Arrangement comprising a clamping body and a base body, clamping device, and method for mechanically fixing and centering a clamping body relative to a base body

The described clamping arrangement addresses the complexity and wear issues of conventional devices by using rotational movement for precise and repeatable clamping and centering, ensuring high precision and low mechanical wear.

DE102021132178B4Active Publication Date: 2026-05-07ROSENBERGER HOCHFREQUENZTECHNIK GMBH & CO KG
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
ROSENBERGER HOCHFREQUENZTECHNIK GMBH & CO KG
Filing Date
2021-12-07
Publication Date
2026-05-07

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional clamping devices suffer from mechanical complexity, wear, and loss of repeatability, making precise and robust clamping and centering of components challenging.

Method used

A clamping arrangement featuring regularly spaced contact surfaces on both the clamping element and receptacle, allowing for rotational movement to achieve precise and repeatable fixation and centering without translational complexity.

Benefits of technology

Enables high-precision, low-effort clamping and centering with minimal mechanical wear, ensuring consistent alignment and clamping force application.

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Abstract

Arrangement (2) comprising a clamping body (3) and a base body (4) with a clamping receptacle (9) for the clamping body (3), which has at least three inner-surface pressure surfaces (12) arranged regularly relative to each other in the circumferential direction (U), wherein the clamping body (3) has at least three outer-surface pressure surfaces (13) arranged regularly relative to each other in the circumferential direction (U), wherein the clamping body (3) is at least partially clamped along a longitudinal axis (L) A) the clamping receptacle (9) can be inserted into the clamping receptacle (9), and wherein a relative rotational movement between the clamping body (3) and the base body (4) is possible between an unclamped state and a clamped state, wherein the outer-surface pressure surfaces (13) of the clamping body (3) are clamped against the inner-surface pressure surfaces (12) of the clamping receptacle (9) in the clamped state, such that one of the outer-surface pressure surfaces (13) and one of the inner-surface pressure surfaces (12) form a pair of pressure surfaces (14) to mechanically fix and center the clamping body (3) in the clamping receptacle (9), wherein a cross-sectional area of ​​the clamping receptacle (9) and a cross-sectional area of ​​the clamping body (3) are each formed in the effective area of ​​the pressure surfaces (12, 13) to form a defined gap (S) between the clamping body (3) and the clamping receptacle (9) in the unclamped state,which enables the aforementioned rotational movement between the clamping body (9) and the clamping receptacle (3) up to the clamped state, characterized by a support body (15) which can be connected to the clamping body (3) in order to initiate the rotational movement for rotating the clamping body (3) via the support body (15) into the clamping body (3), wherein the support body (15) is located within a space transverse to the longitudinal axis (L, A ) the clamping device (9) extending into the insertion (17) of the base body (4), into which the clamping device (9) opens.
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Description

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement comprising a clamping body and a base body with a clamping receptacle for the clamping body, wherein the clamping body can be inserted into the clamping receptacle at least section by section along a longitudinal axis of the clamping receptacle and wherein a relative rotational movement between the clamping body and the base body is enabled in order to mechanically fix and center the clamping body in the clamping receptacle, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The invention further relates to a clamping device, in particular a zero-point clamping device, comprising a workpiece or tool holder and a workpiece or tool to be clamped and centered relative to the workpiece or tool holder.

[0003] The invention also relates to an electrical connector comprising a first connector component and a second connector component.

[0004] The invention also relates to an electrical connector, in particular a high-voltage connector, comprising an electrical connector and a corresponding electrical mating connector that can be electrically and mechanically connected to the electrical connector.

[0005] The invention further relates to a method for the mechanical fixing and centering of a clamping body relative to a base body.

[0006] Various clamping and centering devices are known from the prior art for the mechanical fixing and centering of components, assemblies, tools, workpieces, etc. Clamping and centering are frequently required during the precise assembly of a component or the machining of a workpiece with a tool. Precise and robust mutual clamping of a connector with a mating connector or of components within a connector may also sometimes be necessary.

[0007] Conventional clamping devices (sometimes referred to as "clamping elements" in manufacturing) typically feature multiple clamping jaws arranged at equidistant angles and adjustable to clamp the workpiece. However, the mechanics of such a clamping device are relatively complex and prone to wear. Consequently, these devices lose their repeatability over time.

[0008] Known clamping devices include, for example, mechanically actuated toggle levers, chucks, and vises. A generic arrangement for clamping a clamping element in a clamping receptacle of a base body is described in DE 37 38 732 A1.

[0009] For further technological background, please also refer to the following publications.

[0010] DE 101 01 179 A1 relates to a device for positionally defined holding of a workpiece, comprising at least one bolt connected to the device via a bolt carrier and a receiving hole in the workpiece associated with the at least one bolt for receiving the bolt when the workpiece is held in the device. The bolt carrier is a rotary unit with which the bolt can be rotated in a controlled manner about its bolt axis between an insertion position and a holding position.Both the bolt and the associated receiving hole have a non-circular cross-section, such that a circle circumscribing the largest cross-sectional area of ​​the bolt has a diameter larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the receiving hole, thus enabling the bolt, rotated into the insertion position, to be inserted into the associated receiving hole with a given workpiece orientation, and allowing the bolt, which can be rotated and thereby locked into the holding position after insertion, to be brought into contact with at least one contact area of ​​its lateral surface against the inner edge of the receiving hole for position adjustment and holding of the workpiece.

[0011] AT 013 498 U1 relates to a milling tool with a tool shank and a cutting head attached to the end face of the tool shank.

[0012] Furthermore, US 2010 / 0308524A1 relates to a work pallet positioning and fixing device, and US 2005 / 0056985A1 relates to a holder for attaching an object, such as a workpiece, to a mounting object, such as a holder base or a pallet.

[0013] In view of the prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide an arrangement comprising a clamping body and a base body, by means of which the clamping body can be fixed and centered in the base body with preferably low effort, high precision and high repeatability.

[0014] The present invention also aims to provide a clamping device by means of which a tool holder can be fixed and centered relative to a tool with preferably low effort, high precision and high repeatability.

[0015] Finally, it is also an object of the invention to provide an electrical connector in which fixing and centering of a first connector component relative to a second connector component is possible with preferably little effort, high precision and high repeatability.

[0016] Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide an electrical connector in which fixing and centering of an electrical contact element of an electrical connector relative to an electrical mating contact element of an electrical mating connector is possible with preferably low effort, high precision and high repeatability.

[0017] It is also an object of the invention to provide a method for the mechanical fixing and centering of a clamping body relative to a base body, by means of which the fixing and centering is possible with preferably low effort, high precision and high repeatability.

[0018] The problem is solved for the arrangement with the features listed in claim 1. With regard to the clamping device, the problem is solved by the features of claim 20, with regard to the electrical connector by the features of claim 21, and with regard to the electrical plug connection by claim 22. Finally, with regard to the method, the problem is solved by claim 23.

[0019] The dependent claims and the features described below relate to advantageous embodiments and variants of the invention.

[0020] An arrangement is provided comprising a clamping element and a base body with a clamping receptacle for the clamping element. The clamping receptacle has at least three circumferentially arranged, regularly spaced contact surfaces on the inner surface. Furthermore, the clamping element has at least three circumferentially arranged, regularly spaced contact surfaces on the outer surface. The clamping element can be inserted into the clamping receptacle at least partially along a longitudinal axis of the clamping receptacle.

[0021] Preferably, the clamping element is inserted into or received in the clamping fixture at least section by section along its longitudinal axis.

[0022] It can be provided, in particular, that the clamping element is a cylindrical body. Preferably, the clamping element can be a shaft-shaped body. A cylindrical, elongated clamping element has proven to be particularly suitable. The clamping force can then be applied to a first axial section (for example, at a first end), and the component to be clamped to a second axial section (for example, at a second end). However, the clamping element does not necessarily have to be cylindrical or elongated. For example, it can also be provided that the clamping element only has a cylindrical section that can be inserted into the clamping receptacle.

[0023] The clamping element can, in principle, be clamped at any axial section within the clamping fixture, but particularly at one of its two ends (sometimes referred to in this description as the "front end" or "first end"). However, the clamping element can also be received and clamped in the clamping fixture in a region between its ends, i.e., in a middle section.

[0024] Preferably, all outer-shell pressing surfaces are identical in design or have the same geometry. Preferably, all inner-shell pressing surfaces are identical in design or have the same geometry. It is also possible that all outer-shell pressing surfaces are identical to the inner-shell pressing surfaces.

[0025] In one embodiment of the invention, it is particularly possible that the contact surfaces of a common pair of contact surfaces have a geometry that is at least partially, and preferably completely, complementary. For example, one of the contact surfaces of the common pair of contact surfaces may have a convex curve and the other a concave curve. Such a complementary geometry allows the contact areas of the contact surfaces of the common pair of contact surfaces to be particularly large, which can be advantageous for some applications, such as electrical data or power transmission. However, it is generally preferred that the contact surfaces of a common pair of contact surfaces do not have a complementary geometry.

[0026] The contact surfaces are preferably distributed equidistantly around the circumference of the inner surface of the clamping receptacle or around the circumference of the outer surface of the clamping body. In particular, it can be provided that all contact surfaces have the same center-to-center distance to their respective adjacent contact surfaces in the circumferential direction.

[0027] In this context, a "regular" arrangement of the pressing surfaces relative to each other can be understood to mean that the pressing surfaces: - are distributed equidistantly over the circumference of the inner surface of the clamping device or over the circumference of the outer surface of the clamping body; and / or - have the same center-to-center distance to the adjacent pressing surfaces in the circumferential direction; and / or - each have the same extent in the circumferential direction; and / or - each exhibit the same pattern of any elevation or indentation; and / or - are each arranged in the same axial position along the longitudinal axis of the clamping device or along the longitudinal axis of the clamping body.

[0028] Preferably, the regularly arranged pressing surfaces are completely identical in their geometry and are also equidistantly spaced, insofar as this is possible within the scope of any manufacturing tolerances.

[0029] According to the invention, a relative rotational movement between the clamping element and the base body (or between the clamping element and the clamping receptacle) is enabled between an unclamped state and a clamped state (the clamping element can be rotatable or rotated in the clamping receptacle about the longitudinal axis of the clamping receptacle relative to the base body, and / or the base body can be rotatable or rotated relative to the clamping element about the longitudinal axis of the clamping element), wherein the outer-surface contact surfaces of the clamping element are clamped against the inner-surface contact surfaces of the clamping receptacle in the clamped state, so that one of the outer-surface contact surfaces and one of the inner-surface contact surfaces form a contact surface pair. In this way, the clamping element can be mechanically fixed and centered in the clamping receptacle.

[0030] Preferably, the pairs of pressure surfaces are arranged regularly relative to each other in the circumferential direction when the arrangement is clamped. The pressure surfaces are preferably equidistantly distributed in the circumferential direction when the arrangement is clamped and / or have the same center-to-center distance in the circumferential direction.

[0031] In contrast to conventional clamping techniques, which are generally based on mechanically complex translational movements to, for example, position individual clamping jaws against the component, the method proposed here allows for fixing and centering solely on the basis of a rotary movement, which is generally simpler and can be implemented with higher accuracy and precision.

[0032] In addition to mechanical fixing or holding, the proposed arrangement also serves to center the longitudinal axis of the clamping body to the longitudinal axis of the clamping receptacle of the base body.

[0033] A first component (e.g., a tool, a tool holder, a workpiece, or a component) that is to be fixed and centered relative to a second component can therefore be connected to the clamping body, and the second component to the base body. However, the clamping body and the base body can also be the components to be clamped themselves – or the clamping body can be formed as a single piece with the first component and the base body as a single piece with the second component.

[0034] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that at least one of the two pressing surfaces of a respective pair of pressing surfaces has a circumferentially rising elevation and / or a circumferentially falling depression, preferably a continuously (for example linearly or curvedly) rising elevation or a continuously (for example linearly or curvedly) falling depression.

[0035] Preferably, the raised area is designed as a convex curve (or quasi-convex or approximately convex curve) of the respective pressing surface. Preferably, the recess is designed as a concave recess (or quasi-concave or approximately concave recess) in the respective pressing surface.

[0036] It may be provided that the raised area also slopes continuously, in particular linearly or curvilinearly. Furthermore, it may be provided that the recessed area also slopes continuously, in particular linearly or curvilinearly. In principle, more complex geometries of the contact surfaces may also be provided, in particular more complex curves, such as a convex bulge transitioning into a concave recess, etc. In particular, different radii of curvature and / or slopes may also be provided within the same raised or recessed area (e.g., different radii of curvature or slopes for the rising and falling flanks).

[0037] Because at least one of the pressing surfaces of the pair of pressing surfaces has a raised section (preferably a raised section with a continuous slope), a particularly strong and, due to the steadily increasing pressing force during the rotation of the pressing body, also particularly precisely controllable compression or clamping of the pressing surfaces can be achieved. In particular, the surface contact can thereby be specifically focused on a smaller, defined area.

[0038] According to the invention, a cross-sectional area of ​​the clamping receptacle and a cross-sectional area of ​​the clamping body are each formed in the effective area of ​​the pressure surfaces in order to form a defined gap between the clamping body and the clamping receptacle in the unclamped state, which enables the aforementioned rotational movement between the clamping body and the clamping receptacle up to the clamped state.

[0039] In particular, it may be provided that the defined gap is larger than a purely tolerance-based gap or at least as large as a gap that is at least required in practice for joining the clamping element in the clamping fixture without press force or even without contact.

[0040] The gap is therefore preferably not a gap that already exists due to manufacturing or assembly reasons, or a gap attributable to tolerances.

[0041] Preferably, the gap is dimensioned such that rotation between the clamping element and the clamping receptacle is possible within an angular range or positioning angle of up to 120°, up to 90°, preferably up to 45°, particularly preferably up to 30°, and most preferably up to 10°, for example up to 5°, 3°, 2°, 1°, or 0.5°. Preferably, the gap is dimensioned such that force-free or even contactless insertion of the clamping element into the clamping receptacle is enabled.

[0042] The gap can result from matching the cross-sectional area of ​​the clamping receptacle to the cross-sectional area of ​​the clamping element – ​​or vice versa. The gap can be dimensioned by the design of the cross-sectional areas in such a way that the aforementioned rotational movement between the clamping element and the clamping receptacle is enabled, from the unclamped state to the clamped state of the arrangement, in which at least three pairs of contact surfaces ensure fixation and centering.

[0043] It should be noted that after clamping, i.e., in the clamped state of the assembly, gaps may remain between the clamping element and the clamping fixture. The clamping process does not typically close the gap completely. However, in the clamped state, there is no longer a gap that runs completely around the circumference, as the originally continuous gap is interrupted by the pairs of clamping surfaces and divided into the aforementioned individual gap sections along the circumference.

[0044] The aforementioned "rotational movement" between the clamping element and the base body refers to a rotational movement in which the clamping element rotates about a longitudinal axis of the clamping receptacle and / or the clamping receptacle or the base body rotates about the longitudinal axis of the clamping element. The rotational movement therefore occurs about an axis of rotation that is orthogonal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the clamping element and / or the clamping receptacle. The "rotational movement" specifically excludes any tilting of the clamping element relative to the clamping receptacle (although tilting, or the theoretical possibility of tilting, particularly before reaching the clamped state, is optional and, depending on the dimensions of the gap, not entirely impossible).

[0045] It should also be emphasized that, in addition to the regularly arranged contact surfaces of the clamping element and the clamping receptacle, the arrangement may also include further surface areas on the inner surface of the clamping receptacle and / or on the outer surface of the clamping element that do not contribute to the clamping action or are not involved in forming the contact surface pair. These additional surface areas generally do not contribute to the clamping action, fixation, or centering and may also be arranged irregularly relative to each other and to the contact surfaces. Further surface areas, such as raised or recessed areas, can, for example, enable mechanical coding to specify one or more possible orientations between the clamping element and the clamping receptacle, so that the clamping element can only be inserted into the clamping receptacle in one of the intended orientations.

[0046] In this context, a "pressing surface" preferably refers to a surface section on the inner surface of the clamping receptacle or on the outer surface of the clamping body, which can be used functionally for fixing and centering purposes in order to form a pair of pressing surfaces with a corresponding pressing surface. These functionally effective pressing surfaces should be arranged regularly relative to each other in the clamping receptacle or on the clamping body, as already described.

[0047] Surprisingly, it has been shown that a functionally effective clamping of the contact surfaces through the rotational movement between the clamping element and the base body can only occur if the aforementioned gap is provided between the clamping element and the clamping receptacle. It has been shown that the teaching proposed in DE 37 38 732 A1 is not feasible, as the described arrangement does not have such a gap. Despite the off-center force application shown in DE 37 38 732 A1, the clamping element is only clamped translationally, but not functionally rotationally, in the clamping receptacle. Consequently, centering was not possible in the prior art, contrary to the prevailing opinion – and the clamping itself was also inadequate.

[0048] The proposed arrangement allows for a shaft-hub connection between the clamping body and the base body, enabling particularly easy fixing and centering of the two components.

[0049] In particular, it may be provided that the longitudinal axis of the clamping body is aligned coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the clamping fixture in the clamped state of the arrangement or in the clamped state of the clamping body.

[0050] The described arrangement is particularly advantageous when used with the clamping device, electrical connector, and electrical plug connection mentioned below. However, it can also be used in any application where mechanical fixing and centering are required.

[0051] The mechanical wear of the proposed arrangement is exceptionally low compared to known translational clamping devices of the prior art, resulting in high repeatability. Furthermore, fixing and centering can be achieved with minimal technical effort while maintaining high precision. The clamping force is easily adjustable via the clamping element and can be applied with high torque.

[0052] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the clamping device has a polygonal cross-sectional area with edges extending in the longitudinal axis direction on the inner surface.

[0053] The edges resulting from the polygonal geometry preferably delineate the inner contact surfaces of the clamping device. In particular, exactly one of the inner contact surfaces can always be arranged between any two edges. The respective inner contact surface does not necessarily have to completely fill the area between the two edges – preferably, the inner contact surface extends only partially between the edges that define it. Thus, preferably only a portion of the entire inner surface of the clamping device forms said inner contact surfaces.

[0054] It can be provided that the polygonal cross-sectional area of ​​the clamping fixture has exactly three edges (the polygonal cross-sectional area can therefore, for example, describe a triangle), with exactly three inner-wall contact surfaces formed between the three edges. However, it can also be provided that the polygonal cross-sectional area of ​​the clamping fixture has more than three edges, e.g.,four edges (the polygonal cross-sectional area can therefore describe, for example, a quadrilateral), five edges (the polygonal cross-sectional area can therefore describe, for example, a pentagon), six edges (the polygonal cross-sectional area can therefore describe, for example, a hexagon), seven edges (the polygonal cross-sectional area can therefore describe, for example, a heptagon), eight edges (the polygonal cross-sectional area can therefore describe, for example, an octagon) or even more edges, in order to form a corresponding number of inner-surface pressure surfaces between the edges.

[0055] In particular, it can be specified that the polygonal cross-sectional area of ​​the clamping fixture is a regular polygonal cross-sectional area (i.e., a regular triangle, a square, etc.). In a regular polygon, all sides are of equal length and all interior angles are equal.

[0056] According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the clamping body has a polygonal cross-sectional area with edges extending in the longitudinal direction of the clamping body on the outer surface.

[0057] The edges resulting from the polygonal geometry preferably delineate the outer contact surfaces of the clamping body. In particular, exactly one of the outer contact surfaces can always be arranged between any two edges. The respective outer contact surface does not necessarily have to completely fill the area between the two edges – preferably, the outer contact surface extends only partially between the edges that define it. Thus, preferably only a portion of the entire outer surface of the clamping body forms said outer contact surfaces.

[0058] It may be designed so that the polygonal cross-sectional area of ​​the clamping body has exactly three edges (the polygonal cross-sectional area can therefore, for example, describe a triangle) in order to form exactly three outer-surface pressure surfaces between the three edges. However, it may also be designed so that the polygonal cross-sectional area of ​​the clamping body has more than three edges, e.g.,four edges (the polygonal cross-sectional area can therefore describe, for example, a quadrilateral), five edges (the polygonal cross-sectional area can therefore describe, for example, a pentagon), six edges (the polygonal cross-sectional area can therefore describe, for example, a hexagon), seven edges (the polygonal cross-sectional area can therefore describe, for example, a heptagon), eight edges (the polygonal cross-sectional area can therefore describe, for example, an octagon) or even more edges, in order to form a corresponding number of outer-shell pressing surfaces between the edges.

[0059] In particular, it may be provided that the polygonal cross-sectional area of ​​the tension body is a regular polygonal cross-sectional area (i.e., a regular triangle, a square, etc.).

[0060] A polygonal structure (of the clamping fixture and / or the clamping body) can be particularly easy to manufacture. Furthermore, the torques required to create the clamping force can be introduced very effectively via the polygonal cross-sectional area.

[0061] The specific geometry of the clamping body and the clamping fixture is fundamentally irrelevant. For example, any polygonal shape, including multi-circle shapes and cross geometries with inner and / or outer edges, is possible (as is a combination of inner and outer edges).

[0062] According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the edges of the polygonal cross-sectional area of ​​the clamping device and / or the clamping body are rounded.

[0063] Cross-sectional surfaces with rounded edges can sometimes be produced even more easily from a manufacturing perspective. Furthermore, the rounded edges can optionally contribute to clamping in addition to the actual pressing surfaces.

[0064] In this context, a rounded edge is understood to be a transition between two adjacent surfaces with different orientations, following a curve or radius.

[0065] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the number of inner-wall pressing surfaces of the clamping receptacle corresponds to the number of outer-wall pressing surfaces of the clamping body.

[0066] Preferably, the clamping device and the clamping body have the same polygonal cross-sectional geometry if the number of respective pressing surfaces is identical.

[0067] However, it may also be provided that the number of inner-side pressing surfaces differs from the number of outer-side pressing surfaces of the clamping body.

[0068] In a further development of the invention, it can therefore be provided in particular that the number of inner-shell pressing surfaces of the clamping device is greater than the number of outer-shell pressing surfaces of the clamping body.

[0069] In particular, the number of contact surface pairs may differ from the number of inner-shell contact surfaces and / or the number of outer-shell contact surfaces. Fewer contact surface pairs may be formed for the clamped state of the arrangement than there are contact surfaces – therefore, not all contact surfaces necessarily contribute to clamping the arrangement.

[0070] If necessary, it may even be provided that the number of inner-side pressure surfaces of the clamping device is smaller than the number of outer-side pressure surfaces of the clamping body.

[0071] It is particularly preferred that only exactly one pressing surface of each pair of pressing surfaces has the raised area or is convexly curved. Therefore, according to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that only all pressing surfaces on the inner side of the clamping device have a raised area or are convexly curved in the circumferential direction.

[0072] It can also be provided that all external contact surfaces of the clamping body have the raised area or are convexly curved in the circumferential direction. Even a mixed distribution of the raised areas between the clamping receptacle and the clamping body is possible, for example, alternating circumferentially for the respective pairs of contact surfaces.

[0073] In principle, an arrangement can also be provided in which the inner-shell pressing surfaces of the clamping device and the outer-shell pressing surfaces of the clamping body each have one of the protrusions in the circumferential direction, for example, each running convexly curved.

[0074] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the pressing surfaces are each arranged eccentrically in the circumferential direction between two edges that separate the respective pressing surface from the adjacent pressing surfaces.

[0075] Preferably, the pressing surfaces are arranged in a section close to the edge and, particularly preferably, each border directly on one of said edges. The pressing surfaces can also merge directly into the respective edge, especially if the edge is rounded and the pressing surface is convexly curved.

[0076] The pressure surfaces can be offset off-center in relation to the direction of rotation of the rotary movement pointing towards the clamped state of the arrangement.

[0077] For example, the clamping surfaces in the clamping receptacle may be offset off-center in a first direction along the circumference (e.g., "clockwise"). The clamping surfaces of the clamping element are then preferably offset off-center in the same direction along the circumference, i.e., also in the first direction (e.g., "clockwise"). Finally, to rotate the assembly from the unclamped state to the clamped state, the base body can be rotated in the first direction (e.g., "clockwise") and / or the clamping element can be rotated in a second direction opposite to the first circumferential direction (i.e., "counterclockwise").

[0078] In the case of an off-center offset of the pressing surfaces, the clamping body is preferably rotated in a direction of rotation that is opposite to the direction of the off-center offset in the circumferential direction.

[0079] In the case of an off-center offset of the pressing surfaces, the clamping device or the base body is preferably rotated in a direction of rotation that corresponds to the direction of the off-center offset in the circumferential direction.

[0080] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the base body is stationary and the clamping element is rotatable in the clamping fixture.

[0081] The base body can be securely connected to a surrounding structure, for example by fasteners such as screws, in a way that prevents rotation. For instance, the base body can be connected to a tool holder or be designed as a tool holder that is securely attached to a workbench.

[0082] A stationary base body and a rotatable clamping element have proven particularly suitable, especially for use in a clamping device. However, it is also possible for the clamping element to be fixed and the base body rotatable. It is even possible for both the base body and the clamping element to be rotatable relative to each other, meaning that neither is fixed relative to a surrounding structure.

[0083] The rotational movement can, in principle, be introduced into the base body and / or the clamping element in any way. Appropriately suitable actuators can be provided to effect the rotational movement, for example, by means of a translational force acting off-center to the longitudinal axis of the clamping element, or directly by a rotational force or by a torque (in particular a torque acting centrally on the clamping element, but also an eccentric torque).

[0084] The force can be applied directly to the clamping element or directly to the base body.

[0085] According to the invention, the arrangement has a support body which can be connected to the clamping body in order to initiate the rotational movement for rotating the clamping body via the support body into the clamping body.

[0086] The use of a support body to initiate the rotary movement has proven to be particularly suitable, as the support body can advantageously form a mechanical lever to transfer the force to the clamping body.

[0087] The support body can also be formed integrally with the clamping element. In this case, the support body can, for example, extend transversely to the longitudinal extent of the clamping element, preferably rising from the outer surface as a web, rib, or bead. Alternatively, the support body can be designed as a disc or outer ring that increases or widens the cross-section of the clamping element at least in one section along the longitudinal axis.

[0088] It should be mentioned here that, in principle, a support body can also be provided which can be connected to the base body in order to initiate the rotational movement for rotating the base body via the support body into the base body. However, the use of a support body in conjunction with the clamping element is preferred.

[0089] In an advantageous further development, it may be provided that the support body has a mounting receptacle into which the clamping element can be inserted for connection with the support body.

[0090] Preferably, the mounting receptacle of the support body has the same cross-sectional geometry as the clamping element. The mounting receptacle is also preferably designed to be precisely complementary to the clamping element.

[0091] In principle, any fastening technique can be used to attach the support body to the clamping element; in addition to a positive-locking fastening technique, for example, a material-locking or force-locking fastening technique is also possible. However, a positive-locking connection is particularly preferred, most preferably via the aforementioned fastening receptacle.

[0092] According to the invention, the support body is provided for in a recess of the base body which extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the clamping device and into which the clamping device opens.

[0093] The mounting receptacle of the support body is preferably arranged coaxially to the clamping receptacle when the support body is in a provided end position in the insertion.

[0094] The clamping element can thus be guided with its front end first through the clamping receptacle of the base body and then also through the mounting receptacle of the support body.

[0095] The insertion in the base body is preferably dimensioned in such a way that a rotation of the support body is enabled in order to sufficiently rotate the clamping element attached in the support body for clamping in the clamping receptacle, in particular to the angular ranges already mentioned above in connection with the gap between the clamping receptacle and the clamping element.

[0096] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the carrier body has an actuating section on at least one side surface in order to initiate the rotational movement into the carrier body.

[0097] The actuating section is preferably offset from the central axis of the mounting receptacle of the carrier body, so that a lever for force transmission is formed and, due to the eccentricity, a translational force acting on the actuating section can be converted into a rotational movement or a torque. The actuating section is preferably formed on a side surface of the carrier body.

[0098] Particularly preferably, the actuating section is offset at least so far off-center from the central axis of the mounting receptacle that the actuating section is located outside the circumference of the clamping body or the mounting receptacle, so that a surface normal of the actuating section extended into the support body does not intersect the clamping body or the mounting receptacle. In this way, the torque can be introduced particularly efficiently.

[0099] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the arrangement may include an actuating element that is movable transversely and axially offset to the longitudinal extent of the clamping body in the direction of the support body in order to apply an actuating force to the support body, in particular to the actuating section of the support body, in order to initiate the rotation between the clamping body and the base body.

[0100] According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided in particular that the actuating element has a predominantly elongated body. The actuating element can in particular be shaft-shaped, plunger-shaped, or pin-shaped.

[0101] Preferably, the actuating element is designed as an adjusting screw or as a spring pin.

[0102] In principle, a completely different type of actuation of the clamping body, the base body and / or the support body can also be provided, for example, an initiation of the rotary movement based on magnetic forces.

[0103] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the actuating element runs through a guide channel extending through the base body and arranged eccentrically to the longitudinal axis of the clamping device.

[0104] The guide channel can preferably have an internal thread, at least in sections, to allow an actuating element designed as an adjusting screw to be screwed into the base body. The screw-in depth allows the angle of rotation, and thus ultimately the pressing force, to be precisely determined.

[0105] Preferably, the clamping element and / or the base body are made of a metal, for example steel, brass, aluminium or copper.

[0106] By selecting appropriate materials, the clamping force can be adjusted relatively well based on static friction.

[0107] According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the base body and the clamping body are made of the same material.

[0108] It should be noted that, in addition to the clamping element and / or the base body being made of a metal, a plastic or other material may also be used.

[0109] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the base body, in particular the clamping receptacle, has an axial end stop for the clamping element.

[0110] The end stop can optionally also be used to achieve a defined zero-point alignment of the clamping element in the base body in the axial direction. Therefore, a linear alignment is also possible.

[0111] The axial end stop can be formed, in particular, by a base surface of the clamping receptacle, and especially by a base surface of the insert. The clamping receptacle can therefore preferably be designed in the form of a blind hole.

[0112] A complete through-hole or a continuous recess in the base body can also be provided to form the clamping receptacle. In this case, in particular, the end stop can then be designed as a raised section, step, or other cross-sectional narrowing within the clamping receptacle.

[0113] The invention also relates to a clamping device, in particular a zero-point clamping device, comprising a workpiece or tool holder and a workpiece or tool to be clamped and centered relative to the workpiece or tool holder, as well as an arrangement according to the preceding and following embodiments. It is provided that either the workpiece or tool holder is mechanically fixed to the base body and the workpiece or tool is mechanically fixed to the clamping body, or the workpiece or tool is mechanically fixed to the base body and the workpiece or tool holder is mechanically fixed to the clamping body.

[0114] This advantageously allows for the provision of a center clamp or a zero-point clamping system. The clamping element is able to align itself centrally and in line with the inner surfaces of the clamping fixture in order to clamp and center the workpiece or tool precisely and with high repeatability relative to the workpiece fixture or tool holder.

[0115] The workpiece can be a single, one-piece component or an assembly of several individual components. For example, the workpiece could be a component of an electrical connector (e.g., a contact element) or an assembly of several connector components, up to and including a fully assembled connector. The workpiece could also be an electrical cable, particularly a partially or fully assembled electrical cable.

[0116] The tool holder with the tool clamped in the tool holder can, for example, be the stationary section of a press, such as a toggle press.

[0117] The clamping device can be particularly advantageous in the context of the manufacture of a connector in order to plastically deform components of the connector or to mechanically join two components of the connector together, for example by pressing, in particular by crimping.

[0118] The invention also relates to an electrical connector comprising a first connector component and a second connector component, as well as an arrangement according to the preceding and following embodiments. It is provided that the first connector component is mechanically fixed to the base body and the second connector component is mechanically fixed to the clamping element.

[0119] A connector component can be, for example, a housing component, a contact carrier for receiving a contact element, a contact element (e.g., an inner conductor contact element or an outer conductor contact element), a pre-assembled cable, an electrical conductor of an electrical cable, a support sleeve, or a crimp sleeve.

[0120] The connector components can also be formed in one piece with the base body and / or with the clamping body.

[0121] The electrical connector and the mating connector mentioned below can be, in particular, a plug, a printed circuit board connector, a panel-mount connector, a socket, a coupling, or an adapter. The terms "connector" and "mother connector" used within the scope of the invention are representative of all variants.

[0122] The invention also relates to an electrical connector, in particular a high-voltage connector or a high-frequency connector, comprising an electrical connector and a corresponding electrical mating connector that is electrically and mechanically connectable to the electrical connector, as well as an arrangement according to the preceding and following descriptions. It is provided that an electrical contact element of the connector is mechanically fixed and electrically conductively connected to the base body, and an electrical mating contact element of the mating connector is mechanically fixed and electrically conductively connected to the clamping element.

[0123] Within the framework of the proposed connector, it is advantageously possible to mechanically fix the contact element and the mating contact element relative to each other and also to center them. The proposed arrangement can therefore be very well suited as a contact solution for high-voltage and high-frequency connectors (but also for other connectors). In this case, it can be particularly advantageous if the respective contact surfaces of a pair of contact surfaces are complementary (for example, one contact surface concave and the other convex) in order to increase the contact area.

[0124] The contact element and the counter-contact element can, in principle, also be formed in one piece with the base body and / or with the clamping body.

[0125] The invention also relates to a method for the mechanical fixing and centering of a clamping body relative to a base body, comprising at least the following method steps: a) Providing the base body, which has a clamping receptacle with at least three circumferentially arranged inner-shell pressing surfaces; b) Providing the clamping body, which has at least three circumferentially arranged, outer-shell-side pressing surfaces; c) Inserting the clamping element into the clamping fixture along a longitudinal axis of the clamping fixture; and d) Rotating the clamping body in the clamping receptacle relative to the base body and / or rotating the base body relative to the clamping body from an unclamped state to a clamped state, until the outer-shell pressing surfaces of the clamping body are clamped against the inner-shell pressing surfaces of the clamping receptacle, so that one of the outer-shell pressing surfaces and one of the inner-shell pressing surfaces form a pair of pressing surfaces.

[0126] It is provided that a cross-sectional area of ​​the clamping receptacle and a cross-sectional area of ​​the clamping body are each formed within the effective area of ​​the pressure surfaces in order to create a defined gap between the clamping body and the clamping receptacle in the unclamped state, which allows rotation between the clamping body and the clamping receptacle until the clamped state is reached. Furthermore, it is provided that a support body, connectable to the clamping body, is provided within an insertion of the base body, which extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the clamping receptacle and into which the clamping receptacle opens. The rotational movement for rotating the clamping body is initiated via this support body.

[0127] The rotational movement of the clamping element within the clamping receptacle of the base body presses the contact surfaces together, resulting in a force-fit fixation of the clamping element within the clamping receptacle of the base body. Due to the regular arrangement of the respective contact surfaces, the longitudinal axis of the clamping element is simultaneously centered relative to the longitudinal axis of the clamping receptacle.

[0128] The proposed method enables clamping and centering with high repeatability and precision. The clamping force can be very high due to the surface contact of the pressing surfaces, and the desired or required surface contact can be precisely controlled by the geometry of the clamping element and the clamping fixture.

[0129] Features described in connection with one of the objects of the invention, in particular those given by the arrangement according to the invention, the clamping device according to the invention, the connector according to the invention, the plug connection according to the invention, and the method according to the invention, can also be advantageously implemented for the other objects of the invention. Likewise, advantages mentioned in connection with one of the objects of the invention can also be understood to refer to the other objects of the invention.

[0130] It should also be noted that terms such as "comprehensive," "exhibiting," or "with" do not exclude other characteristics or steps. Furthermore, terms such as "a" or "that," which indicate a singular number of steps or characteristics, do not exclude a plurality of characteristics or steps—and vice versa.

[0131] In a purist embodiment of the invention, however, it may also be provided that the features introduced in the invention with the terms "comprising," "comprising," or "with" are exhaustively listed. Accordingly, one or more lists of features within the scope of the invention may be considered complete, for example, for each claim. The invention may, for instance, consist exclusively of the features mentioned in claim 1.

[0132] It should be noted that designations such as "first" or "second" etc. are primarily used for the purpose of distinguishing between the respective device or process features and are not necessarily intended to indicate that features are mutually dependent or related to each other.

[0133] Furthermore, it should be emphasized that the values ​​and parameters described herein include deviations or fluctuations of ±10% or less, preferably ±5% or less, more preferably ±1% or less, and most preferably ±0.1% or less of the respective named value or parameter, provided that such deviations are not excluded in the practical implementation of the invention. The specification of ranges by initial and final values ​​also includes all those values ​​and fractions that are encompassed by the respective named range, in particular the initial and final values ​​and a respective mean value.

[0134] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0135] The figures each show preferred embodiments in which individual features of the present invention are combined with one another. Features of an embodiment can also be implemented independently of the other features of the same embodiment and can therefore be readily combined by a person skilled in the art to form further meaningful combinations and subcombinations with features of other embodiments.

[0136] In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0137] They show schematically: Fig. 1 an arrangement comprising a clamping body, a base body and a support body for the clamping body, for use in a clamping device, in a perspective exploded view, according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 the arrangement of Fig. 1 in a mounted, but not yet tensioned state, in a perspective view; Fig. 3 the not yet tensioned arrangement of the Fig. 2 in a top view; Fig. 4 the excerpt IV of the Fig. 2 in an enlarged view; Fig. 5 the arrangement of Fig. 1 in a tense state, in a perspective representation; Fig. 6 the tense arrangement of the Fig. 5 in a top view; Fig. 7 the excerpt VII of the Fig. 6 in an enlarged view; Fig. 8 an arrangement comprising a clamping body and a base body for the clamping body, for use in a plug connection, in a perspective exploded view, according to a second embodiment; Fig. 9 an enlarged section of the arrangement of Fig. 8 in a tense state; Fig. 10 another exemplary arrangement with a clamping body and a base body, according to a third embodiment; Fig. 11 another exemplary arrangement with a clamping body and a base body, according to a fourth embodiment; Fig. 12 an enlarged section of the arrangement of Fig. 11 in a tense state; and Fig. 13 another exemplary arrangement with a clamping body and a base body, according to a fifth embodiment.

[0138] Fig. Figure 1 shows a clamping device 1 comprising an arrangement 2 consisting of a clamping body 3 and a base body 4. The base body 4 is exemplary designed as a stationary, fixed tool holder 5 and is thus firmly and rotationally secured to a workbench 6 by means of two fastening means 7 (in the exemplary embodiment, two screws).

[0139] The clamping body 3 can be clamped and centered relative to the base body 4 or relative to the tool holder 5. For this purpose, the clamping body 3, which is designed as an elongated, cylindrical body and extends along the longitudinal axis L, K The clamping body 3 extends to a first end 8 that can be inserted into a clamping receptacle 9 of the base body 4. In the exemplary embodiment, the clamping body 3 is designed as a tool 10, or rather, it has a section at its second end 11, which is opposite the first end 8 and is functionally designed as a tool 10.

[0140] The tool holder 5 and the tool 10 can, for example, be components of a toggle press. The arrangement 2, described in more detail below, advantageously allows for zero-point alignment of the clamping body 3 and the tool 10 with high repeatability.

[0141] The base body 4 and the clamping element 3 can be made of any material, for example, a metal or a plastic. Preferably, the base body 4 and the clamping element 3 are made of the same material, in particular a metal.

[0142] The clamping body 3 is at least partially, in the exemplary embodiment with its front end or first end 8, along a longitudinal axis L A the clamping fixture 9 can be inserted into the clamping fixture 9 and then rotated in the clamping fixture 9 relative to the base body 4 about the longitudinal axis L A The clamping device 9 is rotatable in order to mechanically fix and center the clamping element 3 in the clamping device 9.

[0143] To illustrate the proposed principle, in Fig. 1 an exploded view and in the Fig. 2 to 7 the arrangement 2 in an assembled state before tensioning ( Fig. 2 to 4) and after the tension ( Fig. 5 to 7) shown.

[0144] It is intended that the clamping device 9 has at least three circumferential U-axis (see below). Fig. 1) regularly arranged inner-shell pressure surfaces 12 and the clamping element 3 has at least three outer-shell pressure surfaces 13 regularly arranged in the circumferential direction U (see in particular the Fig. 1, Fig. 4 and Fig. 7).

[0145] The clamping device 9 has a regular polygonal cross-sectional area with edges running in the longitudinal axis direction on the inner surface (in the embodiment of the Fig. 1 to 7 a regular octagon), whereby the inner-wall pressing surfaces 12 are delimited from each other by the edges of the polygon. The clamping body 3 also has a regular polygonal cross-sectional area, with outer-wall edges running in the longitudinal axis direction in order to delimit the outer-wall pressing surfaces 13 from each other (in the embodiment of the Fig. 1 to 7 are also regular octagons).

[0146] It is particularly advantageous if the pressure surfaces 12, 13 do not completely fill the area between the edges defining the respective pressure surface 12, 13, but are instead arranged off-center between the edges. In the exemplary embodiments, the pressure surfaces 12, 13 are each arranged directly adjacent to an edge (see in particular the Fig. 4 and Fig. 7).

[0147] Preferably, the edges in the clamping receptacle 9 and / or the edges of the clamping body 3 are rounded (see in particular the Fig. 4, Fig. 7 and Fig. 9).

[0148] By rotating the clamping element 3 in the clamping receptacle 9, the outer-surface pressure surfaces 13 of the clamping element 3 can be used to form a respective pair of pressure surfaces 14 (see the Fig. 4 and Fig. 7) are clamped against each of the inner-wall pressing surfaces 12 of the clamping device 9. At least one of the two pressing surfaces 12, 13 of each pair of pressing surfaces 14 is convexly curved in the circumferential direction U (in the exemplary embodiment, all inner-wall pressing surfaces 12 are convexly curved, but the outer-wall pressing surfaces 13 are not). The clamping of the inner-wall pressing surfaces 12 and the outer-wall pressing surfaces 13, as well as the convex curvature of the inner-wall pressing surfaces 12, are particularly well illustrated by a comparison of the Fig. 4 and Fig. 7. The convex curvature of the inner-mantle-side pressing surfaces 12 is also shown for better illustration in Fig. 1 exaggerated.

[0149] In order to enable the proposed tensioning, it is necessary that the cross-sectional area of ​​the clamping receptacle 9 and the cross-sectional area of ​​the clamping body 3 are designed such that a defined gap S or air gap (cf. Fig. 4) between the clamping element 3 and the clamping receptacle 9. This defined gap S is preferably larger than a purely tolerance-based gap or at least as large as a gap that is at least required in practice for the insertion of the clamping element 3 into the clamping receptacle 9 without pressing force or even without contact.

[0150] It can be provided that the number of inner-wall pressing surfaces 12 of the clamping receptacle 9 corresponds to the number of outer-wall pressing surfaces 13 of the clamping body 3, as in the first embodiment of the Fig. 1 to 7 and in the exemplary embodiments of the following Fig. Figures 11 to 13 illustrate this. Alternatively, the number of inner-wall pressing surfaces 12 and the number of outer-wall pressing surfaces 13 may differ. In particular, the number of inner-wall pressing surfaces 12 of the clamping receptacle 9 may be greater than the number of outer-wall pressing surfaces 13 of the clamping body 3, as shown in the embodiments of the Fig. 8 to 10 indicated.

[0151] It may be provided that the edges of the polygonal cross-sectional area of ​​the clamping body and / or the clamping receptacle are rounded. This is exemplified with regard to the clamping receptacle of the Fig. 8 to 10 and regarding the clamping device and the clamping body in Fig. 11 shown.

[0152] To clamp the clamping element 3 relative to the base body 4, and therefore, for example, the tool holder 5 relative to the tool 10, the clamping element 3 can be inserted into the clamping receptacle 9 and then rotated within the clamping receptacle 9. This can be achieved with relatively simple technical means and results in highly precise clamping with high repeatability.

[0153] To initiate the rotation, the support body 15 shown in the first embodiment can be provided. The support body 15 can be directly and securely connected to the clamping body 3. In this way, the rotational movement for rotating the clamping body 3 can be initiated directly into the support body 15 and ultimately transferred from the support body 15 to the clamping body 3. For this purpose, the support body 15 has a mounting receptacle 16 (see figure). Fig. 1) into which the clamping element 3 can be inserted for connection with the support body 15, so that when the support body 15 rotates, the clamping element 3 is carried along in the mounting receptacle 16. The cross-sectional geometry of the mounting receptacle 16 of the support body 15 is preferably adapted to the cross-sectional geometry of the outer shell of the clamping element 3.

[0154] The support body 15 can be positioned within a space transverse to the longitudinal axis L A the clamping device 9 is received in the insertion 17 of the base body 4, into which the clamping device 9 also opens (see in particular Fig. 1), wherein the mounting receptacle 16 of the support body 15 is preferably arranged coaxially to the clamping receptacle 9 when the support body 15 is in an end position in the insertion 17, as shown in Fig. 2 shown.

[0155] The carrier body 15 can have an actuating section 18 on at least one side surface (in Fig. (1 highlighted in dashed lines), to initiate the rotary movement into the support body 15 and thus into the clamping body 3. This actuating section 18 is preferably offset from a central axis M of the mounting receptacle 16 or arranged eccentrically to the central axis M in order to provide, on the one hand, a mechanical lever for initiating the rotary movement and, on the other hand, to enable the translation of a translational force into the rotary movement.

[0156] Finally, an actuating element 19 can be provided, preferably with an elongated body (in the exemplary embodiment, an adjusting screw). The actuating element 19 is offset transversely and axially to the longitudinal axis L. A the clamping device 9 is movable in the direction of the support body 15, preferably in a transverse and axially offset position to the longitudinal axis L Athe clamping device 9 running guide channel 20 of the base body 4 (cf. Fig. 1) In particular, it may be provided that the actuating element 19 or the adjusting screw can be screwed into the guide channel 20. For example, in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 a state of the actuating element 19 spaced apart from the carrier body 15 and in the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 indicates a state of the actuating element 19 positioned against the carrier body 15.

[0157] By adjusting the actuating element 19 or the adjusting screw against the support body 15, the latter can be rotated by an angle α, as shown in Fig. As indicated in 5, it will be twisted, which ultimately also indirectly causes the twisting and thus the tensioning of the clamping body 3 in the clamping receptacle 9.

[0158] The proposed method allows for indexing / divisibility of the rotary axis depending on the shapes to be joined and the direction of rotation. Positioning the rotary axis in the same joining position is possible with high repeatability. Further rotation to the next or any subsequent joining position is also possible with high repeatability.

[0159] Optionally, an axial zero point can also be provided, for example, if the clamping device 9 has an axial end stop 21 for the clamping element 3. In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 1 to 7 the end stop 21 is formed by a lower surface of the insertion 17 into which the clamping receptacle 9 opens.

[0160] In the Fig. 8 and Fig. Figure 9 shows an embodiment of an arrangement 2 according to the invention, which is intended to demonstrate the possibility of using the arrangement 2 in an electrical connector 22 (indicated by dashed lines as a black box).

[0161] It should be emphasized here that the arrangements 2 described in this description and in the exemplary embodiments are all fundamentally suitable for use with any clamping device 1, any electrical connector 22, any electrical plug connection, or for any other application to clamp and center two components against each other. The combinations shown and described in the exemplary embodiments are to be understood as merely illustrative.

[0162] Returning to the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 can, for example, provide that an electrical conductor 23 of an electrical line 24, whose contact area 25 (first connector component) is compacted in a plate-like shape, is centered and fixed relative to an electrical contact element 26 (second connector component) of the electrical connector 22. In the exemplary embodiment, the contact element 26 of the connector 22 is designed in the form of a contact blade, which can be particularly suitable for use with a high-voltage connector. However, use with a high-frequency connector or another type of connector can also be advantageous.

[0163] The first connector component, or electrical conductor 23, can be mechanically fixed to the clamping body 3 or (as in the exemplary embodiment) formed integrally with the clamping body 3. Furthermore, the second connector component, or contact element 26, can be mechanically fixed to the base body 4 or (as in the exemplary embodiment) formed integrally with the base body 4.

[0164] Incidentally, in the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 and also based on the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. Figure 10 demonstrates how, within the framework of the described arrangement 2, a clamping body 3 with a smaller number of outer-surface pressure surfaces 13 can also be advantageously clamped in a clamping receptacle 9 with a larger number of inner-surface pressure surfaces 12, which is made possible in particular by the regular distribution of the pressure surfaces 12, 13 in the circumferential direction U. It is therefore not absolutely necessary that all inner-surface pressure surfaces 12 of the clamping receptacle 9 are always pressed against a respective outer-surface pressure surface 13 of the clamping body 3 – or vice versa.

[0165] The inner-mantle pressing surfaces 12 of the in the Fig. 8 and Fig. The embodiments shown in Figure 9 are convexly curved and also have rounded edges (see in particular Figure 9). Fig. 9).

[0166] In a similar way to what was done for the electrical connector 22 in the context of the Fig. 8 and Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the proposed arrangement 2 is well suited for clamping and centering an electrical connector, particularly in the context of a high-voltage connector, for example, to fix and center the electrical contact element 26 of the connector 22 relative to an electrical mating contact element of a mating connector. For this purpose, the electrical contact element 26 of the connector 22 can, for example, be mechanically and electrically connected to the base body 4, and an electrical mating contact element of the mating connector can be mechanically and electrically connected to the clamping element 3. In particular, a one-piece design of the electrical contact element 26 and the base body 4, as well as of the electrical mating contact element and the clamping element 3, can also be provided for this application.

[0167] To illustrate further advantageous cross-sectional geometries of the clamping body 3 and the base body 4, the following are shown: Fig. 10 to 13 serve.

[0168] Based on the Fig. 11 and Fig. Figure 12 is intended to illustrate that even more complex polygonal cross-sectional areas, such as a star geometry with optionally rounded corners, can be suitable within the framework of the proposed arrangement 2. This is particularly evident from the enlarged illustration in Fig. As 12 results, the pressure surfaces 12, 13 can also be designed as a complex sequence of several convex and concave sections or exhibit a complex curve shape. In particular, it can be provided that the pressure surfaces 12, 13 of a pair of pressure surfaces 14 are at least partially complementary, as in Fig. 12 also shown. In this way, the contact areas between the pressing surfaces 12, 13 can be enlarged as required in the clamped state of the arrangement 2, which can be particularly advantageous for the use of the arrangement 2 as an electrical contacting solution within the framework of a connector 22 or a plug connection (especially in the case of a high-voltage plug connection or a high-frequency plug connection).

[0169] Fig. Figure 13 is also intended to illustrate that cross-shaped polygonal cross-sectional areas or cross-sectional areas with outer and inner lateral edges may also be advantageously suited for the proposed arrangement 2.

Claims

[1] Arrangement (2) comprising a clamping body (3) and a base body (4) with a clamping receptacle (9) for the clamping body (3), which has at least three circumferentially (U) regularly arranged inner-shell-side pressure surfaces (12), wherein the clamping body (3) has at least three circumferentially (U) regularly arranged outer-shell-side pressure surfaces (13), wherein the clamping body (3) is at least sectionally arranged along a longitudinal axis (L) A) the clamping receptacle (9) can be inserted into the clamping receptacle (9), and wherein a relative rotational movement between the clamping body (3) and the base body (4) is possible between an unclamped state and a clamped state, wherein the outer-surface pressure surfaces (13) of the clamping body (3) are clamped against the inner-surface pressure surfaces (12) of the clamping receptacle (9) in the clamped state, such that one of the outer-surface pressure surfaces (13) and one of the inner-surface pressure surfaces (12) form a pair of pressure surfaces (14) to mechanically fix and center the clamping body (3) in the clamping receptacle (9), wherein a cross-sectional area of ​​the clamping receptacle (9) and a cross-sectional area of ​​the clamping body (3) are each formed in the effective area of ​​the pressure surfaces (12, 13) to form a defined gap (S) between the clamping body (3) and the clamping receptacle (9) in the unclamped state,which enables the aforementioned rotational movement between the clamping element (9) and the clamping receptacle (3) up to the clamped state, characterized by a support body (15) that can be connected to the clamping body (3) in order to initiate the rotational movement for rotating the clamping body (3) via the support body (15) into the clamping body (3), wherein the support body (15) is located within a space transverse to the longitudinal axis (L) A ) the clamping device (9) extending into the insertion (17) of the base body (4), into which the clamping device (9) opens. [2] Arrangement (2) according to claim 1, characterized by , that at least one of the two pressing surfaces (12, 13) of a respective pair of pressing surfaces (14) has a continuously increasing elevation in the circumferential direction (U), preferably a convex curvature. [3] Arrangement (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that a longitudinal axis (L K) of the clamping body (3) in the clamped state of the clamping body (3) coaxial to the longitudinal axis (L A ) is aligned with the clamping device (9). [4] Arrangement (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the clamping device (9) has a polygonal cross-sectional area with inner-shell edges extending in the longitudinal axis direction, wherein the inner-shell pressure surfaces (12) of the clamping device (9) are delimited from each other by the inner-shell edges, and wherein the polygonal cross-sectional area of ​​the clamping device (9) is preferably a regular polygonal cross-sectional area. [5] Arrangement (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, that the clamping body (3) has a polygonal cross-sectional area with outer shell-side edges extending in the longitudinal direction of the clamping body (3), wherein the outer shell-side pressure surfaces (13) of the clamping body (3) are delimited from each other by the outer shell-side edges, and wherein the polygonal cross-sectional area of ​​the clamping body (3) is preferably a regular polygonal cross-sectional area. [6] Arrangement (2) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by that the edges of the polygonal cross-sectional area are rounded. [7] Arrangement (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the number of inner-shell pressing surfaces (12) of the clamping receptacle (9) corresponds to the number of outer-shell pressing surfaces (13) of the clamping body (3). [8] Arrangement (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by, that the number of inner-shell pressing surfaces (12) of the clamping receptacle (9) is greater than the number of outer-shell pressing surfaces (13) of the clamping body (3). [9] Arrangement (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the pressing surfaces (12, 13) are each arranged eccentrically in the circumferential direction (U) between two edges that separate the respective pressing surface (12, 13) from the adjacent pressing surfaces (12, 13), preferably adjacent to one of said edges. [10] Arrangement (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the base body (4) is stationary and the clamping body (3) is rotatable in the clamping receptacle (9). [11] Arrangement (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by , that the support body (15) has a mounting receptacle (16) into which the clamping element (3) can be inserted for connection with the support body (15). [12] Arrangement (2) according to claim 11, characterized by , that the mounting receptacle (16) of the carrier body (15) is arranged coaxially to the clamping receptacle (9). [13] Arrangement (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by , that the carrier body (15) has an actuating section (18) on at least one side surface to initiate the rotational movement into the carrier body (15). [14] Arrangement (2) according to claim 13, characterized by an actuating element (19) which is movable transversely and axially offset to the longitudinal extension of the clamping body (3) in the direction of the support body (15) in order to apply an actuating force to the actuating section (18) of the support body (15) in order to initiate the rotation between the clamping body (3) and the base body (4). [15] Arrangement (2) according to claim 14, characterized by , that the actuating element (19) has a predominantly elongated body, and is preferably designed as an adjusting screw or as a spring pin. [16] Arrangement (2) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized by , that the actuating element (19) is eccentric to the longitudinal axis (L A ) the clamping device (9) arranged, extending through the base body (4) [17] Arrangement (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized by , that the defined gap (S) is larger than a purely tolerance-based gap or at least as large as a gap that is at least required in practice for the non-contact joining of the clamping element (3) in the clamping receptacle (9). [18] Arrangement (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized by that the base body (4) and the clamping body (3) are made of the same material, preferably a metal. [19] Arrangement (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized by , that the clamping device (9) has an axial end stop (21) for the clamping element (3). [20] Clamping device (1), in particular zero-point clamping device, comprising a workpiece or tool holder (5) and a workpiece or tool (10) to be clamped and centered relative to the workpiece or tool holder (5), and an arrangement (2) according to one of claims 1 to 19, wherein a) the workpiece or tool holder (5) is mechanically fixed to the base body (4) and the workpiece or tool (10) is mechanically fixed to the clamping body (3); or b) the workpiece or tool (10) is mechanically fixed to the base body (4) and the workpiece or tool holder (5) is mechanically fixed to the clamping body (3). [21] Electrical connector (22) comprising a first connector component (25) and a second connector component (26), and an arrangement (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the first connector component (25) is mechanically fixed to the base body (4) and the second connector component (26) is mechanically fixed to the clamping body (3). [22] Electrical connector, in particular high-voltage connector, comprising an electrical connector (22) and a corresponding electrical mating connector that can be electrically and mechanically connected to the electrical connector (22), and an arrangement (2) according to one of claims 1 to 19, wherein an electrical contact element (26) of the connector (22) is mechanically fixed and electrically conductive with the base body (4) and an electrical mating contact element of the mating connector is mechanically fixed and electrically conductive with the clamping body (3). [23] Method for mechanically fixing and centering a clamping body (3) relative to a base body (4), comprising at least the following method steps: a) Providing the base body (4) which has a clamping receptacle (9) with at least three inner-surface pressure surfaces (12) arranged regularly relative to each other in the circumferential direction (U); b) Providing the clamping body (3) which has at least three outer shell-side pressure surfaces (13) arranged regularly in the circumferential direction (U); c) Inserting the clamping element (3) into the clamping receptacle (9) along a longitudinal axis (L A ) the clamping device (9); and d) Rotating the clamping body (3) in the clamping receptacle (9) relative to the base body (4) and / or rotating the base body (4) relative to the clamping body (3) from an unclamped state to a clamped state, until the outer-surface pressure surfaces (13) of the clamping body (3) are clamped against the inner-surface pressure surfaces (12) of the clamping receptacle (9), so that one of the outer-surface pressure surfaces (13) and one of the inner-surface pressure surfaces (12) form a pair of pressure surfaces (14), wherein a cross-sectional area of ​​the clamping receptacle (9) and a cross-sectional area of ​​the clamping body (3) are each formed in the effective area of ​​the pressure surfaces (12, 13) in order to form a defined gap (S) between the clamping body (3) and the clamping receptacle (9) in the unclamped state, which allows rotation between the clamping body (9) and the clamping receptacle (3) up to the clamped state, characterized by , that a support body (15) connectable to the clamping body (3) within a transverse to the longitudinal axis (L A ) the clamping device (9) extending into the base body (4), into which the clamping device (9) opens, is provided, through which the rotary movement for rotating the clamping body (3) is initiated into the clamping body (3).

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