Housing member of a pneumatic clamp and / or brake device

Abstract

The present disclosure describes a housing member for a pneumatic clamp and / or brake device, the housing member having an annular recess for clamping an annular spring plate between a first contact surface of the housing member defined by the recess and a second contact surface of the housing member defined by the recess, and a clamp element having a clamping surface, the clamping surface being such that when the spring plate is clamped between the first contact surface and the second contact surface within the recess, whereby a first end of the spring plate is supported by the first contact surface, the spring plate extends from the first contact surface to the second contact surface, and a second end of the spring plate presses against the second contact surface, a clamping force and / or a braking force is transmitted to an object to be clamped and / or braked, and the housing member includes first locking means and second locking means, and when the spring plate is clamped between the first contact surface and the second contact surface within the recess, the first locking means is configured to lock the first end of the spring plate to the first contact surface, and the second locking means is configured to lock the second end of the spring plate to the second contact surface. The present disclosure further describes a clamp and / or brake device including two housing members for clamping and / or braking an object to be clamped and / or braked.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a housing member of a pneumatic clamp and / or brake device, and a pneumatic clamp and / or brake device including such a housing member.

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 rotational axis or the swivel axis of such a machine. Further, a rotatable or swiveling table is used to position a tool or a workpiece at an appropriate machining position or to move the workpiece at an appropriate rotational speed using the shaft. A prerequisite for performing precise and efficient machining is, in particular, a high rotational speed of the shaft. Therefore, an emergency system or a safety system has the problem of stopping or holding and fixing the shaft in place when a system failure or malfunction such as a power outage or a 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 a chamber, and a 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 clamp and / or brake device, generally, compressed air is supplied to an elastic member, particularly an elastic plate, and some of the drawbacks of the hydraulic clamp device described above can be overcome.

[0006] Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 describe a pneumatic clamp device including two annular spring plates, which are introduced into the housing of the clamp device to form a pressure chamber. Compressed air is supplied to the pressure chamber, or the pressure chamber is ventilated and vented, whereby the bending of the spring plate changes, and switching is performed between a closed state of the clamp device in which an object to be clamped, such as a rotatable shaft, is clamped and an open state of the clamp device in which the object is free. However, in practice, it has been clarified that the desired opening and closing function of the pneumatic clamp device cannot be obtained axially symmetrically over the circumference of the annular spring plate. For example, non-uniform distribution of the clamping force on the circumference of the shaft and accompanying damage to the shaft are observed.

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 enable a pneumatic clamp and / or brake device to reliably obtain a desired symmetric opening and closing function.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] This problem is solved by a housing member having the features described in claim 1 and a clamp and / or brake device having the features described in claim 15. Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims, the specification and the drawings.

[0010] According to the solution according to the invention, a housing member for a pneumatic clamp and / or brake device is proposed, the housing member having an annular recess for clamping an annular spring plate between a first contact surface of the housing member defined by the recess and a second contact surface of the housing member defined by the recess, and a clamp element having a clamping surface, the clamping surface being such that when the spring plate is clamped between the first contact surface and the second contact surface in the recess, whereby a first end of the spring plate is supported on the first contact surface, the spring plate extends from the first contact surface to the second contact surface, and a second end of the spring plate presses against the second contact surface, a clamping force and / or a braking force is transmitted to an object to be clamped and / or braked, and the housing member includes first locking means and second locking means, and when the spring plate is clamped between the first contact surface and the second contact surface in the recess, the first locking means is configured to lock the first end of the spring plate to the first contact surface, and the second locking means is configured to lock the second end of the spring plate to the second contact surface.

[0011] According to the solution according to the present invention, further proposed is a clamping and / or braking device for clamping and / or braking an object to be clamped and / or braked, the device being a housing including a first housing member according to the present invention and a second housing member according to the present invention, 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 (e.g., a bending spring such as a leaf spring) arranged in the internal space, including a first annular spring plate (e.g., a bending spring such as a leaf spring) and a second annular spring plate (e.g., a bending spring such as a leaf spring), 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 within the internal space, the pressure chamber being ventilable or breathable, and it being possible to apply a positive pressure of a pressure medium (e.g., compressed air) that can be supplied to the housing to the pressure chamber, the first end of the first spring plate being locked by the first locking means of the first housing member, and the second end of the first spring plate being locked by the second locking means of the first housing member, so that the first spring plate is clamped between the first contact surface of the first housing member and the second contact surface of the first housing member, the first end of the second spring plate being locked by the first locking means of the second housing member, and the second end of the second spring plate being locked by the second locking means of the second housing member, so that the second spring plate is clamped between the first contact surface of the second housing member and the second contact surface of the second housing member, and the spring plate is bent (e.g., laterally bent; bent perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spring plate;The longitudinal axis is arranged relative to at least one pressure chamber such that it (which connects both ends of each spring plate) is variable, whereby the device includes a spring that switches between an open state in which the object is spaced apart from the clamping surface and a closed state in which one or more clamping surfaces transmit a clamping force and / or a braking force to the object. At this time, for example, the device can switch from the closed state to the open state or vice versa. In the open state of the device, the object can move freely (for example, can rotate freely around the rotation axis or move linearly along the axis), but in the closed state of the device, the object is clamped and / or braked and thus cannot move freely (for example, cannot rotate around the rotation axis or move linearly along the axis).;

[0012] The present disclosure is based on the inventor's recognition that axial positioning of the spring plate within the housing of the clamping and / or braking device is critically important for the opening and closing function of the clamping and / or braking device. In particular, the inventor recognized that the axial positioning of the spring plate during assembly has conventionally strongly depended on the axial press-fitting pressure, and thus the spring plate can take slightly different axial positions within the housing. The inventor recognized that in order to reliably obtain the desired symmetric opening and closing function of the clamping and / or braking device, clear and symmetric positioning of the spring plate within the housing should be reliably achieved. Conventionally, such clear and symmetric positioning of the spring plate within the housing has high requirements for axially press-fitting the spring into the housing during assembly and has proven to be difficult and costly in practice.

[0013] Against such a background, the inventor has recognized that a housing member including first locking means 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, and this positioning is no longer highly dependent on axial press-fitting inputs during assembly. Instead, a reproducible, clear, and symmetric positioning of the spring plate within the housing of the clamping and / or braking device is achieved. These locking means have been demonstrated to be effective also during assembly in practice because they facilitate the assembly of the spring plate. Further, the locking means provide advantages of the types described below. For example, since the sealing performance within the housing is improved, the locking means have various positive effects on the operation of the entire clamping and / or braking device system.

[0014] Preferably, the first locking means includes a first protrusion and a first stopper, and the first protrusion and the first stopper each delimit a first contact surface such that the first locking means locks a first end of the spring plate between the first protrusion and the first stopper in the region of the first contact surface. The second locking means can preferably include a second protrusion and a second stopper, and the second protrusion and the second stopper each delimit a second contact surface such that the second locking means locks a second end of the spring plate between the second protrusion and the second stopper in the region of the second contact surface. This particular realization of the first and second locking means provides a particularly effective 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.

[0015] Each projection may include a height transition portion at the transition portion of the projection to the attached or adjacent contact surface. Each projection may include a step or a ramp as the height transition portion. The ramp may be an inclined plane, but may also have a sloped surface of a different shape such as a curve. However, other shapes of the projection are also conceivable.

[0016] Particularly preferably, each projection can project 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, in the radial direction of the annular recess with respect to each contact surface. Such projection by the projection can be particularly advantageous, on the one hand, for the reliable locking of the spring plate with respect to the normal shortening of the spring during operation and, on the other hand, for the easy insertion of the spring plate into the housing member.

[0017] The annular recess can define an annular opening of 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 is disposed inside the housing member in the region of the recess, between the first annular edge and the first contact surface, and can extend from the first annular edge to the first contact surface as required. The height transition portion of the first protrusion can be adjacent to the first contact surface. With an interval of 1 mm to 1.8 mm, preferably 1 mm to 1.5 mm, particularly preferably 1.2 mm or 1.1 mm from the first annular edge, the height transition portion (e.g., step or ramp) of the first protrusion is preferably disposed inside the housing member in the region of the recess, and the first protrusion can extend beyond this interval. The first protrusion can extend continuously from the first annular edge to the height transition portion. Preferably, the second protrusion is disposed inside the housing member in the region of the recess, between the second annular edge and the second contact surface, and can extend from the second annular edge to the second contact surface as required. The height transition portion of the second protrusion can be adjacent to the second contact surface. With an interval of 1 mm to 1.8 mm, preferably 1 mm to 1.5 mm, particularly preferably 1.2 mm or 1.1 mm from the second annular edge, the height transition portion (e.g., step or ramp) of the second protrusion is preferably disposed inside the housing member in the region of the recess, and the second protrusion can extend beyond this interval. The second protrusion can extend continuously from the second annular edge to the height transition portion.

[0018] Such an arrangement of the protrusions or steps or ramps 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.

[0019] The intervals between the first protrusion and the first stopper and between the second protrusion and the second stopper can each be 1 mm to 1.5 mm, 1.1 mm to 1.4 mm, preferably 1.2 mm, which is particularly suitable for the effective locking of a spring having a normal thickness and a normal rubber lining.

[0020] In the brief description of the present disclosure, when describing features not recited in the claims, these features are not essential features in the sense that they must necessarily be included in the claims, but these features are particularly important and preferred realizations of the invention recited in the claims and can be combined with any of the claims and, optionally, with each other.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Members shown in multiple drawings are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0023] 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.

[0024] In this specification, when referring to a "clamp" device or a "clamping device", "clamping force" or the process of "clamping", a "brake" device or a "brake device", "braking force" or the process of "braking" is similarly included.

[0025] 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, 3b according to the present invention, and a spring 1 including at least two annular spring plates 1a, 1b disposed within the housing 3.

[0026] The clamping device 10 according to the present invention includes the following: a housing 3 including first and second housing members 3a, 3b according to the present invention, as further described below in connection with FIGS. 6A and 6B, the housing 3 in which the recesses of the first and second housing members 3a, 3b together form an internal space 13 inside 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 an internal space 13, including a first annular spring plate 1a and a second annular spring plate 1b. The spring plates 1a and 1b are disposed in the internal space 13 such that at least one pressure chamber 2, 4, which is at least partially delimited by the spring plates 1a and 1b, is formed within the internal space 13. The pressure chambers 2 and 4 can be ventilated or aerated (by means of openings I and II and, if necessary, connection to a compressed air pump 6) and it is possible to apply a positive pressure of a pressure medium that can be supplied to the housing 3. The first spring plate 1a is clamped between a first contact surface 101 of the first housing member 3a and a second contact surface 102 of the first housing member 3a such that a first end of the first spring plate 1a is locked by a first locking means 110 of the first housing member 3a and a second end of the first spring plate 1a is locked by a second locking means 120 of the first housing member 3a. The second spring plate 1b is clamped between a first contact surface 101 of the second housing member 3b and a second contact surface 102 of the second housing member 3b such that a first end of the second spring plate 1b is locked by a first locking means 110 of the second housing member 3b and a second end of the second spring plate 1b is locked by a second locking means 120 of the second housing member 3b. The spring plates 1a and 1b are arranged such that, with respect to at least one of the pressure chambers 2 and 4, bending of at least one of the spring plates 1a and 1b can be made variable by ventilation or aeration of the pressure chamber 2 or 4 or by applying a positive pressure to the pressure chamber 2 or 4. Thereby, the device 10 is a spring 1 that can switch between an open state in which the object 5 is not contacted by one or any of the clamping surfaces 7 and is spaced apart from the clamping surfaces 7, and a closed state in which one or more of the clamping surfaces 7 within the clamping surfaces 7 transmit a clamping force and / or a braking force to the object 5. At this time, for example, the device 10 can be switched from the closed state to the open state or vice versa.;

[0027] Figures 1A, 1B, 4A and 4B each show the clamping device 10 in a closed state where 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.

[0028] The clamping force or clamping action of the clamping surface 7 on the object 5 to be clamped 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 (opening 14 in Fig. 5B) of the clamping device 10 at or approximately at the center. In Figs. 1A and 4A, the 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 in the clamping plane toward the main axis 9 (perpendicular to the main axis 9). 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 in the clamping plane away from the main axis 9 (perpendicular to the main axis 9).

[0029] In Figs. 1A, 2A, 3A, 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, 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, 4B, instead of the object 5 to be clamped, it is possible to introduce into the opening 14 a member that at least partially fills the opening 14, and the main axis 9 extends through the member.

[0030] In each of FIGS. 1A to 5A, the spring 1 is clamped between two contact surfaces (101 and 102 in FIGS. 5C and 5D) in 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 in 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 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 partial relaxation in order to be fixed in the housing 3 in that state.

[0031] At this time, the clamping element 8 may be an elastic element such as a spring fork. In the initial non-pressurized state of the device 10, the elastic element 8 is brought from the starting position where it is relaxed to a position under tension, 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 by the elastic force of the slightly bent spring 1. In this equilibrium state, the clamping surface 7 can press the object 5.

[0032] There is the possibility of increasing 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 hatching (compressed air) in the outer pressure chamber 4. The outer pressure chamber 4 may be connected by an opening in the housing 3 to an air connection II (also called "close"), and a compressed air pump 6 may be connected to the air connection II.

[0033] This makes it possible to operate the device 10 so that, for example, switching is performed 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).

[0034] Although two pressure chambers 2 and 4 are shown and described here by way of example, the clamping device 10 can operate with only a single pressure chamber which can be, for example, the inner pressure chamber 2 or the outer pressure chamber 4.

[0035] 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 periphery of the object 5. The inner pressure chamber 2 may be connected by an opening in the housing 3 to an air connection I (also called "open"), and a compressed air pump 6 may be connected to the air connection I.

[0036] 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 of 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 is freely movable (for example, rotatable around the axis 9 or linearly movable along the axis 9), and the clamping device 10 is open.

[0037] The switching between the closed state and the open state of the device 10 is possible in both directions.

[0038] Such a pneumatic clamp 10 has many advantages compared to a hydraulic clamp.

[0039] 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 view showing the clamping device 10 similar to FIGS. 1A and 2A in a three-dimensional representation.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 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, bringing about a clamping force around the object 5 to be clamped, in particular around the shaft 5. Thereby, when the energy or pressure is cut off, the object 5 is clamped or the shaft 5 stops immediately, 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 Fig. 1A, by additionally supplying compressed air to the outer pressure chamber 4. In this case, a few bar (for example 4 bar or 6 bar) of compressed air is sufficient to provide several times the holding torque obtained without using a booster. At this time, 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. Therefore, even for a rapidly rotating machine shaft 5, reliable clamping and release are possible.

[0041] 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 reduce the 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.

[0042] In the case of pneumatic clamps, in principle, a passive clamping device 10 as shown from Fig. 1A to Fig. 2B and an active clamping device 10 as shown from Fig. 3A to Fig. 4B are distinguished.

[0043] Spring 1 may be bent with different strengths (in the lateral direction) in the unpressurized initial state, and thus may be shortened radially to different extents. The inner surface of the housing 3 may be adapted to the bending of the spring plates 1a, 1b or may determine the bending. The stopper surfaces corresponding to the spring plates 1a, 1b may be formed, for example, by the inner wall of the housing. The inner wall of the housing may be formed complementarily (for example, concave) with respect to the (for example, convex) bending of the spring plates 1a, 1b.

[0044] In the passive clamping device 10, the spring 1 is usually slightly elastically bent (for example, convexly) in the 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 the 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.

[0045] In the active clamping device 10, the spring 1 is bent more strongly in the unpressurized initial state (FIGS. 3A, 3B) than in the case of the passive clamping device, particularly strongly laterally outward and convexly, so that the distance between the two radial contact surfaces becomes smaller 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 separated from the object 5, the object is free.

[0046] Due to the plastic deformation of the spring plates 1a, 1b, the spring 1 can bend more strongly laterally outward in the same housing 3 in the unpressurized initial state than in the case of a passive clamping device, and thus can be greatly shortened in the radial direction. This small radial extension 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.

[0047] 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 from the outside. 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. Therefore, the clamping surface 7 contacts the object 5, and a clamping force is applied to the object 5, thereby firmly clamping the object 5. The active clamping device 10 is in the closed state.

[0048] 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, a passive clamping device is generally 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 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 other hand, when the clamping device is generally used for an intentional working process such as tool change, an active clamping device is generally used.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 5A, the housing 3 of the clamping device 10 according to the present invention includes two housing members 3a, 3b according to the present invention. The housing members are 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. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the housing members 3a, 3b each define a recess 11, and the recess 11 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.

[0050] 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 at 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.

[0051] One or more clamping surfaces 7 are present along the circumferential direction of the housing 3 or the opening 14. When the housing 3 elastically deforms in the region of the clamping element 8 or the clamping surface 7, the clamping surface 7 can apply a clamping force to the outer periphery of the object 5, 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 circumference 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 formed circularly within the clamping plane. Preferably, the clamping surface 7 is formed circularly within the clamping plane. The clamping element 8 may be formed in an annular shape. 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).

[0052] FIG. 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.

[0053] Figure 5C shows a cross-section of the housing member 3a shown in Figure 5B, where the upper plate 1a of the spring 1 collides with, and preferably is in contact with, the first contact surface 101. Figure 5D shows a cross-section of the housing member 3a shown in Figure 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 these components.

[0054] The housing member 3a shown in FIGS. 5B to 5D has a shape used in the prior art. As is apparent from FIGS. 5B and 5D, the spring plate 1a is clamped within the recess between the inner surfaces of the housing member 3a, 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, it is introduced into the recess 11 of the respective attached housing member along the linear or flat inner surface of the housing member 3a in the direction of the main shaft 9 of the clamping device 10 through the opening 12. Since the radially extending portion of the spring plate 1a within the clamping plane or of the annular recess is larger than the radially extending portion of the internal space defined by the housing member, the plate 1a is bent or pretensioned in the non-pressurized initial state.

[0055] However, it has been found that the plates 1a, 1b of the spring 1 are positioned depending on the axial press-fit during assembly and, therefore, are not always positioned axially in the same way 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 degrees. 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 function 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 along the perimeter of the opening within the clamping plane, which is disadvantageous for an effective and sustainable clamping action and for an undamaged object.

[0056] In the lower drawings of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the housing members 3a, 3b according to the present invention are shown in comparison with the conventional housing members according to FIGS. 5C and 5D, the latter being shown again in the upper drawings of FIGS. 6A and 6B for comparison.

[0057] The housing members 3a, 3b according to the present invention include an annular recess 11 for clamping annular spring plates 1a, 1b between a first contact surface 101 of the housing members 3a, 3b defined by the recess 11 and a second contact surface 102 of the housing members 3a, 3b defined by the recess 11, and a clamping element 8 having a clamping surface 7. 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. As a result, a first end portion 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 a second end portion of the spring plates 1a, 1b transmits a clamping force and / or a braking force to an object 5 to be clamped and / or braked when pressing the second contact surface 102. The housing members 3a, 3b include a first locking means 110 and a second locking means 120. 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 portion 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 portion of the spring plates 1a, 1b to the second contact surface 102.

[0058] As shown in the lower drawing of FIG. 6A, according to the present invention, as part of the first locking means, preferably, a protrusion 111 that defines a first contact surface 101 is provided. Thus, when inserting the plate 1a into the housing member 3a along a direction parallel to the main shaft 9, the first end of the spring plate 1a must 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 that provide the function of the protrusion. The same also applies to the second contact surface 102 according to the present invention shown in the lower image of FIG. 6B. The second contact surface 102 is similarly preferably defined by a protrusion 121. When the second end of the spring plate 1a is inserted along a direction parallel to the main shaft 9, the plate 1a is arranged between the stopper 122 and the protrusion 121 in a predetermined manner and must overcome the protrusion 121 before 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 locking. The protrusion 121 can be a step or a ramp, or can have another shape that provides the function of the protrusion 121.

[0059] As is apparent from FIGS. 1A to 6B, regardless of whether the clamping force acts inward (FIGS. 1A and 2A) or outward (FIGS. 1B and 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. The first protrusion 111 and the first stopper 112 may be arranged to face the clamping element 8 in the housing members 3a, 3b, while 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 and 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.

[0060] 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 and 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.

[0061] 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 portion 12a of the housing member and a second annular edge portion 12b of the housing member. The annular opening 12 is used for inserting the spring plate 1a into the recess 11. The first protrusion 111 is disposed between the first annular edge portion 12a and the first contact surface 101 inside the housing member 3a in the region of the recess 11 and can project into the recess 11. The second protrusion 121 is disposed between the second annular edge portion 12b and the second contact surface 102 inside the housing member in the region of the recess 11 and can project into the recess 11 (FIGS. 6A, 6B).

[0062] The protrusion 111 and the stopper 112 can define a groove in the housing member 3a. 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. 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.

[0063] The distance between the step or ramp of the first protrusion 111 and the first edge portion 12a can be 1 mm to 1.8 mm, 1.1 mm to 1.5 mm, preferably 1.2 mm or 1.1 mm. The distance between the step or ramp of the second protrusion 121 and the second edge portion 12b can be 1 mm to 1.8 mm, 1.1 mm to 1.5 mm, preferably 1.2 mm or 1.1 mm.

[0064] The distance between the first protrusion 111 and the first stopper 112 and the distance between the second protrusion 121 and the second stopper 122 can each be 1 mm to 1.5 mm, 1.1 mm to 1.4 mm, preferably 1.2 mm.

[0065] The locking means 110, 120 are preferably formed by the protrusions 111, 121 and optionally in combination with any stoppers 112, 122 in the regions of the two contact surfaces 101, 102, so that the forced positions of the spring plates 1a, 1b (especially in the axial direction) are formed. By this forced positioning, the spring plates 1a, 1b are attached in a stable manner and are positioned axially as predetermined, especially 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. Due to the clearly defined positions of each spring plate 1a, 1b of the spring 1 (in the axial direction), the curvature of the spring plates 1a, 1b is also clearly defined and is formed as desired in the unpressurized state.

[0066] By the locking means 110, 120, the two spring plates 1a, 1b within the clamping device 10 can be arranged in the housing 3 with a clearly defined constant interval. The spring plates 1a, 1b can be positioned by the locking means 110, 120 parallel to the clamping plane with respect to their longitudinal axes. The symmetrical functional structure obtained by the locking means 110, 120 generates a symmetrical tension of the spring 1 over the entire circumference of the opening 14, and as a result, the clamping force is distributed very effectively and evenly around the object 5 in the clamping plane.

[0067] Therefore, the opening and closing function can be performed symmetrically and reliably by the locking means 110, 120 over the circumference of the opening 14. Therefore, the unwanted movements that may occur in the radial or axial direction of the housing 3 do not cause unwanted geometric displacements in the axial or radial direction of the clamping surface 7.

[0068] The inventors have further found that by means of these locking means 110, 120, in particular the projections 111, 121, in addition to the clear and symmetrical axial positioning of the plates 1a, 1b of the spring 1 within the housing, an improved sealing effect is obtained between the spring plates 1a, 1b and between each of the two housing members 3a, 3b and the associated plates 1a, 1b of the spring 1. These improved sealing effects are particularly advantageous when additionally supplying compressed air to the inner and outer pressure chambers 2, 4 in order to transition to the other of the two states described for the clamping device. The locking means 110, 120, in particular the projections 111, 121, result in improved contact with respect to the sealing effect between the rubber lining of the plates 1a, 1b and the rubber lining of each plate 1a, 1b and each housing member 3a, 3b.

[0069] The inventors have revealed further advantages by providing the locking means 110, 120, in particular the projections 111, 121. For example, the defined position of the rubber-treated spring plates 1a, 1b allows for setting the target stroke constraint of the plates as protection against incorrect application (e.g., 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 air in the compressed air, and as a result, increases the opening and closing speed of the clamping device 10.

[0070] The specification and drawings describe 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 the various embodiments for the implementation of the subject matter claimed by the appended claims.

[0071] 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 cover all possible embodiments together with the full scope of equivalents to which these claims are entitled.

Description of the Reference Numerals

[0072] 1 Spring 1a, 1b Spring plates 2, 4 Pressure chambers 3 Housing 3a, 3b Housing members 5 Object 6 Compressed air pump 7 Clamping surface 8 Clamping element 9 Spindle 10 Device 11 Recess 12 Annular opening 12a First annular edge 12b Second annular edge 13 Internal space 14 Opening 101 First contact surface 102 Second contact surface 110 First locking means 111 First protrusion 112 First stopper 120 Second locking means 121 Second protrusion 122 Second stopper R Radial direction of the recess 11 I, II Air connection

Claims

1. A housing member (3a, 3b) for a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device (10), comprising: an annular recess (11) for clamping an annular spring plate (1a, 1b) between a first contact surface (101) of the housing member (3a, 3b) defined by the recess (11) and a second contact surface (102) of the housing member (3a, 3b) defined by said recess (11); a clamping element (8) having a clamping surface (7) configured to transmit a clamping and / or braking force to an object (5) to be clamped and / or braked when the spring plates (1 a, 1 b) are clamped in the recess (11) between the first contact surface (101) and the second contact surface (102), whereby a first end of the spring plates (1 a, 1 b) is supported on the first contact surface (101), the spring plates (1 a, 1 b) extend from the first contact surface (101) to the second contact surface (102), and a second end of the spring plates (1 a, 1 b) presses against the second contact surface (102); In a housing member (3a, 3b) comprising The housing member (3a, 3b) comprises a first locking means (110) and a second locking means (120), characterized in 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), the first locking means (110) is configured to lock the first end of the spring plate (1a, 1b) to the first contact surface (101) and the second locking means (120) is configured to lock the second end of the spring plate (1a, 1b) to the second contact surface (102).

2. 2. Housing elements (3a, 3b) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first locking means (110) are configured to hold the first end of the spring plate (1a, 1b) in a predetermined position against the first contact surface (101), in particular during operation of a clamping and / or braking device (10), and / or the second locking means (120) are configured to hold the second end of the spring plate (1a, 1b) in a predetermined position against the second contact surface (102), in particular during operation of a clamping and / or braking device (10).

3. 3. The housing member (3a, 3b) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, when the second end of the spring plate (1a, 1b) presses against the second contact surface (102), the housing member (3a, 3b) is configured to elastically deform in the area of ​​the clamping element, whereby a clamping surface (7) transmits a clamping and / or braking force to the object (5) to be clamped and / or braked.

4. 4. The housing element (3a, 3b) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first locking means (110) comprises a first protrusion (111) and a first stopper (112), said first protrusion and said first stopper each delimiting the first contact surface (101) such that the first locking means (110) locks the first end of the spring plate (1a, 1b) between the first protrusion (111) and the first stopper (112) in the area of ​​the first contact surface (101).

5. 5. The housing element (3a, 3b) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second locking means (120) comprises a second protrusion (121) and a second stopper (122), the second protrusion and the second stopper each delimiting the second contact surface (102) such that the second locking means (120) locks the second end of the spring plate (1a, 1b) between the second protrusion (121) and the second stopper (122) in the area of ​​the second contact surface (102).

6. Housing member (3a, 3b) according to claim 4 or 5, 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.

7. 7. The housing element (3a, 3b) according to claim 4, characterized in that the first protrusion (111) and the first stopper (112) are arranged and dimensioned in the area of ​​the recess (11) in such a way that when the spring plate (1a, 1b) is introduced into the recess (11) from the outside and after the first protrusion (111) has passed the first end of the spring plate (1a, 1b), the first stopper (112) forms an obstacle to the deeper introduction of the first end of the spring plate (1a, 1b) into the recess (11).

8. 8. A housing element (3a, 3b) according to claim 4, characterized in that the second protrusion (121) and the second stopper (122) are arranged and dimensioned in the area of ​​the recess (11) in such a way that when the spring plate (1a, 1b) is introduced into the recess (11) from the outside and after the second protrusion (121) has passed the second end of the spring plate (1a, 1b), the second stopper (122) forms an obstacle to a deeper introduction of the second end of the spring plate (1a, 1b) into the recess (11).

9. A housing member (3a, 3b) according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the first stopper (112) has a longer extension in the radial direction (R) of the annular recess (11) than the first protrusion (111) and / or the second stopper (122) has a longer extension in the radial direction (R) of the annular recess (11) than the second protrusion (121).

10. 10. A housing element (3a, 3b) according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the first projection (111) protrudes in the radial direction (R) of the annular recess (11) relative to the first contact surface (101) into the recess (11) by 0.025 mm to 0.15 mm, preferably 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm, particularly preferably about 0.1 mm, and / or the second projection (121) protrudes in the radial direction (R) of the annular recess (11) relative to the second contact surface (101) into the recess (11) by 0.025 mm to 0.15 mm, preferably 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm, particularly preferably about 0.05 mm.

11. 11. The housing member (3a, 3b) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the annular recess (11) defines an annular opening (12) in the housing member (3a, 3b), said annular opening (12) being formed between a first annular edge (12a) of the housing member and a second annular edge (12b) of the housing member.

12. 12. The housing element (3a, 3b) according to claim 11, characterized in that a first protrusion (111) is arranged on the inside of the housing element (3a, 3b) in the region of the recess (11) between the first annular edge (12a) and the first contact surface (101), said first protrusion (111) being arranged on the inside of the housing element (3a, 3b) in the region of the recess (11) with a distance from the first annular edge (12a) preferably of 1 mm to 1.8 mm, preferably of 1.1 mm to 1.5 mm, particularly preferably of about 1.2 mm.

13. 13. The housing element (3a, 3b) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that a second protrusion (121) is arranged on the inside of the housing element (3a, 3b) in the region of the recess (11) between the second annular edge (12b) and the second contact surface (102), said second protrusion (121) being arranged on the inside of the housing element (3a, 3b) in the region of the recess (11) with a distance of preferably 1 mm to 1.8 mm, preferably 1.1 mm to 1.5 mm, particularly preferably about 1.2 mm from the second annular edge (12b).

14. 14. The housing part (3a, 3b) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the second contact surface (102) and the clamping surface (7) are arranged on opposite end faces of the clamping element (8).

15. 15. The housing element (3a, 3b) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the first projection (111) extends, preferably continuously, from the first annular edge (12a) to the first contact surface (101).

16. A housing element (3a, 3b) according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the second projection (121) extends, preferably continuously, from the second annular edge (12b) to the second contact surface (102).

17. 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) according to any one of claims 1 to 16 and a second housing member (3b) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, both housing members (3a, 3b) being arranged relative to each other and fastened to each other such that recesses (11) of the first housing member (3a) and the second housing member (3b) together form an internal space (13) in the housing (3); A spring (1) arranged in said internal space (13), comprising a first annular spring plate (1a) and a second annular spring plate (1b), said spring plates (1a, 1b) being arranged in said internal space (13) in such a way that at least one pressure chamber (2, 4) is formed in said internal space (13) at least partially bounded by said spring plates (1a, 1b), said pressure chamber (2, 4) being capable of being ventilated or ventilated and of being subjected to a positive pressure of a pressure medium which can be supplied to said housing (3). a first spring plate (1a) is clamped between a first contact surface (101) of the first housing member (3a) and a second contact surface (102) of the first housing member (3a) such that a first end of the first spring plate (1a) is locked by a first locking means (110) of the first housing member (3a) and a second end of the first spring plate (1a) is locked by a second locking means (120) of the first housing member (3a); said second spring plate (1b) is clamped between a first contact surface (101) of said second housing member (3b) and a second contact surface (102) of said second housing member (3b) such that a first end of said second spring plate (1b) is locked by a first locking means (110) of said second housing member (3b) and a second end of said second spring plate (1b) is locked by a second locking means (120) of said second housing member (3b), and said spring plates (1a, 1b) are adapted to ventilate or otherwise regulate the pressure chambers (2, 4). a spring (1) arranged relative to at least one of the pressure chambers (2, 4) such that the bending of at least one of the spring plates (1 a, 1 b) is variable by ventilation or by applying a positive pressure to the pressure chambers (2, 4), whereby the device (10) switches between an open state, in which the object (5) is spaced away from the clamping surface (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).

18. 18. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 17, wherein the at least one pressure chamber comprises a first pressure chamber (4), which is arranged outside the spring (1) between at least one of the spring plates (1a, 1b) and the housing (3).

19. 19. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 18, wherein the first spring plate (1 a) is configured to reduce bending of the first spring plate (1 a) by ventilating a first pressure chamber (4) or by providing a positive pressure to the first pressure chamber (4), whereby when a first end of the first spring plate (1 a) is supported on a first contact surface (101) of a first housing part (3 a), a second end of the first spring plate (1 a) presses on a second contact surface (102) of the first housing part (3 a), thereby resulting in a transmission of clamping and / or braking forces from a clamping surface (7) of a clamping element (8) of the first housing part (3 a) to the object (5) to be clamped and / or braked, and the device (10) switches from an open state to a closed state.

20. 20. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 18 or 19, wherein 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 providing a positive pressure to the first pressure chambers (2, 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 a), 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 a) to the object (5) to be clamped and / or braked, and the device (10) switches from an open state to a closed state.

21. 21. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the device (10) is configured such that, by ventilating the first pressure chamber (4) or by providing 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.

22. 22. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein the at least one pressure chamber comprises a second pressure chamber (2) which is arranged inside the spring (1) and between both spring plates (1 a, 1 b), and preferably the device (10) is configured such that by ventilating the second pressure chamber (2) or by providing a positive pressure to the second pressure chamber (2), the first and second contact surfaces (101) and (102) of at least one of the housing members (3 a, 3 b) move towards each other and / or a bending of at least one of the spring plates (1 a, 1 b) increases, whereby the device (10) switches from a closed state to an open state.

Images