Pneumatic clamp and / or brake device

Abstract

The clamping and / or braking device includes a housing that includes first and second housing members, a spring disposed in an internal space that includes first and second annular spring plates, and a clamping element that has a clamping surface, the clamping surface being configured to transmit a clamping force and / or a braking force to an object to be clamped and / or braked when one first end of a spring plate is supported on one first contact surface of a housing member and one second end of the spring plate presses one second contact surface of the housing member. The device switches between an open state in which at least one clamping surface is spaced apart from the object and a closed state in which one or more clamping surfaces transmit a clamping force and / or a braking force to the object. The device further includes at least one insert plate disposed between the first spring plate and the second spring plate in the internal space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pneumatic clamp and / or brake device.

Background Art

[0002] In the manufacture of tools or machine members, processing machines, particularly work spindles or other machine tools, are used. These machines process materials from workpieces, particularly to a desired shape, using tools attached to a shaft. The shaft may be the rotating or pivoting axis of such a machine. Further, a rotatable or pivotable table is used with the shaft to position the tool or workpiece at an appropriate machining position or to move the workpiece at an appropriate rotational speed. A prerequisite for performing precise and efficient machining is, in particular, a high rotational speed of the shaft. Therefore, an emergency system or safety system has the problem of stopping the shaft or holding and fixing it in place when a system failure or malfunction such as a power outage or cable disconnection occurs.

[0003] At this time, general processing machines are equipped with electromagnetic, hydraulic, or pneumatic clamp and / or brake devices. Such devices are provided with a friction lining that can be frictionally connected to the shaft by force transmission. This makes it possible to fix the shaft at different speeds.

[0004] In the case of a hydraulic clamp device, hydraulic oil is supplied to the chamber, and the rotating shaft or disk is clamped. Passive hydraulic clamps are also known. However, such hydraulic clamps have a long reaction time or a short reaction time requires very high costs. Further, hydraulic materials such as hydraulic valves and hydraulic pipes are expensive and require a relatively long time for assembly. Also, additional costs are required to maintain the cleanliness around the hydraulic clamp due to the hydraulic oil.

[0005] In the case of a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device, generally, compressed air is supplied to an elastic member, particularly an elastic plate, and some of the drawbacks of the hydraulic clamping device described above can be overcome.

[0006] Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 describe a pneumatic clamping device provided with two annular spring plates. The spring plates are introduced into the housing of the clamping device to form a pressure chamber, and compressed air is supplied to the pressure chamber, or the pressure chamber is ventilated and vented. As a result, the bending of the spring plate changes, and switching is performed between the closed state of the clamping device in which an object to be clamped, such as a rotatable shaft, is clamped and the open state of the clamping device in which the object is free. However, in practice, it has been clarified that wear occurs at the contact portion between the pneumatic clamping device and the object, and it is necessary to reduce this wear in order to extend the life of the device and avoid damage to the object.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] Based on the prior art described at the beginning, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device in which wear at the contact portion between the device and the object to be clamped and / or braked is reduced.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] This problem is solved by a clamp and / or a braking device having the features described in claim 1. Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims, the specification and the drawings.

[0010] According to the solution according to the present invention, a clamping and / or braking device for clamping and / or braking an object to be clamped and / or braked has been proposed, the device comprising a housing including a first housing member and a second housing member, each housing member including an annular recess, the annular recess defining a first contact surface of the housing member and a second contact surface of the housing member, the two housing members being arranged relative to each other and fastened to each other such that the recesses of the first and second housing members together form an internal space within the housing, a spring arranged within the internal space, including a first annular spring plate and a second annular spring plate, the first annular spring plate being clamped between the first contact surface and the second contact surface of the first housing member within the annular recess of the first housing member, the second annular spring plate being clamped between the first contact surface and the second contact surface of the second housing member within the annular recess of the second housing member, at least one clamping element, each clamping element having a clamping surface, the clamping surface being configured to transmit a clamping force and / or a braking force to the object to be clamped and / or braked when a first end of one of the spring plates within the spring plate is supported on the first contact surface of one of the housing members within the housing member and a second end of one of the spring plates within the spring plate presses against the second contact surface of one of the housing members within the housing member, the spring plate being arranged within the internal space such that at least one pressure chamber is formed which is at least partially delimited by the spring plate, the pressure chamber being ventilable or breathable, it being possible to apply a positive pressure of a pressure medium which can be supplied to the housing to the pressure chamber, the spring plate being arranged relative to at least one pressure chamber such that bending of at least one of the spring plates within the spring plate becomes variable by ventilation or breathing of the pressure chamber or by applying a positive pressure to the pressure chamber, whereby the clamping and / or braking device is in an open state in which the clamping surface (7) is spaced apart from the object,One or more clamping surfaces switch between a closed state in which they transmit a clamping force and / or a braking force to an object, and the clamping and / or braking device further includes at least one insert plate disposed in an internal space between a first spring plate and a second spring plate.

[0011] The present disclosure is based on the inventor's recognition that by introducing at least one insert plate between two spring plates, the clamping and / or braking device can be configured to be axially thicker or wider without changing the dynamics of the spring plates. Since the insert plate displaces the volume between the spring plates, the device can be configured to be axially thicker or wider without increasing the volume available for the pressure medium between the spring plates and thus (adversely) changing the opening and closing speed of the spring plates and hence the dynamics. The axially thicker or wider clamping and / or braking device increases the contact surface (clamping surface) between the device and the object in the closed state of the device, thereby reducing wear at the contact portion between the object and the device. Furthermore, the larger contact surface (clamping surface) results in more effective clamping and / or braking of the object. Thus, overall, more sustainable and effective clamping and / or braking of the object is obtained. Additionally, the insert plate has the effect that an axially thicker or wider device can be manufactured using existing materials and processes without adding significant costs to the manufacture of the device.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the insert plate (preferably single and / or integral) extends between each first contact surface and each second contact surface in each housing member, whereby the described effects of the insert plate are distributed in both housing members. In particular, the displacement of the volume of the insert plate is effected (e.g., evenly) in both housing members in order to change the dynamics of each spring plate as little as possible. Preferably, the insert plate is arranged at approximately half the thickness of each housing member, respectively, which is advantageous for the symmetrical configuration 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, whereby it is possible to increase the thickness of the device by the same amount without impairing or changing the dynamics of the spring plate, and similarly to bring about a corresponding axial expansion of the contact surface (clamping surface) between the device and the object, which is advantageous for the general use of such clamping and / or braking devices.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one pressure chamber includes one or more second pressure chambers, and the one or more second pressure chambers are disposed inside a spring, between each of two spring plates and an insert plate. For example, a separate second pressure chamber can be formed between the insert plate and each of the two spring plates, and the second pressure chamber can be separately supplied with a pressure medium from the outside, or the regions of the internal spaces between the insert plate and each of the two spring plates together form a second pressure chamber, and the second pressure chamber can be supplied with a pressure medium from the outside. The clamp and / or brake device is configured such that, by ventilating one or more second pressure chambers or applying a positive pressure to one or more second pressure chambers, at least one first contact surface and a second contact surface of at least one of the two housing members move toward each other, and / or the bending of at least one of the spring plates increases, whereby the device can be configured to switch from a closed state to an open state without the dynamics of the spring plate being significantly changed by the insert plate. The inventor has recognized the following: When the insert plate is not introduced, the volume of the second pressure chamber increases due to an increase in the axial thickness or width of the device, which changes the dynamics of the spring plate. If the spring plate is rubber-processed or the spring plate itself is thickened instead of the insert plate, it will similarly change the dynamics of the spring plate, which is disadvantageous.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the insert plate is fixedly and / or floatingly disposed. Thereby, a predetermined resistance is applied to the spring plate preferably rubber-processed for sealing both in terms of the inner diameter and the outer diameter and the connection portions for ventilation / ventilation and supply of compressed air, and an improved sealing effect can be obtained in the region of the spring plate, particularly in the (second) pressure chamber between the spring plates.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the clamping element has a clamping surface on a first side, and preferably has a second contact surface of the housing member on a second side facing away from and / or opposite to the first side. Thereby, the elastic force exerted on the clamping element by the spring plate is particularly effectively guided to the object through the clamping surface.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the clamping element is elastic, the clamping element forms a lever arm, and the lever arm is elastically deformed by pressing at least one spring plate against a second contact surface of at least one housing member, and is configured to rotate around a rotation center. Thereby, the clamping surface of the clamping element transmits the clamping force and / or the braking force to the object to be clamped and / or braked. Since the clamping element forms an elastically deformable lever arm and the lever arm presses the clamping surface against the object by rotation to transmit the clamping force and / or the braking force to the object, it is also possible to further lengthen the lever arm in the clamping element by the insert plate (without changing the dynamics of the spring plate), and this brings several advantageous effects to the device.

[0017] With a longer lever arm, when the (axial) bending of the spring plate is the same, the holding torque acting on the object increases. On the one hand, as the lever arm gets longer, a larger holding torque is brought about. On the other hand, the holding torque also increases because the longer the lever arm of the clamping element, the earlier it collides with the object during the closing process, and in the state where it collides with the object earlier, the spring plate is bent more or the degree of relaxation decreases. As a result, a larger elastic force (the elastic force is due to the restoring force of the spring plate) remains, and this elastic force acts on the second contact surface, thus bringing about a larger clamping force and / or braking force than when the lever arm collides with the object later during closing. Therefore, as the lever arm gets longer and the clamping force and / or braking force increases, the holding torque increases. Due to its elasticity, the longer lever arm also results in a larger and / or more effective contact surface (the clamping surface in the region of the end of the lever arm) between the clamping element and the object, thereby reducing the wear of the object and the device. This wear reduction effect due to a larger and / or more effective contact surface (clamping surface) is brought about in addition to the wear reduction effect due to a larger contact surface made possible by an axially thick or wide device. A larger contact surface allows for a smaller compressive stress (force per unit area) with the same holding torque. Therefore, the longer the lever arm, overall, a stronger holding torque and less wear are combined, enabling the object to be clamped and / or braked strongly but continuously at the same time.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the lever arm is configured such that when the lever arm rotates around the center of rotation, one end of the lever arm is moved closer to the object by the amount of the radial stroke. By allowing a longer lever arm, when the (axial) bending of the spring plate is the same, the possibility of a larger radial stroke is created, and the radial stroke increases generally in proportion to the length of the lever arm. Allowing a larger radial stroke makes it possible to avoid undesirable frictional contact and thus additional wear. Such undesirable frictional contact can occur, on the one hand, because the object, for example the shaft, is dimensioned larger than expected and there is a risk of rubbing against the clamping surface even in the open state of the device, or because of thermal changes occurring on the side of the object and / or the clamping device during operation, the clamping surface rubs against the object. This can cause damage or wear to the object and / or the clamping surface. That is, on the one hand, by increasing the radial stroke, it becomes possible to clamp and / or brake more different sized objects, such as shafts of different thicknesses, etc., by the device. On the other hand, this can further avoid wear due to heat. Preferably, the length of the lever arm from the center of rotation of the lever arm to the end is selected such that the radial stroke is at least 0.13 mm, preferably at least 0.15 mm, particularly preferably at least 0.17 mm. Such a radial stroke is suitable for clamping and / or braking more common, differently sized objects (such as shafts) and avoiding normal heat-induced frictional contact. Preferably, the length of the lever arm (refer to L in FIG. 7) from the center of rotation (refer to D in FIG. 7) of the lever arm to the end (refer to 8b in FIG. 7) 2 is 4 mm to 8 mm, 5 mm to 7 mm (for example, about 5.5 mm), 6 mm to 7 mm or about 6.6 mm, which is longer than the corresponding length L 1 in the conventional device 10 without the insert plate, and is advantageous for achieving such a particularly advantageous radial stroke.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the annular recess of each housing member defines an annular opening in the housing member, and the annular opening is formed between a first annular edge of the housing member and a second annular edge of the housing member. The first contact surface of each housing member is delimited by the first annular edge of the housing member and the first stopper of the housing member. When one of the spring plates within the spring plate is inserted into the recess of the housing member from the outside beyond the first annular edge, the first stopper forms an obstacle to deeper insertion of the spring plate into the recess. Preferably, the distance between the first stopper and the first annular edge is 3 mm to 6 mm, 4 mm to 5 mm, or about 4.7 mm. And / or, the second contact surface of each housing member is delimited by the second annular edge of the housing member and the second stopper of the housing member. When one of the spring plates within the spring plate is inserted into the recess of the housing member from the outside beyond the second annular edge, the second stopper forms an obstacle to deeper insertion of the spring plate into the recess. Preferably, the distance between the second stopper and the second annular edge is 3 mm to 6 mm, 4 mm to 5 mm, or about 4.7 mm. Such one or more stoppers result in more reliable positioning of the spring plate and more effective introduction of the elasticity of the spring plate to the second contact surface, and thus a more reliable and effective opening and closing function. Such a distance also more effectively obtains the particularly advantageous radial stroke described above.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, each housing member includes a first locking means and a second locking means, and the spring plate is clamped between a first contact surface and a second contact surface within a recess of the housing member. As a result, the first locking means locks a first end portion of the spring plate to the first contact surface, and the second locking means locks a second end portion of the spring plate to the second contact surface. The embodiment of the present disclosure is based on the inventor's recognition that the axial positioning of the spring plate within the housing of the clamp and / or brake device is critically important for the opening and closing function of the clamp and / or brake device. In particular, the inventor has recognized that the axial positioning of the spring plate during assembly has conventionally been highly dependent on the axial press-fitting pressure, and thus the spring plate can assume slightly different axial positions within the housing. The inventor has recognized that in order to reliably obtain the desired symmetric opening and closing function of the clamp and / or brake device, a clear and symmetric positioning of the spring plate within the housing should be reliably achieved. Conventionally, such a clear and symmetric positioning of the spring plate within the housing has been found to have high requirements for axially press-fitting the spring into the housing during assembly, and is difficult and costly in practice.

[0021] Against such a background, the inventors recognized that a housing member including first and second locking means each configured to lock to the other end of a clamped spring plate achieves positioning of the spring plate in a predetermined axial direction within the housing of a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device, which positioning is no longer highly dependent on an axial press-fit input during assembly, and that a reproducible, distinct and symmetrical positioning of the spring plate within the housing of the clamping and / or braking device is achieved. The first locking means may be configured to hold the first end of the spring plate in a predetermined position relative to a first contact surface, particularly during operation of the clamping and / or braking device, and / or the second locking means may be configured to hold the second end of the spring plate in a predetermined position relative to a second contact surface, particularly during operation of the clamping and / or braking device.

[0022] The locking means have been demonstrated to be effective also in practice during assembly, since they facilitate the assembly of the spring plate. Furthermore, the locking means provide advantages of the kind described below. For example, since the sealing within the housing is improved, the locking means have various positive effects on the operation of the entire clamping and / or braking device system.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the first locking means includes a first protrusion and a first stopper on a first contact surface, and both the first protrusion and the first stopper lock the first end of the spring plate between the first protrusion and the first stopper in the region of the first contact surface, and / or the second locking means includes a second protrusion and a second stopper on a second contact surface, and both the second protrusion and the second stopper lock the second end of the spring plate between the second protrusion and the second stopper in the region of the second contact surface. This particular implementation of the first and second locking means provides a particularly effective and symmetric locking of the spring plate, but at the same time, it facilitates the insertion of the spring plate into the housing member, eliminates the need for additional members and materials for the housing, and is advantageous for manufacturing and assembly.

[0024] Each protrusion may include a height transition portion between two adjacent regions of the associated contact surface. One of the two regions may be located between the related stopper and the height transition portion and may be the region where one end of the spring plate abuts, and the other region may be the region between the height transition portion and the related annular edge of the annular opening of the recess. Each protrusion may include a step or a ramp as the height transition portion. The ramp may be an inclined plane, but may also have inclined surfaces of different shapes such as curved. However, other shapes of the protrusion are also conceivable.

[0025] Preferably, the first stopper has an extending portion that is longer than the first protrusion in the radial direction of the annular recess, and / or the second stopper has an extending portion that is longer than the second protrusion in the radial direction of the annular recess. Particularly preferably, each protrusion protrudes into the recess by 0.025 mm to 0.15 mm, preferably 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm, particularly preferably 0.1 mm or 0.05 mm, with respect to each contact surface in the radial direction of the annular recess. Such protrusion by the protrusion can be particularly advantageous for the reliable locking of the spring plate with respect to the normal shortening of the spring during operation on the one hand and for the easy insertion of the spring plate into the housing member on the other hand.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the first protrusion may be disposed on the first contact surface of each housing member in the region of the recess between the first annular edge and the first stopper. Preferably, the first protrusion or the step or ramp of the first protrusion has a spacing 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 and is disposed on the first contact surface of the housing member in the region of the recess, and / or the second protrusion may be disposed on the second contact surface of each housing member in the region of the recess between the second annular edge and the second stopper. Preferably, the second protrusion or the step or ramp of the second protrusion has a spacing 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 and is disposed on the second contact surface of the housing member in the region of the recess. Such an arrangement of one or more protrusions provides reliable and effective locking and reliable and effective introduction of the elastic force of the spring plate having a normal thickness and the rubber lining of the spring plate, if any, present, to the object, and thus provides a symmetric and effective opening and closing function of such a spring plate. Such a spacing also more effectively provides a particularly advantageous radial stroke for such a spring plate.

[0027] The annular recess can define an annular opening in the housing member, and the annular opening is formed between a first annular edge of the housing member and a second annular edge of the housing member. Preferably, the first protrusion may be disposed on a first contact surface of the housing member in the region of the recess between the first annular edge and the first stopper. The height transition portion (e.g., step or ramp) of the first protrusion may be on the first contact surface. Having an interval 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 portion of the first protrusion may preferably be disposed on the first contact surface inside the housing member in the region of the recess, and the first protrusion may extend beyond this interval. The first protrusion may continuously extend from the first annular edge to the height transition portion. Preferably, the second protrusion may be disposed on a second contact surface of the housing member in the region of the recess between the second annular edge and the second stopper. The height transition portion (e.g., step or ramp) of the second protrusion may be on the second contact surface. Having an interval 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 portion of the second protrusion may preferably be disposed on the second contact surface inside the housing member in the region of the recess, and the second protrusion may extend beyond this interval. The second protrusion may continuously extend from the second annular edge to the height transition portion. Such an arrangement of the protrusion or step or ramp can be particularly advantageous, on the one hand, for the reliable positioning of the spring plate in the recess or housing with respect to the normal operating parameters of the clamping device, and on the other hand, for the easy insertion of the spring plate into the housing member.

[0028] In the brief description, when explaining features not described in the claims, these features are not important features in the sense that they must necessarily be included in the claims, but these features are particularly important preferred realizations of the subject matter described in the claims and can be combined with any of the claims and, optionally, with each other.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029]

Figure 1A

Figure 1B

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 5C

Figure 5D

Figure 6A

Figure 6B

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0030] Members shown in multiple drawings are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0031] The present disclosure relates to a housing member of a pneumatic clamp and / or brake device, and a pneumatic clamp and / or brake device provided with the housing member according to the present invention.

[0032] In this specification, when referring to a device of "clamp" or a "clamping device", "clamping force" or a process of "clamping", a device of "brake" or a "brake device", "braking force" or a process of "braking" is similarly included.

[0033] FIGS. 1A to 5A schematically show a cross section of a pneumatic clamping device 10 according to the present invention, which includes a housing 3 including two housing members 3a and 3b, and a spring 1 including at least two annular spring plates 1a and 1b disposed within the housing 3.

[0034] The clamping device 10 according to the present invention is a housing 3 including a first housing member 3a and a second housing member 3b, each of the housing members 3a, 3b including an annular recess 11 (see FIGS. 6A to 7), the recess 11 defining a first contact surface 101 of the housing members 3a, 3b and a second contact surface 102 of the housing members 3a, 3b, and the recesses 11 of the first and second housing members 3a, 3b together forming an internal space 13 within the housing 3, the two housing members 3a, 3b being arranged relative to each other and fastened to each other; a spring 1 disposed in the internal space 13, including a first annular spring plate 1a and a second annular spring plate 1b, the first annular spring plate 1a being clamped between the first contact surface 101 and the second contact surface 102 of the first housing member 3A within the annular recess 11 of the first housing member 3A, and the second annular spring plate 1b being clamped between the first contact surface 101 and the second contact surface 102 of the second housing member 3A within the annular recess 11 of the second housing member 3A; and at least one clamping element 8, each clamping element 8 having a clamping surface 7, the clamping surface 7 being such that when a first end of one of the spring plates 1a, 1b is supported by the first contact surface 101 of one of the housing members 3a, 3b and a second end of one of the spring plates 1a, 1b presses the second contact surface 102 of one of the housing members 3a, 3b, a clamping force and / or a braking force F 3(see FIG. 7) and a clamping element configured to transmit to an object 5 to be clamped and / or braked, the spring plates 1a, 1b are arranged within an internal space 13 such that at least one pressure chamber 2, 4, which is at least partially delimited by the spring plates 1a, 1b, is formed within the internal space 13, the pressure chambers 2, 4 being capable of ventilation or air passage and of having a positive pressure of a pressure medium supplied to the housing 3 applied thereto, the spring plates 1a, 1b being arranged with respect to at least one of the pressure chambers 2, 4 such that bending of at least one of the spring plates within the spring plates 1a, 1b becomes variable by ventilation or air passage of the pressure chambers 2, 4 or by applying a positive pressure to the pressure chambers 2, 4, whereby the clamping and / or braking device 10 switches between an open state in which the object 5 is not contacted by and is spaced from one or any of the clamping surfaces 7 and a closed state in which one or more clamping surfaces 7 transmit a clamping force and / or a braking force to the object 5. The clamping and / or braking device 10 according to the invention further includes at least one insert plate 100 (see FIG. 7), the insert plate 100 being arranged within the internal space 13 between the first spring plate 1a and the second spring plate 1b. The device 10 is capable of switching, for example, from the closed state to the open state or vice versa.

[0035] FIGS. 1A, 1B, 4A and 4B each show the clamping device 10 in a closed state in which the clamping surface 7 of the clamping element 8 is in contact with the periphery of the object 5. The clamping element 8 is also called a clamping lip. The clamping element 8 may be integrally formed with other members of the housing members 3a, 3b or may be a member structurally separated from other members of the housing members 3a, 3b.

[0036] The clamping force F of the clamping surface 7 on the object 5 to be clamped 3(See FIG. 7) The clamping action is performed in a clamping plane formed by two vectors that respectively form the radii of the annular spring plates 1a, 1b or the annular recess 11 (see FIG. 5A). The axis 9 may be referred to as the main axis of the clamping device 10 and extends perpendicular to the clamping plane. The clamping device 10 may be formed to be rotationally symmetric about the main axis 9. The main axis 9 may extend through the opening of the clamping device 10 (opening 14 in FIG. 5B) at or approximately at the center. In FIGS. 1A and 4A, an object 5 to be clamped, such as a rotatable shaft of a machine or a table, is disposed within the opening 14. Thus, the clamping force of the clamping device is directed radially inward toward the main axis 9 (perpendicular to the main axis 9) within the clamping plane. In FIGS. 1B and 4B, the object 5 to be clamped is disposed outside the clamping device 10. Thus, the clamping force of the clamping device is directed radially outward away from the main axis 9 (perpendicular to the main axis 9) within the clamping plane.

[0037] In FIGS. 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A, the clamping element 8 is located between the spring 1 and the opening 14 or the main axis 9. On the other hand, in FIGS. 1B, 2B, 3B, and 4B, since the object 5 to be clamped at least partially surrounds the clamping device 10, the clamping element 8 is located between the object 5 and the opening 14 or the main axis 9. In FIGS. 1B, 2B, 3B, and 4B, instead of the object 5 to be clamped, it is possible to introduce a member that at least partially fills the opening 14 into the opening 14, and the main axis 9 extends through the member.

[0038] In each of FIGS. 1A to 5A, the spring 1 is clamped between two contact surfaces (101 and 102 in FIGS. 5C and 5D) within the housing 3 of the clamping device 10 and extends between the two contact surfaces. In the initial state where the device 10 of FIGS. 1A to 2B is not pressurized, the spring 1 may be slightly bent so as to be fixed within the housing 3 in that state, and the same applies to other states of the device 10. The degree of bending of the spring 1 depends on the state of the device 10. When the device 10 is in a state where the spring 1 is bent (for example, a state where it is more bent than the initial non-pressurized state such as the open state), by ventilation of the pressure chamber 2 inside the spring 1 and ventilation of the pressure chamber 4 outside, while the spring 1 presses against the radial contact surface, the spring 1 relaxes at least partially and the interval slightly expands. As a result, the housing 3 elastically deforms in the region of the clamping element 8 or the clamping surface 7, and the clamping surface 7 thereby contacts the object 5 and is pressed against the object 5 with a (predetermined) clamping force to firmly clamp the object 5. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the object 5 is firmly clamped and the clamping device 10 is in the closed state. In the closed state of the device 10, the spring 1 may be slightly bent even after being partially relaxed in order to be fixed within the housing 3 in that state.

[0039] At this time, the clamping element 8 may be an elastic element such as a spring fork, and the elastic element, in the initial non-pressurized state of the device 10, is elastically deformed by the elastic force F of the slightly bent spring 1 2 (see FIG. 7), for example, by bending the spring fork 8 until an equilibrium is obtained between the restoring force of the elastic element 8 and the elastic force of the spring 1 in the initial non-pressurized state, the elastic element is brought from the starting position where it is relaxed to a position where it is under tension. In this equilibrium state, for example, the clamping surface 7 can press the object 5 with a clamping force F 3 thereby.

[0040] There is a possibility to increase the clamping force by a predetermined value by additionally applying compressed air (for example, at 4 bar or 6 bar) to the outer pressure chamber 4 in the closed state. This is suggested in FIGS. 1A and 1B by an optional additional compressed air pump (booster) 6 and the shading (compressed air) in the outer pressure chamber 4. The outer pressure chamber 4 may be connected to the air connection II (also called "close") by an opening in the housing 3, and the compressed air pump 6 may be connected to the air connection II.

[0041] This makes it possible to operate the device 10 so that, for example, it can switch between the braked movement of the supplied object 5 (in the non-pressurized state) and the complete clamping of the object (in a sufficiently pressurized state).

[0042] Although two pressure chambers 2 and 4 are shown and described here as an example, the clamping device 10 can also operate with only one pressure chamber, which can be, for example, the inner pressure chamber 2 or the outer pressure chamber 4.

[0043] FIGS. 2A and 2B show the clamping device 10 of FIGS. 1A and 1B in the open state, respectively. In the open state, the clamping surface 7 does not contact or is spaced from the circumference of the object 5. The inner pressure chamber 2 may be connected to the air connection I (also called "open") by an opening in the housing 3, and the compressed air pump 6 may be connected to the air connection I.

[0044] By supplying compressed air (for example, at 4 bar or 6 bar) to the inner pressure chamber 2 by the compressed air pump 6 and venting the outer pressure chamber 4, the spring 1 is bent or stretched more strongly (convexly) compared to the closed state in FIGS. 1A and 1B, and the distance between the spring 1 or the two contact surfaces is shortened in the radial direction. To release the clamp, the clamping surface 7 is lifted from the object 5. The object 5 can move freely (for example, rotate around the axis 9 or move linearly along the axis 9), and the clamping device 10 is open.

[0045] The switching between the closed state and the open state of the device 10 is possible in both directions.

[0046] Such a pneumatic clamp 10 has many advantages compared to a hydraulic clamp.

[0047] By using a combination of an elastic member, in this case a spring 1 including spring plates 1a, 1b, and compressed air, a very short reaction time can be obtained, for example, when switching between the open state and the closed state, and reliable clamping of the object 5 is also achieved. The spring 1 may preferably be plate-shaped as shown in detail in FIG. 5, and two overlapping spring plates 1a, 1b form the spring 1 and a pressure chamber 2 inside the spring between the plates 1a, 1b. The plates 1a, 1b may be annular as shown in FIG. 5 and may optionally additionally have radial slots, whereby it is possible to change the inner diameter with a particularly small force. The spring plates 1a, 1b may be coated with rubber at least in the region of the slots in order to establish the airtightness required for the compressed air. The spring plates 1a, 1b may be completely covered with rubber. The spring plates 1a, 1b generally have pressure resistance and are configured to be elastically bent and are arranged in the housing 3 of the clamping device 10. Inside the spring 1, an inner pressure chamber 2 is formed between the spring plates 1a, 1b, and an outer pressure chamber 4 is formed between each spring plate 1a, 1b and the housing 3 of the clamping device 10 or the housing members 3a, 3b. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the clamping device 10 similar to FIGS. 1A and 2A in a three-dimensional representation.

[0048] As shown in Figure 1A, by ventilating the outer pressure chamber 4 or supplying compressed air, and ventilating the inner pressure chamber 2, the spring 1 is at least partially relaxed, providing a clamping force around the object 5 to be clamped, particularly around the shaft 5. This causes the object 5 to be clamped or the shaft 5 to stop immediately when the energy or pressure is cut off, thus providing a safe clamp. Such a pneumatic clamp 10 can, depending on its dimensions, obtain a holding torque from several 100 Nm up to a maximum of 1000 Nm. The holding torque can be further increased, as suggested by the pressure pump 6 (booster) in Figure 1A, by additionally supplying compressed air to the outer pressure chamber 4. In this case, a few bar (e.g., 4 bar or 6 bar) of compressed air is sufficient to provide several times the holding torque obtained without using a booster. In this process, when switching the open / closed state of the clamp 10, the fact that a slight lateral bending (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) of the plates 1a, 1b generates a large elasticity that can be used to clamp or release the pretensioned clamping device 10 is utilized. Thus, even for a rapidly rotating machine shaft 5, reliable clamping and release are possible.

[0049] In the case of pneumatic materials, the cost and assembly cost are also lower compared to hydraulic materials, and the use of compressed air does not incur additional costs for cleaning the equipment. Such a pneumatic clamp can also have smaller overall dimensions. This is because to apply the required clamping force, a small lateral bending of the spring and a small extension of the spring in the longitudinal direction (a small change in the longitudinal extension), and thus a small volume of the pressure chamber, are sufficient.

[0050] In the case of pneumatic clamps, in principle, a distinction is made between a passive clamping device 10 as shown in Figures 1A to 2B and an active clamping device 10 as shown in Figures 3A to 4B.

[0051] Spring 1 may be bent (laterally) with different strengths in its unpressurized initial state, and thus can be shortened radially to different degrees. The inner surface of the housing 3 can be adapted to the bending of the spring plates 1a, 1b or can determine the bending. The stopper surfaces corresponding to the spring plates 1a, 1b can be formed, for example, by the inner wall of the housing. The inner wall of the housing may be formed complementary (e.g., concave) to the (e.g., convex) bending of the spring plates 1a, 1b.

[0052] In the passive clamping device 10, the spring 1 is usually slightly elastically bent (e.g., convexly) in its unpressurized initial state or has a pre-tension applied, and the clamping device 10 may be closed (Figs. 1A, 1B). The clamping device 10 is opened only by a force acting from the inside by supplying compressed air to the inner pressure chamber 2 (Figs. 2A, 2B). In many cases, since the spring 1 is slightly bent in its unpressurized initial state, the spring 1 transmits the elastic force given by the energy stored in the spring 1 as a clamping force to the object 5 to be clamped in order to clamp the object 5 in the case of clamping or when the pressure drops.

[0053] In the active clamping device 10, the spring 1 is more strongly curved, particularly towards the lateral outside, convexly, in its unpressurized initial state (Figs. 3A, 3B) than in the case of the passive clamping device, so that the distance between the two radial contact surfaces is reduced and the clamping device 10 is in an open state. No clamping force acts on the object 5 via the clamping surface 7. Since the clamping surface 7 does not contact the object 5 or is spaced apart from the object 5, the object is free.

[0054] Due to the plastic deformation of the spring plates 1a, 1b, the spring 1 can bend more strongly outward in the lateral direction than in the case of a passive clamping device in the unpressurized initial state within the same housing 3, and thus can be greatly shortened radially. This small radially extending portion of the spring plates 1a, 1b in the unpressurized initial state can result in the open state of the clamping device 10 in the unpressurized initial state. Even in the case of plastic deformation, since the spring plates 1a, 1b are elastically bent and pressed against the contact surface, the spring is fixed to the housing. The internal space or recess of the housing can accommodate a greater curvature brought about by plastic deformation in the initial state.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, in order to shift the clamp to the closed state, it is necessary to actively induce a clamping force externally. Here, compressed air is introduced into the outer pressure chamber 4 by the compressed air pump 6, and the spring 1 is supplied with compressed air from the outside. As a result, the spring 1 actively relaxes, the curvature of the spring 1 decreases, the distance between the two contact surfaces increases, and the housing 3 elastically deforms in the region of the clamping element 8 or the clamping surface 7. Thus, the clamping surface 7 contacts the object 5, and a clamping force is brought to the object 5, whereby the object 5 is firmly clamped. The active clamping device 10 is in the closed state.

[0056] Depending on the application field and the predetermined safety regulations, an active or passive clamping device 10 is used. First, when a safe clamp is desired, generally a passive clamping device is used. In such a pneumatic passive clamping system, when assembling the device corresponding to the whole device, it is possible to generate a predetermined clamping force even in the unpressurized state, and this clamping force is applied to the object 5 to be clamped. By applying positive pressure or negative pressure, it is possible to increase, decrease, or completely stop the force transmitted to the object, thereby opening up various applications. On the contrary, when the clamping device is generally intended to perform an intentional working process such as tool change, an active clamping device is generally used.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 5A, the housing 3 of the clamping device 10 according to the present invention includes two housing members 3a, 3b, which are preferably assembled by being fastened to each other by fastening means such as screws. In the assembled state, the two housing members 3a, 3b define an internal space 13 between the housing members 3a, 3b within the housing 3. Inside the internal space 13, the spring 1 is arranged together with its annular spring plates 1a, 1b, and an insert plate (not shown in FIG. 5A) is arranged between the spring plates 1a, 1b. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the housing members 3a, 3b each define a recess 11, which is also annular and is used to receive the annular spring plates 1a, 1b. At least a part of the first contact surface 101 can extend (substantially) perpendicular to the radial direction R of the annular recess 11, and / or a part of the second contact surface 102 can extend (substantially) perpendicular to the radial direction R of the annular recess 11.

[0058] An opening 14 (FIG. 5B) extends through the center of the housing 3, and an object 5 to be clamped, such as a shaft, can be introduced into the opening 14. The housing can extend up to 360° around the opening and at least partially surrounds the object 5 in at least one plane called the clamping plane. The main axis 9 of the center of the clamping device passes through the center of the opening 14 and extends perpendicular to the clamping plane. In the clamping devices according to FIGS. 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, and 5A, the main axis 9 passes through the center of the shaft along its longitudinal axis.

[0059] One or more clamping surfaces 7 are present along the housing 3 or the periphery of the opening 14, and the clamping surfaces 7 can apply a clamping force to the outer periphery of the object 5 when the housing 3 elastically deforms in the region of the clamping element 8 or the clamping surface 7, thereby clamping the object 5. In order to effectively open and close the clamping device 10 with respect to the object 5 to be clamped without risking damage to the object 5, it is desirable that the clamping force be symmetrically distributed along the clamping surface 7 or along the periphery of the object 5. If the clamping force is asymmetrically distributed, the object 5 may be damaged. Preferably, one or both of the contact surfaces 101, 102 are circularly formed within the clamping plane. Preferably, the clamping surface 7 is circularly formed within the clamping plane. The clamping element 8 may be annularly formed. Each of the annular or circular members described herein can have, individually or in combination, the intersection with the clamping plane of the spindle 9 as the center point (for example, the center point of the opening 14).

[0060] Figure 5B shows one of the two housing members 3a (the upper housing member 3a in FIG. 5A in this figure) and one of the two spring plates 1a, 1b of the spring 1. The illustrated spring plate 1a of the spring 1 extends from the first contact surface 101 within the housing member 3a to the second contact surface 102 within the housing member 3a and can contact the second contact surface 102. At this time, the first contact surface 101 is arranged radially outside the second contact surface 102 when viewed from the center point of the opening 14.

[0061] FIG. 5C shows a part of the housing member 3a shown in FIG. 5B, where the upper plate 1a of the spring 1 collides with, and preferably is in contact with, the first contact surface 101. FIG. 5D shows a part of the housing member 3a shown in FIG. 5B, where the upper plate 1a of the spring 1 collides with, and preferably is in contact with, the second contact surface 102. However, one or more additional components may exist radially between the spring plate 1a and the one or more contact surfaces 101, 102, and the spring plate 1a can exert an elastic force on the contact surfaces 101, 102 through the said components.

[0062] In FIGS. 5B to 5D, the insert plate 100 (see FIG. 7) according to the present invention is not shown in the illustrated housing member 3a for simplicity of illustration. As is apparent from FIGS. 5B and 5D, between the inner surfaces of the housing member 3a, the spring plate 1a is clamped within the recess and the insert plate extends, and the inner surfaces are formed linearly or flatly. Each plate of the spring 1 abuts against the stoppers 112, 122 at the respective ends of the two contact surfaces 101, 102 during assembly, and thus, until it can no longer be introduced into the recess 11, along the linear or flat inner surface of the housing member 3a, in the direction of the spindle 9 of the clamping device 10, through the opening 12, into the recess 11 of the respective attached housing member. Since the radially extending portion of the spring plate 1a within the clamping plane or the annular recess is larger than the extending portion of the internal space defined by the housing member, the plate 1a is bent or pretensioned in the non-pressurized initial state. Next, the insert plate is placed on the spring plate.

[0063] However, it has been found that the plates 1a, 1b of the spring 1 are positioned depending on the axial press-fitting force during assembly, and thus are not always positioned axially in the same manner within the housing members 3a, 3b. The spring plates 1a, 1b can be inclined and introduced to different depths of the housing member or bent to different extents. As a result of the variation in the positioning of the plates 1a, 1b within the housing member, due to the significance important for the opening and closing functions of the clamping device 10, variations in these functions occur, in particular, an asymmetry in the distribution of the clamping force along the clamping surface or around the perimeter of the opening within the clamping plane, which is disadvantageous for an effective and sustainable clamping action and for an undamaged object.

[0064] In the lower drawings of FIGS. 6A and 6B, a preferred embodiment of the clamping device 10 according to the present invention is shown in comparison with the housing members according to FIGS. 5C and 5D, the latter being shown again in the upper drawings of FIGS. 6A and 6B for comparison.

[0065] Preferably, the housing members 3a, 3b include an annular recess 11 that defines a first contact surface 101 and a second contact surface 102 of the housing members 3a, 3b. The recess 11 is used 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 members 3a, 3b. The housing members 3a, 3b further include a clamping element 8 having a clamping surface 7, and the clamping surface 7 is such that the spring plates 1a, 1b are clamped between the first contact surface 101 and the second contact surface 102 within the recess 11, whereby the first end of the spring plates 1a, 1b is supported by the first contact surface 101, the spring plates 1a, 1b extend from the first contact surface 101 to the second contact surface 102, and when the second end of the spring plates 1a, 1b presses against the second contact surface 102, a clamping force and / or a braking force are transmitted to an object 5 to be clamped and / or braked. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, unlike FIGS. 5B to 5D, the housing members 3a, 3b in FIGS. 6A and 6B include a first locking means 110 and a second locking means 120, and when the spring plates 1a, 1b are clamped between the first contact surface 101 and the second contact surface 102 within the recess 11, the first locking means 110 is configured to lock the first end of the spring plates 1a, 1b to the first contact surface 101, and the second locking means 120 is configured to lock the second end of the spring plates 1a, 1b to the second contact surface 102.

[0066] As shown in the lower drawing of FIG. 6A, as part of the first locking means, preferably, a protrusion 111 is provided on the first contact surface 101. Therefore, when inserting the plate 1a into the housing member 3a along the direction parallel to the main shaft 9, the first end of the spring plate 1a has to overcome this protrusion 111. As a result, after overcoming the protrusion 111, the plate 1a is arranged as determined between the stopper 112 and the protrusion 111 in the direction of the main shaft 9. The plate 1a can be locked in the region of the first contact surface 101 between the stopper 112 and the protrusion 111 and preferably can contact the first contact surface 101. The protrusion 111 can be a step or a ramp, or can have other shapes providing the said function of the protrusion. The same also applies to the second contact surface 102 according to the invention shown in the lower image of FIG. 6B. Similarly preferably, a protrusion 121 is formed on the second contact surface 102. When the second end of the spring plate 1a is inserted along the direction parallel to the main shaft 9, the plate 1a has to overcome the protrusion 121 before being arranged between the stopper 122 and the protrusion 121 in a predetermined manner and being locked in the region of the second contact surface 102. The second end of the spring plate 1a can preferably contact the second contact surface 102 during the locking. The protrusion 121 can be a step or a ramp, or can have another shape providing the said function of the protrusion 121.

[0067] As is apparent from FIGS. 1A to 6B, regardless of whether the clamping force acts inward (FIGS. 1A, 2A) or outward (FIGS. 1B, 2B), the first protrusion 111 and the first stopper are farther from the object 5 to be clamped than the second protrusion 121 and the second stopper 122. While the first protrusion 111 and the first stopper 112 may be arranged to face the clamping element 8 in the housing members 3a, 3b, the second protrusion 121 and the second stopper 122 may be arranged in the region of the clamping element 8 or may be part of the clamping element 8. The first stopper 112 can have an extending portion that is longer than the first protrusion 111 in the radial direction R of the annular recess 11 (FIGS. 6A, 5B). The first protrusion 111 can protrude 0.025 mm to 0.15 mm, preferably 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm, particularly preferably 0.1 mm, from or with respect to the first contact surface 101 (e.g., within the recess 11) in the radial direction R of the annular recess 11.

[0068] The second stopper 122 can have an extending portion that is longer than the second protrusion 121 in the radial direction R of the annular recess 11 (FIGS. 6B, 5B). The second protrusion 121 can protrude 0.025 mm to 0.15 mm, preferably 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm, particularly preferably 0.05 mm, from or with respect to the second contact surface 102 (e.g., within the recess 11) in the radial direction R of the annular recess 11.

[0069] The annular recess 11 can define an annular opening 12 (within the clamping plane) within the housing members 3a, 3b. The annular opening 12 is formed between a first annular edge 12a of the housing member and a second annular edge 12b of the housing member, and the annular opening 12 is used to insert the spring plate 1a into the recess 11. The first protrusion 111 is disposed within the region of the recess 11, inside the housing member 3a, between the first annular edge 12a and the first contact surface 101, and can protrude into the recess 11. The second protrusion 121 is disposed within the region of the recess 11, inside the housing member, between the second annular edge 12b and the second contact surface 102, and can protrude into the recess 11 (FIGS. 6A, 6B).

[0070] The protrusion 111 and the stopper 112 can define a groove in the housing member 3a, and the first end of the spring plate 1a can be locked in the groove, and the first contact surface 101 can form part of the groove. The protrusion 121 and the stopper 122 can define a groove in the housing member 3a, and the second end of the spring plate 1a can be locked in the groove, and the second contact surface 102 can form part of the groove.

[0071] The locking means 110, 120 are preferably formed by the protrusions 111, 121 and, in some cases, in combination with any stoppers 112, 122, in the regions of the two contact surfaces 101, 102, so as to form the forced positions (especially in the axial direction) of the spring plates 1a, 1b. By this forced positioning, the spring plates 1a, 1b are attached in a stable manner and are positioned axially as required, particularly in a direction parallel to the spindle 9 of the clamping device 10. Therefore, the positions of the spring plates 1a, 1b can no longer be determined largely depending on the axial press-fitting force within the housing members 3a, 3b. The clearly defined positions (in the axial direction) of each spring plate 1a, 1b of the spring 1 also clearly define the curvature of the spring plates 1a, 1b and are formed as desired in the unpressurized state.

[0072] By means of the locking means 110, 120, the two spring plates 1a, 1b within the clamping device 10 can be more accurately arranged within the housing 3 with a clearly defined constant spacing. The spring plates 1a, 1b can be positioned by the locking means 110, 120 parallel to the clamping plane about their longitudinal axis. The symmetrical functional structure obtained by the locking means 110, 120 causes a symmetrical tension of the spring 1 over the entire circumference of the opening 14, and as a result, the clamping force is very effectively distributed evenly around the object 5 in the clamping plane.

[0073] Therefore, the opening and closing function can be performed more symmetrically and reliably by the locking means 110, 120 over the circumference of the opening 14. Therefore, unwanted movements that may occur in the radial or axial direction of the housing 3 do not result in unwanted geometric displacements in the axial or radial direction of the clamping surface 7.

[0074] In addition to the formation of the axial forced position described with respect to the spring plate, the locking means also has the advantageous effect that the axial positioning of the insert plate is further accurately performed by the clear axial positioning of the spring plate. This is because the insert plate is placed on the spring plate or the axial positioning of the insert plate is also performed by the axial positioning of the spring plate. Thereby, the displacement of the volume in the internal space by the insert plate is more accurately defined axially, set uniformly and axially symmetrically along the spring plate, and an advantageous effect is brought about on the desired invariant, uniform, axially symmetric dynamics of each spring plate.

[0075] In addition to the insert plate 100, the inventors have also found that the locking means 110, 120, in particular the protrusions 111, 121, provide an improved sealing effect not only for clear and symmetrical axial positioning within the housing, but also between the spring plates 1a, 1b and between each of the two housing members 3a, 3b and the plates 1a, 1b attached to the spring 1. These improved sealing effects by the insert plate and the locking means are particularly advantageous when additionally supplying compressed air to the inner and outer pressure chambers 2, 4, especially for transitioning to the other of the two states described for the clamping device. The insert plate 100 and the locking means 110, 120, in particular the protrusions 111, 121, result in significantly improved contact with respect to the sealing effect between the rubber lining of the plates 1a, 1b and between the rubber lining of each plate 1a, 1b and each housing member 3a, 3b.

[0076] The inventors have also revealed further advantages by providing the locking means 110, 120, in particular the protrusions 111, 121. For example, the defined positions of the rubber-processed spring plates 1a, 1b make it possible to set the target stroke constraint of the plates as protection against incorrect application (such as zero crossing) at overly high operating pressures (especially in the case of boosters) by adjusting the thickness of the rubber around the spring plates. Similarly, this reduces the required amount (volume) of the pressure medium, and as a result, increases the opening and closing speed of the clamping device 10. This advantage is also obtained by the insert plate 100.

[0077] However, in order to realize the advantages of the insert plate, it is not necessarily required to realize the advantages of the locking means. Whether or not particularly preferred locking means are used in the housing member, the clamping and / or braking device according to the present invention comprises an insert plate 100.

[0078] Figure 7 shows a preferred embodiment of a clamp and / or brake device according to the invention, comprising a housing member according to FIG. 6B, i.e. any locking means 120 including any projection 121.

[0079] The figure shows a housing member 3a or 3b with an attached spring plate 1a or 1b and an insert plate 100, which is arranged between this spring plate and a spring plate of a further housing member on the side opposite to the housing member shown in FIG. 7.

[0080] When a force F that bends the spring plate 1a or 1b is brought about by ventilation of the second (inner) pressure chamber 2 or supply of a pressure medium 1 this bending of the spring plate results in an elastic force F that presses one end of the spring plate against the second contact surface 102. In the preferred embodiment shown here by way of example, the spring plate is pressed against the second contact surface 102 in the region between a second stopper 122, which may also be part of the locking means 120, and a first projection 121, which may also be part of the locking means 120. However, both the stopper, i.e. both the projection and the locking means, are optional. 2 The elastic force F acting on the second contact surface 102

[0081] results in an elastic deformation of the clamp element 8. The clamp element 8 may be elastic such that the clamp element forms a lever arm 8a, which is elastically deformed by pressing the spring plate 1a or 1b against the second contact surface 102 of the housing member 3a or 3b with the elastic force F 2 and is thereby configured to rotate about a center of rotation D (see the curved arrow in FIG. 7), whereby the clamping surface 7 of the clamp element 8 exerts a clamping force and / or braking force F 2 3 ​is transmitted to the object 5 to be clamped and / or braked. The center of rotation D may be in the region of the housing members 3a, 3b at the end opposite to the end 8b of the lever arm 8a, for example, in the triangular region marked D in FIG. 7. Here, the elastic force F 2 acts on the second contact surface 102 facing away from the clamping surface 7 and on the opposite side, causing the lever arm 8a to rotate around the center of rotation D, and the end 8b of the lever arm 8a to move towards the object 5 to be clamped. At this time, the end 8b moves towards the object to be clamped by the amount of the radial stroke H 2 , and the clamping surface 7 contacts the object to be clamped. Therefore, the bending force F 1 results in the elastic force F 2 , and the elastic force F 2 results in the clamping force F 3 . The clamping force F 3 acts on the object 5 to be clamped through the clamping surface 7 in the region of the end 8b of the lever arm 8a of the clamping element 8, clamping the object 5. Thus, the device transitions to the closed state.

[0082] At this time, the insert plate 100 makes it possible to make the length L 2 of the lever arm 8a longer than that of a conventional clamping device having a length L 1 . By making the length L 2 longer, a radial stroke H 1 larger than the commercially available radial stroke H 2 according to the prior art can be obtained. This leads to the advantage of the longer lever arm 8a and the larger radial stroke H 2 described above without causing a decrease in the closing speed and opening speed of the clamping device 10 due to an increase in the volume within the clamping device 10 in the region of the internal space 13. Therefore, the dynamics of the spring plates 1a, 1b can remain unchanged as desired. At this time, generally L 2 / L 1 =H 2 / H 1 is effective. The ratio L 2 / L 1or H 2 / H 1 is at least 1.3, at least 1.4, at least 1.5, or at least 1.7, or preferably ranges from 1.3 to 2.2, or from 1.4 to 2.2, or from 1.4 to 2.0, or from 1.4 to 1.7, or from 1.3 to 1.8.

[0083] In the case of the device 10 having the insert plate 100, the distance A between the second stopper 122 and the second annular edge 12b 2 is preferably 3 mm to 6 mm, 4 mm to 5 mm, or about 4.7 mm, as described, which is 1 greater than the corresponding distance A in the conventional device 10 without the insert plate.

[0084] Preferably, the second protrusion 121, or the step 121 of the second protrusion, or the ramp 121 is, as described, on the second contact surface 102 of the housing member in the region of the recess 11, at a distance V 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 2 and may be arranged to have, where V 2 is greater than the corresponding distance V in the conventional device 10 without the insert plate. 1

[0085] The combination of the insert plate 100 and the lever arm 8a described in FIG. 7 within the scope of the preferred embodiments according to the present invention reduces wear and, at the same time, makes the clamping process more effective without adversely affecting the dynamics of the spring plate.

[0086] The specification and the drawings describe the preferred embodiments of the subject matter claimed by the following claims. Any features disclosed in the above specification, claims, and drawings can be used individually and in any combination in various embodiments for the implementation of the subject matter claimed by the appended claims.

[0087] ​The various aspects and embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above detailed description. In general, the concepts used in the following claims should not be construed as limiting the claims to the specific aspects and embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but rather the claims should be construed to include all possible embodiments together with the full scope of equivalents to which these claims are entitled.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0088] 1 Spring 1a, 1b Spring Plate 2, 4 Pressure Chamber 3 Housing 3a, 3b Housing Member 5 Object 6 Compressed Air Pump 7 Clamping Surface 8 Clamping Element 8a Lever Arm 8b End 9 Spindle 10 Clamping and / or Braking Device 11 Recess 12 Annular Opening 12a First Annular Edge 12b Second Annular Edge 13 Internal Space 14 Opening 100 Insert Plate 101 First Contact Surface 102 Second Contact Surface 110 First Locking Means 111 First Projection 112 First Stopper 120 Second Locking Means 121 Second Projection 122 Second Stopper A 1 、A 2 Interval D Center of Rotation F 1Bending force F 2 Elastic force F 3 Clamping force and / or braking force H 1 、H 2 Radial stroke L 1 、L 2 Length Radial direction of the radius R of the recess 11 V 1 、V 2 Interval I, II Air connection parts

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 member (3a) and a second housing member (3b), each housing member (3a, 3b) including an annular recess (11) defining a first contact surface (101) of said housing member (3a, 3b) and a second contact surface (102) of said housing member (3a, 3b), both housing members (3a, 3b) being arranged relative to each other and fastened to each other such that the recesses (11) of the first and second housing members (3a, 3b) together form an internal space (13) within said housing (3); a spring (1) arranged in the interior space (13), comprising a first annular spring plate (1a) and a second annular spring plate (1b), the first annular spring plate (1a) being clamped in an annular recess (11) of the first housing member (3a) between the first contact surface (101) and the second contact surface (102) of the first housing member (3a), and the second annular spring plate (1b) being clamped in an annular recess (11) of the second housing member (3b) between the first contact surface (101) and the second contact surface (102) of the second housing member (3a); at least one clamping element (8), each clamping element (8) having a clamping surface (7) configured to transmit a clamping and / or braking force to the object to be clamped and / or braked (5) when a first end of one of the spring plates (1 a, 1 b) bears against the first contact surface (101) of one of the housing members (3 a, 3 b) and a second end of one of the spring plates (1 a, 1 b) presses against the second contact surface (102) of one of the housing members (3 a, 3 b), The spring plates (1a, 1b) are arranged in the internal space (13) in such a way that at least one pressure chamber (2, 4) is formed in the internal space (13), which is at least partially delimited by the spring plates (1a, 1b), the pressure chamber (2, 4) is ventilated or ventilated, a positive pressure of a pressure medium that can be supplied to the housing (3) can be applied to the pressure chamber (2, 4), and the spring plates (1a, 1b) are ventilated or ventilated by the pressure chamber (2, 4) or by the pressure chamber (2, 4). a pressure chamber (2, 4) arranged such that a bending of at least one of said spring plates (1 a, 1 b) is variable by applying a positive pressure to said at least one pressure chamber (2, 4), whereby said clamping and / or braking device (10) is switched between an open state in which at least one of said clamping surfaces (7) is spaced away from said object (5) and a closed state in which one or more of said clamping surfaces (7) transmit a clamping and / or braking force to said object (5), The clamping and / or braking device (10) further comprises at least one insert plate (100) arranged in the internal space (13) between the first spring plate (1a) and the second spring plate (1b).

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

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

4. Clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the insert plate (100) is rigid.

5. 5. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the clamping element (8) has a clamping surface (7) on a first side and preferably has a second contact surface (102) of one of the housing members (3a, 3b) on a second side facing away from the first side and / or opposite to the first side.

6. 6. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the clamping element (8) is elastic such that it forms a lever arm (8a) which is configured to be elastically deformed by pressing at least one of the spring plates (1a, 1b) against a second contact surface (102) of at least one of the housing members (3a, 3b) and thereby rotate around a centre of rotation (D), whereby a clamping surface (7) of the clamping element (8) transmits a clamping and / or braking force to the object (5) to be clamped and / or braked.

7. 7. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the lever arm (8a) is configured in such a way that when the lever arm (8a) rotates around the centre of rotation (D), the end (8b) of the lever arm (8a) is moved closer to the object (5) by a radial stroke (H2).

8. The length (L) of the lever arm (8a) from the rotation center (D) of the lever arm (8a) to the end (8b) ２ ) is the radial stroke (H ２ 8. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that: the clearance (d) is selected to be at least 0.13 mm, preferably at least 0.15 mm, particularly preferably at least 0.17 mm.

9. The length (L) of the lever arm (8a) from the rotation center (D) of the lever arm (8a) to the end (8b) ２ 9. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the distance between the recess and the groove is between 4 mm and 8 mm, between 5 mm and 7 mm, between 6 mm and 7 mm, or about 6.6 mm.

10. an annular recess (11) in each housing member (3a, 3b) defines an annular opening (12) in said housing member (3a, 3b), said annular opening (12) being formed between a first annular edge (12a) of said housing member (3a, 3b) and a second annular edge (12b) of said housing member (3a, 3b); The first contact surface (101) of each housing member (3a, 3b) is delimited by the first annular edge (12a) of said housing member (3a, 3b) and a first stopper (112) of said housing member (3a, 3b), and when one of the spring plates (1a, 1b) is inserted from the outside into the recess (11) of the housing member (3a, 3b) beyond the first annular edge (12a), the first stopper (112) forms an obstacle to a deeper insertion of the spring plate (1a, 1b) into the recess (11), and preferably a distance (A) between the first stopper (112) and the first annular edge (12a) is set to 0.05 mm. ２ ) is between 3 mm and 6 mm, between 4 mm and 5 mm, or about 4.7 mm; and / or The second contact surface (102) of each housing member (3a, 3b) is delimited by a second annular edge (12b) of said housing member (3a, 3b) and a second stopper (122) of said housing member (3a, 3b), and when one of said spring plates (1a, 1b) is inserted from the outside into said recess (11) of said housing member (3a, 3b) beyond said second annular edge (12b), said second stopper (122) forms an obstacle to a deeper insertion of said spring plate (1a, 1b) into said recess (11), and preferably a distance (A) between said second stopper (122) and said second annular edge (12b) is set to 0.05 mm. ２ 10. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the distance between the recess and the groove is between 3 mm and 6 mm, between 4 mm and 5 mm, or about 4.7 mm.

11. 11. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that each housing member (3a, 3b) comprises first and second locking means (110) and that a spring plate (1a, 1b) is clamped in a recess (11) of said housing member (3a, 3b) between a first contact surface (101) and a second contact surface (102) of said housing member, whereby said first locking means (110) locks a first end of said spring plate (1a, 1b) to said first contact surface (101) and said second locking means (120) locks a second end of said spring plate (1a, 1b) to said second contact surface (102).

12. 12. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that the first locking means (110) comprise a first protrusion (111) and a first stop (112) of the first contact surface (101), which together lock a first end of the spring plate (1 a, 1 b) between the first protrusion (111) and the first stop (112) in the area of ​​the first contact surface (101) and / or the second locking means (120) comprise a second protrusion (121) and a second stop (122) of the second contact surface (102), which together lock a second end of the spring plate (1 a, 1 b) between the second protrusion (121) and the second stop (122) in the area of ​​the second contact surface (102).

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

14. A first protrusion (111) is arranged on the first contact surface (101) of each housing part (3a, 3b) in the region of the recess (11) between the first annular edge (12a) and the first stop (112), preferably the first protrusion (111) or the step or ramp of the first protrusion is arranged on the first contact surface (101) of the housing part (3a, 3b) in the region of the recess (11) at a distance (V) 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). ２ ) and / or the second projection (121) is arranged on the second contact surface (102) of each housing part (3a, 3b) in the region of the recess (11) between the second annular edge (12b) and the second stop (122), preferably the second projection (121) or the step or ramp of the second projection is arranged on the second contact surface (102) of the housing part (3a, 3b) in the region of the recess (11) at a distance (V) 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). ２ 14. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that it is arranged with a

15. 15. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the at least one pressure chamber comprises a first pressure chamber (4), which is arranged on the outside of the spring (1), between at least one of the spring plates (1a, 1b) and the housing (3).

16. a first spring plate (1a) is configured to reduce bending of the first spring plate by ventilating the first pressure chamber (4) or by applying a positive pressure to the first pressure chamber (4), whereby when a first end of the first spring plate (1a) is supported on a first contact surface (101) of the first housing part (3a), a second end of the first spring plate (1a) presses on a second contact surface (102) of the first housing part (3a), thereby resulting in a transmission of a clamping and / or braking force from a clamping surface (7) of a clamping element (8) of the first housing part (3a) to the object (5) to be clamped and / or braked, the device (10) switching from an open state to a closed state; and / or 16. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 15, characterized in that the second spring plate (1 b) is configured to reduce bending of the second spring plate (1 b) by ventilating the first pressure chamber (4) or by applying a positive pressure to the first pressure chamber (4), whereby when a first end of the second spring plate (1 b) is supported on a first contact surface (101) of the second housing part (3 b), a second end of the second spring plate (1 b) presses on a second contact surface (102) of the second housing part (3 b), thereby resulting in a transmission of clamping and / or braking forces from a clamping surface (7) of a clamping element (8) of the second housing part (3 b) to the object (5) to be clamped and / or braked, and the device (10) switches from an open state to a closed state.

17. 17. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the device (10) is configured such that, by ventilating the first pressure chamber (4) or by applying a positive pressure to the first pressure chamber (4), the first and second contact surfaces (101) and (102) of at least one of the two housing members (3a, 3b) move away from each other and / or a bending of at least one of the spring plates (1a, 1b) is reduced, whereby the device (10) switches from an open state to a closed state.

18. 18. A clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the at least one pressure chamber comprises one or more second pressure chambers (2), the one or more second pressure chambers (2) being arranged inside the spring (1) between each of the two spring plates (1a, 1b) and the insert plate (100).

19. 19. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 18, wherein the device (10) is configured such that, by ventilating the one or more second pressure chambers (2) or by applying a positive pressure to the one or more second pressure chambers (2), the first and second contact surfaces (101) and (102) of at least one of the two housing members (3a, 3b) move towards each other and / or a bending of at least one of the spring plates (1a, 1b) increases, whereby the device (10) switches from a closed state to an open state.

20. 20. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that between the insert plate (100) and each of the two spring plates (1a, 1b) a separate second pressure chamber (2) is formed, which can be supplied with a pressure medium separately from the outside, or that the regions of the internal space between the insert plate (100) and each of the two spring plates (1a, 1b) together form a second pressure chamber (2), which can be supplied with a pressure medium from the outside.

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