EP1513226B1 - Device for electrically connecting at least two isolated main conductors of a power supply cable, in particular cable tapping clamp - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a housing with housing parts (6, 7) that are connected by a connection screw (10) which is arranged between contact units. The contact units penetrate both isolation of main and branch conductors. Pressure plates (13, 16) are provided at the screw end to initiate screw pressure in the device. The plates have a rest unit concurrent with the housing parts, where the rest units are removably supported in an exit position.

Description

The invention relates to a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

Generic devices are known for example from DE 100 58 736 A1. In the known device, the branch conductor is first clamped in a contact body of the device and thereby also electrically contacted. Subsequently, during the positive joining of the housing halves of the device, cutting contact means of the contact body penetrate the insulation of the main conductor and establish an electrical connection to it. The connection of the contact body with the branch conductor and the connection of the contact body with the main conductor therefore takes place one after the other. In particular, first all branch conductors are connected to the respective contact body and then the housing halves are joined together, thereby producing the connection between the contact bodies with the respective associated main conductor.

From EP 1 139 496 A2 a connection terminal for overhead line cable is known with at least three terminal blocks and a clamping screw. The middle terminal block carries the contact element, which electrically contacts the two inserted between the middle terminal block and the one and the other outer terminal block when screwing in the clamping screw, thereby connecting with each other.

From GB 1 260 902 a generic device is known in which a contact elements supporting the separate terminal element between main and branch conductor is inserted so that when inserting the clamping screw, the contact elements penetrate the respective insulation and main and branch conductors electrically contact each other and connect. On the free ends of the branch conductors electrically insulating cover caps are placed in order to protect the one hand, the conductor material from corrosion and on the other hand to prevent the contact with live parts.

From EP 0 599 346 A2 a multi-phase branch terminal is known, in which a single through-bolt serves as an actuator and can be screwed through the clamping parts of a housing half into the other housing half. Between the through-bolt and the clamping parts driver predetermined torque capacity are provided and when tightening the through-bolt, the pairs of clamping members are first attracted by contacting the branch conductor and only then tightened the housing halves of the through-bolt while contacting the phase conductors against each other.

EP 1 089 380 A2 discloses a cable branch terminal with a first separating web, two bearing parts which are fixed or fixable at different ends of the first separating web, a pair of swiveling arms on each bearing part, a first and a second contact zone on the inside of the swiveling arms, each having a tooth to pinch a vein of a branch cable or a main cable when pivoting the pivot arm to the first divider and penetrate into the insulation and the conductor, an electrical connection between the first and second contact zone of each pivot arm, a second divider transversely to the first divider between four wires of the main cable can be introduced having a through hole, and a clamping device which passes through the through hole and acting on two plungers, each of which is clamped against the adjacent free ends of two pivot arms to pivot the pivot arms.

The invention is based on the problem to provide a generic device, which has even better properties. In particular, the assembly of the device should be further simplified and the safety during assembly should be further increased. The device is still intended to ensure a permanent and good electrical connection between the main conductor and the respective branch conductor. The dimensions of the cable branch terminal and thus the volume of potting compound to be introduced into a sleeve closing the cable branch terminal should be further minimized for economic and ecological reasons.

The problem is solved by the device defined in claim 1. Particular embodiments of the invention are defined in the subclaims.

Characterized in that the connecting screw between the two contact elements is arranged, in particular between transversely to the screw axis adjacent main or branch conductors, the screw can be particularly favorable introduced into the device, in particular evenly distributed to the contact elements or the main and branch conductors. According to the size ratios of each conductor to be contacted, the distribution of screwing can also be predetermined uneven, for example, by an eccentric arrangement of the connecting screw. In many applications, however, a centric arrangement of the connecting screw will be advantageous. It is particularly advantageous that upon insertion of the connecting screw, the contact element penetrates both the insulation of the main conductor and the insulation of the branch conductor. As a result, the assembly cost is reduced and increases the mounting security.

The power supply cable is preferably a multi-conductor cable, as is customary, for example, for domestic connection lines with a cross-sectional area of the main conductor of, for example, about 150 mm ² and of the branch conductor of, for example, about 50 mm ² . The main conductors and / or branch conductors may be single or multi-wire. A typical application of the device according to the invention is in a three- or four-phase (including earth) power supply cable with operating voltages less than 1000 V of the low-voltage power supply network.

The device according to the invention can also be used for cables laid underground. In this case, the device is closed after electrical connection to a sleeve and cast resin poured therein. The housing parts of the device according to the invention are preferably made of electrically insulating plastic, in particular a fiber-reinforced plastic, and it is preferably with the device mounted and closed connection between the main and branch conductors from the outside no live parts can be felt. Preferably, 5000 volt voltage stresses between old metal parts which are not connected do not result in insulation breakdown.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the contact element is displaceably arranged in the housing part from an initial position. As a result, in addition to the pure closing operation of the two housing parts, a relative movement between branch conductor, contact element and main conductor is possible. As a result, for example, also very different cross-sectional shapes and cross-sectional areas of the conductors can be reliably contacted.

Preferably, the contact element is fixed in the housing part by latching means in the starting position, for example, secured against falling out of the device and on the other hand also secured against falling into the device and especially against accidental penetration of the insulation of the main conductor.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the contact element is plate-shaped, and preferably formed as a stamped part. For some applications, it may be advantageous to form the contact element as, for example, U-shaped punched / bent part. The material used is preferably a high-strength copper alloy, for example a CuFe2P alloy which has a high electrical conductivity of, for example, more than 32 MS / m with good mechanical strength, preferably a Vickers hardness HV of more than 140. Typical material thicknesses are in the range between 0 , 5 and 5 mm, in particular about 1 to 2 mm. To improve the electrical contact properties and / or to avoid electrolytic corrosion, for example, in contact with aluminum conductors, the surface of the contact elements is provided with a preferably electrodeposited tin pad with a layer thickness of 3 to 20 microns, in particular about 5 microns.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the device has at least two contact elements per connection of a main conductor with an associated branch conductor. Preferably, the distance between the contact elements to each other in the longitudinal direction of the conductor to be contacted is selected to be as large as possible in order to switch the conductor to be contacted in parallel in the contact region and thus the total resistance of the arrangement to lower. In addition, in the case of stranded conductors, taking into account the twist of the cable conductor, it is ensured that different individual wires of the conductors are contacted by the axially spaced contact elements.

The shape of the cutting and contact means of the contact element, such as a tooth shape, is selected so that the associated conductors according to their nominal cross-section, their cable insulation, for example PVC, PE, any other plastic or paper wrap, their conductor material, such as copper or aluminum, their Ladder design, for example, round, sector-shaped or stranded, and their possible installation position in the terminal provides a permanent stable electrical contact in sector-shaped branch conductors. For this purpose, it is advantageous if a predefinable penetration depth of the cutting means in the conductor is achieved by the contact force occurring in order to cut through, for example, insulating surface layers, as they occur in particular as aluminum in the case of conductive material. On the other hand, the penetration depth must not be too large, so that individual cores of the conductors are not severed.

In many applications, due to the contact elements according to the invention over the prior art, a smaller number of contact points may be provided, whereby the closing force for the device when merging the two housing parts is reduced. Thereby, the mechanical construction of the apparatus can be made more efficient, the number of connecting bolts can be reduced, and the height of the required torque of the connecting bolt can be set lower. This is the result Assembly easier, safer and faster. At the same time the system costs for the installation of a sleeve are reduced.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the connecting screw to a predetermined Abreißdrehmoment on. In particular, the screw head preferably tears off after the breakaway torque has been exceeded. For many applications, it will be possible to equip the device with a single central connecting screw. If necessary, a plurality of connecting screws can be provided, in particular in the direction of the main conductor or branch conductor to be contacted, one behind the other and / or next to each other. According to a particular embodiment, the device is not screwed by the connecting screw contrary to the prior art to a positive connection, but up to a predetermined torque. This predefinable torque depends on the geometry of the contact elements, the insulating material of the main or branch conductor, the conductor cross-section, as well as the geometry of the housing parts. In particular, one and the same device can be used for different conductor cross-sections by the predeterminable Abreißdrehmoment.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, at least one housing part between the contact elements has a preferably sleeve-shaped separating element for receiving the connecting screw. The separating element itself may preferably consist of electrically insulating plastic, preferably formed in one piece from the housing half. The separating element also serves to separate the inserted in the device main conductor and can for this purpose, in particular not only circular in cross section, but for example be elliptical, thereby to correspond to the swirl of the power supply line and to allow the merging of the housing parts with less effort. In the separating element, an inner sleeve can be used with an internal thread, which is preferably elongated, to allow engagement of the connecting screw at a relatively large opening of the two housing parts.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the two housing parts are connected to each other by a pivot joint. In this case, the open position of the device can be releasably locked without tools by appropriate locking means. In this open position, the device can be placed for example on the freed from the jacket insulation and pre-spread power supply cable. Subsequently, the two housing parts can be transferred from the latched open position into a closed position. For this purpose, the two housing parts preferably have cooperating latching means, which are engageable with each other in the closed position. This makes it possible to place the device on the power supply cable without the contact elements of the device being in connection with the main conductor or the branch conductor. This pre-assembly can preferably be done without tools, in particular without screwing the connecting screw. For larger diameter power supply cables, pre-assembly may be accomplished using a suitable tool, such as pliers, with the housing parts having corresponding tool engagement surfaces. The solubility of this pre-assembly is preferably not possible without tools. In this pre-assembly position it is excluded that the insulation of the main conductor can be penetrated by metallic components of the cable branch terminal.

By means of the device according to the invention, working under tension is possible in particular, preferably even without personal protective equipment. For this, it is ensured that the live parts are always covered in a safe manner during each phase of the assembly. This also includes protection against direct contact due to incorrect handling of tools. There is no possibility of bridging live parts due to incorrect handling of a tool. A stripping of the branch conductor is not required, which is why when Absetzmaß for stripping the insulation no errors can occur that could lead to bare protruding wire ends after closing the device, which then lead stress.

In a particular embodiment, the device has a support wedge in a parting plane of the two housing parts, which forms a preferably elastically deformable abutment for the main conductor. As a result, the required contact force is permanently ensured even with thermal cycling.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the support wedge on a stop surface for a usable in the placement of the device on the power cable for spreading the main conductor expanding wedge. This ensures the exact positioning of the main conductors with respect to the device and in particular with respect to the contact elements.

In a particular embodiment, the device has on at least one end of the screw a pressure plate for introducing the screwing force into the device. As a result, the screwing force can be specified, in particular evenly introduced into the housing part and in particular the occurrence of bending forces in the plastic housing parts are reduced to an uncritical degree.

Fig. 1

zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht eines ersten Ausführungsbeispieles einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung,

Fig. 2

zeigt die Kabelabzweigklemme der Fig. 1 in einem früheren Stadium der Montage,

Fig. 3

zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Kontaktelements,

Fig. 4

zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht des Gehäuseteils,

Fig. 5

zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht der weiteren Druckplatte,

Fig. 6

zeigt eine Unteransicht der Druckplatte, und

Fig. 7

zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispieles.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description in which several embodiments are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may each be essential to the invention individually or in any desired combination.

Fig. 1

shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention,

Fig. 2

shows the cable branch terminal of Fig. 1 at an earlier stage of assembly,

Fig. 3

shows a perspective view of a contact element,

Fig. 4

shows a perspective view of the housing part,

Fig. 5

shows a perspective view of the further printing plate,

Fig. 6

shows a bottom view of the printing plate, and

Fig. 7

shows a perspective view of a second embodiment.

1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention for electrically connecting at least two insulated main conductors 2, 3 of a power supply cable, each having at least one insulated branch conductor 4, 5, wherein the main and branch conductors 2, 3, 4, 5 are shown only schematically, with a housing, the at least two connectable by a connecting screw 10 housing parts 6, 7th wherein, for each connection to be produced between a main conductor 2, 3 and the associated branch conductor 4, 5, at least one contact element 8, 9 is arranged in a housing part 6. The connecting screw 10 is arranged between the two contact elements 8, 9. When screwing the connecting screw 10, the contact element 8, 9 penetrates both the insulation of the main conductor 2, 3 and the insulation of the branch conductor 4, 5. The housing halves 6, 7 are preferably made as an injection molded part.

The illustrated embodiment can accommodate a total of four main conductors 2, 3, and connect each with a branch conductor 4, 5. The housing halves 6, 7 are made of a fiber-reinforced plastic. In the parting plane of the two housing halves 6, 7 a support wedge 11 is arranged to penetrate the usually soft, non-pressure-resistant insulation of the main conductors 2, 3, which consists for example of PVC. The object of the supporting wedge 11 is to obtain a mechanically pressure-resistant, electrically insulating and, if necessary, spring-force-supporting support on the metallic conductor, preferably by means of cutting edges 12 or tips, which penetrate the insulation of the main conductor 2, 3, and arranged between the tips or cutting edges 12 Interspaces that absorb the displaced insulation material.

The main conductors 2, 3 are clamped between the supporting wedge 11 and the contact elements 8, 9. The branch conductors 4, 5, which generally have a smaller cross-sectional area than the main conductor 2, 3, are clamped between the contact element 8, 9 and the pressure plate 13. The pressure plate 13 has on the branch conductor 4, 5 facing surface also according to the support wedge 11 cutting 14th or tips, which penetrate the insulation of the branch conductor 4, 5 and supported on the metallic conductor. By the pressure plate 13, the screwing force is introduced via the branch conductor 4, 5 in the clamping compound. The pressure plate 13 has an internal thread for receiving the connecting screw 10.

Near the screw head 15 of the connecting screw 10, a further pressure plate 16 is arranged, which is constructed substantially identical to the pressure plate 13. Basically, it would be possible, the pressure plates 13, 16 integrally formed, for example by a suitable ceramic, or a thermoset or thermoplastic high fiber addition of, for example, long glass fibers. In the illustrated embodiment, however, the pressure plates 13, 16 are made in two parts, in particular consisting of a thermoplastic plastic part 17, for example made of polyamide with a glass fiber content of 30%, and a reinforcing member 18, for example made of sheet steel or a coated non-ferrous metal, to initiate the screwing in the plastic part 17th

In the Armierungsteil the pressure plate 13 is a sleeve with internal thread for receiving the connecting screw 10 is pressed. In the Armierungsteil 18 of the further pressure plate 16, a support for the screw head 15 is incorporated. Preferably, the connecting screw 10 is connected to the plastic part 17 by a captive. The connecting screw 10 also has a tear-off torque, formed in the illustrated embodiment by a recess 19 near the screw head 15. There are other alternatives for realizing the Abreißdrehmomentes conceivable, for example, the provision of a plastic cap on the screw head 15 with an outside accessible tool engagement surface. After tearing off the screw head 15, the connecting screw 10 should in any case not be detachable again with the same tool.

Fig. 2 shows the cable branch terminal 1 of Fig. 1 in a relation to the position shown in FIG. 1 earlier stage of assembly. The two housing parts 6, 7 are connected to each other by means of a pivot joint 20. By pivoting the two housing parts 6, 7, the cable branch terminal 1 can be placed in the position shown in FIG. 2 on the power supply cable, wherein the support wedge 11 is inserted between the previously spread by a wedge 41 main conductor, wherein the wedge 41 substantially extends at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the main conductors 2, 2a, 3, 3a and / or at right angles to the longitudinal extent of the support wedge 11. The support wedge 11 preferably integrally forms a bearing surface 21, which is placed when placing the cable branch terminal 1 on the power cable in abutment with the inserted wedge 41, which is shown in broken lines in FIG. The position of the abutment surface 21 with respect to the support wedge 11 ensures the correct positioning of the main conductors 2, 3 with respect to the contact elements 8, 9 within the cable branch terminal 1.

In the illustrated starting position, the contact elements 8, 9 secured by preferably integrally formed by the housing part 7 locking means 22, 23 against falling out of the cable branch terminal 1, in the illustrated embodiment by a deflectable retaining finger which engages in a corresponding bore in the contact element 8, 9. In the subsequent final assembly by screwing the connecting screw 10, the locking effect of this locking means 22, 23 is repealed, for example by the stationary with respect to the housing part 6, 7 Arretierungsmittel 22, 23 due to the movement of the contact elements 8, 9 with respect to the housing part 6, 7 cancel.

For pre-assembly, the cable branch terminal 1 is closed from the position shown in FIG. 2 by closing the two housing parts 6, 7 around the main conductors 2, 2a, 3, 3a. For this purpose, the housing parts 6, 7 cooperate locking means 24, 25, which are engageable with each other. After closing and latching of the housing parts 6, 7 there is a setting process of the main conductors 2, 2a, 3, 3a, which form-fit to the housing parts 6, 7 create. Even when screwing the connecting bolt 10 for closing the cable branch terminal 1, there are setting operations between the strained main and branch conductors 2, 2a, 3, 3a, 4, 5 with the support wedge 11, the contact elements 8, 9 and the pressure plates 16, 17th The time required and the way for screwing the connecting screw 10 is preferably selected so that the setting operations to the positive engagement of all plastic parts involved depending on the geometry and the materials of the main and branch conductors 2, 2 a, 3, 3 a, 4, 5 completed is before the tightening torque for the electrically permanently secure contact is reached.

Optionally, the placement of the cable branch terminal 1 on the power supply cable by means of a percussion tool, for example by means of a hammer, are supported and the pivot joint 20 has for this purpose a striking surface 26. In addition, the pivot joint 20 with the housing parts 6, 7 cooperating abutment surfaces, is prevented by the opening beyond a maximum open position.

The supporting wedge 11 preferably has latching means interacting with the housing parts 6, 7, by means of which the open position of the cable branching terminal 1 shown in FIG. 2 can be releasably fixed. Preferably, the support wedge 11 is replaceable, in particular with respect to its dimensions to different cross-sectional areas of the main conductors 2, 3 adaptable.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a contact element 8, which is formed substantially trapezoidal as a stamped part of a suitably suitable copper alloy with sufficient conductivity and at the same time sufficient strength. The side surface with the smaller teeth 27 is assigned to the branch conductor 4, while the side surface with the larger teeth 28 is assigned to the main conductor 2. The tips of the teeth 27, 28 are each on a curved line 29, 30, which simulates, for example, the contour of the conductor to be contacted. Furthermore, the contact element 8 has a bore 31 for engagement of the locking means 22. In addition, the contact element 8 has a co-operating with the housing part 6 sliding surface 32 on which the contact element 8 in the housing part 6 is slidably displaceable.

4 shows a perspective view of the housing part 6. For each pair of main and branch conductors 2, 4 or 3, 5 to be joined together, a total of 4 receptacles 33 for contact elements 8, 9 are provided. In each receptacle 33, a nose 34 is integrally formed by the housing part 6, which engages between two teeth 28 of the contact element 8 and prevents the contact element 8 from falling in the direction of the main conductor 2, 3.

The securing of the position of the contact elements 8, 9 by means of the lugs 34 and / or the locking means 22, 23 (FIG. 2) is preferably not overcome by manual force and therefore also prevents accidental penetration of the insulation of the conductors, in particular of the main conductor under electrical tension 2, 3 during the placement of the branch conductors 4, 5. Preferably, at least one nose 34 is formed in each receptacle 33 on opposite sides, in order to prevent tilting or jamming of the contact element 8 in the receptacle 33. During final assembly by screwing in the connecting screw 10, the securing position is canceled, for example by breaking off the lugs 34th

The housing part 6 further integrally forms a cross-sectionally substantially elliptical or diamond-shaped separating element 35 for receiving the connecting screw 10 or the sleeves associated with the printing plates. The elliptical or diamond shape takes account of the twisting of the conductor network from one cable to another. In addition, this is the connecting screw 10 to the main and branch conductors 2, 3, 4, 5 additionally covered by insulating material. Furthermore, characterized have the mutually associated locking means 24, 25 of the housing parts 6, 7 sufficient movement play that they securely interlock with each other and form a stable positive engagement.

Each receptacle 33 forms a slide track 36, on which the sliding surface 32 of the contact element 8 can be brought into abutment. When mounting the cable branch terminal 1, the contact elements 8 move with their sliding surface 32 along the slide track 36. The angle between the longitudinal axis of the connecting screw 10 and the slide track 36 is preferably several degrees, for example between 2 and 25 °, preferably between 5 and 15 ° and in particular about 10 °. In addition, it can be visually checked by means of a gap visible from the outside, whether the contact elements 8, 9 were sufficiently lowered during assembly, ie, that they reliably established contact between the branch conductor 4, 5 and the main conductor 2, 3. By lowering the contact elements 8, 9 within the housing part 6, the contact safety is also ensured in the assembled state.

5 shows a perspective view of the further pressure plate 16 with the connecting screw 10 before the tearing of the screw head 15. In this case, an electrically insulating cover 37 is placed on the visible in Fig. 1 metallic armor 18, preferably made of a soft elastic deformable material. After tearing off the screw head 15 thus results in a relatively smooth surface without live parts, especially without touchable metallic parts.

The deformable insulating cover 37 of the further pressure plate 16, which may be provided correspondingly also for the pressure plate 13 closes after tearing off the screw head 15, the remaining opening in any case so that no metallic parts can be touched; for example, the degree of protection IP2 is achieved, i. safe from a finger touch. On the pressure plate 13, a possible screw projection is covered by the corresponding insulating cover.

Fig. 6 shows a bottom view of the pressure plate 13, the plastic part preferably integrally forms a pin with ellipsenförmigem base into which a metallic threaded sleeve 38 is pressed to Inclusion of the connecting screw 10. Also on the pressure plate 13, a preferably soft elastic deformable cover can be placed.

The elliptical base of the pressure plates 15, 16 fit positively in the recess of the separating element 35 of FIG. 4. The pressure plates 15, 16 can be enclosed loose in the delivery state of the cable branch terminal 1 and without confusion depending on the advantageous mounting position from above or from below into the housing parts 6, 7 are used. The elliptical shape facilitates the alignment of the parts to each other without visual contact with the underside of the cable branch terminal 1. When screwing the connecting screw 10 into the threaded sleeve 38, the parts center each other in the intended positive end position. Both the elliptical socket and the separator may be made of electrically insulating plastic to provide additional insulating barriers between the metal parts of the fitting and the cable conductors.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of a cable branch terminal 101 according to the invention. The pressure plate 113 and the further pressure plate 116 each preferably have integrally formed arcuate insertion aids 139 for the branch conductors. The radially limited by the housing parts 106, 107 together with the pressure plate 113, 116 insertion channels are axially limited by an integrally formed from the housing part 106, 107 wall 140. As a result, a contact of a live branch conductor 4, 5 is prevented in the assembled state of the cable branch terminal 101. At the same time, the distance of the receptacle 133 for the contact elements 8, 9 from the wall 140 chosen so large, for example, a few millimeters, in particular about 7 mm, so dimensional variations when cutting the branch conductors 4, 5 can be tolerated without the contact is impaired.

In the position shown in Fig. 7, the pressure plates 113, 116 with respect to the respective associated housing part 107, 106 in a Ausgangsspositon or open position, they occupy even in the position shown in FIG. 2, the cable branch terminal 1 can. This starting position can be releasably locked by cooperating locking means on the pressure plates 113, 116 and the housing parts 106, 107. The insertion channels bounded by the pressure plates 113, 116 and the housing parts 106, 107 are laterally open in this starting position, so that, for example, less rigid branch conductors 4, 5 can be inserted laterally into the insertion channels during assembly.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the housing parts have means for fixing the branching conductors 4, 5 introduced into the insertion channel, these being fixed but not contacted electrically. The means for fixing can be formed for example by commercially available cable ties, which are guided by integrally formed by the housing parts 6, 7 eyelets and form a loop for the passage of the branch conductor 4, 5, wherein the eyelets can also have the associated locking means. Preferably, an individual means for fixing is provided for each branch conductor 4, 5.

Claims (13)

1. Device for electrically connecting at least two insulated main conductors (2, 3) of a power supply cable to at least one insulated branch conductor (4, 5) in each case, in particular cable tapping clamp (1; 101), with a housing which comprises at least two housing parts (6, 7; 106, 107) which can be connected by a connecting screw (10), wherein at least one contact element (8, 9) is disposed in a housing part (6, 7; 106, 107) for each connection which is to be established between a main conductor (2, 3) and the associated branch conductor (4, 5), wherein the connecting screw (10) is disposed between the two contact elements (8, 9), and wherein the contact element (8, 9) penetrates both the insulation of the main conductor (2, 3) and the insulation of the branch conductor (4, 5) when the connecting screw (10) is screwed in, characterised in that the housing part (6, 7) comprises means for fixing, through which the branch conductor (4, 5) inserted in an associated insertion duct can be fixed in a pre-assembly position of the device.
2. Device according to Claim 1, characterised in that the contact element (8, 9) is disposed in the housing part (6, 7; 106, 107) such that it can be displaced from a starting position.
3. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the contact element (8, 9) is held in a releasable manner in a starting position in the housing part (6, 7) by a retaining means (22, 23, 34).
4. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the contact element (8, 9) is of a two-dimensional flat or bent shape, in particular plate-shaped.
5. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the device comprises at least two contact elements (8, 9) for each main/branch conductor connection.
6. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the connecting screw (10) has a predeterminable breakaway torque.
7. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that at least one housing part (6, 7; 106, 107) comprises between the contact elements (8, 9) a separating element (35) which separates adjacent main conductors (2, 3).
8. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the two housing parts (6, 7; 106, 107) are connected together by a swivel joint (20).
9. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the two housing parts (6, 7; 106, 107) comprise cooperating locking means (24, 25).
10. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the device comprises a support wedge (11) in the separating plane of the two housing parts.
11. Device according to Claim 10, characterised in that the support wedge comprises a stop face (21) for a spreading wedge (41) which can be used when mounting the device on the power supply cable to spread the main conductors (2, 3).
12. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the device comprises a pressure plate (13, 16; 113, 116) at least at one screw end for introducing the screwing force into the device.
13. Device according to Claim 12, characterised in that the pressure plate (13, 16; 113, 116) comprises locking means which co-operate with the housing part (6, 7; 106, 107) and through which the pressure plate (13, 16; 113, 116) can be held in a releasable manner in a starting position.

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