) and facing away from the first side surfaces (16a). [5] The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to claim 4, wherein the connection seal (20) extends 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), preferably continuously, and thereby encloses the radially outer edge of the spring plate (16) at least in sections. [6] The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the stop element (18) is located on the second side (16d) of the spring plate (16). [7] The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein the connecting projection (21) is located on the first side (16c) of the spring plate (16). [8] The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 7, wherein the part of the terminal seal (20) which projects radially outwardly from the outer edge of the spring plate (16) comprises a part of the stop element (18).

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