PNEUMATIC CLAMPING AND / OR BRAKE DEVICE

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The invention relates to a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In the production of tool or machine parts, machining tools, particularly work spindles or other machine tools, are used. These tools, attached to a shaft, machine material from a workpiece, especially to shape it into the desired form. The shaft can be a rotary or swivel axis of such a machine. Furthermore, tables that can be rotated or swiveled by means of a shaft are used to position tools or workpieces in the appropriate machining position or to move workpieces at appropriate speeds. A high shaft speed is one of the prerequisites for precise and efficient machining. Emergency or safety systems are therefore designed to stop the shaft or hold it in a fixed position in the event of a malfunction or system failure, such as a power outage or cable break.

[0003] Common machining tools are equipped with electromagnetic, hydraulic, or pneumatic clamping and / or braking devices. These devices have a friction lining that can be frictionally engaged with the shaft via force transmission. This allows for different speeds of shaft clamping.

[0004] In hydraulic clamping devices, a chamber is pressurized with hydraulic oil, clamping the rotating shaft or disc securely. Passive hydraulic clamps are also known. However, such hydraulic clamps exhibit long response times, or achieving short response times requires considerable effort. Furthermore, the hydraulic components, especially hydraulic valves and tubing, are expensive and require longer assembly times. Maintaining cleanliness around a hydraulic clamp also necessitates additional effort due to the hydraulic oil.

[0005] Pneumatic clamping and / or braking devices typically use elastic components, especially spring plates, which are pressurized with compressed air and can overcome some of the disadvantages of hydraulic clamping devices mentioned above.

[0006] EP 1 585 616 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 devices and form a pressure chamber therein. This chamber can be pressurized with compressed air or vented 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. EP 1 585 616 B1 shows a clamping device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0007] In practice, however, it has been shown that wear occurs at the contact between the pneumatic clamping device and the object, which should be reduced to increase the service life of the device and to avoid damage to the object. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Based on the aforementioned prior art, the invention is based on the objective of providing a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device in which wear on the contact between the device and the object to be clamped and / or braked is reduced.

[0009] The invention solves this problem with a clamping and / or braking device having the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims, in the description and in the figures.

[0010] According to the solution according to the invention, a clamping and / or braking device for clamping and / or braking an object to be clamped and / or braked is proposed, the device comprising: a housing comprising a first housing part and a second housing part, wherein each of the housing parts comprises an annular recess defining a first contact surface of the housing part and a second contact surface of the housing part, and wherein the two housing parts are arranged and fastened to each other in such a way that the recesses of the first and second housing parts together form an interior space within the housing;a spring arranged in the interior comprising a first annular spring plate and a second annular spring plate, wherein the first annular spring plate is clamped in the annular recess of the first housing part between the first contact surface and the second contact surface of the first housing part, and wherein the second annular spring plate is clamped in the annular recess of the second housing part between the first contact surface and the second contact surface of the second housing part; at least one clamping element, wherein each clamping element has a clamping surface which is designed, when a first end of one of the spring plates is supported against the first contact surface of one of the housing parts and a second end of one of the spring plates presses against the second contact surface of one of the housing parts, to transmit a clamping and / or braking force to the object to be clamped and / or braked;wherein the spring plates are arranged within the interior such that at least one pressure chamber is formed in the interior which is at least partially bounded by the spring plates, wherein the pressure chamber can be vented or de-vented and can be pressurized with an overpressure of a pressure medium that can be supplied to the housing, wherein the spring plates are arranged relative to the at least one pressure chamber such that by venting or de-venting the pressure chamber or pressurizing the pressure chamber, a bending of at least one of the spring plates can be changed and thereby the clamping and / or braking device changes between an open state in which the clamping surface (7) is spaced away from the object and a closed state in which one or more of the at least one clamping surface transmit a clamping and / or braking force to the object;wherein the clamping and / or braking device further comprises at least one insert plate which is arranged between the first spring plate and the second spring plate in the interior space.

[0011] The present invention is based on the inventors' finding that by inserting at least one insert plate between the two spring plates, the clamping and / or braking device can be made thicker or wider in the axial direction without altering the dynamics of the spring plates. The insert plate displaces volume between the spring plates, thus allowing the device to be made axially thicker or wider without increasing the volume available to the pressure medium between the spring plates and thereby (adversely) altering the opening and closing speed, and thus the dynamics, of the spring plates. An axially thicker or wider clamping and / or braking device increases the contact area (clamping surface) between the device and the object when the device is closed, which reduces wear at the contact point between the object and the device.Furthermore, the larger contact area (clamping surface) results in more effective clamping and / or braking of the object. Overall, this allows for more consistent and even more effective clamping and / or braking of the object. Additionally, the insert plate enables the production of an axially thicker or wider device using existing materials and processes without significant additional effort during manufacturing.

[0012] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the (preferably single and / or one-piece) insert plate extends in each of the housing parts between the respective first and second contact surfaces, resulting in a distribution of the described effects of the insert plate in both housing parts. In particular, the volume displacement of the insert plate occurs (e.g., uniformly) in both housing parts in order to leave the dynamics of each of the spring plates as unchanged as possible. Preferably, the insert plate is arranged with approximately half its thickness in each of the housing parts, which is advantageous for a symmetrical design and dynamics of the device.The insert plate can particularly preferably have a thickness of at least 1 mm, at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, or at least 4 mm, which increases the thickness of the device by the same amount without affecting or changing the dynamics of the spring plates and also leads to a corresponding extension of the contact area (clamping surface) between the device and the object in the axial direction, which is advantageous for typical applications of such clamping and / or braking devices.

[0013] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the at least one pressure chamber comprises one or more second pressure chambers, wherein the one or more second pressure chambers are arranged within the spring between each of the two spring plates and the insert plate. For example, a separate second pressure chamber can be formed between the insert plate and each of the two spring plates, which can be pressurized separately from the outside with a pressure medium, or the areas of the interior between the insert plate and each of the two spring plates together form a second pressure chamber, which can be pressurized from the outside with a pressure medium.The clamping and / or braking device can be designed such that, by venting one or more secondary pressure chambers or by pressurizing one or more secondary pressure chambers, the first and second contact surfaces of at least one of the two housing parts move towards each other and / or the bending of at least one of the spring plates increases, thereby changing the device from the closed to the open state, without the insert plate significantly altering the dynamics of the spring plates. The inventors recognized that if no insert plate were used, a larger volume in the second pressure chamber, resulting from a greater axial thickness or width of the device, would alter the dynamics of the spring plates. Similarly, if the spring plates were made thicker or if a rubber coating were used instead of the insert plate, this would also change the dynamics of the spring plates, which would be disadvantageous.

[0014] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the insert plate is arranged rigidly and / or floatingly. This provides a defined resistance for the spring plates, which are preferably rubberized for sealing purposes, both at the inner and outer diameters, as well as at the connections for venting and pressurizing with compressed air, so that an improved sealing effect in the area of ​​the spring plates, in particular in the (second) pressure chamber between the spring plates, can be achieved.

[0015] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the clamping element has a clamping surface on a first side surface and a second contact surface, preferably facing away from and / or opposite the first side surface, which has a second contact surface of one of the housing parts. This allows the spring force exerted on the clamping element by the spring plates to be transmitted particularly effectively to the object via the clamping surface.

[0016] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the clamping element is elastic in such a way that it forms a lever arm designed to deform elastically when at least one of the spring plates is pressed against the second contact surface of at least one of the housing parts, thereby rotating about a pivot point such that the clamping surface of the clamping element transmits the clamping and / or braking force to the object to be clamped and / or braked. Because the clamping element forms an elastically deformable lever arm that, by means of rotation, presses the clamping surface against the object to transmit the clamping and / or braking force, the insert plate also provides an additionally longer lever arm for the clamping element (without altering the spring plate dynamics), which has several advantageous effects on the device.

[0017] A longer lever arm increases the holding torque acting on the object for the same (axial) bending of the spring plates. Firstly, the longer lever arm itself results in a greater holding torque. Secondly, the holding torque is also increased because a longer lever arm of the clamping element contacts the object earlier during the closing process. In this earlier state, the spring plates are more bent or less relaxed. This results in a greater remaining spring force (the spring force is determined by the restoring force of the spring plate) acting on the second contact surface(s), thus generating a greater clamping and / or braking force than if the lever arm contacted the object later during closing. Therefore, the holding torque is increased by both the longer lever arm and the greater clamping and / or braking force.The longer lever arm, due to its elasticity, also results in a larger and / or more effective contact area (clamping surface at the end of the lever arm) between the clamping element and the object, further reducing wear on both the object and the device. This wear-reducing effect from the larger and / or more effective contact area (clamping surface) is in addition to the wear-reducing effect achieved by the larger contact area made possible by the axially thicker or wider device. A larger contact area allows for lower compressive stress (force per unit area) at the same holding torque. Overall, the longer lever arm leads to a strong yet durable clamping and / or braking of the object through a higher holding torque combined with reduced wear.

[0018] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the lever arm is designed such that when the lever arm rotates about the pivot point, one end of the lever arm is moved a radial stroke closer to the object. By enabling a longer lever arm, a larger radial stroke is also created—with the same (axial) bending of the spring plates—which increases essentially proportionally with the length of the lever arm. Enabling a larger radial stroke allows undesirable frictional contact, and thus additional wear, to be avoided.Such undesirable frictional contacts can occur because the object, for example a shaft, is larger than expected and risks rubbing against the clamping surface even when the device is open, or because thermal changes occur during operation on the object and / or the clamping device, causing the clamping surface to rub against the object. This can lead to damage or wear on the object and / or the clamping surface. The larger radial stroke therefore allows a greater variety of differently sized objects, such as shafts of varying thicknesses, to be clamped and / or braked by the device. Furthermore, it helps to avoid thermally induced wear.Preferably, the length of the lever arm from the pivot point to the end of the lever arm is selected such that the radial stroke is at least 0.13 mm, preferably at least 0.15 mm, and particularly preferably at least 0.17 mm. Such radial strokes are suitable for clamping and / or braking a large number of common objects of varying dimensions (e.g., shafts) and for avoiding typical thermally induced friction contacts. Preferably, the length is (see L 2 in ). Fig. 7 ) of the lever arm from the pivot point (see D in Fig. 7 ) until the end (see 8b in Fig. 7 ) of the lever arm 4 mm to 8 mm, 5 mm to 7 mm (e.g. about 5.5 mm), 6 mm to 7 mm or about 6.6 mm, which is more than the corresponding length L 1 in conventional devices 10 without insert plate and which promotes the achievement of such particularly advantageous radial strokes.

[0019] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the annular recess of each housing part defines an annular opening in the housing part, wherein the annular opening is formed between a first annular edge of the housing part and a second annular edge of the housing part, wherein the first contact surface of each housing part is limited by the first annular edge of the housing part and a first stop of the housing part such that when one of the spring plates is inserted from the outside past the first annular edge into the recess of the housing part, the first stop forms an obstacle against the spring plate being inserted deeper into the recess, preferably wherein the distance between the first stop and the first annular edge is 3 mm to 6 mm, 4 mm to 5 mm, or about 4.7 mm.and / or wherein the second contact surface of each housing part is limited by the second annular rim of the housing part and a second stop of the housing part such that, when one of the spring plates is inserted from the outside past the second annular rim into the recess of the housing part, the second stop forms an obstacle against the spring plate being inserted deeper into the recess, preferably wherein the distance between the second stop and the second annular rim is 3 mm to 6 mm, 4 mm to 5 mm, or approximately 4.7 mm. Such one or more stops result in more reliable positioning of the spring plate(s) and more effective transmission of the spring force of the spring plate(s) to the second contact surface, and thus a more reliable and effective opening and closing function. Such distances also allow the aforementioned particularly advantageous radial strokes to be achieved even more effectively.

[0020] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, each of the housing parts comprises a first locking means and a second locking means, wherein the relevant spring plate is clamped in the recess of the housing part between the first contact surface and the second contact surface of the housing part such that the first locking means engages the first end of the relevant spring plate with the first contact surface and the second locking means engages the second end of the relevant spring plate with the second contact surface. This aspect of the present invention is based on the inventors' finding that the axial positioning of the spring plates within the housing of the clamping and / or braking device is of crucial importance for the opening and closing function of the clamping and / or braking device.In particular, the inventors recognized that the axial positioning of the spring plates during assembly previously depended significantly on the axial pressing force, and therefore the spring plates could assume slightly different axial positions within the housing. The inventors realized that a well-defined and symmetrical positioning of the spring plates within the housing should be reliably achieved in order to reliably achieve the desired symmetrical opening and closing function of the clamping and / or braking device. Such a well-defined and symmetrical positioning of the spring plates within the housing previously placed high demands on the axial pressing of the springs into the housing during assembly and has proven difficult and time-consuming in practice.

[0021] Against this background, the inventors recognized that by a housing part comprising a first locking means and a second locking means, each designed to lock another end of a clamped spring plate, a predetermined axial positioning of the spring plates within a housing of a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device is achieved, which no longer depends significantly on the axial pressing force during assembly, but rather achieves a repeatable, well-defined and symmetrical positioning of the spring plates within the housing of the clamping and / or braking device.

[0022] The first locking means may be designed, particularly during operation of the clamping and / or braking device, to hold the first end of the spring plate in a predefined position with respect to the first contact surface and / or the second locking means may be designed, particularly during operation of the clamping and / or braking device, to hold the second end of the spring plate in a predefined position with respect to the second contact surface.

[0023] The locking mechanisms have also proven their worth in practice during assembly, as they even simplify the installation of the spring plates. Furthermore, the locking mechanisms offer additional advantages of the type described below, such as improved sealing within the housing, thus having a multifaceted positive effect on the operation of the entire clamping and / or braking system.

[0024] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the first locking means comprises a first projection of the first contact surface and the first stop, which together lock the first end of the spring plate in the region of the first contact surface between the first projection and the first stop, and / or the second locking means comprises a second projection of the second contact surface and the second stop, which together lock the second end of the spring plate in the region of the second contact surface between the second projection and the second stop. This particular implementation of the first and second locking means results in a particularly effective and symmetrical locking of the spring plates, which also facilitates the insertion of the spring plates into the housing parts and does not require any additional components or materials for the housing, which is advantageous for manufacturing and assembly.

[0025] Each projection can form a height transition between two adjacent areas of the associated mounting surface. One of the two areas can be located between the relevant stop and the height transition and be the area where one end of the spring plate rests, and the other area can be the area between the height transition and the relevant annular edge of the annular opening of the recess. Each projection can form a step or ramp as the height transition. The ramp can be an inclined plane, but can also have other shaped slopes, such as a curve. Other configurations of the projections are also conceivable.

[0026] Preferably, the first stop can have a longer radial extension within the annular recess than the first projection, and / or the second stop can have a longer radial extension within the annular recess than the second projection. Particularly preferably, each projection can extend 0.025 mm to 0.15 mm, more preferably 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm, and most preferably 0.1 mm or 0.05 mm, beyond the respective contact surface in a radial direction into the annular recess. Such a projection can be particularly advantageous for the reliable engagement of the spring plates, taking into account typical spring shortening during operation, and for the easy insertion of the spring plates into the housing components.

[0027] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the first projection can be arranged between the first annular rim and the first stop on the first contact surface of the respective housing part in the area of ​​the recess, preferably the first projection, or the step or ramp of the first projection, can be arranged at a distance of 2 mm to 6 mm, 3 mm to 5 mm, 3 mm to 4 mm, or about 3.2 mm from the first annular rim on the first contact surface of the housing part in the area of ​​the recess, and / or, wherein the second projection is arranged between the second annular rim and the second stop on the second contact surface of the respective housing part in the area of ​​the recess, preferably wherein the second projection, or the step or ramp of the second projection, can be arranged at a distance of 2 mm to 6 mm, 3 mm to 5 mm, 3 mm to 4 mm, or about 3.2 mm.2 mm from the second annular edge on the second contact surface of the housing part in the area of ​​the recess. Such an arrangement of one or more projections results in a more reliable and effective engagement and transmission of the spring force of the spring plate(s) with typical thicknesses, and any rubber coatings present on the spring plate(s), onto the object, and thus a symmetrical and more effective opening and closing function for such spring plates. Furthermore, such spacing allows the aforementioned particularly advantageous radial strokes for such spring plates to be achieved even more effectively.

[0028] The annular recess can define an annular opening in the housing part, wherein the annular opening is formed between a first annular edge of the housing part and a second annular edge of the housing part. Preferably, the first projection can be arranged between the first annular edge and the first stop on the first contact surface of the housing part in the area of ​​the recess. The height transition (e.g., the step or ramp) of the first projection can be located on the first contact surface. At a distance of 3 mm to 6 mm, preferably 3 mm to 5 mm, particularly preferably 3 mm to 4 mm or 3.2 mm from the first annular edge, the height transition of the first projection on the first contact surface on the inside of the housing part in the area of ​​the recess can preferably be arranged, and the first projection can extend over this distance.The first projection can extend continuously from the first annular edge to the height transition. Preferably, the second projection can be arranged between the second annular edge and the second stop on the second contact surface of the housing part in the area of ​​the recess. The height transition (e.g., the step or ramp) of the second projection can be located on the second contact surface. At a distance of 3 mm to 6 mm, preferably 3 mm to 5 mm, particularly preferably 3 mm to 4 mm or 3.2 mm from the first annular edge, the height transition of the second projection can preferably be arranged on the second contact surface on the inside of the housing part in the area of ​​the recess, and the second projection can extend over this distance. The second projection can extend continuously from the second annular edge to the height transition. Such an arrangement of the projections, or rather,Steps or ramps can be particularly advantageous for the reliable positioning of the spring plates within the recess or housing with regard to the usual operating parameters of the clamping device on the one hand, and the easy insertion of the spring plates into the housing parts on the other.

[0029] If this brief description of the invention describes features that are not listed in the patent claims, these features do not constitute essential features in the sense that these features must necessarily be included in the patent claims to describe the invention; however, these features are particularly prominent preferred realizations 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 FIGURES

[0030] Figure 1Ashows a schematic cross-section through an inwardly directed, passive pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the invention in the closed state. Figure 1B shows a schematic cross-section through an outwardly directed, passive pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the invention in the closed state. Figure 2A shows a schematic cross-section through an inwardly directed, passive pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the invention in the open state. Figure 2B shows a schematic cross-section through an outwardly directed, passive pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the invention in the open state. Figure 3A shows a schematic cross-section through an inwardly directed, active pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the invention in the open state. Figure 3Bshows a schematic cross-section through an outwardly directed, active pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the invention in the open state. Figure 4A shows a schematic cross-section through an inwardly directed, active pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the invention in the closed state. Figure 4B shows a schematic cross-section through an outwardly directed, active pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the invention in the closed state. Figure 5A shows a cross-section through a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the invention in a three-dimensional representation. Figures 5B to 5D show a variant according to the invention of a Figure 5A removed housing part. Figures 6A to 6B The upper part of each figure shows the variants of the housing part as shown in the Figures 5B to 5D depicted. Figures 6A to 6BEach figure shows in the lower part a particularly preferred variant according to the invention of a Figure 5A removed housing part. Figure 7 shows a particularly preferred embodiment of the clamping and / or braking device according to the invention with a housing part according to Figure 6B .

[0031] Components shown in multiple figures bear the same reference symbols. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The invention relates to a housing part for a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device and a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device with a housing part according to the invention.

[0033] When this document refers to the device "clamp" or "clamping device", the "clamping force" or the process of "clamping", it also includes the device of the "brake" or "braking device", the "braking force" or the process of "braking".

[0034] The Figures 1A to 5A schematically show cross-sections through such a pneumatic clamping device 10 according to the invention with a housing 3 comprising two housing parts 3a, 3b, and with a spring 1 arranged in the housing 3, comprising at least two annular spring plates 1a, 1b.

[0035] The clamping device 10 according to the invention comprises the following: a housing 3 comprising a first housing part 3a and a second housing part 3b, wherein each of the housing parts 3a, 3b has an annular recess 11 (see figure). Figs. 6A to 7) comprising a first contact surface 101 of the housing part 3a, 3b and a second contact surface 102 of the housing part 3a, 3b, and wherein the two housing parts 3a, 3b are arranged and fastened to each other such that the recesses 11 of the first and second housing parts 3a, 3b together form an interior space 13 within the housing 3; a spring 1 arranged in the interior 13 comprising a first annular spring plate 1a and a second annular spring plate 1b, wherein the first annular spring plate 1a is clamped in the annular recess 11 of the first housing part 3A between the first contact surface 101 and the second contact surface 102 of the first housing part 3A, and wherein the second annular spring plate 1b is clamped in the annular recess 11 of the second housing part 3A between the first contact surface 101 and the second contact surface 102 of the second housing part 3A;at least one clamping element 8, wherein each clamping element 8 has a clamping surface 7 which is designed, when a first end of one of the spring plates 1a, 1b is supported on the first contact surface 101 of one of the housing parts 3a, 3b and a second end of one of the spring plates 1a, 1b presses on the second contact surface 102 of one of the housing parts 3a, 3b, a clamping and / or braking force F 3 (cf. ; Fig. 7) to transfer to the object 5 to be clamped and / or braked; wherein the spring plates 1a, 1b are arranged within the interior space 13 such that at least one pressure chamber 2, 4 is formed in the interior space 13, which is at least partially bounded by the spring plates 1a, 1b, wherein the pressure chamber 2, 4 can be vented or aerated and can be pressurized with an overpressure of a pressure medium that can be supplied to the housing 3, wherein the spring plates 1a, 1b are arranged relative to the at least one pressure chamber 2, 4 such that by venting or aerating the pressure chamber 2, 4 or by pressurizing the pressure chamber 2, 4, a bending of at least one of the spring plates 1a, 1b can be changed and thereby the clamping and / or braking device 10 can be changed between an open state in which the object 5 is not held by a pressure medium or by a pressure medium supplied to the housing 3.The clamping and / or braking device 10 according to the invention is not touched by any of the clamping surfaces 7, but is spaced apart from the clamping surfaces 7, and changes to a closed state in which one or more of the clamping surfaces 7 transmit a clamping and / or braking force to the object 5. The clamping and / or braking device 10 according to the invention further comprises at least one insert plate 100 (see . Fig. 7 ), which is arranged between the first spring plate 1a and the second spring plate 1b in the interior 13. The device 10 can, for example, switch from the closed state to the open state or vice versa.

[0036] The Figures 1A, 1B , 4A and 4BEach of these clamping devices 10 is shown in the closed state, with the clamping surface 7 of the clamping element 8 touching the circumference 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 other parts of the housing part 3a, 3b or it can be a structurally separate component of the housing part 3a, 3b.

[0037] The clamping force F 3 (cf. Fig. 7 ) or clamping action of the clamping surface 7 on the object 5 to be clamped takes place in a clamping plane which is spanned by two vectors which each form a radius of the annular spring plates 1a, 1b or annular recess 11 (cf. Fig. 5AThe axis 9 can be designated as the principal axis of the clamping device 10, which runs perpendicular to the clamping plane. The clamping device 10 can be designed to be rotationally symmetrical about this principal axis 9. The principal axis 9 can run approximately or exactly through the center of an opening in the clamping device 10 (opening 14 in Fig. 5B ). In the Figures 1A , 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. Figures 1B , 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 from the main axis 9 (perpendicular to the main axis 9) within the clamping plane.

[0038] In Fig. 1A , 2A ,3A , 4A The clamping element 8 is located between spring 1 and opening 14 or main axis 9. Fig. 1B , 2B , 3B , 4B In contrast, 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. Fig. 1B , 2B , 3B , 4B Instead of the object 5 to be clamped, a component that at least partially fills the opening 14 and through which the main axis 9 extends can be inserted into opening 14.

[0039] In Figures 1A to 5A The spring 1 is located between two contact surfaces (101 and 102 in each case). Fig. 5C and 5D ) clamped within the housing 3 of the clamping devices 10 and extends between the two contact surfaces. In the unpressurized initial state of the device 10 in the Figures 1A to 2BThe spring 1 can be slightly bent to be firmly fixed in the housing 3 in this state, and the same can apply to any other state of the device 10, the degree of bending of the spring 1 depending 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 unpressurized initial state, such as in the open state), venting an inner pressure chamber 2 of the spring 1 and venting 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 area 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 to clamp the object 5.The object 5 is clamped and the clamping device 10 is in the closed state, as shown in . Figures 1A and 1B shown. 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.

[0040] The clamping element 8 can be an elastic element, such as a spring fork, which in the pressureless initial state of the device 10 is held in place by the spring force F 2 (cf. Fig. 7 The (slightly) bent spring 1 is moved from a starting position, in which the elastic element is relaxed, to a tensioned position, for example by bending the spring fork 8, until an equilibrium is reached in the pressureless starting state between a restoring force of the elastic element 8 and the spring force of the spring 1. At this equilibrium, for example, the clamping surface 7 can press against the object 5 with the clamping force F 3.

[0041] By additionally pressurizing the outer pressure chamber 4 with compressed air (for example, with 4 bar or 6 bar) in the closed state, it is optionally possible to increase the clamping force by a predetermined value. This is described in the Figures 1A, 1B The optional additional compressed air pump (booster) 6 and the hatching (compressed air) in the outer pressure chamber 4 indicate this. The outer pressure chamber 4 can be connected via an opening in the housing 3 to an air connection II (also referred to as "Close"), to which the compressed air pump 6 can be connected.

[0042] 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 actuated object 5 (in the unpressurized state) and a complete clamping of the object (with sufficient pressurization).

[0043] Although 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.

[0044] Figures 2A and 2B The clamping devices 10 from the Figures 1A and 1B In each case, the clamping surface 7 is in the open state in which it does not touch the circumference of the object 5 or is spaced away from the circumference of the object. The inner pressure chamber 2 can be connected via an opening in the housing 3 to an air connection I (also referred to as "Open"), to which a compressed air pump 6 can be connected.

[0045] By pressurizing the inner pressure chamber 2 with compressed air (for example 4 bar or 6 bar) by the air pump 6 and venting the outer pressure chamber 4, the spring 1 expands compared to the closed state. Fig. 1A, 1BThe spring 1 becomes more strongly (convexly) bent or strained, resulting in a radial shortening of the spring 1 or a decrease in the distance between the two contact surfaces. The clamping surface 7 lifts away from the object 5 to release the clamping. The object 5 is now freely movable (e.g., rotatable about axis 9 or linearly movable along axis 9), and the clamping device 10 is open.

[0046] The device 10 can be switched back and forth between the closed and open states.

[0047] Such pneumatic clamps 10 have a number of advantages over hydraulic clamps.

[0048] By using the combination of an elastic component, here a spring 1 including spring plates 1a, 1b, and compressed air, very short reaction times are achieved when switching between the open and closed states, and a secure clamping of the object 5 is also ensured. The spring 1 can preferably be designed in a plate-like form, as shown in Fig. 5 shown in more detail, wherein two superimposed spring plates 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 ring-shaped, as in Fig. 5The spring plates 1a, 1b are shown and can optionally have additional radial slots, allowing for changes in the inner diameter with particularly low forces. The spring plates 1a, 1b can be coated with rubber, at least in the area of ​​the slots, to ensure the necessary seal for compressed air. The spring plates 1a, 1b can also be completely encased in rubber. The spring plates 1a, 1b are generally designed to be pressure-resistant and elastically flexible, and are arranged in the housing 3 of the clamping device 10 such that the inner pressure chamber 2 is formed within the spring 1 between the spring plates 1a, 1b, and the outer pressure chamber 4 is formed between each spring plate 1a, 1b and the housing 3 or the housing parts 3a, 3b of the clamping device 10. Figure 5 shows a three-dimensional view of a clamping device 10 similar to Figures 1A and 2A .

[0049] By ventilating or pressurizing the outer pressure chamber 4 with compressed air and venting the inner pressure chamber 2, as described in Fig. 1A As shown, 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. This causes the object 5 to be clamped or the shaft 5 to be brought to an immediate standstill in the event of a power or pressure failure, thus providing a safety clamping mechanism. Depending on their size, such pneumatic clamps 10 can achieve holding torques of several hundred Nm and up to several thousand Nm, which can be further increased by additionally pressurizing the outer pressure chamber 4 with compressed air, as shown in Fig. 1AThe holding torque can be further increased by a pressure pump 6 (booster). Here, compressed air at just a few bar (for example, 4 bar or 6 bar) is sufficient to provide several times the holding torque achieved without a booster. This utilizes the fact that slight transverse deflections of the plates 1a, 1b (perpendicular to their longitudinal axis) generate large spring forces when switching between the open and closed states of the clamp 10. These forces can be used to clamp or release pre-tensioned clamping devices 10. This enables the secure clamping and releasing of even rapidly rotating machine shafts 5.

[0050] Pneumatic clamping components also offer lower costs and assembly effort compared to hydraulic components, and the use of compressed air eliminates the need for additional cleaning of the system. Furthermore, such pneumatic clamps allow for a compact design, as minimal transverse bending and longitudinal expansion of the spring, and consequently small volumes of the pressure chambers, are sufficient to generate the required clamping forces.

[0051] Pneumatic clamps are generally divided into passive clamping devices 10, as in Figs. 1A to 2B shown, and active clamping devices 10, as shown in Figs. 3A to 4B shown.

[0052] In its unpressurized state, the spring 1 can be bent to varying degrees (transversely) and thus radially shortened to varying degrees. The inner surface of the housing 3 can be adapted to or define the bending of the spring plates 1a, 1b. A corresponding stop surface for the spring plates 1a, 1b can, for example, be formed by an inner wall of the housing. The inner wall of the housing can be designed to be complementary (e.g., concave) to a bending (e.g., convex) of the spring plates 1a, 1b.

[0053] In passive clamping devices 10, in the pressureless initial state the spring 1 is usually slightly elastically bent (e.g. convex) or is pre-tensioned and the clamping devices 10 can be closed ( Fig. 1A, 1B ). The clamping device 10 is only opened by force from the inside via the application of compressed air to the inner pressure chamber 2 ( Fig. 2A, 2B). Usually, the spring 1 is slightly bent in its initial, pressureless state, so that in the event of clamping or pressure drop, the spring force given by the energy stored in the spring 1 is transferred to the object 5 to be clamped as a clamping force in order to clamp the object 5.

[0054] In active clamping devices 10, the pressureless initial state ( Fig. 3A, 3B The spring 1 is more strongly, and in particular more strongly convex, curved transversely outwards than in passive clamping devices, so that the distance between the two radial contact surfaces is reduced and the clamping device 10 is open. No clamping force is exerted on the object 5 via the clamping surface 7. The object is free, since the clamping surface 7 does not touch the object 5 or is spaced away from it.

[0055] Due to plastic deformation of the spring plates 1a, 1b, the spring 1 can be more transversely curved outwards and thus more radially shortened in the unpressurized initial state, given the same housing 3, than in passive clamping devices. This reduced radial expansion of the spring plates 1a, 1b in the unpressurized initial state can lead to the clamping device 10 being in an open position in the unpressurized initial state. Even with plastic deformation, the spring plates 1a, 1b are elastically bent and press against the contact surfaces to fix the spring in the housing. The interior of the housing or the recesses can accommodate the increased curvature caused by plastic deformation in the initial state.

[0056] The clamping force must now be actively induced from the outside, as in Figs. 4A and 4BThe mechanism shown is designed to bring the clamp into the closed position. Here, compressed air is introduced into the outer pressure chamber 4 by a compressed air pump 6, thus applying compressed air to the spring 1 from the outside in such a way that the spring 1 is actively relaxed, its curvature is reduced, the distance between the two contact surfaces increases, and the housing 3 in the area of ​​the clamping element 8 or the clamping surface 7 is elastically deformed. This causes the clamping surface 7 to contact the object 5, exerting a clamping force on the object 5 and thereby clamping the object 5 securely. The active clamping device 10 is then in the closed position.

[0057] Depending on the application and applicable safety regulations, an active or passive clamping system 10 is used. If safety clamping is the primary requirement, a passive clamping device is generally employed. With such pneumatic passive clamping systems, a predetermined clamping force can be generated even in a depressurized state, provided the device is appropriately mounted within the overall assembly. This clamping force is then applied to the object 5 to be clamped. By applying positive or negative pressure, the forces transmitted to this object can be increased, reduced, or eliminated entirely, opening up a wide range of applications. However, if the clamping device is primarily intended for a deliberate operation, such as a tool change, an active clamping device is typically used.

[0058] As in Figure 5AAs shown, the housing 3 of the clamping devices 10 according to the invention comprises two housing parts 3a, 3b, which are preferably fastened together with fastening means, such as screws, and are mounted in such a way that, in the assembled state, the two housing parts 3a, 3b define an interior space 13 between the housing parts 3a, 3b within the housing 3 in which the spring 1 together with its annular spring plates 1a, 1b and the insert plate (in Fig. 5A (not shown) are arranged between the spring plates 1a, 1b. The housing parts 3a, 3b each define a recess 11, which is also annular and serves to receive the annular spring plates 1a, 1b, as shown in Figures 5A, 5BAs shown. At least part of the first contact surface 101 can extend (essentially) perpendicular to the radial direction R of the annular recess 11 and / or part of the second contact surface 102 can extend (essentially perpendicular) to the radial direction R of the annular recess 11.

[0059] An opening 14 (Fig. 5B) extends through the center of the housing 3, 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 principal axis 9 of the clamping device runs through the center of the opening 14 and perpendicular to the clamping plane. In clamping devices according to Fig. 1A , 2A , 3A , 4A , 5A The main axis 9 runs centrally through the shaft along its longitudinal axis.

[0060] Along the circumference of the housing 3 or the opening 14, one or more clamping surfaces 7 are located. In the event of elastic deformation of the housing 3 in the area of ​​the clamping element 8 or the clamping surface 7, these surfaces exert a clamping force on the outer circumference of the object 5, thereby clamping 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 damaging 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. An asymmetrical distribution of the clamping force can lead to damage to the object 5. Preferably, one or both contact surfaces 101, 102 within the clamping plane are circular. Preferably, the clamping surface 7 within the clamping plane is circular. The clamping element 8 can be annular.All ring- or circular-shaped components described herein can each, individually or in combination, have as their center point the intersection of the main axis 9 with the clamping plane (e.g. center point of the opening 14).

[0061] Figure 5B shows one of the two housing parts 3a (here the upper housing part 3a from Fig. 5A ), as well as one of the two spring plates 1a, 1b of the spring 1. The illustrated spring plate 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 outwards from the center of the opening 14 than the second contact surface 102.

[0062] Figure 5C shows the section of the in Figure 5B shown housing part 3a in which the upper plate 1a of the spring 1 meets the first contact surface 101 and is preferably in contact with it. 5D Figure shows the section of the in Figure 5B The housing part 3a shown contains the upper plate 1a of the spring 1, which meets the second contact surface 102 and is preferably in contact with it. However, it is also possible that one or more further components are located radially between the spring plate 1a and one or more of the contact surfaces 101, 102, through which the spring plate 1a exerts its spring force on the contact surfaces 101, 102.

[0063] In the Figures 5B to 5D The insert plate according to the invention is 100 (cf. Fig. 7 ) for simplified representation in the depicted housing part 3a, which is also not shown. As in Figures 5B, 5DAs can be seen, the inner surfaces of the housing part 3a, between which the spring plate 1a is clamped in the recess and between which the insert plate extends, can be designed to be straight or flat. Each of the spring plates 1 is inserted along the straight or flat inner surfaces of the housing part 3a through the opening 12 into the recess 11 of the respective housing part in the direction of the main axis 9 of the clamping devices 10, 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 extent of the spring plate 1a in the clamping plane or in the radial direction of the annular recess is greater than the extent of the interior space defined by the housing part, the plate 1a is bent or pre-tensioned in the initial, unpressurized state. Then the insert plate is placed on the spring plate.

[0064] However, it has been shown that the plates 1a, 1b of the spring 1 are positioned during assembly depending on the axial pressing force and are therefore not always positioned axially in the housing parts 3a, 3b in the same way. The spring plates 1a, 1b can tilt, be inserted to different depths into the housing parts, or bend to varying degrees. Due to the variation in the positioning of the plates 1a, 1b within the housing parts, their crucial role in the opening and closing function of the clamping devices 10 leads to variations in these functions, in particular an asymmetry in the distribution of the clamping force along the clamping surface or the circumference of the opening within the clamping plane, which is detrimental to an effective and lasting clamping action and to the integrity of the object.

[0065] In the lower drawings of the Figures 6A and 6BPreferred embodiments of the clamping device 10 according to the invention are compared to the housing parts according to Figures 5C, 5D depicted, the latter again in the upper drawings of the Figures 6A and 6B are shown for comparison.

[0066] Preferably, the housing part 3a, 3b comprises an annular recess 11, which defines a first contact surface 101 and a second contact surface 102 of the housing part 3a, 3b. The recess 11 serves to clamp one of the annular spring plates 1a, 1b between the first contact surface 101 and the second contact surface 102 of the housing part 3a, 3b.The housing part 3a, 3b further comprises a clamping element 8 with a clamping surface 7 which, when the spring plate 1a, 1b is clamped in the recess 11 between the first contact surface 101 and the second contact surface 102, is designed such that a first end of the spring plate 1a, 1b is supported on the first contact surface 101, the spring plate 1a, 1b extends from the first contact surface 101 to the second contact surface 102, and a second end of the spring plate 1a, 1b presses against the second contact surface 102, transmitting a clamping and / or braking force to an object 5 to be clamped and / or braked. According to the particularly preferred embodiments, the housing part 3a, 3b comprises the... Fig. 6A , 6B unlike Fig. 5B-5Da first locking means 110 and a second locking means 120, wherein, when the spring plate 1a, 1b is clamped in the recess 11 between the first contact surface 101 and the second contact surface 102, the first locking means 110 is designed to engage the first end of the spring plate 1a, 1b on the first contact surface 101 and the second locking means 120 is designed to engage the second end of the spring plate 1a, 1b on the second contact surface 102.

[0067] As shown in the lower drawing of Figure 6AAs shown, a projection 111 is preferably provided on the first contact surface 101 as part of the first locking means. When the plate 1a is inserted into the housing part 3a along a direction parallel to the main axis 9, the first end of the spring plate 1a must overcome this projection 111. However, this results in the plate 1a being positioned in a defined position between the stop 112 and the projection 111 in the direction of the main axis 9 after overcoming this projection 111. The plate 1a engages between the stop 112 and the projection 111 in the area of ​​the first contact surface 101 and preferably makes contact with it there. The projection 111 can be stepped or ramped or have another shape that provides this function of the projection. The same applies analogously to the one shown in the lower figure. Figure 6BThe second contact surface 102 according to the invention is shown, on which a projection 121 is preferably formed. The second end of the spring plate 1a must overcome this projection when inserted along a direction parallel to the main axis 9 before the plate 1a is positioned in a defined manner between the stop 122 and the projection 121 and engages there in the area of ​​the second contact surface 102. The second end of the spring plate 1a may preferably contact the second contact surface 102 during engagement. The projection 121 may be stepped or ramped, or have another shape that provides this function.

[0068] As from the Figures 1A to 6B As can be seen, the first projection 111 and the first stop are further away from the object 5 to be clamped than the second projection 121 and the second stop 122, regardless of whether the clamping force is applied inwards ( Fig. 1A , 2A ) or outwards ( Fig. 1B, 2B ) acts. The first projection 111 and the first stop 112 can be arranged opposite the clamping element 8 in the housing part 3a, 3b, while the second projection 121 and the second stop 122 are arranged in the area of ​​the clamping element 8 or can be part of the clamping element 8. The first stop 112 can have a longer extension in the radial direction R of the annular recess 11 than the first projection 111 ( Fig. 6A , 5B The first projection 111 can protrude from or be set off by 0.025 mm to 0.15 mm, preferably 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm, particularly preferably by 0.1 mm, in a radial direction R of the annular recess 11 from or in relation to the first contact surface 101 (e.g. into the recess 11).

[0069] The second stop 122 can have a longer extension in the radial direction R of the annular recess 11 than the second projection 121 ( Fig. 6B , 5BThe second projection 121 can protrude from the annular recess 11 by 0.025 mm to 0.15 mm, preferably 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm, particularly preferably 0.05 mm, in a radial direction R of the annular recess 11 from the second contact surface 102 (e.g. into the recess 11).

[0070] The annular recess 11 can define an annular opening 12 in the housing part 3a, 3b (in the clamping plane), wherein the annular opening 12 is formed between a first annular edge 12a of the housing part and a second annular edge 12b of the housing part, and wherein the annular opening 12 serves for the insertion of the spring plate 1a into the recess 11. The first projection 111 can be arranged between the first annular edge 12a and the first contact surface 101 on an inner side of the housing part 3a in the region of the recess 11 and project into the recess 11. The second projection 121 can be arranged between the second annular edge 12b and the second contact surface 102 on an inner side of the housing part in the region of the recess 11 and project into the recess 11. Fig. 6A , 6B ).

[0071] Projection 111 and stop 112 can define a groove in the housing part 3a into which the first end of the spring plate 1a can engage, with the first contact surface 101 forming part of the groove. Projection 121 and stop 122 can define a groove in the housing part 3a into which the second end of the spring plate 1a can engage, with the second contact surface 102 forming part of the groove.

[0072] By creating the locking means 110, 120, preferably by means of projections 111, 121, optionally in combination with the optional stops 112, 122, in the areas of the two contact surfaces 101, 102, a (particularly axial) constrained position is created for the spring plate 1a, 1b. This constrained positioning ensures that the spring plate 1a, 1b is stably supported, and is positioned in a defined axial position, particularly in the direction parallel to the main axis 9 of the clamping device 10. Therefore, the position of the spring plate 1a, 1b is no longer significantly dependent on the axial pressing force within the housing parts 3a, 3b. Due to the (axially) unambiguously defined position of each of the spring plates 1a, 1b of the spring 1, the curvature of the spring plates 1a, 1b is also well-defined and designed as desired in the unpressurized state.

[0073] The locking devices 110, 120 allow the two spring plates 1a, 1b to be positioned more precisely within the clamping device 10 at a well-defined, uniform distance from each other inside the housing 3. The locking devices 110, 120 allow the spring plates 1a, 1b to be positioned with their longitudinal axes parallel to the clamping plane. The symmetrical functional arrangement achieved by the locking devices 110, 120 generates symmetrical tensions in the spring 1 over the entire circumference of the opening 14, thus resulting in a very effective and uniform distribution of the clamping force around the object 5 in the clamping plane.

[0074] The opening and closing functions can thus be performed symmetrically and more reliably around the circumference of the opening 14 by means of the locking means 110, 120. Any unintended radial or axial movements of the housing 3 therefore do not lead to unintended axial or radial geometric displacements at the clamping surface 7.

[0075] In addition to creating the described axial constraint for the spring plates, the locking mechanism also has the advantageous effect that the well-defined axial positioning of the spring plate further defines the axial positioning of the insert plate, since the insert plate rests on the spring plate and its axial positioning is also determined by the axial positioning of the spring plate. This allows the displacement of the internal volume by the insert plate to be defined more precisely axially, uniformly along the spring plates, and axially symmetrically designed, which has a beneficial effect on the desired unchanged, uniform, and axially symmetrical dynamics of each spring plate.

[0076] The inventors have discovered that, in addition to the insert plate 100, the locking means 110, 120, and in particular the projections 111, 121, provide not only a well-defined and symmetrical axial positioning within the housing, but also an improved sealing effect between the spring plates 1a, 1b and between each of the two housing parts 3a, 3b and the corresponding plate 1a, 1b of the spring 1. These improved sealing effects provided by the insert plate and locking means are particularly advantageous when compressed air is additionally applied to the inner and outer pressure chambers 2, 4 to move the clamping devices into one of the other of the two described states.The insert plate 100 and the locking means 110, 120, in particular the projections 111, 121, cause a significantly improved contact with regard to the sealing effect between the rubber coatings of the plates 1a, 1b and the rubber coating of each plate 1a, 1b with the respective housing part 3a, 3b.

[0077] The inventors have identified further additional advantages through the creation of the locking elements 110, 120, in particular the projections 111, 121. The defined position of the rubberized spring plates 1a, 1b allows for targeted stroke limitations of the plates to be incorporated by adjusting the rubber thickness around the spring plates. This protects against misuse (e.g., zero crossing) with excessively high operating pressure (especially with boosters). It also reduces the required volume of pressure medium and consequently increases the opening and closing speeds of the clamping device 10. These advantages can also be achieved with the insert plate 100.

[0078] However, the advantages of the locking mechanisms do not necessarily have to be realized in order to realize the advantages of the insert plate. Regardless of whether the particularly preferred locking mechanisms are used in the housing parts or not, the clamping and / or braking device according to the invention has an insert plate 100.

[0079] Figure 7 shows a preferred embodiment of the clamping and / or braking device according to the invention with a housing part according to Figure 6B , also including optional locking device 120, encompassing the optional projection 121.

[0080] The figure shows a housing part 3a or 3b with the associated spring plate 1a or 1b and an insert plate 100 shown here, which is located between this spring plate and the spring plate of one of the Figure 7 The housing part shown is arranged opposite another housing part.

[0081] If a force F1 is exerted on the spring plate 1a or 1b by ventilation or pressurization in the second (inner) pressure chamber 2, causing it to bend, this bending of the spring plate results in a spring force F2 with which one end of the spring plate presses against the second contact surface 102. In the preferred embodiment shown here as an example, the spring plate presses against the second contact surface 102 in the area between the second stop 122, which can also be part of the locking element 120, and the first projection 121, which can also be part of the locking element 120. However, both the stop (i.e., the projection) and the locking element are optional.

[0082] The spring force F 2 acting on the second contact surface 102 causes an elastic deformation of the clamping element 8. The clamping element 8 can be elastic in such a way that it forms a lever arm 8a, which is designed to deform elastically when the spring plate 1a or 1b is pressed against the second contact surface 102 of the housing part 3a or 3b with spring force F 2, and thereby rotate about a pivot point D (see curved arrow in the figure). Figure 7 ) that the clamping surface 7 of the clamping element 8 transmits the clamping and / or braking force F 3 to the object 5 to be clamped and / or braked. The pivot point D can be located in the area of ​​the housing part 3a, 3b at an end of the lever arm 8a opposite end 8b, for example in the triangle marked D in Figure 7The action of the spring force F2 on the second contact surface 102, which here faces away from and opposite the clamping surface 7, causes the lever arm 8a to rotate about the pivot point D such that the end 8b of the lever arm 8a moves towards the object 5 to be clamped. The end 8b moves a radial stroke H2 towards the object to be clamped, and the clamping surface 7 contacts the object to be clamped. Thus, the bending force F1 generates a spring force F2, which in turn generates a clamping force F3. This clamping force acts on the object 5 via the clamping surface 7 in the region of the end 8b of the lever arm 8a of the clamping element 8, clamping it. The device is thus brought into the closed state.

[0083] The insert plate 100 allows the length, L2, of the lever arm 8a to be longer than in conventional clamping devices, which have a length L1. A greater length L2 results in a larger radial stroke H2 than the commercial radial stroke H1 of the prior art. This means that the advantages of the longer lever arm 8a and the larger radial stroke H2 described above can be achieved without the increase in volume within the clamping device 10 in the interior 13 leading to a reduction in the closing and opening speed of the clamping device 10. The dynamics of the spring plates 1a, 1b can thus remain unchanged as desired. The following applies (approximately): L2 / L1 = H2 / H1. The ratio L2 / L1, or...H2 / H1 can be at least 1.3, at least 1.4, at least 1.5, or at least 1.7, or preferably in a range of 1.3 to 2.2 or 1.4 to 2.2 or 1.4 to 2.0 or 1.4 to 1.7 or 1.3 to 1.8.

[0084] The distance A 2 between the second stop 122 and the second annular edge 12b in a device 10 with insert plate 100 can preferably be 3 mm to 6 mm, 4 mm to 5 mm, or about 4.7 mm, as described, which is more than the corresponding distance A 1 in conventional devices 10 without insert plate.

[0085] Preferably, the second projection 121, or the step 121 or the ramp 121 of the second projection, as described, can be arranged at a distance V 2 of 2 mm to 6 mm, 3 mm to 5 mm, 3 mm to 4 mm, or about 3.2 mm from the second annular edge 12b on the second contact surface 102 of the housing part in the area of ​​the recess 11, wherein V 2 is larger than the corresponding distance V 1 in conventional devices 10 without an insert plate.

[0086] Through the in Figure 7 In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the combination of insert plate 100 and lever arm 8a described is reduced in the case of wear and at the same time makes the clamping process more effective, without negatively affecting the dynamics of the spring plates.

[0087] Preferred embodiments of the invention claimed by the following claims are described in the description and figures. The optional features disclosed in the foregoing description, the claims, and the drawings can be used individually or in any combination for the implementation of the invention claimed herein according to the accompanying claims in its various embodiments.

Claims

1. A clamping and / or braking device (10) for clamping and / or braking an object (5) to be clamped and / or braked, comprising: a housing (3) comprising a first housing part (3a) and a second housing part (3b), wherein each of the housing parts (3a, 3b) comprises an annular recess (11) defining a first contact surface (101) of the housing part (3a, 3b) and a second contact surface (102) of the housing part (3a, 3b), and wherein the two housing parts (3a, 3b) are arranged relative to each other and fastened to each other such that the recesses (11) of the first and second housing parts (3a, 3b) together form an inner space (13) within the housing (3); a spring (1) arranged in the inner space (13) comprising a first annular spring plate (1a) and a second annular spring plate (1b), wherein the first annular spring plate (1a) is clamped in the annular recess (11) of the first housing part (3A) between the first contact surface (101) and the second contact surface (102) of the first housing part (3a), and wherein the second annular spring plate (1b) is clamped in the annular recess (11) of the second housing part (3a) between the first contact surface (101) and the second contact surface (102) of the second housing part (3A); at least one clamping element (8), wherein each clamping element (8) has a clamping surface (7) which is designed to transmit a clamping and / or braking force to the object (5) to be clamped and / or braked when a first end of one of the spring plates (1a, 1b) is supported on the first contact surface (101) of one of the housing parts (3a, 3b) and a second end of the one of the spring plates (1a, 1b) presses on the second contact surface (102) of the one of the housing parts (3a, 3b); wherein the spring plates (1a, 1b) are arranged within the inner space (13) in such a way that at least one pressure space (2, 4) is formed in the inner space (13), which pressure space is at least partially delimited by the spring plates (1a, 1b), wherein the pressure space (2, 4) can be aerated or deaerated and can be acted on by positive pressure of a pressure medium which is suppliable to the housing (3), wherein the spring plates (1a, 1b) are arranged relative to the at least one pressure space (2, 4) in such a way that by aerating or deaerating the pressure space (2, 4) or acting on the pressure space (2, 4) with positive pressure, a bending of at least one of the spring plates (1a, 1b) is changeable and thereby the device (10) changes between an open state, in which the object (5) is spaced apart from the clamping surfaces (7), and a closed state, in which one or more of the clamping surfaces (7) transmit a clamping and / or braking force to the object (5); characterised in that the clamping and / or braking device (10) further comprises at least one insert plate (100) which is arranged between the first spring plate (1a) and the second spring plate (1b) in the inner space (13).

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

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

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

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

6. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the clamping element (8) is elastic such that the clamping element (8) forms a lever arm (8a) which is designed to deform elastically by pressing at least one of the spring plates (1a, 1b) on the second contact surface (102) of at least one of the housing parts (3a, 3b) and thereby to rotate about a pivot point (D) such that the clamping surface (7) of the clamping element (8) transmits the clamping and / or braking force to the object (5) to be clamped and / or braked.

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

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

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

10. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the annular recess (11) of each housing part (3a, 3b) defines an annular opening (12) in the housing part (3a, 3b), wherein the annular opening (12) is formed between a first annular edge (12a) of the housing part (3a, 3b) and a second annular edge (12b) of the housing part (3a, 3b), wherein the first contact surface (101) of each housing part (3a, 3b) is delimited by the first annular edge (12a) of the housing part (3a, 3b) and a first stop (112) of the housing part (3a, 3b) such that upon insertion of one of the spring plates (1a, 1b) from the outside past the first annular edge (12a) into the recess (11) of the housing part (3a, 3b), the first stop (112) forms an obstacle against a deeper insertion of the spring plate (1a, 1b) into the recess (11), preferably wherein the distance (A2) between the first stop (112) and the first annular edge (12a) is 3 mm to 6 mm, 4 mm to 5 mm, or about 4.7 mm, and / or wherein the second contact surface (101) of each housing part (3a, 3b) is delimited by the second annular edge (12b) of the housing part (3a, 3b) and a second stop (122) of the housing part (3a, 3b) such that upon insertion of one of the spring plates (1a, 1b) from the outside past the second annular edge (12b) into the recess (11) of the housing part (3a, 3b), the second stop (122) forms an obstacle against a deeper insertion of the spring plate (1a, 1b) into the recess (11), preferably wherein the distance (A2) between the second stop (122) and the second annular edge (12b) is 3 mm to 6 mm, 4 mm to 5 mm, or about 4.7 mm.

11. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that each of the housing parts (3a, 3b) comprises a first latching means (110) and a second latching means (120), wherein the respective spring plate (1a, 1b) is clamped in the recess (11) of the housing part (3a, 3b) between the first contact surface (101) and the second contact surface (102) of the housing part such that the first latching means (110) latches the first end of the respective spring plate (1a, 1b) to the first contact surface (101) and the second latching means (120) latches the second end of the respective spring plate (1a, 1b) to the second contact surface (102).

12. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 11, characterised in that the first latching means (110) comprises a first projection (111) of the first contact surface (101) and the first stop (112), which together latch the first end of the respective spring plate (1a, 1b) between the first projection (111) and the first stop (112) in the region of the first contact surface (101), and / or that the second latching means (120) comprises a second projection (121) of the second contact surface (102) and the second stop (122), which together latch the second end of the respective spring plate (1a, 1b) between the second projection (121) and the second stop (122) in the region of the second contact surface (102).

13. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 12, characterised in that the first projection (111) comprises a step or ramp and / or that the second projection (121) comprises a step or ramp.

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

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

16. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 15, characterised in that the first spring plate (1a) is designed to reduce its bending by aerating the first pressure space (4) or by applying positive pressure to the first pressure space (4) in order to press, when the first end of the first spring plate (1a) is supported on the first contact surface (101) of the first housing part (3a), with the second end of the first spring plate (1a) on the second contact surface (102) of the first housing part (3a) such that a transmission of a clamping and / or braking force from the clamping surface (7) of the clamping element (8) to the object (5) to be clamped and / or braked is effected thereby and the device (10) changes from the closed state to the open state of the first housing part (3a), and / or, in that the second spring plate (1b) is designed to reduce its bending by aerating the first pressure space (4) or by applying positive pressure to the first pressure space (4) in order to press, when the first end of the second spring plate (1b) is supported on the first contact surface (101) of the second housing part (3b), with the second end of the second spring plate (1b) on the second contact surface (102) of the second housing part (3a) such that a transmission of a clamping and / or braking force from the clamping surface (7) of the clamping element (8) to the object (5) to be clamped and / or braked is effected thereby and the device (10) changes from the closed state to the open state of the first housing part (3a).

17. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 15 to 16, characterised in that the device (10) is designed such that by aerating the first pressure space (4) or by applying positive pressure to the first pressure space (4), the first contact surface (101) and the second contact surface (102) of at least one of the two housing parts (3a, 3b) move away from one another and / or the bending of at least one of the spring plates (1a, 1b) is reduced and the device (10) changes thereby from the closed state to the open state.

18. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one pressure space comprises one or more second pressure spaces (2), wherein the one or more second pressure spaces (2) are arranged inside the spring (1) between each of the two spring plates (1a, 1b) and the insert plate (100),19. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 18, wherein the device (10) is designed such that by aerating the one or more second pressure spaces (2) or by applying positive pressure to the one or more second pressure spaces (2), the first contact surface (101) and the second contact surface (102) of at least one of the two housing parts (3a, 3b) move towards one another and / or the bending of at least one of the spring plates (1a, 1b) is increased and the device (10) changes thereby from the closed state to the open state.