Abstract
A device for clamping an element includes a pressure chamber having a flexible wall section with an elastic jacket and a rigid wall section that acts as a counter-bearing. The jacket is provided with a contact surface to connect with the element.
Claims
1-10. (canceled)
11. A clamp comprising: a flexible section comprising an elastic jacket including a contact surface for contacting an element to be clamped; a rigid wall section; wherein the flexible section is coupled to the rigid wall section to form a pressure chamber, and wherein the rigid wall section acts as a counter-bearing to said flexible section when a pressure medium is supplied to said pressure chamber to form a frictional connection between the elastic jacket and the element to be clamped.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] The invention will now be described in more detail by way of the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings.
[0032] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment in isometric cross-section;
[0033] FIG. 2 shows a further exemplary embodiment in an isometric cross-section;
[0034] FIG. 3 shows a further exemplary embodiment in an isometric cross-section, and
[0035] FIG. 4 shows a further exemplary embodiment in an isometric cross-section.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] FIG. 1 depicts a first exemplary embodiment of a device for clamping an element, in which inside a rigid wall section 1, which takes the form of an airtight pipe, an elastic jacket 2 in form of an airtight tube is disposed. The elastic jacket 2 is pressure-joined at the end-faces of the pipe by means of radial force elements 3. The elastic jacket 2 is pressure-joined, impermeable to air, between the rigid wall section 1 and the radial force elements 3, which forms an airtight pressure chamber. For the supply of a pressure medium, in particular compressed air, a compressed air opening 4 is provided in the rigid wall section 1, which is connected to a pressure medium source (not shown).
[0037] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 the supply of a pressure medium into the pressure chamber causes an inwards-directed expansion of the elastic jacket 2, which may lead to an expansion of the jacket 2 in the form of a cushion that clamps or presses against the element. The rigid wall section 1 forms the counter-bearing and remains unchanged. An element located inside the device (not shown), which extends through the device, is clamped.
[0038] FIG. 2 depicts a second exemplary embodiment of a device for clamping an element, in which outside a rigid wall section 1, which takes the form of an airtight pipe, an elastic jacket 2 in form of an airtight tube is disposed. The elastic jacket 2 is pressure-joined at the end-faces of the pipe by means of radial force elements 3. The elastic jacket 2 is pressure-joined, impermeable to air, between the rigid wall section 1 and the radial force elements 3, which forms an airtight pressure chamber. For the supply of a pressure medium, in particular compressed air, a compressed air opening 4 is provided in the rigid wall section 1, which is connected to a pressure medium source (not shown).
[0039] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the supply of a pressure medium to the pressure chamber causes an outwards-directed expansion of the elastic jacket 2. The rigid wall section 1 forms the counter-bearing and remains unchanged.
[0040] FIG. 3 depicts a further, third embodiment of a device for forming a fluid connection, in which a sealing element 5 is provided in the area of the pressure chamber adjoining the rigid wall section 1, where said sealing element is in contact with the tubular rigid wall 1. The pressure chamber or the pipe respectively is closed by means of the sealing element 5 in longitudinal direction of the pipe. The sealing element 5 is disposed at the edge of the pressure chamber. The sealing element 5 is disposed in the vicinity of a radial force element 3. Sealing element 5, elastic jacket 2, rigid wall 1 and radial force element 3 are connected to each other, preferably pressure-joined. Sealing element 5 forms a seal in longitudinal extension of the rigid wall 1.
[0041] FIG. 4 depicts a further exemplary embodiment of the device for clamping an element, wherein the difference to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is that the sealing element 5 is provided with an opening. The opening of the sealing element 5 is disposed centrally in the sealing element. Moreover, FIG. 4 depicts a connector that has a leak-proof connection with the opening. Device and connector form a section of the fluid connection.
