TW202526185A - Components for a clamping and/or braking device - Google Patents

Abstract

A component for a clamping and/or braking device is described, the component comprising: a housing part, comprising: a connection opening for a connection of the clamping and/or braking device for applying a pressure medium to a pressure chamber of the clamping and/or braking device, and a stepped housing inner surface, which defines a stepped recess in the housing part adjoining the connection opening; an adhesive and/or sealing compound; a preferably annular elastic element, wherein the elastic element has a connection seal, which defines an edge of a sealing opening of the connection seal for a fluid connection to the connection opening, and wherein the connection seal forms a connection projection along the edge of the sealing opening, which projection at least partially surrounds the sealing opening; wherein the connection seal is arranged in the stepped recess of the housing part in such a way that the adhesive and/or sealing compound is arranged between the connection projection and the stepped housing inner surface of the housing part.

Description

Components for clamping and/or braking devices

The present invention relates to a component for a clamping and/or braking device, and also to a pneumatic clamping and/or braking device having the component. In addition, the present invention relates to an elastic element.

In the production of tools or machine parts, processing machines, particularly work spindles or other machine tools, use tools fixed to shafts to machine workpiece material to achieve the desired shape. The shaft used to secure the tool can be a rotating shaft or pivot axis of the processing machine. Furthermore, worktables that rotate or pivot using the shaft are used to position the tool or workpiece in the appropriate processing position or to move the workpiece at a corresponding rotational speed. High shaft rotational speeds are a prerequisite for precise and efficient processing. Therefore, the task of emergency or safety systems is to stop the movement of the shaft in the event of a system malfunction or failure, such as a power outage or cable disconnection, or to secure the shaft in a fixed position.

Common processing machines have electromagnetic, hydraulic, or pneumatic clamping and/or braking devices. These devices have friction pads that are frictionally connected to the shaft via force transmission. This allows the shaft to be held in place at different speeds.

In a hydraulic clamping device, hydraulic oil is applied to its chamber, and the rotating shaft or plate is firmly clamped. Passive hydraulic clamps are also well known. However, such hydraulic clamps have a long response time, or such hydraulic clamps have a short response time and require very high costs. In addition, hydraulic materials, especially hydraulic valves and hydraulic pipes, are expensive and require a long assembly time. Hydraulic oil also involves additional expenses for keeping the environment around the hydraulic clamp clean.

In pneumatic clamping and/or braking devices, compressed air is typically applied to a flexible element, particularly a flexible plate, and can overcome some of the disadvantages of the hydraulic clamping devices described above.

EP 1 585 616 B1 and EP 1 651 881 B1 describe a pneumatic clamping device having two annular spring plates that are incorporated into the housing of the clamping device and form a pressure chamber therein. This pressure chamber can be pressurized or vented, and vented with compressed air to change the deflection of the spring plates, thereby changing the clamping device between a closed state, in which an object to be clamped, such as a rotatable shaft, is clamped, and an open state, in which the clamped object is released. However, in practice, it has been found that the rubber spring plate of such a clamp will lift off at the connection area when excessive pressure is applied, which may cause the clamp to leak or necessitate the use of large amounts of adhesive and/or sealing compounds, which is neither environmentally friendly nor cost-effective.

Following on from the prior art mentioned at the outset, the object of the present invention is to provide a device which enables a clamping and/or braking device to be reliably sealed in the connection area for a pressurized medium.

This object is achieved by a component having the features of independent item 1, by a clamping and/or braking device having the features of claim 10, and by a spring element having the features of claim 2. Some possible embodiments are described in the appended items, the description and the drawings.

According to some embodiments, a solution is proposed which is a component for a clamping and/or braking device, comprising: a housing portion, the housing portion comprising: a connection opening for connection of the clamping and/or braking device for applying a pressure medium to a pressure chamber of the clamping and/or braking device, and a stepped housing inner surface defining a stepped recess in the housing portion adjacent to the connection opening; an adhesive and/or sealing compound; and, for example, an annular elastic element, wherein , the annular elastic element has a connecting seal, which defines the edge of the sealing opening of the connecting seal for connecting a fluid to the connecting opening, and wherein the connecting seal forms a connecting protrusion along the edge of the sealing opening, and the connecting protrusion at least partially surrounds the sealing opening; wherein the connecting seal is arranged in the stepped recess of the shell part, so that the adhesive and/or sealing compound is arranged between the connecting protrusion and the stepped shell inner surface of the shell part.

Since the stepped recess in the housing part adjacent to the connection opening is defined by the stepped housing inner surface, the connection seal forms a connection protrusion along the edge of the sealing opening, the connection protrusion at least partially surrounds the sealing opening, and the connection seal is arranged in the stepped recess of the housing part so that the adhesive and/or sealing compound is arranged between the connection protrusion and the stepped housing inner surface of the housing part, so that shearing of the connection between the connection seal and the housing part can be reduced or even completely prevented by using a pressurized medium (e.g. compressed air) to operate the device. On the one hand, this increases the leak-tightness of the relevant connections, and on the other hand, it also reduces the required amount of adhesive and/or sealing compound, which is both environmentally friendly and reduces costs.

The step on the inner surface of the housing and the connecting protrusion can be formed in a complementary manner. For example, the connecting protrusion can also form a step with the rest of the connecting seal, and the step complements the step on the inner side of the housing. When the connecting protrusion is arranged on the inner surface of the housing, the two steps can engage with each other. Each step mentioned here can be formed by two (substantially) mutually perpendicular legs (pitch and slope). The number of steps formed by the inner surface of the housing and/or the connecting seal or the connecting protrusion can be one, two or more.

The stepped recess adjacent to the connection opening includes a first region having a first extension in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connection opening. The stepped recess further includes a second region adjacent to the first region, the second region having a second extension in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connection opening, wherein the second extension is greater than the first extension.

According to some embodiments of the solution, it is also proposed, for example, an annular elastic element, wherein the elastic element has a connecting seal, which defines the edge of the sealing opening of the connecting seal, wherein the connecting seal forms a connecting protrusion along the edge of the sealing opening, and the connecting protrusion at least partially surrounds the sealing opening, wherein the connecting seal has, for example, a circular stop element, which protrudes from the side surface facing away from the connecting protrusion.

Since the connection seal has a stop element protruding from the side surface facing away from the connection protrusion, when two opposing elastic elements are installed, axial fixation can be produced by the stop elements of these installed elastic elements, which reduces or prevents the connection seal from rising during operation of the pressure medium.

Therefore, the component according to some embodiments and the elastic element according to some embodiments achieve the same technical effect in different ways, namely inhibiting or preventing the connection seal from rising from the housing component.

According to the solution method of some embodiments, a clamping and/or braking device for clamping and/or braking an object to be clamped and/or braked is also proposed, wherein, in the device, at least two of the components according to some embodiments are fixed to each other, and these components can optionally be equipped with elastic elements according to some embodiments.

The problem of failure-prone areas adjacent to one of the multiple connections, which has long been unsolved, is overcome by aspects of the present invention.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the elastic element comprises, for example, an annular spring plate, and the connection seal is secured to the annular spring plate, for example, by vulcanization. The spring plate has a first side surface disposed on a first side of the spring plate and a second side surface disposed on a second side of the spring plate, the second side surface facing away from the first side surface. The connection seal extends, for example, continuously, from the first side surface of the spring plate and around a radially outer edge of the spring plate to the second side surface of the spring plate, thereby at least partially enclosing the radially outer edge of the spring plate. The radial separation point between the spring plate and the connection seal is thus shifted in a manner that promotes stability and facilitates sealing. The likelihood of the connection seal being pulled apart or detached from the spring plate is thereby reduced. This also results in improved sealing of the pressure medium applied to the relevant connection. This enclosure can be combined with a stop element in the elastic element, or the elastic element can be free of a stop element (for example, in components according to some embodiments). Alternatively, the stop element can be present in an elastic element without an enclosure.

According to one aspect, a portion of the connection seal protrudes radially outward from the outer edge of the spring plate, thereby forming an "ear" of the spring plate. The relevant portion can be round or angular. For example, the relevant portion or "ear" includes the connection protrusion and/or the sealing opening. Because the connection seal forms the "ear" of the spring plate, the relevant connection can be particularly well sealed without introducing additional components separate from the elastic element or the spring plate into the device, thereby reducing complexity.

For example, the connection seal, in particular the connection protrusion and/or the stop element, is made of an elastic material, such as rubber.

By means of the methods described herein, either individually or in combination, clamps can be provided which achieve a reliable and effective seal in the connection area of the pressure medium without thereby adversely affecting the opening and closing dynamics of the clamp.

If features mentioned in the brief description of the case are not included in the scope of the patent application, then these features are not necessary features that must be included in the scope of the patent application when describing the case, but these features are particularly prominent ways of realizing the claimed subject matter and can be combined with any of the scope of the patent application and can be combined with each other as needed.

The present invention relates to an annular elastic element, a housing portion for a pneumatic clamping and/or braking device, and a pneumatic clamping and/or braking device having the annular elastic element.

When this document refers to the device "clamping" or "clamping device", "clamping force" or "clamping" operation, the device's "braking" or "braking device" or "braking force" or "braking" operation is also included.

1A to 5A and 8 show schematic cross-sectional views of a clamping device 10 according to some embodiments, which has a housing 3 comprising two housing parts 3a, 3b, and a spring 1 arranged in the housing 3 and comprising at least two annular elastic elements 1a, 1b according to some embodiments.

According to some embodiments, a clamping device 10 comprises the following: a first component according to some embodiments and a second component according to some embodiments, each of these components comprising one or more elastic elements 1a, 1b according to some embodiments and one or more housing parts 3a, 3b. The housing parts 3a, 3b form part of the housing 3 of the device, and the housing parts 3a, 3b are arranged relative to each other and fixed to each other so that the inner surfaces of the housing parts 3a, 3b jointly define an interior space within the housing 3, and the stop elements 18 of the elastic elements 1a, 1b of the two components are designed to abut each other. One or more clamping elements 8, each of which has a clamping surface 7. A spring 1 is disposed in the internal space and includes an elastic element 1a of the first part and an elastic element 1b of the second part, wherein the elastic elements 1a, 1b are clamped in the internal space so that a first pressure chamber 4 is formed in the internal space between the elastic elements 1a, 1b and the inner surfaces of the housing parts 3a, 3b (the first pressure chamber 4 may be disposed outside the spring 1), wherein the first pressure chamber 4 may be ventilated and pressure may be applied by a pressure supply to the housing parts 3a, 3b The spring 1 is designed such that when the first pressure chamber 4 is vented or exhausted, or when an overpressure is applied to the first pressure chamber 4, the deflection of at least one of the elastic elements 1a, 1b is variable, thereby causing the device 10 to change between an open state, in which the object 5 to be clamped is separated from the one or more clamping surfaces 7, and a closed state, in which at least one of the one or more clamping surfaces 7 transmits a clamping and/or braking force to the object 5. According to some embodiments, the device 10 includes the aforementioned means for enabling reliable operation of the device 10. These means are explained in more detail in conjunction with Figures 6 to 9.

Figures 1A, 1B, 4A, and 4B each illustrate the clamping device 10 in a closed position, wherein the clamping surface 7 of the clamping element 8 contacts the periphery of the object 5. The clamping element 8 is also referred to as a clamping lip. The clamping element 8 can be integrally formed with the rest of the housing portion 3a, 3b, or it can be a separate component of the housing portion 3a, 3b.

The clamping force or actuation of the clamping surface 7 on the object 5 to be clamped occurs in a clamping plane formed by two vectors, each of which forms the radius of an elastic element 1a, 1b or an annular recess 11 (see Figure 5A). The axis 9 can pass through the center point of the ring described here as an annular component and can therefore be called the main axis of the clamping device 10, which can be perpendicular to the clamping plane. When "inner" and "outer" protrusions, edges or ends are mentioned in this article, the inner edge, inner protrusion or inner end is closer to the axis 9 than the corresponding outer edge, outer protrusion or outer end. The same applies to the other components.

The clamping device 10 can be configured to have rotational symmetry about this main axis 9. The main axis 9 can pass approximately or exactly through the center of the opening of the clamping device 10 (see opening 14 in Figure 5B). In Figures 1A and 4A, the object 5 to be clamped, such as a rotatable shaft of a machine or a table, is placed in the opening 14, so that the clamping force of the clamping device is directed toward the main axis 9 (perpendicular to the main axis 9) within the clamping plane. In Figures 1B and 4B, the object 5 to be clamped is placed outside the clamping device 10, so that the clamping force of the clamping device is directed away from the main axis 9 (perpendicular to the main axis 9) within the clamping plane.

In Figures 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A, the clamping element 8 is located between the spring 1 and the opening 14 or the spindle 9. On the other hand, in Figures 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 the spindle 9. In Figures 1B, 2B, 3B, and 4B, instead of the object 5 to be clamped, a component that at least partially fills the opening 14 and extends through the spindle 9 can be introduced into the opening 14.

In each of Figures 1A to 5A , spring 1 is clamped between two contact surfaces ( 101 and 102 in Figures 5C and 5D ) within housing 3 of clamping device 10, extending between the two contact surfaces. In Figures 1A to 2B , when device 10 is in its pressure-free initial state, spring 1 may be slightly bent to ensure it is securely clamped within housing 3. The same applies to any other state of device 10, with the degree of spring 1 bending depending on the state of device 10. If the device 10 is in a state in which the spring 1 is bent (for example, the degree of bending is greater than the initial state without pressure, such as in the open state), the exhaust of the inner pressure chamber 2 and the outer pressure chamber 4 of the spring 1 can cause the spring 1 to at least partially relax, and at the same time the spring 1 presses on the radial contact surfaces, the distance between the radial contact surfaces slightly increasing, thereby causing the housing 3 to elastically deform in the area of the clamping element 8 or the clamping surface 7, and causing the clamping surface 7 to contact the object 5 and exert a (predefined) clamping force on the object 5 to firmly clamp the object 5. The object 5 is securely clamped and the clamping device 10 is in the closed state, as shown in Figures 1A and 1B. In the closed state of the device 10, even after partial relaxation, the spring 1 may still be slightly bent to be securely clamped in the housing 3 in this state.

In this case, clamping element 8 can be a resilient element, such as a spring fork. In the pressure-free initial state of device 10, due to the spring force of the (slightly) bent spring 1, for example, by bending the spring fork, spring 1 can bend from its relaxed initial position to a braced position until equilibrium is reached between the restoring force of resilient element 8 and the spring force of resilient element 8. In this equilibrium, clamping surface 7 can press against object 5.

In the closed state, the clamping force can be selectively increased by a predetermined value by applying additional compressed air (e.g., 4 bar or 6 bar) to the external pressure chamber 4. This is represented in Figures 1A and 1B by the optional additional compressed air pump (booster) 6 and the hatching (compressed air) in the external pressure chamber 4. The external pressure chamber 4 can be connected to port 1 (or "close") via an opening in the housing 3, to which the compressed air pump 6 can be connected.

Thus, it is possible to brake the device 10 in such a way that, for example, a braking movement of the object 5 (in the pressure-free state) and a complete clamping of the object (with sufficient pressure applied) is varied.

Even though two pressure chambers 2 , 4 are shown and described here by way of example, the clamping device 10 can also be operated with a single pressure chamber, which can be, for example, the inner pressure chamber 2 or the outer pressure chamber 4 .

Figures 2A and 2B illustrate the clamping device 10 of Figures 1A and 1B in an open state, wherein the clamping surface 7 does not contact or is spaced apart from the periphery of the object 5. The internal pressure chamber 2 can be connected to port II (or "open") through an opening in the housing 3, and the compressed air pump 6 can be connected to this port II.

Compressed air (e.g., 4 bar or 6 bar) is applied to the inner pressure chamber 2 by the compressed air pump 6, and the outer pressure chamber 4 is vented. This causes the spring 1 to bend or prop up to a greater degree (protrude) compared to the closed state shown in Figures 1A and 1B. The spring 1 or the distance between the two bearing surfaces is radially shortened. The clamping surface 7 is raised from the object 5, releasing the clamp. The object 5 is free to move (e.g., rotate around the main axis 9 or move linearly along the main axis 9), while the clamping device 10 is in the open state.

It is possible to change the device 10 back and forth between a closed state and an open state.

Compared to hydraulic clamps, this pneumatic clamping device 10 has many advantages.

By using a combination of elastic elements, such as here spring 1 and elastic elements 1a, 1b, and compressed air, a very short reaction time can be achieved during the switchover between the open and closed states, while also ensuring a secure grip on the object 5. The spring 1 can be configured as a plate, as shown in detail in FIG5 , where two elastic elements 1a, 1b stacked on top of each other form the spring 1, with the internal pressure chamber 2 of the spring 1 located between the elastic elements 1a, 1b. The elastic elements 1a, 1b can also be annular, as shown in FIG5 , and optionally be provided with radial slots, allowing the inner diameter to be varied with particularly low forces. Elastic elements 1a, 1b may be coated with rubber, at least in the region of the groove, to achieve the desired compressed air seal. Elastic elements 1a, 1b typically possess sufficient pressure resistance and elastic flexibility and are positioned within housing 3 of clamping device 10, forming an internal pressure chamber 2 within spring 1 and an external pressure chamber 4 between elastic elements 1a, 1b and housing 3 or housing portions 3a, 3b of clamping device 10. FIG. 5 illustrates a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of clamping device 10 similar to FIG. 1A and FIG. 2A .

By venting or applying compressed air to the outer pressure chamber 4 and exhausting the inner pressure chamber 2, as shown in FIG1A , the spring 1 at least partially relaxes and generates a clamping force on the object 5 to be clamped, particularly around the shaft 5. Therefore, in the event of an energy or pressure failure, the object 5 is clamped or the shaft 5 is immediately stopped, thereby providing a secure clamp. Depending on the scale, the clamping device 10 can achieve holding torques ranging from hundreds to thousands of N·m. This holding torque can be further increased by applying compressed air to the external pressure chamber 4. As shown in FIG1A , compressed air is applied to the external pressure chamber 4 via a compressed air pump 6 (booster). Here, only a few bars of compressed air (e.g., 4 or 6 bar) are sufficient to provide multiple times the holding torque achieved without the intensifier. In this case, the small lateral bend of the elastic elements 1a, 1b (perpendicular to their longitudinal axis) generates a large spring force during the switching between the open and closed states of the clamping device 10, which can be used to clamp or release the prestressed clamping device 10. Therefore, even a rapidly rotating machine shaft 5 can be securely clamped and released.

For pneumatic materials, the cost and assembly effort are also lower than for hydraulic materials, and since compressed air is used, there is no additional expenditure for system production and cleaning. This pneumatic clamping device also enables small overall dimensions, because a small lateral deflection and a small longitudinal extension of the spring (a small change in the longitudinal direction), and therefore a small pressure chamber volume, are sufficient to generate the required clamping force.

The clamping device 10 can be generally divided into a passive clamping device 10, as shown in Figures 1A to 2B, and an active clamping device 10, as shown in Figures 3A to 4B.

In its unloaded initial state, spring 1 can bend to varying degrees (laterally) and, therefore, contract inward to varying degrees. The interior of housing 3 can be adjusted to or define the curvature of elastic elements 1a, 1b based on the curvature of elastic elements 1a, 1b. For example, corresponding stop surfaces for elastic elements 1a, 1b can be formed by the inner wall of the housing. The inner wall of the housing can also have a shape (e.g., concave) that complements the curved shape of elastic elements 1a, 1b (e.g., convex).

In the case of a passive clamping device 10, in its initial, unpressurized state, the spring 1 is typically slightly elastically bent (e.g., convex) or prestressed, allowing the clamping device 10 to close (Figures 1A and 1B). The clamping device 10 is opened only by applying compressed air to the internal pressure chamber 2, thereby allowing it to open under the action of an internal force (Figures 2A and 2B). In most cases, the spring 1 is slightly bent in an initial state without pressure. Therefore, when clamped or when the pressure drops, the spring force given by the energy stored in the spring 1 is transmitted to the object to be clamped 5 as a clamping force to clamp the object to be clamped 5.

In the case of the active clamping device 10, in the initial, unloaded state (Figures 3A and 3B), the spring 1 bends laterally outward to a greater extent than in the passive clamping device, particularly to a greater extent than in the passive clamping device. As a result, the distance between the two radial bearing surfaces is shortened, and the clamping device 10 is opened. No clamping force is applied to the object 5 via the clamping surface 7. Since the clamping surface 7 does not contact the object 5 or is spaced apart from the object 5, the object is free.

Through plastic deformation of the elastic elements 1a, 1b, the spring 1 can be bent laterally outward to a greater extent within the same housing 3, thereby being able to shorten radially more in the initial, pressure-free state than with a passive clamping device. In the initial, pressure-free state, this smaller radial bending of the elastic elements 1a, 1b may result in the clamping device 10 being in an open position in the initial, pressure-free state. Even when plastically deformed, the elastic elements 1a, 1b can still bend elastically and press against the bearing surface, thereby securing the spring within the housing. The interior space or recess of the housing can accommodate the greater degree of bending caused by the plastic deformation in the initial state.

In some embodiments, a clamping force must be actively generated externally, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, to convert the clamping device into a closed state. Compressed air is introduced into an external pressure chamber 4 via a compressed air pump 6. The compressed air is then applied to the spring 1 from the outside, causing it to actively relax. This reduces the degree of spring 1's bending, increases the distance between the two bearing surfaces, and allows the housing 3 to elastically deform within the area of the clamping element 8 or clamping surface 7, thereby bringing the clamping surface 7 into contact with the object 5. This in turn applies a clamping force to the object 5, securely clamping it. The active clamping device 10 is now in a closed state.

Therefore, depending on the area of application and the required safety regulations, an active or passive clamping device 10 is used. If a secure clamping is primarily required, a passive clamping device is generally used. By using such a pneumatic passive clamping device, a predetermined clamping force can be generated during the corresponding assembly process of the entire device, even in a pressure-free state, in order to exert a certain clamping force on the object to be clamped 5. Due to the application of overpressure or negative pressure, the force transmitted to the object can be increased, reduced, or completely eliminated, which opens up a variety of applications. On the other hand, if the clamping device is primarily intended to perform intentional operations, such as tool changes, an active clamping device is generally used.

As shown in FIG5A , the housing 3 of the clamping device 10 according to some embodiments includes two housing portions 3a and 3b. The two housing portions 3a and 3b are fixed to each other and mounted together by fixing means, such as screws. In the mounted state, the two housing portions 3a and 3b define an interior space 13 within the housing 3. The spring 1 and its annular elastic elements 1a and 1b, according to some embodiments, are disposed together within the interior space 13. The housing portions 3a and 3b each define a similarly annular recess 11 for accommodating the annular elastic elements 1a and 1b, as shown in FIG5A through FIG5D . At least a portion of the first contact surface 101 and/or a portion of the second contact surface 102 may be (substantially) perpendicular to the radial direction R of the annular recess 11 .

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

One or more clamping surfaces 7 are located along the periphery or opening 14 of the housing 3, and when the housing 3 is elastically deformed in the region of the clamping elements 8 or the clamping surfaces 7, the clamping surfaces 7 exert a clamping force on the periphery of the object 5, thereby clamping the object 5. In order to effectively open and close the clamping device 10 relative to the object 5 to be clamped, without damaging the object 5, a symmetrical distribution of the clamping force along the clamping surfaces 7 or along the periphery of the object 5 is required. An asymmetrical distribution of the clamping force may result in damage to the object 5. For example, one or both of the contact surfaces 101, 102 are configured as a circle in the clamping plane. For example, the clamping surface 7 is configured as a circle within the clamping plane. The clamping element 8 can be configured as an annular shape. All annular or circular components described herein can have a center point (e.g., the center point of the opening 14) centered at the intersection of the main axis 9 and the clamping plane, either individually or in combination.

FIG5B illustrates components 40 and 50 (here, upper housing portion 3a in FIG5A ) according to some embodiments, wherein the housing portion 3a of the component has an annular recess 11 for retaining an annular elastic element 1a, and wherein the housing portion 3a has an inner surface defined by the recess 11 (see 105 in FIG7 ). The annular recess 11 defines, for example, an annular opening 12 in the housing portion, wherein the annular opening is formed between a first annular edge 12a and a second annular edge 12b of the housing portion. The elastic element 1a can be retained between the first annular edge 12a and the second annular edge 12b.

When the elastic element 1a is introduced into the recess 11 through the opening 12 with its first side (see 16c in FIG6C ) facing the inner surface and is clamped therein, a first pressure chamber 4 is formed between the inner surface and the elastic element 1a. According to some embodiments, the elastic element includes the aforementioned means, which allow for a reliable and effective seal at port II. These means are explained in more detail with reference to FIG6 through FIG9 .

As shown in Figures 5C and 5D , the elastic element 1a of the illustrated spring 1 extends from a first contact surface 101 within the housing portion 3a to a second contact surface 102 within the housing portion 3a and can contact the second contact surface 102. When viewed from the center point of the opening 14, the first contact surface 101 is radially positioned further outward than the second contact surface 102.

FIG5C shows a cross section of the housing portion 3a shown in FIG5B , wherein, for example, the upper elastic element 1a of the spring 1 meets and, for example, contacts the first contact surface 101. FIG5D shows a cross section of the housing portion 3a shown in FIG5B , wherein, for example, the upper elastic element 1a of the spring 1 meets and, for example, contacts the second contact surface 102. However, one or more additional components may also be radially located between the elastic element 1a and one or more of the contact surfaces 101, 102, through which the elastic element 1a exerts its spring force on the contact surfaces 101, 102.

As can be seen in Figures 5B and 5D, the elastic element 1a is clamped in a recess 11 located between the inner surfaces of the housing part 3a. During assembly, the spring plates of the spring 1 are introduced into the recess 11 of the corresponding housing part through the opening 12 along the inner surface of the housing part 3a in the direction of the main axis 9 of the clamping device 10 until each spring plate rests on a stop 112, 122 at the end of the two contact surfaces 101, 102, respectively, and is therefore unable to be introduced further into the recess 11. Since the extension of the elastic element 1a in the clamping plane or in the radial direction of the annular recess is greater than the extension of the inner space defined by the housing portion, the elastic element 1a can be bent or prestressed in a pressure-free initial state.

6A to 6C illustrate housing components according to some embodiments.

Figure 6A shows a plan view of the housing parts 3a, 3b in this example. Figure 6B shows an enlarged view of the area indicated by the rectangle in Figure 6A and adjacent to the connection opening 15. Figure 6C shows a cross section of the housing parts 3a, 3b taken along the dotted line A-A in Figure 6A.

Housing parts 3a, 3b include a connection opening 15 for connection II of clamping and/or braking device 10 to apply a pressure medium to pressure chamber 2 of clamping and/or braking device 10; and a stepped housing inner surface 17a defining a stepped recess 17b of housing parts 3a, 3b adjacent to connection opening 15. The steps mentioned herein can be formed by two (substantially) mutually perpendicular legs (bevel and slope), as shown in FIG6C . The number of steps can be any number (one, two, or more).

The stepped recess 17b adjacent to the connecting opening 15 includes a first area 17c having a first extension in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connecting opening 15. The stepped recess 17b further includes a second area 17d adjacent to the first area, having a second extension in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connecting opening, wherein the second extension is greater than the first extension, thereby forming one, two or more steps.

7A to 7C show a spring element according to a first embodiment. In this embodiment, the stop element 18 is present, but the radially outer edge of the spring plate 16 is optional.

Figure 7A shows a plan view of the inside of elastic elements 1a and 1b in this example. Figure 7B shows an enlarged view of the area indicated by the rectangle in Figure 7A and adjacent to the sealing opening 23. Figure 7C shows a cross-section of elastic elements 1a and 1b taken along the dotted line C-C in Figure 7A.

For example, the annular elastic elements 1a, 1b have a connection seal 20, which defines an edge 22 of a sealing opening 23 of the connection seal 20 for a fluid connection to the connection opening 15 (for example, when the pressure chamber 2 is applied, the pressure medium flows through the openings 15 and 23), and wherein the connection seal 20 forms a circular connection protrusion 21, for example, along the edge 22 of the sealing opening 23, and the circular connection protrusion 21 at least partially surrounds the circular sealing opening 23.

The elastic elements 1a, 1b include, for example, an annular spring plate 16 to which the connection seal 20 is fixed, and the annular spring plate 16 is vulcanized, for example.

A portion of the connection seal 20 protrudes radially outward from the outer edge of the spring plate 16 , wherein the portion includes a connection protrusion 21 and a sealing opening 23 . The portion of the connection seal 20 protruding radially outward from the outer edge of the spring plate 16 includes a portion of the stop element 18 .

The connection seal 20 has, for example, a circular stop element 18, which is located on the second side surface 24 and protrudes from the second side surface 24 facing away from the connection protrusion 21. The first side surface of the connection seal 20 faces the inner surface 105 of the housing portion.

The spring plate 16 has a first side surface 16a provided on a first side 16c of the spring plate 16 and a second side surface 16b provided on a second side 16d of the spring plate 16 and facing away from the first side surface 16a.

The stop element 18 is located on the second side 16 d of the spring plate 16 , and the connecting protrusion 21 is located on the first side 16 c of the spring plate 16 .

The connection seal 20, in particular the connection protrusion 21 and/or the stop element 18, can be made of an elastic material, such as rubber.

FIG8 illustrates details of a clamping and/or braking device according to some embodiments, having the two components shown in FIG6 and FIG7 according to some embodiments.

In this case, the connection seal 20 of each component 40, 50 is arranged in the stepped recess 17 of each shell part 3a, 3b, so that the bonding and/or sealing compound 30 is arranged between each connection protrusion 21 and the stepped shell inner surface 17a of each shell part 3a, 3b, so that each shell part is bonded and/or sealed to the connection seal 20 in the area of port II through the steps and the bonding and/or sealing compound 30.

The connection seal 20 forms a connection protrusion 21 along an edge 22 of the sealing opening 23. This connection protrusion 21 at least partially surrounds the sealing opening 23. The connection seal 20 includes, for example, a circular stop element 18 located on a side surface 24 and protruding from the side surface 24 facing away from the connection protrusion 21 (see FIG. 7C ). The stop elements 18 of the elastic elements 1a, 1b of the components 40, 50 are designed to abut against each other when an overpressure is applied to the first pressure chamber 4 (see the dashed ellipse in FIG. 8 ), thereby at least inhibiting or preventing the connection seal 20, and in particular the connection protrusion 21, from rising from the housing inner surface 17a (see FIG. 7C ) of the components 40, 50.

9A to 9C show a spring element according to a second embodiment. In this embodiment, there is a spring plate 16 surrounding the radial outer edge of the spring plate, but the stop element 18 is optional.

Figure 9A shows a plan view of the outer side of elastic elements 1a and 1b in this example. Figure 9B shows an enlarged view of the area indicated by the rectangle in Figure 9A and adjacent to the sealing opening 23. Figure 9C shows a cross-section of elastic elements 1a and 1b taken along the dotted line E-E in Figure 9A.

By way of example, an annular elastic element 1a, 1b is disclosed, wherein the elastic element 1a, 1b has a connection seal 20, which defines an edge 22 of a sealing opening 23 of the connection seal 20. The connection seal 20 forms a connection protrusion 21 along the edge 22 of the sealing opening 23, and the connection protrusion 21 at least partially surrounds the sealing opening 23. The elastic element 1a, 1b, for example, includes an annular spring plate 16, to which the connection seal 20 is fixed, and the annular spring plate 16 is, for example, vulcanized. The spring plate 16 has a first side surface 16a disposed on a first side 16c of the spring plate 16, and a second side surface 16b disposed on a second side 16d of the spring plate 16 and facing away from the first side surface 16a. The joint seal 20 extends, for example, continuously, from the first side surface 16a of the spring plate 16, wraps around the radial outer edge of the spring plate 16, and reaches the second side surface 16b of the spring plate 16, thereby at least partially surrounding the radial outer edge of the spring plate 16, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 9C . As a result, the transition between the port II or opening 15, 23 and the first pressure chamber 4 between the elastic element and the housing portion is better sealed, and the connection seal 20 is more firmly attached to the spring plate 16 (see Figures 6C, 8 and 9C).

By the means described herein, either individually or in combination, clamps can be provided which can be operated reliably and efficiently (e.g. by saving on adhesive and/or sealing compound 30 and reducing the number of parts) in the connection area (particularly port II) without thereby adversely affecting the opening and closing dynamics of the clamp.

The present specification and drawings describe embodiments of the subject matter claimed in the appended claims. The optional features disclosed in the specification, claims, and drawings may be used individually or in any desired combination to implement various configurations of the subject matter claimed in the appended claims.

The various aspects and embodiments described above can be combined to create additional embodiments. Further modifications to the embodiments can be made based on the detailed description above. Generally speaking, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific aspects and embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but rather should be construed to encompass all possible embodiments and equivalents of all possible embodiments.

1: Spring 1a, 1b: Elastic element 10: (Clamping and/or braking) device 101: (First) contact surface 102: (Second) contact surface 105: Inner surface 11: (Annular) recess 112: Stopper 12: (Annular) opening 12a: First annular edge 12b: Second annular edge 122: Stopper 13: Internal space 14: Opening 15: (Connection) opening 16: (Annular) spring plate 16a: First side surface (either outer edge or inner edge) 16b: Second side surface (either outer edge or inner edge) 16c: First side 16d: Second side 17a: (Stepped) housing inner surface 17b: Stepped recess 17c: First region 17d: Second region 18: (Circular) stop element 2: (Second or inner) pressure chamber 20: Connection seal 21: Connection protrusion 22: Edge 23: (Sealing) opening 24: (Second) side surface 3: Housing 3a, 3b: Housing portion 4: (First or outer) pressure chamber 40: (First) component 5: (Object to be clamped and/or braked) (or shaft) 50: (Second) component 6: Compressed air pump (booster) 7: Clamping surface 8: Clamping element (or spring element) 9: (Main) axis 30: Adhesive and/or sealing compound A-A, C-C, E-E: Dashed lines I: Port II: Port (or connection) R: Radial direction

[Figure 1A] A schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an inward-facing passive pneumatic clamping and/or braking device in a closed state. [Figure 1B] A schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an outward-facing passive pneumatic clamping and/or braking device in a closed state. [Figure 2A] A schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an inward-facing passive pneumatic clamping and/or braking device in an open state. [Figure 2B] A schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an outward-facing passive pneumatic clamping and/or braking device in an open state. [Figure 3A] A schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an inward-facing active pneumatic clamping and/or braking device in an open state. [Figure 3B] A schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an outward-facing active pneumatic clamping and/or braking device in an open state. [Figure 4A] A schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an inward-facing active pneumatic clamping and/or braking device in a closed state. [Figure 4B] A schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an outward-facing active pneumatic clamping and/or braking device in a closed state. [Figure 5A] A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a pneumatic clamping and/or braking device. [Figures 5B to 5D] Schematic views of variations of the component of Figure 5A. [Figures 6A to 6C] Show an embodiment of a variation of the housing portion. [Figures 7A to 7C] Show a first embodiment of the elastic element. [Figure 8] illustrates details of a two-part clamping and/or braking device with some embodiments. [Figures 9A-9C] illustrate a second embodiment of the elastic element.

Elements depicted in multiple drawings have the same reference symbols.

1: Spring

1a, 1b: Elastic components

10: (Clamping and/or braking) device

14: Opening

2: (Second or inner) pressure chamber

3: Shell

3a, 3b: Shell

5: Object (to be clamped and/or braked)

9: (Main) Axis

R: radial direction

Claims (15)

A component (40, 50) for a clamping and/or braking device (10), comprising: a housing part (3a, 3b) comprising: a connection opening (15) for a connection (II) of the clamping and/or braking device (10) for applying a pressure medium to a pressure chamber (2) of the clamping and/or braking device (10), and a stepped housing inner surface (17a) defining a stepped recess (17b) in the housing part (3a, 3b) adjacent to the connection opening (15); an adhesive and/or sealing compound (30); and A preferred annular elastic element (1a, 1b), wherein the annular elastic element (1a, 1b) has a connection seal (20), the connection seal (20) defines an edge (22) of a sealing opening (23) of the connection seal (20) for connecting a fluid to the connection opening (15), and wherein the connection seal (20) forms a connection protrusion (21) along the edge (22) of the sealing opening (23), the connection protrusion (21) at least partially surrounding the sealing opening (23); The connection seal (20) is arranged in the stepped recess (17b) of the housing part (3a, 3b) so that the bonding and/or sealing compound (30) is arranged between the connection protrusion (21) and the stepped housing inner surface (17a) of the housing part (3a, 3b). A preferred annular elastic element (1a, 1b), wherein the annular elastic element (1a, 1b) has a connecting seal (20), wherein the connecting seal (20) defines an edge (22) of a sealing opening (23) of the connecting seal (20), wherein the connecting seal (20) forms a connecting protrusion (21) along the edge (22) of the sealing opening (23), wherein the connecting protrusion (21) at least partially surrounds the sealing opening (23), wherein the connecting seal (20) has a preferably circular stop element (18), wherein the circular stop element (18) protrudes from a side surface (24) facing away from the connecting protrusion (21). A component (40, 50) as described in claim 1 or an elastic element (1a, 1b) as described in claim 2, wherein the elastic element (1a, 1b) includes a preferably annular spring plate (16), and the connecting seal (20) is fixed to the annular spring plate (16), preferably by vulcanization. A component (40, 50) or elastic element (1a, 1b) as described in claim 3, wherein a portion of the connection seal (20) protrudes radially outward from the outer edge of the spring plate (16), preferably, wherein the portion includes the connection protrusion (21) and/or the sealing opening (23). A component (40, 50) or elastic element (1a, 1b) as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the connection seal (20) has a preferably circular stop element (18) that protrudes from a second side surface (24) opposite to the connection protrusion (21). A component (40, 50) or elastic element (1a, 1b) as described in any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the spring plate (16) has a first side surface (16a) arranged on a first side (16c) of the spring plate (16) and a second side surface (16b) arranged on a second side (16d) of the spring plate (16), and the second side surface (16b) is opposite to the first side surface (16a). A component (40, 50) or elastic element (1a, 1b) as described in claim 6, wherein the connecting seal (20) extends from the first side surface (16a) of the spring plate (16) and wraps around the radial outer edge of the spring plate (16) to the second side surface (16b) of the spring plate (16), preferably extending continuously to at least partially surround the radial outer edge of the spring plate (16). A component (40, 50) or elastic element (1a, 1b) as described in claim 6 or 7, wherein the stop element (18) is located on the second side (16d) of the spring plate (16) and/or the connecting protrusion (21) is located on the first side (16c) of the spring plate (16). A component (40, 50) or elastic element (1a, 1b) as described in any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the portion of the connection seal (20) that projects radially outward from the outer edge of the spring plate (16) includes a portion of the stop element (18). A clamping and/or braking device (10) for clamping and/or braking an object (5) to be clamped and/or braked, comprising: A first component (40) as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 and a second component (50) as described in any one of claims 1 to 9; Wherein, the shell parts (3a, 3b) of the two components (40, 50) are arranged relative to each other and fixed to each other, so that the inner surfaces (105) of the shell parts (3a, 3b) jointly define an internal space within the shell (3), and the elastic elements (1a, 1b) of the two components (40, 50), preferably the stop elements (18) of the elastic elements (1a, 1b), are designed to be adjacent to each other; One or more clamping elements (8), wherein each clamping element has a clamping surface (7); and a spring (1) disposed in the internal space and comprising the elastic element (1a) of the first part (40) and the elastic element (1b) of the second part (50), wherein the elastic elements (1b) are clamped in the internal space so that a first pressure chamber (4) is formed in the internal space between the elastic elements (1a, 1b) and the inner surfaces (105) of the shell parts (3a, 3b), wherein the first pressure chamber (4) is ventilated and can be actuated by an overpressure of a pressure medium that can be applied to the shell parts (3a, 3b); The spring (1) is designed so that when the first pressure chamber (4) is ventilated or exhausted, or when the first pressure chamber (4) is over-pressurized, the bending of at least one of the elastic elements (1a, 1b) is variable and thereby the device (10) changes between an open state and a closed state. In the open state, the object to be clamped (5) is spaced apart from the one or more clamping surfaces (7), and in the closed state, at least one of the one or more clamping surfaces (7) transmits a clamping and/or braking force to the object (5). A clamping and/or braking device (10) as described in claim 10, wherein the stop elements (18) of the elastic elements (1a, 1b) of the two parts (40, 50) are designed to abut each other when the first pressure chamber (4) is overpressured, preferably so as to at least inhibit or prevent the lifting of each of the connecting seals (20) from the inner surface (17a) of the shell of each part (40, 50), in particular inhibit or prevent the lifting of each of the connecting protrusions (21). A clamping and/or braking device (10) as described in any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein the clamping and/or braking force is caused by the inner edge or outer edge of at least one spring plate (16) of the elastic elements (1a, 1b), and the clamping and/or braking force is supported on one of the inner surfaces (105) and the outer edge or inner edge (16a, 16b) of at least one spring plate (16) pressed on the clamping element. A clamping and/or braking device (10) as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the first spring plate (16) of the first elastic element (1a) is designed to reduce its bending by applying an overpressure in the first pressure chamber (4) so that when the outer edge or inner edge of the first spring plate (16) is supported on the inner surface of the first housing part (105), the outer edge or inner edge (16a, 16b) of the first spring plate (16) presses on one of the clamping elements, thereby causing the clamping and/or braking force to be transmitted from the clamping surface of the clamping element to the object to be clamped and/or braked (5), and the device (10) changes from the open state to the closed state. and/or wherein the device (10) is designed to move one of the clamping elements away from a portion of one of the inner surfaces (105) by ventilation of the first pressure chamber or by application of overpressure to the first pressure chamber (4), and/or reduce the bending of at least one of the spring plates (16) of the elastic elements (1a, 1b), and the device (10) changes from the open state to the closed state. A clamping and/or braking device (10) as described in any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the internal space includes a second pressure chamber (2), wherein the second pressure chamber (2) is arranged in the spring (1) located between the elastic elements, preferably, wherein the device (10) is designed to cause one of the clamping elements (8) to move toward a part of one of the inner surfaces (105) through ventilation of the second pressure chamber (2) or through application of overpressure in the second pressure chamber (2), and/or the bending of at least one of the spring plates (16) of the elastic elements (1a, 1b) is increased, and the device (10) changes from the closed state to the open state. A clamping and/or braking device (10) as described in any one of claims 10 to 14 or a component (40, 50) as described in any one of claims 1 or 3 to 9, wherein the connection seal (20) and/or the adhesive and/or sealing compound (30) of at least one of the components (40, 50) substantially seals the connection (II) of the clamping and/or braking device (10) for applying a pressure medium to the preferred second pressure chamber (2) of the clamping and/or braking device (10).