Clamping device

Abstract

1. A clamping device comprising: a body defining opposing holes for allowing an elongated article to extend through the body, the body defining a space between the holes; a clamping member for clamping the elongated article; and an insertion mechanism or overmolded part received within the space, the insertion mechanism or overmolded part comprising a holder defining a passageway along which the elongated article may extend, the holder including a clamping structure, the clamping member configured to clamp the elongated article against the clamping structure in use.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a clamping device. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to a clamping device for clamping elongated articles. [Background Art]

[0002] To ensure that cable clamping devices meet fire safety requirements, many are provided with a body formed from a suitable fire-resistant material such as stainless steel, but this can be expensive. Wedges are often used to clamp cables. Due to the clamping force between the wedge and the device body, it can sometimes be difficult to release the wedge. [Summary of the Invention]

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a clamping device, the clamping device comprising: a body defining opposing openings for allowing an elongated article to extend through the body, the body defining a space between the openings; a clamping member for clamping the elongated article; and an insertion mechanism receivable in the space, the insertion mechanism comprising a holder defining a passage along which the elongated article can extend, the holder including a clamping structure, and the clamping member clamps the elongated article against the clamping structure.

[0004] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an insertion mechanism for use in a clamping device, the insertion mechanism comprising a holder defining a passage along which an elongated article can extend, the holder including a clamping structure, and a clamping member within the holder is capable of clamping the elongated article against the clamping structure.

[0005] The clamping member may comprise an elongated main portion having opposite ends. The clamping member may further comprise a clamping surface on the main portion and a sliding surface on the main portion.

[0006] In the first clamping member, the sliding surface may taper inward toward one of its ends.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a clamping member for use in a clamping device is provided, the clamping member comprising an elongated main portion having opposing ends, a clamping surface on the main portion, and a sliding surface on the main portion, wherein the sliding surface tapers inward toward one of the ends.

[0008] The space defined by the main body may be a compartment within the main body. The passage may be aligned with the opening. The clamp structure may include a clamp wall that can extend along the passage.

[0009] The insertion mechanism may be insertable into the space defined by the main body. The insertion mechanism may be removable from the space defined by the main body.

[0010] The main body may define a collection structure in which fragments are formed by inserting an insertion mechanism into a space defined by the main body. The main body may have opposing edge surfaces. The collection structure may be defined adjacent to one of the edge surfaces. The collection structure may be a channel. The channel may extend along the edge surface.

[0011] The main body may define two collection structures. The collection structures may be arranged opposite each other. Each collection structure may be defined adjacent to one of the edge surfaces. Each collection structure may be a channel. Each channel may extend along one of the edge surfaces.

[0012] The clamping device may include a fixing member for securing the insertion mechanism within the main body. The fixing member may extend along the holder or edge surface. The fixing member may have ribs, such as crush ribs. The fixing member may extend beyond one of the edge surfaces of the main body.

[0013] The clamping device may comprise multiple fixing members. Each fixing member may extend along the holder or edge surface. Each fixing member may include ribs, such as crush ribs. The fixing members may extend beyond the edge surface of the main body.

[0014] The insertion mechanism may extend over and cover the collection structure once it is received in space. The insertion mechanism may have an outer wall. The outer wall may be arranged to cover the collection structure to prevent the material inside the collection structure from being displaced. The outer wall may constitute a sealing structure for sealing the material inside the collection structure.

[0015] The clamp structure described above may constitute a first clamp structure. The holder may include a second clamp structure for applying a clamping force to the clamp member. Therefore, the clamp member and the elongated article are clamped between the first clamp structure and the second clamp structure.

[0016] The clamp wall described above may constitute the first clamp wall. The second clamp structure may include the second clamp wall.

[0017] The first and second clamp structures can converge toward each other. The first and second clamp structures can provide a narrowing gap between the first and second clamp structures.

[0018] The passage may have an entrance end from which an elongated article can enter the passage when it is introduced into the passage. The passage may have an exit end from which an elongated article can exit the passage after it has been introduced into the passage.

[0019] The holder may define opposing openings for a passage through which an elongated article can extend. One of the opposing openings may be an entrance opening at the entrance end of the passage. The other of the opposing openings may be an exit opening at the exit end of the passage. The exit opening may be wider than the entrance opening.

[0020] A clamping device may include a biasing member for biasing a clamping member. The biasing member may bias the clamping member to clamp-engage with an elongated article.

[0021] The biasing member can bias the clamp member toward the entrance end of the passage. The biasing member can bias the clamp member into the narrowing gap between the first clamp structure and the second clamp structure.

[0022] The biasing member may include an elastic biasing member. The biasing member may include a spring such as a coil spring. The biasing member may be a compression spring. It will be understood that the biasing member may be any other suitable biasing member.

[0023] The opposing ends of the clamping member may be a first end and a second end. During use, the clamping member may be biased to engage with an elongated article in a direction in which the first end precedes the second end.

[0024] The sliding surface may taper inward from the first end to the second end. The taper of the sliding surface may be a uniform taper from the first end to the second end. Alternatively, the sliding surface may taper inward from the second end to the first end. The taper of the sliding surface may be a uniform taper from the second end to the first end.

[0025] The holder may include a cover member that provides coverage over the space defined by the main body. The cover member may extend between a first clamp structure and a second clamp structure.

[0026] The insertion mechanism may comprise two holders. The clamping device may comprise two clamping members. One of each clamping member may be provided for each of the holders.

[0027] The clamping device may further include two biasing members. One of each biasing member may be provided for each of the holders.

[0028] Each of the holders may define a respective passage. Each of the holders may have the features of the first-mentioned holder described above.

[0029] When the insertion mechanism comprises two holders, the passage defined by each holder may receive a respective elongate article, or the respective passage of the same elongate article, therethrough.

[0030] The insertion mechanism may have opposite ends. The inlet end of each passage may be at an opposite end of the insertion mechanism from the inlet end of the other passage.

[0031] The insertion mechanism may comprise a connecting portion for connecting the holders to one another. The connecting portion may extend from the first clamping structure of one holder to the first clamping structure of the other holder. In one embodiment, the connecting portion may comprise a web of material extending between the holders.

[0032] The body may have two pairs of opposed holes. One pair of opposed holes may be aligned with the passage defined by one of the holders. The other pair of opposed holes may be aligned with the passage defined by the other of the holders.

[0033] The clamping device may include a reaction structure for applying a reaction force to the biasing member. The reaction structure may extend partially across one end of the passage. The reaction structure may extend partially across the outlet end of the passage.

[0034] The reaction structure may comprise a reaction wall. The body may comprise the reaction structure.

[0035] The body may include a chamber that may be provided at an end of the body. The reaction structure may be a reaction wall of the chamber.

[0036] The biasing member may extend from the chamber through the outlet opening into the holder.

[0037] If the insertion mechanism has two holders, the clamping device may have two reaction structures. The main body may comprise both reaction structures. Each reaction structure may extend partially to the exit end of its respective passage.

[0038] The main body may have two chambers. Each chamber may be located at the opposite end of the main body. Each reaction structure may be a reaction wall of its respective chamber.

[0039] Each biasing member may extend from its respective chamber through an outlet opening into its respective holder.

[0040] The body of the clamping device may have a central section that defines the space. The central section may have a reaction structure. If the insertion mechanism has two holders, the central section may have both reaction structures.

[0041] The main body may include a cap portion that can be attached to the center, covering one of the holes. The cap portion may include an end cap portion.

[0042] The cap portion may be attached to the center of the passageway entrance opening, covering it. The cap portion may define one of two opposing holes. This one of the opposing holes may be aligned with the passageway entrance opening. This one of the opposing holes may constitute the entrance hole.

[0043] The main body may define a further cap portion that covers the other of the holes and is attached to the central part. The further cap portion may include further end cap portions.

[0044] A further cap portion may be attached to the central part, covering the exit opening of the passage. The further cap portion may define the other of two opposing holes. The other of two opposing holes may be aligned with the exit opening of the passage. The other of two opposing holes may constitute an exit hole.

[0045] If the insertion mechanism has two holders, the cap portion may have an inlet hole and an outlet hole. The cap portion may be attached to the central part, covering the inlet opening of one passage and the outlet opening of the other passage.

[0046] Further cap portions may have inlet and outlet holes. Each cap portion may be attached to the respective opposing ends of the central portion, covering the inlet opening of one passage and the outlet opening of the other passage.

[0047] The inlet holes of each cap section can be aligned with the inlet openings of their respective passages. The outlet holes of each cap section can be aligned with the outlet openings of their respective passages.

[0048] The body may comprise opposing partitions extending across a space defined between opposing holes. One of the partitions may define an entrance hole aligned with the entrance opening of the holder. The other partition may define an exit hole aligned with the exit opening of the holder.

[0049] If the insertion mechanism comprises two holders, each partition may define an inlet hole aligned with the inlet opening of one holder, and each partition may define an outlet hole aligned with the outlet opening of the other holder.

[0050] The cap portion or each cap portion may have a cooperating fastening structure that works in cooperation with a corresponding structural portion on the central portion. The cooperating structure and the corresponding structural portion may include a snap-fit ​​structure.

[0051] The insertion mechanism may be made of a fire-resistant material. Examples of such fire-resistant materials include stainless steel for the holder and ceramic material for the clamping member. The main body may be made of a material with lower fire resistance than the material on which the insertion mechanism is formed. For example, the main body may be made of zinc or plastic material.

[0052] Manufacturing costs are reduced by using different materials to form the insertion mechanism and the main body. In the event of a fire, the main body may be destroyed, but the insertion mechanism that clamps the elongated item remains intact.

[0053] The clamping member may include an elongated clamping member. The clamping member may include a clamping wedge.

[0054] In the first clamping member, the sliding surface may taper inward from the first end to the second end. The taper of the sliding surface may be uniform between the first end and the second end.

[0055] The sliding surface may be provided on the main portion opposite the clamp surface.

[0056] The sliding surface has a length and a width, and the width of the sliding surface may decrease from a first end to a second end. The width of the sliding surface at the second end may be substantially half the width of the sliding surface at the first end.

[0057] Alternatively, the sliding surface may taper inward from the second end to the first end. In this alternative, the width of the sliding surface may decrease from the second end to the first end. The width of the sliding surface at the first end may be substantially half the width of the sliding surface at the second end.

[0058] The main part may have a front end and a rear end. The first end may be the front end of the main part. The second end may be the rear end of the main part.

[0059] The clamping member may include lateral portions that protrude from the main portion. The lateral portions may be provided between the clamping surface and the sliding surface.

[0060] The main portion may include two opposing lateral portions protruding from the main portion. The lateral portions may be provided between the clamp surface and the sliding surface.

[0061] The clamp surface has a length and a width, and the width of the clamp surface may be substantially uniform along the length of the clamp surface.

[0062] The clamp surface may be serrated. The clamp surface may protrude from the main part. The clamp surface has length and width, and the width of the clamp surface may be substantially uniform along the length of the main part.

[0063] The main part has height, and the height may decrease from the rear end to the front end.

[0064] The lateral portion or each lateral portion may protrude beyond the sliding surface in the width direction.

[0065] The clamp surface may be able to engage with an elongated article. The sliding surface may be able to engage with the wall of the clamp device, allowing the clamp member to slide along the wall.

[0066] In the second clamping member, the sliding surface may have a stepped structure. The clamping surface may engage with an elongated article to clamp it against the first clamping surface of the clamping device. The stepped structure may cooperate with a shoulder structure on the second clamping surface structure of the clamping device.

[0067] The stepped structure may be elongated. The main part may have length. The main part may be elongated. The stepped structure may extend in the longitudinal direction of the main part. The stepped structure may extend along the entire length of the main part.

[0068] The sliding surface may have length. The sliding surface may be elongated. The stepped structure may extend in the longitudinal direction of the sliding surface. The stepped structure may extend along the entire length of the sliding surface.

[0069] The sliding surface can be on the opposite side of the clamping surface.

[0070] The sliding surface may comprise first and second sliding surfaces. The first and second sliding surfaces may be elongated.

[0071] The first sliding surface and the second sliding surface may be spaced apart from each other. The first and second sliding surfaces may occupy separate planes. The stepped structure may extend between the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface.

[0072] The first sliding surface may be a protruding surface of the sliding surface. The second sliding surface may be a recessed surface of the sliding surface.

[0073] The first sliding surface may extend along the length of the main part. The first sliding surface may extend along the entire length of the main part. The first sliding surface may extend along the length of the sliding surface. The first sliding surface may extend along the entire length of the sliding surface.

[0074] The second sliding surface may extend along the length of the main part. The second sliding surface may extend along the entire length of the main part. The second sliding surface may extend along the length of the sliding surface. The second sliding surface may extend along the entire length of the sliding surface.

[0075] The stepped structure may extend along the length of the main part. The stepped structure may extend along the entire length of the main part. The stepped structure may extend along the length of the sliding surface. The stepped structure may extend along the entire length of the sliding surface.

[0076] The second clamp structure may include a shoulder structure for cooperating with the stepped structure of the clamp member described first.

[0077] The second clamp structure may be elongated. The second clamp structure may have length. The shoulder structure may extend in the longitudinal direction of the second clamp structure. The shoulder structure may extend along the entire length of the second clamp structure.

[0078] The second clamp structure may include first and second engagement surfaces. The first and second engagement surfaces may be elongated. The first and second engagement surfaces may be spaced apart from each other. The first and second engagement surfaces may occupy separate planes. The shoulder structure may extend between the first and second engagement surfaces.

[0079] The first engaging surface may include a protruding surface of the second clamp structure. The second engaging surface may include a recessed surface of the second clamp structure.

[0080] The first engagement surface may extend along the length of the second clamp structure. The first engagement surface may extend along the entire length of the second clamp structure.

[0081] The second engagement surface may extend along the length of the second clamp structure. The second engagement surface may extend along the entire length of the second clamp structure.

[0082] When the sliding surface cooperates with the second clamp structure, the first sliding surface of the sliding surface may engage with the second engaging surface of the second clamp structure. The second sliding surface of the sliding surface may engage with the first engaging surface of the second clamp structure.

[0083] The second sliding surface may have dimensions that prevent the stepped structure from engaging with the shoulder structure. The stepped structure may extend at an obtuse angle with respect to the second sliding surface. Therefore, in the embodiments described herein, the surface area of ​​the sliding surface that engages with the engaging structure is smaller than when the sliding surface and the second clamp structure do not have the stepped structure and the shoulder structure.

[0084] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a clamping member for use in a clamping device is provided, the clamping member comprising an elongated main portion having opposing first and second ends, a clamping surface and a sliding surface, both of which are located on the main portion, and the sliding surface having a stepped structure.

[0085] The clamp surface can engage with an elongated article to clamp it against the first clamp surface of the clamping device. The stepped structure can cooperate with the shoulder structure on the second clamp surface structure of the clamping device.

[0086] The clamping member is suitable for clamping elongated articles, such as the elongated articles mentioned above.

[0087] A fifth aspect of the present invention is provided, a clamping device comprising: a body; a passage defined within the body, wherein the body defines opposing holes for allowing an elongated article to extend through the passage; a clamping member as described in the preceding paragraph for clamping an elongated article; a clamping structure and an engaging structure extending along the passage, thereby enabling the elongated article and the clamping member to be clamped between the clamping structure and the engaging structure; a sliding surface of the clamping member having a stepped structure; and an engaging structure having a shoulder structure for cooperating with the stepped structure of the sliding surface, thereby enabling the clamping member to slide along the engaging wall.

[0088] The stepped structure may be elongated. The main part may have length. The main part may be elongated. The stepped structure may extend in the longitudinal direction of the main part. The stepped structure may extend along the entire length of the main part.

[0089] The sliding surface may have length. The sliding surface may be elongated. The stepped structure may extend in the longitudinal direction of the sliding surface. The stepped structure may extend along the entire length of the sliding surface.

[0090] The sliding surface can be on the opposite side of the clamping surface.

[0091] The sliding surface may comprise first and second sliding surfaces. The first and second sliding surfaces may be elongated.

[0092] The first sliding surface and the second sliding surface may be spaced apart from each other. The first and second sliding surfaces may occupy separate planes. The stepped structure may extend between the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface.

[0093] The first sliding surface may be a protruding surface of the sliding surface. The second sliding surface may be a recessed surface of the sliding surface.

[0094] The first sliding surface may extend along the length of the main part. The first sliding surface may extend along the entire length of the main part. The first sliding surface may extend along the length of the sliding surface. The first sliding surface may extend along the entire length of the sliding surface.

[0095] The second sliding surface may extend along the length of the main part. The second sliding surface may extend along the entire length of the main part. The second sliding surface may extend along the length of the sliding surface. The second sliding surface may extend along the entire length of the sliding surface.

[0096] The stepped structure may extend along the length of the main part. The stepped structure may extend along the entire length of the main part. The stepped structure may extend along the length of the sliding surface. The stepped structure may extend along the entire length of the sliding surface.

[0097] A clamping member may be used within a clamping device in which the engaging structure is a structural part of the clamping device. The engaging structure may include the walls of the clamping device. The clamping device may comprise first and second clamping structures, thereby clamping the clamping member and an elongated article between the first and second clamping structures.

[0098] The engaging structure may include a shoulder structure for cooperating with the stepped structure of the clamp member described earlier.

[0099] The engaging structure may be elongated. The engaging structure may have a length. The shoulder structure may extend in the longitudinal direction of the engaging structure. The shoulder structure may extend along the entire length of the engaging structure.

[0100] The engagement structure may comprise first and second engagement surfaces. The first and second engagement surfaces may be elongated. The first and second engagement surfaces may be spaced apart from each other. The first and second engagement surfaces may occupy separate planes. The shoulder structure may extend between the first and second engagement surfaces.

[0101] The first engaging surface may include a protruding surface of the engaging structure. The second engaging surface may include a recessed surface of the engaging structure.

[0102] The first engagement surface may extend in the longitudinal direction of the engagement structure. The first engagement surface may extend along the entire length of the engagement structure.

[0103] The second engagement surface may extend in the longitudinal direction of the engagement structure. The second engagement surface may extend along the entire length of the engagement structure.

[0104] When the sliding surface cooperates with the engagement structure, the first sliding surface of the sliding surface may engage with the second engagement surface of the engagement structure. The second sliding surface of the sliding surface may engage with the first engagement surface of the engagement structure.

[0105] The second sliding surface may have dimensions that prevent the stepped structure from engaging with the shoulder structure. The stepped structure may extend at an obtuse angle with respect to the second sliding surface. Therefore, in the embodiments described herein, the surface area of ​​the sliding surface that engages with the engaging structure is smaller than when the sliding surface and the engaging structure do not have the stepped structure and the shoulder structure.

[0106] A clamp device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention may include the insertion mechanism described above. The engaging structure may be a structural part of the insertion mechanism. The engaging structure may be the second clamp structure described above. The engaging structure may comprise a second clamp wall of the insertion mechanism.

[0107] The main body may define the space between the holes. The insertion mechanism may be received within the space. The insertion mechanism may include a holder that defines a passage along which an elongated article can extend. The holder may include an engaging structure. The holder may define the passage.

[0108] The engagement structure may constitute the second clamp structure described above. The engagement structure may constitute the second clamp wall described above.

[0109] The insertion mechanism may have the features of the insertion mechanism described above in relation to the first, second, and third aspects of the present invention.

[0110] If the insertion mechanism comprises two holders, each holder may comprise one of the engaging structures. The clamping device may comprise two clamping members. Each clamping member may be received in one of the passages.

[0111] Each holder's engagement structure may include a shoulder structure that cooperates with a stepped structure on the sliding surface of a clamp member.

[0112] A clamping device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention may include a biasing member for biasing a clamping member. The biasing member can bias the clamping member to clamp-engage with an elongated article.

[0113] The biasing member can bias the clamp member toward the entrance end of the passage. The biasing member can bias the clamp member into the narrowing gap between the first clamp structure and the second clamp structure.

[0114] The biasing member may comprise an elastic biasing member. The biasing member may comprise a spring such as a coil spring. The biasing member may be a compression spring. It will be understood that the biasing member may be any other suitable biasing member. The biasing member may have the features of the biasing member described above in relation to the first to third aspects of the present invention.

[0115] The body of the fifth aspect of the present invention may include the end cap portion described above. The body of the fifth aspect of the present invention may include a reaction structure or each reaction structure for applying a reaction force to the biasing member. The body of the fifth aspect of the present invention may include the chamber or each chamber described above, which may be equipped with a reaction structure or each reaction structure.

[0116] A further aspect of the present invention provides a clamping device comprising: a body defining opposing holes for allowing an elongated article to extend through the body and defining a space between the holes; a clamping member for clamping the elongated article; and a holder in the space defining a passage through which the elongated article can extend, wherein the holder includes a clamping structure, the clamping member clamps the elongated article against the clamping structure, and the holder is formed of a different material from the body.

[0117] Next, at least one embodiment of the present invention will be described simply as an example with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0118] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the clamping device. [Figure 2] This is an exploded view of the clamping device. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the insertion mechanism and the two clamping members. [Figure 4] This is a top view of the insertion mechanism and clamp member. [Figure 5] This is an exploded view of the insertion mechanism and clamp member. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of one of the clamping members. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is a plan view of the clamp member shown. [Figure 8] Figures 6 and 7 are side views of the clamping member. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of an alternative clamping member. [Figure 10] Further perspective view of the clamping device. [Figure 11] This is an exploded view of a further clamping device. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view of the further insertion mechanism and further clamping member. [Figure 13]This is an exploded view of a further insertion mechanism and further clamping member. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view of one of the additional clamping members. [Figure 15] Figure 14 is a plan view of a further clamping member. [Figure 16] Figures 14 and 15 are side views of the further clamping members. [Figure 17] This is an end view of a further insertion mechanism and a further clamping member. [Figure 18] This is a magnified view of the region marked as XVIII in Figure 17. [Figure 19] This is a top view of the main body forming section of the revised version of the clamp device. [Figure 20] Figure 19 is a perspective view of the main body. [Figure 21] Figures 19 and 20 show exploded perspective views of the components of the modified clamping device. [Figure 22] Figure 21 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the components of the modified clamping device. [Figure 23] Figures 21 and 22 show perspective views of the assembled components of the modified clamping device. [Figure 24] This is a cross-sectional end view of the assembled components of the modified clamping device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0119] Figures 1 to 9 show a clamping device 10 for clamping an elongated article 12 (shown by a dashed line in Figure 1). The elongated article 12 may be in the form of a wire, wire rope, or cable. The clamping device 10 comprises a main body 14, an insertion mechanism 16, and two clamping members 18.

[0120] The main body 14 defines a compartment 20 having an inner surface that defines a space 22. The inner surface comprises a base surface 82 and opposing edge surfaces 84. The insertion mechanism 16 is inserted into the compartment 20 during assembly. Once inserted, the insertion mechanism 16 engages with the base surface 82 and the opposing edge surfaces 84.

[0121] The insertion mechanism 16 has two outer walls 23 and two holders 24 defined between the outer walls 23. The holders 24 hold the clamp members 18. Each holder 24 defines a passage 26 through which an elongated article 12 can extend. One of each clamp member 18 is held within the passage 26 of each holder 24.

[0122] Each clamp member 18 is wedge-shaped, comprising a main portion 28 having a front end 30, a rear end 32, and a clamp surface 34 extending between them. The clamp surface 34 protrudes from the main portion 28 and has a serrated edge to provide a tight engagement with an elongated article 12.

[0123] The body 14 has opposing end regions 36, and the passage 26 extends between these opposing end regions 36. Each end region 36 of the body 14 defines two pairs of opposing inlet holes 37A and outlet holes 37B that provide access to the passage 26 for two elongated articles 12. The inlet holes 37A and outlet holes 37B are not visible in Figures 1 to 9; please refer to Figures 20, 21, and 23. The two elongated articles 12 may be two separate elongated articles 12, or it may be the same elongated article 12 passing through twice.

[0124] The main body 14 comprises a central portion 40 and two end cap portions 42. The section 20 is defined by the central portion 40 between the end cap portions 42. The end regions 36 of the main body 14 constitute opposing connecting members 44 for connecting the central portion 40 to the end cap portions 42.

[0125] Each end cap portion 42 is fastened to the central portion 40 of each connecting member 44 by a cooperative fastening structure 46 on the end cap portion 42. The cooperative fastening structure 46 cooperates with the corresponding structure 48 on the connecting member 44. The cooperative fastening structure 46 and the corresponding structure 48 are in the form of a snap-fit ​​structure.

[0126] Each end cap portion 42 defines an inlet hole 38A and an outlet hole 38B for each of the holders 24. The inlet holes 38A and outlet holes 38B of the end cap portions 42 are aligned with the corresponding inlet holes 37A and outlet holes 37B defined in the end region 36, respectively. The passage 26 defined by the holder 24 extends between the inlet hole 38A of one end cap portion 42 and the outlet hole 38B of the other end cap portion 42.

[0127] The holder 24 has opposing openings for each passage 26. The opposing openings are the respective inlet openings 50 at the inlet end 52 of each holder 24 and the respective outlet openings 54 at the outlet end 56 of each holder 24.

[0128] Each of the end cap portions 42 defines an inlet hole 38A which is aligned with the inlet opening 50 of one holder 24. Each of the end cap portions 42 defines an outlet hole 38B which is aligned with the outlet opening 54 of one holder 24.

[0129] Each holder 24 further includes first and second clamp structures in the form of elongated first clamp walls 58 and second clamp walls 60 that define their respective passages 26. Each of the first clamp wall 58 and the second clamp wall 60 has opposing inner and outer edges, and the inner edges of each clamp wall 58, 60 are positioned adjacent to the base surface 82 of the section 20.

[0130] The entrance opening 50 of each passage 26 is adjacent to the exit opening 54 of the other passage 26, and the first clamp walls 58 of both holders 24 are positioned adjacent to each other.

[0131] A cover member 69 extends between the outer edges of the first clamp wall 58 and the second clamp wall 60 of each holder 24, and the cover member 69 provides cover over the compartment 20 when the insertion mechanism 16 is received within the compartment 20. A connecting web extends between the inner edges of the first clamp wall 58 of each holder 24, thereby connecting the holders 24 to one another.

[0132] The first clamp wall 58 and the second clamp wall 60 of each holder 24 converge from their respective exit openings 54 to the inlet opening 50, providing a narrowing gap between the first clamp wall 58 and the second clamp wall 60. The exit opening 54 of each passage 26 is wider than the inlet opening 50.

[0133] The clamping device 10 further includes a biasing member 68 for each clamping member 18. Each biasing member 68 is in the form of a compression spring. It will be understood that the biasing member 68 may be any other suitable spring.

[0134] The biasing member 68 is provided to bias the clamping member 18 toward each of the inlet openings 50 of the holder 24, thereby biasing the clamping member 18 to clamp-engage with the elongated article 12 within the aforementioned narrowing gap.

[0135] The clamping device 10 further includes reaction structures 70 within each chamber 72. The chambers 72 are part of the connecting member 44 of the central section 40. Each reaction structure 70 constitutes the reaction wall of each chamber 72. The end cap portions 42 are fitted over the chambers 72 and connected to the central section 40.

[0136] Each biasing member 68 extends from the chamber 72 through the outlet opening 54 into its respective holder 24. The reaction structure 70 applies a reaction force to the biasing member 68, allowing the biasing member 68 to bias the clamping member 18 to clamp-engage with the elongated article 12. Thus, each biasing member 68 extends from one of the reaction structures 70 to the clamping member 18.

[0137] If the insertion mechanism 16 has two holders 24, the clamping device 10 may have two reaction structures 70. The main body 14 may have both reaction structures 70.

[0138] The main body 14 has two opposing partitions 74 that extend across the section 20. Each of the partitions 74 defines an entrance hole 78 and an exit hole 80.

[0139] Each partition 74 defines an inlet hole 78 adjacent to and aligned with the inlet opening 50 of one holder 24. Each partition 74 defines an outlet hole 80 adjacent to and aligned with the outlet opening 54 of the other holder 24.

[0140] The elongated article 12 is first introduced into the passage 26 through the inlet opening 50 and the inlet holes 38A of the end cap portion 42. The elongated article 12 is then pushed out of the passage 26 through the outlet opening 54.

[0141] When introduced in this manner, the elongated article 12 engages with the tip 30 of the clamp member 18 and pushes the clamp member 18 against the biasing force of the biasing member 68. The clamp member 18 is pushed out of the path of the elongated article 12, allowing the elongated article 12 to exit through the exit opening 54 and the exit hole 38B of the end cap portion 42.

[0142] When the elongated article 12 is received through the clamping device 10, the clamping surface 34 of the clamping member 18 engages with the elongated article 12.

[0143] Next, the elongated article 12 is pulled in the opposite direction. This has the effect of drawing the clamping member 18 together with the elongated article 12 into the narrowing gap between the first clamping wall 58 and the second clamping wall 60, thereby tightly clamping the elongated article 12 and the clamping member 18 between the clamping walls.

[0144] Figures 1 to 9 show clamp members 18 in the form of clamp wedges for use within a clamp device 10, such as the clamp device 10 shown in Figures 1 to 9.

[0145] The main portion 28 of the clamp member 18 has a height that decreases uniformly from the rear end 32 to the front end 30, forming a wedge shape.

[0146] When in use, the clamp member 18 is biased to engage with the elongated article 12 in a direction in which the tip portion 30 precedes the rear portion 32.

[0147] The clamp member 18 has a sliding surface 63 for engaging with the second clamp wall 60 of the clamp device 10. The sliding surface 63 allows the clamp member 18 to slide along the second clamp wall 60. As shown in Figure 4, the sliding surface 63 of each clamp member 18 engages with and is slidable along the second clamp wall 60 of each holder 24.

[0148] The sliding surface 63 tapers inward from the tip 30 to the rear end 32. The inward taper of the sliding surface 63 is uniform from the tip 30 to the rear end 32.

[0149] Therefore, the sliding surface 63 has a width that decreases along its length from the front end 30 to the rear end 32. The width of the sliding surface 63 at the rear end 32 of the main body 14 is approximately half the width of the sliding surface 63 at the front end 30 of the main body 14.

[0150] Two protruding lateral portions 35 extend from opposite sides of the main portion 28 of each clamp member 18. The lateral portions 35 are provided between the clamp surface 34 and the sliding surface 63.

[0151] One side portion 35 of each clamp member 18 engages with one of the cover members 69 of each holder 24. The other side portion 35 engages with the base surface 82 of the main body 14.

[0152] Figure 5 is an exploded view of the insertion mechanism 16 and the clamp member 18.

[0153] Referring to Figures 6 to 9, the clamp surface 34 is located on the main portion 28 opposite the sliding surface 63. The clamp surface 34 has a width that remains substantially uniform along the length of the main portion 28.

[0154] The main portion 28 of the clamp member 18 protrudes in the width direction beyond the sliding surface 63 and the clamp surface 34.

[0155] The tapered sliding surface 63 of the clamping member 18 reduces surface contact between the second clamping wall 60 and the clamping member 18. When the clamping member 18 clamps an elongated article 12, a load is applied to the clamping member 18. This load is transmitted to the insertion mechanism 16 via the clamping member 18.

[0156] It was found that by reducing the engagement area between the clamp member 18 and the second clamp wall 60, the clamp member 18 can be released more easily than the clamp member 18 of the prior art.

[0157] Furthermore, the main portion 28 protruding beyond the clamp surface 34 and the sliding surface 63 results in a wide tip portion 30 with a large radius and therefore a large surface area. This allows the clamp member 18 to slide freely along the second clamp wall 60, and as a result, the clamp member 18 can engage tightly and effectively with the elongated article 12.

[0158] The rear end portion 32 also has a large radius, and as a result, the large radii of both the front end portion and the rear end portion 32 allow the clamp member 18 to easily slide over the defective portion of the second clamp wall 60.

[0159] Figure 9 shows a further version of the clamp member, which is shown as 18A overall. The clamp member 18A includes a smaller lateral portion 35A than the lateral portion 35 of the clamp member 18 shown in Figures 1 to 8.

[0160] The clamp member 18 shown in Figure 9 is identical to the clamp member 18 shown in Figures 1 to 8, except for the lateral portion 35A. The features of clamp member 18A are indicated in Figure 9 with the same reference numbers as the corresponding features of clamp member 18. The smaller lateral portion 35A provides advantages during the manufacturing process.

[0161] Figures 10 to 18 show further clamping devices 110. The clamping devices 110 shown in Figures 10 to 18 have many of the features of the clamping devices 10 shown in Figures 1 to 9. In Figures 10 to 18, these features are indicated by the same reference numbers as the corresponding features in Figures 1 to 9 and function in the same way.

[0162] The clamping device 110 shown in Figures 10 to 18 comprises a wedge-shaped clamping member 118. The clamping member 118 has an elongated main portion 128 having opposing front end portions 30 and rear end portions 32. An elongated clamping surface 34 and an elongated sliding surface 163 are provided on opposite sides of the main portion 128.

[0163] The clamp surface 34 and the sliding surface 163 extend between the front end 30 and the rear end 32, converging toward each other from the rear end 32 to the front end 30. Two protruding lateral portions 35 extend from opposite sides of the main portion 128 of each clamp member 118. The lateral portions 35 are provided between the sliding surface 163 and the clamp surface 34.

[0164] The sliding surface 163 extends along the entire length of the main portion 128 and includes elongated first and second sliding surfaces that extend along the entire length of the sliding surface 163 between the front end 30 and the rear end 32.

[0165] Referring to Figures 17 and 18, the first sliding surface constitutes the protruding sliding surface 164 of the sliding surface 163. The second sliding surface constitutes the recessed sliding surface 168 of the sliding surface 163.

[0166] The sliding surface 163 also has an elongated stepped structure 169 that extends along the entire length of the sliding surface 163 between the front end 30 and the rear end 32. The protruding sliding surface 164 and the recessed sliding surface 168 occupy separate substantially parallel planes and are separated from each other by the stepped structure 169.

[0167] The clamp surface 34 is provided with serrated edges to enhance its gripping force on the elongated article 12.

[0168] The main body 14 defines the section 20 as described above and includes an insertion mechanism 116 similar to the insertion mechanism 16 described above. The insertion mechanism 116 comprises two holders 24. Each holder 24 defines its own passage 26 through which an elongated article 12 can extend.

[0169] Each holder 24 is equipped with an elongated first clamp wall 58 and an engagement structure. The engagement structure constitutes the second clamp structure described above in relation to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 9. The second clamp structure is in the form of an elongated second clamp wall 160.

[0170] The first clamp wall 58 and the second clamp wall 160 of each holder 24 converge toward each other from their respective exit openings 54 to the inlet opening 50, providing the narrowing gap between the first clamp wall 58 and the second clamp wall 160.

[0171] The convergence of the first clamp wall 58 and the second clamp wall 160 makes it possible to clamp the elongated article 12 and the clamp member 118 between the first clamp wall 58 and the second clamp wall 160. The second clamp wall 160 has a shoulder structure 170 along which a stepped structure 169 of the sliding surface 163 extends.

[0172] The second clamp wall 160 includes an elongated first engagement surface 172 and a second engagement surface 174 that extend along the entire length of the second clamp wall 160. The first engagement surface is the protruding engagement surface 172 of the second clamp wall 160. The second engagement surface is the recessed engagement surface 174 of the second clamp wall 160.

[0173] The shoulder structure 170 also extends along the entire length of the second clamp wall 160 between the protruding engagement surface 172 and the recessed engagement surface 174.

[0174] The protruding engagement surface 172 and the recessed engagement surface 174 are separated from each other by the shoulder structure 170. As a result, the protruding engagement surface 172 and the recessed engagement surface 174 occupy separate substantially parallel planes.

[0175] In the insertion mechanism 116, the clamp wall 58 is formed as a single dividing member 158 that separates the holders 24 from each other. The cover member 178 extends between the outer edges of the first clamp wall 58 and the second clamp wall 160 of each holder 24. The cover member 178 and the dividing member 158 provide cover over the compartment 20 when the insertion mechanism 16 is received within the compartment 20.

[0176] One side portion 35 of each clamp member 118 engages with the cover member 178 of each holder 24. The other side portion 35 engages with the base surface 82 of the main body 14.

[0177] When the clamp members 118 engage with the elongated articles 12 and are received within their respective passages 26, the sliding surfaces 163 of each clamp member 118 cooperate with their respective second clamp walls 160.

[0178] At this position, the stepped structure 169 of the sliding surface 163 extends along the shoulder structure 170 of the second clamp wall 160, and the protruding sliding surface 164 of the sliding surface 163 engages with the recessed engaging surface 174 of the second clamp wall 160. Furthermore, the recessed sliding surface 168 of the sliding surface 163 engages with the protruding engaging surface 172 of the second clamp wall 160.

[0179] The recessed sliding surface 168 of the sliding surface 163 has a width W1, and the protruding engaging surface 172 of the second clamp wall 160 has a width W2. In the illustrated embodiment, width W1 is greater than width W2. As a result, the stepped structure 169 of the sliding surface 163 does not engage with the shoulder structure 170 of the second clamp wall 160. The protruding sliding surface 164 has a width W3.

[0180] The stepped structure 169 and the shoulder structure 170 are sized such that the recessed sliding surface 168 and the protruding engaging surface 172 engage with each other, and the protruding sliding surface 164 and the recessed engaging surface 174 also engage with each other.

[0181] However, since the stepped structure 169 and the shoulder structure 170 do not engage with each other, the surface area of ​​the sliding surface 163 that engages with the second clamp wall 160 is smaller than when the sliding surface 163 and the second clamp wall 160 do not have the stepped structure 169 and the shoulder structure 170. The effect of this is to reduce the effort required to release the clamp member 118 when it engages with an elongated article 12.

[0182] If desired, any one or more of the widths W1, W2, and W3 can be changed to alter the degree to which the sliding surface 163 engages with the second clamp wall 160, thereby changing the friction between the sliding surface 163 and the clamp wall 160, and consequently changing the sliding force of the clamp member 118 along the second clamp wall 160, and the force required to release the clamp member 118.

[0183] As described above, the clamp device 110 includes an insertion mechanism 116 in which the first clamp wall 58 and the second clamp wall 160 are structural parts of the insertion mechanism 116. However, the alternative clamp device 110 does not have to include the insertion mechanism 116. In this alternative clamp device 110, the first clamp wall 58 and the second clamp wall 160 may be part of the main body 14 of the clamp device 110.

[0184] The first and second sliding surfaces 163, which have a stepped structure 169 between the protruding sliding surface 164 and the recessed sliding surface 168, have the effect of reducing the contact surface area between the wedge and the second clamp wall 160. This helps to reduce the effort required to release the clamp member 118 when it engages with an elongated article 12.

[0185] The sliding surface 163 and the protruding portion of the second clamp wall 160 provide a stable platform that allows the clamp member 118 to move easily along the second clamp wall 160. The width of the protruding portion can be selected to achieve the desired release force.

[0186] Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the sliding surface 63 of the clamp member 18 or 18A may taper inward from the rear end 32 to the front end 30. This taper of the sliding surface 63 can be uniform.

[0187] The components of the modified clamp device, collectively designated 210, are shown in Figures 19 to 24. Clamp device 210 possesses all the features of clamp device 10 shown in Figures 1 to 9. In Figures 19 to 24, these features are indicated by the same reference numbers as the corresponding features shown in Figures 1 to 9.

[0188] In addition to the features of clamp device 10, clamp device 210 comprises multiple fixing members in the form of crush ribs 86. The crush ribs 86 are provided on opposing edge surfaces 84 of section 20. Each crush rib 86 extends beyond the edge surface 84 to the base surface 82.

[0189] The crush rib 86 secures the insertion mechanism 16 within the compartment 20 of the main body 14. The manufacturing processes of the main body 14 and the insertion mechanism 16 have tolerances, which means that the tightness of the insertion mechanism 16 within the main body 14 may vary from clamping device to clamping device. Therefore, the crush rib 86 is provided to ensure that there is always an interlocking fit between the insertion mechanism 16 and the main body 14.

[0190] The effect of these tolerances is that when the insertion mechanism 16 is inserted into the compartment 20 and engages with the crush rib 86, a portion of the material forming the crush rib 86 is scraped away.

[0191] A portion of this material may be displaced on the clamp member 18 between the clamp member 18, the first clamp wall 58 and the second clamp wall 60, and the elongated article 12, thereby risking impairing the operation of the clamping device 10.

[0192] A collection channel 90 is defined between the base surface 82 and the edge surface 84 to prevent the clamping of the elongated article 12 for clamping from being damaged by the scraped material.

[0193] Referring to Figure 24, once the insertion mechanism 16 is received into the space 22, the outer wall 23 of the insertion mechanism 16 is positioned to cover the collection channel 90, thereby preventing the scraped material in the channel 90 from being displaced from the collection channel 90. Thus, the outer wall 23 contains the material scraped from the crush rib 86 within the collection channel 90, preventing the material from impairing the function of the clamping device 10.

[0194] The insertion mechanisms 16, 116 are press-fitted into the compartment 20 and include first and second clamp walls 58, 60, 160, where clamp members 18, 118 clamp the elongated article 12 within the passage 26. Therefore, the insertion mechanisms 16, 116 can be made of fire-resistant material, and the main body 14 and other components can be made of less expensive material. In the event of a fire, even if the main body 14 and other components are destroyed, the elongated article 12 remains clamped within the insertion mechanisms 16, 116.

[0195] In an alternative embodiment, a component having the features of the insertion mechanisms 16, 116 is overmolded by the body 14 during manufacturing. The overmolded component may include one or more holders 24. The component may include an outer wall 23. The overmolded component may include a cover member 69. The component may include a connecting portion. The overmolded component may have substantially the same geometric shape as the insertion mechanisms 16, 116. The invention described in the original claims of this application is listed below. [1] A clamping device comprising: a body defining opposing holes for allowing an elongated article to extend through the body, the body defining a space between the opposing holes; a clamping member for clamping the elongated article; and an insertion mechanism or overmolded part having a holder that is received in the space and defines a passage through which the elongated article can extend, wherein the holder includes a clamping structure, and the clamping member clamps the elongated article to the clamping structure when in use. [2] The clamping device according to [1], wherein the clamping member comprises an elongated main portion having opposing ends, a clamping surface on the main portion, and a sliding surface on the main portion. [3] The clamping device according to [2], wherein the clamp surface is serrated. [4] The clamping device according to [1], [2], or [3], wherein the insertion mechanism or the overmolded component has an outer wall, and the holder is defined between the outer walls. [5] The clamping device according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the clamping structure constitutes a first clamping structure, and the holder further comprises a second clamping structure for applying a clamping force to the clamping member in order to clamp the clamping member and the elongated article between the first clamping structure and the second clamping structure. [6] The clamping device according to [5], wherein the holder comprises a cover member for providing a cover over the space defined by the body, the cover member extending between the first clamping structure and the second clamping structure. [7] The clamping device according to [5] or [6], wherein the first clamping structure and the second clamping structure converge toward each other, and the first clamping structure and the second clamping structure provide a narrowing gap between the first clamping structure and the second clamping structure. [8] The clamping device according to any one of [1] to [7], further comprising a biasing member for biasing the clamping member to clamp-engage with the elongated article. [9] The clamp device according to [8], wherein the main body comprises a reaction structure for applying a reaction force to the biasing member.

[10] The clamping device according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the passage has an inlet end into which the elongated article can enter the passage when the elongated article is introduced into the passage, the passage has an outlet end into which the elongated article can exit the passage after the elongated article has been introduced into the passage, and the holder defines opposing openings for the passage into which the elongated article can extend, one of the opposing openings being an inlet opening at the inlet end of the passage, and the other of the opposing openings being an outlet opening at the outlet end of the passage.

[11] The clamping device according to

[10] , wherein the outlet opening is wider than the inlet opening.

[12] The clamping device according to

[10] or

[11] , which is dependent on [8], wherein the body includes a chamber at the end of the body, and the biasing member extends from the chamber through the outlet opening into the holder.

[13] The clamp device according to any one of

[10] to

[12] , wherein the body comprises opposing partitions extending across the space defined between the opposing holes, one of the partitions defining an inlet hole aligned with the inlet opening of the holder, and the other of the partitions defining an outlet hole aligned with the outlet opening of the holder.

[14] The clamping device according to any one of [1] to

[13] , wherein the insertion mechanism or the overmolded part is formed of a different material from the main body.

[15] The clamping device according to

[14] , wherein the insertion mechanism or the overmolded component is formed of a material with higher fire resistance than the main body.

[16] The clamping device according to

[14] or

[15] , wherein the insertion mechanism or the overmolded part is made of stainless steel, and / or the clamping member is made of ceramic material, and / or the body is made of zinc or plastic material.

[17] The clamping device according to any one of [1] to

[16] , wherein the insertion mechanism or the overmolded component comprises two holders, and the clamping device comprises two clamping members, one of each clamping member provided for each of the holders.

[18] The clamping device according to

[17] , which is dependent on [8], comprising two biasing members, one of each of the biasing members provided for each of the holders.

[19] The clamping device according to

[17] or

[18] , wherein each of the holders defines its respective passage.

[20] The clamping device according to

[19] , wherein the insertion mechanism or the overmolded component has opposing ends, and the inlet end of each passage is at the opposite end of the insertion mechanism or the overmolded component from the inlet end of the other passage.

[21] The clamping device according to

[19] or

[20] , wherein the body has two pairs of opposing holes, one pair of the opposing holes is aligned with the passage defined by one of the holders, and the other pair of the opposing holes is aligned with the passage defined by the other of the holders.

[22] The clamping device according to any one of

[17] to

[21] , wherein the insertion mechanism or the overmolded component comprises a connecting portion for connecting the holders to each other.

[23] The clamping device according to

[22] , wherein the connecting portion extends from the first clamping structure of one holder to the first clamping structure of the other holder.

[24] A clamping device according to any one of the

[17] to

[23] subparagraphs of

[13] , wherein each of the partitions defines an inlet hole aligned with the inlet opening of one of the holders, and each partition defines an outlet hole aligned with the outlet opening of the other holder.

[25] A clamping device comprising: a body defining opposing holes for allowing an elongated article to extend through the body, the body defining a space between the opposing holes; a clamping member for clamping the elongated article; and a holder in the space defining a passage through which the elongated article can extend, wherein the holder includes a clamping structure, the clamping member clamps the elongated article against the clamping structure when in use, and the holder is formed of a different material from the body.

Claims

1. A body comprising a body defining opposing holes for allowing an elongated article to extend through the body, with a space defined between the opposing holes; a clamping member for clamping the elongated article; and an insertion mechanism or overmolded part having a holder that is received in the space and defines a passage through which the elongated article can extend, wherein the holder includes a clamping structure, and the clamping member clamps the elongated article against the clamping structure when in use. A clamping device in which the insertion mechanism or the overmolded component is formed of a more fire-resistant material than the main body.

2. The clamping device according to claim 1, wherein the clamping member comprises an elongated main portion having opposing ends, a clamping surface on the main portion, and a sliding surface on the main portion.

3. The clamping device according to claim 2, wherein the clamp surface is serrated.

4. The clamping device according to claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the insertion mechanism or the overmolded component has an outer wall, and the holder is defined between the outer walls.

5. The clamping device according to claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the clamping structure constitutes a first clamping structure, and the holder further comprises a second clamping structure for applying a clamping force to the clamping member in order to clamp the clamping member and the elongated article between the first clamping structure and the second clamping structure.

6. The clamping device according to claim 5, wherein the holder comprises a cover member for providing a cover over the space defined by the main body, the cover member extending between the first clamping structure and the second clamping structure.

7. The clamping device according to claim 5, wherein the first clamping structure and the second clamping structure converge toward each other, and the first clamping structure and the second clamping structure provide a narrowing gap between the first clamping structure and the second clamping structure.

8. The clamping device according to claim 5, further comprising a biasing member for biasing the clamping member to clamp-engage with the elongated article.

9. The clamp device according to claim 8, wherein the main body comprises a reaction structure for applying a reaction force to the biasing member.

10. The clamping device according to claim 5, wherein the passage has an inlet end into which the elongated article can enter the passage when the elongated article is introduced into the passage, the passage has an outlet end into which the elongated article can exit the passage after the elongated article has been introduced into the passage, the holder defines opposing openings for the passage into which the elongated article can extend, one of the opposing openings being an inlet opening at the inlet end of the passage, and the other of the opposing openings being an outlet opening at the outlet end of the passage.

11. The clamping device according to claim 10, wherein the outlet opening is wider than the inlet opening.

12. The clamp device according to claim 10, wherein the main body comprises opposing partitions extending across the space defined between the opposing holes, one of the partitions defining an inlet hole aligned with the inlet opening of the holder, and the other of the partitions defining an outlet hole aligned with the outlet opening of the holder.

13. The clamping device according to claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the insertion mechanism or the overmolded part is made of stainless steel.

14. The clamp device according to claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the main body is formed of zinc or a plastic material.

15. The clamping device according to claim 10, wherein the insertion mechanism or the overmolded component comprises two holders, and the clamping device comprises two clamping members, one of which is provided for each of the holders.

16. The clamping device according to claim 15, wherein each of the holders defines its respective passage.

17. The clamping device according to claim 16, wherein the insertion mechanism or the overmolded component has opposing ends, and the inlet end of each passage is at the end of the insertion mechanism or the overmolded component opposite to the inlet end of the other passage.

18. The clamping device according to claim 16, wherein the main body has two pairs of opposing holes, one pair of the opposing holes is aligned with the passage defined by one of the holders, and the other pair of the opposing holes is aligned with the passage defined by the other of the holders.

19. The clamp device according to claim 15, wherein the insertion mechanism or the overmolded component includes a connecting portion for connecting the holders to each other.

20. The clamp device according to claim 19, wherein the connecting portion extends from the first clamp structure of one holder to the first clamp structure of the other holder.

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