Meandering clamping element with recess in clamping segments

Abstract

The invention relates to a meandering clamping element (1) for clamping a workpiece (101) or a tool, comprising clamping segments (4) which are provided with a recess (42).

Description

[0001] Title: Meandering clamping element with recess in clamping segments

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a clamping element, in particular a clamping sleeve, clamping pin or clamping jaw.

[0004] Clamping bushings (or: clamping sleeves, clamping pins) for clamping workpieces or tools are known in a variety of designs, especially as so-called meandering clamping bushings, which are designed as meanders around their element axis.

[0005] WO 2021 / 204880 A2 discloses a clamping device for clamping a workpiece or a tool. The clamping device comprises at least one clamping body and a meandering clamping sleeve, wherein a longitudinal section of the clamping body has, on an inner or outer surface facing the clamping element when clamping a workpiece or tool, two or more grooves extending axially parallel to the central axis and two or more support surface segments formed between the grooves and extending axially parallel to the central axis, which are provided for receiving a support surface segment of the clamping element during a displacement movement in the axial direction of the clamping body and / or clamping element.and the clamping sleeve has at least one clamping surface for the workpiece or tool and at least one support surface facing away from the clamping surface for support against a support surface of the clamping body of the clamping device. The clamping surface of the clamping sleeve is formed by two or more clamping surface segments that are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, and the support surface of the clamping sleeve is formed by two or more support surface segments.which are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The clamping surface segments and the support surface segments are spaced apart from each other in the radial direction. Each clamping surface segment is connected to two circumferentially adjacent support surface segments via two connecting elements, or each support surface segment is connected to two circumferentially adjacent clamping surface segments via two connecting elements. At least one clamping surface segment and at least one support surface segment connected to the clamping surface segment via a connecting element are arranged circumferentially offset from each other by an offset angle.whereby a direction of action of a radial support surface pressing force acting in the radial direction between the support surface of the clamping body on the one hand and the support surface segment of the clamping element on the other hand, and a direction of action of a clamping surface pressing force acting between the clamping surface segment of the clamping element on the one hand and the tool or workpiece on the other hand, acting both radially and circumferentially, by a pressing force angle in the circumferential direction, and / or a direction of action of the clamping surface pressing force acting both radially and circumferentially, and a direction of action of a clamping surface pressing force acting between the tool or workpiece on the one hand and the clamping surface segment of the clamping element on the other hand,The resulting clamping force is offset by a clamping force angle in the circumferential direction. The clamping surface segments, together with the connecting elements and the support surface segments, form a meandering shape. Further embodiments are also described in WO 2021 / 204880 A2.

[0006] From DE 16 02 749 A1, a clamping device is known whose clamping sleeve is variable in circumference and which has outer and inner contact surfaces for the base body on sleeve strips, sleeve strips connecting these contact surfaces, and radial recesses extending along the element axis. US 2 612 376 A discloses a meandering clamping sleeve with a series of spaced-apart longitudinal grooves along the length of its outer surface and a series of spaced-apart longitudinal grooves along the length of its inner surface, wherein the grooves of both series extend to a depth less than the thickness of the sleeve, and one surface is axially tapered.

[0007] US 2 695787 A discloses a clamping sleeve with longitudinally extending slots on its outer and inner sides.

[0008] US 3 030 120 A describes an adapter for an expandable mandrel, comprising a body with generally cylindrical inner and outer surfaces and a first row of annular segments forming the inner surface, and a second row of annular segments spaced radially apart from the first segments forming the outer surface.

[0009] EP 3 682 991 A discloses a meandering clamping sleeve formed from a series of successive, adjacent cylindrical and / or pseudocylindrical elements connected to one another, the base of which has the shape of an omega and thus has a vertex and two legs, the tips of which are alternately arranged on the outside and inside of the sleeve, each forming an outer element and an inner element. This sleeve is characterized in that the legs connecting two adjacent elements are common and the outer and inner elements form "shells" whose thickness is between 10% and 25% of the width of the vertices of the outer elements.

[0010] EP 2 724 817 A1 discloses a clamping jaw for clamping a workpiece, which has two support surfaces and clamping surfaces facing the workpiece and in operative contact with it during the clamping state and extending perpendicular to each other, wherein one or more recesses with a triangular inner contour are incorporated into the clamping surface. One of the points of the recess faces away from the clamping surface and a clamping element is inserted into the recess, the outer contour of which is adapted to the inner contour of the recess and on whose end face facing the workpiece a clamping mandrel or several clamping mandrels 14) is or is formed or attached, and the clamping mandrels project from the clamping surface formed by the clamping jaw.

[0011] Other clamping devices or clamping bushings are also known from US 3 117 797 A, DE 21 48 654 Al, US 6514 017 B2, WO 2019 / 170556 Al or EP 2 747922 Bl.

[0012] The invention is based on the objective of further improving the clamping behavior of a meandering clamping element.

[0013] This problem is solved according to the invention by a clamping element according to the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and variants result in particular from the dependent claims, and furthermore from the following description, in particular the embodiments and configurations described herein.

[0014] The features and combinations of features described herein according to the underlying invention are not limited by the combination(s) of features selected in the claims and the selected cross-references. Any feature of a claim category may also be claimed in another claim category. Furthermore, any feature in the claims may be claimed, even independently of the respective claim-specific cross-reference, for example, in any combination with one or more other features of the claims or the following description.Furthermore, each feature disclosed in the following description and / or the attached drawings, and / or described or disclosed in connection with the drawings, may be claimed on its own, independently or separately from the context in which it appears, alone or in any combination with one or more other features described or disclosed in the claims, the description, and / or the drawings, in particular to the extent that the respective feature contributes at least to solving the underlying problem. In particular, each of the embodiments or exemplary embodiments described below and their features may also be claimed separately and / or in any combination.

[0015] The clamping element, in particular the clamping sleeve or clamping chuck or collet, is, according to embodiments of the invention, especially according to claim 1, suitable and intended for clamping a workpiece or a tool and is at least partially designed (or oriented) in the form of a meander around an element axis, preferably a central axis. The clamping element comprises several clamping segments offset or spaced apart from one another circumferentially around the element axis, as well as several intermediate segments, in particular support segments, offset or spaced apart from one another circumferentially around the element axis and radially offset or spaced from the clamping segments. Furthermore, the clamping element comprises several connecting segments, wherein each clamping segment is connected via two connecting segments to two intermediate segments adjacent in the circumferential direction.The clamping segments, connecting segments, and intermediate segments connected in this way extend in a plane transverse to the element axis, in particular a sectioning plane, in the form of a meander or form the meander of the clamping element. At least some of the clamping segments, preferably all clamping segments, have a first clamping segment and a second clamping segment, and a recess between the first and second clamping segments, which are designed and arranged such that, in a clamped state, the respective clamping segment is only clamped or can be clamped with its first and second clamping segments, but not in the area with the recess against at least one counter-clamping surface of the workpiece or tool.

[0016] The intermediate segments are preferably designed as support segments and arranged in such a way that, in the tensioned state, they can bear against or come into contact with a counter-support surface of a clamping body, for example a clamping mandrel or clamping ring.

[0017] The meander is preferably formed or composed of sections arranged in the circumferential direction around the element axis, each consisting of a tension segment and an intermediate segment and a connecting element connecting the tension segment and the intermediate segment, wherein sections of the same design are preferably repeated, but the individual sections may also be different from each other.

[0018] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the meander, cavities are provided alternately on the inside and outside, preferably in the form of grooves, slots, or channels. Each intermediate segment and the two directly connected connecting segments jointly define a first cavity that is open or has an opening between this intermediate segment and a further intermediate segment immediately adjacent in the circumferential direction. Each clamping segment and the two directly connected connecting segments jointly define a second cavity that is open or has an opening between this clamping segment and a further clamping segment immediately adjacent in the circumferential direction.The first and second cavities are alternately open on opposite sides of the clamping element, namely an inner side facing the element axis and an outer side facing away from the element axis, or they have corresponding openings. Preferably, the meander of the clamping element surrounds the element axis completely or in a closed (ring-shaped) topology, or the clamping sleeve runs completely around the element axis in the form of a meander. This allows for tension to be applied to the meander over its entire circumference. However, in other embodiments of the clamping element, a dividing joint or sections without a meander in the circumferential direction can also be provided between meandering sections of the clamping element.

[0019] The surfaces of the clamping segments, intended for clamping and coming into force-fit contact with the workpiece or tool, preferably form a clamping surface arrangement. The clamping segments and the intermediate segments are arranged on opposite sides of the clamping sleeve, an outside and an inside, or vice versa.

[0020] In one embodiment, the clamping element segments and / or the recesses of the clamping segments extend along a common cylindrical surface around the element axis with a predetermined radius, in particular parallel to the element axis or spirally along a line partially centered on the element axis or along a helix with a constant or variable pitch. In another embodiment, the clamping element segments and / or the recesses of the clamping segments can also extend along a common conical surface around the element axis.

[0021] The surfaces of the clamping element segments preferably form separate clamping surfaces of a clamping surface arrangement for clamping against the at least one counter clamping surface of the workpiece or tool, wherein the clamping surface arrangement preferably has a circular or polygonal basic shape.

[0022] In one embodiment, the clamping element segments of the clamping segments are connected, preferably on sides facing away from the clamping surfaces, to one of the two connecting segments assigned to the clamping surface segment, preferably each arranged in an extension or continuation of the respective connecting element.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the connecting segments, together with their respective associated clamping element segments, form a connecting angle which preferably has an angle other than 90°, wherein the connecting angles are preferably equal in magnitude. Preferably, the connecting angles are obtuse angles, i.e., greater than 90° and less than 180°, more preferably greater than 90° and less than 120°, more preferably between 93° and 110°, or acute angles, i.e., less than 90° and greater than 0°, more preferably less than 90° and greater than 45°, more preferably between 87° and 70°.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment, at least some, preferably all, of the recesses in the clamping segments have a substantially constant recess profile and / or a substantially constant width in the circumferential direction and / or a substantially constant maximum radial depth and / or a concave recess profile and / or a mirror-symmetrical recess profile over a recess length.

[0025] Preferably, at least some, and preferably all, of the clamping element segments have a substantially constant segment profile and / or a substantially constant width in the circumferential direction over a segment length, and / or a convex or concave segment profile. Preferably, the clamping element segments of the same clamping segment are designed and arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner relative to each other.

[0026] Preferably, for at least some, preferably all, clamping segments, the recess width is chosen to be between 0.1 and 10 times, in particular between 0.4 and 10 times, the sum of the widths of the clamping segments, and / or the clamping segment height, measured in the radial direction, is smaller than the length and also smaller than the total width, preferably at most half the total width, of the clamping segment, and / or the recess depth of the clamping segment recess is chosen to be between 0.2 and 0.8 times the clamping segment height.

[0027] The recess width is selected to be between 50% and 130%, preferably between 70% and 110%, of the circumferentially measured width of the associated cavity, at least in the area of ​​or along the clamping segment projecting beyond the cavity.

[0028] In all embodiments, preferably at least a part, preferably all, of the connecting segments are designed as webs or walls with a thickness that is smaller than their length and smaller than the height of the connecting segments measured between the intermediate segment and the clamping segment, and / or is between 0.2 and 1.5 times the height of the clamping segment, and / or has a substantially linear profile or a curved profile at least sectionally between the intermediate segment and the clamping segment.

[0029] In one embodiment, claimed in combination with or independently of the other embodiments, an insertion chamfer arrangement for threading or inserting a workpiece or tool is arranged on an end face of the clamping element. This insertion chamfer arrangement is formed by individual insertion chamfer segments, each of which is connected to an intermediate segment, but not to the clamping segments or the connecting segments. This preferably prevents the clamping segments from coming into contact with the workpiece or tool during loading or insertion. The invention is further explained below with reference to exemplary embodiments. Reference is also made to the drawings, which schematically illustrate the following:

[0030] FIG 1 shows a clamping element in a first embodiment in an unclamped state in a perspective view,

[0031] FIG 2 shows a front view of the clamping element according to FIG 1 in a clamped state,

[0032] FIG 3 schematically illustrates the principle of mechanical clamping in relation to a clamping segment according to the prior art without a recess for clamping a workpiece from the outside in an unclamped state.

[0033] FIG 4 the principle of mechanical tension with a known

[0034] Clamping segment according to FIG. 3 in a clamped state,

[0035] FIG 5 schematically illustrates the principle of mechanical clamping with respect to a clamping segment with a recess according to the invention for clamping a workpiece from the outside in an unclamped state.

[0036] FIG 6 shows the principle of mechanical clamping with the clamping segment according to FIG 5 of the invention for clamping a workpiece from the outside in a clamped state,

[0037] FIG 7 a clamping element in a second embodiment in a

[0038] Front view,

[0039] FIG 8 a clamping element in a third embodiment in a

[0040] Front view and

[0041] FIG 9 a clamping element in a fourth embodiment with a

[0042] Forehead chamfer in an unstressed state in a perspective view.

[0043] Corresponding parts and sizes are provided with the same reference numerals in FIGS. 1 to 9. In FIGS. 1 and 2, a clamping element 1, which may be designed in particular as a clamping bushing, clamping sleeve, clamping pin, or clamping tongue, is shown for clamping a workpiece or tool (not shown) according to a first embodiment. The clamping element 1 revolves around (or is oriented about or designed about) a central axis or element axis M, which extends in an axial direction Z of the clamping element 1. An end face of the clamping element 1 is designated 11.

[0044] The clamping element 1 comprises several clamping segments (or: clamping panels, clamping surface elements) 4, which preferably together form a clamping surface arrangement 3 for force-fit contact, i.e., for clamping, to the workpiece or tool, preferably to a counter clamping surface 103 of the workpiece or tool. Furthermore, the clamping element 1 comprises several intermediate segments 5, which are in particular support segments (or: support elements), which preferably together form a support surface arrangement 2 for contact with a clamping body, for example a clamping mandrel or a clamping nut, preferably to a counter support surface 106 of the clamping body.

[0045] In other ways of generating a clamping force, e.g. hydraulically or by means of a hydraulic medium, or pneumatically or by means of a pneumatic medium, in all embodiments only the hydraulic medium can be in contact with the intermediate elements 5; that is, they do not then form support segments for a clamping body in the strict, literal sense, but nevertheless serve to introduce a clamping force into the clamping element 1. However, even with hydraulic (or pneumatic) clamping, a clamping body, preferably near its surface, can be hydraulically actuated and then bear against the intermediate segments 5, which then again constitute support segments 5 in the strict sense.

[0046] Even when clamping is also possible by axially compressing or pulling the clamping element 4 at its end faces along the element axis M, the intermediate segments 5 generally do not bear against a counter surface of a clamping body and are therefore not support segments in the strict sense. The clamping segments 4 are arranged, radially to the element axis M, on an opposite or farther side of the clamping element 1 compared to the intermediate or support segments 5. In particular, the clamping segments 4 are arranged on an outer side of the clamping element 1 for internal clamping of the workpiece or tool, and the intermediate or support segments 5 are arranged on an inner side of the clamping element 1, as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.The clamping segments 4 can also be arranged on an inside of the clamping element 1 for external clamping of the workpiece or tool, and the intermediate or support segments 5 can be arranged on an outside of the clamping element 1, as shown, for example, in FIG 8.

[0047] Each of the clamping segments 4 now has a first clamping element segment 41 and a second clamping element segment 43 spaced apart from the first clamping element segment 41, and preferably a recess (or recessed area) 42 between the first clamping element segment 41 and the second clamping element segment 43. The recess 42 spatially separates the first clamping element segment 41 from the second clamping element segment 43. Thus, the clamping segment 4 is divided into two clamping element segments 41 and 43 located on the outer edges in the circumferential direction U, which form the clamping surfaces for contact with the workpiece or tool, while the clamping element 4 in between or in the area of ​​the recess 42 does not come into contact with the workpiece or tool at all, or at least not predominantly (depending on the deformation of the clamping element 4 due to the clamping forces).

[0048] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a linear progression of the recess 42 is provided along a central recess axis K, which preferably runs parallel to the element axis M, and has a recess width b over its recess length L measured along the recess axis K, wherein the recess width b is determined in the circumferential direction U with respect to the element axis M or perpendicular to the recess axis K as the distance between the first clamping element segment 41 and the second clamping element segment 43.

[0049] The corresponding width of the first clamping element segment 41 is denoted by bl and the corresponding width of the second clamping element segment 43 by b3. The clamping element width of the entire clamping element 4 is denoted by A and is typically A = bl + b + b3. Preferably, 0.4*(bl + b3) < b < 10*(bl + b3). All widths A, bl, b and b3 are preferably determined in the circumferential direction U.

[0050] The tensioning segments 4 are preferably designed as comparatively thin walls, stretch ceilings, or walkways with a (maximum) thickness or height H that is preferably smaller than their length L and also smaller than their width A. Preferably, H < 0.5 A. This allows for an expansion that is advantageous for tensioning and results in longer service lives.

[0051] The clamping segment height (or thickness), measured in the radial direction, of the clamping segment 4, particularly in the two clamping element segments 41 and 43, is denoted by H. The recess depth of the recess 42, measured in the radial direction, is denoted by t. The radial thickness of the clamping segment 4 in the region of the recess 42 is then typically Ht. Preferably, 0.1 H < t < 0.8 H.

[0052] In advantageous embodiments, the circumferential width b of the recess 42 is between 50% and 120% of the circumferentially measured clear width g of the cavity 9, at least in the area or along the clamping segment 4 projecting beyond the cavity 9, e.g., at least 70%, as shown in FIG. 2, or preferably approximately 100%, as shown in FIG. 7, i.e., approximately as large as the circumferentially measured clear width g of the cavity 9, at least in the area or along the clamping segment 4 projecting beyond the cavity 9. This means that the central area of ​​the clamping segment 4 adjacent to the cavity 9, between the clamping element segments 41 and 43, is at least predominantly or practically completely provided with the recess 42, thus reducing its material thickness or decreasing it entirely, and reducing the deformations of the clamping segment 4 itself during clamping.

[0053] The absolute dimensions of the clamping segments 4 naturally depend on the circumference of the clamping element, in particular the clamping bushing, 1, and the number of clamping segments 4. Typically, the clamping element, in particular the clamping bushing, 1, has between 7 and 55, preferably between 12 and 40 clamping segments 4.

[0054] Preferably, the first clamping element segment 41 and the second clamping element segment 43 run at least predominantly parallel to each other or at a constant distance from each other, preferably in a linear path or also along curved curves, in particular helical curves. In this case, the recess width b is preferably at least approximately constant over the recess length L, preferably for all clamping segments 4. However, the recess width b can also vary along the recess 42 in order to achieve different clamping conditions in the axial direction Z.

[0055] Preferably, all clamping segments 4 or their recesses 42 and clamping element segments 41 and 43 of the clamping element, in particular the clamping bushing, 1, are designed to be identical to each other, at least in their profile, so that a uniform or homogeneous clamping of the workpiece or tool is supported or enabled.

[0056] In an embodiment not shown, different clamping segments 4 can also have differently shaped recesses 42, in particular recesses 42 with different widths b and / or different depths t, and / or clamping element segments 41 and 43 with different shapes, in particular with different heights H and / or widths bl and b3, in order to enable better adaptation of the clamping conditions to different, e.g., non-rotationally symmetrical, workpieces or tools. The clamping surface arrangement can also be adapted to a virtually arbitrary surface of a workpiece or tool to be clamped, e.g., a non-cylindrical or non-conical one.For example, in the case of a snail-shaped or spiral clamping surface of the workpiece, a correspondingly increasing radial expansion of the meander in the circumferential direction or an increasing radial distance between the clamping surface arrangement and the support surface arrangement can be achieved.

[0057] Likewise, the widths b of the recesses 42 can also vary over their length L or recess axis K, and the depth t of the recess(s) 42 can vary over their width b. Preferably, the depth t of the recess(s) 42 increases over the width b towards the center and then decreases again, for example in a curved contour.

[0058] The clamping segments 4 with their clamping element segments 41 and 43 are each arranged offset or spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction U, with respect to the element axis M of the clamping element 1, in particular the clamping bushing, for example by means of intermediate cavities 8, preferably designed as grooves or slots. The intermediate or support segments 5 are also arranged offset or spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction U, with respect to the element axis M of the clamping element 1 or the clamping bushing, for example by means of intermediate cavities 9, which are also preferably groove- or slot-shaped.

[0059] The spaced-apart clamping segments 41 and 43, with their surfaces acting as clamping surfaces, thus form a clamping surface arrangement 3, each interrupted by the alternating successive cavities 8 and the recesses 43. Preferably, the clamping surfaces of the clamping segments 41 and 43 are convexly or concavely curved. The spaced-apart intermediate or support segments 5, in turn, with their surfaces acting as support surfaces, form a support surface arrangement 2, each interrupted by the cavities 9.

[0060] The first tensioning element segments 41 of the tensioning segments 4 are now offset or spaced apart in the circumferential direction U relative to the adjacent intermediate or support segments 5 by an offset angle βA. The second tensioning element segments 43 of the tensioning segments 4 are offset or spaced apart in the circumferential direction U relative to the adjacent intermediate or support segments 5 by an offset angle ββ.

[0061] The first clamping element segment 41 of each clamping segment 4 is connected via a first connecting segment 6 to a first intermediate or support segment 5 adjacent in the circumferential direction U, preferably an end section of the intermediate or support segment 5 with respect to the circumferential direction U. The second clamping element segment 43 of the same clamping segment 4 is connected via a second connecting segment 7 to a second intermediate or support segment 5 adjacent in the circumferential direction U and offset from the first intermediate or support segment 5, preferably an end section of the second intermediate or support segment 5 with respect to the circumferential direction U. The connecting segments 6 and 7 extend in a direction having both a component in the radial direction R and a component in the circumferential direction U.

[0062] The associated clamping element segment 41 and the first connecting segment 6 connected to it form a connecting angle (or: internal angle) PA, which preferably has an angle dimension other than 90°. Likewise, each connected second connecting segment 7 forms a connecting angle (or: internal angle) B with the second connecting segment 7 connected to it, which preferably has an angle dimension other than 90°. In the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2, the connecting angles PA and PB are preferably equal in magnitude and / or preferably obtuse angles, i.e., greater than 90° and less than 180°, preferably greater than 90° and less than 120°, preferably between 93° and 110°.

[0063] The larger the obtuse connection angles PA and PB are chosen in terms of magnitude, the more compliant the connection segments 6 and 7 are in general, and thus the entire clamping element 1 or the entire clamping bushing is during clamping, since a greater expansion or elastic deflection is possible.

[0064] Furthermore, the first connecting segments 7 each enclose an inclination angle yA and the second connecting segments 6 an inclination angle yB with the respective radial direction 5, wherein the connecting segments 6 and 7 in FIG. 2 are inclined radially outwards towards each other and the inclination can change during clamping due to deformation. The connecting angles PA and PB influence the effective lever arm.

[0065] In other embodiments of the clamping element 1 or the clamping bushing, e.g., according to FIGS. 7 and 8 (see below), the connecting angle PA between the first clamping segment 41 and the first connecting element 6, and the connecting angle PB between the second clamping segment 43 and the second connecting element 7, can each be acute angles, i.e., less than 90° and greater than 0°, preferably less than 90° and greater than 45°, preferably between 70° and 87°. Here, too, the connecting angles PA and PB are preferably equal in magnitude.

[0066] Preferably, in all embodiments, the connecting segments 6 and 7 are designed as thin webs or walls with a thickness d that is less than their length, which preferably extends parallel to the clamping segments and their recess axes K and / or also in an axial direction parallel to the element axis M, typically corresponding to the length L. Preferably, this thickness d of the connecting segments 6 and 7 is also less than the height h of the connecting segments 6 and 7 measured between the intermediate or support segment 5 and the clamping segment 4. The thickness d of the connecting elements is preferably in the range of the height H of the clamping segments 4; typically, 0.2 H < d < 1.5 H.

[0067] Two connecting segments 6 and 7 laterally delimit one of the cavities 8 and 9 in the circumferential direction U. The intermediate or support segments 5 radially delimit the cavities 8 inwards.

[0068] The clamping segments 4 radially delimit the cavities 9 with a section spanning or projecting over the respective cavity 9, the first surface of which faces the cavity 9 being designated 45, and the recess 42 being formed or molded into the opposite second surface 46, facing away from the cavity 9. A recess may also be provided on the first surface 45 (see, for example, FIG. 8). The inner width of the cavity 9, measured in the circumferential direction U at the first surface 45 (or: at its inner boundary or bottom), is designated g and corresponds either to the width of the first surface 45 measured in the circumferential direction or to the inner distance between the two connecting elements 6 and 7 at this inner boundary or the bottom of the cavity 9 along the first surface 45 of the clamping segment 4.

[0069] In one embodiment, the recess 42 extends over the entire section of the clamping segment 4 that projects beyond the cavity 9 and forms the bottom of the cavity 9 with the first surface 45 facing the cavity 9. The width b of the recess 42 on the second surface 46 of the clamping segment 4 is therefore preferably chosen to be at least as large as the clear width g on the first surface 45 of the clamping segment 4. This means that the surfaces of the clamping element segments 41 and 43, which act as clamping surfaces, are arranged in extension or continuation (also of the force path) of the connecting segments 6 and 7, respectively, and are directly opposite the connecting segments 6 and 7. The clamping forces during clamping are transmitted directly via the clamping element segments 41 and 43 into the respective connecting segments 6 and 7, and practically do not cause any deformation of the clamping segment 4 into or out of the cavity 9.

[0070] In general, an arrangement of the clamping element segments 41 and 43 and their surfaces serving as clamping surfaces or contact surfaces in extension or continuation of the respective connecting segment 6 or 7 is preferred, so that a direct force transmission and low deformation of the clamping segment 4 in the area between the clamping element segments 41 and 43 is supported by the recess 42.

[0071] In an embodiment with external clamping of the workpiece or tool, conversely, the clamping segments 4 are arranged radially on the inside of the clamping element 1 / clamping bushing and define the cavities 9 radially inwards with the first surface 45, while the intermediate or support segments 5 define the cavities 8 radially outwards, as shown, for example, in FIG. 8.

[0072] According to embodiments of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 (or FIGS. 7 and 8), a meandering structure of the clamping element 1 (or: a meandering clamping element 1) is thus realized. The clamping segments 4, the connecting segments 6 and 7, and the intermediate or support segments 5 extend in a transverse plane, i.e., oriented perpendicular to the element axis M, or in the form of a meander, which is composed of circumferentially successive sections, each consisting of one clamping segment 4 and two connecting segments 6 and 7, which together define a cavity 9, or of one intermediate or support segment 5 and two connecting segments 6 and 7, which together define a cavity 8. The cavities 8 and 9 are open alternately on opposite sides, either inwards or outwards.Due to the obtuse connecting angles PA and PB, successive V- or U-shaped or trapezoidal sections of the meander are formed in the circumferential direction according to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0073] The clamping element 1 is designed for clamping a workpiece or tool (not shown in the figures) and is arranged, particularly in a clamping sleeve configuration, between the workpiece or tool on the one hand and a clamping body (also not shown), for example, a mandrel or a clamping nut. The workpiece or tool is clamped by means of the clamping forces transmitted from the clamping body via the clamping element / clamping sleeve 1.

[0074] For clamping purposes, the clamping segments 4 only come into contact with their clamping element segments 41 and 43, but not in the area of ​​the recess 42, either by frictional engagement or under contact pressure with a counter-clamping surface 103 of the workpiece or tool (shown as dashed lines in FIG. 2). This creates defined clamping surfaces through the clamping element segments 41 and 43, enabling even more reliable clamping. In other words, the first clamping element segment 41, the second clamping element segment 43, and the recess between them are designed such that, in the clamped state, the clamping segment 4 is only clamped or can be clamped by frictional engagement with its first clamping element segment 41 and its second clamping element segment 43, but not in the area of ​​the recess 42 against at least one counter-clamping surface 103 of the workpiece or tool.

[0075] In an advantageous embodiment, the clamping element segments 41 and 43 are arranged and / or designed symmetrically to each other. Likewise, the connecting segments 6 and 7 adjoining each clamping segment 4 can preferably be arranged and / or designed symmetrically to each other.

[0076] The clamping element segments 41 and 43 of each clamping segment 4 or the clamping surface arrangement 2 formed with them are preferably adapted in their radial distance and course to the element axis M in the clamping state, i.e. under the acting clamping forces, to the radial dimension of the counter clamping surface 103, which is designated by Ri in FIG 2, wherein in FIG 2 a circular arc with radius Ri is preferably assumed, i.e. a cylindrical or conical shape.

[0077] In addition to a shape complementary to the counter clamping surface 103 for the clamping element segments 41 and 43 on a cylindrical or conical surface, slightly different shapes for the clamping surfaces of the clamping element segments 41 and 43 can also be provided, depending on the application and the shape and material of the workpiece and tool. In embodiments not shown, longitudinal and transverse grooves or cross-shaped recesses can be provided, for example, to achieve a positive fit by pressing the geometry into the workpiece, or workpiece-dependent profile features in the direction of the element axis M or perpendicular to it. Furthermore, corrugated profiles for the clamping surfaces of the clamping element segments 41 and 43 are also conceivable in order to achieve several individual contact points on the workpiece.

[0078] If the clamping element segments 41 and 43, or the clamping surface or clamping surface arrangement 3 formed by them, are arranged on the outside of the clamping element / clamping sleeve 1, the workpiece or tool is clamped from the inside or against an inner counter-clamping surface 103, as shown in FIG. 2. However, the workpiece or tool can also be clamped from the outside or against an outer counter-clamping surface 103, as illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 8.

[0079] The intermediate or support segments 5, which preferably together form the support surface or support surface arrangement 2, bear against a counter-support surface 106 of the clamping body during the clamping process. This counter-support surface is located on an outside of the clamping body when the workpiece or tool is clamped internally, and correspondingly on an inside of the clamping body when the workpiece or tool is clamped externally. The intermediate or support segments 5 of the clamping element / clamping sleeve 1 are adapted in their radial distance to the element axis M in the clamped state to the radial dimension of the counter-support surface 106 of the clamping body, which is designated R2 in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 preferably assumes a circular arc with radius R2, i.e., a cylindrical or, preferably, conical shape.

[0080] In principle, all embodiments described in WO 2021 / 204880 A2 can be used as support segments 5 and associated clamping elements in the clamping element according to the present invention. FIG 1 shows an exemplary sawtooth thread variant without limiting the generality of the design. Besides the sawtooth shape of the support segments, other shapes are also possible, in particular curved support segments or support segments with multiple flat surfaces.

[0081] The support segments 5 are therefore designed in such a way that, in the tensioned state, they bear against or come into contact with a counter-support surface 106 of the tensioning body in a force-locking manner.

[0082] In another embodiment, the intermediate or support segments 5 can also be hydraulically or pneumatically actuated with a support or clamping force and then do not have to be in contact with a hydraulically or pneumatically actuated clamping body, but can also be in direct contact with the hydraulic or pneumatic medium.

[0083] During the clamping process, as shown in FIG. 2, a radial support surface pressing force FA acts from the clamping body via its counter-support surface 106 onto the support segments 5 of the clamping element / clamping sleeve 1 when the counter-support surface 106 of a clamping body and the support segments 5 of the clamping element / clamping sleeve 1 are in contact. This radial support surface pressing force FA is, divided into force components, transmitted on the one hand via the connecting segment 6 connected to a support segment 5 to the second clamping element segment 43 of the adjacent clamping segment 4, which is also connected to this connecting segment 6, and on the other hand via the other connecting segment 7 connected to this or the same support segment 5 to the first clamping element segment 41 of the clamping segment 4 following in the circumferential direction U, which is connected to this connecting segment 7.Furthermore, the respective component of the radial support surface pressure FA acting on each clamping element segment 4 is transmitted from two circumferentially adjacent support surface segments 5 via connecting segments 6 and 7 to the clamping element segments 41 and 43 of the same clamping segment 4. This results in a clamping surface pressure force in each clamping element segment 41 and 43, which in turn acts on the counter clamping surface 103 of the workpiece or tool. This clamping surface pressure force is FSA with a direction of action corresponding to the associated angle of inclination yA for clamping element segment 41 and a clamping surface pressure force FSB with a direction of action corresponding to the associated angle of inclination yB for clamping element segment 43. The force transmission surfaces on the counter support surface 106 and counter clamping surface 103 are offset from each other in the circumferential direction U. The surface acting as a clamping element surface of each clamping element segment 41 and 43 is preferably an extension of the associated connecting element 6 or 7.7 outwards in FIG 2 (or inwards in FIG 8 or arranged in a line with it, so that a direct force flow is enabled and the deformation during clamping is largely or substantially limited to the connecting segments.

[0084] The clamping behavior of clamping segments with recesses or at least two spaced-apart clamping segments according to the invention (based on the schematic diagrams of FIGS. 5 and 6) is now further explained in comparison to the prior art (based on the schematic diagrams of FIGS. 3 and 4).

[0085] A clamping segment 4A without a recess according to the prior art, which is connected to a support segment 5 via two connecting segments 6 and 7, is shown in FIG 3 in the unclamped state, i.e. without contact to the workpiece 101, and in FIG 4, now renamed 4B, in the clamped state, i.e. in force-fit contact to the workpiece 101.

[0086] While the clamping surface segment 4A is adapted to the surface of the workpiece 101 in the unclamped state with a concave clamping surface, in the clamped state, due to deformations, the contact is essentially linear. In the clamped state, the workpiece 101 and the clamping surface segment 4B are in contact with each other via a geometrically undefined contact point 301 (in cross-section), which leads to inaccuracies in the clamping force. The clamping force FR, resulting from the radial support surface pressure FA and the force components Fs transmitted via the connecting elements 6 and 7, acts at the contact point 301.The clamping surface pressure force Fs and the clamping force FR acting in the directions of action shown cause the clamping surface segment 4B to deform reversibly, so that the curvature or camber of the clamping surface segment 4B in cross-section decreases or converges to a constant curvature (exaggerated in FIG. 4 for illustration). The curvature of the clamping surface segment 4A shown in FIG. 3, which in the unclamped state conforms to the outline of the workpiece 101 in cross-section according to the prior art, is thus reversibly deformed by the forces Fs and FR acting in the clamped state, such that the curvature of the clamping surface segment 4B shown in FIG. 4 no longer conforms to the outline of the workpiece 101 in cross-section.

[0087] Figures 5 and 6 schematically depict a clamping segment 4 with two clamping element segments 41 and 43 according to an embodiment of the invention, in Figure 5 in the unclamped state and in Figure 6 in the clamped state. The clamping surfaces of the clamping element segments 41 and 43 preferably have a concave curvature adapted to the outer shape of the workpiece 101, in particular extending in cross-section along a circular arc with radius Ri around the element axis M. However, it is also conceivable that the curvature of the clamping element segments 41 and 43 is variable or changeable over their width in the circumferential direction and, for example, has both convex and concave curved sections. A polygonal shape extending around the central axis M is also possible.

[0088] The recess 42 between the clamping segments 41 and 43 ensures that the curvature of the clamping segments 41 and 43, even under the influence of the clamping surface pressure force Fs and the resulting clamping force FR, largely conforms to the cross-sectional outline of the workpiece 101, even when clamped. Compared to a clamping surface segment without a recess in FIG. 4, the clamped clamping surface segment with recess 42 shown in FIG. 6 has a linear clamping surface in cross-section. However, during the clamping movement, rotation about an axis parallel to the central axis M typically results in a point-like contact. Nevertheless, in one embodiment, a linear and, in space, a planar contact, rather than just a linear one, can be achieved between the workpiece 101 and the clamping segments 41 and 43.This results in a defined and finely machined geometry of the clamping segments 4 of the clamping element / clamping sleeve 1 for workpiece or tool contact. The two outer and more point-like contact surfaces on the two clamping segments 41 and 43 also result in greater clamping accuracy compared to the prior art, where contact occurs more in the center of the clamping segments due to the missing recess 42.

[0089] FIG. 7 shows a clamping element, in particular a clamping bushing, 1 for clamping a workpiece or tool from the inside according to a second embodiment of the invention. The clamping segments 4 are constructed similarly or identically to those in the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0090] In contrast to FIGS. 1 and 2, in the embodiment of the clamping element / clamping sleeve 1 according to FIG. 7, the intermediate or support segments 5 are somewhat thicker or more massive in the radial direction and are also extended towards each other in the circumferential direction U, projecting slightly beyond the connected connecting elements 6 and 7 in the circumferential direction U. This makes the intermediate and support segments 5 somewhat more rigid or stiffer, and the deformation during clamping occurs even more in the connecting elements 6 and 7 and clamping segments 4; that is, the clamping force components on the connecting elements 6 and 7 in the circumferential direction are increased, resulting in greater deformation. The advantage is that the wider support segments 5 result in lower surface pressure against the counter-support surface 106, which reduces wear.Furthermore, in FIG 7, the different angles pA and pB of the connecting segments 7 and 6, which are less than 90°, increase the width of the clamping segment 4, which promotes a “cooperation” of the latter, which in turn leads to lower stresses in the connecting elements 6 and 7 and to larger expansions or constrictions of the clamping element 1.

[0091] In the embodiment of the clamping element 1 according to FIG. 8, in contrast to FIGS. 1 and 2, radially thicker and more robust intermediate or support segments 5 are provided. Furthermore, according to FIG. 8, external clamping of the workpiece or tool is provided, i.e., the clamping segments 4 of the clamping element / clamping sleeve 1 are arranged radially inside and the intermediate or support segments 5 outside. The clamping segments 41 and 43 of the clamping segments 4 are thinner in FIG. 8 than the connecting segments 6 and 7.

[0092] Furthermore, in the embodiments of the clamping element / clamping bushing 1 according to FIGS. 7 and 8, in contrast to the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2, the connecting angle PA between the first clamping element segment 41 and the first connecting element 6 and the connecting angle PB between the second clamping element segment 43 and the second connecting element 7 are each acute angles, i.e., each less than 90° and greater than 0°, preferably less than 90° and greater than 45°, preferably between 87° and 70°: Here too, the connecting angles PA and PB are preferably equal in magnitude.Due to the now acute connection angles PA and PB, in contrast to FIGS. 1 and 2, the meander of the clamping element / clamping sleeve 1 now has omega-shaped or trapezoidal sections open towards the shorter side, in which sections consisting of one clamping segment 4 and two connecting segments 6 and 7, which together define a cavity 9, and sections consisting of one support segment 5 and two connecting segments 6 and 7, which together define a cavity 8, alternate in the circumferential direction U.

[0093] The clamping principle for these omega-shaped designs has already been explained with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. In principle, a softer or more precisely adjustable clamping is possible.

[0094] The recess 42 also has the advantage that no unwanted contact with the workpiece or tool can take place there, and a label or marking can also be applied there.

[0095] Preferably, the recesses 42 have a substantially constant recess profile over their recess length L and / or a substantially constant width b and / or a substantially constant maximum radial depth t. The recess profile of the recesses 42 is preferably concave and / or mirror-symmetric, particularly with respect to a radial plane of symmetry. At least some, preferably all, of the clamping element segments 41 and 43 preferably have a substantially constant segment profile and / or a substantially constant width bl or b3 over their segment length and / or a convex or concave segment profile. The clamping element segments 41 and 43 of the same clamping segment 4 are particularly mirror-symmetric to each other and arranged in such a manner as to be mirror-symmetric, particularly with respect to a radial plane of symmetry.Varying profiles, particularly those varying in width or depth, of the recesses 42 and clamping element segments 41 and 43 are also possible. In all embodiments, clamping segments 4 with more than one recess 42 or more than two clamping element segments 41 and 43 can also be provided. In such modifications—not shown in the drawings—for example, two, three, or more recesses running essentially parallel to each other, shaped analogously to the recess 42, can be provided, thus providing three, four, or correspondingly more clamping element segments of the clamping segment spaced apart from each other by these recesses. Alternatively, two, three, or more recesses running obliquely or perpendicularly to each other can be provided, separating the corresponding clamping element segments from each other, e.g., in a honeycomb or matrix-shaped arrangement.Recesses could also run perpendicular to the axis K, and there could also be clamping elements where the meander is recessed or cut open to the bottom of the cavity 8 or 9.

[0096] The connecting segments 6 and 7 and / or the clamping segments 4 are preferably provided with continuous surfaces without openings. However, openings or holes may also be provided for further adjustment of the clamping properties of the clamping element 1 or the clamping bushing 1.

[0097] The axial end sections of the clamping surface segments 4 and the support surface segments 5 preferably have a conical chamfer 11, preferably to facilitate the insertion of a clamping element into the clamping element / clamping bushing 1 and the insertion of the clamping element / clamping bushing 1 into a workpiece or a tool, as shown in FIG 1.

[0098] In the embodiment of the clamping element 1 according to FIG. 9, the conical chamfer 11 on the end face of the clamping element 1 is replaced by an insertion chamfer arrangement 12, which enables better guided threading or insertion of a workpiece or tool. The insertion chamfer arrangement 12 has a preferably again conical insertion chamfer surface 14, which is preferably composed of or formed by individual insertion chamfer segments 13. The insertion chamfer segments 13 are each connected to a support segment 5, but not to the clamping segments 4 or connecting segments.

[0099] 6 and 7.

[0100] This insertion chamfer arrangement 12 is preferably compatible with any clamping surface contours of the clamping segments 4 or helical shape around the element axis M, as well as with polygonal or elliptical clamping segments 4 or clamping surface arrangements 3. The advantage of this insertion chamfer arrangement 12 is that the clamping segments 4 are not damaged when loading or inserting the workpiece or tool. The insertion chamfer arrangement 12 ensures that no workpiece or tool can be pushed onto the clamping segments 4 face-to-face, but is deflected from the face-to-face side and pushed over the clamping segment 4. In addition, a separation or gap is preferably provided in one embodiment between the clamping surface bodies 4 and the insertion chamfer arrangement 12 and its insertion chamfer segments 13 to achieve a uniform expansion.Such an insertion chamfer arrangement 12 can also be provided at other locations of the clamping element 1 in order to protect additional surfaces or planar surfaces, or to facilitate sliding or insertion.

[0101] Preferably, the clamping element 1 is formed or manufactured entirely or at least in its meander as a single piece, particularly using additive manufacturing processes, primarily from a metallic material such as a metal or metal alloy, or from plastic, synthetic resin, ceramic, or even carbon or graphite materials. Advantageously, the entire meander of the clamping element is produced by an additive process or at least from a continuous, uniform material, e.g., also by machining, so that the support segments, clamping segments, and connecting segments of the clamping element are formed as a single piece. This ensures high strength of the meander and also allows for the production of thin-walled intermediate segments or support segments, and especially clamping and connecting segments. Reference numerals list

[0102] 1 clamping element

[0103] 2 Support surface arrangement

[0104] 3 Clamping surface arrangement

[0105] 4 clamping segment

[0106] 4A, 4B clamping segment

[0107] 5 Intermediate segment

[0108] 6 connecting segment

[0109] 7 Connecting segment

[0110] 8 Cavity

[0111] 9 Cavity

[0112] 10 Nut

[0113] 11 Front

[0114] 12. Introductory phase arrangement

[0115] 13 insertion phase segments

[0116] 14 Insertion chamfer area

[0117] 41 first clamping element segment

[0118] 42 Exclusion

[0119] 43 second clamping element segment

[0120] 45 first surface

[0121] 46 second surface

[0122] 101 workpiece

[0123] 103 Counter-tensioning surface

[0124] 106 Counter support surface

[0125] 301 Contact point b Recess width bl, b2 Width d Thickness e Height g Width K Recess axis

[0126] L Recess length t Recess depth

[0127] A clamping segment width

[0128] H clamping segment height

[0129] U circumferential direction

[0130] FA radial support surface pressure force

[0131] Fs clamping surface pressure force

[0132] FR resulting tensile force

[0133] M element axis

[0134] R Radial direction

[0135] Z axial direction

[0136] PA, PB connecting angle

[0137] Ri, R2Radius

Claims

Patent claims 1. Clamping element (1), in particular a clamping sleeve or clamping chuck or collet, for clamping a workpiece (101) or a tool, a) wherein the clamping element (1) extends at least partially in the form of a meander around an element axis (M), b) wherein the clamping element (1) comprises several clamping segments (4) offset or spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction (U) around the element axis (M), and several intermediate segments (5) offset or spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction (U) around the element axis (M) and radially offset or spaced apart from the clamping segments (4), and several connecting segments (6, 7), c) wherein each clamping segment (4) is connected to two adjacent intermediate segments (5) via two of the connecting segments (6, 7), and d) wherein the clamping segments (4), the connecting segments (6, 7), and the intermediate segments (5) extend in a plane transverse to the element axis (M) in the form of a meander, e) wherein at least a part of the clamping segments (4),preferably all clamping segments (4) each have a first clamping element segment (41) and a second clamping element segment (43) and a recess (42) between the first clamping element segment (41) and the second clamping element segment (43), such that in a clamped state the clamping segment (4) is clamped or can be clamped against at least one counter clamping surface of the workpiece (101) or tool only with its first clamping element segment (41) and its second clamping element segment (43), but not in the area with the recess (42).

2. Clamping element according to claim 1, a) in which the meander is formed or composed of successive sections in the circumferential direction (U) around the element axis (M), each consisting of a clamping segment (4) and an intermediate segment (5) and a connecting element (6 or 7) connecting the clamping segment (4) and the intermediate segment (5), and / or b) in which the meander runs completely around the element axis (M) or the clamping element (1) runs completely around the element axis (M) in the form of a meander, optionally with a separating joint, or c) in which several meanders are provided in the circumferential direction (U) around the element axis (M), which are separated by non-meandering intermediate sections.

3. Clamping element according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein in the meander an intermediate segment (5) and the two directly connected connecting segments (6 and 7) each define a first cavity (8) which is open or has an opening between the intermediate segment (5) and a further intermediate segment (5) immediately adjacent in the circumferential direction (U), and wherein a clamping segment (4) and the two directly connected connecting segments (6 and 7) each define a second cavity (9) which is open or has an opening between the clamping segment (4) and a further clamping segment (4) immediately adjacent in the circumferential direction, wherein the cavities (8 and 9 or 9 and 8) are open or have the opening alternately on opposite sides, namely an inner side facing the element axis (M) and an outer side facing away from the element axis (M), 4. Clamping element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping element segments (41, 43) and / or the recesses (42) of the clamping Segments (4) extend along a common cylindrical surface around the element axis (M) with a predetermined radius (Ri), in particular parallel to the element axis or spirally along a line partially extending around the element axis (M) or along a helix with a constant or variable pitch, or in which the clamping element segments (41, 43) and / or the recesses (42) of the clamping segments (4) extend along a common conical surface around the element axis (M) and / or in which the surfaces of the clamping element segments (41 and 43) form separate clamping surfaces of a clamping surface arrangement (3) for clamping against the at least one counter clamping surface of the workpiece or tool, wherein the clamping surface arrangement (3) preferably has a circular, polygonal or helical basic shape, 5. Clamping element according to one of the preceding claims in which the clamping element segments (41, 43) of the clamping segments (4), preferably on sides facing away from the clamping surfaces, are connected to each of the connecting segments (6, 7) associated with the clamping surface segment (4), preferably each in an extension or continuation of the respective connecting element (6, 7).

6. Clamping element according to claim 5, wherein the connecting segments (6, 7) with the respective associated clamping element segment (41, 43) enclose a connecting angle (PA, PB) which preferably has an angle dimension other than 90°, wherein preferably the connecting angles (PA, PB) are equal in magnitude and / or wherein preferably the connecting angles (PA, PB) are each obtuse angles, i.e. greater than 90° and less than 180°, preferably greater than 90° and less than 120°, preferably between 93° and 110° or each acute Angles are, i.e., smaller than 90° and larger than 0°, preferably smaller than 90° and larger than 45°, preferably between 87° and 70°.

7. Clamping element according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least a part of the, preferably all, recesses (42) in the clamping segments (4) a) have a substantially constant recess profile and / or a substantially constant width (b) in the circumferential direction (U) and / or a substantially constant maximum radial depth (t) over a recess length (L) and / or b) have a concave recess profile and / or a mirror-symmetric recess profile.

8. Clamping element according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least a part of the, preferably all, clamping element segments (41, 43) a) have a substantially constant segment profile and / or a substantially constant width (bl, b3) in the circumferential direction over a segment length (L) and / or b) have a convex or concave segment profile and / or c) in which the clamping element segments (41, 43) of the same clamping segment (4) are designed and arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner relative to each other.

9. Clamping element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of the, preferably all, clamping segments (4) (i) the recess width (b) of the recess (42) is chosen to be between 0.1 times and 10 times, in particular 0.4 times and 10 times, the sum of the widths (bl + b3) of the clamping element segments (41, 43) and / or (ii) the clamping segment height (H) of the clamping segment (4), measured in the radial direction, is smaller than the length (L) and also smaller than the total width (B), preferably at most half the total width (B) of the clamping segment (4) and / or (iii) the recess depth (t) of the recess (42) of the clamping segment (4) is selected to be between 0.1 times and 0.8 times the clamping segment height (H) of the clamping segment (4).

10. Clamping element according to claim 3 or one of the claims relating back to claim 3, wherein the recess width (b) of the recess (42) is between 50% and 130%, in particular between 70% and 110%, of the circumferential width (g) of the associated cavity (9) measured at least in the area of ​​or along the clamping segment (4) projecting beyond the cavity (9), 11. Clamping element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of, preferably all, the connecting segments (6, 7) (i) are designed as webs or walls with a thickness (d) that is less than their length and less than the height of the connecting segments (6, 7) measured between the intermediate segment (5) and the tensioning segment (4) and / or is between 0.2 and 1.5 times the height (H) of the tensioning segment (4), and / or (ii) between the intermediate segment (5) and the spanning segment (4) has a substantially linear profile or at least a sectionally curved profile.

12. Tensioning element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate segments (5) are designed as support segments such that they are in the tensioned state against a counter-support surface (106) of a clamping body (104) can be frictionally engaged or come into contact with, or can be subjected to, a clamping force hydraulically or pneumatically.

13. Clamping element (1), in particular a clamping sleeve or clamping chuck or collet, for clamping a workpiece (101) or a tool, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, a) wherein the clamping element (1) extends at least partially in the form of a meander around an element axis (M), b) wherein the clamping element (1) comprises several clamping segments (4) offset or spaced apart from one another circumferentially around the element axis (M), and several intermediate segments (5) offset or spaced apart from one another circumferentially (U) around the element axis (M) and radially offset or spaced apart from the clamping segments (4), and several connecting segments (6, 7), c) wherein each clamping segment (4) is connected to two adjacent intermediate segments (5) via two of the connecting segments (6, 7), and d) wherein the clamping segments (4), the connecting segments (6, 7), and the intermediate segments (5) are arranged in a plane transverse to the element axis (M) in the form of a meanders extend,e) wherein an insertion chamfer arrangement (12) for threading or inserting a workpiece or tool is arranged on an end face of the clamping element, the insertion chamfer arrangement being formed by individual insertion chamfer segments (13), each of which is connected to an intermediate segment (5), but not to the clamping segments (4) or to the connecting segments (6 and 7), wherein preferably the clamping segments (4) do not come into contact with the workpiece or tool when loading or inserting it.

14. Clamping device for clamping a workpiece or tool a) with a clamping element (1) according to one of the preceding claims and with a clamping body with a counter support surface (106), b) wherein in a clamped state of the clamping device a counter clamping surface (103, 106) of the workpiece or tool is clamped or frictionally engaged on the clamping element segments (41, 43) of the clamping element (1) and the support segments (5) of the clamping element (1) are clamped or frictionally supported on a counter support surface (106) of the clamping body.

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