EP2870388B1 - Actuator and a method and device for connecting housing elements of an actuator - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a pneumatic actuator according to the preamble of patent claim 1, and a method for connecting at least a first housing element and at least one second housing element of a control can of a pneumatic actuator.

From the prior art it is known, two housing elements of a pneumatic actuator, which is often referred to as a "control box", in particular to connect such that a flare connection between a cover and a housing of the actuator is produced.

In FIG. 1a Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of such an actuator 1 known in the prior art. A cover 3 of the actuator 1 is connected by means of a flange 5 with a housing 7.

In FIG. 1b is an enlargement according to the detail A in FIG FIG. 1a during a beading process while in the Figures 1c and 1d in each case a view according to the detail A of FIG. 1a is shown.

As FIG. 1b can be seen, is at a junction of the lid 3 with the housing 7 of the actuator 1, a membrane 9 at least partially disposed between the lid 3 and the housing 7. After inserting the membrane 9 in the housing 7, the lid 3 in the in FIG. 1b shown manner and then by means of a crimp ring 11 which is driven by a hydraulic press, not shown, formed on the housing 7 flanging tab 13 for producing the in the Figure 1c shown flanging 5 deformed. For this purpose, a force between the crimp ring 11 and a crimping pad 15 is constructed and the Beading ring 11 as long as in the direction of the flare die 15 moves until the flaring ring 11 rests on an encompassed by the flanging end stop 17.

This will be in the Figure 1c Beading 5 shown in more detail.

However, the known from the prior art actuator has the disadvantage that a defined Membranverpressung between the cover 3 and housing 7 is not possible, since this is determined unpredictable exclusively by the Umlege- or crimping process of the housing edge or the flanging tab 13. Thus, the membrane compression in the flare composite is so undefined that, despite a defined flanged edge height or flanged flap height and defined travel of the flanged ring 11, it can not be determined exactly in advance and can not be reproduced sufficiently in the manufacturing process of the actuator. For example, it may lead to mispositioning of the membrane, as in Figure 1d is shown, come.

Despite the same outer flanging the membrane compressions vary, so that an ideal compression is not reproducible adjustable. Thus, depending on the geometry of the flanging tab, the size of the material pairing cover / housing, the geometry of the flanging area or the respective material batches of the housing areas or the membrane, the membrane compression is different. In principle, identical elements are in particular process fluctuations. Thus, without changes in the geometry of the elements to fluctuations. For example, the built-up forces and thus the final geometry of the actuator due to wear, for example, the crimping device, or varying frictional forces vary, for example, at different greasings of moving parts. Also, in addition to process variations, for example, different geometric shapes for the housing, for example, straight or oblique bearing surfaces, with depressions, radii, etc., and for the lid, for example, straight or oblique bearing surfaces, undercuts, depressions or radii, or for the membrane 9, in particular a Membranwulst 19, for example, a wedge shape or straight surfaces or to form grooves or different bead shapes. All these parameters strongly influence the compression of the Membrane through the bonding process, in particular a Umlegeprozess a housing edge during a flanging.

This can lead to too high a membrane compression, which can lead to an immediate cracking or cracking over the lifetime of the membrane, which then leads to failure of the actuator. On the other hand, if the membrane compression is too small, the membrane, in particular the membrane bead, may slip out of the area between the cover and the housing in the area of the bead, which likewise leads to failure of the actuator. Such slipping is in Figure 1d shown. Such a position of the membrane is also referred to as NiO layer.

Finally, the connection method known from the prior art does not make it possible to control or overgrow the correct position of the membrane, in particular of a membrane area, such as a circumferential thickening or bulge, before, during and after the connection process.

In the previously used method for connecting the cover and the housing, individual samples of the series production of the actuator are taken for process validation and monitoring, and the membrane compression parameters and the position of the membrane are randomly controlled in a sectional image analysis. However, this leads to a complex manufacturing and monitoring process, in particular to carry out an exact membrane compression control.

An attempt is also made to check the produced actuator by checking functional parameters, such as the movement parameters of a drive rod connected to the diaphragm during rotation of the drive rod or sealing parameters in vacuum processes, which delays the manufacturing process and does not provide absolute reliability.

In addition, the connection process known from the prior art necessitates the use of maintenance, work space and cost intensive and comparatively environmentally polluting hydraulic presses for driving the crimp ring, in order to build up sufficient forces for deformation of the crimping lug or for adequate membrane crimping.

From the DE 2 312 921 In addition, an arrangement for clamping a membrane is known. The membrane shown there is used in a water switch of water flow controlled gas water heaters or in pressure expansion vessels of central heating systems. It is proposed that two parts, between which the membrane is clamped, are provided with beads, wherein the bead of a part surrounds both the membrane and the raised to cover a membrane edge edge of the other part. However, this arrangement also has the disadvantage that very high forces for a bead, which can be constructed in particular only with very strong and therefore cost-intensive, for example hydraulic, presses, are necessary to achieve adequate membrane compression. Also, a large space is necessary for the flanging and due to the fact that a large number of individual parts is present, the fluctuations due to the individual tolerances comparatively large. Finally, it is not possible to monitor the position of the membrane, ie to check the correct position of the membrane.

Furthermore, from the prior art in the form of DE 31 02 382 C2 a servomotor for the pneumatic actuation of actuators in motor vehicles known. This servomotor has a cup-shaped housing part and a second housing part. These can be connected to each other via a snap hook. Here, a rubber membrane is placed and pressed between the housing parts. For aligning the housing parts together, a centering element is provided in the region of a depression for receiving a sealing bead of the rubber membrane. However, this compound also has the disadvantage that it leads to excessive compression of the membrane and thus to a deterioration of the structure the membrane can come, which can lead to an immediate or a later cracking in the rubber membrane.

In addition, the reveals DE 10 2006 048 084 A1 a linear sensor. This linear sensor is used in particular in an adjusting device which has a pneumatic actuator. It is provided that a membrane covered by a pressure plate is held on the edge side in a housing. To achieve this holding of the membrane, it is provided that a housing is connected by means of a flanging to a further housing component, wherein the membrane is arranged in an intermediate region between the housing and the housing component. Also for this connection of the housing with the housing component, the use of very strong and costly presses is necessary due to the necessary large forces. Cost-benefit aspects usually require the use of hydraulic presses.

Further, the US 2006/102232 A1 an anti-icing actuator assembly for a pneumatic valve. The valve includes a first actuator coupled to the valve for causing the valve to move between an open and closed position in a first mode of operation and a second actuator coupled to the valve for opening the valve in a second mode of operation ,

From the FR 1 121 507 A1 is a fuel pump known. The pump comprises a diaphragm which is clamped between housing elements.

Finally, the reveals DE 38 83 921 T2 , which discloses a device with membrane, a generic pneumatic actuator. This document describes in particular membrane devices, such as. B. be used in a Unterdruckzündverstellmechanismus a distributor for an internal combustion engine. The device described in this document is intended to achieve improvements in the attachment and sealing construction of membranes present in such devices.

It is therefore an object of the present invention, the known from the prior art actuator, the known from the prior art method for connecting housing elements of an actuator and the device for connecting the housing elements of an actuator to further develop such that the disadvantages of the state overcome the technology, in particular a defined membrane compression is achieved, a small space for the fixation of the membrane is necessary, an automatic detection of a malpositioning of the membrane is achieved and the use of inexpensive pneumatic or electromotive presses is made possible.

The object relating to the actuator is achieved by the characterizing features of claim 1.

The subclaims 2 to 11 describe preferred developments of the invention.

The object relating to the method is solved by the features of claim 12.

With the features of claims 13 to 15 advantageous developments of the inventive method are described.

The invention is thus based on the surprising finding that an abutment or abutment element for a first housing element is formed integrally in the actuator itself, in particular in a second housing element, this abutment element being arranged in a region of the second housing element is outside a range in which a connecting force is established by means of a connecting device, a defined membrane compression between the first housing element and the second housing element can be achieved. At the same time, due to the fact that the connecting portion does not cover the entire circumference of the first housing member, reliable monitoring of proper seating of the diaphragm or a diaphragm portion such as a diaphragm bead in the connecting portion can be achieved during the performance of a connection method or the second housing element so that a lower connection force must be constructed when using a connection by a flanging drive means in the form of pneumatic or electric motor drive means or presses are used.

By forming a mechanical stop between the first housing element and the second housing element, a defined distance between these two housing elements is ensured, which in turn defines the compression of the membrane or of a region of the membrane, such as a membrane bead, in the clamping dressing or connection assembly. Due to the fact that the stop element is arranged outside the connection region, that is to say outside the region in which a connection force is built up directly via the connection device, impairment of the stop element, in particular deformation thereof, for example during the build-up of a force to achieve a bead, is achieved. avoided. This makes it possible that a defined membrane compression is achieved by a specific structural design, in particular of the stop element, so that this membrane compression is not unpredictably determined by the connection process, such as a beading process of the housing edge. Furthermore, a direct flow of force between the first and second housing element is achieved by the use of the stop element. A power flow exclusively through the membrane is avoided.

Under a stop element in the context of the invention is thus understood in particular an element by means of which the first housing element and the second housing element are in contact when the housing elements are connected together, so that after the connection, a direct adhesion between the housing elements by the direct contact this is achieved in the region of the stop element.

Thus, in particular in the case of the actuators known from the prior art, in which the flanging dressing covers the entire circumference of the housing elements, that is to say the connecting area extends over the entire circumference of the housing elements, this is the case Defined Membranverpressung not possible and beyond the construction of very high pressure forces necessary.

This construction of the actuator makes it possible in particular during a connection process in a first step in the second housing element, the membrane is arranged and then the first housing member is placed on the second housing member and the membrane that the first housing member at least partially with the membrane in Contact is coming. In a subsequent step, the first and the second housing element including the membrane are then compressed with a force-path monitored hold-down device until a fixed stop, that is a contact of the stop element of the second housing element with the first housing element.

By using a force-path monitored hold-down system during this movement of the first housing member in the direction of the second housing member for the assembly of the first housing member, the second housing member and the membrane, a deviation of the position of the membrane, in particular a membrane region, such as a Membranwulst detected become. For this purpose, in particular the path characteristic is taken up from the point at which the membrane first comes into contact with the first housing element.

In order to detect such a NiO position of the membrane or the membrane bead, the force-displacement characteristic of the hold-down movement of the first and second housing element is recorded and evaluated. This evaluation is carried out in particular by a comparison with a, in particular an OK position of the membrane corresponding, desired characteristic. If the membrane or the membrane region is arranged at at least one location outside the predetermined position, for example if the membrane or membrane bead is displaced in a radial direction of an axis of symmetry of the first housing element or of the second housing element, then from the first Contact between the membrane and the first housing element recorded an early, but slower force increase, since corresponding elements of the first housing element, such as a clamping element, although earlier with come into contact with the membrane and so compared to a compression in a correct positioning of the membrane, which is referred to as the iO-layer, after a shorter distance during the movement process between the first housing member and the second housing member, the membrane is pressed. This niO layer can also be detected in particular by the fact that a total path or a total distance increases up to a contact between the stop element and the first housing element.

This results in different force-displacement slopes between the niO position corresponding actual force-displacement curve and the iO position corresponding desired force-displacement curve at the beginning of the hold-down and a longer distance to a mechanical stop between the stopper member and the first housing member. After reaching the contact between the stop element and the first housing element increases the force-displacement curve with a predetermined slope, so that this contact is clearly recognizable in the force-displacement curve.

If this evaluation of the force-displacement characteristic curve shows that there is an iO-position of the membrane or of the membrane region, a connection of the first and second housing element can be carried out in a further step. If a NOK position detected, the hold-down device can be moved back, the first housing element lifted and corrected the position of the membrane. Thus, the production scrap is significantly reduced because, if at all, only the membrane needs to be replaced.

Due to the fact that the connection force is not built up in the region of the stop element, since the stop element is arranged outside the connection region, a change in the position of the membrane or a distance between the first housing element and the second housing element after reaching the hold-down position is avoided and so the defined position of the diaphragm, the first housing member and the second housing member is ensured relative to each other.

In that the area in which the stop element is arranged is recessed as the connection area, only lower connection forces must be built up.

In particular, in the case in which the connection is achieved by a bead, thus the area of the second housing element to be deformed is lower, so that for such beading instead of very strong and thus costly presses, for example hydraulic presses, also less expensive, in particular pneumatic or electromotive, presses can be used.

For the device for connecting the housing elements of the actuator, it is particularly preferred that both the hold-down device and the connecting device are driven by means of one and the same drive device, such as a pneumatic drive device or an electromotive drive device. This offers the advantage that often already existing sensors or position detectors can be used to accommodate the force-displacement curve in such pneumatic or electromotive presses.

After completion of the connection of the housing elements, the hold-down process can then be ended and the actuator removed. The inspection of the seat of the membrane thus takes place during the manufacturing process, so that the cycle times can be increased in comparison to additional quality inspection steps.

In particular, in a connection of the housing element by means of a bead, it is advantageous if the second housing element has a "crown-like" profile of the outer periphery. This allows the recesses in the crown profile to form corresponding stop members, while the tips of the crown profile form the flanging tabs.

In the recessed area of the crown profile, extensions formed on the outer circumference of the first housing element can then be received in order to achieve the defined position between the first housing element and the second housing element when holding down the first housing element, in particular to establish contact between the first housing element and the stop element , The flanged tabs, which are arranged in the region between the extensions on the circumference of the first housing element, can then be folded to achieve the flanging, in particular be folded around a radially outwardly extending edge region of the first housing element.

Since only the folding of individual flanged tabs and not the entire edge of the second housing element is necessary by this crown profile, the required flaring force can be reduced, which allows the use of pneumatic presses or electromotive presses for the crimping process.

The ratio of the width of the crown tips to the width of the stop elements is preferably less than 1: 1 in order to achieve the greatest possible reduction in the force necessary for the deformation or flanging. By the formation of this crown profile is also achieved that the stop element is arranged on a peripheral edge of the second housing element, whereby the influence of the structure of the connecting force, in particular during a flanging, is reduced to the stop element, in particular in comparison to a radially further inward in the housing element arranged stop element.

Also, this arrangement of the stop element reduces the space required for the connection space. Thus, with a radially inner arrangement, a larger holding period is to be provided.

So is achieved by this arrangement of the stop element at the radial peripheral edge, that a smaller space requirement, compared with alternative mechanical stop solutions, is present.

As mentioned, the advantage of the inventive design of the actuator, the method and the device is, inter alia, that the risk that the membrane or a membrane region, such as a membrane bead, is not pressed correctly in a clamping area and thereby during operation of the Control can slip out, is minimized. In particular, can be dispensed with control to elaborate queries of a correct fit of the membrane, for example by an item test. This makes it possible for the hitherto known connection method with a preceding pre-mastering and various queries and tests of the individual components to be converted into a fully automatic process. It should be emphasized that such known from the prior art Verstemmschritte, queries and tests do not provide 100% security. They only deliver Indications that a niO situation could exist and not all niO layers can be detected. On the other hand, the method according to the invention enables a 100% appointment of the niO layers.

In addition, a spring installation space of a spring of the actuator and a total stroke of the actuator can be better defined already in the design phase, since the more accurate compression of the membrane is known. As a result, a better spring design and thus an improved characteristic calculation can be made possible. The individual parts used in the method according to the invention, in particular the first housing element, the second housing element and the membrane can finally be used in comparison to known from the prior art actuators, apart from the formation of the stop elements and adjustment of the tools without significant structural adjustment ,

The actuator may be designed as a vacuum or overpressure actuator.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description in which preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to drawings are exemplified.

Figur 1a bis 1d

Ansichten eines aus dem Stand der Technik bekannten Aktuators,

Figur 2

eine Aufsicht auf einen erfindungsgemäßen Aktuator;

Figur 3

eine Detailansicht des Aktuators der Figur 2 gemäß dem Ausschnitt B;

Figur 4

eine Querschnittsansicht des Ausschnitts C der Figur 2; und

Figur 5

eine Kraftwegdiagramm, in dem entsprechende Soll- und Ist-Kraft-Weg-Kennlinien eingezeichnet sind.

Showing:

FIGS. 1a to 1d

Views of an actuator known from the prior art,

FIG. 2

a plan view of an actuator according to the invention;

FIG. 3

a detailed view of the actuator of FIG. 2 according to the section B;

FIG. 4

a cross-sectional view of the section C of FIG. 2 ; and

FIG. 5

a Kraftwegdiagramm, in which corresponding desired and actual force-displacement curves are located.

In FIG. 2 an actuator 101 according to the invention or control box, which comprises a first housing element in the form of a cover 103 and a second housing element in the form of a housing 107, is shown. The first housing element 103 has an axis of symmetry S ₁ and the second housing element 107 has a second axis of symmetry S ₂ . Both the cover 103 and the housing 107 are rotationally symmetrical to the symmetry axis S ₁ or symmetry axis S _{2 is} formed. The lid 103 and the housing 107 are connected to each other via a connecting device in the form of a flanging 105.

In FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the bead 105 according to the detail B in FIG. 2 shown. As in FIG. 3 can be seen, 107 stop members 111 are formed in the region of the bead 105 on the second housing member. The stop elements 111 are formed by depressions in a crown profile, wherein flanged tabs 113 are formed by the tips of the crown profile. Between the individual flanging tabs 113, extensions 115 of the first housing element 103 which are in direct contact with the stop elements 111 are arranged. After a successful connection of the first housing element 103 with the second housing element 107 by means of the connecting device formed by the bead, in particular the flanged tabs 113, there is a mechanical contact between the extensions 115 and the stop elements 111 FIG. 3 In particular, it can be seen, the stopper members 111 are disposed outside a connecting portion 114, that is, outside of a range in which a connecting force between the first housing member 103 and the second housing member 107 by the flanged tabs 113, in particular a deformation thereof, is constructed. This ensures that a defined distance between the first housing element 103 and the second housing element 107 is set, as described in more detail below.

As FIG. 3 can further be found, extend the extensions 115 in a radial direction with respect to the axis of symmetry S ₁ and symmetry axis S ₂ while the flanged tabs 113 along an axial direction of the axis of symmetry S ₁ and S ₂ , in particular before a flanging extend.

FIG. 3 It can also be seen that the stop elements 111 and the extensions 115 have a width b ₁ , while the flanged tabs 113 have a width b ₂ . The ratio b ₂ : b _{1 is} preferably less than 1: 1, particularly preferably 1: 2. For example, the width b ₁ may be 10 mm, while the width b _{2 is} 5 mm, for example, when the actuator 101 has a diameter of 100 mm. This ratio offers the advantage that comparatively small forces have to be built up for a deformation of the flanging tabs 113 during a beading, but at the same time the flanged tabs 113 have sufficient stability so as not to be deformed by unwanted external influences. It is also conceivable that the width b _{2 is} reduced to 2 to 3 mm and the width b _{1 is increased} to 17 to 18 mm.

In FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the section C of FIG. 2 from direction R of FIG. 3 shown. As FIG. 4 can be seen, a membrane 109 is clamped between the housing member 103 and the housing member 107. In solid lines is in FIG. 4 illustrated the actuator 101 in a state in which the membranes 109 has been inserted into the housing 107 and the housing element 103 of the in dashed lines in FIG. 4 shown position by means of a hold-down device, not shown in the direction of the housing 107 and the diaphragm 109 in the solid lines in FIG. 4 shown position has been moved until the extension 115 rests on the stop member 111.

Thus, the diaphragm 109 was clamped between the lid 103 and the housing 107, in particular between the housing 107 and a clamping member 117 which is formed on the lid 103.

In addition, the membrane 109 is clamped in a membrane region in the form of a membrane bead 119 between the cover 103 and the housing 107, more precisely in a region of a recess 121 which is formed in the form of an undercut in the cover 103 and the clamping element 117 and the Stop element 111 is limited.

As FIG. 4 it can also be seen, is by the stop member 111 in this position of the lid 103 and the housing 107, the position and the geometry of the recess 121 exactly defined or defined while the distance of the lid 103 to the housing 107 in the region of the clamping element 117 defined. Due to this defined geometry in the clamping region of the membranes 109 or the membrane bead 119, a predefined membrane tension or membrane compression can be set by holding down the cover 103.

FIG. 4 moreover, shows that the abutment element 111 is arranged outside the region in which the flanging tabs 113 are arranged, so that essentially no change in the geometry in the region of the membrane 109 or membrane bead 119 in the region of the abutment element 111 takes place due to the folding over of the flanging tab 113 , In particular, the fact that the connection force is not built up in the region of the stop element 111, a relative movement between the stop member 111 and the extension 115 and a deformation of the stop member 111 and the extension 115 is avoided. Thus, a defined Membranverpessung is achieved.

In addition, this construction of the actuator 101 or the method according to the invention also makes it possible to detect a malpositioning of the membranes 109, in particular of the membrane bead 119. This is made possible by the fact that a force-displacement curve is recorded during the hold-down movement.

Before reaching the in FIG. 4 shown position between the lid 103 and the housing 107, the membrane 109 was inserted into the housing 107 and then the lid 103 is placed such that a contact between the lid 103 and the membrane bead 119 is as indicated by the dotted lines in FIG. 4 indicated. In this position, there is also a distance d between the stop element 111 and the extension 115.

By a hold-down movement of the lid 103 is then moved in the direction of the housing 107, in particular so that a compression of the membrane bead 119 in the region between the housing 107 and the extension 115, ie the recess 121, is formed.

This movement is limited by reaching a contact between the stop member 111 and the extension 115.

In FIG. 5 is a force-displacement diagram for this hold-down movement shown. Reference numeral 200 denotes a desired force-displacement characteristic. If the membrane 109 or the membrane bead 119 is located in a desired position or a predetermined position designated as an IO position, the force-displacement characteristic curve for the hold-down movement runs along an actual characteristic 202, which essentially corresponds to the desired characteristic curve 200, which just describes an OK position, corresponds. However, there is a displacement of the membranes 109, in particular the membrane bead 119, for example, in a direction to the right in FIG. 4 , then follows the movement of the actual force-displacement curve 204, which describes an exemplary niO position. Within a test series, the absolute values can change, but the ratio of the different curves of the force-displacement characteristic remains unchanged. This makes it possible to differentiate the niO position from the iO position, even with different test series, ie test series of actuators with different geometries.

As can be seen from a comparison of the actual characteristic curve or niO membrane layer characteristic curve 204 with the desired characteristic curve or niO membrane layer characteristic curve 200, initially a larger path is covered until there is contact between the abutment element 111 and the Extension 115 is coming. This contact is indicated by the increase 206 of the actual characteristic curve 204. The increase 206 describes just the course of the force-displacement curve after approaching the stop.

In particular, the path is extended when the bead 119 is arranged in the region between the housing 107 and the clamping element 117. If the membrane bead 119 is therefore located at a position outside the clamping region 121, an early increase in force is recorded, since the membrane bead 119, or a few millimeters earlier, is pinched by the clamping element 117 than under the correct position conditions of the diaphragm 109 with the recess 121 the case would be. In addition, a larger way to a contact between the stop member 111 and the extension 115 to cover.

Thus, the method according to the invention, the actuator according to the invention and the device according to the invention make it possible to achieve a defined membrane compression between two housing elements in an actuator and to reliably monitor a correct fit of the membrane, in particular a membrane bead, in a clamping area during a mounting process can be.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, in the claims and in the drawings may, both individually and in any combination, be essential to the invention in its various embodiments.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

actuator

3

cover

5

beading

7

casing

9

membrane

11

Crimped

13

Bördellasche

15

Bördelmatritze

17

end stop

19

bead

101

actuator

103

cover

105

beading

107

casing

109

membrane

111

stop element

113

Bördellasche

114

connecting area

115

extension

116

side surface

117

clamping

119

diaphragm bead

121

deepening

200

Target curve

202

Is characteristic

204

Is characteristic

206

rise

S ₁ , S ₂

axis of symmetry

A, B, C

neckline

d

distance

R

direction

b ₁ , b ₂

width

Claims (15)

1. A pneumatic actuator (101) comprising at least one first housing element (103) and at least one second housing element (107) which can be connected to the first housing element (103) by means of at least one connecting device (113), wherein a connecting force can be built up between the first housing element (103) and the second housing element (107) in at least one connecting region (114) by means of the connecting device (113), at least one membrane (109, 119) can be clamped at least in some sections between the first housing element (103) and the second housing element (107), and the second housing element (107) comprises at least one stop element (111) which limits a movement of the first housing element (103) in the direction of the membrane (109) and of the second housing element (107) and which comes into direct contact with the first housing element (103) when the first housing element (103) is connected to the second housing element (107), wherein furthermore the stop element (111) is arranged outside the connecting region (114) at least in some sections and the membrane (109) having a thickening (119) in an edge region at least in some sections, which can be arranged in at least one cavity (121) of the first housing element (103) and/or of the second housing element (107), characterized in that the first housing element (103) and/or the second housing element (107) comprise(s) at least one clamping element (117) and/or at least one first contact region, wherein a clamping force can be exerted onto the membrane (109) between the first housing element (103) and the second housing element (107) by means of the clamping element (117) and/or of the first contact region, and the cavity (121) is limited at least in some sections by the stop element (111), on the one hand, and the first contact region and/or the clamping element (117), on the other hand.
2. The pneumatic actuator according to Claim 1, characterized in that the stop element (111) is in direct contact with the first housing element (103) after the first housing element (103) is connected to the second housing element (107) and/or a direct force fit is provided between the first housing element (103) and the second housing element (107) by means of the stop element (111) when the first housing element (103) is connected to the second housing element (107).
3. The pneumatic actuator according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first housing element comprises a housing of the actuator and the second housing element comprises a lid of the actuator or the first housing element comprises a lid (103) of the actuator (101) and the second housing element comprises a housing (107) of the actuator (101), wherein in particular the lid (103) limits a control region of the actuator at least in some sections and/or the housing (107) limits a driving region of the actuator at least in some sections and/or at least one driving device, at least one position detecting device and/or at least one return element, such as a spring, is/are arranged inside the lid (103).
4. The pneumatic actuator according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   after the first housing element (103) and the second housing element (107) are connected, the thickening (119) is arranged in the cavity (121) and/or the cavity (121) is configured in the form of an undercut in the first housing element (103) and/or the second housing element (107) at least in some sections.
5. The pneumatic actuator according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the first housing element (103) having at least one first axis of symmetry (S1) and the second housing element (107) having at least one second axis of symmetry (S2),
   wherein preferably one membrane surface spanned by the membrane (109) extends essentially vertically to the first axis of symmetry (S1) and/or the second axis of symmetry (S2) and/or the first axis of symmetry (S1) extends parallel to the second axis of symmetry (S2) and/or coincides with the second axis of symmetry (S2) when the first housing element (103) is connected to the second housing element (107).
6. The pneumatic actuator according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the stop element (111) is located on a radially outer side of the thickening (119) with respect to the first axis of symmetry (S1) and/or the second axis of symmetry (S2), and/or the clamping element (117) and/or the first contact region is/are located on a radially inner side of the thickening (119) with respect to the first axis of symmetry (S1) and/or the second axis of symmetry (S2).
7. The pneumatic actuator according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the stop element (111) extends essentially parallel to the second axis of symmetry (S2) and the stop element (111) comes into contact with the first housing element (103) in the first contact region of the first housing element (103) when the first housing element (103) is connected, wherein the first contact region is preferably formed by at least one enlargement (115) extending radially outwards with respect to the first axis of symmetry (S1) in particular outside the connecting region (114).
8. The pneumatic actuator according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the connecting region (114) only partially covers a circumferential region, in particular a circumference with respect to the first axis of symmetry (S1) and/or the second axis of symmetry (S2), of the first housing element (103) and/or of the second housing element (107), and/or the connecting device comprises at least one flange (113), at least one clip element, at least one clamping element and/or at least one crimping element, wherein the flange preferably having at least one flange tongue (113) preferably comprised by the second housing element (107), wherein the flange tongue (113) extends parallel to the first axis of symmetry (S1) and/or the second axis of symmetry (S2) at least in some sections.
9. The pneumatic actuator according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   a plurality of stop elements (111), connecting devices (113), connecting regions (114), first contact regions and/or enlargements (115) is provided, wherein preferably at least one flange tongue (113), preferably a plurality of flange tongues (113), in particular all of the flange tongues (113), of the connecting devices respectively is/are arranged between two enlargements (115) at least in some sections.
10. The pneumatic actuator according to any one of Claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the flange tongue (113) having a side surface (116) extending at an inclination to the first axis of symmetry (S1) and/or the second axis of symmetry (S2) and/or a rounded-off outer edge at least in some sections, in particular for configuring an insertion aid and/or an insertion inclined portion for the enlargements (115) of the first housing element (103).
11. The pneumatic actuator according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the connecting region (114) of all of the connecting devices covers less than 50%, more preferably 50% to 40%, even more preferably 40% to 35%, still more preferably 35% to 30% and most preferably less than 30% of the circumference of the first housing element (103) and/or of the second housing element (107) in a plane vertical to the first axis of symmetry (S1) and/or the second axis of symmetry (S2), preferably the ratio between an extension of the connecting region (b2), in particular of the flange tongue (113), and an extension (b1) of the enlargement (115) in a plane vertical to the first axis of symmetry (S1) and/or the second axis of symmetry (S2) is essentially 1:1, more preferably 1:1 to 1:1.5, even more preferably 1:1.5 to 1:1.6, still more preferably 1:1.6 to 1:1.7 and most preferably less than 1:2.
12. A method for connecting at least one first housing element (103) and at least one second housing element (107) of a pneumatic actuator (101) according to any one of the preceding claims by clamping at least one membrane (109) between the first housing element (103) and the second housing element (107) at least in some sections, comprising the arrangement of the membrane (109) in the second housing element (107), the mounting of the first housing element (103) on the second housing element (107) until a contact of the first housing element (103) with at least one region of the membrane (109) is created, the moving of the first housing element (103) in the direction of the second housing element (107) and/or of the membrane (109), under recording a current force-displacement characteristic (202, 204) for the movement until a stop element (111) of the second housing element (107) establishes contact with the first housing element (103), and the evaluation of the current force-displacement characteristic (202, 204) in order to detect a predetermined position of the membrane (109) with respect to the first housing element (103) and/or the second housing element (107).
13. The method according to Claim 12, characterized in that the first housing element (103) is moved by means of at least one holding-down device and/or characterized in that the force being applied for the movement of the first housing element (103) in the direction of the second housing element (107) and/or of the membrane (109) is acquired as the current force-displacement characteristic (202, 204) as a function of the displacement of this movement.
14. The method according to Claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the evaluation of the current force-displacement characteristic (202, 204) comprises a comparison of the current force-displacement characteristic (202, 204) with at least one desired force-displacement characteristic (200) and/or by means of the evaluation the detection of a predetermined position of a region of the membrane (109), such as of a thickening (119), is achieved, in particular a detection is conducted, that the region (119) of the membrane (109) is arranged at least partially outside a desired region, in particular of a cavity (121) which is preferably limited by the first housing element (103) and/or the second housing element (107) at least in some sections, and/or between at least one clamping element (117) and/or at least one first contact region, on the one hand, and the first housing element (103) and/or the second housing element (107), on the other hand, wherein it is identified in particular by means of the evaluation, in particular in order to identify a deviation of the predetermined position of the membrane (109), that compared with the desired force-displacement characteristic (200) an increase in force is detected for a shorter distance of the movement and/or at an earlier point in time of the movement, and/or following the start of the increase in force a greater displacement until such time as the first housing element (103) makes contact with the stop element (111) is detected.
15. The method according to any one of Claims 12 to 14, characterized in that when the predetermined position of the membrane (109) and/or of the membrane region (119) is detected, a connection of the first housing element (103) with the second housing element (107) is established by means of at least one connecting device (113), preferably by means of the establishment of a flange, in particular by mean of the deformation of at least one flange tongue (113), preferably by means of at least one flange device, preferably at least one flange ring of the flange device acting for example in an axial direction, and/or by means of at least one caulking device, for example by means of a radially acting slider.

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