HOUSING PART FOR A CLAMPING AND / OR BRAKE DEVICE

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The disclosure relates to a housing part for a clamping and / or braking device and a clamping and / or braking device with such a housing part. BACKGROUND

[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 elements, 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 device and form a pressure chamber within it. 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 device, in which an object to be clamped, such as a rotatable shaft, is clamped, and an open state in which the object is free. In practice, however, it has been found that the housing parts of the clamp do not seal sufficiently against each other and the environment, and therefore fail or cannot be operated reliably.

[0007] DE 10 2021 006 219 B3 describes a braking and / or clamping device with an annular housing having at least one pneumatic or hydraulic connection and encompassing an axially oriented rod receptacle. The housing has a bottom part and a top part, and at least one annular pressure chamber is arranged within the housing. The pressure chamber is axially limited by at least one axially movable piston. It is radially limited by the outer walls of the housing and by at least one inner ring that encompasses an inner wall of the housing having at least one inner wall section. A disk element is arranged in the housing on the piston's upper surface facing away from the pressure chamber and pointing in the axial direction. The piston's upper surface rests against, can rest against, or is fixed to this disk element.The inner wall section is arranged to project outwards from the lid part or the bottom part of the housing. SHORT DESCRIPTION

[0008] Based on the aforementioned prior art, the disclosure aims to provide means that enable a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device to seal better.

[0009] The problem is solved with a housing part having the features of claim 1 and with a clamping and / or braking device having the features of claim 10 or 11. 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 housing part for a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device is provided, the housing part comprising: a first edge of the housing part and a second edge of the housing part opposite the first edge; an annular recess arranged between the second edge and the first edge for clamping an annular spring plate between a first contact surface of the housing part defined by the recess and a second contact surface of the housing part defined by the recess; a clamping element with a clamping surface which, when the spring plate is clamped in the recess between the first contact surface and the second contact surface, is designed such that a first end of the spring plate is supported on the first contact surface and a second end of the spring plate presses against the second contact surface,to transmit a clamping and / or braking force to an object to be clamped and / or braked; a first housing contact surface extending between the first edge and the first contact surface; wherein at least one groove for receiving a sealing element is arranged on the first housing contact surface. The housing part has one, two, or more connections for pressurizing the housing part (in particular, the one or more pressure chambers) with a pressure medium (e.g., compressed air). The at least one groove is interrupted by one or more of the connections. A gap for the connection may follow a section of the groove, and then another section of the groove may follow.which continues after the interruption caused by the connection. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one groove runs on the first housing contact surface between the first edge of the housing part and one or more (other) connections, preferably at least partially circumferencing them. This further increases the sealing, as the groove extends to the connections and may even partially circumferentially, so that the sealing material in the groove seals the connections against the first edge of the housing part and thus against the environment. This reduces susceptibility to malfunctions by minimizing leakage in the area of ​​the connections.

[0011] Preferably, the distance between the second contact surface and the second edge or clamping surface is smaller than the distance between the first contact surface and the second edge or clamping surface. The second edge can be the edge of the housing part on or near which the clamping surface is provided, or which, when installed in the clamping and / or braking device, is closer to the object to be clamped or braked and may, if necessary, touch this object when closed.

[0012] Preferably, the distance between the first contact surface and the first edge is smaller than the distance between the second contact surface and the first edge. The first edge can be the edge of the housing that, when installed in the clamping and / or braking device, faces away from or is further away from the object to be clamped or braked than the second edge. Holes for attaching the housing part to another housing part to form the clamping and / or braking device can be arranged along the first edge.

[0013] 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 further provided, the device comprising: a housing comprising a first housing part according to the invention and a second housing part according to the invention, wherein the two housing parts are arranged and fastened to each other in such a way that the first housing contact surface of the first housing part faces the first housing contact surface of the second housing part, and 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 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 is ventable and can be pressurized with an overpressure of a pressure medium that can be supplied to the housing, wherein the first spring plate is clamped between the first contact surface of the first housing part and the second contact surface of the first housing part; wherein the second spring plate is clamped between the first contact surface of the second housing part and the second contact surface of the second housing part;and wherein the spring plates are arranged relative to the at least one pressure chamber such that by venting or depressurizing the pressure chamber or pressurizing the pressure chamber, the bending of at least one of the spring plates can be changed, thereby allowing the device to switch between an open state in which the object is spaced away from the clamping surfaces and a closed state in which one or more of the clamping surfaces transmit a clamping and / or braking force to the object. A sealing element can be accommodated in the respective groove of each housing part. Each housing part can contain its own separate sealing element (i.e., a total of at least two sealing elements per housing of the clamping and / or braking device), or a single sealing element can be accommodated in the grooves of the housing parts when the housing parts are fastened together.

[0014] The problem of the failure-prone operation of the clamping and / or braking devices due to leakage between the housing parts and to the environment has been overcome by aspects of this disclosure. The following findings of the inventors form the basis of this disclosure.

[0015] In the past, large quantities of sealant were applied over the entire surface between the housing parts of a clamp to create a seal between the housing parts and against the environment. However, a sealant applied over a large surface is prone to defects, for example, because it is not applied everywhere it is needed or is not applied evenly. The inventors have discovered that incorporating a groove on the first housing contact surface, which serves to contact the housing part with another housing part and extends between the first edge and the first bearing surface of the housing part, allows for the targeted introduction of a sealing agent, such as a sealant (e.g., an adhesive and sealing material) or an elastic material (e.g., a flexible material).The groove (O-ring) leads to less failure-prone clamping and / or braking devices because the groove defines the location of the sealing material it holds, allowing for more reliable application and thus achieving a reliable seal between the housing parts and against the environment. In particular, the groove improves the sealing of the pressure chamber between each spring plate and its corresponding housing part, which is susceptible to leakage. Overall, the groove on the first housing contact surface reduces susceptibility to failure and increases the service life of a clamp. It also reduces the amount of sealing material (such as sealant, e.g., adhesive and sealant) previously required for reliable sealing, thus reducing costs and protecting the environment.The placement of the groove on the first housing contact surface has no negative impact on the dynamics of opening and closing the clamping and / or braking device.

[0016] According to preferred aspects of the disclosure, the groove has a width of 1 mm to 2 mm, 1.4 mm to 1.6 mm, or about 1.5 mm. Alternatively or additionally, the groove has a depth of 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm, 0.65 mm to 0.75 mm, or about 0.7 mm. In a given section of the groove, this defines the preferred extent or volume of the sealant to be received, thus reducing the probability of applying too little or too much sealant.

[0017] According to a preferred aspect of the disclosure, the cross-section of the groove can be in the form of a V (V-shaped), a rectangle open on one side, a U (U-shaped), or a semicircle. These shapes are particularly preferred for receiving and reliably retaining the sealing material. Other groove shapes are possible.

[0018] According to preferred aspects of the disclosure, the at least one groove at least partially surrounds the center point of the annular recess or extends at least partially along a circular arc, the circular arc preferably spanning a central angle of at least 45°, 90°, 120°, 135°, 160°, 180°, 225°, 270°, 315°, 350°, or 360°. The groove can be approximately circular or annular in shape. The groove at least partially surrounds the first edge. This promotes a seal that is as uniform or even symmetrical as possible, at least in sections of the first edge, which is beneficial for the clamp's extended service life.

[0019] According to preferred aspects of the disclosure, the first housing contact surface further comprises one or more holes for fastening the housing part to another housing part with a fastener, and the at least one groove extends on the first housing contact surface between the holes and the first bearing surface, the holes being arranged on the first housing contact surface between the first edge and the at least one groove. In other words, the holes are located outside the groove when viewed from the perspective of the object to be clamped or braked, so that the holes and the fasteners to be inserted therein cannot negatively affect the seal between the housing parts and against the environment. This further increases the seal and reduces susceptibility to malfunctions.

[0020] The means described here, individually and in combination, can be used to provide terminals that reliably seal between the housing parts and against the environment without negatively affecting the dynamics of opening and closing the terminal.

[0021] If this short description describes features that are not listed in the patent claims, these features do not constitute essential features and do not necessarily have to be included in the patent claims; however, these features are particularly prominent preferred realizations of the claimed subject matter, can be combined with any of the patent claims, and can also be combined with each other as desired. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0022] 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 of one of Figure 5A removed housing part. Figure 6 shows a cross-section through a variant of a housing part according to the invention. Figure 7 shows a top view of a ring-shaped spring plate. Figure 8shows a top view of a variant of a housing part according to the invention for use with the ring-shaped spring plate according to Fig. 7 .

[0023] Components shown in multiple figures bear the same reference symbols. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The disclosure relates to a housing part for a clamping and / or braking device and a clamping and / or braking device with one or more such housing parts.

[0025] 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".

[0026] The Figures 1A to 5AFigure 1 shows schematic cross-sections through such a clamping device 10 according to the invention, comprising a housing 3, which includes two housing parts 3a, 3b according to the invention, and a spring 1 arranged in the housing 3, which comprises at least two elastic elements 1a, 1b, each in the form of an annular spring plate 1a, 1b.

[0027] The clamping device 10 according to the invention comprises a housing 3 comprising a first housing part 3a and a second housing part 3b according to the invention. The housing parts 3a and 3b according to the invention comprise the means mentioned above, namely a second rim 100a of the housing part 3a, 3b and a first rim 100b of the housing part 3a, 3b, wherein the rims 100a and 100b are opposite each other; an annular recess 11 arranged between the second rim 100a and the first rim 100b for clamping an annular spring plate 1a, 1b between a first contact surface 101 of the housing part 3a, 3b defined by the recess 11 and a second contact surface 102 of the housing part 3a, 3b defined by the recess 11;A clamping element 8 with a clamping surface 7, designed such that, when the spring plate 1a, 1b is clamped in the recess 11 between the first contact surface 101 and the second contact surface 102, a first end of the spring plate 1a, 1b is supported on the first contact surface 101 and a second end of the spring plate 1a, 1b presses against the second contact surface 102, to transmit a clamping and / or braking force to an object 5 to be clamped and / or braked; a first housing contact surface 12a extending between the first edge 100b and the first contact surface 101; wherein at least one groove 110 for receiving a sealing means is arranged or inserted on the first housing contact surface 12a. These means are used in connection with the; Figures 5 , 6 and 8 explained in more detail.

[0028] The two housing parts 3a, 3b of the in the Figures 1A to 5AThe clamping device 10 according to the invention is arranged and fastened to one another such that the first housing contact surface 12a of the first housing part 3a faces the first housing contact surface 12a of the second housing part 3b, and that the recesses 11 of the first and second housing parts 3a, 3b together form an interior space 13 within the housing 3. The clamping device 10 further comprises a spring 1 arranged in the interior space 13, comprising a first annular spring plate 1a and a second annular spring plate 1b, 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 vented and can be pressurized with a pressure medium that can be supplied to the housing 3.wherein the first spring plate 1a is clamped between the first contact surface 101 of the first housing part 3a and the second contact surface 102 of the first housing part 3a; wherein the second spring plate 1b is clamped between the first contact surface 101 of the second housing part 3b and the second contact surface 102 of the second housing part 3b; and wherein the spring plates 1a, 1b are arranged relative to the at least one pressure chamber 2, 4 such that by venting or de-ventilating the pressure chamber 2, 4 or pressurizing the pressure chamber 2, 4, the bending of at least one of the spring plates 1a, 1b can be changed, and thereby the device 10 switches between an open state in which the object 5 is spaced away 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] The clamping force or effect of the clamping surface 7 on the object 5 to be clamped takes place in a clamping plane spanned by two vectors, each forming a radius of the ring-shaped elastic elements 1a, 1b or ring-shaped recess 11 (see figure). Fig. 5AThe axis 9 can pass through the center of the ring of the components described here as annular and can therefore be designated as the principal axis of the clamping device 10, which can run perpendicular to the clamping plane. When this document refers to "inner" and "outer" housing contact surfaces, mating surfaces, edges, or ends, the inner housing contact surface, mating surface, edge, or end may be closer to the axis 9 than the corresponding outer housing contact surface, mating surface, edge, or end. The same may apply to other components. Other meanings of the terms "inner" and "outer" are possible.

[0031] 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 , 4AThe 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 , 2B , 3B , 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.

[0032] 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 , 4BIn contrast, the object 5 to be clamped at least partially surrounds the clamping device 10, so that the clamping element 8 is located there 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.

[0033] In Figures 1A to 5A The spring 1 is located between two contact surfaces (first contact surface 101 and second contact surface 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 a second (e.g., inner) pressure chamber 2 of the spring 1 and venting a first (e.g., 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.

[0034] The clamping element 8 can be an elastic element, such as a spring fork, which, in the unpressurized initial state of the device 10, is moved from a relaxed initial position to 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 reached in the unpressurized initial state between a restoring force of the elastic element 8 and the spring force of the spring 1. At this equilibrium, the clamping surface 7 can press against the object 5.

[0035] By additionally pressurizing the first pressure chamber 4 with compressed air (for example, at 4 bar or 6 bar) while closed, 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 first pressure chamber 4 indicate this. The pressure chamber 4 ("outer pressure chamber 4"), located on the outside (top or bottom) of the spring plates, can be connected via an opening in the housing 3 to an air connection I (also referred to as "Close") to which the compressed air pump 6 can be connected.

[0036] 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).

[0037] 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 pressure chamber 2 arranged between the spring plates (on the inside of the spring plates) ("inner pressure chamber 2") or the outer pressure chamber 4.

[0038] 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 5. The inner pressure chamber 2 can be connected via an opening in the housing 3 to an air connection II (also referred to as "Open"), to which a compressed air pump 6 can be connected.

[0039] By pressurizing the second (e.g., inner) pressure chamber 2 with compressed air (e.g., 4 bar or 6 bar) by the air pump 6 and venting the first (e.g., outer) pressure chamber 4, the spring 1 expands compared to its closed state. Fig. 1A, 1B The 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.

[0040] The device 10 can be switched back and forth between the closed and open states.

[0041] Such pneumatic clamps 10 have a number of advantages over hydraulic clamps.

[0042] By using the combination of an elastic component, here a spring 1 together with elastic elements 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 in Fig. 5 shown in more detail, wherein two overlapping 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 ring-shaped, as in Fig. 5shown, and can optionally have additional radial slots, allowing for changes in the inner diameter with particularly low forces. The elastic elements 1a, 1b can be coated with rubber, at least in the area of ​​the slots, to ensure the necessary seal for 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 such that the inner pressure chamber 2 is formed within the spring 1 between the elastic elements 1a, 1b, 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. Figure 5 shows a three-dimensional view of a clamping device 10 similar to Figures 1A and 2A .

[0043] By venting or pressurizing the first (e.g., outer) pressure chamber 4 with compressed air and venting the second (e.g., 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 first (e.g., 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] The spring 1 can be bent to varying degrees (transversely) in its unpressurized initial state, and thus shortened to varying degrees radially. The inner surface of the housing 3 can be adapted to or define the bending of the elastic elements 1a, 1b. A corresponding stop surface for the elastic elements 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 elastic elements 1a, 1b.

[0047] 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 second (e.g., 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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 state. Here, compressed air is introduced into the first (e.g., 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 state.

[0051] 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.

[0052] Figure 5AFigure 1 shows a cross-section through a pneumatic clamping device 10 according to the invention in a three-dimensional representation, wherein the device 10 with inwardly directed clamping force according to the figure is shown as an example. Figure 1A , 2A , 3A and 4A shown. Figures 5B to 8 Further details of this device are then shown in section 10. However, this applies to the device in the Figures 5A to 8 Shown accordingly for device 10 with outwardly directed clamping force according to the Figure 1B , 2B , 3B and 4B .

[0053] As in Figure 5A As shown, the housing 3 of the clamping devices 10 according to the invention comprises two housing parts 3a, 3b according to the invention, each with a groove not shown here (cf. 110 in Fig. 6), wherein the housing parts 3a, 3b are fastened to one another by means of fasteners 17, such as screws, through holes 15 and are mounted such that, in the assembled state, the grooves of the housing parts coincide and 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 annular spring plates 1a, 1b are arranged. The housing parts 3a, 3b each define a recess 11, which is also annular and which serves to receive the annular spring plates 1a, 1b, as shown in Figures 5A to 5D As shown. At least part of the first contact surface 101 of the housing part can extend (essentially) perpendicular to the radial direction R of the annular recess 11 and / or part of the second contact surface 102 of the housing part can extend (essentially perpendicular) to the radial direction R of the annular recess 11.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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).

[0056] Figures 5B-D show an embodiment of the housing part according to the invention (here the upper housing part 3a made of Fig. 5AThe housing part 3a, 3b according to the invention comprises the means mentioned above, namely a second rim 100a (here the inner rim) of the housing part 3a, 3b and a first rim 100b (here the outer rim) of the housing part 3a, 3b, wherein the rims are arranged opposite each other; an annular recess 11 arranged between the second rim 100a and the first rim 100b for clamping an annular spring plate 1a, 1b between a first contact surface 101 (here the outer contact surface) of the housing part 3a, 3b defined by the recess 11 and a second contact surface 102 (here the inner contact surface) of the housing part 3a, 3b defined by the recess 11;a clamping element 8 with a clamping surface 7, which is designed, when the spring plate 1a, 1b is clamped in the recess 11 between the first contact surface 101 and the second contact surface 102, such that a first end of the spring plate 1a, 1b is supported on the first contact surface 101 and a second end of the spring plate 1a, 1b presses on the second contact surface 102, exerting a clamping and / or braking force on an object 5 to be clamped and / or braked (cf. ; Fig. 5A, 5B, object 5 in the opening 14); a first housing contact surface 12a (here the outer housing contact surface) extending between the first edge 100b and the first contact surface 101; wherein at least one groove 110 for receiving a sealing element is arranged or inserted on the first housing contact surface 12a. Preferably, the cross-section of the groove 110 formed in the radial direction R by the groove 110 can be in the form of a V (V-shaped, opening of the V towards the surface 12a), a rectangle open on one side towards the surface 12a, a U (U-shaped, opening of the U towards the surface 12a), or a semicircle. The housing part 3a, 3b can comprise a second housing contact surface 12b (here the inner housing contact surface) extending between the second contact surface 102 and the second edge 100b.

[0057] The housing part 3a, 3b extends between the second edge 100a, which is located closer to the axis 9, and the first edge 100b, which is located further away from the axis 9, and can preferably be annular in shape. The housing part 3a includes the annular recess 11 for clamping the annular spring plate 1a, wherein the housing part 3a has an inner surface defined by the recess 11 (see 105 in Fig. 6 ). The annular recess 11 preferably defines an annular opening 12 in the housing part, wherein the annular opening is formed between the first (e.g. annular) housing contact surface 12a of the housing part and the second (e.g. annular) housing contact surface 12b of the housing part.

[0058] If the spring plate 1a is aligned with the first, upper side surface (see 16c in Fig. 5B) facing the inner surface 105 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 105 and the spring plate 1a.

[0059] As in the Figures 5C and 5D As shown, the depicted 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.

[0060] 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 5BThe illustrated housing part 3a 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.

[0061] As in Figures 5B-5DAs can be seen, the spring plate 1a is clamped in the recess 11 between the contact surfaces 101, 102 of the housing part 3a. During assembly, each of the plates of the spring 1 is inserted along the contact surfaces 101, 102 of the housing part 3a through the opening 12 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 can be greater than the extent of the interior space defined by the housing part, the plate 1a can be bent or pre-stressed in its initial, unpressurized state.

[0062] The spring plate 1a can be coated with an elastic, sealing material, preferably rubber or another suitable material (e.g. vulcanized).

[0063] Figure 6 shows more details of the housing part 3a according to the invention. Figure 5B . Fig. 6 In addition to the recess 11, the first mounting surface 101, and the second mounting surface 102, it also shows the groove 101, and other optional means such as inner surface 105, hole 15, bevels 103, 104 and a recess 106.

[0064] The housing part 3a, 3b comprises an annular recess 11 for clamping the annular spring plate 1a, 1b, wherein the recess 11 can form a first annular rim at the first housing contact surface 12a and a second annular rim at the second housing contact surface 12b of an annular opening 12 of the housing part 3a, 3b, wherein the annular recess 11 defines the inner surface 105 of the housing part 3a, 3b between the first annular rim and the second annular rim, wherein the inner surface 105 forms a first chamfer 103 (or long chamfer) in the region of the first annular rim and the inner surface 105 forms a second chamfer 104 (or long chamfer) in the region of the second annular rim, wherein the chamfers 103, 104 are oriented such that the annular opening 12 faces the first and second annular rims or the corresponding housing contact surfaces (see 12a, 12b in Fig. 6) enlarged.

[0065] When the spring plate 1a, 1b is clamped in the recess 11 with its first side surface 16c facing the inner surface 105, the coating of the spring plate 1a, 1b establishes a preferably sealing contact with at least a first section of the inside of the housing part 3a, 3b. The first section can comprise the contact surfaces 101, 102, the chamfers 103, 104 and / or other parts of the inner surface 105. The indentation 106 promotes the dynamics of the clamping element 8, which can thereby bend further.

[0066] The inner surface 105 can comprise the first contact surface 101 and the second contact surface 102, which are designed to clamp the spring plate 1a, 1b between them, wherein the first chamfer 103 is arranged between the first contact surface 101 and the first annular edge of the surface 12a, and wherein the second chamfer 104 is arranged between the second contact surface 102 and the second annular edge of the surface 12a. When the spring plate 1a, 1b is clamped in the recess 11 with its first side surface 16c facing the inner surface 105, the coating of the plate 1a, 1b can be brought into preferably sealing contact with the chamfers 103, 104.

[0067] As in Figure 6As shown, the first contact surface 101 can form or transition into a first inclined surface 103 (or long chamfer) and / or the second contact surface 102 can form or transition into a second inclined surface 104 (or long chamfer), wherein the inclined surfaces 103, 104 are each preferably oriented such that the annular opening 12 or the recess 11 increases towards the first and second edges of the surfaces 12a, 12b (see figure). Fig. 6 and 5B ).

[0068] The housing part 3a, 3b has a groove or slot 110, preferably circular, on the first housing contact surface 12a for receiving a sealing material (e.g., sealant or rubber O-ring). The groove or slot 110 can partially or preferably completely encircle the housing part 3a, 3b along (e.g., parallel to) the first edge 100b of the housing part on the first housing contact surface 12a, between the first edge 100b of the housing part and the first contact surface 101 or the recess 11. Alternatively or additionally, the groove or slot 110 can partially or preferably completely encircle the housing part 3a, 3b along the circumference of the housing part in the region of the surface 12b, or between a second edge 100a of the housing part and the second contact surface 102 or the recess 11.

[0069] As in Fig. 6As illustrated by example, the first housing contact surface 12a can further have one or more holes 15 for fastening the housing part 3a to another housing part 3b by means of a fastening means 17 (see figure). Fig. 5B The groove 110 can extend on the first housing contact surface 12a between the holes 15 and the first bearing surface 101. The holes 15 are arranged on the first housing contact surface 12a between the first edge 100b and the groove 110. The groove 110 can have a width B of 1 mm to 2 mm, 1.4 mm to 1.6 mm, or 1.5 mm. The groove can have a depth of 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm, 0.65 mm to 0.75 mm, or 0.7 mm. These dimensions are particularly advantageous for accommodating and precisely applying just the necessary amount of sealing material (e.g., O-ring, adhesives, sealants, etc.). This reduces the consumption of sealing material.

[0070] One advantage of the 110 mm groove is that it achieves the crucial sealing function during operation with CLOSE engaged, even over millions of booster switching cycles. This is achieved by allowing the sealant (adhesive and sealing material) to be applied precisely between the housing halves, thereby reducing consumption. By changing the pitch circle diameter for the connecting screws, the groove can be incorporated circumferentially between the OPEN and CLOSE connections.

[0071] Figure 7 Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a spring plate 1a, 1b with a first connecting seal 30 and / or a second connecting seal 20. The seals 20, 20 can be made of an elastic, sealing material, such as rubber, and can be part of an elastic, sealing coating (e.g., rubber coating) of the spring plate, which is, for example, vulcanized onto the spring plate.

[0072] The first connecting seal 30 and the second connecting seal 20 can be arranged on opposite sections of the second edge 100a or first edge 100b of the annular spring plate.

[0073] The first connecting seal 30 can be offset radially inwards or outwards, at least in sections, to the second edge 100a and / or first edge 100b (see figure). Fig. 7 ) of the spring plate 1a, 1b. The first connecting seal 30 can be arranged radially over the second edge 100a or the first edge 100b (cf. Fig. 7 ) stand out.

[0074] The second connecting seal 20 can be offset radially inwards or outwards, at least in sections, to the second edge 100a and / or first edge 100b (see figure). Fig. 7 ) of the spring plate 1a, 1b. The second connecting seal 20 can be arranged radially over the second edge 100a or the first edge 100b (see figure). Fig. 7 ) stand out.

[0075] The spring plate 1a, 1b according to Figure 7 can be in the housing part 3a, 3b according to Figures 5B , 6 and 8 The elastic element 1a, 1b is clamped in the recess 11 between the second edge 100a (or clamping element 8 with clamping surface 7 or second housing contact surface 12b) and the first edge 100b (or first housing contact surface 12a) of the housing part 3a, 3b in such a way that the first connection seal 30 comes into contact with the area of ​​the first connection I of the housing part 3a, 3b for pressurizing the housing part with a pressure medium and the second connection seal 20 comes into contact with the area of ​​the second connection II of the housing part 3a, 3b for pressurizing the housing part with a pressure medium (see figure). Fig. 7, 8This is carried out twice, so that two such housing parts 3a, 3b are prepared, each with a spring plate 1a, 1b clamped in place, which are then fastened together to form a housing 3 as shown in the Figure 5A shown to form.

[0076] The groove 110 runs on the first housing contact surface 12a and can be designed to hold the object 5 (cf. Fig. 5A ) at least partially circumferentially. The groove 110 can extend at least partially along a circular arc. The circular arc can span a central angle of at least 45°, 90°, 120°, 135°, 160°, 180°, 225°, 270°, 315°, 350°, or 360°. In Figure 8 The central angle is 360° because the groove 110 completely circles the center of the opening 14.

[0077] However, the groove 110 can be interrupted by one or more of the connections I, II and / or, as shown in Fig. 8As shown, the groove 110 can run on the first housing contact surface 12b between the first edge 100b of the housing part 3a, 3b and one or more of the ports I, II, preferably at least partially encircling them. These optional features, both individually and in combination, further increase the sealing, since the groove 110 extends to the ports I, II and may even partially encircle them in such a way that the sealing material in the groove 110 seals the ports I, II against the first edge 100b of the housing part and thus against the environment. This reduces susceptibility to malfunctions by minimizing leakage in the area of ​​ports I, II.

[0078] In the Figures 5 to 8A sealing element (e.g., a rubber ring, rubber O-ring) can be accommodated in the groove (cf. 110) of each housing part 3a, 3b. Each of the housing parts 3a, 3b can contain its own separate sealing element (i.e., a total of at least two sealing elements per housing 3 of the clamping and / or braking device 10), or a single sealing element can be accommodated in the grooves of the housing parts 3a, 3b when they are fastened together.

[0079] As already explained, show Figures 5 to 8 Exemplary components of device 10 with inwardly directed clamping force according to the Figure 1A , 2A , 3A and 4A In this case, the first edge 100b is the outer edge along which the optional holes 15 are arranged, and the second edge 100a is the inner edge facing the object 5. The second mounting surface 102 is then located further inwards compared to the first mounting surface 101.

[0080] However, this applies to the device in the Figures 5A to 8 Shown accordingly for device 10 with outwardly directed clamping force according to the Figure 1B , 2B , 3B and 4B In the latter case, the first edge 100b would be the inner edge along which the optional holes 15 are arranged, and the second edge 100a would be the outer edge facing the object 5. The second mounting surface 101 is then located further outwards compared to the first mounting surface 101.

[0081] The means described here, individually and in combination, can be used to provide terminals that reliably seal between the housing parts and against the environment without negatively affecting the dynamics of opening and closing the terminal.

[0082] Preferred embodiments of the items claimed by the accompanying 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 embodiment of the items claimed herein according to the accompanying claims in their various configurations.

[0083] The various aspects and embodiments described above can be combined to create further embodiments. These and other modifications can be made to the embodiments in light of the detailed description above. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be interpreted as limiting the claims to the specific aspects and embodiments disclosed in the description and the claims, but rather as encompassing all possible embodiments together with the full scope of the equivalents to which these claims refer.

Claims

1. Housing part (3a, 3b) for a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device (10), the housing part (3a, 3b) comprising: a first edge (100b) of the housing part (3a, 3b) and a second edge (100a) of the housing part (3a, 3b) opposite the first edge (100b); an annular recess (11) arranged between the second edge (100a) and the first edge (100b) for clamping an annular spring plate (1a, 1b) between a first bearing surface (101) of the housing part (3a, 3b) defined by the recess (11) and a second bearing surface (102) of the housing part (3a, 3b) defined by the recess (11); a clamping element (8) having a clamping surface (7) which is designed, when the spring plate (1a, 1b) is clamped in the recess (11) between the first bearing surface (101) and the second bearing surface (102) in such a way that a first end of the spring plate (1a, 1b) is supported on the first bearing surface (101) and a second end of the spring plate (1a, 1b) presses onto the second bearing surface (102), to transmit a clamping and / or braking force to an object (5) to be clamped and / or braked; a first housing contact surface (12a) which extends between the first edge (100b) and the first bearing surface (101); wherein at least one groove (110) for receiving a sealing means is arranged on the first housing contact surface (12a), wherein the housing part (3a, 3b) has one, two or more ports (I, II) for applying a pressure medium to the housing part, characterized in that the at least one groove (110) is interrupted by one or more of the ports (I, II) and / or the at least one groove (110) on the first housing contact surface (12b) runs between the first edge (100b) of the housing part (3a, 3b) and one or more of the ports (I, II).

2. The housing part according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first housing contact surface (12a) furthermore has one or more holes (15) for fastening the housing part (3a) to another housing part (3b) by means of a fastening means (17), preferably characterized in that the at least one groove (110) on the first housing contact surface (12a) extends between the holes (15) and the first bearing surface (101), and / or characterized in that the holes (15) on the first housing contact surface (12a) are arranged between the first edge (100b) and the at least one groove (110).

3. The housing part (3a, 3b) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the groove (110) extends at least partially along an arc of a circle and / or the at least one groove (110) is designed to run at least partially around a centre point of the annular recess (11), preferably characterized in that the arc of a circle spans a centre angle of at least 45°, 90°, 120°, 135°, 160°, 180°, 225°, 270°, 315°, 350°, or 360°.

4. The housing part according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the groove has a width (B) of 1 mm to 2 mm, preferably of 1.4 mm to 1.6 mm, and / or a depth (T) of 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm, preferably of 0.65 mm to 0.75 mm.

5. The housing part according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one groove (110), which runs on the first housing contact surface (12b) between the first edge (100b) of the housing part (3a, 3b) and one or more of the ports (I, II), runs at least partially around the ports.

6. The housing part (3a, 3b) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing part (3a, 3b) is designed in such a way that, when the second end of the spring plate (1a, 1b) presses onto the second bearing surface (102), the housing part (3a, 3b) elastically deforms in the region of the clamping element and / or the second bearing surface (102) and thereby the clamping surface (7) transmits the clamping and / or braking force to the object (5) to be clamped and / or braked.

7. The housing part (3a, 3b) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing part (3a, 3b) furthermore comprises: a second housing contact surface (12b) which extends between the second bearing surface (102) and the second edge (100b) of the housing part (3a, 3b), preferably characterized in that the annular recess (11) defines an annular opening (12) for inserting the spring plate (1a, 1b) into the housing part (3a, 3b), wherein the annular opening (12) is formed between the first housing contact surface (12a) and the second housing contact surface (12b).

8. The housing part (3a, 3b) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second bearing surface (102) and the clamping surface (7) are arranged on mutually opposite side surfaces of the clamping element (8), preferably with a second housing contact surface (12b) arranged therebetween, and / or the clamping surface (7) is arranged at or on the second edge (100a).

9. The housing part (3a, 3b) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance of the second bearing surface (102) from the second edge (100a) or the clamping surface (7) is smaller than the distance of the first bearing surface (101) from the second edge (100a) or the clamping surface (7), and / or the distance of the first bearing surface (101) from the first edge (100b) is smaller than the distance of the second bearing surface (102) from the first edge (100b) and / or the second edge (100a) of the housing part (3a, 3b) is closer to the object (5) than the first edge (100b) in the state installed in the clamping and / or braking device and / or the second housing contact surface (12b) of the housing part (3a, 3b) is closer to the object (5) than the first housing contact surface (12a) in the state installed in the clamping and / or braking device.

10. 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) according to any one of the preceding claims and a second housing part (3b) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two housing parts (3a, 3b) are arranged with respect to one another and fastened to one another in such a way that the first housing contact surface (12a) of the first housing part (3a) faces the first housing contact surface (12a) of the second housing part (3b), and that the recesses (11) of the first and second housing parts (3a, 3b) together form an interior space (13) within the housing (3); wherein a sealing means is received in the respective groove (110) of each of the housing parts (3a, 3b); a spring (1) which is arranged in the interior space (13) and comprises a first annular spring plate (1a) and a second annular spring plate (1b), wherein the spring plates (1a, 1b) are arranged within the interior space (13) in such a way that at least one pressure space (2, 4) is formed in the interior 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 subjected to overpressure of a pressure medium which is suppliable to the housing (3), wherein the first spring plate (1a) is clamped between the first bearing surface (101) of the first housing part (3a) and the second bearing surface (102) of the first housing part (3a); wherein the second spring plate (1b) is clamped between the first bearing surface (101) of the second housing part (3b) and the second bearing surface (102) of the second housing part (3b); and wherein the spring plates (1a, 1b) are arranged relative to the at least one pressure space (2, 4) in such a way that a bending of at least one of the spring plates (1a, 1b) is changeable by aerating or deaerating the pressure space (2, 4) or subjecting the pressure space (2, 4) to overpressure, and as a result 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).

11. 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: a first edge (100b) of the housing part (3a, 3b) and a second edge (100a) of the housing part (3a, 3b) opposite the first edge (1oob); an annular recess (11) arranged between the second edge (100a) and the first edge (100b) for clamping an annular spring plate (1a, 1b) between a first bearing surface (101) of the housing part (3a, 3b) defined by the recess (11) and a second bearing surface (102) of the housing part (3a, 3b) defined by the recess (11); a clamping element (8) having a clamping surface (7) which is designed, when the spring plate (1a, 1b) is clamped in the recess (11) between the first bearing surface (101) and the second bearing surface (102) in such a way that a first end of the spring plate (1a, 1b) is supported on the first bearing surface (101) and a second end of the spring plate (1a, 1b) presses onto the second bearing surface (102), to transmit a clamping and / or braking force to an object (5) to be clamped and / or braked; a first housing contact surface (12a) which extends between the first edge (100b) and the first bearing surface (101), wherein at least one groove (110), in which a sealing means is received, is arranged on the first housing contact surface (12a), and wherein the two housing parts (3a, 3b) are arranged with respect to one another and fastened to one another in such a way that the first housing contact surface (12a) of the first housing part (3a) faces the first housing contact surface (12a) of the second housing part (3b), and 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) which is arranged in the interior space (13) and comprises a first annular spring plate (1a) and a second annular spring plate (1b), wherein the spring plates (1a, 1b) are arranged within the interior space (13) in such a way that at least one pressure space (2, 4) is formed in the interior 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 subjected to overpressure of a pressure medium which is suppliable to the housing (3), wherein the first spring plate (1a) is clamped between the first bearing surface (101) of the first housing part (3a) and the second bearing surface (102) of the first housing part (3a); wherein the second spring plate (1b) is clamped between the first bearing surface (101) of the second housing part (3b) and the second bearing surface (102) of the second housing part (3b); and wherein the spring plates (1a, 1b) are arranged relative to the at least one pressure space (2, 4) in such a way that a bending of at least one of the spring plates (1a, 1b) is changeable by aerating or deaerating the pressure space (2, 4) or subjecting the pressure space (2, 4) to overpressure, and as a result 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).

12. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to Claim 10 or 11, wherein the two housing parts (3a, 3b) are fastened to one another by means of one or more fastening means (17) which are arranged in the holes (15).

13. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of Claims 10 to 12, wherein the second housing contact surface (12b) of the first housing part (3a) faces the second housing contact surface (12b) of the second housing part (3b).

14. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of the preceding Claims 10-13, wherein 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), preferably wherein the first spring plate (1a) is designed to reduce its bending by aerating the first pressure space (4) or by subjecting the first pressure space (4) to overpressure in order, when the first end of the first spring plate (1a) is supported on the first bearing surface (101) of the first housing part (3a), to press with the second end of the first spring plate (1a) onto the second bearing surface (102) of the first housing part (3a) in such a way that as a result a transmission of a clamping and / or braking force from the clamping surface (7) of the clamping element (8) of the first housing part (3a) to the object (5) to be clamped and / or braked is brought about and the device (10) changes from the open state to the closed state, and / or wherein the second spring plate (1b) is designed to reduce its bending by aerating the first pressure space (4) or by subjecting the first pressure space (2, 4) to overpressure in order, when the first end of the second spring plate (1b) is supported on the first bearing surface (101) of the second housing part (3b), to press with the second end of the second spring plate (1b) onto the second bearing surface (102) of the second housing part (3a) in such a way that as a result a transmission of a clamping and / or braking force from the clamping surface (7) of the clamping element (8) of the second housing part (3a) to the object (5) to be clamped and / or braked is brought about and the device (10) changes from the open state to the closed state, and / or wherein the device (10) is designed in such a way that, by aerating the first pressure space (4) or by subjecting the first pressure space (4) to overpressure, the first bearing surface (101) and the second bearing 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) decreases, and as a result the device (10) changes from the open state to the closed state.

15. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of Claims 10 to 14, wherein the at least one pressure space comprises a second pressure space (2), wherein the second pressure space (2) is arranged within the spring (1) between the two spring plates (1a, 1b), preferably wherein the device (10) is designed in such a way that, by aerating the second pressure space (2) or by subjecting the second pressure space (2) to overpressure, the first bearing surface (101) and the second bearing 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) increases, and as a result the device (10) changes from the closed state to the open state.