Housing member for pneumatic clamping and / or braking devices

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a housing member for a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device, and a pneumatic 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, 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 inserted into a housing of the clamping device and form a pressure chamber that 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 desired opening and closing function of pneumatic clamping devices cannot be achieved axisymmetrically around the circumference of the annular spring plates. For example, uneven distribution of the clamping force around the circumference of the shaft and consequent damage to the shaft are observed. [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 ensure that a pneumatic clamping and / or braking device can achieve the desired symmetrical opening and closing function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] This problem is solved by a housing element having the features of claim 1 and a clamping and / or braking device having the features of claim 15. 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 proposed, the housing member comprising an annular recess for clamping an annular spring plate between a first contact surface of the housing member defined by the recess and a second contact surface of the housing member defined by the recess, and a clamping element having a clamping surface, the clamping surface being configured such that the spring plate is clamped in the recess between the first and second contact surfaces, whereby a first end of the spring plate bears on the first contact surface and the spring plate extends from the first contact surface to the second contact surface, and the clamping element is configured to transmit a clamping and / or braking force to the object to be clamped and / or braked when the second end of the spring plate presses against the second contact surface, the housing member comprising: Hooking means and the second Hooking means and when the spring plate is clamped between the first contact surface and the second contact surface within the recess, Hooking means the first end of the spring plate to the first contact surface Hook and stopper The second Hooking means the second end of the spring plate to the second contact surface Hook and stopper It is configured to:

[0011] 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 further proposed, the device comprising: a housing including a first housing member according to the invention and a second housing member according to the invention, both housing members being arranged and fastened to each other so that the recesses of the first and second housing members together form an internal space in the housing; and a spring (e.g. a bending spring such as a leaf spring) arranged in the internal space, including a first annular spring plate (e.g. a bending spring such as a leaf spring) and a second annular spring plate (e.g. a bending spring such as a leaf spring), the spring plate being arranged in the internal space so that at least one pressure chamber is formed in the internal space, the pressure chamber being ventilated or breathable, and a positive pressure of a pressure medium (e.g. compressed air) that can be supplied to the housing can be applied to the pressure chamber, the first end of the first spring plate being fastened to the pressure chamber by a first latching means of the first housing member. Hook and stopper and a second end of the first spring plate is engaged by a second latch means of the first housing member. Hook and stopper 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 first end of the second spring plate is clamped by a first latch means of the second housing member so as to Hook and stopper and a second end of the second spring plate is engaged by a second latch means of the second housing member. Hook and stoppera second spring plate clamped between the first contact surface of the second housing member and the second contact surface of the second housing member such that the spring plate is positioned relative to the at least one pressure chamber such that venting or venting the pressure chamber or applying a positive pressure to the pressure chamber causes bending (e.g., lateral bending; bending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spring plate; the longitudinal axis connecting opposite ends of each spring plate) of at least one of the spring plates to be variable, whereby the device includes a spring that switches between an open state in which the object is spaced apart from the clamping surfaces and a closed state in which the one or more clamping surfaces transmit a clamping and / or braking force to the object, for example, the device being capable of switching from the closed state to the open state or vice versa. In the open state of the device, the object is free to move (e.g., free to rotate around the axis of rotation or move linearly along the axis), whereas in the closed state of the device, the object is clamped and / or braked and therefore is not free to move (e.g., unable to rotate around the axis of rotation or move linearly along the axis).

[0012] The present disclosure is based on the inventors' 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 inventors recognized that axial positioning of the spring plate during assembly has traditionally relied heavily on axial press-fit pressure, which can result in the spring plate adopting slightly different axial positions within the housing. The inventors recognized that to ensure the desired symmetrical opening and closing function of the clamp and / or brake device, a well-defined, symmetrical positioning of the spring plate within the housing should be reliably achieved. Previously, such well-defined, symmetrical positioning of the spring plate within the housing placed high demands on the axial press-fit of the spring into the housing during assembly, which has proven difficult and expensive in practice.

[0013] In light of this background, the inventor has developed a spring plate clamping mechanism at the other end of the clamped spring plate. Hook and stopper a first Hook and stopper Means and Second Hook and stopper It has been recognized that by means of a housing member including a means for fastening the spring plate in the housing of the pneumatic clamping and / or braking device, a predetermined axial positioning of the spring plate in the housing of the clamping and / or braking device is achieved, and 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 is achieved. Hook and stopper The means have proven effective in practice, even in assembly, because Hook and stopper This is because the means facilitates assembly of the spring plate. Hook and stopper The measures provide advantages of the kind described below, for example, by improving the sealing within the housing: Hook and stopper The measures have various positive effects on the operation of the overall system of clamping and / or braking devices.

[0014] Preferably, the first Hook and stopper The means includes a first protrusion and a first stopper, and the first protrusion and the first stopper each have a first Hook and stopper The means holds the first end of the spring plate between the first protrusion and the first stop in the region of the first contact surface. Hook and stopper The first contact surface is partitioned so that the second Hook and stopper The means may preferably include a second protrusion and a second stopper, each of which is a second protrusion and a second stopper. Hook and stopper A means for connecting the second end of the spring plate between the second protrusion and the second stop in the region of the second contact surface. Hook and stopper The second contact surface is partitioned so as to Hook and stopper This special implementation of the measures ensures particularly effective Hook and stopperAt the same time, the spring plate can be easily inserted into the housing member, and additional members and materials for the housing are not required, which is advantageous in manufacturing and assembly.

[0015] Each protrusion may include a height transition at the transition of the protrusion to the associated or adjacent contact surface. Each protrusion may include a step or ramp as the 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 contemplated.

[0016] Particularly preferably, each protrusion can protrude into the annular recess in the radial direction of the 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 by the protrusions can be particularly advantageous, on the one hand, for a secure latching 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.

[0017] 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 is disposed inside the housing member in the region of the recess, between the first annular edge and the first contact surface, and may optionally extend from the first annular edge to the first contact surface. A height transition of the first protrusion may be adjacent to the first contact surface. A height transition (e.g., a step or ramp) of the first protrusion may be disposed inside the housing member in the region of the recess, with a distance of 1 mm to 1.8 mm, preferably 1 mm to 1.5 mm, and particularly preferably 1.2 mm or 1.1 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 is disposed inside the housing member in the region of the recess between the second annular edge and the second contact surface, and may extend from the second annular edge to the second contact surface, if necessary. The height transition of the second protrusion may be adjacent to the second contact surface. The height transition of the second protrusion (e.g., a step or ramp) may be disposed inside the housing member in the region of the recess, with a distance of 1 mm to 1.8 mm, preferably 1 mm to 1.5 mm, particularly preferably 1.2 mm or 1.1 mm, from the second annular edge, and the second protrusion may extend beyond this distance. The second protrusion may extend continuously from the second annular edge to the height transition.

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

[0019] The distance between the first protrusion and the first stopper and the distance between the second protrusion and the second stopper can be 1 mm to 1.5 mm, 1.1 mm to 1.4 mm, preferably 1.2 mm, respectively, which is particularly suitable for effective locking of springs with normal thickness and normal rubber lining.

[0020] When the brief description of this disclosure 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 these features are particularly important preferred realizations of the claimed inventions, and they can be combined with any of the claims, and can also be combined with each other in any way. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [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 variation of the housing member taken from FIG. 5A according to the prior art. FIG. [Figure 5C] 5B is a view showing a variation of the housing member taken from FIG. 5A according to the prior art. FIG. [Figure 5D] 5B is a view showing a variation of the housing member taken from FIG. 5A according to the prior art. FIG. [Figure 6A] In the upper region of the figure, a modified example of the housing member according to the prior art shown in Figures 5B to 5D is shown, and in the lower region of the figure, a modified example of the housing member according to the present invention extracted from Figure 5A is shown. [Figure 6B] In the upper region of the figure, a modified example of the housing member according to the prior art shown in Figures 5B to 5D is shown, and in the lower region of the figure, a modified example of the housing member according to the present invention extracted from Figure 5A is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Elements shown in more than one drawing are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 1A to 5A show a schematic cross-section of a pneumatic clamping device 10 according to the present invention, which comprises a housing 3 including two housing members 3a, 3b according to the present invention, and a spring 1 arranged in the housing 3 and including at least two annular spring plates 1a, 1b.

[0026] The clamping device 10 according to the present invention comprises: a housing 3 according to the present invention, comprising first and second housing members 3a, 3b, which are arranged and fastened to each other so that the recesses of the first and second housing members 3a, 3b together form an internal space 13 within the housing 3, as will be further explained below in connection with Figures 6A and 6B; a spring 1 arranged in the internal space 13, comprising a first annular spring plate 1a and a second annular spring plate 1b, which are arranged in the internal space 13 so that at least one pressure chamber 2, 4 is formed in the internal space 13, which is at least partially bounded by the spring plates 1a, 1b, and which pressure chambers 2, 4 can be ventilated (by means of openings I, II and, if necessary, connection to a compressed air pump 6) and can apply a positive pressure of a pressure medium which can be supplied to the housing 3; and a spring 1 arranged in the internal space 13, comprising a first annular spring plate 1a and a second annular spring plate 1b, which spring plate 1a is arranged in the internal space 13 so that at least one pressure chamber 2, 4 is formed in the internal space 13, which is at least partially bounded by the spring plates 1a, 1b, and which pressure chambers 2, 4 can be ventilated (by means of openings I, II and, if necessary, connection to a compressed air pump 6) and can apply a positive pressure of a pressure medium which can be supplied to the housing 3, and which spring plate 1a is arranged in the internal space 13 so that a first end of the first spring plate 1a is connected to a first recess of the first housing member 3a. Hook and stopper By means 110 Hook and stopper and the second end of the first spring plate 1a is connected to the second end of the first housing member 3a. Hook and stopper By means 120 Hook and stopper The second spring plate 1b is 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 so that the first end of the second spring plate 1b is 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. Hook and stopper By means 110 Hook and stopper and the second end of the second spring plate 1b is connected to the second end of the second housing member 3b. Hook and stopper By means 120 Hook and stopperThe spring plates 1 a, 1 b are clamped between a first contact surface 101 of the first housing member 3 b and a second contact surface 102 of the second housing member 3 b such that the bending of at least one of the spring plates 1 a, 1 b is variable with respect to at least one pressure chamber 2, 4 by ventilating or aerating the pressure chamber 2, 4 or by applying a positive pressure to the pressure chamber 2, 4, whereby the device 10 switches between an open state in which the object 5 is not contacted by one or any of the clamping surfaces 7 and is spaced apart from the clamping 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. In this regard, for example, the device 10 can be switched from the closed state to the open state or vice versa.

[0027] 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.

[0028] The clamping force 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 to be rotationally symmetric about the 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 at the center. In FIGS. 1A and 4A, the object to be clamped 5, e.g., a rotatable shaft of a machine or table, is positioned 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 and 4B, the object to be clamped 5 is positioned 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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).

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

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] The device 10 can be switched between the closed and open states in both directions.

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

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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, since the clamping surfaces 7 are not in contact with or spaced apart from the object 5.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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 according to the present invention, which are fastened together with fastening means such as screws to form an assembled structure. In the assembled state, the two housing members 3a and 3b define an internal space 13 between the housing members 3a and 3b within the housing 3, and the spring 1 is disposed within the internal space 13 together with its annular 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] Along the circumferential direction 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 on 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 periphery of the object 5. An asymmetric distribution of the clamping force could damage 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).

[0052] 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.

[0053] Figure 5C shows a cross section 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 cross section 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.

[0054] The housing member 3a shown in Figures 5B to 5D has a shape commonly used in the prior art. As can be seen from Figures 5B and 5D, spring plates 1a are clamped in recesses between the inner surfaces of the housing member 3a, which are linear or flat. During assembly, each plate of the spring 1 is introduced into the corresponding recess 11 of the housing member 3a 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 stops 112, 122 at the ends of its two contact surfaces 101, 102 and thus cannot be introduced further into the recess 11. Since the radial extension of the spring plates 1a in the clamping plane or the annular recess is greater than the extension of the interior space defined by the housing members, the plates 1a are bent or pretensioned in the initial, unpressurized state.

[0055] 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.

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

[0057] The housing members 3a, 3b according to the invention comprise an annular recess 11 for clamping the annular spring plates 1a, 1b between a first contact surface 101 of the housing members 3a, 3b defined by the recess 11 and a second contact surface 102 of the housing members 3a, 3b defined by the recess 11, and a clamping element 8 having a clamping surface 7, the clamping surface 7 being adapted to clamp the spring plates 1a, 1b in the recess 11 between the first contact surface 101 and the second contact surface 102. and a clamping element 8 configured to transmit a clamping and / or braking force to an object 5 to be clamped and / or braked when the second ends of the spring plates 1 a, 1 b press against the second contact surface 102, whereby the first ends of the spring plates 1 a, 1 b are supported on the first contact surface 101, the spring plates 1 a, 1 b extend from the first contact surface 101 to the second contact surface 102, and the second ends of the spring plates 1 a, 1 b press against the second contact surface 102, Hook and stopper Means 110 and second Hook and stopperWhen including means 120 and the spring plates 1a, 1b are clamped between the first contact surface 101 and the second contact surface 102 within the recess 11, the first Hook and stopper The means 110 is configured to place the first ends of the spring plates 1a, 1b on the first contact surface 101 Hook and stopper and the second Hook and stopper The means 120 is configured to place the second ends of the spring plates 1a, 1b on the second contact surface 102 Hook and stopper as such.

[0058] As shown in the lower drawing of Fig. 6A, according to the present invention, as a part of the first Hook and stopper means, preferably, a protrusion 111 that partitions the first contact surface 101 is provided. Thus, when inserting the plate 1a into the housing member 3a along the direction parallel to the main shaft 9, the first end of the spring plate 1a must overcome this protrusion 111. As a result, after overcoming the protrusion 111, the plate 1a is arranged as determined between the stopper 112 and the protrusion 111 in the direction of the main shaft 9. The plate 1a is located Hook and stopper between the stopper 112 and the protrusion 111 and can preferably contact the first contact surface 101 in the region of the first contact surface 101. The protrusion 111 may be a step or a ramp, or can have other shapes that provide the said function of the protrusion. The same also applies to the second contact surface 102 according to the present invention shown in the lower image of Fig. 6B. The second contact surface 102 is similarly preferably partitioned by a protrusion 121. When the second end of the spring plate 1a is inserted along the direction parallel to the main shaft 9, the plate 1a is arranged between the stopper 122 and the protrusion 121 in a predetermined manner and Hook and stopper before doing so, must overcome the protrusion 121. The second end of the spring plate 1a can preferably contact Hook and stopper the second contact surface 102 between them. The protrusion 121 may be a step or a ramp, or can have another shape that provides the said function of the protrusion 121.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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).

[0062] The protrusion 111 and the stopper 112 may define a groove in the housing member 3a, into which the first end of the spring plate 1a is inserted. Hook and stopper The protrusion 121 and the stopper 122 may define a groove in the housing member 3a, into which the second end of the spring plate 1a is inserted. Hook and stopper Possibly, the second contact surface 102 may form part of the groove.

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

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

[0065] Hook and stopperBy forming the means 110, 120 in the region of the two contact surfaces 101, 102, preferably by means of protrusions 111, 121, possibly in combination with optional stops 112, 122, 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 determined largely depending 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.

[0066] Hook and stopper By means of the means 110, 120, the two spring plates 1a, 1b in the clamping device 10 can be arranged in the housing 3 with a clearly determined constant distance between them. Hook and stopper The means 110, 120 allow it to be positioned with its longitudinal axis parallel to the clamping plane. Hook and stopper The symmetrical functional structure obtained by the means 110, 120 results in a symmetrical tension of 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.

[0067] Therefore, the opening and closing functions are Hook and stopper The means 110, 120 ensure that this occurs symmetrically around the circumference of the opening 14. Any unwanted movements that may occur in the radial or axial direction of the housing 3 therefore do not result in unwanted geometrical displacements of the clamping surface 7 in the axial or radial direction.

[0068] The inventor further Hook and stopperIt has been found that the means 110, 120, in particular the projections 111, 121, not only provide a well-defined and symmetrical axial positioning of the plates 1a, 1b of the spring 1 in the housing, but also an improved sealing effect between the spring plates 1a, 1b and between each of the two housing parts 3a, 3b and the associated plates 1a, 1b of the spring 1. These improved sealing effects are particularly advantageous when compressed air is additionally supplied to the inner and outer pressure chambers 2, 4 in order to put the clamping device into the other of the two described states. Hook and stopper The means 110, 120, in particular the projections 111, 121, provide improved contact with respect to the sealing effect between the rubber lining of the plates 1a, 1b and the rubber lining of each plate 1a, 1b and each housing member 3a, 3b.

[0069] The inventors, Hook and stopper Further advantages of providing the means 110, 120, in particular the protrusions 111, 121, have been revealed, for example the determined position of the rubberized spring plates 1a, 1b makes it possible to set a target stroke limit for the plates by adjusting the thickness of the rubber around the spring 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 compressed air and consequently increases the opening and closing speed of the clamping device 10.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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]

[0072] 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 Main axis 10 equipment 11 Recess 12 Annular opening 12a First annular edge 12b Second annular edge 13 Interior Space 14 Openings 101 first contact surface 102 second contact surface 110 First Hook and stopper means 111 First protrusion 112 First Stopper 120 Second Hook and stopper means 121 Second protrusion 122 Second Stopper R Radial direction of the recess 11 I, II Air Connections

Claims

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

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

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

4. 3. The housing element (3a, 3b) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first latching means (110) comprises a first protrusion (111) and a first stopper (112), the first protrusion and the first stopper each delimiting the first contact surface (101) such that the first latching means (110) latches the first end of the spring plate (1a, 1b) between the first protrusion (111) and the first stopper (112) in the region of the first contact surface (101).

5. 3. The housing element (3a, 3b) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second latching means (120) comprises a second protrusion (121) and a second stop (122), the second protrusion and the second stop each delimiting the second contact surface (102) such that the second latching means (120) latches the second end of the spring plate (1a, 1b) between the second protrusion (121) and the second stop (122) in the region of the second contact surface (102).

6. 5. The housing member (3a, 3b) according to claim 4, characterized in that the first projection (111) comprises a step or a ramp and / or the second projection (121) comprises a step or a ramp.

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

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

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

10. 5. The housing element (3a, 3b) according to claim 4, characterized in that the first protrusion (111) protrudes into the annular recess (11) relative to the first contact surface (101) 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, particularly preferably about 0.1 mm, and / or the second protrusion (121) protrudes into the annular recess (11) relative to the second contact surface (101) 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, particularly preferably about 0.05 mm.

11. 3. The housing member (3a, 3b) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the annular recess (11) defines an annular opening (12) in the housing member (3a, 3b), 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.

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

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

14. 3. The housing part (3a, 3b) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second contact surface (102) and the clamping surface (7) are arranged on opposite end faces of the clamping element (8).

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

16. 12. The housing element (3a, 3b) according to claim 11, characterized in that the second projection (121) extends, preferably continuously, from the second annular edge (12b) to the second contact surface (102).

17. A clamping and / or braking device (10) for clamping and / or braking an object (5) to be clamped and / or braked, comprising: A housing (3) comprising a first housing member (3a) according to claim 1 or 2 and a second housing member (3b) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein both housing members (3a, 3b) are arranged relative to each other and fastened to each other such that the recesses (11) of the first housing member (3a) and the second housing member (3b) together form an internal space (13) within 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 capable of being ventilated or vented and capable of being subjected to a positive pressure of a pressure medium that can be supplied to the housing (3), the first spring a second spring plate (1a) is 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) such that the first end of the first spring plate (1a) is latched by the first latching means (110) of the first housing member (3a) and the second end of the first spring plate (1a) is latched by the second latching means (120) of the first housing member (3a); , the second spring plate (1b) is clamped between the first contact surface (101) of the second housing member (3b) and the second contact surface (102) of the second housing member (3b) such that the first end of the second spring plate (1b) is latched by the first latching means (110) of the second housing member (3b) and the second end of the second spring plate (1b) is latched by the second latching means (120) of the second housing member (3b), and the spring plates (1a, 1b) are connected to the pressure chamber (2, a spring (1) arranged relative to at least one of the spring plates (1 a, 1 b) in such a way that the bending of at least one of the spring plates (1 a, 1 b) is variable by ventilation or venting of the pressure chambers (2, 4) or by applying a positive pressure to the pressure chambers (2, 4), whereby the device (10) switches between an open state in which the object (5) is spaced apart from the clamping surfaces (7) and a closed state in which one or more of the clamping surfaces (7) transmit a clamping and / or braking force to the object (5).

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

19. 19. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 18, wherein the first spring plate (1 a) is configured to reduce bending of the first spring plate by ventilating the first pressure chamber (4) or by applying a positive pressure to the first pressure chamber (4), so that when the first end of the first spring plate (1 a) is supported by the first contact surface (101) of the first housing member (3 a), the second end of the first spring plate (1 a) presses against the second contact surface (102) of the first housing member (3 a), thereby resulting in a transmission of clamping and / or braking forces 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) switches from an open state to a closed state.

20. 19. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 18, wherein the second spring plate (1 b) is configured to reduce bending of the second spring plate (1 b) by ventilating the first pressure chamber (4) or by applying a positive pressure to the first pressure chambers (2, 4), so that when the first end of the second spring plate (1 b) is supported by the first contact surface (101) of the second housing part (3 b), the second end of the second spring plate (1 b) presses against the second contact surface (102) of the second housing part (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 second housing part (3 a) to the object (5) to be clamped and / or braked, and the device (10) switches from an open state to a closed state.

21. 19. The clamping and / or braking device (10) according to claim 18, wherein the device (10) is configured such that, by venting the first pressure chamber (4) or by supplying a positive pressure to the first pressure chamber (4), the first and second contact surfaces (101) and (102) of at least one of the housing members (3 a, 3 b) move away from each other and / or the bending of at least one of the spring plates (1 a, 1 b) is reduced, thereby switching the device (10) from an open state to a closed state.

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

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