Clamp and / or brake device for high humidity environment

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an annular elastic element for a clamping and / or braking device, the element comprising an annular spring plate having a first annular side surface and a second annular side surface, a first sealing element arranged on the first side surface of the spring plate, and a second sealing element arranged on the second side surface of the spring plate, the second sealing element forming an inner projection in the region of the inner edge of the annular spring plate and an outer projection in the region of the outer edge of the annular spring plate, and the first sealing element forming a first projection. The present disclosure further relates to a member for a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device and a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device each having an annular elastic element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an annular elastic element of a pneumatic clamp and / or brake device and a member, and a pneumatic clamp and / or brake device each having such an annular elastic element. The present disclosure further relates to a housing member for clamping an annular elastic element.

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 swivel axis of such a machine. Further, a rotatable or swiveling table is used to position a tool or 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 safety system has the problem of stopping the shaft or holding and fixing it in place when a system failure or malfunction occurs, such as a power outage or cable disconnection.

[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 clamping device, hydraulic oil is supplied to the chamber, and a rotating shaft or disk is clamped. Passive hydraulic clamping is also known. However, such hydraulic clamping has a long reaction time or requires very high costs for a short reaction time. Furthermore, 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 clamping 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 element, particularly an elastic plate, and some of the drawbacks of the above-described hydraulic clamping device can be overcome.

[0006] Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 describe a pneumatic clamping device provided with two annular spring plates, which 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, whereby 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 revealed that such clamping fails or cannot operate without problems in a high-humidity environment.

[0007] Patent Document 3 discloses a pneumatic braking device that is not suitable for a high-humidity environment, as will be described below.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0008]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

[0009] Based on the prior art described at the beginning, the problem of the present disclosure is to provide means for enabling a pneumatic clamp and / or brake device to operate reliably in a high humidity environment. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0010] This problem is solved by an annular elastic element having the features described in claim 1, a member having the features described in claim 31, a clamp and / or brake device having the features described in claim 42, and a housing member having the features described in claim 63. Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims, the specification and the drawings.

[0011] According to the solution according to the present invention, an annular elastic element for a clamp device and / or a brake device is provided, the element including an annular spring plate having a first annular side surface and a second annular side surface, a first seal element disposed on the first side surface of the spring plate, and a second seal element disposed on the second side surface of the spring plate, the second seal element forming an inner protrusion in the region of the inner edge of the annular spring plate and an outer protrusion in the region of the outer edge of the annular spring plate, and the first seal element forming a first protrusion.

[0012] In the present disclosure, the concept of "annular" should not necessarily be understood as circular. Other annular forms such as an angular annular form are also included in this concept.

[0013] According to the concept of "protrusion", the first protrusion protrudes or projects from the surface of the first seal element. Similarly, the inner and outer protrusions protrude or project from one or more surfaces of the second seal element.

[0014] Preferably, the first sealing element is formed integrally with and / or as one with the first protrusion. Preferably, the second sealing element is formed integrally with and / or as one with the inner and / or outer protrusions.

[0015] According to the solution according to the present invention, a member for a clamp and / or a brake device is further provided, the member including the annular elastic element and the housing member according to the present invention, the housing member having an annular recess for clamping the annular elastic element, the housing member having an inner surface defined by the recess, and when the elastic element is clamped in the recess with the first side facing the inner surface, the first protrusion of the first sealing element is configured to establish contact with the first portion of the inner surface of the housing member.

[0016] According to the solution according to the present invention, there is further provided a clamping and / or braking device for clamping and / or braking an object to be clamped and / or braked, the device comprising a first elastic element according to the present invention and a second elastic element according to the present invention, and a housing comprising a first housing member having an inner surface and a second housing member having an inner surface, the housing members being arranged relative to each other such that the inner surfaces of the housing members together delimit an internal space inside the housing and being fastened to each other; one or more clamping elements, each clamping element having a clamping surface; and a spring disposed in the internal space and including the first elastic element and the second elastic element, the elastic elements being disposed in the internal space such that a first pressure chamber is formed between the elastic elements and the inner surface of the housing member, the first pressure chamber being capable of venting and applying a positive pressure of a pressure medium that can be supplied to the housing, the first elastic element being clamped in the internal space with its first side facing the inner surface of the first housing member, the second elastic element being clamped in the internal space with its first side facing the inner surface of the second housing member, the spring being configured such that when the first pressure chamber is ventilated or vented, or when a positive pressure is applied to the first pressure chamber, the bending of at least one spring plate of the elastic element becomes variable, whereby the device includes a spring that switches between an open state in which the object to be clamped is spaced apart from one or more clamping surfaces and a closed state in which at least one clamping surface transmits a clamping force and / or a braking force to the object; and a first protrusion of a first sealing element of at least one elastic element is configured to establish contact with a first portion of the inner surface of one of the housing members within the housing member, thereby at least preventing a fluid connection between the region of the first pressure chamber and the transition between the housing members.

[0017] The long-unresolved problem of the prone-to-failure operation of the clamping and / or braking device in a high-humidity environment has been overcome by an aspect of the present invention. This disclosure is based on the following recognition of the inventor.

[0018] When operating the device under the influence of a liquid medium, especially in the area of the clamping surface, there is a possibility that the liquid medium may penetrate into the housing of the device. As a result of this possibility, during operation, the penetration of the medium into the first pressure chamber occurs, which leads to a retention in the first pressure chamber. The penetration of the liquid medium leads to component failures due to leakage (e.g., rubber damage), contamination within the device, and deterioration of the response time of the device. The inventors have recognized that the penetration of the liquid medium is mainly due to small gaps existing in the housing members of the device, especially at the transition of the two clamping elements or the clamping surface of the housing member. During the opening process, for example, by supplying compressed air to the second pressure chamber, the second pressure chamber is expanded. At the same time, the first pressure chamber is vented. Due to the movement of an elastic element (e.g., a rubber-coated spring plate), air is pushed out of the first pressure chamber, resulting in a suction effect through the first pressure chamber. As a result of the penetration of the liquid medium into the first pressure chamber, usually, especially a continuous small leak into the second pressure chamber occurs, and as long as the second pressure chamber is expanding, a certain flow of the liquid medium is brought about. This effect strengthens the suction effect, accelerates the failure of the device, or causes an early malfunction in the device.

[0019] Against this background, the inventors recognized that by attaching a sealing element having a projection to the side of the elastic element facing the first pressure chamber, this suction effect is interrupted or suppressed, and the above-described failures or malfunctions can no longer occur in the device. In particular, by means of this measure, the fluid connection between the first pressure chamber and the transition of the housing member or the clamping element can be blocked without impairing the opening and closing function of the device or its dynamics. In the elastic element according to the invention, a second sealing element is arranged on the second side of the annular spring plate, and the second sealing element has an inner projection in the region of the inner edge of the annular spring plate of the elastic element and an outer projection in the region of the outer edge of the annular spring plate. These two projections on the inner and outer edges of the spring plate generally rest on the inner wall of the opposing second elastic element or housing and are used to form the second pressure chamber. Therefore, each of these two projections may preferably have a support surface. In accordance with the above recognition of the inventors, the elastic element according to the invention has a first sealing element on the other (first) side of the spring plate which may face the first pressure chamber, and the first sealing element forms a first projection, which thus projects into the first pressure chamber and is suitable for at least blocking the fluid connection between the first pressure chamber and the transition of the housing member in the first pressure chamber.

[0020] In the prior art patent document 3 mentioned at the beginning, the lips 60, 61, 63, 64 are separate from the polymer plates 57, 58. Since the lips 60, 61, 63, 64 do not protrude or project from the surface of the plates 57, 58, the polymer plates 57, 58 do not form projections for the lips 60, 61, 63, 64, which has an adverse effect on the sealing performance required for the environment. The said lips are only used for actuating the spring and the braking element.

[0021] The first protrusion is preferably formed between the inner edge and the outer edge of the annular spring plate. Particularly preferably, the first protrusion is formed in the region of the inner edge or the outer edge of the annular spring plate so as to be close to the gap between the above-described clamping elements according to whether the clamping action is directed inward or outward. The first protrusion is preferably attached in the region of the transition of the housing member or the clamping element and is attached to the first side surface of the annular spring plate so as to protrude into the first pressure chamber.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the elastic element, the first sealing element further preferably has a second protrusion in the region of the edge of the annular spring plate on the first side surface, preferably on the side opposite to the edge where the first protrusion is arranged. The second protrusion is used to further interrupt or prevent the fluid connection between the first pressure chamber and the transition of the housing member or the clamping element.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the elastic element, the first and / or second sealing elements are vulcanized on the spring plate, whereby they are particularly well fixed.

[0024] Preferably, each of the first protrusion and / or the second protrusion has a surface that is at least partially rounded in order to establish contact on the inner wall of the housing having an arbitrary shape, whereby the above-described prevention or interruption of the fluid connection can be brought about.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the member or device, the housing member has a depression or a recess on the inner surface of the housing member. The depression or the recess is preferably complementary in shape to the surface of the first or second protrusion in contact therewith, whereby the above-described contact becomes particularly effective (sealing).

[0026] The inventor recognizes that both the first protrusion of the first sealing element and any second protrusion are also suitable for preventing or avoiding the outflow of a pressure medium (in particular a gas) that can be supplied to the first pressure chamber. This makes it easier to use the clamp in a vacuum or clean room, in addition to use in a high humidity environment.

[0027] To more effectively reduce or prevent the outflow of the pressure medium (in particular a gas) into the environment, the inventor has developed a series of further optional means with regard to the use of the clamp in a vacuum or clean room. To use the clamp in a vacuum or clean room more reliably and thereby to achieve a universally applicable clamp, it is also possible to combine these means individually and to combine them with the means described above for use in a high humidity environment.

[0028] For example, the inner and / or outer protrusions of the second sealing element preferably each have at least a partially flat surface, which can function, for example, as a support surface for sealing against a housing wall or other elastic element. Thereby, the clamp or its second pressure chamber is more firmly sealed to prevent or avoid the outflow of the pressure medium from the second pressure chamber to the surroundings. The flat surface increases the resistance to the permeation of the pressure medium (in particular a gas) when the pressure medium is supplied to the second pressure chamber. The flat surface reduces or prevents the overflow of the medium between the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally to the flat surface, the inner and / or outer protrusions of the second sealing element can each at least partially, preferably radially extend to form a bulge (or a curve or an outwardly directed arch), thereby obtaining particularly good sealing performance for use in a vacuum environment or a clean room. The bulge can be formed by applying additional (elastic) material of the sealing element to the remaining part of the protrusion. These bulges can, for example, in the region of the transition of the housing member, close the internal space within the housing member and be brought into contact to seal against the inner wall of the housing member (such as an inclined or long chamfer). Preferably, each bulge is close to or adjacent to a flat surface. Preferably, each flat surface merges with the bulge. Preferably, the bulge of the outer protrusion of the second sealing element extends radially outward, preferably beyond the outer edge of the spring plate. Preferably, the bulge of the inner protrusion of the second sealing element extends radially inward, preferably beyond the inner edge of the spring plate.

[0030] For the sealing performance of the first pressure chamber against the gap at the transition of the adjacent housing members, the bulge is particularly advantageous. The bulge has the effect that hardly any or no medium flows in or out through the edge of the housing during the operation of the first pressure chamber.

[0031] The flat surface further assists the displacement of the bulge against the inner wall of the housing member and also assists the above-described action of the bulge. This assistance is particularly prominent when the flat surface is close to or adjacent to and / or merges with the bulge to which it belongs, as described above. The flat surface and the respective attached bulge thus form a combination of features that act synergistically, but can also exist individually.

[0032] For use in a vacuum or a clean room, the elastic material used for the elastic element may be a suitable material that preferably releases little or no material into the vacuum (high chemical resistance), is suitable for high temperatures, and / or has low gas permeability.

[0033] For use in a high humidity environment, a vacuum or a clean room, for the housing member, in order to avoid rust release into the vacuum or the clean room, it is possible to preferably use a suitable material that is resistant to corrosion, preferably a material made of steel.

[0034] In use in a vacuum environment or a clean room, in order to further contribute to particularly good sealing performance, the elastic element according to the present invention can have a first connection seal for a first connection for supplying a pressure medium to a first pressure chamber, and the first connection seal seals the first connection. Preferably, the edge of the first connection seal can at least partially, preferably completely surround the first connection opening and can have the shape of an O-ring.

[0035] In order to further contribute to particularly good sealing for use in a vacuum environment or a clean room, the elastic element according to the invention can have a second connection seal for a second connection for supplying a pressure medium to the second pressure chamber, and the second connection seal seals the second connection. Preferably, the edge of the second connection seal can at least partially, preferably completely, surround the second connection opening and can have the shape of an O-ring. Particularly preferably, the edge can form a connection projection of the second connection seal, and the connection projection at least partially forms an undercut at the edge of the second connection opening. The housing member can be gripped rearwardly by the undercut of the connection projection of the elastic element. The undercut of the second connection seal reinforces the seal to the outside and in particular reduces the risk that the second connection seal will lift off from the flat surface of the housing when supplying the first pressure chamber. Furthermore, the use of a sealant (adhesive) at this location can be avoided by the undercut. Such a sealant can have an adverse effect on the vacuum or the clean room.

[0036] In order to further contribute to particularly good sealing for use in a vacuum environment or a clean room, the housing member of the member or device according to the invention can have a groove or notch, preferably circular, for receiving an O-ring. The groove or notch with the O-ring supports the bulging and the above-described function of the first connection seal so that fluid does not flow in or out through the edge of the housing when the first pressure chamber operates. Furthermore, a sealant (adhesive) between the housing halves, which is not desirable for use in a vacuum and a clean room, can be omitted.

[0037] The means described here can be provided individually or in combination without adversely affecting the dynamics of the opening and closing of a clamp, which can operate reliably in a high-humidity environment and, optionally, also in a vacuum or a clean room.

[0038] In the brief description of the disclosure, when describing features not recited in the claims, these features are not important features in the sense that they must necessarily be included in the claims for the purpose of the description of the disclosure, but these features are particularly important 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

[0039]

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 6C

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0040] Members shown in a plurality of drawings are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0041] The present disclosure relates to an annular elastic element and member for a pneumatic clamp and / or brake device, and a pneumatic clamp and / or brake device having such an annular elastic element.

[0042] As used herein, references to a "clamp" device or "clamping device", "clamping force" or the process of "clamping" also include, mutatis mutandis, a "brake" device or "braking device", "braking force" or the process of "braking".

[0043] Figs. 1A to 5A and 8 schematically show a cross-section of such a clamping device 10 according to the invention, having a housing 3 including two housing members 3a, 3b, and a spring 1 disposed within the housing 3 including at least two annular elastic elements 1a, 1b according to the invention.

[0044] At this time, the clamping device 10 according to the present invention includes the following: a first elastic element 1a and a second elastic element 1b according to the present invention; a housing 3 including a first housing member 3a having an inner surface and a second housing member 3b having an inner surface, wherein the housing members 3a, 3b are arranged relative to each other such that the inner surfaces of the housing members 3a, 3b together define an internal space 13 inside the housing 3 and are fastened to each other; one or more clamping elements 8, each clamping element 8 having a clamping surface 7; a spring 1 disposed in the internal space 13 and including the first elastic element 1a and the second elastic element 1a, the elastic elements 1a, 1b being disposed in the internal space 13 such that a first pressure chamber 4 is formed between the elastic elements 1a, 1b and the inner surfaces of the housing members 3a, 3b, the first pressure chamber 4 being capable of ventilation and applying a positive pressure of a pressure medium that can be supplied to the housing 3, the first elastic element 1a being clamped in the internal space 13 with its first side facing the inner surface of the first housing member 3a, the second elastic element 1b being clamped in the internal space 13 with its first side facing the inner surface of the second housing member 3b, the spring 1 being configured such that when the first pressure chamber 4 is ventilated or aired, or when a positive pressure is applied to the first pressure chamber 4, the bending of at least one spring plate of the elastic elements 1a, 1b becomes variable, whereby the device 10 can switch between an open state in which the object 5 to be clamped is separated from one or more clamping surfaces 7 and a closed state in which at least one clamping surface 7 transmits a clamping force and / or a braking force to the object 5. The device 10 according to the present invention further includes the means described at the beginning, by which reliable operation of the device in a high-humidity environment is made possible. These means will be described in more detail in connection with FIGS. 6 to 12.

[0045] 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 circumference of the object 5. The clamping element 8 is also called a clamping lip. The clamping element 8 may be integrally formed with the remaining parts of the housing members 3a, 3b, or may be a member structurally separated from the remaining parts of the housing members 3a, 3b.

[0046] The clamping force or clamping action of the clamping surface 7 on the object 5 to be clamped occurs in a clamping plane formed by two vectors that respectively form the radii of the annular elastic elements 1a, 1b or the annular recess 11 (see Figure 5A). The axis 9 extends here through the center point of the ring of the member described as annular, and thus may be referred to as the main axis of the clamping device 10 and may extend perpendicular to the clamping plane. When referring to "inner" and "outer" protrusions, edges or ends in this specification, the inner edge, protrusion or end is closer to the axis 9 than the corresponding outer edge, protrusion or end. The same applies to other members.

[0047] 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 Figure 5B) of the clamping device 10 at or approximately at the center. In Figures 1A and 4A, the object 5 to be clamped, for example, the 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 towards the main axis 9 (perpendicular to the main axis 9). In Figures 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).

[0048] In FIGS. 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A, the clamping element 8 is positioned between the spring 1 and the opening 14 or the spindle 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 positioned between the object 5 and the opening 14 or the spindle 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 spindle 9 extends through the member.

[0049] 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 in 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 also applies to the other states of the device 10 respectively. 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), through the ventilation of the inner pressure chamber 2 and the ventilation of the outer pressure chamber 4 of the spring 1, 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.

[0050] At this time, the clamping element 8 may be an elastic element such as a spring fork, and in the unpressurized initial state of the device 10, the elastic element is bent (slightly) by the elastic force of the spring 1, for example, until an equilibrium is obtained between the restoring force of the elastic element 8 and the elastic force of the spring 1 in the unpressurized initial state, by bending the spring fork 8. 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, the clamping surface 7 can press the object 5.

[0051] There is an arbitrary possibility of increasing the clamping force by a predetermined value by additionally supplying 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 arbitrary additional compressed air pump (booster) 6 and the diagonal lines (compressed air) in the outer pressure chamber 4. The outer pressure chamber 4 may be connected to an air connection I (also called "close") by an opening in the housing 3, and the compressed air pump 6 may be connected to the air connection I.

[0052] This makes it possible to operate the device 10 so that, for example, a switch is made between the braked movement of the supplied object 5 (in the unpressurized state) and the complete clamping of the object (in a sufficiently pressurized state).

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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 an air connection II (also called "open") by an opening in the housing 3, and the compressed air pump 6 may be connected to the air connection II.

[0055] Compressed air is supplied to the inner pressure chamber 2 by the compressed air pump 6 (for example, 4 bar or 6 bar), and by 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 clamp surface 7 is lifted from the object 5. The object 5 is freely movable (for example, rotatable around the shaft 9 or linearly movable along the shaft 9), and the clamping device 10 is open.

[0056] The switching between the closed state and the open state of the device 10 is possible in both directions.

[0057] Such a pneumatic clamp 10 has many advantages compared to a hydraulic clamp.

[0058] By using a combination of an elastic member, in this case the spring 1 including the elastic elements 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 elastic elements 1a, 1b form the spring 1 and the inner pressure chamber 2 inside the spring 1 between the plates 1a, 1b. The plates 1a, 1b may be annular as shown in FIG. 5 and may optionally additionally have radial slots, which enables changing the inner diameter with a particularly small force. The elastic elements 1a, 1b may be coated with rubber at least in the region of the slots to establish the necessary airtightness for the compressed air. The elastic elements 1a, 1b generally have pressure resistance and are configured to be elastically bent, and are arranged inside the housing 3 of the clamping device 10. Inside the spring 1, an inner pressure chamber 2 is formed between the elastic elements 1a, 1b, and an outer pressure chamber 4 is formed between each elastic element 1a, 1b and the housing 3 of the clamping device 10 or the housing members 3a, 3b. FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional representation showing a clamping device 10 similar to FIGS. 1A and 2A.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 1A, by the ventilation of the outer pressure chamber 4 or the supply of compressed air, and the ventilation of the inner pressure chamber 2, the spring 1 is at least partially relaxed, resulting in a clamping force around the object 5 to be clamped, particularly 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 obtain a holding torque from several 100 Nm to a maximum of several 1000 Nm depending on the size. The holding torque can be further increased by additionally supplying compressed air to the outer pressure chamber 4, as suggested by the pressure pump 6 (booster) in Fig. 1A. In this case, to provide several times the holding torque obtained without using a booster, compressed air of several bar (e.g., 4 bar or 6 bar) is sufficient. 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.

[0060] 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 size. 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] Spring 1 may be bent (laterally) with different strengths in the unpressurized initial state, and thus can be shortened radially to different degrees. The inner surface of the housing 3 can adapt to the bending of the elastic elements 1a, 1b or can determine the bending. The stopper surfaces corresponding to the elastic elements 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 elastic elements 1a, 1b.

[0063] In the passive clamping device 10, the spring 1 is usually slightly elastically bent (e.g., 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 through 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, as a clamping force, the elastic force given by the energy stored in the spring 1 to the object 5 to be clamped in order to clamp the object 5 when clamping or when the pressure drops.

[0064] 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, especially strongly towards the outer side in the lateral direction and convexly curved, 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 through 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.

[0065] Due to the plastic deformation of the elastic elements 1a, 1b, spring 1 can bend more strongly outward in the lateral direction 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 elastic elements 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 elastic elements 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 caused by plastic deformation in the initial state.

[0066] 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, bringing a clamping force to the object 5, whereby the object 5 is firmly clamped. The active clamping device 10 is in the closed state.

[0067] Depending on the application field and the given 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 already 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 intended to perform an intentional working process such as tool change, an active clamping device is generally used.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 5A, the housing 3 of the clamping device 10 according to the present invention includes two housing members 3a, 3b, and 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 in the housing 3. Inside the internal space 13, a spring 1 is arranged together with the annular elastic elements 1a, 1b according to the present invention. As shown in Figs. 5A to 5D, the housing members 3a, 3b each define a recess 11, and the recess 11 is also annular and is used to receive the annular elastic elements 1a, 1b. At least a part of the first contact surface 101 of the housing member can extend (substantially) perpendicular to the radial direction R of the annular recess 11, and / or a part of the second contact surface 102 of the housing member can extend (substantially) perpendicular to the radial direction R of the annular recess 11.

[0069] 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, 5A, the main axis 9 passes through the center of the shaft along its longitudinal axis.

[0070] 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 all the annular or circular members described in this specification can have, individually or in combination, the intersection with the clamping plane of the main axis 9 as the center point (for example, the center point of the opening 14).

[0071] FIG. 5B shows an embodiment of a member according to the present invention. The member includes an annular elastic element 1a and a housing member (in this case, the upper housing member 3a of FIG. 5A) according to the present invention. The housing member 3a has an annular recess 11 for clamping the annular elastic element 1a. The housing member 3a has an inner surface (see 105 in FIG. 7) defined by the recess 11. The annular recess 11 preferably defines an annular opening 12 in the housing member. The annular opening is formed between a first annular edge 12a of the housing member and a second annular edge 12b of the housing member. The elastic element 1a can be clamped between the first annular edge 12a and the second annular edge 12b.

[0072] When the elastic element 1a is introduced through the opening 12 into the recess 11 with the first side face (see 16c in FIG. 6C) facing the inner face and clamped in the recess 11, a first pressure chamber 4 is formed between the inner face and the elastic element 1a. At this time, the elastic element according to the present invention has the means mentioned at the beginning, and the means enables the member to be surely used in a high humidity environment. The means will be described in more detail in relation to FIGS. 6 to 12.

[0073] As shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D, the illustrated elastic element 1a of the spring 1 extends from the first contact surface 101 in the housing member 3a to the second contact surface 102 in 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.

[0074] FIG. 5C shows a part of the housing member 3a shown in FIG. 5B, in which the upper plate 1a of the spring 1 collides with, and preferably contacts, the first contact surface 101. FIG. 5D shows a part of the housing member 3a shown in FIG. 5B, in which the upper plate 1a of the spring 1 collides with, and preferably contacts, the second contact surface 102. However, one or more additional members may exist radially between the elastic element 1a and the one or more contact surfaces 101, 102, and the elastic element 1a can exert an elastic force on the contact surfaces 101, 102 through the members.

[0075] As is apparent from FIGS. 5B and 5D, an elastic element 1a is clamped within a recess 11 between the inner surfaces of the housing member 3a. Each plate of the spring 1 abuts against stoppers 112 and 122 at the ends of the two contact surfaces 101 and 102 respectively, and thus, during assembly, along the inner surface of the housing member 3a, in the direction of the spindle 9 of the clamping device 10, through the opening 12, until each plate can no longer be introduced into the recess 11 of the respective housing member to which it belongs. Since the extent of the elastic element 1a in the clamping plane or in the radial direction of the annular recess is greater than the extent of the internal space defined by the housing member, the plate 1a may be bent or pre-tensioned in the initial, unpressurized state.

[0076] In FIGS. 6A - 6C, embodiments of the means of the elastic element according to the invention for use in a high humidity environment, as well as any means for use in a vacuum or clean room, are shown in more detail.

[0077] FIG. 6A shows annular elastic elements 1a, 1b for a clamping and / or braking device 10 according to the invention, said elements 1a, 1b comprising: an annular spring plate 16 having a first annular side surface 16c and a second annular side surface 16d; a first sealing element 17 disposed on the first side surface 16c of the spring plate 16; and a second sealing element 15 disposed on the second side surface 16d of the spring plate 16, the second sealing element 15 forming an inner projection 15a in the region of the inner edge 16a of the annular spring plate 16 and an outer projection 15b in the region of the outer edge 16b of the annular spring plate 16. The first sealing element 17 forms a first projection 17a.

[0078] FIGS. 6B and 6C show that the first projection 17a is formed between the inner edge 16a and the outer edge 16b of the annular spring plate 16, where, by way of example, the first projection 17a is formed in the region of the inner edge 16a or the outer edge 16b of the annular spring plate 16.

[0079] Figures 6A and 6B further show that the first sealing element 17 preferably forms any second protrusion 17b on the first side surface 16c in the region of the outer edge 16b of the preferably annular spring plate 16.

[0080] Each protrusion 15a, 15b, 17a, 17b of the first and / or second sealing elements 15, 17 may be at least partially annular and may extend annularly around the axis 9. Each protrusion 15a, 15b, 17a, 17b of the first and / or second sealing elements 15, 17 can be fixed to the spring plate 16 respectively, may preferably be vulcanized, or may be detachably arranged from the spring plate 16, preferably as an O-ring.

[0081] Figures 6A and 6C further show that the longitudinal axis of the first protrusion 17a of the first sealing element 17 extends (substantially) perpendicular to the first side surface 16c of the spring plate 16.

[0082] As shown in Figures 6B and 6C, the inner protrusion 15a and / or the outer protrusion 15b of the second sealing element 15 each have at least partially flat surfaces 15e, 15f, and the flat surfaces 15e, 15f function as support surfaces for, for example, the (inner) housing wall or other elastic elements to partition and seal the second pressure chamber 2. These figures further show that the inner protrusion and / or the outer protrusion 15a, 15b of the second sealing element 15 each form at least partially radially extending bulges 15c, 15d.

[0083] Preferably, as shown in Figure 6B, the bulge 15d of the outer protrusion 15b of the second sealing element 15 extends radially outward, preferably beyond the outer edge 16b of the spring plate 16. Preferably, the bulge 15d is close to or adjacent to the flat surface 15f. Preferably, the flat surface 15f merges with the bulge 15d.

[0084] Preferably, as shown in FIG. 6C, the bulge 15c of the inner projection 15a of the second seal element 15 extends radially inwardly, preferably beyond the inner edge 16a of the spring plate 16. Preferably, the bulge 15c is close to or adjacent to the flat surface 15e. Preferably, the flat surface 15e merges with the bulge 15c.

[0085] The first seal element 17 and / or the second seal element 15 may each or both be made of an elastic material, preferably rubber or other suitable material, and the seal element is fixed (e.g., vulcanized) to the spring plate 16.

[0086] FIG. 7 shows the housing members 3a, 3b of the member or device according to the present invention, and the housing members 3a, 3b are advantageous further developments of the housing member 3a in FIG. 5B. The housing member has advantageous and preferred adaptations in addition to the inner surface 105, the recess 11, the first contact surface 101, and the second contact surface 102.

[0087] When the elastic elements 1a, 1b are clamped in the recess 11 with the first side surface 16c facing the inner surface 105, the first protrusion 17a of the first seal element 17 preferably contacts the first portion of the inner surface 105 of the housing members 3a, 3b in a sealing manner. The first portion can have a depression or recess 106 in the housing members 3a, 3b. Preferably, the surface shapes of the first protrusion 17a and the first portion 106 are at least partially complementary in order to establish a contact that seals particularly effectively. When the elastic elements 1a, 1b are clamped in the recess 11 with the first side surface 16c facing the inner surface 105, the second protrusion 17b of the first seal element 17 preferably contacts another portion of the inner surface 105 of the housing members 3a, 3b in a sealing manner. This another portion can have a depression or recess 107 in the housing members 3a, 3b. Preferably, the surface shapes of the second protrusion 17b and the portion 107 are at least partially complementary in order to establish a contact that seals particularly effectively. Each of the two protrusions 17a, 17b inhibits or completely blocks the fluid connection between the first pressure chamber 4 and the surroundings of the housing, particularly in the region of the transition between two adjacent housing members 3a, 3b.

[0088] The housing members 3a, 3b include an annular recess 11 for clamping the annular elastic elements 1a, 1b. The recess 11 forms a first annular edge 12a and a second annular edge 12b of the annular opening 12 of the housing members 3a, 3b. The annular recess 11 defines the inner surface 105 of the housing members 3a, 3b between the first annular edge 12a and the second annular edge 12b. The inner surface 105 forms a first inclination 103 (or a long chamfer) in the region of the first annular edge 12a, and the inner surface 105 forms a second inclination 104 (or a long chamfer) in the region of the second annular edge 12b. The inclinations 103, 104 are aligned such that the annular opening 12 expands towards the first and second edges 12a, 12b.

[0089] The inner surface 105 is capable of forming a first contact surface 101 and a second contact surface 102, and the first contact surface 101 and the second contact surface 102 are configured to clamp the spring plates 16 of the elastic elements 1a, 1b according to the present invention therebetween. The first inclination 103 is disposed between the first contact surface 101 and the first annular edge portion 12a, and the second inclination 104 is disposed between the second contact surface 102 and the second annular edge portion 12b. When the elastic elements 1a, 1b are clamped in the recess 11 with the first side surface 16c facing the inner surface 105, the bulges 15c, 15d preferably contact the inclinations 103, 104 in a sealing manner.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 7, the first contact surface 101 may form a first inclination 103 (or a long chamfer) or merge with the first inclination 103, and / or the second contact surface 102 may form a second inclination 104 (or a long chamfer) or merge with the second inclination 104. The inclinations 103, 104 are preferably aligned such that the annular opening 12 or the recess 11 expands towards the first and second edge portions 12a, 12b (see FIGS. 7 and 5B). By each of these inclinations 103, 104, the force for bending the clamping element 8 is significantly avoided from being transmitted to the clamping element 8 by the second sealing element 15. Rather, the spring plate 16, or the inner edge portion 16a, mainly transmits the force for clamping or braking the object 5 to the clamping element 8 and the clamping surface 7. Thereby, the second sealing element 15 is protected and the opening and closing process of the device becomes more reliable.

[0091] To ensure additional favorable sealing for use in a high humidity environment and / or a vacuum environment or a clean room, bulges 15c, 15d are provided to block the sloping space and contact the slopes 103, 104. The bulges 15c, 15d are advantageous for the sealing of the first pressure chamber 4 against the gap at the transition of the clamping element 8 of the adjacent housing members 3a, 3b. The bulges at the edges of the housing having the slopes 103, 104 are advantageous in that during the operation of the first pressure chamber 4, little or no medium flows in or out through the edges of the housing.

[0092] On the one hand, the flat surfaces 15e, 15f increase the resistance to the permeation of the pressure medium (especially gas) when the pressure medium is supplied to the second pressure chamber 2. The flat surfaces 15e, 15f reduce or prevent the overflow of the medium between the first pressure chamber 4 and the second pressure chamber 2. Further, the flat surfaces 15f and 15e assist the displacement of the bulges 15c, 15d with respect to the slopes 103, 104 of the housing, and thus the action of the above-described bulges. This assistance is particularly prominent when the flat surface 15e or 15f is adjacent to and / or merges with the bulge 15c or 15d to which it belongs, as described in connection with FIGS. 6B and 6C. Therefore, the flat surface and the respective attached bulge form a combination of features that act synergistically, but may also exist individually. When considering the vacuum operation, each seal element 17a and 17b is regarded as an additional barrier to assist the sealing of the first pressure chamber 4 against the environment.

[0093] The housing members 3a, 3b may have a groove or notch 110, preferably circular, for receiving an O-ring. The groove or notch 110 can preferably completely surround the housing members 3a, 3b along the circumference of the housing member in the region of the first annular edge portion 12a or between the outer edge portion 100b of the housing member and the first contact surface 101 or recess 11. The groove or notch 110 can alternatively or additionally preferably completely surround the housing members 3a, 3b along the circumference of the housing member in the region of the second annular edge portion 12a or between the inner edge portion 100a of the housing member and the second contact surface 102 or recess 11.

[0094] Preferably, the housing member is made of a corrosion-resistant material.

[0095] FIG. 8 shows a clamp and / or brake device 10 according to the present invention. FIG. 8 shows a device 10 having an inward clamping action as shown, for example, in FIGS. 1A, 2A, and 5.

[0096] In FIG. 8, the first protrusion 17a of the first seal element 17 of at least one of the elastic elements 1a, 1b preferably contacts and seals with a first portion (e.g., 106) of the inner surface 105 of one of the housing members 3a, 3b, thereby at least preventing fluid connection between the region of the first pressure chamber 4 and the transition portion between the housing members 3a, 3b. This contact portion may be at least partially sealed against a medium, preferably a fluid or liquid, flowing into the housing 3 from outside the device 10 through the gap at the transition portion of the housing members 3a, 3b or the clamp element 8.

[0097] In FIG. 8, the region of the first pressure chamber 4 is arranged between the first protrusion 17a of the first seal element 17 of at least one of the elastic elements 1a, 1b and the outer edge portion 16b of the spring plate 16 of at least one of the elastic elements 1a, 1b, or between the second protrusion 17b of the first seal element 17 of at least one of the elastic elements.

[0098] Any second protrusion 17b of the first sealing element 17 of at least one of the elastic elements 1a, 1b establishes contact with a second portion (e.g., 107) of the inner surface 105 of the housing members 3a, 3b, and the second portion of the inner surface 105 is preferably located between the first contact surface 101 and the second contact surface 102 of the housing members 3a, 3b. This protrusion can also reduce the fluid connection between the first pressure chamber 4 and the region outside the clamping element 8. The inner surface 105 can have one or more depressions or recesses 106, 107, and the shape of the depressions or recesses 106, 107 is preferably complementary to the surface of the contacting protrusions 17a, 17b.

[0099] Combining FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, it is clear that the first contact surface 101 of each housing member 3a, 3b forms a first inclination 103, and the second contact surface 102 of each housing member 3a, 3b forms a second inclination 104. The bulge 15c of the inner protrusion 15a of the second sealing element 15 of the first elastic element contacts the second inclination 104 of the second contact surface 102 of the housing members 3a, 3b, and the bulge 15d of the outer protrusion 15b of the second sealing element 15 of the first elastic element contacts the first inclination 103 of the first contact surface 101 of the housing members 3a, 3b.

[0100] In FIG. 8, the first elastic element 1a and the second elastic element 1b are clamped in the internal space 13 such that the flat surfaces 15e of the inner protrusions 15a of the second sealing elements 15 of the elastic elements 1a, 1b contact each other and / or the flat surfaces 15f of the outer protrusions 15b of the second sealing elements of the elastic elements 1a, 1b contact each other, thereby partitioning the second pressure chamber 2 and, in particular, sealing the second pressure chamber 2 while supplying a pressure medium.

[0101] FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the elastic elements 1a, 1b according to the present invention having a first connection seal 30 and / or a second connection seal 20.

[0102] The annular spring plate 16 may be disposed between a portion of the second connection seal 20 and a portion of the first connection seal 30. The first connection seal 30 and the second connection seal 20 may be disposed at opposing portions of the inner edge 16a or the outer edge 16b of the annular spring plate 16.

[0103] The first connection seal 30 and / or the second connection seal 20 may each be made of an elastic material, preferably rubber.

[0104] The first connection seal 30 may be disposed at least partially radially inwardly or outwardly offset from the inner edge 16a and / or the outer edge 16b (see FIG. 9) of the spring plate 16 of the elastic elements 1a, 1b. The first connection seal 30 may be a portion of the first seal element 17 and / or the second seal element 15. The first connection seal 30 may be capable of protruding radially beyond the inner edge 16a or the outer edge 16b (see FIG. 9).

[0105] The second connection seal 20 may be disposed at least partially radially inwardly or outwardly offset from the inner edge 16a and / or the outer edge 16b (see FIG. 9) of the spring plate 16 of the elastic elements 1a, 1b. The second connection seal 20 may be a portion of the first seal element 17 and / or the second seal element 15. The second connection seal 20 may be capable of protruding radially beyond the inner edge 16a or the outer edge 16b (see FIG. 9).

[0106] Figures 11 and 12 each show a cross-sectional part of the device 10 according to the present invention. The left and right halves of Figures 11 and 12 each show a cross-section of the elastic elements 1a, 1b according to the present invention shown in Figure 9, in a state where they are attached to the housing members 3a, 3b according to Figure 10. At this time, the elastic elements 1a, 1b are clamped between the inner edge 100a (or the clamp element 8 having the clamp surface 7) and the outer edge 100b of the housing members 3a, 3b in the recess 11 such that the first connection seal 30 contacts the regions of the housing members 3a, 3b for the first connection part I and the second connection seal 20 contacts the regions of the housing members 3a, 3b for the connection part II. By performing this twice, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, two members according to the present invention are prepared and fastened to each other.

[0107] The cross-sectional part of the device 10 shown in Figure 11 corresponds, at that position, to the cross-section XI of the elastic elements 1a, 1b and the housing members 3a, 3b in the region of the second connection seal 20 shown in Figures 9 and 10. The second connection seal 20 has an edge along the second connection opening, and the edge is used to seal the second connection part II of the clamp and / or brake device 10 in order to supply a pressure medium to the second pressure chamber 2 of the clamp and / or brake device 10. The second connection seal 20 forms a connection protrusion 21 along the edge of the second connection opening, and the connection protrusion 21 at least partially, preferably completely, surrounds the second connection opening.

[0108] The connection protrusion 21 of the second connection seal 20 forms an undercut 22 at least partially on the edge of the second connection opening, particularly to reinforce the seal against the outflow of the pressure medium into the environment. The undercut 22 of the second connection seal 20 reduces the risk that the second connection seal 20 will lift off from the flat surface of the housing, particularly when the first pressure chamber 4 is being supplied. Furthermore, the use of a sealant (adhesive) at this location can be avoided by the undercut 22. Such a sealant may have an adverse effect on a vacuum or a clean room.

[0109] The second connection seal 20 can form the inner or outer protrusions 15a, 15b of the second seal element 15. The protruding portion of the second seal element 15 formed by the second connection seal 20 may be disposed on the side of the second connection opening 20 that faces away from and / or is opposite to the side of the second connection opening 20 where the connection protrusion 21 is formed by the second connection seal 20.

[0110] The cross-sectional portion of the device 10 shown in FIG. 12 corresponds, at that position, to the cross-section XII of the elastic elements 1a, 1b and the housing members 3a, 3b in the region of the first connection seal 30 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The first connection seal 30 has an edge of the first connection opening, and the edge is used to seal the first connection portion I of the clamp and / or brake device 10 in order to supply pressure medium to the first pressure chamber 4 of the clamp and / or brake device 10. The edge of the first connection seal 30 at least partially, preferably completely, surrounds the first connection opening.

[0111] The first connection seal 30 may include an O-ring surrounding the first connection opening. The bulge 15d of the protrusion 15b having the inclination 103, together with the first connection seal 30 at the connection portion I, ensures that fluid does not flow in or out through the edge of the housing when the first pressure chamber 4 is supplied. In addition, this can eliminate the need for an undesirable sealant (adhesive) between the housing halves. Such a sealant may have an adverse effect on a vacuum or a clean room.

[0112] By using the means described herein individually and in combination, it is possible to provide a clamp that can operate reliably in a high-humidity environment, and further optionally in a vacuum and / or a clean room, without adversely affecting the dynamics of the opening and closing of the clamp.

[0113] The specification and drawings describe the preferred embodiments of the subject matter claimed by the appended claims. Any features disclosed in the above specification, claims and drawings may be used, individually and in any combination, in various embodiments for the implementation of the subject matter claimed by the appended claims.

[0114] 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. Generally, 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 the full scope of equivalents and all possible embodiments together with the full scope of equivalents to which these claims are entitled.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0115] 1 Spring 1a, 1b Elastic element 2, 4 Pressure chamber 3 Housing 3a, 3b Housing member 5 Object 6 Compressed air pump 7 Clamping surface 8 Clamping element 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 15 Second sealing element 15a Inner protrusion 15b Outer protrusion 15c, 15d Bulge 15e, 15f Flat surface 16 Spring plate 16a Inner edge 16b Outer edge 16c First side 16d Second side 17 First sealing element 17a First protrusion 17b Second protrusion 20 Second connection seal 21 Connection protrusion 22 Undercut 30 First connection seal 100a Inner edge 100b Outer edge 101 First contact surface 102 Second contact surface 103 First inclination 104 Second inclination 105 Inner surface 106, 107 Depression or recess 110 Groove or notch 112, 122 Stopper I First connection part II Second connection part R Radial direction XI, XII Cross-section

Claims

1. An annular elastic element (1a, 1b) for a clamp and / or brake device (10), the element (1a, 1b) comprising: An annular spring plate (16) having a first annular side surface (16c) and a second annular side surface (16d); A first sealing element (17) disposed on the first side surface (16c) of the spring plate (16); A second sealing element (15) disposed on the second side surface (16d) of the spring plate (16), the second sealing element (15) forming an inner protrusion (15a) in the region of the inner edge (16a) of the annular spring plate (16) and an outer protrusion (15b) in the region of the outer edge (16b) of the annular spring plate (16); In an elastic element comprising: The elastic element (1a, 1b), characterized in that the first sealing element (17) forms a first protrusion (17a).

2. The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first protrusion (17a) is formed between the inner edge and the outer edge of the annular spring plate (16), preferably the first protrusion (17a) is formed in the region of the inner edge (16a) or the outer edge (16b) of the annular spring plate (16).

3. The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the inner and / or outer protrusions of the second sealing element (15) protrude from the second side surface (16d), preferably are formed on the second side surface (16d), and / or the first protrusion (17a) of the first sealing element (17) protrudes from the first side surface (16c), preferably is formed on the first side surface (16c).

4. The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first sealing element (17) further forms a second protrusion (17b) on the first side surface (16c), preferably in the region of the outer edge (16b) of the annular spring plate (16), and the second protrusion preferably protrudes from the first side surface (16c).

5. The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the protrusions of the first and / or second sealing elements (15)(15, 17) are at least partially annular.

6. The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first projection (17a) and / or the second projection (17b) of the first sealing element (17) has a surface that is at least partially rounded.

7. The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each projection of the first and / or second sealing element (15) is fixed to the spring plate (16), preferably vulcanized, or is removably arranged from the spring plate (16), preferably as an O-ring.

8. The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that each projection of the first and / or second sealing element (15, 17) extends along a plane that intersects the plane in which the spring plate (16) extends annularly.

9. The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first projection (17a) of the first sealing element (17) has a surface that is at least partially rounded.

10. The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the longitudinal axis of the first projection (17a) of the first sealing element (17) preferably extends substantially perpendicular to the first side surface (16c) of the spring plate (16).

11. The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the inner and / or outer projections (15a, 15b) of the second sealing element (15) each have a surface that is at least partially flat.

12. The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the inner and / or outer projections (15a, 15b) of the second sealing element (15) each form at least partially a bulge (15c, 15d).

13. The bulge (15c) of the inner projection (15a) of the second sealing element (15) extends radially inward, preferably beyond the inner edge (16a) of the spring plate (16) in the radially inward direction, and / or the bulge (15d) of the outer projection (15b) of the second sealing element (15) extends radially outward, preferably beyond the outer edge (16b) of the spring plate (16) in the radially outward direction. The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to claim 12 is characterized by this.

14. The bulge (15c) of the inner projection (15a) is close to or adjacent to the flat surface (15e) of the inner projection (15a), and / or the bulge (15d) of the outer projection (15b) is close to or adjacent to the flat surface (15f) of the outer projection (15b). The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to claim 12 or 13 is characterized by this.

15. The outer projection of the second sealing element (15) is at least partially formed on the second side surface (16d) of the spring plate (16), and / or the outer projection of the second sealing element (15) is at least partially arranged radially outside the outer edge of the annular spring plate (16), preferably outside the second side surface (16d) of the spring plate (16). The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 is characterized by this.

16. The elastic element (1a, 1b) further includes a first connection seal (30). The first connection seal defines the edge of the first connection opening of the first connection seal (30). The edge is suitable for sealing the first connection part (I) of the clamp and / or brake device (10) in order to supply pressure medium to the first pressure chamber (4) of the clamp and / or brake device (10). The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 15 is characterized by this.

17. The edge of the first connection seal (30) at least partially, preferably completely surrounds the first connection opening. The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to claim 16 is characterized by this.

18. The elastic elements (1a, 1b) further include a second connection seal (20), and the second connection seal defines an edge of a second connection opening of the second connection seal (20), and the edge is suitable for sealing a second connection part (II) of the clamping and / or braking device (10) for supplying a pressure medium to a second pressure chamber (2) of the clamping and / or braking device (10). The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. The second connection seal (20) forms a connection protrusion (21) along an edge of the second connection opening, and the connection protrusion at least partially, preferably completely surrounds the second connection opening. The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to claim 18.

20. The connection protrusion (21) of the second connection seal (20) at least partially forms an undercut (22) on an edge of the second connection opening. The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to claim 19.

21. The first connection seal (30) and / or the second connection seal (20) are each part of the first seal element (17) and / or the second seal element (15). The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 16 to 20.

22. The flat surface (15e) of the inner protrusion (15a) merges with the bulge (15c) of the inner protrusion (15a), and / or the flat surface (15f) of the outer protrusion (15b) merges with the bulge (15d) of the outer protrusion (15b). The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 12 to 21.

23. The first connection seal (30) is arranged at least partially offset radially with respect to the first side surface (16c) and / or the second side surface (16d) of the spring plate (16). The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 16 to 22.

24. The second connection seal (20) is arranged at least partially offset radially with respect to the first side surface (16c) and / or the second side surface (16d) of the spring plate (16). The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 18 to 23.

25. An annular spring plate (16) is disposed between the portion of the second connection seal (20) and the portion of the first connection seal (30), and / or the first connection seal (30) and the second connection seal (20) are disposed at opposing portions of the inner edge or outer edge (16b) of the annular spring plate (16). The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 18 to 24, characterized in that.

26. The second connection seal (20) forms a portion of the inner or outer projection (15b) of the second seal element (15), and preferably, the portion of the projection of the second seal element (15) is at least partially radially offset with respect to the second side surface (16d) of the spring plate (16). The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 18 to 25, characterized in that.

27. The portion of the projection of the second seal element (15) formed by the second connection seal (20) is disposed on the side surface of the second connection opening (20) that faces away from and / or is opposite to the side surface of the second connection opening (20) where the connection projection (21) is formed by the second connection seal (20). The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to claim 26, characterized in that.

28. The flat surfaces (15e, 15f) are support surfaces for sealing the pressure chamber (2). The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 27, characterized in that.

29. The first projection protrudes or projects from the surface of the first seal element, and / or the inner and outer projections protrude or project from one or more surfaces of the second seal element. The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 28, characterized in that.

30. The first seal element is integrally formed with or as one with the first projection, and / or the second seal element is integrally formed with or as one with the inner and / or outer projections. The elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 29, characterized in that.

31. A member for a clamp and / or brake device (10), The member includes the annular elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 30, A housing member (3a, 3b) having an annular recess (11) for clamping the annular elastic elements (1a, 1b) and having an inner surface (105) defined by the recess (11). When the elastic elements (1a, 1b) are clamped in the recess (11) with the first side surface (16c) facing the inner surface (105), the first protrusion (17a) of the first seal element (17) is configured to establish contact with the first portion of the inner surface (105) of the housing member (3a, 3b).

32. The elastic elements (1a, 1b) can be clamped between a first contact surface (101) and a second contact surface (102) of the housing member, and the first portion of the inner surface (105) is located between the first contact surface (101) and the second contact surface (102). The member according to claim 31.

33. The annular recess (11) defines an annular opening of the housing member, and the annular opening is formed between a first annular edge portion (12a) and a second annular edge portion (12b) of the housing member. The member according to claim 31 or 32, characterized in that.

34. The elastic elements (1a, 1b) can be clamped between a first annular edge portion (12a) and a second annular edge portion (12b). The member according to claim 33, characterized in that.

35. The contact portion is sealed against a medium, preferably a fluid or a liquid, flowing into the recess (11) from the outside of the housing member (3a, 3b), preferably in the region of one of the contact surfaces (101, 102) or the annular edge portions (12a, 12b). The member according to any one of claims 31 to 34, characterized in that.

36. The first contact surface (101) forms a first inclination (103), the second contact surface (102) forms a second inclination (104), and the inclinations (103, 104) are aligned such that the annular opening expands towards the first and second edge portions (12a, 12b). The member according to any one of claims 33 to 35, characterized in that.

37. The housing member (3a, 3b) has a groove or notch (110), preferably circular, for receiving an O-ring. The member according to any one of claims 31 to 36, characterized in that.

38. A groove or notch (110) preferably completely surrounds the housing member along the circumference of the housing member between the outer edge (100b) of the housing member and the first contact surface (101), or in the region of the first annular edge (12a), and / or between the inner edge (100a) of the housing member and the second contact surface (102), or in the region of the second annular edge (12b), preferably completely surrounding. The member according to claim 37.

39. The member according to any one of claims 31 to 38, characterized in that the housing member is made of a corrosion-resistant material.

40. When the elastic elements (1a, 1b) are clamped in the recess (11) with the first side surface (16c) facing the inner surface (105), the second protrusion (17b) of the first sealing element (17) is configured to establish contact with a second portion of the inner surface (105) of the housing member, and the second portion of the inner surface (105) is located between the first contact surface (101) and the second contact surface (102). The member according to any one of claims 32 to 39.

41. The first and / or second portions are respectively depressions or recesses (106, 107) on the inner surface (105), and preferably, the depressions or recesses (106, 107) are complementary in shape to the surface of the protrusion in contact with the depressions or recesses. The member according to any one of claims 31 to 40.

42. A clamping and / or braking device (10) for clamping and / or braking an object to be clamped and / or braked, The first elastic element (1a) according to any one of claims 1 to 30 and the second elastic element (1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 30, A housing (3) including a first housing member (3a) having an inner surface (105) and a second housing member (3b) having an inner surface (105), wherein the housing members are arranged relative to each other such that the inner surfaces (105) of the housing members (3a, 3b) together define an internal space inside the housing (3), and are fastened to each other. The housing (3), One or more clamping elements (8), each clamping element having a clamping surface (7). The clamping element (8), A spring (1) arranged in the internal space, comprising a first elastic element (1a, 1b) and a second elastic element (1a, 1b), wherein the elastic elements are arranged in the internal space such that a first pressure chamber (4) is formed between the elastic elements (1a, 1b) and the inner surface (105) of the housing member in the internal space. The first pressure chamber (4) can be ventilated and a positive pressure of a pressure medium that can be supplied to the housing can be applied. The first elastic element (1a, 1b) is clamped in the internal space with the first side surface (16c) of the first elastic element facing the inner surface (105) of the first housing member (3a). The second elastic element (1a, 1b) is clamped in the internal space with the first side surface (16c) of the second elastic element facing the inner surface (105) of the second housing member (3b). The spring (1) is configured such that when the first pressure chamber (4) is ventilated or aired, or when a positive pressure is applied to the first pressure chamber (4), the bending of at least one spring plate (16) of the elastic element (1a, 1b) becomes variable. Thereby, the device (10) is a spring (1) that switches between an open state in which an object (5) to be clamped is separated from one or more clamping surfaces (7) and a closed state in which at least one of the clamping surfaces (7) transmits a clamping force and / or a braking force to the object (5). Including, the first protrusion (17a) of the first seal element (17) of at least one elastic element (1a, 1b) is configured to establish preferably a sealing contact with a first portion of the inner surface (105) of one of the housing members within the housing members (3a, 3b). Thereby, a clamping and / or braking device (10) that at least prevents a fluid connection between the region of the first pressure chamber (4) and the transition portion between the housing members (3a, 3b).

43. The device (10) according to claim 42, characterized in that the contact portion is at least partially sealed against a medium, preferably a fluid or a liquid, flowing from the periphery of the device into the housing or the first pressure chamber (4) through a transition portion of the housing member, preferably in the region of at least one clamping surface (7).

44. The device (10) according to claim 42 or 43, characterized in that the region of the first pressure chamber (4) is arranged between the first projection (17a) of the first sealing element (17) of at least one elastic element and the inner or outer edge of the spring plate (16) of at least one elastic element, or the second projection (17b) of the first sealing element (17) of at least one elastic element.

45. The device (10) according to any one of claims 42 to 44, characterized in that the first housing member is gripped rearwardly by the undercut (22) of the connecting projection (21) of the first elastic element and / or the second housing member is gripped rearwardly by the undercut (22) of the connecting projection (21) of the second elastic element.

46. The device (10) according to any one of claims 42 to 45, characterized in that the clamping force and / or the braking force is provided by the inner or outer edge of at least one spring plate (16) of the elastic element (1a, 1b) being supported on one of the inner surfaces (105) within the inner surface (105) and the inner or outer edge (16a, 16b) of at least one said spring plate (16) pressing the clamping element.

47. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 42 to 46, characterized in that the first pressure chamber (4) is arranged outside the spring (1).

48. The first spring plate (16) of the first elastic element is configured to reduce the bending of the first spring plate by applying a positive pressure to the first pressure chamber, and when the inner or outer edge of the first spring plate (16) is supported on the inner surface (105) of the first housing member, it is configured to press one of the clamping elements at the outer or inner edge of the first spring plate (16), whereby the clamping and / or braking force is transmitted from the clamping surface of the clamping element to the object (5) to be clamped and / or braked, and the device (10) switches from the open state to the closed state. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 42 to 47.

49. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 42 to 48, wherein the device (10) is configured such that, by ventilation of the first pressure chamber or by applying a positive pressure to the first pressure chamber (4), one of the clamping elements within the clamping elements moves away from a portion of one of the inner surfaces (105) within the inner surface (105), and / or the bending of at least one spring plate (16) of the elastic element is reduced, whereby the device (10) switches from an open state to a closed state.

50. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 42 to 49, wherein the internal space includes a second pressure chamber (2), the second pressure chamber (2) being arranged between the elastic elements inside the spring (1), and preferably the device (10) is configured such that, by ventilation of the second pressure chamber (2) or by applying a positive pressure to the second pressure chamber (2), one of the clamping elements within the clamping elements (8) moves towards a portion of one of the inner surfaces (105) within the inner surface (105), and / or the bending of at least one spring plate (16) of the elastic element is increased, whereby the device (10) switches from a closed state to an open state.

51. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 42 to 50, wherein the first elastic elements (1a, 1b) are clamped between a first contact surface (101) of the first housing member and a second contact surface (102) of the first housing member, and a first portion of the inner surface (105) is located between the first contact surface (101) of the first housing member and the second contact surface (102) of the first housing member.

52. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 51, wherein the first contact surface (101) of the first housing member forms a first inclination (103), the second contact surface (102) of the first housing member forms a second inclination (104), the bulges (15c, 15d) of the inner protrusions (15a) of the second seal element (15) of the first elastic element contact the second inclination of the second contact surface (102) of the first housing member, and the bulges (15c, 15d) of the outer protrusions (15b) of the second seal element (15) of the first elastic element contact the first inclination of the first contact surface (101) of the first housing member.

53. The second elastic element (1a, 1b) is clamped between a first contact surface (101) of the second housing member and a second contact surface (102) of the second housing member, and a first portion of the inner surface (105) is located between the first contact surface (101) of the second housing member and the second contact surface (102) of the second housing member. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 42 to 52.

54. The first contact surface (101) of the second housing member forms a first inclination (103), the second contact surface (102) of the second housing member forms a second inclination (104), and the bulges (15c, 15d) of the inner protrusion (15a) of the second sealing element (15) of the second elastic element contact the second inclination of the second contact surface (102) of the second housing member, and the bulges (15c, 15d) of the outer protrusion (15b) of the second sealing element (15) of the second elastic element contact the first inclination of the first contact surface (101) of the second housing member. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 53.

55. The first elastic element (1a, 1b) and the second elastic element (1a, 1b) are clamped in the internal space such that the flat surfaces (15e, 15f) of the inner protrusion (15a) of the second sealing element (15) of the elastic element contact each other, and / or the flat surfaces (15e, 15f) of the outer protrusion (15b) of the second sealing element of the elastic element contact each other, and preferably thereby the second pressure chamber (2) is delimited. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 42 to 54.

56. The second protrusion (17b) of the first sealing element (17) of at least one elastic element is configured to establish contact with a second portion of the inner surface (105) of the housing member, and preferably, the second portion of the inner surface (105) is located between the first contact surface (101) and the second contact surface (102). The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 42 to 55.

57. The first and / or second part is respectively a depression or recess (106, 107) on the inner surface (105), and preferably, the depression or recess (106, 107) is complementary in shape to the surface of the protrusion in contact with the depression or recess, and the clamp and / or brake device (10) according to any one of claims 42 to 56 is characterized in that.

58. The first connection seal (30) of at least one elastic element seals the first connection part (I) of the clamp and / or brake device (10) for supplying a pressure medium to the first pressure chamber (4), and the clamp and / or brake device (10) according to any one of claims 42 to 57 is characterized in that.

59. The second connection seal (20) of at least one elastic element seals the second connection part (II) of the clamp and / or brake device (10) for supplying a pressure medium to the second pressure chamber (2) of the clamp and / or brake device (10), and the clamp and / or brake device (10) according to any one of claims 42 to 58 is characterized in that.

60. Each housing member has a groove or notch (110), preferably a circular groove or notch (110), and the two contacting O-rings are received in the groove or notch (110) between the housing members, and the clamp and / or brake device (10) according to any one of claims 42 to 59 is characterized in that.

61. The groove or notch (110) of each housing member preferably extends in a circle along the circumference of the housing member between the outer edge (100b) of the housing member and the recess (11) or the first contact surface (101), and the clamp and / or brake device (10) according to claim 60 is characterized in that.

62. Each housing member is made of a corrosion-resistant material, and the clamp and / or brake device (10) according to any one of claims 42 to 61 is characterized in that.

63. A housing member (3a, 3b) for a clamp and / or brake device (10), wherein the housing member (3a, 3b) includes an annular recess (11) for clamping the annular elastic element (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 30. The concave portion (11) forms a first annular edge portion (12a) and a second annular edge portion (12b) of the annular opening (12) of the housing member (3a, 3b). The annular concave portion (11) defines an inner surface (105) of the housing member (3a, 3b) between the first annular edge portion (12a) and the second annular edge portion (12b). The inner surface (105) forms a first inclination (103) in the region of the first annular edge portion (12a), and the inner surface (105) forms a second inclination (104) in the region of the second annular edge portion (12b). The inclinations (103, 104) are aligned such that the annular opening (12) expands towards the first and second edge portions (12a, 12b) of the housing member (3a, 3b). **Claim 64** The inner surface (105) forms a first contact surface (101) and a second contact surface (102). The first contact surface (101) and the second contact surface (102) are configured to clamp the spring plate (16) of the elastic element according to any one of claims 1 to 30 between the first contact surface (101) and the second contact surface (102). The first inclination (103) is disposed between the first contact surface (101) and the first annular edge portion (12a), and the second inclination (104) is disposed between the second contact surface (102) and the second annular edge portion (12b). The housing member according to claim 63.

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