Patent Description:
Such clamps, base supports and clamping assemblies, for instance used for holding and/or fixing of at least one of wire bundles, at least one cable, at least one pipe and similar longitudinal structures, are known from the prior art. US patent application <CIT> discloses, for instance, a cable breakout support comprising a clamp for clamping to a trunking, and a clip for clipping to a cable breakout of a cable bundle supported in the trunking.

Mounting of such attachment devices, usually a common barbed interface with a secondary locking pin is used. They are normally installed by pushing the attachment device into a base mount until a primary locking feature, for instance comprising four hooks, engages with a corresponding counter locking features. Subsequently, a secondary action is necessary, during which the end-user pushes the secondary locking pin into position from the rear of the assembly for completing the installation of the attachment device. This secondary action ensures a secure primary and secondary lock.

Those solutions from the prior art yield some disadvantages. Firstly, the locking pin or securing element is a separate member which may get lost during installation of the attachment devices. Secondly, the secondary action is necessary to install the securing element to the attachment device, this step represents an additional step to be performed by the end-user. If this secondary action is omitted or forgotten, for instance if the process of installation is interrupted, prior art attachment devices are only locked by the primary lock without having said primary lock and the secondary lock secured by the securing element. Only by means of further inspection of the attachment device, may the end-user determine whether the primary and secondary lock are secured.

Additionally, certain environments may prevent installation of prior art attachment devices as handling space, required for insertion of the securing element, may be limited in such a way that inserting the securing member from the rear of the assembly is very difficult or not possible at all.

Further clamping assemblies of the art are disclosed in document <CIT> that discloses a cable breakout support, comprising a clamp for clamping to a trunking, a clip socket and a clip for clipping to a cable. The clip is mounted along a first direction into the clip socket of the clamp. Subsequently, a clip lock, i.e. a securing pin, is inserted along a second direction into the clip socket of the clamp, the second direction being opposite the first direction.

<CIT> discloses a holder assembly for calbles and the like with determinable rotational position. A base member receives a spring arm section of a carrier member, which spring arm section engages a circumferential notch of the base member. Subsequently a securing pin is inserted into the carrier member and the base member, which securing pin prevents disengagement of the spring arms with the notch.

<CIT> discloses a clamp holder, wherein the clamp is received in a base receptacle. The clamp comprises a socket section with a circumferential protrusion, which protrusion engages in a frictional fit with the inside of the base receptacle.

<CIT> discloses a cable breakout support <NUM> comprises a clamp <NUM> for clamping to a trunking <NUM> and a clip <NUM> for clipping to a cable <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> breaking out of a cable bundle <NUM>, <NUM> supported in the trunking.

The invention solves the problems by providing a clamp according to claim <NUM>. This clamp comprises a clamping section which is adapted to clampingly receive at least one longitudinal structure, such as a wire bundle, at least one cable or at least one pipe, further comprising a socket section which is adapted to be mounted to a base support. The clamp further comprising latching arms and the socket section comprising at least one securing element which is movable from a pre-lock position to a securing position and comprises indentations and a blocking section; and locking arms. The securing element is mounted to an end of the socket section which end is located opposite to the clamping section in the pre-lock position prior to and during the mounting of the clamp to the base support, and wherein the securing element is latched to the socket section both in the pre-lock position and in the securing position, wherein the latching arms are adapted to hold the securing element in the pre-lock position by a latching of the latching arms to the indentations of the securing element, and wherein the securing element is adapted to block a resilient movement of the locking arms by inserting the blocking section of the securing element in between the locking arms.

The inventive base support according to claim <NUM> solves the disadvantages above by comprising a support section for mounting the base support to a holding structure such as a wall, a machine or similar fundamental structures, a socket receptacle for receiving a socket section of a clamp, the base support further comprising a trigger member, which extends into the socket receptacle receptacle wherein the trigger member comprises a beam extending into the receptacle and is supported by at least one spring member, wherein the beam is arranged as a centered straight section passing the socket receptacle and oriented perpendicular to a central axis and a counter locking element, which is embodied as an at least partially circumferential edge for engagement with the socket section of the clamp.

The inventive clamping assembly according to claim <NUM> solves the disadvantages above, by comprising a clamp according to claim <NUM>, and a base support according to claim <NUM>. , wherein the socket receptacle extends substantially along an insertion direction, and wherein the socket receptacle is adapted to receive the socket section of the clamp and to engage with the locking arms, wherein in the securing position, the at least one securing element is adapted to secure the engagement of the at least one of the locking arms and the socket receptacle, and wherein the securing element is latched to the socket section both in the pre-lock position and in the securing position, wherein the locking arms are adapted to block the at least one securing element from being moved from the pre-lock to the securing position prior to completion of engagement of the locking arms and the base support wherein the trigger member is resiliently deflected by the securing element by exerting a pushing force onto the trigger member, and wherein the trigger member automatically moves the at least one securing element from the pre-lock position to the securing position when the at least one locking element and the base support are engaged.

These solutions provide a facilitated installation of an attachment device as the secondary action of installing the securing element is performed automatically when the primary lock is engaged. Therefore, one aspect of the inventive clamp, base support and clamping assembly is to provide an easier and faster installation procedure.

Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a securing element which is not easily lost and which may not be omitted or forgotten during mounting of the attachment device.

Furthermore, another aspect of the invention is to provide a clamp, a base support and a clamping assembly applicable under spatial conditions which do not allow the end-user to perform the secondary action of inserting the securing element into the attachment device.

In the following, further embodiments are given that are advantageous on their own. The solutions represented by this embodiment of the invention can be combined as desired.

Locating the securing element in the end of the socket section, which is located opposite to the clamping section, is advantageous as said socket section is the first part inserted into a base support. Therefore, only a moderate insertion distance of the socket section into the base support is necessary, allowing for a compact design of the clamp.

The securing element is latched to the clamp. By mounting the securing element by such a positive locking, the securing element remains replaceable/exchangeable, without the danger of unintentionally losing the securing element. The securing element may be snapped or latched to the clamp, whereas the securing element may be regarded as part of the clamp and also during a fast and/or hasty mounting of the clamp within a limited time, the securing element may not be forgotten during installation. The securing element is latched to the socket section of the clamp.

The securing element is latched in both the pre-lock position and in the securing position. The securing element may also be snapped to the clamp, in particular to the socket section of the clamp. Such determined/fixed positions of the positive lock between the clamp and the securing element may define the pre-lock position and the securing position, and furthermore keeping the securing element in place, once one of said two positions is reached. The two determined positions of the securing element therefore represent another securing feature, as the securing element may not be easily moved out of the pre-lock position or the securing position, for instance, by shaking loose.

In a first advantageous embodiment of the inventive base support, the trigger member comprises a spring member, which spring member is adapted to be loaded if the trigger member is moved away from an insertion opening of the socket receptacle.

The spring member may be a separate spring member attached to the base support and extending into the socket receptacle. The resilient movement of the trigger member may be a linear movement, a tilting movement or a rotational movement.

The trigger member may be elastically deflectable away from the insertion opening. Such an elastic beam has the advantage that no conventional spring, for instance a circular spring, is necessary to provide the resilient movement away from the insertion opening. The elastic beam, however, may be additionally supported by a conventional spring.

The elastic beam may comprise solely one single beam or may comprise a plurality of sub-beams which may, at least in sections, provide the resilient movement. The beam may be resilient over its whole length or may be only resilient in the section extending into or being located adjacent to the socket receptacle.

It is advantageous if in another embodiment of the inventive base support, the socket receptacle is cylindrical and extends substantially along an insertion direction and a beam is comprised, which crosses the socket receptacle substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction, wherein the beam is fixed at one or both of its ends to the base support.

A structure having a length larger than its height and larger than its width is to be understood as beam.

Such an embodied beam allows to be deflected by means of a force exerted substantially perpendicular to the beam. Thus, the force may directly deflect the beam without contributions of the force acting along the beam.

The beam may comprise a polymer and/or a glass insert. With such a glass insert the beam may be embodied with a thinner connection part between the beam and the base support. Basically the material of the beam defines its form. The resilience of the beam may be achieved by means of the beam material, by means of the beam geometry or by a combination of both.

The beam may comprise a freestanding end, which is not connected to the base support, whereas the end distal to the free standing end is attached to the base support. The attachment to the base support may be realized by an attachment member.

Both ends of the beam may be attached to the base support, whereas also in this embodiment the ends of the beam may be attached to the base support using appropriate attachment members.

A cylindrical socket receptacle is easily produced, for instance by injection molding, and may provide a rotational symmetry allowing for the insertion of a socket of a clamp in different rotational orientations of the clamp. A pre-alignment of the clamp and its socket section by the end-user is therefore not necessary.

A cylindrical socket receptacle is furthermore advantageous, as the corresponding locking member of the clamp's socket section, for instance comprising four hooks, may also be arranged with rotational symmetry and may be easily produced as well.

The socket receptacle may comprise different receptacle sections, in which different internal diameters may be present. It is conceivable that an entrance section of the socket receptacle yields an internal diameter larger than the outer diameter of the clamp's socket section, allowing for an easy insertion of the socket section into the socket receptacle.

Furthermore, the entrance section of the socket receptacle may comprise corresponding indentations and protrusions for determining the rotational position of the clamp with respect to the base support. Adjacent to the entrance section of the socket receptacle, a locking barrel section may be located, yielding an internal diameter which may be essentially the same or approximately up to a <NUM> %, this value being exemplary and not limiting, smaller diameter as the outer diameter of the clamp's socket section, in which no hooks are comprised. The outer diameter of the clamp's socket section, in which the hooks are comprised, may be larger than the internal diameter of the locking barrel section.

In such an embodiment the rotationally, nearly symmetrically embodied locking members of the clamp's socket may be deflected by abutment of the locking members to the inside wall of the locking barrel section of the base mount.

Furthermore, the socket receptacle may comprise a third section, in which the trigger member is preferably located. However, the trigger member may also be located in the locking barrel section.

The transition from the locking barrel section to a third section of the base support may comprise a counter locking element which is complementary to the locking member or locking members of the clamp. The counter locking element may be embodied as a circumferential edge, behind which the locking element or elements of the clamp, more precisely in an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, the barbed hooks may be engaged. The cross-section of all three sections of the socket receptacle may be similar, just differing in their internal diameter, or different to each other.

In another advantageous embodiment of the inventive base support, the trigger member is symmetrical to the insertion direction and/or is substantially S-shaped. A symmetrically embodied trigger member has the clear advantage of an even balanced force exerted to the securing member.

The deflection of the trigger member depends on the used material as well as on the geometry of the trigger member. If the cross-section of the trigger member is fixed, deflecting a trigger member is possible with a predetermined deflection distance per trigger member length unit. Changing the geometry, that is the cross-section of the trigger member allows for variation of the deflection distance per trigger member length unit, whereas this change may be introduced at the expense of the resilience force and/or the damage resistance of the trigger member. Therefore, while remaining the resilience force and/or the damage resistance of the trigger member, the deflection length may be increased by means of an increased trigger member length.

In order to avoid dimensions that are too large for the base support, such a trigger member may be embodied in a shaped form partially exceeding or winding around the base support.

It is conceivable, that a larger fraction of the trigger member is located outside the socket receptacle, whereas not only an S-shape is conceivable, but also exemplarily and not limiting, a vortex or spiral shape.

It is advantageous if one embodiment of the base support comprises a trigger member which is integrally molded with the base support. That is, the trigger member is attached monolithically to the base support. Such a trigger member facilitates the production of the base support, as no additional steps for producing and/or attaching the trigger member to the base support are necessary.

Furthermore, such a trigger member is undetachable and may not get lost during assembly. An integrally molded trigger member reduces costs and production time for a base support and is thus economic. Furthermore, installation of the trigger member to the base support in an additional assembly step is not necessary.

The support section of the base support may be adapted according to the field of application. A base support adapted to be mounted to trunks may comprise trunk fittings for clamping to the edges of the trunk, a base support adapted to be mounted to a wall may comprise appropriate means for attaching the base support to said wall. Attachment to a wall may, for instance, be performed by a hook and an eye or by a latching member adapted to be latched into a complementary recess located at respectively in the wall.

Attaching the base support to a machine may, for example, be performed by a threaded bar for screwing the base support to the machine or by an internal screw thread for receiving a screw.

It is furthermore possible, that the support section of the base support is embodied as a clamp for fixing the base support to an edge or to a pipe or a similar longitudinal structure which is fixed, for instance, at a wall or between the ceiling and the floor. Different other embodiments of the support section are conceivable, as for instance a flat, ribbon-like support section adapted for being clamped by a fixed clamping structure.

In another advantageous embodiment of the inventive base support, the support section is plate-like and has a mounting plane. Such a plate-like base support allows to securely attach the base support and the clamp to be inserted and held in the socket receptacle to a wall to a machine or to a similar fundamental structure. Furthermore a plate-like support section allows for fixing the base support at at least two spots, therefore preventing unnecessarily high shear forces exerted on one single fixation point of the support section.

Such a plate-like support may furthermore be mounted to a holding structure by means of gluing with conventional liquid glue and/or double-sided scotch tape. Those means are just exemplary and not limiting the invention.

The plate-like support may comprise one or more through holes adapted to receive a fixation member, as for instance a screw or a bolt.

The plate-like support may be adapted to correspond to a mounting plane of, for instance the wall, therefore transferring a reference orientation of the structure the base support is attached to, to a part of the base support.

In another advantageous embodiment of the inventive base support the socket receptacle is tilted such that its insertion direction is oriented at an angle of at least substantially <NUM>° or <NUM>° or <NUM>° or <NUM>° or <NUM>° to the mounting plane. A predetermined angle of the socket receptacle may be useful if certain bending angles of cables have to be respected, that is the cable or the like may not be bent more than a limiting angle. Such a limited bending angle need for instance to be respected when working with optical fibers.

The insertion direction of the socket receptacle may be tilted at basically any angle between <NUM>° and <NUM>° to the mounting plane. Furthermore it is conceivable, that this tilting angle is not fixed to one value, but is variable before/during mounting of the base support.

It is even possible that during operation of the base support, the angle between the insertion direction and the mounting plane is variable by means of a rotational force exerted on to the socket receptacle by the clampingly received longitudinal structure as for instance wire bundles. Such a support may represent a predetermined pivot point for the longitudinal structure held.

The securing element of the inventive clamping assembly may be comprised in the clamp but may also be comprised in the base support. The trigger member may be comprised in the same element that is in the clamp or in the base support, as the securing element but may also be comprised in the complementary element.

The resilient movement of the trigger member away from the securing element is actually initiated by the securing element itself. That is, the securing element exerts a pushing force onto the trigger member, therefore deflecting the trigger member.

The entrance section of the socket of the clamp's socket section as well as the socket receptacle of the base support may comprise circumferentially arranged indentations and protrusions for adjustment of the rotational position of the clamp with respect to the base support.

It is conceivable that the socket receptacle, the socket, the securing element and the trigger member are separate elements, which may be modularly and arbitrarily combined to each other, as to achieve any possible combination of clamps and base support possible.

Furthermore it is possible that a clamp and/or a support comprise connection means, that is a socket receptacle or a socket, on two sides of the clamp or the base support. With such an embodiment several clamps may be attached to each other in a row.

In a first advantageous embodiment of the inventive clamp assembly, the at least one securing element is blocked from being moved from the pre-lock to the securing position by the at least one locking element prior to completion of engagement of the at least one locking element and the base support.

The engagement of the at least one locking element may occur in particular with the socket receptacle.

In another advantageous embodiment of the inventive clamping assembly, the clamp and/or the base support comprise at least one recess adapted for insertion of an appropriate release member or release tool to move the securing member from its securing position to its pre-lock position.

Such a recess may be adapted to receive a standard screw driver tip but may as well be adapted to receive an especially designed tip of the release member. Especially the latter solution allows securing the clamp assembly against an unauthorized dismounting.

The recess may be adapted such that an inserted release member or release tool may be abutted against an edge of the recess in order to introduce a pivot point for an easy movement of the securing member.

The release tool may firstly be adapted to the securing member from the securing position into the pre-lock position and secondly hold the securing member in the pre-lock position without the need of the end-user to constantly hold the release tool.

In the following the invention will be described in more detail by way of example hereinafter using advantageous embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. The individual features of the described embodiments may be implemented independently of each other or may be omitted if the technical effect of the omitted feature is not relevant. Equal technical features and technical features with similar function or technical effect illustrated in the drawings are provided with equal reference signs. Redundant parts of the description related to equal elements illustrated in different drawings are left out.

In <FIG> a first embodiment of the inventive base support <NUM> is shown in a front view (a) a side view (c) and a top view (c).

The base support <NUM> comprises a support section <NUM> and a socket receiving section <NUM> comprising a socket receptacle <NUM>. The support section <NUM> of the embodiment shown in <FIG> is a support plate <NUM>. The support plate <NUM> defines a mounting plane <NUM>, which is indicated by the area spanned by an x-axis and a y-axis shown in <FIG> and indicated by a hatching. The socket plate <NUM> comprises two holes <NUM> representing two fixation means <NUM> adapted to fix the base support <NUM> to a holding structure such as a wall, a machine or similar fundamental structures (not shown).

The fixation means <NUM> are adapted to receive an appropriate fixation member (not shown), which may be one of a screw, a bolt, a nail, a pin, a rivet or a similar fixation means <NUM>.

The support plate <NUM> has a shape similar to an ellipse, wherein any other shape of the support plate <NUM> may be possible, for instance a circular shaped support plate <NUM>.

The number of holes <NUM> present in this embodiment of the base support <NUM> is exemplary as well and different embodiments may comprise less or more holes <NUM>.

The socket receiving section <NUM> comprises an entrance section <NUM>, a locking barrel section <NUM> and a trigger section <NUM>. Said three sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are shown in <FIG> and will be described in more detail in <FIG>.

The socket receptacle <NUM> is at least partially encircled by a receptacle wall <NUM> which is cylindrical in the trigger section <NUM> and cone shaped in the entrance section <NUM> and the locking barrel section <NUM>.

Section <NUM> comprises circumferentially arranged indentations <NUM> and protrusions <NUM>, which are arranged around the inside of the receptacle wall <NUM> at the inside of the socket receptacle <NUM> in the entrance section <NUM>. The functionality of these protrusions and indentations <NUM>, <NUM> will be explained with reference to <FIG>.

The receptacle wall <NUM> of the shown embodiment has two recesses <NUM>, which are located on opposite sides of the cylindrical receptacle wall <NUM>. The recesses <NUM> extend along the z-direction.

A trigger member <NUM> comprises a spring member <NUM>, which spring member <NUM> comprises a beam <NUM>. The trigger member <NUM> is monolithically connected to the base support <NUM> at a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>, whereas the labeling first and second are interchangeable.

As shown in <FIG>, the trigger member <NUM> comprises two bent sections <NUM>, which are arranged symmetrically to a central axis <NUM>. The insertion direction <NUM> is parallel to this central axis <NUM>.

Between the two bent sections <NUM> of the trigger member <NUM>, a straight section <NUM> passes through the two recesses <NUM> in the receptacle wall <NUM>. The two bent sections <NUM> represent the resilient part of the trigger member <NUM>, whereas the straight section <NUM> represents the beam <NUM>. The straight section <NUM> passes the socket receptacle <NUM>, centered, and is oriented substantially perpendicular to the central axis <NUM>.

The width <NUM> of the straight section <NUM> is larger than the width <NUM> of the bent section <NUM>, therefore resulting in a higher flexibility along the z-direction in the bent section <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the height <NUM> of the trigger member <NUM> (see <FIG>) is constant along the whole trigger member <NUM>.

As can be seen from <FIG>, the trigger member <NUM> does not extend above the support plate <NUM>, which is indicated by the dotted line <NUM>. If such a sized support plate <NUM> is chosen, the base support <NUM> may be installed in the vicinity of a wall or similar structure, extending substantially parallel to the central axis <NUM>, without a possible blocking of the movement of the trigger member along or opposite to the z-direction.

In the <FIG> the inventive base support <NUM> is shown in two different perspective views. Especially in <FIG> the indentations <NUM> and protrusions <NUM> located inside the socket receptacle <NUM> can be clearly seen. For reasons of clarity only four indentations and protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> are labeled in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows the bottom <NUM> of the base support <NUM>, revealing that the socket receptacle <NUM> is not limited at the support plate <NUM>, but open in the insertion direction <NUM>.

Furthermore, the Figures show that the trigger member <NUM> is fixed to the receptacle wall <NUM> solely at the first and second end <NUM>, <NUM> of the trigger member, wherein only the first end <NUM> is visible in <FIG>.

In <FIG>, a counter locking member <NUM> is visible. In the embodiment shown, the counter locking member <NUM> is a circumferential edge <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a second embodiment of the inventive base support <NUM>, wherein the shown embodiment essentially distinguishes from the first embodiment of the base support <NUM> by the length <NUM> of the socket receiving section <NUM>.

Such an embodiment is advantageous if a support structure for fixing the support plate <NUM> is recessed and an elongation of the clamp (not shown) is not possible.

<FIG> shows a third embodiment of the inventive base support <NUM>. In this embodiment, the socket receptacle <NUM> shows an orientation, in which the central axis <NUM> of the socket receptacle <NUM> is oriented substantially parallel to the mounting plane <NUM>, which is, similarly to <FIG>, indicated by the area spanned by the x-axis and the y-axis and provided with a hatching.

Also in this third embodiment, the socket receiving section <NUM> does not extend over the support plate <NUM>. The indentations <NUM> and protrusions <NUM> located at the outer diameter of the entrance section <NUM> merge into two support arms <NUM>, monolithically connecting the socket receiving section <NUM> with the support plate <NUM>.

As the socket receiving section <NUM> and especially the trigger member <NUM> is freestanding, a free space <NUM> is located in between two split parts of the support plate <NUM>, which are not directly connected to each other. This space may be connected however, when it is advantageous to provide a surface for gluing the part to a structure.

As described above, the orientation of the socket receptacle <NUM> may be set to any angle between <NUM>° and <NUM>° to the mounting plane. The angle may be fixed or variable during operation of the base support <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the clamping assembly <NUM> comprising the base support <NUM> and a clamp <NUM>. The clamp comprises a clamping section <NUM>, a socket section <NUM> and a securing element <NUM>.

The clamping section <NUM> is embodied as a C-clip <NUM> with a clamping receptacle <NUM> and a receptacle opening <NUM>. At the receptacle opening <NUM>, the C-clip <NUM> comprises two straight latches <NUM> comprising through holes <NUM> adapted to receive tightening means (not shown) such as for instance a cable tie or similar tightening means.

In the section of the socket section which lies adjacent to the clamping section, also the clamp <NUM> comprises indentations <NUM> and protrusions <NUM>. The indentations and protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> of the clamp <NUM> are complementary to those of the base support <NUM>, the latter indentations and protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> are not shown in <FIG> (see <FIG>).

In the embodiment shown, the receptacle opening <NUM> opens in a direction that extends basically parallel to the extension of the securing member <NUM>.

In the socket section <NUM>, the clamp <NUM> furthermore comprises four locking elements <NUM> which are embodied as locking arms <NUM>. The locking arms <NUM> are arranged circumferentially around a portion of the securing element <NUM>, whereas the tips <NUM> of lock beaks <NUM> are located slightly further into the z-direction as a circumferential abutment edge <NUM> of the securing element <NUM>. The securing element <NUM> is mounted to the end of the socket section <NUM> which end is located opposite to the clamping section <NUM>.

The securing element <NUM> is actually latched to the clamp <NUM>, which, however, is not visible in <FIG> (see <FIG>).

<FIG> shows the different steps of mounting a clamp <NUM> to a base support <NUM> to obtain the clamping assembly <NUM>. The figures are shown in a cut along the central axis which is not shown in the figures.

<FIG> shows the clamping assembly <NUM> in the non-assembled state <NUM>, in which the socket section <NUM> of the clamp <NUM> is oriented towards and brought into the vicinity of the socket receptacle <NUM> of the base support <NUM>.

The trigger member <NUM> is cut in both bent sections <NUM> and in the straight section <NUM>, wherein the trigger member <NUM> is in an unloaded state <NUM>.

In the cut, it is visible, that the securing element <NUM> extends into a space between the locking arms <NUM> of the clamp <NUM> and that the securing element <NUM> is latched to the clamp <NUM>, preferentially in the socket section <NUM>, by means of two latching arms <NUM> of the clamp <NUM> comprising protrusions <NUM>, which latch into indentations <NUM> of the securing element <NUM>.

The shown embodiment of the securing element <NUM> comprises four indentations <NUM>, whereas in <FIG>, only two indentations <NUM> are indicated by reference signs for reasons of visibility.

The latching of the latching arms <NUM> to the indentations <NUM> of the securing element <NUM> holds the securing element in the pre-lock position <NUM>. In this pre-lock position <NUM>, the tips <NUM> of the locking arms <NUM> are located in the vicinity of the circumferential abutment edge <NUM> of the securing element <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the clamping assembly <NUM> in a pre-assembled state <NUM>. In this pre-assembled state <NUM>, the socket section <NUM> is completely received in the socket receptacle <NUM> (not shown for reasons of visibility, see <FIG>).

In the entrance section <NUM> of the base support <NUM>, the indentations and protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> of the clamp <NUM> and the base support <NUM> are engaged in a positive fit similar to a gearing, thus defining and fixing an orientation of a longitudinal structure direction <NUM>, which is pointing into the drawing claim in <FIG> with respect to the base support <NUM>.

<FIG> furthermore shows that the internal diameter <NUM> of the locking barrel section <NUM> is smaller than the external diameter <NUM> of the locking arms <NUM>. Therefore, for reaching the pre-assembled state <NUM>, the abutment of the lock beaks <NUM> with the inner wall <NUM> of the locking barrel section <NUM> deflects the locking arms <NUM> until the lock beaks <NUM> engage in a first lock with the counter locking member <NUM> of the base support <NUM>.

The counter locking member <NUM> of the base support <NUM> is embodied as an at least partially circumferential edge <NUM>, which engages with the lock beaks <NUM>. When engagement of said circumferential edge <NUM> with the lock beaks <NUM> is completed, the locking arms <NUM> return to their relaxed position.

Only after completion of the engagement between the circumferential edge <NUM> with the lock beaks <NUM>, the internal diameter <NUM> of the locking arms <NUM> is enlarged due to the locking arms <NUM> deflecting back in their relaxed position.

The resulting internal diameter <NUM> of the locking arms <NUM> corresponds to be external diameter <NUM> of the blocking section <NUM> of the securing member <NUM>. The blocking section <NUM> is only shown in <FIG> for reasons of visibility.

Prior to completion of the engagement between the circumferential edge <NUM> with the lock beaks <NUM> the tips <NUM> of the locking arms <NUM> abut the abutment edge <NUM> of the securing element <NUM> such that a movement of socket section <NUM> into the socket receptacle <NUM> results in a movement of the securing element <NUM> in the same direction.

As long as the engagement between the circumferential edge <NUM> with the lock beaks <NUM> is not completed, the securing element is pushed along a direction opposite to the z-direction and as it abuts the beam <NUM>, it pushes said beam <NUM> downwards, loading the spring member <NUM>.

Loading the spring member <NUM> corresponds to a bending of the bent sections 45in a direction opposite to the z-direction. To make this bending clear, circle <NUM> illustrates a non-cut view of the clamping assembly <NUM> in the pre-assembled state <NUM>, showing that the bent sections <NUM> are bent and loaded in the direction opposite the z-direction.

After completion of the engagement between the circumferential edge <NUM> with the lock beaks <NUM>, the loaded spring member <NUM> pushes the securing element <NUM> along the z-direction, such that the locking section <NUM> is inserted in between the locking arms <NUM>.

This assembled state <NUM> of the clamping assembly <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. In this assembled state <NUM>, the resilient movement of the locking arms <NUM> is blocked by the securing element <NUM> as its blocking section <NUM> is inserted in between the locking arms <NUM>. The spring member <NUM>, which pushes the securing element in the z-direction for inserting the blocking section <NUM> in between the locking arms <NUM> returns to its unloaded state <NUM>. The securing element <NUM> is in a securing position <NUM>.

Furthermore, <FIG> show that the latching arms <NUM> are engaged in a positive lock with indentations <NUM> of the securing element <NUM> such that the securing element <NUM> is held in its pre-lock position <NUM> (<FIG> and(b)) and in its securing position <NUM> (<FIG>).

Claim 1:
Clamp (<NUM>) comprising a clamping section (<NUM>) which is adapted to clampingly receive at least one longitudinal structure, such as a wire bundle, at least one cable or at least one pipe, further comprising a socket section (<NUM>) which is adapted to be mounted to a base support (<NUM>),
the clamp (<NUM>) further comprising latching arms (<NUM>),
the socket section (<NUM>) comprising:
at least one securing element (<NUM>) which is movable from a pre-lock position (<NUM>) to a securing position (<NUM>) and comprises indentations (<NUM>) and a blocking section (<NUM>), and
locking arms (<NUM>),
wherein the securing element (<NUM>) is mounted to an end of the socket section (<NUM>) which end is located opposite to the clamping section (<NUM>) in the pre-lock position (<NUM>) prior to and during the mounting of the clamp (<NUM>) to the base support (<NUM>), and wherein the securing element (<NUM>) is latched to the socket section (<NUM>) both in the pre-lock position (<NUM>) and in the securing position (<NUM>),
wherein the latching arms (<NUM>) are adapted to hold the securing element (<NUM>) in the pre-lock position (<NUM>) by a latching of the latching arms (<NUM>) to the indentations (<NUM>) of the securing element (<NUM>), and
wherein the securing element (<NUM>) is adapted to block a resilient movement of the locking arms (<NUM>) by inserting the blocking section (<NUM>) of the securing element (<NUM>) in between the locking arms (<NUM>).