Method and device for connecting several individual electrical conductors

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for connecting several individual electrical conductors (2.1 to 2.6), wherein the individual conductors (2.1 to 2.6) are positioned and fastened to a connecting element (1, 7, 9). According to the invention, the individual conductors (2.1 to 2.6) are gathered at the connecting element (1, 7, 9) and fastened to the connecting element (1, 7, 9) by force-fit and / or form-fit. After the individual conductors (2.1 to 2.6) have been fastened to the connecting element (1, 7, 9), the connecting element (1, 7, 9) is heated such that it melts at least partially and is metallurgically bonded to the individual conductors (2.1 to 2.6). The invention further relates to a device for connecting several individual electrical conductors (2.1 to 2.6) with a connecting element (1, 7, 9).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for connecting several individual electrical lines according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The invention further relates to a device for connecting several individual electrical lines according to the preamble of claim 5.

[0003] EP 0 924 713 A1 discloses a connector holder for holding a connector during wiring of the connector. The connector holder comprises a support element for fastening to a wiring board. Furthermore, the connector holder comprises a holder portion that receives a connector in a pluggable and detachable manner in such a state that wires can be connected thereto. Furthermore, the connector holder comprises a positioning element that is integrally provided with the holder portion and is intended for positioning protective material around cable wires connected to the connector. The positioning element comprises an adjustable pin that is configured to position protective material arranged around a circumference of a cable such that the plurality of wires of the cable connected to the connector are arranged on both sides of the positioning element.

[0004] The invention is based on the object of providing a novel method and a novel device for connecting several individual electrical lines.

[0005] The object is achieved according to the invention by a method which has the features specified in claim 1 and by a device which has the features specified in claim 5.

[0006] In a method for connecting several individual electrical cables, the individual cables are positioned and fastened to a connecting element.

[0007] According to the invention, the individual wires are collected at the connecting element and fastened to the connecting element with a force-fitting and / or form-fitting connection. After the individual wires are fastened to the connecting element, the connecting element is heated in such a way that it melts at least in sections and is firmly bonded to the individual wires.

[0008] The present method enables simple and captive handling of the individual wires and the connecting element, as well as an easily created and reliable connection between the individual wires. The handling of the individual wires and the connecting element can be automated in a particularly advantageous manner. By melting the connecting element, a sealing element for sealing a wiring bundle formed from the individual wires can be advantageously created.

[0009] According to one possible embodiment of the method, the connecting element with the individual wires attached to it is fastened to an electrical contact element, and the individual wires are electrically coupled to the contact element, for example, by welding. In order to join or distribute several individual wires to a ground bolt, ground bar, or potential distributor in a vehicle and form a so-called splice, the individual wires are fastened to a common contact element and electrically contacted. By pre-arranging the individual wires on the connecting element and subsequently fastening them with the connecting element to the contact element, the creation of the electrical connection between the individual wires and the contact element can be significantly simplified.Handling of the connecting element with the individual wires attached to it, handling of the contact element, and the electrical coupling process can also be automated. If the electrical coupling is achieved by welding to the common contact element, an electrical ground offset can be avoided, particularly compared to bridges known from the prior art with contact carriers and crimped individual wires inserted into them.

[0010] In another possible embodiment of the method, the connection element with the individual wires attached to it is attached to the electrical contact element, and the individual wires are electrically coupled to the contact element before the connection element is melted. The subsequent melting can then achieve a media-tight electrical connection of the individual wires to the contact element.

[0011] According to another possible embodiment of the method, the electrical insulation of the individual wires is removed simultaneously and jointly from a respective electrical conductor, at least in sections, using a stripping tool after they have been attached to the connecting element. This allows for a very uniform stripping of the individual wires, which can be carried out particularly economically, easily, and quickly for all individual wires simultaneously using a stripping tool. This stripping can be performed before or after the connecting element is melted.

[0012] According to a further possible embodiment of the method, for positioning and fastening the individual cables to the connecting element - at least one individual cable is gripped by means of a gripping tool and guided to the connecting element, - a spreading device of the gripping tool is inserted into a spreading opening to widen a receiving opening provided for the section-by-section reception of the individual cable, - the individual cable is inserted into the receiving opening using the gripping tool and - when the individual cable reaches a target position in the receiving opening, the spreading device is moved out of the spreading opening and the individual cable is clamped in the receiving opening.

[0013] The gripping tool allows for simple and reliable positioning and fastening of the individual cables to the connecting element. The spreading action and the resulting widening of the receiving opening allow for easy insertion of the individual cable into the receiving opening. Once the spreading device is moved out of the opening, the individual cable is securely and easily clamped in the receiving opening.

[0014] According to a further possible embodiment of the method, for positioning and fastening the individual cables to the connecting element - at least one individual cable is gripped by means of a gripping tool and guided to the connecting element, - the individual cable is arranged above a spreading opening and - the individual cable is inserted by means of a pressing aid, widening the expansion opening, through the opening into the receiving opening provided for the section-by-section reception of the individual cable and clamped in this opening.

[0015] The gripping tool allows for simple and reliable positioning and fastening of the individual cables to the connecting element. The spreading and resulting widening of the receiving opening allows for easy insertion of the individual cable into the receiving opening and subsequent secure and easy clamping of the individual cable in the receiving opening.

[0016] A device for connecting several individual electrical lines comprises a connecting element. According to the invention, the connecting element comprises several receiving openings for the section-by-section reception and force-locking and / or positive-locking fastening of at least one individual line. Furthermore, the connecting element is formed from an adhesive material that liquefies, at least when heated, and forms a material-to-material bond with the individual lines arranged in the receiving openings.

[0017] The device enables simple and captive handling of the individual wires and the connecting element, as well as an easy-to-create and reliable connection between the individual wires. The handling of the individual wires and the connecting element can be automated in a particularly advantageous manner. By melting the connecting element, a sealing element can be advantageously created for sealing a wiring bundle formed from the individual wires.

[0018] According to one possible embodiment of the device, the receiving openings are each connected to a spreading opening, wherein the spreading opening, starting from the associated receiving opening, completely penetrates a wall delimited by the receiving opening. The spreading opening is designed to pass through an individual cable and / or to receive a spreading device, wherein the receiving opening widens when the individual cable is passed through and / or the spreading device is inserted into the spreading opening. The spreading and the resulting widening of the receiving opening enable easy insertion of the individual cable into the receiving opening.

[0019] According to a further possible embodiment of the device, the connecting element has positioning and / or holding elements for positioning and / or holding - on an electrical contact element and / or - on a handling tool and / or - on a stripping tool and / or - on a cover element and / or - on a retaining assembly. This allows for simple and reliable positioning and / or retention of the connecting element.

[0020] According to another possible embodiment of the device, the receiving openings are arranged in a row next to one another or one above the other and / or on a circular arc. This allows for various arrangements of the individual lines relative to one another.

[0021] According to a further possible embodiment of the device, it comprises a gripping tool comprising a gripping receptacle for gripping at least one individual cable and a spreading device for insertion into a spreading opening of the connecting element to widen a receiving opening and / or to press an individual cable through the spreading opening into the receiving opening. Such a gripping tool enables simple and reliable positioning and fastening of the individual cables to the connecting element.

[0022] According to a further possible embodiment of the device, it comprises a handling device which is used for automatic handling - the individual lines and / or - the connecting element and / or - an electrical contact element and / or - a gripping tool for gripping at least one individual cable and / or - a stripping tool for removing insulation from a conductor of a single cable and / or - a heating device for heating the connecting element. Such automatic handling can significantly simplify and accelerate the creation of the connection between the individual wires. Furthermore, the reliability of the resulting connection can be reproducibly increased.

[0023] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

[0024] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing.

[0025] Showing: Fig. 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a connecting element and a single line, Fig. 2 schematically shows a perspective view of the connecting element and the single line according to Fig. 1 in a state of the individual cable mounted on the connecting element, Fig. 3 schematically shows a perspective view of the connecting element according to Fig. 1 and several individual lines mounted on the connecting element, Fig. 4 schematically shows a perspective view of the connecting element and the individual lines according to Fig. 3 and an electrical contact element during assembly of the connecting element on the contact element, Fig. 5 schematically shows a perspective view of the connecting element, the individual lines and the contact element according to Fig. 4 after assembly, Fig. 6 schematically shows a perspective view of the connecting element and the individual lines according to Fig. 3 and a cover element during assembly of the cover element to the connecting element and the individual lines, Fig. 7 schematically shows a perspective view of the connecting element according to Fig. 1, several individual cables mounted on the connecting element and a stripping tool in a first state, Fig. 8 schematically shows a perspective view of the connecting element, the individual wires and the stripping tool according to Fig. 7 in a second state, Fig. 9 schematically shows a perspective view of the connecting element, the individual wires and the stripping tool according to Fig. 7 in a third state, Fig. 10 schematically shows a perspective view of the connecting element and the single line according to Fig. 1 and an assembly tool holding the individual cable in a first state, Fig. 11 schematically shows a perspective view of the connecting element, the single cable and the assembly tool according to Fig. 10 in a second state, Fig. 12 schematically shows a perspective view of the connecting element, the single line and the assembly tool according to Fig. 10 in a third state, Fig. 13 schematically shows a perspective view of the connecting element, the single cable and the assembly tool according to Fig. 10 after mounting the single cable on the connecting element, Fig. 14 schematically shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a connecting element, a single line and a holding arrangement, Fig. 15 schematically shows a perspective view of the connecting element, the single line and the holding arrangement according to Fig. 14 during assembly of the single cable to the connecting element, Fig. 16 schematically shows a perspective view of the connecting element, the single line and the holding arrangement according to Fig. 15 after mounting the single cable on the connecting element, Fig. 17 schematically shows a perspective view of the connecting element, several individual lines and the holding arrangement according to Fig. 15 after mounting several individual cables on the connecting element, Fig. 18 schematically shows a perspective view of the connecting element, the individual lines and the holding arrangement according to Fig. 17 after disassembly of the holding arrangement from the connecting element, Fig. 19 schematically shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a connecting element, a single line and a holding arrangement, Fig. 20 schematically shows a perspective view of the connecting element, the single line and the holding arrangement according to Fig. 19 during assembly of the single cable to the connecting element and Fig. 21 schematically shows a perspective view of the connecting element, the single line and the holding arrangement according to Fig. 19 after mounting the single cable on the connecting element.

[0026] Corresponding parts are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0027] In Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a possible first embodiment of a connecting element 1 and a single line 2.1.

[0028] The connecting element 1 comprises a plurality of receiving openings 1.1 to 1.5 arranged next to one another in a row, as well as a plurality of expansion openings 1.6 to 1.10 connected to the receiving openings 1.1 to 1.5. Starting from the associated receiving opening 1.1 to 1.5, the expansion openings 1.6 to 1.10 completely penetrate a wall delimiting the receiving opening 1.1 to 1.5. The number of the receiving openings 1.1 to 1.5 and the expansion openings 1.6 to 1.10 may vary in other embodiments of the connecting element 1.

[0029] The receiving openings 1.1 to 1.5 are designed to accommodate a single cable 2.1 in sections and, in the illustrated embodiment, each have the same cross-section. Alternatively, the receiving openings 1.1 to 1.5 can also have different cross-sections and thus accommodate different individual cables 2.1 to 2.5 (shown in Fig. 3). In one possible embodiment, the cross-sections of the receiving openings 1.1 to 1.5 are at least slightly smaller than the cross-sections of the individual cables 2.1 to 2.5 to be accommodated. The connecting element 1 further comprises a plurality of positioning and / or holding elements 1.11 to 1.14 for positioning and / or holding the connecting element 1 on other elements and / or on tools. The positioning and / or holding element 1.11 is a cylindrical bolt, the positioning and / or holding element 1.12 is a cylindrical material recess, the positioning and / or holding element 1.13 is a cuboid base, and the positioning and / or holding element 1.14 is a base with undercuts.

[0030] The external shape of the illustrated positioning and / or holding elements 1.11 to 1.14 as well as their positioning on the connecting element 1 are shown only as examples and may vary depending on the application.

[0031] In one possible embodiment, the connecting element 1 is formed from an adhesive material which melts at least when heated.

[0032] The individual cable 2.1 comprises an electrical conductor 2.1.1, which is surrounded by electrical insulation 2.1.2. At one end of the cable shown, the individual cable 2.1 is stripped, meaning that the insulation 2.1.2 is partially removed from the conductor 2.1.1 at that end.

[0033] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the connecting element 1 and the single line 2.1 according to Fig. 1 in a state of the individual line 2.1 mounted on the connecting element 1.

[0034] To secure the individual cable 2.1, it is inserted into the corresponding receiving opening 1.1. This can be achieved by passing the individual cable 2.1 through the corresponding expansion opening 1.6, for example by pressing the individual cable 2.1 from above through the expansion opening 1.6 into the receiving opening 1.1. For this purpose, the connecting element 1 is designed to be mechanically flexible and elastically deformable. The individual cable 2.1 can also be inserted into the receiving opening 1.1 by moving it in its longitudinal direction. For this purpose, the receiving opening 1.1 can be widened before insertion by expanding the corresponding expansion opening 1.6.

[0035] The fastening of the individual cable 2.1 in the receiving opening 1.1 can be carried out automatically.

[0036] The individual cable 2.1 is held within the receiving opening 1.1, in particular by static friction.

[0037] In Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the connecting element 1 according to Fig. 1 and several individual cables 2.1 to 2.5 mounted on the connecting element 1. The individual cables 2.2 to 2.5 correspond to the individual cable 2.1 and each have a conductor 2.2.1 to 2.5.1 and an electrical insulation 2.2.2 to 2.5.2 surrounding it at least in sections.

[0038] The fastening of the individual cables 2.2 to 2.5 is carried out analogously to the fastening of the individual cable 2.1 according to the description for Fig. 2.

[0039] After all individual cables 2.1 to 2.5 have been attached to the connecting element 1, the connecting element 1 is heated so that the adhesive material melts and bonds firmly to the individual cables 2.1 to 2.5.

[0040] In a possible embodiment not shown in detail, the connecting element 1 is designed in such a way, in particular so flat, that it can be rolled into a cable bundle with the inserted individual cables 2.1 to 2.5.

[0041] In particular, a cable bundle is formed by means of the connected individual cables 2.1 to 2.5.

[0042] The Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 show a perspective view of the connecting element 1 and the individual lines 2.1 to 2.5 according to Fig. 3 and an electrical contact element 3 during and after assembly of the connecting element 1 on the contact element 3.

[0043] For the sake of clarity, not all parts of the connecting element 1 and the individual lines 2.1 to 2.5 are provided with reference symbols. These correspond to the Fig. 3 illustrated embodiments.

[0044] The contact element 3 is, for example, a circuit board, such as a cable lug. This can be used to connect or distribute several individual wires 2.1 to 2.5 to a ground bolt, ground bar, or potential distributor in a vehicle, forming a so-called splice.

[0045] For this purpose, the connecting element 1 is first positioned and fastened to the contact element 3 by means of the positioning and / or holding elements 1.13, 1.14 in corresponding positioning and / or holding elements 3.1, 3.2.

[0046] Subsequently, the individual wires 2.1 to 2.5 are electrically connected to the contact element 3. For this purpose, the stripped wire ends are welded to the contact element 3, for example, by ultrasonically welding.

[0047] In one possible embodiment, the melting of the connecting element 1 can be carried out after the electrical contact of the individual lines 2.1 to 2.5 with the contact element 3 has been created.

[0048] In Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the connecting element 1 and the individual lines 2.1 to 2.5 according to Fig. 3 and a cover element 4 during assembly of the cover element 4 to the connecting element 1 and the individual lines 2.1 to 2.5.

[0049] For the sake of clarity, not all parts of the connecting element 1 and the individual lines 2.1 to 2.5 are provided with reference symbols. These correspond to the Fig. 3 illustrated embodiments.

[0050] The cover element 4 is designed, for example, as a cover cap and comprises positioning and / or holding elements 4.1, which correspond to the positioning and / or holding elements 1.11, 1.12 and are designed to position and fasten the cover element 4 to the connecting element 1.

[0051] Alternatively or additionally, a heat-shrinkable tube is provided as a cover element 4 in a manner not shown in detail. This heat-shrinkable tube is routed over the connecting element 1 and sections of the individual lines 2.1 to 2.5. Heating and the resulting shrinkage of the heat-shrinkable tube can occur simultaneously with the heating of the connecting element 1.

[0052] The Fig. 7 to 9 show perspective views of the connecting element 1 according to Fig. 1, several individual cables 2.1 to 2.5 mounted on the connecting element and a stripping tool 5 at different times during stripping of the individual cables 2.1 to 2.5. For the sake of clarity, not all parts of the connecting element 1 are provided with reference symbols. These correspond to the Fig. 1 illustrated embodiment.

[0053] The individual lines 2.1 to 2.5 correspond to the individual lines 2.1 to 2.5 according to Fig. 3, with the difference that the cable ends are not yet stripped. This means that the individual cables 2.1 to 2.5 are inserted into the receiving openings 1.1 to 1.5 of the connecting element 1 in a fully insulated state.

[0054] The removal of the insulation 2.1.2 to 2.5.2 is carried out jointly for all individual cables 2.1 to 2.5 using the stripping tool 5 in the state attached to the connecting element 1.

[0055] For this purpose, the stripping tool 5 has two tool halves 5.1, 5.2, each of which has several blade sections corresponding to an outer contour of the individual wires 2.1 to 2.5. To remove the insulation 2.1.2 to 2.5.2, the tool halves are Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. The insulation 2.1.2 to 2.5.2 is cut.

[0056] The tool halves 5.1, 5.2 are then moved away from the cable ends in the longitudinal direction of the individual cables 2.1 to 2.5 so that they are freed from the insulation 2.1.2 to 2.5.2.

[0057] The removal of the insulation 2.1.2 to 2.5.2 can be carried out before or after the melting of the connecting element 1.

[0058] In the Fig. 10 to 13 are perspective views of the connecting element 1 and the single line 2.1 according to Fig. 1 and a gripping tool 6 receiving the individual cable 2.1 during various times of assembly of the individual cable 2.1 on the connecting element 1.

[0059] For the sake of clarity, not all parts of the connecting element 1 and the individual cable 2.1 are provided with reference symbols. These correspond to the Fig. 1 illustrated embodiments.

[0060] The gripping tool 6 comprises a gripping receptacle 6.1 for gripping an individual cable 2.1 to 2.5 and a spreading device 6.2 for insertion into a spreading opening 1.6 to 1.10 of the connecting element 1 for widening a receiving opening 1.1 to 1.5.

[0061] By means of the gripping receptacle 6.1, the individual cable 2.1 is first picked up or gripped and then inserted with the stripped cable end into the receiving opening 1.1 by moving the individual cable 2.1 in its longitudinal direction.

[0062] At the latest when the insulation 2.1.2 reaches the receiving opening 1.1, the spreading device 6.2, which is designed, for example, as a so-called expanding mandrel, spreads the spreading opening 1.6 such that the receiving opening 1.1 is widened. This allows the individual cable 2.1 to be inserted into the receiving opening 1.1, even with its insulated section.

[0063] Before or after reaching a target position, the spreading device 6.2 is moved out of the spreading opening 1.6, so that the cross-section of the receiving opening 1.1 is reduced again and the individual cable 2.1 is securely held therein. The gripping tool 6 is then removed from the individual cable 2.1.

[0064] The above-mentioned steps are then repeated analogously for the other individual cables 2.2 to 2.5 in order to also attach them to the connecting element 1.

[0065] In a manner not shown in detail, the gripping tool can also be designed in such a way that it can hold all individual lines 2.1 to 2.5 simultaneously and can spread all spreading openings 1.6 to 1.10 simultaneously.

[0066] The expansion openings 1.6 to 1.10 can also be designed as insertion openings, through which the corresponding individual cable 2.1 to 2.5 is pressed from above into the respective receiving opening 1.1 to 1.5. In this case, the expansion device 6.2 can be used as a pressing aid, by means of which the individual cables 2.1 to 2.5 are pressed through the insertion openings into the receiving openings 1.1 to 1.5.

[0067] Fig. 14 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a connecting element 7, a single line 2.1 according to Fig. 1 and a holding arrangement 8.

[0068] In contrast to the Fig. In the first embodiment of the connecting element 1 shown in Figure 1, the connecting element 7 is at least substantially cylindrical and has a plurality of receiving openings 7.1 to 7.6 arranged on a circular arc, which are analogous to the one shown in Fig. 1, are each connected to a spreading opening 7.7 to 7.12. Furthermore, the connecting element 7 comprises a positioning and / or holding element 7.13, by means of which it can be coupled to a positioning and / or holding element 8.1.

[0069] In the Fig. 15 to 18 are perspective views of the connecting element 7, several individual lines 2.1 to 2.6 and the holding arrangement according to Fig. 14 during assembly of the individual cables 2.1 to 2.6 on the connecting element 7. The individual cables 2.1 to 2.6 correspond to the Fig. 1 and each comprise a conductor 2.1.1 to 2.6.1 and an insulation 2.1.2 to 2.6.2 surrounding it at least in sections.

[0070] Before mounting the individual cables 2.1 to 2.6 on the connecting element 7, the latter is fastened to the holding arrangement 8. The individual cables 2.1 to 2.6 are then mounted on the connecting element 7 in the same way as the individual cables 2.1 to 2.5 on the connecting element 1 in accordance with Fig. 1 to 13.

[0071] The Fig. 19 to 21 show perspective views of a third embodiment of a connecting element 9, a single line 2.1 according to Fig. 1 and a holding arrangement 10.

[0072] The individual line 2.1 is intended as a so-called holding line for the line bundle to be created, around which further individual lines 2.2 to 2.6, not shown in detail, are arranged on a circular arc.

[0073] Accordingly, the connecting element 9 comprises a receiving opening 9.1 for the individual line 2.1 and several receiving openings 9.2 to 9.6 arranged around it on a circular arc for the further individual lines 2.2 to 2.6. All receiving openings 9.1 to 9.6 are analogous to the Fig. 1, each connected to a spreading opening 9.7 to 9.12.

[0074] The holding arrangement 10 also comprises a receiving opening 10.1 and a spreading opening 10.2 connected thereto. To assemble the individual cables 2.1 to 2.6 on the connecting element, first the individual cable 2.1 is attached to the holding arrangement 10. For this purpose, the individual cable 2.1 is mounted in the receiving opening 10.1 of the holding arrangement 10 in the same way as the individual cables 2.1 to 2.5 on the connecting element 1 according to the Fig. 1 to 13.

[0075] The individual cables 2.2 to 2.6 are then mounted on the connecting element 9 in the same way as the individual cables 2.1 to 2.5 are mounted on the connecting element 1 in accordance with Fig. 1 to 13. List of reference symbols 1 connecting element 1.1 to 1.5 receiving opening 1.6 to 1.10 spread opening 1.11 to 1.14 Positioning and / or holding element 2.1 Single line 2.1.1 Ladder 2.1.2 Insulation 2.2 Single line 2.2.1 Ladder 2.2.2 Insulation 2.3 Single line 2.3.1 Ladder 2.3.2 Insulation 2.4 Single line 2.4.1 Ladder 2.4.2 Insulation 2.5 Single line 2.5.1 Ladder 2.5.2 Insulation 2.6 Single line 2.6.1 Ladder 2.6.2 Insulation 3 Contact element 3.1, 3.2 Positioning and / or holding element 4 Cover element 4.1 Positioning and / or holding element 5 stripping tool 5.1, 5.2 Tool half 6 gripping tool 6.1 Gripping device 6.2 Spreading device 7 Connecting element 7.1 to 7.6 Receiving opening 7.7 to 7.12 Spreading opening 7.13 Positioning and / or holding element 8 Holding arrangement 8.1 Positioning and / or holding element 9 Connecting element 9.1 to 9.6 Recording opening 9.7 to 9.12 Spreading opening 10 Holding arrangement 10.1 Receiving opening 10.2 Spreading opening QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 0 924 713 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Method for connecting several individual electrical lines (2.1 to 2.6), wherein the individual lines (2.1 to 2.6) are positioned and fastened to a connecting element (1, 7, 9), characterized by , that - the individual lines (2.1 to 2.6) are collected on the connecting element (1, 7, 9) and are connected to the connecting element (1, 7, 9) in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner, and - after the individual lines (2.1 to 2.6) have been fastened to the connecting element (1, 7, 9), the connecting element (1, 7, 9) is heated in such a way that it melts at least in sections and is integrally connected to the individual lines (2.1 to 2.6). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the connecting element (1, 7, 9) with the individual lines (2.1 to 2.6) attached thereto is attached to an electrical contact element (3) and the individual lines (2.1 to 2.6) are electrically coupled to the contact element (3). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that an electrical insulation (2.1.2 to 2.6.2) of the individual lines (2.1 to 2.6) is removed at least in sections from a respective electrical conductor (2.1.1 to 2.6.1) by means of a stripping tool (5) simultaneously and jointly for all individual lines (2.1 to 2.6) after their attachment to the connecting element (1, 7, 9). [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that for positioning and fastening the individual cables (2.1 to 2.6) to the connecting element (1, 7, 9) - at least one individual cable (2.1 to 2.6) is gripped by means of a gripping tool (6) and guided to the connecting element (1, 7, 9), - a spreading device (6.2) of the gripping tool (6) is inserted into a spreading opening (1.6 to 1.10, 7.7 to 7.12, 9.7 to 9.12) of the connecting element (1, 7, 9) for widening a receiving opening (1.1 to 1.5, 7.1 to 7.6, 9.1 to 9.6) of the connecting element (1, 7, 9) provided for sectionally receiving the individual line (2.1 to 2.6), - the individual cable (2.1 to 2.6) is inserted into the receiving opening (1.1 to 1.5, 7.1 to 7.6, 9.1 to 9.6) by means of the gripping tool (6) and - when a target position of the individual cable (2.1 to 2.6) in the receiving opening (1.1 to 1.5, 7.1 to 7.6, 9.1 to 9.6) is reached, the spreading device (6.2) is moved out of the spreading opening (1.6 to 1.10, 7.7 to 7.12, 9.7 to 9.12) and the individual cable (2.1 to 2.6) is clamped in the receiving opening (1.1 to 1.5, 7.1 to 7.6, 9.1 to 9.6). [5] Device for connecting several individual electrical lines (2.1 to 2.6) with a connecting element (1, 7, 9), characterized by that the connecting element (1, 7, 9) - comprises several receiving openings (1.1 to 1.5, 7.1 to 7.6, 9.1 to 9.6) for section-wise receiving and force-locking and / or form-locking fastening of at least one individual cable (2.1 to 2.6) and - is formed from an adhesive material which melts at least when heated and forms a material-locking connection with individual lines (2.1 to 2.6) arranged in the receiving openings (1.1 to 1.5, 7.1 to 7.6, 9.1 to 9.6). [6] Device according to claim 5, characterized by , that - the receiving openings (1.1 to 1.5, 7.1 to 7.6, 9.1 to 9.6) are each connected to a spreading opening (1.6 to 1.10, 7.7 to 7.12, 9.7 to 9.12), - the expansion opening (1.6 to 1.10, 7.7 to 7.12, 9.7 to 9.12) completely penetrates a wall delimited by the receiving opening (1.1 to 1.5, 7.1 to 7.6, 9.1 to 9.6), starting from the corresponding receiving opening (1.1 to 1.5, 7.1 to 7.6, 9.1 to 9.6), - the expansion opening (1.6 to 1.10, 7.7 to 7.12, 9.7 to 9.12) is designed to pass through a single cable (2.1 to 2.6) and / or to accommodate a spreading device (6.2) and - the receiving opening (1.1 to 1.5, 7.1 to 7.6, 9.1 to 9.6) widens when the individual cable (2.1 to 2.6) and / or spreading device (6.2) is inserted into the spreading opening (1.6 to 1.10, 7.7 to 7.12, 9.7 to 9.12). [7] Device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by that the connecting element (1, 7, 9) has positioning and / or holding elements (1.11 to 1.14, 7.13) for positioning and / or holding - on an electrical contact element (3) and / or - on a handling tool and / or - on a stripping tool (5) and / or - on a cover element (4) and / or - on a holding arrangement (10). [8] Device according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized by that the receiving openings (1.1 to 1.5, 7.1 to 7.6, 9.1 to 9.6) are arranged in a row next to each other or one above the other and / or on a circular arc. [9] Device according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized by a gripping tool (6) comprising - a gripping receptacle (6.1) for gripping at least one individual cable (2.1 to 2.6) and - a spreading device (6.2) for insertion into a spreading opening (1.6 to 1.10, 7.7 to 7.12, 9.7 to 9.12) of the connecting element (1, 7, 9) for widening a receiving opening (1.1 to 1.5, 7.1 to 7.6, 9.1 to 9.6) and / or for pressing an individual cable (2.1 to 2.6) through the spreading opening (1.6 to 1.10, 7.7 to 7.12, 9.7 to 9.12) into the receiving opening (1.1 to 1.5, 7.1 to 7.6, 9.1 to 9.6). [10] Device according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized by a handling device which enables automatic handling - the individual lines (2.1 to 2.6) and / or - the connecting element (1, 7, 9) and / or - an electrical contact element (3) and / or - a gripping tool (6) for gripping at least one individual cable (2.1 to 2.6) and / or - a stripping tool (5) for removing insulation (2.1.2 to 2.6.2) from a conductor (2.1.1 to 2.6.1) of a single cable (2.1 to 2.6) and / or - a heating device for heating the connecting element (1, 7, 9).

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