CLAMPING DEVICE FOR CONNECTING AT LEAST ONE CONDUCTOR OF AN ELECTRICAL CABLE

Abstract

The invention relates to a clamping device (1) for connecting at least one conductor (L1) of an electrical line (L), comprising: a connecting body (100) with a conductor receiving space (110) for arranging the at least one conductor (L1), preferably a conductor end section (L10) of the at least one conductor (L1), in a conductor connection direction (X) in a connected state; a mounting part (200) for mounting the at least one conductor (L1) to the connecting body (100), wherein the mounting part (200) is preferably coupled to the connecting body (100) by means of a bearing device (300) so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (A300); at least one actuating element (400) for clamping the at least one conductor (L1) against the connecting body (100) in an actuating direction (Y), wherein the at least one actuating element (400) is guided on the mounting part (200);wherein the mounting part (200) comprises at least one receiving section (210) for arranging a stabilizing element (500) in order to stabilize the connecting body (100) in a shape-retaining manner as a result of an actuation of the at least one actuating element (400) for connecting the at least one conductor (L10) in an arranged state of the stabilizing element (500);

Description

The present invention is in the field of electrical installation technology and relates to a clamping device for connecting at least one conductor of an electrical line. The at least one conductor can preferably be formed substantially from aluminum or on the basis of an aluminum alloy and comprise a comparatively large conductor cross section. The at least one conductor can substantially also be formed from copper or on the basis of a copper alloy. The at least one conductor can be designed to be substantially dimensionally stable (rigid) in sections and / or to be variable in shape (flexible) in sections. The clamping device according to the present invention is universally usable.Electrical conductors made of aluminum are used in the field of the transmission of electrical energy with comparatively large conductor cross sections with, for example, more than 35 mm 2. Although aluminum conducts the current more poorly than, for example, copper, to realize constant current-carrying capacity, conductors made of aluminum with a corresponding larger cross section are more favorable by about one third than respective conductors made of copper. Because of the comparatively lower density, lines with conductors made of aluminum are interesting both for transport and for installation and assembly.However, the electrical connection of conductors made of aluminum can be problematic. Aluminum is known, on the one hand, by a comparatively rapid oxidation behavior and an associated formation of so-called resistant oxide layers (barrier layers), which cause a deformation of the conductor by up to about 30 percent in order to break through the latter. Flexible conductors must be deformed by about 30 percent to break through the oxide layers of each individual strand in a termination space. In the case of rigid conductors, the deformation can be less. On the other hand, aluminum is very soft and flows, i.e. relaxes under a comparatively high contact pressure, which in turn has to be compensated by a certain elasticity of the connection. In addition, conductors made of aluminum with comparatively large conductor cross sections are relatively rigid and bulky, which in turn makes installation and assembly more difficult, for example.The disadvantages mentioned can be counteracted by various measures. For example, mechanical cleaning and oiling of the conductors helps prevent or at least significantly reduce the formation of oxide layers. With regard to the relaxation behavior, the design of a terminal with comparatively high intrinsic elasticity is necessary and can even be standardized.Furthermore, predetermined tightening torques of screw connections, for example, must be taken into account during installation and assembly, in order to avoid a fire risk in particular.Depending on the design of the conductor, different connection principles and connection mechanisms are used, for example clamping jaws, ring cable lugs, friction welded connections, press connections or deformations. These are, for example, complicated or very complicated to handle. Another important requirement is, for example, the ensuring of finger contact protection and the integration capability into a switch cabinet or into a connection box.In order to counteract some of the above mentioned problems, various approaches are known from the prior art patent literature.For example, European Patent Specification No. EP 2 345 107 B1 discloses a printed circuit board terminal for connecting a conductor. The clamp has a housing with a housing base section for placing on a printed circuit board and with a housing cover section through which a clamping screw passes. The housing cover section is connected to the housing base section on the one hand pivotably and in a relatively displaceable manner to a limited extent, and on the other hand latchable. Inside the housing is a metallic clamping cage, which has a cage base section and a cage cover section. The housing cover section can be moved with the cage cover section into an open position, in which a conductor can be inserted into the cage base section from the side.Regarding further known prior art, reference is made to DE 10 2009 030 662 A1, DE 34 26 212 C2 and DE 10 2018 126 458 B4.It is an object of the present invention to provide a clamping device for connecting at least one conductor of an electrical line, which is improved above all with regard to handling, construction, safety, electrical connection quality and / or re-useability.The object is achieved by the features of independent claim 1. Further embodiments and applications of the present invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and will be explained in more detail in the following description with partial reference to the figures.According to a first general aspect, the present invention relates to a clamping device for connecting at least one conductor of an electrical line, comprising:• a terminal body having a conductor accommodation space for arranging the at least one conductor, preferably a conductor end portion of the at least one conductor, substantially in a conductor connection direction in a connection state; • a mounting part for mounting the at least one conductor to the terminal body, wherein preferably the mounting part is coupled to the terminal body by means of a bearing device pivotable about a pivot axis;• at least one actuating element for clamping or for pressing, preferably for directly (directly) clamping or pressing, the at least one conductor against the connection body substantially in an actuating direction, wherein the at least one actuating element is guided and / or supported and / or held on the mounting part; wherein the mounting part comprises at least one receiving section for arranging a stabilizing element in order, in an arrangement state of the stabilizing element, to stabilize the connection body substantially in a shape-retaining manner as a result of an actuation of the at least one actuating element for connecting the at least one conductor, preferably in at least one defined direction.The present invention can provide a clamping device of a compact construction configured to connect electrical conductors having comparatively large conductor cross sections, preventing loads occurring due to assembly and deformations of the clamping device caused thereby. The clamping device is suitable above all for the connection of at least one conductor made of aluminum or made of an aluminum alloy. Alternatively, the clamping device is also suitable for connecting at least one conductor made of copper or made of a copper alloy. The at least one conductor can be designed to be substantially dimensionally stable (rigid) in sections and / or to be variable in shape (flexible) in sections.The clamping device is also characterized, for example, in that it does not have to be more massive for conductors with large conductor cross sections and it makes do with conventional wall thicknesses and dimensions, whereby material can be saved.The stabilizing element preferably substantially ensures dimensional stability of the connection body, which can be formed from walls and / or wall sections.The connection state can be a state in which the at least one conductor and preferably the conductor end section is electrically connected to the connection body, so that the clamping device functions and / or can be operated as intended and / or properly. The conductor connection direction is preferably the direction of the at least one conductor in the connection state and represents, for example, a defined orientation of the conductor end section. The arrangement state of the stabilizing element is preferably a state in which the stabilizing element is located in and / or on the at least one receiving section, and / or is connected and / or fastened to and / or on the at least one receiving section in a substantially positive-locking and / or substantially non-positive-locking and / or substantially materially integral manner.As a result, in the arrangement state, the formation of a connection between the at least one stabilizing element and the mounting part and the connection body can be realized and sufficient stabilization of the connection body can be ensured.The clamping device according to the present invention is characterized above all in that it can be used universally and / or reused. The clamping device also allows simple operation, for example. The at least one conductor can be pivoted comfortably into the conductor receiving space.According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the connection body comprises a first guide wall and a second guide wall for forming the conductor receiving space, which are arranged opposite one another and / or spaced apart from one another, wherein the at least one receiving section merges substantially flush into a respective outer surface of the first guide wall and of the second guide wall. Both the first guide wall and the second guide wall can be substantially flat and / or substantially plate-shaped.It is possible that the at least one receiving section is configured for inserting or inserting the stabilizing element substantially in the actuation direction; and / or that the at least one receiving section extends substantially in an operating direction in the form of a channel or in the form of a groove, wherein the operating direction is perpendicular to the conductor connection direction and / or perpendicular to the actuation direction.According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the at least one receiving section is formed at a free end of the mounting part.As a result, the effect of the stabilizing element in the arrangement state with respect to stabilizing the connection body can be further improved.The at least one receiving portion can be formed opposite the bearing device and the at least one actuating element can be arranged between the at least one receiving portion and the bearing device.According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the terminal body extends in a U-shape in the conductor connection direction as far as a boundary wall for forming a conductor insertion opening in the conductor connection direction and / or in the actuation direction, wherein preferably in the connection state the conductor insertion opening in the actuation direction is covered by the mounting part.As a result, for example, an introduction of the at least one conductor into the conductor receiving space can be realized by a pivoting process, as a result of which, for example, simplified assembly is ensured. The conductor receiving space can be designed to be semi-open for pivotably receiving the at least one conductor in at least two directions. The clamping device can be configured as a so-called swivel-in clamp.The boundary wall can be substantially flat and / or substantially plate-shaped.The clamping device preferably comprises a stabilizing element which is inserted in and / or on the at least one receiving portion and is configured to substantially block a deformation, preferably an expansion, of the connection body as a result of the actuation of the at least one actuating element, preferably substantially in an active direction, wherein the active direction is perpendicular to the conductor connection direction and / or perpendicular to the actuating direction.It is possible that the stabilizing element forms with the connection body at least one first releasable substantially positive connection and at least one second substantially positive connection; and / or that the stabilizing element is formed and / or arranged to absorb a load, preferably substantially in the effective direction. The load may preferably be a compressive load.The stabilizing element can be formed in a double-T-shape, bow-shaped, bone-shaped or dumbbell-shaped manner, wherein respective contact surfaces of the stabilizing element are arranged opposite each other and / or spaced apart from each other for contacting respective outer surfaces of the connection body.According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the stabilizing element is formed substantially symmetrically to at least one plane. The stabilizing element can be designed substantially mirror-symmetrically with respect to a defined or definable center plane.According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the at least one actuating element is integrally formed in one piece and comprises a tool portion, wherein the tool portion is configured for the direct (direct) contacting, preferably for at least partial deformation, of the at least one conductor as a result of the actuation of the at least one actuating element.As a result, for example, a quality of the connection of the at least one conductor can be further improved.The tool section can be designed as a tip and / or as at least one shaped edge, or can each comprise at least one such. The at least one forming edge is configured to at least partially deform the at least one conductor. The tool section can have a spherical tip and / or be formed conically and / or be characterized by an annular contour.It is possible that the connection body comprises a base wall for supporting the at least one conductor in the connection state, wherein the base wall comprises at least one rib or notch, preferably at least one first rib or notch and at least one second rib or notch, which respectively extends substantially perpendicular to the conductor connection direction between a first guide wall and a second guide wall of the connection body; and / or that in a cross-sectional view, preferably perpendicular to the conductor connection direction, the base wall in the conductor receiving space is characterized in sections by a V-shaped contact surface or in sections by a W-shaped contact surface for contacting the at least one conductor.Preferably, at least the base wall is formed from an electrically conductive material, for example based on a metal or a metal alloy.According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that at least the mounting part and / or that the at least one actuating element is covered at least on an outer side with at least one layer or with a part made of an insulating material.This can ensure, for example, adequate finger contact protection, which is associated with increased safety during installation and assembly.According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the mounting part forms at least one substantially positive and / or non-positive connection with the connection body in a mounting state, preferably in the connection state. For example, the mounting part together with the connection body can form at least one latching connection with a latching element, for example in the form of a hook.This ensures, for example, that the mounting part is arranged immovably with respect to the connection body in order to be able to actuate the at least one actuating element properly.It is possible that the connection body and / or the mounting part and / or the at least one actuating element and / or the stabilizing element is each integrally formed from aluminum or from an aluminum alloy in one piece, preferably is each milled from a solid material or is produced by a casting process.As a result, for example, a clamping device can be provided which is characterized by a comparatively low weight.The above-described exemplary embodiments and features of the present invention can be combined with one another as desired. Further or other details and advantageous effects of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the attached figures.The following are shown: FIG. 1 a shows a first exemplary embodiment of the clamping device according to the present invention in a front view (main view), wherein the stabilizing element is omitted FIG. 1 bshows the clamping device from FIG. 1 ain a plan view; FIG. 1 cshows the clamping device from FIG. 1 ain a side view; FIG. 2 ashows the clamping device from FIG. 1 awith an arranged stabilizing element in a front view (main view); FIG. 2 bshows the clamping device from FIG. 2 ain a plan view; FIG. 2 cshows the clamping device from FIG. 2 ain a side view; FIG. 3 ashows a second exemplary embodiment of the clamping device according to the present invention in a front view (main view); FIG. 3 bshows the clamping device from FIG. 3 ain a plan view; FIG. 3 cshows the clamping device from FIG. 3 ain a side view.Identical or functionally equivalent components or elements are identified in the figures by the same reference numerals. For their explanation, reference is also made in part to the description of other exemplary embodiments and / or figures in order to avoid repetitions.The following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures is intended for further illustration or clarification and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.FIG. 1 ashows in a schematic and thus simplified representation a first embodiment of the clamping device 1 according to the present invention in a front view (main view). The front view is preferably the most meaningful view. Furthermore, FIGS. 1 band 1 c show the clamping device 1 from FIG. 1 a in a plan view and in a side view. In the representations in FIGS. 1 a, 1 band 1 c, a stabilizing element 500 of the clamping device 1 is omitted.The clamping device 1 is configured for connecting at least one conductor L 1 of an electrical line L, wherein the at least one conductor L 1 can preferably be formed from aluminum or from an aluminum alloy.Hereinafter, for convenience, the term "conductor" is used instead of the terms "at least one conductor". The conductor L 1 may be configured to transmit electrical energy and / or electrical signals. The conductor L 1 can be configured as a single wire, in the form of a plurality of single wires, that is to say as a stranded wire (a plurality of combined single wires, for example single wires twisted or twisted together), or as a wire braid and / or at least each comprise it. Preferably, the conductor L 1 is configured for transferring electrical energy and is characterized by a comparatively large cross section of, for example, more than 35 mm 2 cross-sectional area. The conductor L 1 may be characterized by a substantially circular cross section. The conductor L 1 is sheathed as a constituent of the line L by at least one layer or by a coating made of an insulating material and is thus electrically insulated from the environment.In the line L in FIG. 1 a, a conductor end section L 10 is removed from insulating material and is thus freely accessible. The conductor end section L 10 preferably serves for connecting the conductor L 1 to the clamping device 1.The clamping device 1 includes a terminal body 100 having a conductor accommodation space 110 for arranging the conductor L 1, that is, the conductor end portion L 10 of the conductor L 1, substantially in a conductor terminal direction X in a terminal state.The connection state may be a state in which the conductor L 1 and thus the conductor end portion L 10 is electrically connected to the connection body 100, so that the clamping device 1 functions and / or can be operated as intended and / or properly. The conductor connection direction X is preferably the direction of the conductor L 1 in the connection state and represents in particular a defined orientation of the conductor end section L 10.The connection body 100 can be formed completely or at least in sections from an electrically conductive material based on a metal or a metal alloy. The connection body 100 is preferably formed from aluminum or from an aluminum alloy. The connection body 100 can be milled from a solid material. It is alternatively possible for the connection body 100 to be produced by at least one casting process, by at least one sintering process or by a 3D printing process. The terminal body 100 may be integrally formed in one piece.To form the conductor receiving space 110, the connection body 100 comprises a first side wall 101, a second side wall 102 and a base wall 103 (see also the further FIGS. 1 band 1 cin this respect ). The first side wall 101 is preferably formed as a first guide wall 101 for the conductor L 1 and the second side wall 102 is preferably formed as a second guide wall 102 for the conductor L 1.The first guide wall 101 and the second guide wall 102 are arranged opposite one another and / or spaced apart from one another. The first guide wall 101 and the second guide wall 102 are connected to each other via the base wall 103. In the conductor connection direction X, the conductor accommodation space 110 and thus an inserted conductor end portion L 10 is defined by the boundary wall 104. The first guide wall 101, the second guide wall 102 and the boundary wall 104 extend, inter alia, substantially perpendicularly to the conductor connection direction X and are each formed substantially plate-shaped.To form the conductor receiving space 110, the connection body 100 extends substantially in the conductor connection direction X as far as the conductor limiting wall 104 in a U-shaped manner, wherein the base wall 103 forms the web and the two guide walls 101 and 102 form the legs. A conductor receiving space 110 is thus formed, which is substantially cuboidal.The clamping device 1 includes a mounting part 200 for mounting the conductor L 1 to the terminal body 100. The mounting part 200 is preferably designed as a cover, as a lever or as a bracket. The mounting part 200 is coupled, preferably mounted, at one end to the connection body 100 by means of a bearing device 300 of the clamping device 1 such that it can be pivoted about a pivot axis A 300. The bearing device 300 can comprise a bearing bolt, via which the connection body 100 and the mounting part 200 are coupled to one another. By means of the mounting device 300, the mounting part 200 can be pivoted, for example, in an angle range of up to 180 degrees or more with respect to the connection body 100.The terminal body 100 forms a conductor insertion hole 120 in the conductor terminal direction X and / or in an operation direction Y that is perpendicular to the conductor terminal direction X. In other words, in the case of a corresponding position of the mounting part 200, the connection body 100 is formed so as to be half-open in two mutually perpendicular directions. This allows, for example, easier insertion of the conductor end portion L 10 into the conductor accommodation space 110 by pivoting in during assembly for connection of the conductor L 10 to the clamping device 1.The mounting part 200 is designed to be complementary in sections to the first guide wall 101 and to the second guide wall 102, in order to form at least one substantially positively locking contact connection and / or at least one substantially positively locking retaining connection, above all in the connection state or at least in a mounting state. In this case, for example, respective end faces of the first guide wall 101 and of the second guide wall 102 can contact, inter alia, respective contact surfaces of the mounting part 200.The mounting part 200 and the connection body 100 are preferably configured with respect to one another to form at least one substantially positively locking and / or one substantially positively locking connection with one another, for example in the form of a latching connection, at least in a mounting state and preferably in the connection state.Consequently, a relative movement is no longer possible between the mounting part 200 and the connection body 100, and the mounting part 200 remains in a defined position, i.e. in a defined position and in a defined orientation with respect to the connection body 100, in order to be able to realize at least one further mounting process and above all the connection state. For example, at least one latching connection can be formed between the mounting part 200 and the connection body 100 in a state of the mounting part 200 pivoted towards the conductor receiving space 110.In analogy to the connection body 100, the mounting part 200 can preferably be formed integrally in one piece and / or produced accordingly. The mounting part 200 may be formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. It is alternatively possible for the mounting part 200 to be formed from a material based on a plastic of sufficient rigidity.The clamping device 1 includes at least one operating member 400 for clamping the conductor L 1 against the terminal body 100, that is, against the base wall 103 substantially in the operating direction Y. Hereinafter, the term "operating member" is used instead of the terms "at least one operating member" for convenience. It is possible that in an alternative embodiment the clamping device 1 can comprise more than one actuating element 400, for example two or three actuating elements 400.The actuating element 400 is preferably designed as a grub screw which comprises, at a free end, that is to say at an actuating end, for example, an internal hexagonal profile for actuation with a corresponding tool (see in this regard the illustration in FIG. 1 b). The tool can preferably be a manually operable tool, for example in the form of a hand screwdriver or a changeover ratchet with a respective complementary screwdriver blade (helical bit). The tool is not shown in the figures for reasons of clarity. No special tool is required for mounting and installing the clamping device 1, i.e. for connecting the conductor L 1.The actuating element 400 is guided on the mounting part 200 and is preferably held captive, whereby removal is avoided. The actuating element 400 is guided in the form of a grub screw having an external thread in a complementary internal thread in the mounting part 200 substantially in the actuating direction Y. The actuating element 400 comprises a tool portion 401, which is formed at a free end opposite the actuating end. The tool section 401 is configured for the direct (direct) contacting, preferably for at least partial deformation and / or machining, of the conductor L 1 as a result of the actuation of the actuating element 400 during the assembly of the conductor L 1. The tool portion 401 comprises a tip and preferably at least one forming edge for at least partially deforming the conductor L 1, i.e. the conductor end portion L 10, in the connected state.Furthermore, the base wall 103 for supporting the conductor L 1, that is to say the conductor end portion L 10, in the conductor receiving space 110 comprises a first rib or notch 131 and a second rib or notch 132, wherein, in the conductor connection direction X, the second rib / notch 132 is arranged and / or formed at a distance from the first rib / notch 131. Both the first rib / notch 131 and the second rib / notch 132 each extend between the first guide wall 101 and the second guide wall 102 substantially perpendicular to the conductor connection direction X. The ribs or notches 131 and 132 serve, inter alia, to realize a sufficient and / or necessary connection quality of the conductor L 1, that is to say of the conductor end section L 10, in the connection state. They also serve to sufficiently break oxide layers, if present, on the conductor L 10 and to squeeze the conductor L 10 to a sufficient extent.The mounting part 200 comprises at least one receiving section 210 for arranging a stabilizing element 500 of the clamping device 1. the stabilizing element 500 is illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 2 a, 2 band 2 cin order to stabilize the connection body 100 in a substantially shape-retaining manner as a result of an actuation of the actuating element 400 for connecting the conductor L 10 in an arrangement state of the stabilizing element 500, such that the connection body 100 is not subjected to any permanent deformation in particular. Hereinafter, for convenience, the term "accommodating portion" is used instead of the terms "at least one accommodating portion". It is possible that in an alternative embodiment the clamping device 1 can comprise more than one receiving section 210, for example two or three receiving sections 210 for respective stabilizing elements 500.The arrangement state of the stabilizing element 500 is preferably a state in which the stabilizing element 500 is located in and / or on the receiving portion 210, and / or is connected and / or fastened to and / or on the receiving portion 210 in a substantially positive-locking and / or substantially non-positive-locking and / or substantially materially integral manner.Due to loads occurring both on the conductor L 1 and on the connection body 100, and here primarily on the first and second guide walls 101 and 102 by the actuating element 400 as a result of an actuation during the mounting of the conductor L 1, the connection body 100 tends to deform at least in sections, primarily in the form of widening of the conductor receiving space 110 toward the mounting part 200 and a deformation of the first and second guide walls 101 and 102 associated therewith. Without the use of the stabilizing element 500, the connection body 100 would expand more or less in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the conductor connection direction X and substantially perpendicular to the actuation direction Y, above all when connecting conductors L 1 having comparatively large cross sections and associated large mounting forces in the form of compressive forces and / or bending forces.In order to prevent deformation of the connection body 100 or at least significantly or negligibly reduce it and thus to stabilize the connection body 100 in a substantially shape-retaining manner and thus to keep it substantially dimensionally stable, the receiving section 210 is configured for arranging the stabilizing element 500 on the mounting part 200, wherein the stabilizing element 500 interacts with the connection body 100 in the arrangement state, which is explained in more detail below.As can be seen from the overview of FIGS. 1 aand 1 b, the receiving section 210 merges substantially flush with a respective outer surface of the first and second guide walls 101 and 102 (see above all FIG. 1 b ). The respective outer surfaces of the first and second guide walls 101 and 102 are not marked in the figures for reasons of clarity.In the exemplary embodiment of the clamping device 1 illustrated, the receiving section 210 is configured for inserting or inserting the stabilizing element 500 substantially in the actuation direction Y. The receiving section 210 extends substantially in an active direction Z in the form of a channel or in the form of a groove. The active direction Z is substantially perpendicular to the conductor connection direction X and / or substantially perpendicular to the actuation direction Y. The receiving portion 210 is formed at a free end 201 of the mounting part 200. The receiving portion 210 is formed opposite to the support 300. The actuating element 400 is thus arranged between the receiving section 210 and the bearing device 300.FIG. 2 ashows the clamping device 1 from FIG. 1 awith the stabilization element 500 arranged in a front view (main view). FIG. 2 bshows the clamping device 1 from FIG. 2 ain a plan view and FIG. 2 cshows the clamping device 1 from FIG. 2 ain a side view.The stabilizing element 500 is arranged in and / or on the receiving portion 210 and forms a respective substantially positive connection with both the mounting part 200 and the guide walls 101 and 102 on their respective outer surfaces or outer surface portions.The stabilizing element 500 is of double-T-shaped or dumbbell-shaped design and comprises two opposite and spaced-apart holding sections 501 and 502. Each of the holding sections 501 and 502 is plate-shaped and dimensioned accordingly. A web 503 connects the two holding sections 501 and 502 to one another (see FIG. 2 b in this regard). The stabilizing element 500 is preferably integrally formed in one piece and is arranged to absorb a respective load, preferably respective compressive forces, of the guide walls 101 and 102 via the holding sections 501 and 502. The stabilizing element 500 is configured primarily to absorb a compressive load. In other words, the stabilizing element 500 is a holding element for the guide walls 101 and 102, which serves to substantially block and thus prevent a deformation, preferably a widening, of the connection body 100 as a result of the actuation of the actuating element 400. The stabilizing element 500 is preferably designed to be substantially mirror-symmetrical with respect to a plane.Thus, by way of example, the present invention can provide a clamping device 1 which, with a compact structural size, ensures easy handling and assembly and reliable connection of a conductor L 1 made of aluminum or made of an aluminum alloy having comparatively large cross sections.The connection body 100 of the clamping device 1 further comprises a mounting wall 105 with a mounting bore 106 for mounting, i.e. fastening, the clamping device 1, for example by means of a screw connection within a connection box.FIG. 3 ashows in a schematic and thus simplified representation a second embodiment of the clamping device 1 according to the present invention in a front view (main view). The clamping device 1 is identical to the clamping device 1 in FIGS. 1 ato 2 cand furthermore comprises a cover part 600 made of an insulating material for increasing the safety during the handling of the clamping device 1.The cover part 600 is disposed on the mounting part 200. The cover part 600 is mounted analogously to the mounting part 200 by means of the mounting device 300 such that it can be pivoted about the pivot axis A 300 and is held captive by the mounting device 300.The cover part 600 preferably covers at least one outer side of the mounting part 200 along its extension, and furthermore at least one section of the actuating element 400, so that the actuating section of the actuating element 400 in the form of the hexagonal socket profile remains still accessible to a tool. For this purpose, the cover part 600 comprises a pot with a through-opening, which is designed and / or arranged complementary to the actuating element 400.The cover part 600 can be configured to form at least one substantially positive connection and / or at least one substantially positive connection with the mounting part 200, for example in the form of a latching connection. The cover part 600 can be designed to hold the actuating element 400.The cover part 600 ensures in particular effective finger contact protection, by means of which the clamping device 1 is characterized.FIGS. 3 band 3 c show the clamping device 1 from FIG. 3 ain a plan view and in a side view, respectively.In order to further increase the safety of the clamping device 1, the electrically conductive connection body 100 itself can, for example, also be integrated in a housing made of insulating material or be sheathed by a housing made of insulating material.The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Rather, a large number of variants and modifications are possible, which likewise make use of the inventive concept and therefore fall within the scope of protection. Preferably, the present invention also claims protection for the subject matter and the features of the subclaims independently of the related claims.List of reference characters1 Clamping device 100 Terminal body 101 Guide wall 102 Guide wall 103 Base wall 104 Boundary wall 105 Mounting wall 106 Mounting bore 110 Conductor accommodation space 120 Conductor insertion opening 131 Rib, notch 132 Rib, notch 200 Mounting part 201 Free end 210 Accommodation portion 300 Support device 400 Operation member 401 Tool portion 500 Stabilizing member 501 Holding portion 502 Holding portion 503 Web 600 Lid part A 300 Pivot axis L Lead L 1 Conductor L 10 Conductor end portion X Conductor terminal direction Y Operation direction Z Operation directionReferences included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Patent Literature citedEP 2 345 107 B1

[0008] DE 10 2009 030 662 A1

[0009] DE 34 26 212 C2

[0009] DE 10 2018 126 458 B4

[0009]

Claims

Clamping device (1) for connecting at least one conductor (L1) of an electrical line (L), comprising: • a connection body (100) having a conductor receiving space (110) for arranging the at least one conductor (L1), preferably a conductor end portion (L10) of the at least one conductor (L1), in a conductor connection direction (X) in a connection state; • a mounting part (200) for mounting the at least one conductor (L1) to the connection body (100), wherein preferably the mounting part (200) is coupled to the connection body (100) by means of a mounting device (300) such that it can be pivoted about a pivot axis (A300); • at least one actuating element (400) for clamping the at least one conductor (L1) against the connection body (100) in an actuating direction (Y), wherein the at least one actuating element (400) is guided on the mounting part (200); wherein the mounting part (200) comprises at least one receiving section (210) for arranging a stabilizing element (500) in order, in an arrangement state of the stabilizing element (500), to stabilize the connection body (100) in a shape-retaining manner as a result of an actuation of the at least one actuating element (400) for connecting the at least one conductor (L10).Clamping device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the connection body (100) comprises a first guide wall (101) and a second guide wall (102) for forming the conductor receiving space (110), which are arranged opposite one another and / or spaced apart from one another, wherein the at least one receiving portion (210) merges flush into a respective outer surface of the first guide wall (101) and the second guide wall (102).Clamping device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one receiving portion (210) is configured for inserting or inserting the stabilizing element (500) in the actuation direction (Y); and / or wherein the at least one receiving portion (210) extends in an operating direction (Z) in the form of a channel or in the form of a groove, wherein the operating direction (Z) is perpendicular to the conductor connection direction (X) and / or perpendicular to the actuation direction (Y).Clamping device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one receiving section (210) is formed at a free end (201) of the mounting part (200).Clamping device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one receiving section (210) is formed opposite the mounting device (300) and the at least one actuating element (400) is arranged between the at least one receiving section (210) and the mounting device (300).The clamping device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the terminal body (100) extends in a U-shape in the conductor connection direction (X) as far as a boundary wall (104) for forming the conductor insertion opening (120) in the conductor connection direction (X) and / or in the actuation direction (Y), wherein preferably in the connection state the conductor insertion opening (120) is covered in the actuation direction (Y) by the mounting part (200).Clamping device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a stabilizing element (500) which is inserted in and / or on the at least one receiving portion (210) and is configured to block a deformation, preferably an expansion, of the connection body (100) as a result of the actuation of the at least one actuating element (400), preferably in an operating direction (Z), wherein the operating direction (Z) is perpendicular to the conductor connection direction (X) and / or perpendicular to the actuating direction (Y).Clamping device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the stabilizing element (500) forms with the connection body (100) at least one first releasable form-fitting connection and at least one second form-fitting connection; and / or wherein the stabilizing element (500) is formed and / or arranged to absorb a load, preferably in the effective direction (Z).Clamping device (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the stabilizing element (500) is formed in a double-T-shape, bow-shaped or dumbbell-shaped manner, wherein respective contact surfaces of the stabilizing element (500) are arranged opposite each other and / or spaced apart from each other for contacting respective outer surfaces of the connection body (100).Clamping device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 7 to 9, wherein the stabilizing element (500) is formed symmetrically to at least one plane.Clamping device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one actuating element (400) is integrally formed in one piece and comprises a tool portion (401), wherein the tool portion (401) is configured for the direct contacting, preferably for at least partial deformation, of the at least one conductor (L1) as a result of the actuation of the at least one actuating element (400).Clamping device (1) according to claim 11, wherein the tool portion (401) is formed as a tip and / or as at least one shaped edge, or comprises at least one such in each case.Clamping device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection body (100) comprises a base wall (103) for supporting the at least one conductor (L1) in the connection state, wherein the base wall (103) comprises at least one rib or notch (131), preferably at least one first rib or notch (131) and at least one second rib or notch (132), which each extends perpendicular to the conductor connection direction (X) between a first guide wall (101) and a second guide wall (102); and / or wherein in a cross-sectional view, preferably perpendicular to the conductor connection direction (X), the base wall (103) in the conductor receiving space (110) is characterized in sections by a V-shaped contact surface or in sections by a W-shaped contact surface for contacting the at least one conductor (L1).Clamping device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting part (200) and / or wherein the at least one actuating element (400) is covered in each case at least on an outer side with at least one layer or with a part made of an insulating material.Clamping device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting part (200) forms at least one form-fit and / or force-fit connection with the connection body (100) in a mounting state, preferably in the connection state.Clamping device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection body (100) and / or the mounting part (200) is each integrally formed from aluminium or from an aluminium alloy, preferably is each milled from a solid material or is produced by a casting process.

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