Housing member for clamping and / or braking devices

Abstract

The present invention relates to a housing member for a clamping and / or braking device and a clamping and / or braking device including the housing member. The housing member includes a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge, an annular recess disposed between the second edge and the first edge for clamping an annular spring plate between a first contact surface defined by the recess and a second contact surface defined by the recess, a clamping element having a clamping surface that transmits a clamping force and / or a braking force to an object to be clamped and / or braked when the spring plate is clamped in the recess between the first contact surface, the first end of the spring plate bearing on the first contact surface, and the second end of the spring plate pressing against the second contact surface, and a first housing contact surface extending between the first edge and the first contact surface and having a groove disposed therein for receiving a sealant.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a housing member for a clamping and / or braking device, and a clamping and / or braking device including such a housing member. [Background technology]

[0002] In the production of tools or machine components, machining machines, in particular work spindles or other machine tools, are used, which machine material from a workpiece using a tool attached to a shaft, in particular to give it a desired shape. The shaft can be the axis of rotation or pivot of such a machine. Furthermore, a rotatable or pivotable table is used with the shaft to position the tool or workpiece in the appropriate machining position or to move the workpiece at the appropriate rotational speed. A prerequisite for precise and efficient machining is, in particular, a high rotational speed of the shaft. Therefore, emergency or safety systems have the task of stopping the shaft or holding it in a fixed position and fixing it in the event of a system fault or failure, such as a power outage or a broken cable.

[0003] In this case, typical processing machines are equipped with electromagnetic, hydraulic or pneumatic clamping and / or braking devices, which are equipped with friction linings that can be frictionally connected to the shaft by force transmission, thereby making it possible to fix the shaft at different speeds.

[0004] In hydraulic clamping devices, hydraulic fluid is supplied to a chamber to clamp a rotating shaft or disk. Passive hydraulic clamps are also known. However, such hydraulic clamps have long response times or require very high costs for short response times. Furthermore, hydraulic materials, especially hydraulic valves and hydraulic pipes, are expensive and require a relatively long time for assembly. In addition, the hydraulic fluid requires additional costs to maintain cleanliness around the hydraulic clamp.

[0005] In the case of pneumatic clamping and / or braking devices, the elastic elements, in particular the elastic plates, are generally supplied with compressed air, which makes it possible to overcome some of the drawbacks of hydraulic clamping devices mentioned above.

[0006] Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe pneumatic clamping devices with two annular spring plates, which are introduced into the housing of the clamping device and form a pressure chamber, which is supplied with compressed air or ventilated, thereby changing the bending of the spring plates and switching between a closed state of the clamping device, in which an object to be clamped, such as a rotatable shaft, is clamped, and an open state of the clamping device, in which the object is free. However, in practice it has become clear that the housing members of the clamp are not sufficiently sealed from each other and from the environment, and either fail or cannot be operated without failure. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 1585616 [Patent Document 2] European Patent No. 1651881 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Based on the prior art mentioned at the outset, the problem of the present disclosure is to provide a means by which pneumatic clamping and / or braking devices can be better sealed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] This problem is solved by a housing part having the features of claim 1 and a clamping and / or braking device having the features of claim 17 or 18. Preferred embodiments are set out in the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0010] According to the solution according to the invention, a housing member for a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device is provided, the housing member comprising: a first edge of the housing member and a second edge of the housing member facing the first edge; an annular recess arranged between the second edge and the first edge for clamping an annular spring plate between a first contact surface of the housing member defined by the recess and a second contact surface of the housing member defined by the recess; a clamping element having a clamping surface configured to transmit a clamping force and / or a braking force to an object to be clamped and / or braked when the spring plate is clamped in the recess between the first contact surface and the second contact surface, the first end of the spring plate bearing on the first contact surface and the second end of the spring plate pressing against the second contact surface; a first housing contact surface extending between the first edge and the first contact surface, the first housing contact surface having at least one groove arranged therein for receiving a sealing agent.

[0011] Preferably, the distance between the second contact surface and the second edge or clamping surface is smaller than the distance between the first contact surface and the second edge or clamping surface. The second edge may be an edge of a housing member on which the clamping surface is provided, or an edge that, when mounted on the clamping and / or braking device, is closer to the object to be clamped or braked and possibly contacts said object in the closed state.

[0012] Preferably, the distance between the first contact surface and the first edge is smaller than the distance between the second contact surface and the first edge. The first edge may be an edge of the housing that, when attached to the clamping and / or braking device, faces away from the object to be clamped or braked, or that is farther from the object than the second edge. Holes may be arranged along the first edge for fastening the housing member to another housing member to form the clamping and / or braking device.

[0013] According to the solution according to the invention, there is further provided a clamping and / or braking device for clamping and / or braking an object to be clamped and / or braked, said device comprising: a housing comprising a first housing member according to the invention and a second housing member according to the invention, wherein the two housing members are arranged relative to each other and fastened to each other such that a first housing contact surface of the first housing member faces a first housing contact surface of the second housing member and the recesses of the first and second housing members together form an internal space in the housing; a spring comprising a first annular spring plate and a second annular spring plate, wherein the spring plates are arranged in the internal space such that at least one pressure chamber is formed in the internal space, the pressure chamber being at least partially bounded by the spring plates; a first spring plate clamped between a first contact surface of the first housing member and a second contact surface of the first housing member, and a second spring plate clamped between the first contact surface of the second housing member and a second contact surface of the second housing member, the spring plates being arranged relative to the at least one pressure chamber such that venting or applying a positive pressure to the pressure chamber causes a bending of at least one of the spring plates to be variable, thereby switching the device between an open state in which an object is spaced from a clamping surface and a closed state in which one or more clamping surfaces transmit a clamping force and / or a braking force to the object. A sealant may be received in each groove of each housing member. In this case, each housing member may have its own dedicated sealant (i.e., a total of at least two sealants per clamp and / or brake device housing), or a single sealant may be received in a groove in the housing members when the housing members are fastened together.

[0014] The problem of faulty operation of clamping and / or braking devices due to leakage between housing members and into the environment may be overcome by aspects of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is based on the inventor's recognition that:

[0015] Previously, large amounts of sealing compound were applied over large areas between the housing members of a clamp to seal between them and against the environment. However, large areas of sealing compound are prone to error, for example, because they are not applied everywhere needed or evenly. The inventors have discovered that inserting a groove into a first housing contact surface extending between a first edge of a housing member and the first contact surface, used to contact one housing member with another, for effective introduction of a sealant, such as a sealing compound (e.g., adhesives and sealing materials) or an elastomeric material (e.g., an O-ring), results in a clamping and / or braking device that is less prone to error, determines the location of the sealant that can be received by the groove, more reliably applies the sealant, and provides a more reliable seal between the housing members and against the environment. In particular, the groove provides improved sealing of pressure chambers that exist between each spring plate and the associated housing member, which are susceptible to leakage. Overall, the groove in the first housing contact surface reduces susceptibility to failure and extends the useful life of the clamp. It also reduces the amount of sealant (sealing compound such as adhesive and sealing material) previously required for a reliable seal, which reduces costs and is environmentally friendly. The provision of grooves in the first housing contact surface does not adversely affect the opening and closing dynamics of the clamping and / or braking device.

[0016] According to preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, the groove has a width of 1 mm to 2 mm, 1.4 mm to 1.6 mm, or about 1.5 mm. Alternatively or additionally, the groove has a depth of 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm, 0.65 mm to 0.75 mm, or about 0.7 mm. This determines the preferred spread or volume of sealant to be received in a given portion of the groove, reducing the likelihood of applying too little or too much sealant.

[0017] According to preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, the cross section of the groove may be V-shaped, rectangular with an open side, U-shaped, or semicircular. These shapes are particularly preferred for receiving and securely storing the sealant. Other groove shapes are also possible.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one groove at least partially surrounds the center point of the annular recess or extends at least partially along a circular arc, preferably spanning a central angle of at least 45°, 90°, 120°, 135°, 160°, 180°, 225°, 270°, 315°, 350°, or 360°. The groove may be substantially circular or annular. The groove at least partially surrounds the first edge. This allows the groove to promote a seal that is as uniform or even symmetrical as possible at least along a portion of the first edge, which contributes to a longer operating time of the clamp.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the first housing contact surface further includes one or more holes for fastening the housing member to another housing member using fastening means, the at least one groove extends on the first housing contact surface between the holes and the first contact surface, and the holes are disposed on the first housing contact surface between the first edge and the at least one groove. In other words, the holes are located outside the grooves as viewed from the object to be clamped or braked, so that the holes and the fastening means to be attached to the holes cannot adversely affect the sealing between the housing members and against the environment. This further improves sealing and reduces susceptibility to failure.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing member has one, two, or more connections for supplying a pressure medium (e.g., compressed air) to the housing member (e.g., one or more pressure chambers). Preferably, at least one groove is interrupted by one or more connections, such that a portion of the groove is followed by a gap for the connection and another portion of the groove continues after the interruption by the connection. Alternatively or additionally, at least one groove in the first housing contact surface extends between the first edge of the housing member and one or more (other) connections, preferably at least partially around the connections. This further improves sealing, since the groove continues to the connections and may even partially surround the connections, sealing the connections to the first edge of the housing member and, therefore, the environment. This reduces leakage in the area of ​​the connections and reduces susceptibility to failure.

[0021] The measures described herein can be used individually and in combination to provide a clamp that provides a reliable seal between the housing members and against the environment without adversely affecting the mechanics of opening and closing the clamp.

[0022] Insofar as this brief description describes features that are not recited in the claims, these features are not essential features and do not necessarily have to be included in the claims, but these features are particularly important preferred realizations of the claimed subject matter and can be combined with any of the claims and optionally with each other. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1A] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an inward passive pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the invention in a closed state; [Figure 1B] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an outward passive pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the invention in a closed state; [Figure 2A]1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an inward passive pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the invention in an open state; [Figure 2B] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an outward passive pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the present invention in an open state; [Figure 3A] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an inward active pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the invention in an open state; [Figure 3B] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an outwardly active pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the invention in an open state; [Figure 4A] 1 shows a schematic cross-section of an inward active pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the invention in a closed state; [Figure 4B] 1 shows a schematic cross-section of an outward active pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the invention in a closed state; [Figure 5A] 1 shows a three-dimensional representation of a cross section of a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device according to the present invention; [Figure 5B] 5B is a view showing a modified example of the housing member extracted from FIG. 5A. FIG. [Figure 5C] 5B is a view showing a modified example of the housing member extracted from FIG. 5A. FIG. [Figure 5D] 5B is a view showing a modified example of the housing member extracted from FIG. 5A. FIG. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views of modified examples of the housing member according to the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a top view of the annular spring plate. [Figure 8] 8 is a top view of a modified housing member according to the present invention for use with the annular spring plate according to FIG. 7; FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Elements shown in more than one drawing are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0025] The present disclosure relates to a housing member for a clamping and / or braking device, and to a clamping and / or braking device comprising one or more such housing members.

[0026] In this specification, when a "clamping" device or a "clamping device," a "clamping force," or a "clamping" process is mentioned, a "brake" device or a "brake device," a "braking force," or a "braking" process is also included.

[0027] 1A to 5A show a schematic cross section of a clamping device 10 according to the invention, which has a housing 3 including two housing parts 3a, 3b according to the invention and a spring 1 arranged in the housing 3 including at least two elastic elements 1a, 1b in the form of annular spring plates 1a, 1b, respectively.

[0028] In this case, the clamping device 10 according to the invention comprises a housing 3 with a first housing part 3a according to the invention and a second housing part 3b according to the invention, wherein the housing parts 3a, 3b according to the invention are provided with the means mentioned at the outset, i.e. a second edge 100a of the housing part 3a, 3b and a first edge 100b of the housing part 3a, 3b facing each other; an annular recess 11 arranged between the second edge 100a and the first edge 100b for clamping the annular spring plates 1a, 1b between a first contact surface 101 of the housing part 3a, 3b defined by the recess 11 and a second contact surface 102 of the housing part 3a, 3b defined by the recess 11; a clamping element 8 having a clamping surface 7 configured to be clamped in a recess 11 between the first edge 100b and the contact surface 102 of the spring plates 1a, 1b and to transmit a clamping and / or braking force to the object 5 to be clamped and / or braked when first ends of the spring plates 1a, 1b rest on the first contact surface 101 and second ends of the spring plates 1a, 1b press against the second contact surface 102; a first housing contact surface 12a extending between the first edge 100b and the first contact surface 101, in which at least one groove 110 for receiving a sealing agent is arranged or inserted. These means will be explained in more detail in connection with Figures 5, 6 and 8.

[0029] The two housing members 3a, 3b of the clamping device 10 of the present invention shown in Figures 1A to 5A are arranged relative to each other and fastened to each other so that the first housing contact surface 12a of the first housing member 3a faces the first housing contact surface 12a of the second housing member 3b, and the recesses 11 of the first and second housing members 3a, 3b together form an internal space 13 within the housing 3. The clamping device 10 further includes a spring 1 arranged in the internal space 13, the spring 1 having a first annular spring plate 1a and a second annular spring plate 1b, the spring plates 1a, 1b being arranged in the internal space 13 such that at least one pressure chamber 2, 4 is formed in the internal space 13, the pressure chamber 2, 4 being at least partially defined by the spring plates 1a, 1b, the pressure chamber 2, 4 being ventilated or ventilable and capable of applying a positive pressure of a pressure medium that can be supplied to the housing 3 to the pressure chamber 2, 4, the first spring plate 1a being in contact with a first contact surface 101 of the first housing member 3a and a second contact surface 102 of the first housing member 3a. 102 of the second housing member 3 b, and the second spring plate 1 a, 1 b is clamped between the first contact surface 101 of the second housing member 3 b and the second contact surface 102 of the second housing member 3 b, and the spring plates 1 a, 1 b are arranged relative to the at least one pressure chamber 2, 4 such that the bending of at least one of the spring plates 1 a, 1 b can be changed by ventilating or aerating the pressure chambers 2, 4 or by applying a positive pressure to the pressure chambers 2, 4, whereby the device 10 can be switched between an open state in which the object 5 is spaced away from the clamping surfaces 7, and a closed state in which the one or more clamping surfaces 7 transmit a clamping and / or braking force to the object 5.

[0030] 1A, 1B, 4A, and 4B each show the clamping device 10 in a closed state, with the clamping surface 7 of the clamping element 8 in contact with the periphery of the object 5. The clamping element 8 is also referred to as a clamping lip. The clamping element 8 may be integrally formed with the other parts of the housing members 3a, 3b, or may be a structurally separate part from the other parts of the housing members 3a, 3b.

[0031] 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 define the radii of the annular elastic elements 1a, 1b or the annular recess 11 (see FIG. 5A). Axis 9 extends through the center point of the ring of the member, described herein as annular, and may therefore 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" housing contact surfaces, contact surfaces, edges, or ends herein, the inner housing contact surface, contact surface, edge, or end may be closer to axis 9 than the corresponding outer housing contact surface, contact surface, edge, or end. The same applies to other members. Other meanings of the concepts "inner" and "outer" are also possible.

[0032] The clamping device 10 may be formed to be rotationally symmetric about a main axis 9. The main axis 9 may extend through an opening (opening 14 in FIG. 5B ) in the clamping device 10 approximately or exactly in the center. In FIGS. 1A and 4A , the object 5 to be clamped, e.g., a rotatable shaft of a machine or table, is disposed within the opening 14, and therefore the clamping force of the clamping device is directed radially inward toward (perpendicular to) the main axis 9 in the clamping plane. In FIGS. 1B , 2B , 3B , and 4B , the object 5 to be clamped is disposed outside the clamping device 10, and therefore the clamping force of the clamping device is directed radially outward away from (perpendicular to) the main axis 9 in the clamping plane.

[0033] 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A, the clamping element 8 is located between the spring 1 and the opening 14 or main shaft 9. In contrast to this, in FIGS. 1B, 2B, 3B and 4B, the object 5 to be clamped at least partially surrounds the clamping device 10, so that the clamping element 8 is located between the object 5 and the opening 14 or main shaft 9. In FIGS. 1B, 2B, 3B and 4B, instead of the object 5 to be clamped, an element can be introduced into the opening 14, which at least partially fills the opening 14, and through which the main shaft 9 extends.

[0034] 1A-5A, spring 1 is clamped between and extends between two contact surfaces (first contact surface 101 and second contact surface 102 in FIGS. 5C and 5D) within housing 3 of clamping device 10. In the initial, unpressurized state of device 10 in FIGS. 1A-2B, spring 1 may be slightly bent so that it is secured within housing 3 in that state; the same can be applied to other states of device 10, with the degree of bending of spring 1 depending on which state device 10 is in. When the device 10 is in a state in which the spring 1 is bent (e.g., more bent than its initial, unpressurized state, such as the open state), the venting of the second (e.g., inner) pressure chamber 2 and the first (e.g., outer) pressure chamber 4 of the spring 1 causes the spring 1 to at least partially relax while pressing against the radial contact surfaces, slightly expanding the gap between them, thereby elastically deforming the housing 3 in the region of the clamping elements 8 or clamping surfaces 7, which thereby contact the object 5 and press against it with a (predetermined) clamping force in order 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 a 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 secured in the housing 3 in this state.

[0035] In this case, the clamping element 8 may be an elastic element, such as a spring fork, which in the initial, unstressed state of the device 10 is brought into a tensioned position by the elastic force of a (slightly) bent spring 1, from a starting position in which the elastic element is relaxed, for example by bending the spring fork 8 until an equilibrium is reached between the restoring force of the elastic element 8 in the initial, unstressed state and the elastic force of the spring 1. In this equilibrium state, the clamping surface 7 can press against the object 5.

[0036] There is an optional possibility to increase the clamping force by a predetermined value by additionally supplying compressed air (for example at 4 or 6 bar) to the first pressure chamber 4 in the closed state. This is suggested in Figures 1A and 1B by the optional additional compressed air pump (booster) 6 and the diagonal lines (compressed air) in the first pressure chamber 4. The pressure chamber 4 ("outer pressure chamber 4") located on the outer surface (upper or lower surface) of the spring plate may be connected by an opening in the housing 3 to an air connection I (also called "close"), to which the compressed air pump 6 may be connected.

[0037] This makes it possible to operate the device 10, for example, to switch between a braked movement of the supplied object 5 (in an unpressurized state) and a complete clamping of the object (in a fully pressurized state).

[0038] Although two pressure chambers 2, 4 are shown and described here as examples, the clamping device 10 can also operate with only one pressure chamber, which can be, for example, pressure chamber 2 (the "inner pressure chamber") located between the spring plates (on the inner surface of the spring plate) or outer pressure chamber 4.

[0039] 2A and 2B show the clamping device 10 of Figures 1A and 1B, respectively, in an open state, in which the clamping surface 7 is not in contact with or is spaced apart from the periphery of the object 5. The inner pressure chamber 2 may be connected by an opening in the housing 3 to an air connection II (also called "open"), to which a compressed air pump 6 may be connected.

[0040] By supplying compressed air (e.g., at 4 or 6 bar) to the second (e.g., inner) pressure chamber 2 by means of a compressed air pump 6 and venting the first (e.g., outer) pressure chamber 4, the spring 1 is bent or stretched more (convexly) than in the closed state of Figures 1A and 1B, and the distance between the spring 1 or the two contact surfaces is shortened in the radial direction. To release the clamp, the clamping surface 7 is lifted off the object 5. The object 5 is now freely movable (e.g., rotatable about axis 9 or movable linearly along axis 9) and the clamping device 10 is open.

[0041] The device 10 can be switched between the closed and open states in both directions.

[0042] Such a pneumatic clamp 10 has many advantages over hydraulic clamps.

[0043] The use of a combination of an elastic member, in this case a spring 1 including elastic elements 1a and 1b, and compressed air results in very short reaction times, for example when switching between an open and closed state, and also in reliable clamping of the object 5. The spring 1 is preferably plate-shaped, as shown in detail in FIG. 5, with two overlapping elastic elements 1a and 1b forming the spring 1 and a pressure chamber 2 inside the spring 1 between the plates 1a and 1b. The plates 1a and 1b, as shown in FIG. 5, may be annular and optionally may additionally have radial slots, which allow the inner diameter to be changed with particularly low force. The elastic elements 1a and 1b may be rubber-coated, at least in the area of ​​the slots, to ensure the necessary tightness against the compressed air. The elastic elements 1 a, 1 b are generally pressure-resistant and configured to be elastically bendable and are arranged in a housing 3 of the clamping device 10, with an inner pressure chamber 2 formed between the elastic elements 1 a, 1 b inside the spring 1 and an outer pressure chamber 4 formed between each elastic element 1 a, 1 b and the housing 3 or housing member 3 a, 3 b of the clamping device 10. Figure 5 shows a three-dimensional representation of a clamping device 10 similar to Figures 1A and 2A.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 1A , ventilation or supply of compressed air to the first (e.g., outer) pressure chamber 4 and venting of the second (e.g., inner) pressure chamber 2 at least partially relaxes the spring 1, providing a clamping force around the object 5 to be clamped, in particular the shaft 5. This ensures that the object 5 is clamped or the shaft 5 stops immediately when the energy or pressure is interrupted, thus providing a secure clamp. Depending on the dimensions, such a pneumatic clamp 10 can achieve a holding torque of several hundred to several thousand Nm, which can be further increased by additionally supplying compressed air to the first (e.g., outer) pressure chamber 4, as suggested by the pressure pump 6 (booster) in FIG. 1A . In this case, a few bars (e.g., 4 or 6 bars) of compressed air are sufficient to provide several times the holding torque obtained without the booster. This makes use of the fact that when switching between the open and closed states of the clamp 10, a slight lateral bending of the plates 1a, 1b (perpendicular to their longitudinal axis) generates a large elastic force that can be used to clamp or release the pretensioned clamping device 10. Thus, reliable clamping and release is possible even on a rapidly rotating machine shaft 5.

[0045] The cost and assembly costs of pneumatic materials are also lower than those of hydraulic materials, and the use of compressed air does not incur additional costs for cleaning the equipment. Such pneumatic clamps also allow for smaller overall dimensions, since only a small lateral bending and longitudinal extension of the spring (small changes in longitudinal extension) and therefore a small volume of the pressure chamber are required to apply the required clamping force.

[0046] In the case of pneumatic clamps, a distinction is made in principle between passive clamping devices 10, as shown in FIGS. 1A to 2B, and active clamping devices 10, as shown in FIGS. 3A to 4B.

[0047] Spring 1 may be bent (laterally) with different strengths in its unpressurized initial state, and thus may be shortened radially to different degrees. The inner surface of the housing 3 may be adapted to the bending of the elastic elements 1a, 1b or may determine the bending. The stopper surfaces corresponding to the elastic elements 1a, 1b may 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.

[0048] In the passive clamping device 10, the spring 1 is usually slightly elastically bent (e.g., convexly) in its unpressurized initial state or has a pre-tension applied, and the clamping device 10 may be closed (Figs. 1A, 1B). The clamping device 10 is opened only by the action of a force from the inside by supplying compressed air to the second (e.g., inner) pressure chamber 2 (Figs. 2A, 2B). In many cases, since the spring 1 is slightly bent in its unpressurized initial state, the spring 1 transmits the elastic force given by the energy stored in the spring 1 as a clamping force to the object 5 to be clamped in the case of clamping or when the pressure drops.

[0049] In the active clamping device 10, the spring 1 is more strongly bent, particularly strongly outward in the lateral direction and convexly curved, in its unpressurized initial state (Figs. 3A, 3B) than in the case of the passive clamping device, so that the distance between the two radial contact surfaces becomes smaller and the clamping device 10 is in an open state. No clamping force acts on the object 5 via the clamping surface 7. Since the clamping surface 7 does not contact the object 5 or is separated from the object 5, the object is free.

[0050] Due to the plastic deformation of the spring plates 1a, 1b, the spring 1 can bend laterally outward more strongly in the initial, unpressurized state in the same housing 3 than in a passive clamping device, and thus can be shortened radially more. This small radial extension of the spring plates 1a, 1b in the initial, unpressurized state can result in the clamping device 10 being open in the initial, unpressurized state. Even in the case of plastic deformation, the spring plates 1a, 1b are elastically bent and pressed against the contact surface, so that the spring is fixed to the housing. The internal space or recess of the housing can accommodate the larger bending caused by the plastic deformation in the initial state.

[0051] 4A and 4B, in order to move the clamp into the closed state, a clamping force must be actively induced from the outside. Here, compressed air is introduced into the first (e.g., outer) pressure chamber 4 by the compressed air pump 6, and the spring 1 is supplied with compressed air from the outside, which actively relaxes the spring 1, reducing its curvature and increasing the distance between the two contact surfaces, causing the housing 3 to elastically deform in the region of the clamping element 8 or clamping surface 7, so that the clamping surface 7 comes into contact with the object 5 and applies a clamping force to the object 5, thereby firmly clamping the object 5. The active clamping device 10 is now in the closed state.

[0052] Depending on the field of application and the required safety regulations, either active or passive clamping devices 10 are used. Passive clamping devices are generally used when primarily safe clamping is desired. In such pneumatic passive clamping systems, when the device is assembled to the entire system, it is already possible to generate a predetermined clamping force even in an unpressurized state, which is applied to the object 5 to be clamped. By applying positive or negative pressure, the force transmitted to the object can be increased, decreased, or completely stopped, which opens up a wide range of applications. In contrast, active clamping devices are generally used when the clamping device is primarily intended to perform an intentional work process, such as a tool change.

[0053] Figure 5A shows a three-dimensional cross-section of a pneumatic clamping device 10 according to the present invention, with the device 10 having an inward clamping force according to Figures 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A shown as an example. Figures 5B to 8 show further details of this device 10. However, what is shown with respect to the device in Figures 5A to 8 also applies equally to the device 10 having an outward clamping force according to Figures 1B, 2B, 3B and 4B.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 5A, the housing 3 of the clamping device 10 according to the present invention includes two housing members 3a and 3b, each having a groove (see 110 in Fig. 6) not shown in this figure. The housing members 3a and 3b are assembled by fastening them to each other through holes 15 with fastening means 17 such as screws. In the assembled state, the grooves of the housing members overlap each other, and the two housing members 3a and 3b define an internal space 13 between the housing members 3a and 3b within the housing 3. The spring 1 is disposed within the internal space 13 together with its annular spring plates 1a and 1b. As shown in Figs. 5A to 5D, the housing members 3a and 3b each define a recess 11, which is also annular and is used to receive the annular spring plates 1a and 1b. At least a portion of the first contact surface 101 of the housing member can extend (approximately) perpendicular to the radial direction R of the annular recess 11, and / or a portion of the second contact surface 102 of the housing member can extend (approximately) perpendicular to the radial direction R of the annular recess 11.

[0055] An opening 14 (FIG. 5B) extends through the center of the housing 3, into which an object 5 to be clamped, such as a shaft, can be introduced. The housing can extend up to 360° around the opening, at least partially surrounding the object 5 in at least one plane, referred to as the clamping plane. A central main axis 9 of the clamping device passes through the center of the opening 14 and extends perpendicular to the clamping plane. In the clamping devices according to FIGS. 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A and 5A, the main axis 9 passes through the center of the shaft along its longitudinal axis.

[0056] One or more clamping surfaces 7 are present along the circumferential direction of the housing 3 or the opening 14, which, when the housing 3 elastically deforms in the region of the clamping elements 8 or clamping surfaces 7, exert a clamping force on the outer periphery of the object 5, thereby clamping the object 5. To effectively open and close the clamping device 10 relative to the object 5 to be clamped without risking damage to the object 5, it is desirable for the clamping force to be distributed symmetrically along the clamping surfaces 7 or around the circumference of the object 5. An asymmetric distribution of the clamping force could result in damage to the object 5. Preferably, one or both contact surfaces 101, 102 are circular in the clamping plane. Preferably, the clamping surfaces 7 are circular in the clamping plane. The clamping elements 8 may be annular. Each of the annular or circular members described herein, individually or in combination, can have a center point at the intersection of the main axis 9 with the clamping plane (e.g., the center point of the opening 14).

[0057] 5B to 5D show an embodiment of a housing member according to the invention (here, the upper housing member 3a of FIG. 5A), in which the housing members 3a, 3b according to the invention are provided with the means mentioned at the beginning, namely a second edge 100a (here, the inner edge) of the housing members 3a, 3b and a first edge 100b (here, the outer edge) of the housing members 3a, 3b, which are arranged opposite each other; an annular recess 11 arranged between the second edge 100a and the first edge 100b for clamping the annular spring plates 1a, 1b between a first contact surface 101 (here, the outer contact surface) of the housing members 3a, 3b defined by the recess 11 and a second contact surface 102 (here, the inner contact surface) of the housing members 3a, 3b defined by the recess 11; a clamping element 8 having a clamping surface 7 configured to be clamped in a recess 11 between a contact surface 101 and a second contact surface 102 and to transmit a clamping and / or braking force to an object 5 to be clamped and / or braked (see object 5 in opening 14 in Figures 5A and 5B) when first ends of spring plates 1a, 1b are supported on the first contact surface 101 and second ends of spring plates 1a, 1b press against the second contact surface 102; and a first housing contact surface 12a (here the outer housing contact surface) extending between the first edge 100b and the first contact surface 101, in which at least one groove 110 for receiving a sealing agent is arranged or inserted. Preferably, the cross section of the groove 110 formed in the radial direction R by the groove 110 may be V-shaped (V-shaped opening toward the surface 12a), rectangular with one side open toward the surface 12a, U-shaped (U-shaped opening toward the surface 12a), or semicircular. The housing member 3a, 3b may include a second housing contact surface 12b (here, the inner housing contact surface) extending between the second contact surface 102 and the second edge 100a.

[0058] The housing members 3a, 3b may extend between a second edge 100a, here located closer to the axis 9, and a first edge 100b, here located further from the axis 9, and may preferably be formed annularly. The housing member 3a includes an annular recess 11 for clamping the annular spring plate 1a, the housing member 3a having an inner surface defined by the recess 11 (see 105 in FIG. 6). The annular recess 11 preferably defines an annular opening 12 in the housing members, the annular opening being formed between a first (e.g., annular) housing contact surface 12a of the housing member and a second (e.g., annular) housing contact surface 12b of the housing member.

[0059] When the spring plate 1a is inserted into the recess 11 through the opening 12 with the first upper side (see 16c in Figure 5B) facing the inner surface 105 and clamped within the recess 11, a first pressure chamber 4 is formed between the inner surface 105 and the spring plate 1a.

[0060] 5C and 5D, the illustrated spring plate 1a of the spring 1 can extend from a first contact surface 101 in the housing member 3a to a second contact surface 102 in the housing member 3a and contact the second contact surface 102, with the first contact surface 101 positioned radially outward from the center point of the opening 14 relative to the second contact surface 102.

[0061] Figure 5C shows the part of the housing member 3a shown in Figure 5B, where the upper plate 1a of the spring 1 a abuts, and preferably is in contact with, the first contact surface 101. Figure 5D shows the part of the housing member 3a shown in Figure 5B, where the upper plate 1a of the spring 1 a abuts, and preferably is in contact with, the second contact surface 102. However, it is also possible that one or more further members are present in the radial direction between the spring plate 1a and the one or more contact surfaces 101, 102, respectively, via which the spring plate 1a exerts its elastic force on the contact surfaces 101, 102.

[0062] 5B to 5D, the spring plates 1a are clamped in the recesses 11 between the contact surfaces 101, 102 of the housing member 3a. Each plate of the spring 1 is introduced into the recess 11 of the respective housing member 3a through the opening 12 in the direction of the main axis 9 of the clamping device 10 until, when assembled along the contact surfaces 101, 102 of the housing member 3a, it abuts against a stop 112, 122 at the end of each of the two contact surfaces 101, 102 and therefore cannot be introduced further into the recess 11. Since the extension of the spring plates 1a in the clamping plane or in the radial direction of the annular recess is greater than the extension of the interior space defined by the housing members, the plates 1a may be bent or pretensioned in the initial, unstressed state.

[0063] The spring plate 1a may be coated (eg vulcanized) with a resilient and sealable material, preferably rubber or other suitable material.

[0064] Figure 6 shows a detail of the housing member 3a according to the invention of Figure 5B, showing the recess 11, the first contact surface 101 and the second contact surface 102, as well as other optional features such as the groove 110 and inner surface 105, the hole 15, the ramps 103, 104 and the indentation 106.

[0065] The housing members 3a, 3b include annular recesses 11 for clamping the annular spring plates 1a, 1b, the recesses 11 forming a first annular edge of the first housing contact surface 12a and a second annular edge of the second housing contact surface 12b of the annular opening 12 of the housing members 3a, 3b, the annular recesses 11 defining an inner surface 105 of the housing members 3a, 3b between the first and second annular edges, the inner surface 105 forming a first bevel 103 (also called a long chamfer) in the area of ​​the first annular edge and a second bevel 104 (also called a long chamfer) in the area of ​​the second annular edge, the bevels 103, 104 being aligned such that the annular opening 12 widens towards the first and second annular edges or corresponding housing contact surfaces (see 12a, 12b in Figure 6).

[0066] When spring plates 1 a, 1 b are clamped in recess 11 with first upper side 16 c facing inner surface 105, the coating of spring plates 1 a, 1 b preferably sealingly contacts at least a first portion of the inner surface of housing member 3 a, 3 b. The first portion may include contact surfaces 101, 102, inclinations 103, 104 and / or other portions of inner surface 105. Indentation 106 facilitates the mechanics of clamping element 8, allowing it to bend further.

[0067] The inner surface 105 may include a first contact surface 101 and a second contact surface 102 configured to clamp the spring plates 1 a, 1 b therebetween, with the first ramp 103 disposed between the first contact surface 101 and the first annular edge of the face 12 a and the second ramp 104 disposed between the second contact surface 102 and the second annular edge of the face 12 a. When the spring plates 1 a, 1 b are clamped in the recess 11 with the first side 16 c facing the inner surface 105, the coating of the plates 1 a, 1 b may come into preferably sealing contact with the ramps 103, 104.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 6, the first contact surface 101 may form or transition to a first slope 103 (also referred to as a long chamfer), and / or the second contact surface 102 may form or transition to a second slope 104 (also referred to as a long chamfer), the slopes 103, 104 preferably being positioned such that the annular opening 12 or recess 11 extends toward the first and second edges of the surfaces 12a, 12b, respectively (see FIGS. 6 and 5B).

[0069] The housing members 3a, 3b have a preferably circular groove or notch 110 on the first housing contact surface 12a for receiving a sealant (e.g., a sealing compound or a rubber O-ring). The groove or notch 110 can partially or preferably completely surround the housing member 3a, 3b on the first housing contact surface 12a along (e.g., parallel to) the first edge 100b of the housing member, between the first edge 100b of the housing member and the first contact surface 101 or the recess 11. Alternatively or additionally, the groove or notch 110 can partially or preferably completely surround the housing member 3a, 3b along the circumference of the housing member in the region of surface 12b, or between the second edge 100a of the housing member and the second contact surface 102 or the recess 11.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 6 by way of example, the first housing contact surface 12a may further include one or more holes 15 for fastening the housing member 3a to the other housing member 3b by fastening means 17 (see FIG. 5B). A groove 110 may extend on the first housing contact surface 12a between the holes 15 and the first contact surface 101. The hole 15 is disposed on the first housing contact surface 12a between the first edge 100b and the groove 110. The groove 110 may have a width B of 1 mm to 2 mm, 1.4 mm to 1.6 mm, or 1.5 mm. The groove may have a depth of 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm, 0.65 mm to 0.75 mm, or 0.7 mm. These dimensions are particularly advantageous for receiving and effectively applying the required amount of sealant (e.g., O-ring, adhesive, sealing material, etc.). This reduces sealant consumption.

[0071] One advantage of the groove 110 is that it allows the sealant (adhesive and sealing material) to be applied effectively between the housing halves while still achieving the sealing function that is important for operation when operating closed over millions of additional air (booster) switching processes, thereby reducing consumption. By changing the pitch diameter of the connection thread, the groove can be inserted circumferentially between the open and closed connections.

[0072] 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of the spring plates 1a, 1b with a first connecting seal 30 and / or a second connecting seal 20. The seals 20, 30 consist of a resilient and sealable material such as rubber and may for example be part of a resilient sealing coating (e.g. a rubber coating) of the spring plates vulcanized onto the spring plates.

[0073] The first connecting seal 30 and the second connecting seal 20 may be located on opposite portions of the second edge 100a or the first edge 100b of the annular spring plate.

[0074] The first connection seal 30 may be arranged at least partially offset radially inward or outward relative to the second edge 100a and / or the first edge 100b (see FIG. 7) of the spring plate 1a, 1b, and may protrude radially beyond the second edge 100a or the first edge 100b (see FIG. 7).

[0075] The second connection seal 20 may be arranged at least partially offset radially inward or outward relative to the second edge 100a and / or the first edge 100b (see FIG. 7) of the spring plates 1a, 1b, and may protrude radially beyond the second edge 100a or the first edge 100b (see FIG. 7).

[0076] The spring plates 1a, 1b according to Fig. 7 can be clamped to the housing parts 3a, 3b according to Figs. 5B, 6 and 8. The elastic elements 1a, 1b are clamped in the recesses 11 between the second edge 100a (or the clamping surface 7 or the clamping element 8 with the second housing contact surface 12b) and the first edge 100b (or the first housing contact surface 12a) of the housing parts 3a, 3b, so that the first connection seal 30 contacts the area of ​​the first connection part I of the housing parts 3a, 3b for supplying the pressure medium to the housing parts, and the second connection seal 20 contacts the area of ​​the second connection part II of the housing parts 3a, 3b for supplying the pressure medium to the housing parts (see Figs. 7 and 8). This is done twice, so that two housing parts 3a, 3b are prepared with the spring plates 1a, 1b clamped thereto, and the housing parts 3a, 3b are fastened together to form the housing 3, as shown in Fig. 5A.

[0077] The groove 110 may extend on the first housing contact surface 12a and may be formed to at least partially surround the object 5 (see FIG. 5A). The groove may extend at least partially along a circular arc. The arc may span a central angle of at least 45°, 90°, 120°, 135°, 160°, 180°, 225°, 270°, 315°, 350°, or 360°. In FIG. 8, the groove 110 circles around the center point of the opening 14, so the central angle is 360°.

[0078] However, the groove 110 may be interrupted by one or more of the connections I and II, and / or, as shown in FIG. 8, the groove 110 may extend on the first housing contact surface 12a between the first edge 100b of the housing members 3a and 3b and one or more of the connections I and II, preferably at least partially surrounding the connections. These options, in each case and in combination, further enhance sealing because the groove 110 continues to the connections I and II and partially surrounds them, sealing the connections I and II against the first edge 100b of the housing members and therefore against the environment. This reduces the susceptibility to failure by reducing leakage in the area of ​​the connections I and II.

[0079] 5-8, the grooves (see 110) of each housing member 3a, 3b may receive a sealant (e.g., a rubber ring, a rubber O-ring), where each housing member 3a, 3b may have its own dedicated sealant (i.e., at least two sealants in total for each housing 3 of the clamping and / or braking device 10), or a single sealant may be received in the grooves of the housing members 3a, 3b when the housing members 3a, 3b are fastened together.

[0080] As already explained, Figures 5 to 8 show exemplary components of the device 10 with an inward clamping force according to Figures 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A. In this case, the first edge 100b is the outer edge along which any holes 15 are located, and the second edge 100a is the inner edge facing the object 5. The second contact surface 102 is located further inward than the first contact surface 101.

[0081] However, what has been said regarding the device of Figures 5A to 8 also applies correspondingly to the device 10 with an outward clamping force according to Figures 1B, 2B, 3B and 4B. In the latter case, the first edge 100b is the inner edge along which any holes 15 are arranged, and the second edge 100a is the outer edge facing the object 5. The second contact surface 102 is located further outward compared to the first contact surface 101.

[0082] The measures described herein can be used individually or in combination to provide a clamp that provides a reliable seal between the housing members and against the environment without adversely affecting the mechanics of opening and closing the clamp.

[0083] The specification and drawings set forth preferred embodiments of the subject matter claimed in the appended claims. Any feature disclosed in the above specification, claims and drawings can be used both individually and in any combination to practice the subject matter claimed in the appended claims in its various embodiments.

[0084] The various aspects and embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and other modifications can be made to the embodiments in light of the above detailed description. In general, the concepts used in the following claims should not be construed as limiting the claims to the specific aspects and embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but rather as embracing all possible embodiments, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1 spring 1a, 1b spring plates 2, 4 Pressure chamber 3. Housing 3a, 3b Housing members 5 objects 6. Compressed air pump 7 Clamping surface 8 Clamping Elements 9 axes 10 equipment 11 Recess 12 Opening 12a first housing contact surface 12b Second housing contact surface 13 Interior Space 14 Openings 15 holes 16c First upper side 17 Fastening means 20 Second connecting seal 30 First connecting seal 100a second edge 100b First edge 101 first contact surface 102 second contact surface 103, 104 Incline 105 Inside 106 Depression 110 Groove 112, 122 stopper B Width R Radial direction T Depth I, II connection

Claims

1. A housing member (3a, 3b) for a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device (10), comprising: a first edge (100b) of the housing members (3a, 3b) and a second edge (100a) of the housing members (3a, 3b) opposite the first edge (100b); an annular recess (11) arranged between the second edge (100a) and the first edge (100b) for clamping annular spring plates (1a, 1b) between a first contact surface (101) of the housing members (3a, 3b) defined by the recess (11) and a second contact surface (102) of the housing members (3a, 3b) defined by the recess (11); a clamping element (8) having a clamping surface (7) configured to transmit a clamping and / or braking force to the object (5) to be clamped and / or braked when the spring plates (1 a, 1 b) are clamped in the recess (11) between the first contact surface (101) and the second contact surface (102), with first ends of the spring plates (1 a, 1 b) bearing on the first contact surface (101) and second ends of the spring plates (1 a, 1 b) pressing against the second contact surface (102); a first housing contact surface (12a) extending between the first edge (100b) and the first contact surface (101); In a housing member (3a, 3b) comprising The housing element (3a, 3b) is characterized in that the first housing contact surface (12a) is provided with at least one groove (110) for receiving a sealing agent.

2. 2. The housing member according to claim 1, characterized in that the first housing contact surface (12a) further comprises one or more holes (15) for fastening the housing member (3a) to the other housing member (3b) by means of fastening means (17).

3. 3. A housing member according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one said groove (110) extends on said first housing contact surface (12a) between a hole (15) and said first contact surface (101).

4. 4. The housing element according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that a hole (15) is arranged on the first housing contact surface (12a) between the first edge (100b) and at least one of the grooves (110).

5. 5. The housing element (3a, 3b) according to claim 1, characterized in that the grooves (110) extend at least partially along a circular arc and / or at least one groove (110) is configured to at least partially surround the center point of the annular recess (11).

6. 6. A housing member according to claim 5, wherein the arc subtends a central angle of at least 45°, 90°, 120°, 135°, 160°, 180°, 225°, 270°, 315°, 350° or 360°.

7. 7. A housing member according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the groove has a width (B) of 1 mm to 2 mm, preferably 1.4 mm to 1.6 mm, and / or a depth (T) of 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm, preferably 0.65 mm to 0.75 mm.

8. 8. A housing element according to claim 1, wherein the housing element (3a, 3b) has one, two or more connections (I, II) for supplying the housing element with a pressure medium.

9. 9. The housing member according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one of the grooves (110) is interrupted by one or more of the connection portions (I, II) and / or that at least one of the grooves (110) extends on the first housing contact surface (12a) between the first edge (100b) of the housing member (3a, 3b) and one or more connection portions (I, II) and at least partially surrounds said connection portions.

10. 10. A housing member according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealant comprises a sealing compound or an elastic material, preferably a rubber O-ring.

11. 11. The housing member (3a, 3b) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that when the second ends of the spring plates (1a, 1b) press against the second contact surfaces (102), the housing member (3a, 3b) is configured to elastically deform in the area of ​​the clamping elements and / or the second contact surfaces (102), whereby the clamping surfaces (7) transmit a clamping and / or braking force to the object (5) to be clamped and / or braked.

12. 12. The housing member (3a, 3b) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the housing member (3a, 3b) further comprises a second housing contact surface (12b) extending between the second contact surface (102) and the second edge (100a) of the housing member (3a, 3b).

13. 13. The housing member (3a, 3b) according to claim 12, characterized in that the annular recess (11) defines an annular opening (12) for inserting the spring plate (1a, 1b) in the housing member (3a, 3b), the annular opening (12) being formed between the first housing contact surface (12a) and the second housing contact surface (12b).

14. 14. A housing member (3a, 3b) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the second contact surface (102) and the clamping surface (7) are arranged on opposite sides of the clamping element (8), preferably with the second housing contact surface (12b) arranged therebetween, and / or the clamping surface (7) is arranged against or on the second edge (100a).

15. the distance between the second contact surface (102) and the second edge (100a) or the clamping surface (7) is smaller than the distance between the first contact surface (101) and the second edge (100a) or the clamping surface (7); and / or the distance between the first contact surface (101) and the first edge (100b) is smaller than the distance between the second contact surface (102) and the first edge (100b); and / or the distance between the second edge (100b) of the housing members (3a, 3b) is smaller than the distance between the first contact surface (101) and the second edge (100a) or the clamping surface (7).

15. The housing member (3a, 3b) according to claim 1, characterized in that a first edge portion (100a) is closer to the object (5) than the first edge portion (100b) when attached to a clamp and / or brake device, and / or a second housing contact surface (12b) of the housing member (3a, 3b) is closer to the object (5) than the first housing contact surface (12a) when attached to a clamp and / or brake device.

16. A housing element (3a, 3b) for a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device (10), said housing element (3a, 3b) comprising: a first edge (100b) of the housing members (3a, 3b) and a second edge (100a) of the housing members (3a, 3b) opposite the first edge (100b); an annular recess (11) arranged between the second edge (100a) and the first edge (100b) for clamping annular spring plates (1a, 1b) between a first contact surface (101) of the housing members (3a, 3b) defined by the recess (11) and a second contact surface (102) of the housing members (3a, 3b) defined by the recess (11); a clamping element (8) having a clamping surface (7) configured to transmit a clamping and / or braking force to the object (5) to be clamped and / or braked when the spring plates (1 a, 1 b) are clamped in the recess (11) between the first contact surface (101) and the second contact surface (102), with first ends of the spring plates (1 a, 1 b) bearing on the first contact surface (101) and second ends of the spring plates (1 a, 1 b) pressing against the second contact surface (102); a first housing contact surface (12a) extending between the first edge (100b) and the first contact surface (101); Including, The first housing contact surface (12a) has at least one groove (110) arranged therein for receiving a sealing agent; the housing members (3a, 3b) have one, two or more connections (I, II) for supplying a pressure medium to the housing members, At least one groove (110) is interrupted by one or more of said connecting portions (I, II), and / or At least one groove (110) extends on the first housing contact surface (12a) between the first edge (100b) of the housing member (3a, 3b) and one or more connection portions (I, II), preferably at least partially surrounding said one or more connection portions (I, II).

17. A clamping and / or braking device (10) for clamping and / or braking an object (5) to be clamped and / or braked, comprising: A housing (3) comprising a first housing member (3a) according to any one of claims 1 to 16 and a second housing member (3b) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the two housing members (3a, 3b) are arranged and fastened to each other such that a first housing contact surface (12a) of the first housing member (3a) faces the first housing contact surface (12a) of the second housing member (3b), and recesses (11) of the first and second housing members (3a, 3b) together form an internal space (13) within the housing (3), and wherein a sealant is received in each groove (110) of the housing members (3a, 3b). A spring (1) arranged in the interior space (13) includes a first annular spring plate (1a) and a second annular spring plate (1b), the spring plates (1a, 1b) being arranged in the interior space (13) in such a way that at least one pressure chamber (2, 4) is formed in the interior space (13) at least partially bounded by the spring plates (1a, 1b), the pressure chamber (2, 4) being ventilated or ventilated and capable of applying a positive pressure of a pressure medium that can be supplied to the housing (3) to the pressure chamber (2, 4), the first spring plate (1a) being clamped between a first contact surface (101) of the first housing member (3a) and a second contact surface (102) of the first housing member (3a), and a second spring plate (1a) being clamped between the first contact surface (101) of the first housing member (3a) and the second contact surface (102) of the first housing member (3a), a spring (1) in which a spring plate (1 a, 1 b) is clamped between the first contact surface (101) of the second housing member (3 b) and the second contact surface (102) of the second housing member (3 b), and the spring plates (1 a, 1 b) are arranged relative to at least one pressure chamber (2, 4) in such a way that the bending of at least one of the spring plates (1 a, 1 b) can be varied by ventilating or venting the pressure chamber (2, 4) or by applying a positive pressure to the pressure chamber (2, 4), thereby switching the device (10) between an open state in which the object (5) is spaced from a clamping surface (7) and a closed state in which one or more of the clamping surfaces (7) transmit a clamping and / or braking force to the object (5); A clamping and / or braking device (10) comprising:

18. A clamping and / or braking device (10) for clamping and / or braking an object (5) to be clamped and / or braked, comprising a housing (3) with a first housing member (3a) and a second housing member (3b), Each of the housing members (3a, 3b) a first edge (100b) of the housing members (3a, 3b) and a second edge (100a) of the housing members (3a, 3b) opposite the first edge (100b); an annular recess (11) arranged between the second edge (100a) and the first edge (100b) for clamping annular spring plates (1a, 1b) between a first contact surface (101) of the housing members (3a, 3b) defined by the recess (11) and a second contact surface (102) of the housing members (3a, 3b) defined by the recess (11); a clamping element (8) having a clamping surface (7) configured to transmit a clamping and / or braking force to the object (5) to be clamped and / or braked when the spring plates (1 a, 1 b) are clamped in the recess (11) between the first contact surface (101) and the second contact surface (102), with first ends of the spring plates (1 a, 1 b) bearing on the first contact surface (101) and second ends of the spring plates (1 a, 1 b) pressing against the second contact surface (102); a first housing contact surface (12a) extending between the first edge (100b) and the first contact surface (101), the first housing contact surface (12a) having at least one groove (110) in which a sealing agent is received, the first housing contact surface (12a) being arranged relative to one another and fastened to one another such that the first housing contact surface (12a) of the first housing member (3a) faces the first housing contact surface (12a) of the second housing member (3b) and the recesses (11) of the first and second housing members (3a, 3b) together form an internal space (13) in the housing (3); A spring (1) arranged in the interior space (13) includes a first annular spring plate (1a) and a second annular spring plate (1b), the spring plates (1a, 1b) being arranged in the interior space (13) in such a way that at least one pressure chamber (2, 4) is formed in the interior space (13) at least partially bounded by the spring plates (1a, 1b), the pressure chamber (2, 4) being ventilated or ventilated and capable of applying a positive pressure of a pressure medium that can be supplied to the housing (3) to the pressure chamber (2, 4), the first spring plate (1a) being clamped between a first contact surface (101) of the first housing member (3a) and a second contact surface (102) of the first housing member (3a), and a second spring plate (1a) being clamped between the first contact surface (101) of the first housing member (3a) and the second contact surface (102) of the first housing member (3a), a spring (1) in which a spring plate (1 a, 1 b) is clamped between the first contact surface (101) of the second housing member (3 b) and the second contact surface (102) of the second housing member (3 b), and the spring plates (1 a, 1 b) are arranged relative to at least one pressure chamber (2, 4) in such a way that the bending of at least one of the spring plates (1 a, 1 b) can be varied by ventilating or venting the pressure chamber (2, 4) or by applying a positive pressure to the pressure chamber (2, 4), thereby switching the device (10) between an open state in which the object (5) is spaced from a clamping surface (7) and a closed state in which one or more of the clamping surfaces (7) transmit a clamping and / or braking force to the object (5); A clamping and / or braking device (10) comprising:

19. 19. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the two housing members (3a, 3b) are fastened to one another by means of one or more fastening means (17) arranged in holes (15).

20. 20. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the second housing contact surface (12b) of the first housing member (3a) faces the second housing contact surface (12b) of the second housing member (3b).

21. 21. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the at least one pressure chamber comprises a first pressure chamber (4) arranged outside the spring (1) between at least one of the spring plates (1a, 1b) and the housing (3).

22. 22. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 21, wherein the first spring plate (1 a) is configured to reduce bending of the first spring plate (1 a) by ventilating or applying positive pressure to a first pressure chamber (4) so ​​that a second end of the first spring plate (1 a) presses against the second contact surface (102) of the first housing member (3 a) when a first end of the first spring plate (1 a) rests against the first contact surface (101) of the first housing member (3 a), thereby resulting in a transmission of clamping and / or braking force from the clamping surface (7) of the clamping element (8) of the first housing member (3 a) to the object (5) to be clamped and / or braked, and the device (10) switching from an open state to a closed state.

23. 23. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the second spring plate (1 b) is configured to reduce bending of the second spring plate (1 b) by ventilating the first pressure chamber (4) or applying a positive pressure to the first pressure chambers (2, 4) in order to press the second end of the second spring plate (1 b) against the second contact surface (102) of the second housing member (3 a) when the first end of the second spring plate (1 b) rests against the first contact surface (101) of the second housing member (3 b), thereby resulting in a transmission of a clamping and / or braking force from the clamping surface (7) of the clamping element (8) of the second housing member (3 a) to the object (5) to be clamped and / or braked, and switching the device (10) from an open state to a closed state.

24. 24. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the device (10) is configured such that venting the first pressure chamber (4) or applying a positive pressure to the first pressure chamber (4) causes the first contact surface (101) and the second contact surface (102) of at least one of the two housing members (3a, 3b) to move away from each other and / or reduces the bending of at least one of the spring plates (1a, 1b), thereby switching the device (10) from an open state to a closed state.

25. 25. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to any one of claims 17 to 24, wherein the at least one pressure chamber comprises a second pressure chamber (2) arranged inside the spring (1) and between the two spring plates (1 a, 1 b), and preferably the device (10) is configured such that venting the second pressure chamber (2) or applying a positive pressure to the second pressure chamber (2) causes the first and second contact surfaces (101) of at least one of the two housing members (3 a, 3 b) to move towards each other and / or increases the bending of at least one of the spring plates (1 a, 1 b), thereby switching the device (10) from a closed state to an open state.

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