Pneumatic clamping and / or braking devices

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to pneumatic clamping and / or braking devices. [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 may 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 securing 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, compressed air is generally supplied to the elastic members, particularly the elastic plates, and some of the drawbacks of hydraulic clamping devices mentioned above can be overcome.

[0006] Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe pneumatic clamping devices with two annular spring plates, which are introduced into a 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 wear occurs at the contact point between the pneumatic clamping device and the object, and that this wear needs to be reduced in order to extend the life of the device and avoid damage to the object. [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 beginning, the object of the present disclosure is to provide a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device that reduces wear in the contact area between the device and the object to be clamped and / or braked. [Means for solving the problem]

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

[0010] According to the solution according to the invention, a clamping and / or braking device for clamping and / or braking an object to be clamped and / or braked is proposed, the device comprising: a housing including a first housing member and a second housing member, each housing member including an annular recess, the annular recess defining a first contact surface of the housing member and a second contact surface of the housing member, both housing members being arranged relative to each other and fastened to each other so that the recesses of the first and second housing members together form an interior space within the housing; springs arranged in the interior space, including a first annular spring plate and a second annular spring plate, the first annular spring plate being clamped in the annular recess of the first housing member between the first and second contact surfaces of the first housing member and the second annular spring plate being clamped in the annular recess of the second housing member between the first and second contact surfaces of the second housing member; and at least one clamping element, each clamping element being a clamping element. a clamping element having a surface, the clamping surface being configured to transmit a clamping force and / or a braking force to the object to be clamped and / or braked when a first end of one of the spring plates rests on a first contact surface of one of the housing members and a second end of one of the spring plates presses against a second contact surface of one of the housing members, the spring plate being 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 delimited by the spring plate, the pressure chamber being ventilated or ventilable and a positive pressure of a pressure medium that is supplyable to the housing can be applied to the pressure chamber, the spring plate being arranged relative to the at least one pressure chamber such that the bending of at least one of the spring plates is variable by venting or applying a positive pressure to the pressure chamber, whereby the clamping and / or braking device can be configured to operate in an open state in which the clamping surface (7) is away from the object;The one or more clamping surfaces are switchable between a closed state and a closed state in which they transmit a clamping and / or braking force to the object, and the clamping and / or braking device further includes at least one insert plate disposed in the interior space between the first spring plate and the second spring plate.

[0011] This disclosure is based on the inventor's recognition that by introducing at least one insert plate between two spring plates, a clamping and / or braking device can be configured axially thicker or wider without changing the dynamics of the spring plates. The insert plate displaces the volume between the spring plates, allowing the device to be configured axially thicker or wider without increasing the volume available for the pressure medium between the spring plates and thus (detrimentally) changing the opening and closing speed of the spring plates and thus their dynamics. An axially thicker or wider clamping and / or braking device increases the contact surface (clamping surface) between the device and an object when the device is closed, thereby reducing wear at the contact points between the object and the device. Furthermore, the larger contact surface (clamping surface) results in more effective clamping and / or braking of the object. Overall, therefore, more sustainable and more effective clamping and / or braking of the object is achieved. Furthermore, the insert plate has the advantage that an axially thicker or wider device can be manufactured using existing materials and processes without adding significant costs to the device's manufacturing.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, a (preferably single and / or integral) insert plate extends between the respective first and second contact surfaces in each housing member, thereby distributing the described effect of the insert plate in both housing members. In particular, the volumetric displacement of the insert plate is performed (e.g., evenly) in both housing members in order to change the dynamics of each spring plate as little as possible. Preferably, the insert plate is disposed approximately halfway through each housing member in its thickness, which is advantageous for a symmetrical configuration and dynamics of the device. The insert plate can particularly preferably have a thickness of at least 1 mm, at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, or at least 4 mm, which allows the thickness of the device to be increased by the same amount without impairing or changing the dynamics of the spring plates, and also results in a corresponding axial expansion of the contact surface (clamping surface) between the device and the object, which is advantageous for the general use of such clamping and / or braking devices.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one pressure chamber includes one or more second pressure chambers, which are disposed inside the spring between each of the two spring plates and the insert plate. For example, separate second pressure chambers may be formed between the insert plate and each of the two spring plates, and a pressure medium may be supplied to each of the second pressure chambers from the outside, or the regions of the internal space between the insert plate and each of the two spring plates may jointly form a second pressure chamber, and a pressure medium may be supplied to the second pressure chamber from the outside. The clamping and / or braking device may be configured such that venting one or more second pressure chambers or applying positive pressure to one or more second pressure chambers causes the first and second contact surfaces of at least one of the two housing members to move toward each other and / or increases the bending of at least one of the spring plates, thereby switching the device from a closed state to an open state without the dynamics of the spring plates being significantly altered by the insert plate. The inventors have recognized that, without the insert plate, an increase in the axial thickness or width of the device would increase the volume of the second pressure chamber and alter the dynamics of the spring plates. Rubberizing or thickening the spring plates instead of insert plates would also disadvantageously alter the dynamics of the spring plates in the same way.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the insert plates are arranged fixedly and / or floating, which provides a certain resistance to the preferably rubberized spring plates for sealing both at the inner and outer diameters and at the connections for ventilation / aeration and compressed air supply, resulting in an improved sealing effect in the area of ​​the spring plates, especially in the (second) pressure chamber between them.

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

[0016] According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the clamping element is elastic, forming a lever arm configured to elastically deform and rotate about a center of rotation by pressing at least one spring plate against the second contact surface of the at least one housing member, whereby a clamping surface of the clamping element transmits a clamping and / or braking force to the object to be clamped and / or braked. By forming an elastically deformable lever arm that rotates to press a clamping surface against the object to transmit a clamping and / or braking force to the object, the insert plate also allows the lever arm in the clamping element to be further elongated (without changing the dynamics of the spring plate), which provides several advantageous effects to the device.

[0017] A longer lever arm increases the holding torque acting on an object for the same (axial) bending of the spring plate. On the one hand, a longer lever arm results in a greater holding torque. On the other hand, the holding torque also increases because the longer the lever arm of the clamping element, the earlier it strikes the object during the closing process, and the spring plate is bent more or relaxed less in the state where it strikes the object earlier. This leaves a greater elastic force (due to the spring plate's restoring force) that acts on the second contact surface, thus resulting in a greater clamping and / or braking force than if the lever arm were to strike the object later during closure. Therefore, the longer the lever arm and the greater the clamping and / or braking force, the greater the holding torque. Due to its elasticity, a longer lever arm also results in a larger and / or more effective contact surface (clamping surface in the region of the end of the lever arm) between the clamping element and the object, which also reduces wear on the object and the device. This wear reduction due to a larger and / or more effective contact surface (clamping surface) is in addition to the wear reduction due to the larger contact surface enabled by an axially thicker or wider device. The larger contact surface allows for less compressive stress (force per surface) at the same holding torque. Therefore, a longer lever arm allows for a stronger, yet sustained, clamping and / or braking of an object, combining a stronger holding torque with less wear overall.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the lever arm is configured such that, as the lever arm rotates around the center of rotation, one end of the lever arm is moved closer to the object by a radial stroke. By allowing for a longer lever arm, the possibility of a larger radial stroke is created for the same (axial) bending of the spring plate, and the radial stroke increases approximately proportionally to the length of the lever arm. Allowing for a larger radial stroke allows for undesirable frictional contact and therefore additional wear to be avoided. Such undesirable frictional contact can occur, on the one hand, because an object, e.g., a shaft, is sized larger than expected and risks rubbing against the clamping surface even in the open state of the device, or because thermal changes in the object and / or the clamping device cause the clamping surface to rub against the object during operation. This can result in damage or wear to the object and / or the clamping surface. Thus, on the one hand, a larger radial stroke allows for the device to clamp and / or brake objects of a greater variety of sizes, e.g., shafts of different thicknesses. On the other hand, this can further avoid thermal wear. Preferably, the length of the lever arm from its center of rotation to its end is selected so that the radial stroke is at least 0.13 mm, preferably at least 0.15 mm, and particularly preferably at least 0.17 mm. Such a radial stroke is suitable for clamping and / or braking objects of various sizes (e.g., shafts) and for avoiding frictional contact due to common thermal conditions. Preferably, the length of the lever arm (see L2 in FIG. 7) from its center of rotation (see D in FIG. 7) to its end (see 8b in FIG. 7) is 4 mm to 8 mm, 5 mm to 7 mm (e.g., about 5.5 mm), 6 mm to 7 mm, or about 6.6 mm, which is longer than the corresponding length L1 in the conventional device 10 without an insert plate, and is advantageous for achieving such a particularly advantageous radial stroke.

[0019] According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the annular recess of each housing member defines an annular opening in the housing member, the annular opening being formed between a first annular edge of the housing member and a second annular edge of the housing member, the first contact surface of each housing member being delimited by the first annular edge of the housing member and a first stopper of the housing member, and when one of the spring plates is inserted from outside into the recess of the housing member beyond the first annular edge, the first stopper forms an obstacle to deeper insertion of the spring plate into the recess, and preferably The distance between the stopper and the first annular edge may be 3 mm to 6 mm, 4 mm to 5 mm, or approximately 4.7 mm, and / or the second contact surface of each housing member may be separated by the second annular edge of the housing member and the second stopper of the housing member, such that when one of the spring plates is inserted from the outside into the recess of the housing member beyond the second annular edge, the second stopper forms an obstacle to further insertion of the spring plate into the recess. Preferably, the distance between the second stopper and the second annular edge is 3 mm to 6 mm, 4 mm to 5 mm, or approximately 4.7 mm. Such one or more stops result in more reliable positioning of the spring plate and more effective transfer of the spring plate's resilience to the second contact surface, resulting in more reliable and effective opening and closing functions. Such a distance also more effectively achieves the particularly advantageous radial stroke described above.

[0020] According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, each housing member includes first and second locking means, and a spring plate is clamped between first and second contact surfaces within a recess in the housing member, such that the first locking means locks a first end of the spring plate to the first contact surface, and the second locking means locks a second end of the spring plate to the second contact surface. This aspect of the present disclosure is based on the inventor's recognition that the axial positioning of the spring plate within the housing of the clamp and / or brake device is critical to the opening and closing function of the clamp and / or brake device. In particular, the inventor recognized that the axial positioning of the spring plate during assembly traditionally relies heavily on axial press-fit pressure, which can result in the spring plate assuming slightly different axial positions within the housing. The inventor recognized that a well-defined, symmetrical positioning of the spring plate within the housing must be reliably achieved to ensure the desired symmetrical opening and closing function of the clamp and / or brake device. In the past, such a clear and symmetrical positioning of the spring plate within the housing has proven difficult and expensive to implement, placing high demands on the axial press-fit of the spring into the housing during assembly.

[0021] Against this background, the inventors have realized that a predetermined axial positioning of the spring plate in the housing of a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device is achieved by a housing member including first and second locking means, each of which is configured to lock onto the other end of the clamped spring plate, such that this positioning is no longer largely dependent on the axial press-fit force during assembly, but rather a reproducible, well-defined and symmetrical positioning of the spring plate in the housing of the clamping and / or braking device. The first locking means may be configured to hold the first end of the spring plate in a predetermined position relative to the first contact surface, in particular during operation of the clamping and / or braking device, and / or the second locking means is configured to hold the second end of the spring plate in a predetermined position relative to the second contact surface, in particular during operation of the clamping and / or braking device.

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

[0023] According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the first locking means comprises a first protrusion and a first stop on the first contact surface, which together lock the first end of the spring plate between the first protrusion and the first stop in the area of ​​the first contact surface, and / or the second locking means comprises a second protrusion and a second stop on the second contact surface, which together lock the second end of the spring plate between the second protrusion and the second stop in the area of ​​the second contact surface. This special implementation of the first and second locking means results in a particularly effective and symmetrical locking of the spring plate, but also at the same time facilitates insertion of the spring plate into the housing member, avoiding the need for additional parts and material for the housing, which is advantageous for production and assembly.

[0024] Each protrusion may include a height transition between two adjacent regions of the associated contact surface. One of the two regions may be located between the associated stop and the height transition and be the region against which one end of the spring plate abuts, while the other region may be the region between the height transition and the associated annular edge of the annular opening of the recess. Each protrusion may include a step or ramp as a height transition. The ramp may be an inclined plane, but may also have a different shape of slope, such as a curve. However, other shapes of protrusions are also conceivable.

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

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, a first protrusion may be disposed on the first contact surface of each housing member in the region of the recess between the first annular edge and the first stopper, preferably the first protrusion or a step or ramp of the first protrusion may be disposed on the first contact surface of the housing member in the region of the recess with a distance of 2 mm to 6 mm, 3 mm to 5 mm, 3 mm to 4 mm, or about 3.2 mm from the first annular edge; and / or a second protrusion may be disposed on the second contact surface of each housing member in the region of the recess between the second annular edge and the second stopper, preferably the second protrusion or a step or ramp of the second protrusion may be disposed on the second contact surface of the housing member in the region of the recess with a distance of 2 mm to 6 mm, 3 mm to 5 mm, 3 mm to 4 mm, or about 3.2 mm from the second annular edge. Such an arrangement of one or more protrusions ensures a reliable and effective locking and a reliable and effective transfer of the resilience of the spring plate having a normal thickness and of the rubber lining of the spring plate, if any, into the object, and therefore a symmetrical and effective opening and closing function of such a spring plate. Such a spacing also makes it possible to more effectively obtain a particularly advantageous radial stroke for such a spring plate.

[0027] The annular recess may define an annular opening in the housing member, the annular opening being formed between a first annular edge of the housing member and a second annular edge of the housing member. Preferably, the first protrusion may be disposed on the first contact surface of the housing member in the region of the recess, between the first annular edge and the first stop. A height transition (e.g., a step or ramp) of the first protrusion may be located on the first contact surface. The height transition of the first protrusion may be disposed on the first contact surface, preferably on the inside of the housing member in the region of the recess, at a distance of 3 mm to 6 mm, preferably 3 mm to 5 mm, and particularly preferably 3 mm to 4 mm or 3.2 mm, from the first annular edge, and the first protrusion may extend beyond this distance. The first protrusion may extend continuously from the first annular edge to the height transition. Preferably, the second protrusion may be disposed on the second contact surface of the housing member in the region of the recess, between the second annular edge and the second stop. The height transition (e.g., a step or ramp) of the second protrusion may be located on the second contact surface. The height transition of the second protrusion may be located on the second contact surface, preferably on the inside of the housing member in the region of the recess, at a distance of 3 mm to 6 mm, preferably 3 mm to 5 mm, and particularly preferably 3 mm to 4 mm or 3.2 mm, from the first annular edge; the second protrusion may extend beyond this distance. The second protrusion may extend continuously from the second annular edge to the height transition. Such an arrangement of the protrusion or step or ramp may be particularly advantageous for secure positioning of the spring plate in the recess or housing with respect to the normal operating parameters of the clamping device, on the one hand, and for easy insertion of the spring plate into the housing member, on the other hand.

[0028] If the brief description describes features that are not recited in the claims, these features are not essential features in the sense that they must be included in the claims, but they are particularly important preferred realizations of the claimed subject matter and may be combined with any of the claims and may also be combined with each other in any way. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [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 according to the present invention, taken out from FIG. 5A; [Figure 5C] 5B is a view showing a modified example of the housing member according to the present invention, taken out from FIG. 5A; [Figure 5D] 5B is a view showing a modified example of the housing member according to the present invention, taken out from FIG. 5A; [Figure 6A]In the upper region of the figure, variants of the housing member shown in Figures 5B to 5D are shown, and in the lower region of the figure, a particularly preferred variant according to the invention of the housing member extracted from Figure 5A is shown. [Figure 6B] In the upper region of the figure, variants of the housing member shown in Figures 5B to 5D are shown, and in the lower region of the figure, a particularly preferred variant according to the invention of the housing member extracted from Figure 5A is shown. [Figure 7] 6B shows a particularly preferred embodiment of a clamping and / or braking device with a housing member according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Elements shown in more than one drawing are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0031] The present disclosure relates to a housing member for a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device, and to a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device comprising a housing member according to the present invention.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 1A to 5A show a schematic cross section of a pneumatic clamping device 10 according to the invention, which comprises a housing 3 including two housing members 3a, 3b and a spring 1 arranged in the housing 3 and including at least two annular spring plates 1a, 1b.

[0034] The clamping device 10 according to the present invention comprises a housing 3 including a first housing member 3a and a second housing member 3b, each of the housing members 3a, 3b including an annular recess 11 (see FIGS. 6A to 7), the recess 11 defining a first contact surface 101 of the housing member 3a, 3b and a second contact surface 102 of the housing member 3a, 3b, and both housing members 3a, 3b being arranged relative to each other and fastened together such that the recesses 11 of the first and second housing members 3a, 3b together define an interior space 13 within the housing 3. and a spring 1 disposed in an interior space 13, the spring 1 including a housing 3A having a first annular spring plate 1a and a second annular spring plate 1b, the first annular spring plate 1a being clamped in an annular recess 11 of the first housing member 3A between a first contact surface 101 and a second contact surface 102 of the first housing member 3A, and the second annular spring plate 1b being clamped in an annular recess 11 of the second housing member 3A between the first contact surface 101 and the second contact surface 102 of the second housing member 3A. and at least one clamping element 8, each clamping element 8 having a clamping surface 7 configured to apply a clamping and / or braking force F3 (see FIG. 7) to an object to be clamped and / or braked when a first end of one of the spring plates 1 a, 1 b rests against a first contact surface 101 of one of the housing members 3 a, 3 b and a second end of one of the spring plates 1 a, 1 b presses against a second contact surface 102 of one of the housing members 3 a, 3 b. and a clamping element configured to transmit the pressure to the spring plates 1a, 1b. The spring plates 1a, 1b are 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 delimited by the spring plates 1a, 1b, the pressure chamber 2, 4 being capable of being ventilated or vented and capable of applying a positive pressure of a pressure medium that can be supplied to the housing 3, and the spring plates 1a, 1b ventilate or vent the pressure chambers 2, 4 or apply a positive pressure to the pressure chambers 2, 4.At least one spring plate 1a, 1b is arranged relative to at least one pressure chamber 2, 4 in such a way that the bending of at least one spring plate of the clamping and / or braking device 10 is variable, whereby the clamping and / or braking device 10 can be switched between an open state, in which the object 5 is not contacted by one or both clamping surfaces 7 and is spaced apart from the clamping surface(s) 7, and a closed state, in which the clamping and / or braking surface(s) 7 transmit a clamping and / or braking force to the object 5. The clamping and / or braking device 10 according to the invention further comprises at least one insert plate 100 (see FIG. 7), which is arranged in the interior space 13 between the first spring plate 1a and the second spring plate 1b. The device 10 can be switched, for example, from a closed state to an open state and vice versa.

[0035] 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.

[0036] The clamping force F3 (see FIG. 7) or clamping action of the clamping surface 7 on the object to be clamped 5 occurs in a clamping plane formed by two vectors that respectively define the radii of the annular spring plates 1a, 1b or the annular recess 11 (see FIG. 5A). Axis 9, which may be referred to as the main axis of the clamping device 10, extends perpendicular to the clamping plane. The clamping device 10 may be formed with rotational symmetry about main axis 9. 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 to be clamped 5, e.g., a rotatable shaft of a machine or table, is located in opening 14, and therefore the clamping force of the clamping device is directed radially inward toward (perpendicular to) main axis 9 in the clamping plane. In Figures 1B and 4B, the object 5 to be clamped is positioned outside the clamping device 10, and therefore the clamping force of the clamping device is directed radially outward away from the main axis 9 (perpendicular to the main axis 9) in the clamping plane.

[0037] 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, 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 that at least partially fills the opening 14, through which the main shaft 9 extends.

[0038] 1A-5A, spring 1 is clamped between and extends between two contact surfaces (101 and 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 in its initial, unpressurized state, such as the open state), the venting of the inner pressure chamber 2 of the spring 1 and the ventilation of the outer pressure chamber 4 of the spring 1 at least partially relaxes the spring 1 while it presses against the radial contact surfaces, slightly expanding the gap between them, so that the housing 3 elastically deforms 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.

[0039] 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 F2 of the (slightly) bent spring 1 (see FIG. 7), 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, for example, the clamping surface 7 can press against the object 5 with a clamping force F3.

[0040] There is an optional possibility to increase the clamping force by a predetermined value by adding additional compressed air (for example at 4 or 6 bar) to the outer 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 outer pressure chamber 4. The outer pressure chamber 4 may be connected by an opening in the housing 3 to an air connection II (also called "close"), to which the compressed air pump 6 may be connected.

[0041] 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).

[0042] 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, the inner pressure chamber 2 or the outer pressure chamber 4.

[0043] 2A and 2B show the clamping device 10 of FIGS. 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 I (also called "open"), to which a compressed air pump 6 may be connected.

[0044] By supplying compressed air (e.g., 4 or 6 bar) to the inner pressure chamber 2 by the compressed air pump 6 and ventilating the 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 spacing between the spring 1 or 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 around the axis 9 or linearly movable along the axis 9) and the clamping device 10 is open.

[0045] The device 10 can be switched between the closed and open states in both directions.

[0046] Such a pneumatic clamp 10 has many advantages over hydraulic clamps.

[0047] The use of a spring 1, which includes elastic members (spring plates 1a and 1b) in combination with compressed air provides extremely short response times, for example when switching between open and closed states, and also ensures reliable clamping of the object 5. The spring 1 is preferably plate-shaped, as shown in detail in FIG. 5. Two overlapping spring plates 1a and 1b form the spring 1 and the pressure chamber 2 inside the spring 1 between them. As shown in FIG. 5, the plates 1a and 1b may be annular and optionally have additional radial slots, which allow for particularly small changes in their internal diameter. The spring plates 1a and 1b may be rubber-coated, at least in the slot area, to ensure the necessary airtightness for the compressed air. The spring plates 1a and 1b may also be completely covered with rubber. The spring plates 1a, 1b are generally pressure-resistant and configured to be resiliently bendable and are arranged within a housing 3 of the clamping device 10, with an inner pressure chamber 2 formed within the spring 1 between the spring plates 1a, 1b and an outer pressure chamber 4 formed between each spring plate 1a, 1b and the housing 3 or housing member 3a, 3b of the clamping device 10. Figure 5 shows a three-dimensional representation of a clamping device 10 similar to Figures 1A and 2A.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 1A, ventilation or supply of compressed air to the outer pressure chamber 4 and venting of the 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 safe 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 the outer pressure chamber 4 with compressed air, as suggested by the pressure pump 6 (booster) in FIG. 1A. In this case, a few bars (e.g., 4 or 6 bar) 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 the 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

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

[0052] In a passive clamping device 10, the spring 1 is typically slightly elastically bent (e.g., convex) or pretensioned in its initial, unpressurized state, so that the clamping device 10 can be closed (FIGS. 1A, 1B). The clamping device 10 can only be opened by applying a force from the inside through the supply of compressed air to the internal pressure chamber 2 (FIGS. 2A, 2B). In many cases, the spring 1 is slightly bent in its initial, unpressurized state, so that the spring 1 transfers the elastic force provided by the energy stored in the spring 1 to the object 5 to be clamped as a clamping force in order to clamp the object 5 when clamping or when the pressure is reduced.

[0053] In the active clamping device 10, the spring 1 in its initial, unpressurized state (FIGS. 3A and 3B) is stronger than in the passive clamping device, particularly laterally outward, and is convexly curved, so that the spacing between the two radial contact surfaces is small and the clamping device 10 is in an open state. No clamping force acts on the object 5 via the clamping surfaces 7. The object 5 is free, as the clamping surfaces 7 are not in contact with or spaced apart from the object 5.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 4A and 4B, to bring the clamp into the closed state, a clamping force must be actively induced 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, which actively relaxes the spring 1, reducing its curvature and increasing the distance between the two contact surfaces. The housing 3 elastically deforms 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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, which are preferably fastened together with fastening means such as screws. In the assembled state, the two housing members 3a and 3b define an internal space 13 between the housing members 3a and 3b. The spring 1 is disposed within the internal space 13 together with its annular spring plates 1a and 1b, and an insert plate (not shown in FIG. 5A ) is disposed between the spring plates 1a and 1b. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B , each of the housing members 3a and 3b defines 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 can extend (approximately) perpendicular to the radial direction R of the annular recess 11, and / or a portion of the second contact surface 102 can extend (approximately) perpendicular to the radial direction R of the annular recess 11.

[0058] An opening 14 (FIG. 5B) extends through the center of the housing 3, 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.

[0059] Along the circumference of the housing 3 or the opening 14, there are one or more clamping surfaces 7, 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 along 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).

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

[0061] Figure 5C shows a portion of the housing member 3a shown in Figure 5B, with the upper plate 1a of the spring 1 colliding with, and preferably in contact with, the first contact surface 101. Figure 5D shows a portion of the housing member 3a shown in Figure 5B, with the upper plate 1a of the spring 1 colliding with, and preferably in contact with, the second contact surface 102. However, it is also possible that one or more further components are located radially between the spring plate 1a and the one or more contact surfaces 101, 102, respectively, via which the spring plate 1a exerts a resilient force on the contact surfaces 101, 102.

[0062] 5B-5D, the insert plate 100 according to the present invention (see FIG. 7) is not shown in the illustrated housing member 3a for the sake of simplicity. As is clear from FIGS. 5B and 5D, the insert plate extends between the inner surfaces of the housing member 3a, which are linear or flat, with the spring plate 1a clamped in the recess. During assembly, each plate of the spring 1 is introduced into the corresponding housing member's recess 11 through the opening 12 along the linear or flat inner surface of the housing member 3a in the direction of the main axis 9 of the clamping device 10, until it abuts against a stop 112, 122 at the end of each of the two contact surfaces 101, 102 and thus cannot be introduced further into the recess 11. Since the radial extension of the spring plate 1a in the clamping plane or the annular recess is greater than the extension of the interior space defined by the housing members, the plate 1a is bent or pretensioned in the initial, unpressurized state. The insert plate is then placed on the spring plate.

[0063] However, it has become clear that the plates 1a, 1b of the spring 1 are positioned during assembly depending on the axial press-in force and are therefore not always axially positioned in the housing members 3a, 3b in the same way. The spring plates 1a, 1b can be tilted, introduced to different depths in the housing members, or bent to different degrees. Variations in the positioning of the plates 1a, 1b in the housing members result in variations in these functions, with important consequences for the opening and closing functions of the clamping device 10, in particular asymmetries in the distribution of the clamping force along the clamping surface or along the periphery of the opening in the clamping plane, which are detrimental to an effective and sustainable clamping action and to an undamaged object.

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

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

[0066] As shown in the lower drawing of Fig. 6A, a protrusion 111 is preferably provided on the first contact surface 101 as part of the first locking means. Therefore, when inserting the plate 1a into the housing member 3a along a direction parallel to the main axis 9, the first end of the spring plate 1a must go over this protrusion 111, so that after going over the protrusion 111, the plate 1a is positioned in a defined manner between the stopper 112 and the protrusion 111 in the direction of the main axis 9. The plate 1a can lock in the region of the first contact surface 101 between the stopper 112 and the protrusion 111 and preferably come into contact with the first contact surface 101. The protrusion 111 can be a step or a ramp or have any other shape that provides the function of a protrusion. The same applies analogously to the second contact surface 102 according to the invention shown in the lower image of Fig. 6B, which is likewise preferably formed with a protrusion 121, so that the second end of the spring plate 1a, when inserted along a direction parallel to the main axis 9, is located in a predetermined manner between the stop 122 and the protrusion 121 and must overcome the protrusion 121 before locking in the area of ​​the second contact surface 102. The second end of the spring plate 1a can preferably come into contact with the second contact surface 102 during locking. The protrusion 121 can be a step or a ramp or have another shape that provides the function of the protrusion 121.

[0067] 1A to 6B, regardless of whether the clamping force acts inward (FIGS. 1A, 2A) or outward (FIGS. 1B, 2B), the first protrusion 111 and the first stop are farther from the object 5 to be clamped than the second protrusion 121 and the second stop 122. The first protrusion 111 and the first stop 112 may be arranged opposite the clamping element 8 in the housing members 3a, 3b, while the second protrusion 121 and the second stop 122 may be arranged in the region of the clamping element 8 or may be part of the clamping element 8. The first stop 112 may have a longer extension in the radial direction R of the annular recess 11 than the first protrusion 111 (FIGS. 6A, 5B). The first protrusion 111 can protrude from or relative to the first contact surface 101 (e.g., into the recess 11) in the radial direction R of the annular recess 11 by 0.025 mm to 0.15 mm, preferably 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm, and particularly preferably 0.1 mm.

[0068] The second stopper 122 may have a longer extension in the radial direction R of the annular recess 11 than the second protrusion 121 (FIGS. 6B and 5B). The second protrusion 121 may protrude from the second contact surface 102 in the radial direction R of the annular recess 11 or relative to the second contact surface 102 (e.g., into the recess 11) by 0.025 mm to 0.15 mm, preferably 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm, and particularly preferably 0.05 mm.

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

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

[0071] By forming the locking means 110, 120, preferably by means of protrusions 111, 121, possibly in combination with optional stops 112, 122, in the region of the two contact surfaces 101, 102, a forced position (in particular in the axial direction) of the spring plates 1a, 1b is created. This forced positioning ensures that the spring plates 1a, 1b are mounted in a stable manner and are positioned in a predetermined axial direction, in particular in a direction parallel to the main axis 9 of the clamping device 10, so that the position of the spring plates 1a, 1b is no longer largely dependent on the axial press-in force in the housing members 3a, 3b. Due to the clearly determined (axial) position of each spring plate 1a, 1b of the spring 1, the curvature of the spring plates 1a, 1b is also clearly defined and formed as desired in the unstressed state.

[0072] The locking means 110, 120 allow the two spring plates 1a, 1b in the clamping device 10 to be positioned more accurately in the housing 3 with a clearly defined and constant spacing. The locking means 110, 120 allow the spring plates 1a, 1b to be positioned with their longitudinal axes parallel to the clamping plane. The symmetrical functional structure provided by the locking means 110, 120 results in a symmetrical tension in the spring 1 around the entire circumference of the opening 14, resulting in a very effective distribution of the clamping force evenly around the object 5 in the clamping plane.

[0073] The opening and closing functions can therefore be performed symmetrically and more reliably around the circumference of the opening 14 by the locking means 110, 120. Any undesired movements that may occur in the radial or axial direction of the housing 3 will therefore not result in undesired geometric displacements of the clamping surface 7 in the axial or radial direction.

[0074] In addition to creating the axially forced position described for the spring plates, the locking means also have the advantageous effect that the definite axial positioning of the spring plates also results in a more accurate axial positioning of the insert plates, since the insert plates rest on the spring plates or the axial positioning of the insert plates is also determined by the axial positioning of the spring plates, so that the volume displacement in the internal space caused by the insert plates is more accurately defined in the axial direction and is set uniformly and axisymmetrically along the spring plates, which has an advantageous effect on the desired constant, uniform and axisymmetric dynamics of each spring plate.

[0075] The inventors have discovered that the insert plate 100, as well as the locking means 110, 120, in particular the protrusions 111, 121, also provide a clear and symmetrical axial positioning in the housing, as well as an improved sealing effect between the spring plates 1a, 1b and between each of the two housing members 3a, 3b and the associated plate 1a, 1b of the spring 1. These improved sealing effects provided by the insert plate and the locking means are particularly advantageous when additional compressed air is supplied to the inner and outer pressure chambers 2, 4 to move the clamping device into the other of the two described states. The insert plate 100 and the locking means 110, 120, in particular the protrusions 111, 121, provide a significantly improved contact in terms of sealing effect between the rubber linings of the plates 1a, 1b and between the rubber lining of each plate 1a, 1b and the respective housing member 3a, 3b.

[0076] The inventors have discovered further advantages from the provision of the locking means 110, 120, in particular the protrusions 111, 121. For example, the determined position of the rubberized spring plates 1a, 1b allows, by adjusting the thickness of the rubber around the spring plates, to set a target stroke limit for the plates as protection against incorrect application (e.g. zero crossing) of excessively high operating pressures (especially in the case of boosters), which in turn reduces the required amount (volume) of pressure medium and, as a result, increases the opening and closing speed of the clamping device 10. The insert plate 100 also provides this advantage.

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

[0078] FIG. 7 shows a preferred embodiment of a clamping and / or braking device according to the invention with a housing member according to FIG. 6B, i.e. with optional locking means 120 including optional projections 121.

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

[0080] When ventilation of the second (inner) pressure chamber 2 or the supply of pressure medium causes a force F1 to bend the spring plate 1 a or 1 b, this bending of the spring plate causes a resilient force F2 to press one end of the spring plate against the second contact surface 102. In a preferred embodiment shown here by way of example, the spring plate is pressed against the second contact surface 102 in the region between the second stop 122, which may also be part of the locking means 120, and the first protrusion 121, which may also be part of the locking means 120. However, both the stop, i.e. the protrusion, and the locking means are optional.

[0081] The elastic force F2 acting on the second contact surface 102 results in elastic deformation of the clamping element 8. The clamping element 8 may be elastic such that it forms a lever arm 8a, which is configured to elastically deform by pressing the spring plate 1a or 1b against the second contact surface 102 of the housing member 3a or 3b with the elastic force F2, thereby rotating around a center of rotation D (see the curved arrow in FIG. 7 ), whereby the clamping surface 7 of the clamping element 8 transmits a clamping and / or braking force F3 to the object 5 to be clamped and / or braked. The center of rotation D may be located in an area of ​​the housing member 3a, 3b at the end opposite the end 8b of the lever arm 8a, for example, in the triangular area marked D in FIG. 7 . Here, the action of the elastic force F2 on the second contact surface 102, which is opposite the clamping surface 7, causes the lever arm 8a to rotate around the center of rotation D, and the end 8b of the lever arm 8a to move towards the object 5 to be clamped. In this case, the end 8b moves by a radial stroke H2 towards the object to be clamped, and the clamping surface 7 comes into contact with the object to be clamped. The bending force F1 thus generates a spring force F2, which in turn generates a clamping force F3, which acts on the object to be clamped 5 via the clamping surface 7 in the region of the end 8b of the lever arm 8a of the clamping element 8, thereby clamping the object 5. The device then moves into the closed state.

[0082] The insert plate 100 allows the length L2 of the lever arm 8a to be longer than that of conventional clamping devices having a length L1. The longer length L2 results in a radial stroke H2 greater than that of commercially available prior art clamping devices. This allows the benefits of the longer lever arm 8a and greater radial stroke H2 to be achieved without reducing the closing and opening speed of the clamping device 10 due to an increase in the volume within the clamping device 10 in the region of the internal space 13. The dynamics of the spring plates 1a, 1b can therefore remain unchanged as desired. In this case, the ratio L2 / L1 = H2 / H1 is generally valid. The ratio L2 / L1 or H2 / H1 can be at least 1.3, at least 1.4, at least 1.5, or at least 1.7, or preferably in the range of 1.3 to 2.2, 1.4 to 2.2, 1.4 to 2.0, 1.4 to 1.7, or 1.3 to 1.8.

[0083] In the case of an apparatus 10 having an insert plate 100, the distance A2 between the second stopper 122 and the second annular edge 12b may be preferably 3 mm to 6 mm, 4 mm to 5 mm, or approximately 4.7 mm, as described, which is larger than the corresponding distance A1 in a conventional apparatus 10 without an insert plate.

[0084] Preferably, the second protrusion 121, or the step 121 of the second protrusion, or the ramp 121, as described, may be arranged on the second contact surface 102 of the housing member in the region of the recess 11 with a spacing V2 from the second annular edge 12b of 2 mm to 6 mm, 3 mm to 5 mm, 3 mm to 4 mm, or about 3.2 mm, V2 being greater than the corresponding spacing V1 in a conventional device 10 without an insert plate.

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

[0086] The specification and drawings set forth preferred embodiments of the subject matter claimed by the following 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 by the appended claims in its various embodiments.

[0087] 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]

[0088] 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 8a Lever arm 8b end 9 Main shaft 10 Clamping and / or braking devices 11 Recess 12 Annular opening 12a First annular edge 12b Second annular edge 13 Interior Space 14 Openings 100 insert plates 101 first contact surface 102 second contact surface 110 First locking means 111 First protrusion 112 First Stopper 120 Second locking means 121 Second protrusion 122 Second Stopper A1, A2 interval D Rotation center F1 bending force F2 Elasticity F3 Clamping force and / or braking force H1, H2 radial stroke L1, L2 length R Radial direction of the recess 11 V1, V2 interval I, II Air Connections

Claims

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

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

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

4. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the insert plate (100) is rigid.

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

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

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

8. 8. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the length (L2) of the lever arm (8a) from its center of rotation (D) to its end (8b) is selected so that the radial stroke (H2) is at least 0.13 mm.

9. 9. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the length (L2) of the lever arm (8a) from its center of rotation (D) to its end (8b) is between 4 mm and 8 mm, between 5 mm and 7 mm, between 6 mm and 7 mm, or about 6.6 mm.

10. the annular recess (11) in each housing member (3a, 3b) defines an annular opening (12) in said housing member (3a, 3b), said annular opening (12) being formed between a first annular edge (12a) of said housing member (3a, 3b) and a second annular edge (12b) of said housing member (3a, 3b); the first contact surface (101) of each housing member (3a, 3b) is delimited by the first annular edge (12a) of said housing member (3a, 3b) and a first stop (112) of said housing member (3a, 3b), such that when one of the spring plates (1a, 1b) is inserted from the outside into the recess (11) of the housing member (3a, 3b) beyond the first annular edge (12a), the first stop (112) forms an obstacle to a deeper insertion of said spring plate (1a, 1b) into said recess (11); and / or 2. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second contact surface (102) of each housing member (3 a, 3 b) is delimited by a second annular edge (12 b) of said housing member (3 a, 3 b) and a second stop (122) of said housing member (3 a, 3 b), and when one of said spring plates (1 a, 1 b) is inserted from the outside into the recess (11) of said housing member (3 a, 3 b) beyond said second annular edge (12 b), said second stop (122) forms an obstacle to deeper insertion of said spring plate (1 a, 1 b) into said recess (11).

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

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

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

14. 14. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the first protrusion (111) is arranged on the first contact surface (101) of each housing member (3a, 3b) in the region of the recess (11) between the first annular edge (12a) and the first stop (112), and / or the second protrusion (121) is arranged on the second contact surface (102) of each housing member (3a, 3b) in the region of the recess (11) between the second annular edge (12b) and the second stop (122).

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

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

17. 17. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the device (10) is configured such that 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 housing members (3 a, 3 b) to move away from each other and / or reduces the bending of at least one of the spring plates (1 a, 1 b), thereby switching the device (10) from an open state to a closed state.

18. 2. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one pressure chamber includes one or more second pressure chambers (2), which are arranged inside the spring (1) between each of the two spring plates (1a, 1b) and the insert plate (100).

19. 19. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 18, wherein the device (10) is configured such that venting or applying a positive pressure to the one or more second pressure chambers (2) causes the first and second contact surfaces (101) and (102) of at least one of the 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.

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

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