Clamping device and associated laser welding apparatus

A clamping apparatus for clamping at least two shaped parts which are welded along a welding contour by irradiation with a laser beam, comprising:

• a first clamping plate used as a holder for a first shaped part,
• a second clamping plate which is designed to apply a clamping force to the first shaped part and a second shaped part arranged thereon,
• an outer clamping jaw comprising a recess and an inner clamping jaw arranged in the recess, which together form the second clamping plate,
• a passage gap for the laser beam formed in sections between the outer clamping jaw and the inner clamping jaw,
• one or more fastening elements which connect the outer clamping jaw with the inner clamping jaw in sections and which bridge the passage gap,
• wherein the clamping apparatus comprises, in a region of the fastening element, a mirror element which is arranged such that the laser beam is reflected onto a section of the welding contour concealed by the fastening element.