CH706664B1 - Ski binding. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a ski binding (1) for mounting on an upper side of a ski (200) comprising a sole element (4), a front holding device for holding a ski boot (100) in a toe region of the ski boot (100) and an automatic heel counter (7). for holding the ski boot (100) in a heel region of the ski boot (100). In this case, the sole element (4) is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis (3), which is arranged in its front region and oriented essentially horizontally in the transverse direction, and the automatic heel unit (7) enables a safety release in the forward direction. In addition, the ski binding (1) on a downhill position, in which the sole element (4) is aligned substantially in parallel with the ski. Next, the ski binding (1) on a rise position, in which the sole element (4) about the pivot axis (3) is pivotable. The automatic heel unit (7) is arranged both in the downhill position of the ski binding (1) and in the ascent position of the ski binding (1) on the ski (200), wherein the heel area of a ski boot (100) held in the ski binding (1) in the downhill position the ski binding (1) by the automatic heel unit (7) can be locked in a lowered position and in the climbing position of the ski binding (1) by the automatic heel unit (7) is releasable, whereby the ski boot (100) in the ascent position of the ski binding (1) together with the sole element (4) about the pivot axis (3) is pivotable.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a ski binding for mounting on a top of a ski. The ski binding comprises a sole element, a front holding device for holding a ski boot in a toe area of the ski boot and a heel counter for holding the ski boot in a heel area of the ski boot. The sole element is pivotally mounted about an arranged in its front region, substantially horizontally oriented in the ski direction pivot axis, and the heel unit allows a safety release in the forward direction. The ski binding has a downhill position, in which the sole element is aligned substantially parallel to the ski. Next, the ski binding on a rise position, in which the sole element is pivotable about the pivot axis.

State of the art

With regard to their function, ski bindings in downhill ski bindings, in touring ski bindings, in cross-country bindings and in telemark bindings can be subdivided. Downhill ski bindings are used only for downhill skiing and downhill skiing, whereas touring ski bindings are also used for walking on skis, especially for ascending by means of skins attached to the skis, while cross-country skiing bindings and telemark bindings for telemark skiing are used , Of these ski bindings downhill ski bindings have only to ensure a reliable fixation of the ski boot on the ski in a so-called downhill position. In contrast, cross-country skiing as well as telemark bindings usually only have to keep the ski boot pivotable about an axis oriented in the direction of the ski, whereas touring ski bindings must both have a downhill position and be able to be brought uphill from the downhill position into a climbing position. In such a climbing position, the ski boot, as in cross-country and telemark bindings, can be pivoted about an axis oriented in the direction of the ski and can be lifted off the ski in the heel area, thereby enabling a joint movement between the ski boot and the ski for walking.

If in a cross-country and Telemarkbindung in addition a downhill position is desired, it is in such a ski binding as touring ski bindings the requirement that the ski binding both in a downhill position and in the ascent position corresponding position must be able to be brought in which the ski boot is pivotally supported about an axis oriented in the direction of the ski.

Touring ski bindings in turn are subdivided into two types. One type includes a ski boot carrier to which the ski boot is held by binding jaws. In the ascending position, the ski boot carrier with the ski boot held therein can be pivoted relative to the ski. In the downhill position, however, the ski boot carrier is locked in a substantially ski-parallel alignment, whereby the ski boot held on the ski boot carrier is fixed accordingly on the ski. A representative member of this type of touring ski bindings is described for example in EP 1 679 099 B1 (Fritschi AG - Swiss Bindings). The second type of touring ski bindings, however, relies on ski boots with stiff soles. In these touring ski bindings, the ski boot is pivotally mounted in his toe area in a skim-mounted front automat. In this case, the automatic heel unit is also fixed in a distance from the front automat on the ski adapted to a ski boot sole length and locks the ski boot in the heel area in the downhill position. In the ascent position, the heel of the ski boot is released from the heel unit, so that the ski boot can be lifted off the ski and swiveled around the storage on the front automat. A representative member of this type of touring ski bindings is described for example in EP 0 199 098 A2 (Barthel Fritz).

Touring ski bindings of the first type have the advantage over touring ski bindings of the second type in that they alone allow higher setting values for a safety release due to their design. In addition, they can be built very solid to allow very high settings. Therefore, for example, so-called freeride bindings, which indeed have a walking function, but at the same time allow descents under the harshest conditions, belong to the first type of touring ski bindings. However, according to their design principle, compared to second type toe bindings, toe thong bindings of the first type also have the disadvantage that they can not be built as easily as toe thong bindings of the second type. This results in a touring ski binding of the first type for the ascent of the skier requires a greater effort than is the case with a touring ski binding of the second type.

For the description of ski binding systems, a (fictitious) ski is often used as the reference system, it being assumed that the binding is mounted on this ski. This habit is taken over in the present text. Thus, the term "ski longitudinal direction" means along the orientation of the longitudinal axis of the ski. Similarly, "skiparallel" means an elongated object aligned along the longitudinal axis of the ski. For a flat object, however, the term "ski-parallel" means aligned parallel to the sliding surface of the ski. Further, the term "ski direction" means a direction transverse to the ski longitudinal direction, which, however, need not be oriented exactly at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the ski. Their orientation may also be slightly different from a right angle. The term "ski center", on the other hand, means a center of the ski in the ski direction, while the term "ski lift" does not mean that it can move in relation to the ski. It should also be noted that some terms that do not contain the word "ski" refer to the reference system of (fictitious) skis. Thus, the terms "front", "rear", "top", "bottom" and "lateral" refer to "front", "rear", "top", "bottom" and "side" of the ski. Likewise, terms such as "horizontal" and "vertical" refer to the ski, with "horizontal" lying in a plane parallel to the ski and "vertical" oriented perpendicular to this plane.

A touring ski binding of the first type introduced above is described in EP 1 679 099 B1 (Fritschi AG - Swiss Bindings). This touring ski binding comprises an elongated ski boot carrier, on which a front jaw is arranged in a front region and a heel jaw for holding a ski boot in a rear region. When a ski boot is held in this touring ski binding, the toe area of the ski boot is held by the toe and the heel area of the ski boot by the heel cup. The ski boot carrier is located below the ski boot between the ski boot and the ski. In order to enable the walking function, the ski boot carrier is pivotally mounted in its front region about a pivot axis aligned in the direction of the ski. As a result, in the ascent position, the rear region of the ski boot carrier and thus also the heel of the ski boot held on the ski boot carrier can be swung upwards away from the ski. In the downhill position, however, the ski boot carrier is locked at its rear end by a hold-down in a ski-parallel alignment, whereby the ski boot for downhill skiing is fixed. To ensure the safety of the skier, the toe jaw allows lateral safety release, while the heel jaw allows for safety release in the forward direction.

Another touring ski binding of the first type is described in WO 2011/124 785 A1 (Salomon S.A.S). It is a freeride binding, which is built according to solid and which therefore allows very high settings for a safety release.

These two touring ski bindings, like all touring ski bindings of the first type, have the disadvantage that, compared to touring ski bindings of the second type, they require a greater amount of effort from the skier during the ascent. Understandably, this force is greater, the more massive the bond is built. Therefore, this disadvantage is particularly serious in freeride bindings.

Presentation of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide a ski binding associated with the aforementioned technical field, which allows high settings for a safety release and at the same time requires a small amount of effort from the skier during the climb.

The solution of the problem is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the automatic heel unit is arranged both in the downhill position of the ski binding and in the ascent position of the ski binding on the ski. Here, the heel area of a ski boot held in the ski binding in the down position of the ski binding by the automatic heel lock in a lowered position and released in the ascent position of the ski binding by the heel counter, whereby the ski boot in the climbing position of the ski binding together with the sole element about the pivot axis is.

The inventive ski binding ensures in a known way the safety of the skier on the descent by the automatic heel as mentioned above allows a safety release in the forward direction. For this reason, the heel machine also includes a safety mechanism by which the ski boot can be automatically released from the heel unit and from the ski binding when the heel of the ski boot is subjected to a force which is directed upwards relative to the ski and exceeds a release force. This safety mechanism, regardless of the specific construction, has a certain weight, which determines the weight of the heel piece. The invention therefore makes it possible that the weight of the heel piece is not lifted up by the skier during the ascent at every step together with the heel of the ski boot, but remains at a constant height on the ski. Accordingly, the skier is made possible by the invention, a rise with less effort. This advantage exists for all ski bindings according to the invention, regardless of the specific design of the heel piece. The solution according to the invention is particularly advantageous when the ski binding is designed as a freeride binding and the automatic heel unit is correspondingly particularly solid and heavy-weight.

In order to achieve this advantage of the inventive solution, it does not matter how the sole element is formed. For example, the sole element may have an elongate plate. Such a plate may be substantially rectangular or any other shape. In addition, it can, for example, if necessary, also have recesses in order to reduce the weight of the plate. But there is also the possibility that the sole element comprises one or more rods or tubes of any cross-section. Regardless of these possibilities, the sole element can also consist of a single element or be composed of several individual parts.

According to the invention, the sole element is aligned in the downhill position substantially parallel to the ski. In this case, the sole element may be prevented for example by the shoe sole of the ski boot held in the ski binding to a free pivoting movement about the pivot axis. In this case, at least a part of the sole element should be arranged in the downhill position below the shoe sole, whereby this part of the sole element abuts the ski boot when the sole element is pushed away from the ski upwards. Furthermore, there is also the possibility that the sole element is prevented in the downhill position by a blocking element on a pivoting movement upwards away from the ski. In both variants, the sole element can be firmly locked in the downhill position or else have a bearing clearance and can only be pivoted about the pivot axis about a small pivoting angle, but it always remains substantially aligned in the direction of the ski.

Next, it does not matter in the inventive solution, whether the pivot axis is arranged skifest, or whether the pivot axis is formed, for example displaceable in the ski longitudinal direction. In this case, the pivot axis can be arranged, for example, in the ascent position and in the downhill position of the ski binding in the ski longitudinal direction at different positions. But there is also the possibility that the pivot axis is moved when pivoting the sole element relative to the ski. Such a movement can take place, for example, in the ski longitudinal direction, vertical to the ski, or in any other direction. In addition, such a movement can also take place along a curved path.

Regardless of these variants, the pivot axis can be physically designed as an axis. But it can also be an axis of symmetry about which the sole element is pivotable. If the pivot axis is not physically formed, but is a pure axis of symmetry, then, for example, the sole element can be pivotally mounted by a curved link guide about the pivot axis. As already described, there is also the possibility that the pivot axis is moved when the sole element is pivoted relative to the ski.

Preferably, the ski binding is a touring ski binding. As already explained, the invention in the form of touring ski binding has the advantage that it allows the skier to ascend with less effort.

As a preferred variant of the ski binding is a freeride binding. As also already explained, the invention in the form of a freeride binding has the advantage that it allows the skier to ascend with a lower expenditure of force despite the massive and correspondingly heavy construction which is usual with freeride bindings.

Alternatively, there is also the possibility that the ski binding is a cross-country skiing or a telemark binding, which also has a downhill position and thus allows the skier a descent as required with a downhill ski binding.

Preferably, the sole element extends from the toe area of the ski boot to the heel area of the ski boot. This has the advantage that the sole element extends substantially over an entire length of a sole of the ski boot and thereby can interact, for example, with the heel counter. This allows, for example, in the downhill position a transfer of forces between the heel unit and sole element, whereby a useful for the ski binding functionality can be achieved. This functionality may be, for example, an opening mechanism of the heel unit or a blockage of the sole element in the downhill position. But it may also be, for example, a stability-promoting function, which is advantageous when using a ski boot with a soft sole.

As a preferred variant, the sole element extends from the toe area of the ski boot to a middle of the sole of the ski boot. Such a variant has the advantage that the ski binding has less weight, which makes it easier for the skier to ascend with the ski binding.

Alternatively, however, there is also the possibility that the sole element has a different length.

Advantageously, the ski binding comprises a blocking element, through which in the downhill position the sole element is aligned substantially in parallel with the ski and from which the sole element can be released in the ascent position. In this case, the sole element in the downhill position by the blocking element can be firmly locked. The sole element may also have a bearing clearance in the downhill position and be prevented by the blocking element at a free movement about the pivot axis. In this case, for example, the sole element can be pivotable about the pivot axis only by a small pivoting angle, but it always remains substantially aligned in a line-parallel manner, since it is prevented by the blocking element from further pivoting movement. In both cases, the blocking element has the advantage that the ski binding can be brought into the downhill position, for example, without a ski boot held in the ski binding. In this case, the sole element can be kept aligned by the blocking element substantially in the same direction. Accordingly, a ski can be transported easier with the ski binding, because the sole element is not free to pivot about the pivot axis.

Alternatively, however, there is also the possibility that the ski binding has no such blocking element. In this case, the sole element may be prevented, for example in the downhill position, at least with a part of the sole element through the sole of the ski boot at a free pivoting movement about the pivot axis and be aligned substantially parallel to the ski. Such an alternative has the advantage that the ski binding can be built more easily.

If the ski binding has a blocking element, so in the downhill position at a safety release, the sole element is preferably preserved by the blocking element in the substantially ski-parallel alignment. This safety release may be, for example, a forward safety release by the heel counter. If the automatic heel unit allows a lateral safety release, it can also be a lateral safety release by the heel counter. If, on the other hand, the front holding device also permits a lateral safety release or a safety release in the reverse direction, the safety release may also be a corresponding lateral safety release or safety release in the reverse direction by the front retaining device. Regardless of the type of safety release, this has the advantage that in a fall, the sole element can not be freely swung around the pivot axis when the ski boot is released from the ski binding. As a result, on the one hand, unnecessary danger to the skier or third persons is prevented by a swung-out sole element. On the other hand, but also the probability of damage to the ski binding is reduced because the ski can not bounce anywhere with freely swung sole element.

As a preferred variant of this, however, there is also the possibility that the ski binding indeed has a blocking element by which in the downhill position at a safety release, the sole element in the substantially ski-parallel orientation is durable, but which in the downhill at a in the ski binding held ski boot does not interact with the sole element. In this variant, the sole element may be prevented, for example in the downhill position, at least with a part of the sole element by the sole of the ski boot on a free pivoting movement about the pivot axis and aligned substantially parallel to the ski, wherein the blocking element only cooperates with the sole element at a safety release. This also has the advantage regardless of the type of safety release that in a fall, the sole element can not be freely swung around the pivot axis when the ski boot is released from the ski binding. Also on the one hand, an unnecessary risk to the skier or third parties is prevented by a swung sole element and on the other hand also reduces the likelihood of damage to the ski binding, because the ski can not bounce anywhere with freely swung sole element.

In both of the above-mentioned, preferred variants but there is also the possibility that in a certain type of safety release, the sole element is preserved by the blocking element in the substantially skiparallelen orientation, while not in another type of safety release by the blocking element in the substantially skiparallelen alignment is durable. For example, if the front holding device allows a safety release, the sole element may be durable in a substantially parallel alignment with a safety release triggered by the front holding device, whereas in a safety release triggered by the heel counter, the blocking element is not substantially skiparallel Alignment is held. For example, but just the other way round is the possibility that the sole element is not held in a triggered by the front holder safety release by the blocking element in the substantially skiparallelen alignment, while in a triggered by the heel safety release by the blocking element in the substantially parallelepipedal Alignment is durable. Both such variants may be advantageous, because thereby the construction of the ski binding can be simplified and the ski binding can be produced correspondingly less expensive.

As an alternative to these variants, however, there is also the possibility that the sole element is not durable in the down position at a safety release by the blocking element in the substantially parallel-line orientation. This can be advantageous, for example, because a simpler construction of the ski binding is made possible and the ski binding can be produced correspondingly less expensive.

If the ski binding has a blocking element, preferably the automatic heel unit forms the blocking element. In this case, for example, an element of the heel piece, which takes over one or more functions relevant to the heel piece, at the same time also form the blocking element. This has the advantage that no separate blocking element is necessary. Accordingly, the heel machine can be built easier and cheaper. This simple and inexpensive construction is further facilitated if the sole element extends from the toe area of the ski boot to the heel area of the ski boot and, correspondingly, the blocking element formed by the automatic heel does not extend far under the ski boot. In principle, however, the advantage is also achieved with a sole element which does not extend from the toe area of the ski boot to the heel area of the ski boot and the automatic heel unit accordingly has an extension extending to the front.

Alternatively, however, there is also the possibility that the blocking element is designed as a separate blocking element. In this case, the blocking element can be stored for example as a separate element in or on the heel counter. But there is also the possibility that the blocking element is designed as a separate element and is stored separately. In this case, the blocking element may for example be arranged in the sole element and block in the downhill position a pivoting movement of the sole element about the pivot axis. For this purpose, it may, for example, have a hook, which can hook in the downhill position for holding the sole element in the substantially ski-parallel alignment with a counterpart on the automatic heel unit or on the ski. If the pivot axis is designed as a physical axis, then the blocking element in the down position but also block or severely restrict a rotation of the pivot axis, so that the sole element is aligned substantially parallel to the ski. In this case, the blocking element can be arranged for example in the sole element or in an element with which the pivot axis is mounted on the ski. But there is also the possibility that several such blocking elements are combined with each other or can simultaneously hold the sole element in the substantially ski-parallel orientation in the downhill position or optionally in a safety release.

Preferably, at least one holding element is arranged on the sole element, by means of which the ski boot held in the ski binding can be fixed in the ascending position on the sole element. If the sole element extends from the toe region of the ski boot to the heel region of the ski boot, the at least one retaining element can be positioned on the sole element such that the ski boot can be fixed in the heel region. However, it is also possible with such a sole element that the at least one holding element is positioned laterally or below the sole of the ski boot in a middle region or on the front of the sole element and can hold the ski boot fixed to the sole element at this position. However, such an arrangement of the at least one retaining element is also possible, for example, if the sole element extends from the toe region of the ski boot only to a center of the ski boot. If the at least one holding element is laterally positioned, the at least one holding element can embrace, for example, a sole of the ski boot laterally above, in order to fix the ski boot to the sole element. In the same way, however, the at least one retaining element can, for example, also engage in a counterpart in the sole of the ski boot or in the ski boot in order to fix the ski boot to the sole element. On the other hand, if the at least one retaining element is arranged below the ski sole, the at least one retaining element can engage there, for example, in a counterpart in the ski boot in order to fix the ski boot to the sole element. Regardless of the positioning of the at least one retaining element on the sole element, the at least one retaining element has the advantage that it can be achieved in a simple manner that the sole element lifted in the climbing position at each step of the skier together with the ski boot in the heel of the ski boot from the ski and is pivoted about the pivot axis.

Alternatively, however, there is also the possibility that no holding means is arranged on the sole element. In this case, for example, the function of the holding element, according to which the sole element is lifted in the ascending position at each step of the skier together with the ski boot in the heel of the ski boot from the ski and pivoted about the pivot axis, be ensured by the front holder. For this purpose, for example, the front support a shoe sole of the ski boot laterally engage over an area above and thereby press the ski boot against the sole element, whereby the sole element lifted in the ascent position at each step of the skier together with the ski boot in the heel of the ski boot from the ski and the Swivel axis is pivoted.

If at least one retaining element is arranged on the sole element, then advantageously the ski boot held in the ski binding can be released in the downhill position by the at least one retaining element. This has the advantage that in the downhill position the automatic heel unit can ensure a safety release in the forward direction, without this function being impaired by the at least one retaining element.

As a variant of this, however, there is also the possibility that the retaining element fixed in the downhill position the ski boot on the sole element and can be triggered by a safety release of the heel unit. This variant can be implemented, for example, by the fact that the at least one holding element acts as a holding element for the automatic heel unit. Correspondingly, the at least one retaining element in the downhill position can cooperate with the automatic heel unit and hold the ski boot in the heel area of the ski boot and release the heel area of the ski boot in the event of a safety release in the forward direction. In this example, the at least one holding element can be detached from the automatic heel unit in the ascent position and be arranged on the sole element and fix the ski boot on the sole element, the mechanism for the safety release with the heel counter remaining on the ski. In a further implementation possibility of this variant, the automatic heel unit but also, for example, have its own holding element, wherein in the down position both the at least one holding element and the holding element of the heel machine fix the ski boot on the sole element. In the case of a safety release, the automatic heel unit can cooperate with the at least one retaining element in such a manner that both the retaining element of the automatic heel and the at least one retaining element release the heel region of the ski boot.

Preferably, the automatic heel unit has a downhill configuration and a climb configuration and is in the downhill configuration in the downhill configuration and in the ascent position in the ascent configuration, whereby the heel region of the ski boot held in the ski binding can be locked in a lowered position by the heel counter in the downhill configuration is and can be released by the heel unit in the ascent configuration, whereby the ski boot in the ascending position of the ski binding is pivotable together with the sole element about the pivot axis. For example, to facilitate this, the heel piece may be reciprocable between the downhill configuration and the ascent configuration relative to the ski. In this case, the movement may be a movement along a linear path, pivotal movement or even a combined movement, which includes both a movement along a linear path and a pivoting movement. However, for example, the heel machine may also be reciprocable between the downhill configuration and the ascent configuration by being moved only toward itself. This means that, for example, two parts of the heel unit can be shifted or rotated relative to each other, but the automatic heel unit remains in a same position relative to the ski.

However, as a preferred variant, the automatic heel unit may also have no specific downhill configuration or ascent configuration, but the front restraint may have a downhill configuration and an ascent configuration and be in the downhill configuration in the downhill configuration and in the ascent position in the ascent configuration, with the toe area of the ski boot by the front holding device in the downhill configuration in a rear position and in the ascent configuration in a forward position is durable. As a result, in the ascent position the ski boot together with the front holding device can be moved away from the heel counter and, accordingly, do not interact with the heel counter. In addition, in the downhill position of the ski boot can be moved together with the front holding device to the rear, whereby the heel area of the ski boot can be locked by the heel counter in a lowered position. In order to enable such a departure configuration and such a rise configuration of the front holding device, for example, the front holding device may be designed to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the ski. If the front holding device is arranged on the sole element, then the front holding device can be designed to be displaceable relative to the sole element or the sole element can be designed to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the ski. In the latter case, for example, the pivot axis from a rear position in the downhill position to a front position in the ascent position and be displaced back. In order to make this possible, the pivot axis, for example, relative to a front base element, which is attachable to the ski, be slidably mounted in the ski longitudinal direction. All embodiments in which the front holding device has a downhill configuration and an ascent configuration and is in the downhill configuration in the downhill configuration and in the ascent position in the ascent configuration have the advantage that the heel piece is in a downhill position as well as in a ascent position same position opposite the ski can be. As a result, the heel machine can be built easier and still have the necessary stability.

If the automatic heel unit has a departure configuration and an ascent configuration, the heel unit is preferably movably supported on a non-skid base member and movable relative to the base member in the downhill configuration and in the ascent configuration. In this case, the automatic heel unit can be mounted directly or via one or more intermediate elements on the base element. Regardless of possible intermediate elements, the storage of the heel piece on the skifesten base element has the advantage that a stable storage of the heel unit on the base element and thus on the ski is possible.

If the automatic heel unit is movably mounted on a non-skid base member, the heel box is preferably slidably mounted on the base member in the ski longitudinal direction and is in a forward position in the downhill configuration and in a rearward position in the ascent configuration. In this case, the automatic heel unit, for example, by a slotted guide and a sliding block, by a rail and a carriage, by a rail and rollers or otherwise be mounted on the base member. It is important that the heel unit in the downhill configuration is in a position that is further ahead of the ski compared to its position in the ascent configuration. This provides the advantage that the heel unit is moved rearward from the ski boot in the ascent configuration and can not interact with the heel area of the ski boot while the heel counter is further forward in the downhill configuration and co-operates with the heel area of the ski boot and the ski boot in one can lock down lowered position. Next, such a design has the advantage that by means of a linear guide a stable mounting of the heel unit on the base element can be ensured.

In an advantageous variant of the heel machine but can also be mounted in the ski direction or at an angle to the ski longitudinal direction displaceable on the base member. In this case, the heel machine is in a first position in the downhill configuration and in a second position in the ascent configuration. In this case, there is also the possibility that the automatic heel is formed in two parts and a first part of the heel unit is mounted transversely to the ski in a first direction displaceable on the base member and a second part of the heel unit substantially transversely to the ski in a second direction displaceable on the base member is stored. As a result, for example, both parts of the heel counter can be moved away laterally to release the heel area of the ski boot in the ascent division. By this variant, the advantage is also achieved that by means of a linear guide stable storage of the heel unit can be ensured on the base member.

If the automatic heel unit is movably mounted on a non-skid base element, in a further preferred variant the heel automat is pivotably mounted on the base element about an axis and is in a first position in the downhill configuration and in a second position in the ascent configuration. This has the advantage that it is achieved in a simple manner that the automatic heel unit can interact with the heel area of the ski boot in the downhill position and the heel area of the ski boot is released by the heel counter in the ascent position. It is also possible that the automatic heel is formed in two parts and a first part of the heel unit is mounted substantially transversely to the ski in a first direction pivotally mounted on the base member and a second part of the heel unit substantially transversely to the ski in a second direction pivotally mounted on the base member is stored. As a result, for example, both parts of the heel piece can be moved away laterally to release the heel area of the ski boot in the ascent position.

In a further preferred variant, the automatic heel unit is pivotable about an axis and slidably mounted on the base element along a linear path. In this case, the axis can be moved along with the heel counter along the linear path, or the axis can be arranged skifest, wherein the automatic heel is movable relative to the axis along the linear path. Furthermore, there is the possibility that the automatic heel is formed in two parts and a first part of the heel unit is pivotally mounted transversely to the ski in a first direction and displaceable along a first linear path on the base member and a second part of the heel unit substantially transverse to Ski is pivotable in a second direction and slidably mounted along a second linear path on the base member. In this case, the first and the second linear path may be identical or else different. In both cases, both parts of the heel unit can be moved laterally to release the heel area of the ski boot in the ascent position.

Alternatively, however, there is also the possibility that the automatic heel unit has no special departure configuration and no special ascent configuration and is in a same configuration both in the downhill position and in the ascent position. In this case, however, in this same configuration, the heel machine should allow a safety release in the forward direction when the ski boot is locked in a lowered position by the heel counter in the downhill configuration.

Advantageously, the front holding device is movable in the longitudinal direction and is in the downhill position in a rear position and in the ascent position in a forward position. This has the advantage that thereby held in the ski binding ski boot can be moved together with the front holding device in the downhill position in a rear position and in the ascent position in a forward position. Accordingly, the ski boot can be moved away from the heel counter in the ascent position to the front and thereby be released by the heel counter, whereby the ski boot can be pivoted together with the sole element about the pivot axis. In addition, the ski boot can thereby be moved in the downhill position together with the front holding device to the rear, whereby the automatic heel unit can interact with the heel area of the ski boot and lock the ski boot in a lowered position. This allows the automatic heel unit to remain in a same position in both the downhill and ascent positions and thus be easier to construct.

As a preferred variant of this, however, there is also the possibility that the front holding device in the climbing position in the ski longitudinal direction is movable and is in the downhill position in a position which is opposite to the possible positions in the ascent position further back. As a result, on the one hand, the advantage is achieved that the front holding device allows a movement relative to the ski in the ascent position, which corresponds to a natural walking movement of the skier. On the other hand, however, this also has the advantage that thereby held in the ski binding ski boot can be moved together with the front holding device in the downhill position in a rear position and in the ascent position in front positions. Accordingly, the ski boot can be moved away from the heel counter in the ascent position to the front and thereby be released by the heel counter, whereby the ski boot can be pivoted together with the sole element about the pivot axis. In addition, the ski boot can thereby be moved in the downhill position together with the front holding device to the rear, whereby the automatic heel unit can interact with the heel area of the ski boot and lock the ski boot in a lowered position. This allows the automatic heel unit to remain in a same position in both the downhill and ascent positions and thus be easier to construct.

Alternatively, however, there is also the possibility that the front holding device is both in the downhill position and in the ascent position in a same position, when the sole element is aligned in the ascent position substantially skiparallel. In this case, the front holding device, for example, in the ascent position in a movement of the sole element about the pivot axis also about the pivot axis pivotally or be fixed with respect to the pivot axis.

Preferably, the pivot axis about which the sole member is pivotally movable in the longitudinal direction and is in the downhill position in a rear position and in the ascent position in a forward position. This has the advantage that, for example, the sole element or the front holding device or both the sole element and the front holding device can be movable in the ski longitudinal direction by the movement of the pivot axis in the ski longitudinal direction. If the sole element is movable together with the pivot axis, it may, for example, the ski boot element in the downhill position by a blocking element are held substantially skiparallel and released in the ascent position of the blocking element by it is moved away from the blocking element forward. If, on the other hand, the front holding device is movable together with the pivot axis, then the ski boot held in the ski binding can be moved into a rear position together with the front holding device in the downhill position and into a front position in the ascent position, for example. Accordingly, the ski boot can thereby be moved away from the heel counter in the ascent position to the front and thereby be released by the automatic heel, whereby the ski boot can be pivoted together with the sole element about the pivot axis. In addition, the ski boot can thereby be moved in the downhill position together with the front holding device to the rear, whereby the automatic heel unit can interact with the heel area of the ski boot and lock the ski boot in a lowered position. This allows the automatic heel unit to remain in a same position in both the downhill and ascent positions and thus be easier to construct.

As an alternative to this, the pivot axis can also be movable only in the ascent position when pivoting the sole plate about the pivot axis in the ski longitudinal direction or the pivot axis can not even be moved in the longitudinal direction of the ski.

Preferably, the sole element is movable in the ski longitudinal direction and is in the downhill position in a rear position and in the ascent position in a forward position. This has various advantages depending on the embodiment. In an embodiment with blocking element, the movable sole element has the advantage, for example, that the sole element in the downhill position can be kept substantially parallel in the ski by a blocking element and released from the blocking element in the ascent position by being moved forwards away from the blocking element. In an embodiment in which the automatic heel unit has an ascent configuration and a downhill configuration and the sole element extends rearward to the heel counter, the movable sole element has the advantage, for example, that the heel counter between the ascending configuration and the departure configuration can be made convertible by movement of the sole element can. Accordingly, it can thereby be made possible that the ski binding can be convertible by an actuation in the region of the front holding device between the ascent position and the downhill position. In contrast, in one embodiment with a front holding device arranged on the sole element, the movable sole element has the advantage, for example, that the front holding device can be designed to be displaceable together with the sole element. As a result, the ski boot held in the ski binding can be moved into a rear position together with the front holding device in the downhill position and into a forward position in the ascent position. Accordingly, the ski boot can be moved away from the heel counter in the ascent position to the front and thereby be released by the heel counter, whereby the ski boot can be pivoted together with the sole element about the pivot axis. In addition, the ski boot can thereby be moved in the downhill position together with the front holding device to the rear, whereby the automatic heel unit can interact with the heel area of the ski boot and lock the ski boot in a lowered position. This allows the automatic heel unit to remain in a same position in both the downhill and ascent positions and thus be easier to construct.

Alternatively, however, there is also the possibility that the sole element is not movable in the ski longitudinal direction. Such an alternative has the advantage that the sole element can be constructed more easily.

Preferably, the automatic heel unit is movable in the downhill position relative to the ski along a dynamic path substantially in the ski longitudinal direction. As a result, a change in the distance between the toe and the heel counter can be compensated, which can occur during a deflection of the ski while skiing. Accordingly, the ski is not stiffened by the ski binding and retains its flexing properties. Thus, the mobility of the automatic heel along the dynamic path has the advantage that the ride comfort is increased for the skier.

Alternatively, there is also the possibility that the automatic heel unit is not movable in the downhill position along a dynamic path.

If the automatic heel unit is movable in the downhill position relative to the ski along a dynamic path substantially in the ski longitudinal direction, the automatic heel unit is in the down position advantageously acted upon by an elastic element with a forwardly directed force. This has the advantage that the automatic heel unit is always pressed by the forward force against the heel area of the ski boot and is positioned according to the bending state of the ski along the dynamic path, whereby the ski boot even with changing bending state of the ski between the toe and the Heel counter remains held.

Alternatively, there is also the possibility that the automatic heel holds the heel area of the ski boot in the downhill position such that the automatic heel unit can not solve by a movement relative to the ski boot to the rear of the ski boot, but according to the bending state of the ski along the dynamic way is positioned. For this purpose, the heel piece can hold, for example by means of one or more hooks or by means of a clamping device, the heel area of the ski boot. For example, there is also the possibility that the heel area of the ski boot and the heel unit each comprise an element which magnetically attracts each other.

From the following detailed description and the totality of the claims, there are further advantageous embodiments and feature combinations of the invention.

Brief description of the drawings

The drawings used to explain the embodiment show: <Tb> FIG. 1 <SEP> is a schematic side view of a ski binding according to the invention in a downhill position, <Tb> FIG. 2 <SEP> is a schematic side view of the inventive ski binding in a climbing position, <Tb> FIG. 3 <SEP> a schematic representation of the inventive ski binding in the ascent position viewed from above, <Tb> FIG. 4 <SEP> a vertically oriented, running in the ski longitudinal section through the inventive ski binding in the ascent position without an heel counter, <Tb> FIG. 5a, b, c <SEP> each show a simplified schematic representation of a rear base element with heel counter and heel element, <Tb> FIG. 6a, b, c <SEP> each a simplified, schematic representation of the heel unit with a blocking element, and <Tb> FIG. 7a, b, c <SEP> each have a simplified, schematic representation of the automatic heel unit on the rear base element with an adjusting lever for adjusting the automatic heel unit from a downhill configuration to an ascent configuration and back. Basically, the same parts in the figures are given the same reference numbers.

Ways to carry out the invention

1 shows a schematic side view of a ski binding 1 according to the invention in a downhill position with a ski boot 100 held in the ski binding 1. This ski binding 1 is fastened on a ski 200, of which, however, in the representation shown only one surface as a horizontal line is shown. This surface of the ski 200 defines a skiparallel plane that intersects the presentation plane in the horizontal line shown and that extends out of the presentation plane perpendicular to the presentation plane. Corresponding top and bottom in the illustration is also up and down at the ski binding 1. Next corresponds in the illustration left at the ski binding 1 front, while in the illustration right at the ski binding 1 back corresponds.

The ski binding 1 comprises a front base element 2 which is fastened on the ski 200 and in which a pivot axis 3 oriented horizontally in the ski direction is mounted. Further, the ski binding 1 comprises a sole plate 4, which is pivotally mounted in its front region about the pivot axis 3. On this sole plate 4 above the pivot axis 3, a front jaw 5 is fixed, which holds the ski boot 100 in a toe area of the ski boot 100, by embracing a sole of the ski boot 100 at the top front. In this case, the sole plate 4 is below the sole of the ski boot 100 and extends from the toe 5 backwards to a heel area of the ski boot 100.

Furthermore, the ski binding 1 comprises a rear base element 6 which, like the front base element 2, is fastened on the ski 200. However, this rear base member 6 is located farther back of the ski 200 compared to the front base member 2 and is positioned on the ski 200 such that a front portion of the rear base member 6 is below a rear portion of the sole plate 4 when the sole plate 4 is like shown here in Fig. 1 is aligned substantially in parallel. As a result, there is a rear region of the rear base element 6 behind a rear end of the sole plate 4. In this rear region of the base element 6, a heel machine 7 is mounted displaceably in the ski longitudinal direction. This automatic heel unit 7 is in the depiction shown in FIG. 1 in a departure configuration. This means that the heel unit 7 is in a position in which it surrounds the heel area of the ski boot 100 at the top, thereby keeping the ski boot 100 locked in a lowered position. If in this position a forward or upward force acts on the ski boot 100, which exceeds a minimum force, the heel portion of the ski boot 100 is released by a safety release in the forward direction of the heel unit 7. For this purpose, the heel machine 7 comprises a safety release mechanism which is generally customary in ski bindings.

In order to allow the skier a simple boarding and disembarkation from the ski binding 1 in the downhill position, the heel unit 7 includes a well-known from Abfahrtsskibindungen entry mechanism: After a safety release in the forward direction or after a normal exit by the skier is the heel machine 7 in an open position. In this open position, an element of the automatic heel unit 7, which cooperates in the downhill position with the heel region of the ski boot 100, is pivoted upwards. This upwardly pivoted element has in its lower region on a tread spur, which is pressed by the ski boot 100 when entering the ski binding 1 down. As a result, the element snaps down and holds the ski boot 100 between the toe 5 and the automatic heel 7. Simultaneously with this snapping of the element, an opening lever 28 pointing obliquely rearwardly upwards on the automatic heel unit 7 snaps slightly further upwards. In order to get out of the ski binding 1, the skier only needs to push the opening lever 28 downwards, whereby the element cooperating with the heel area of the ski boot 100 snaps back up and releases the ski boot 100. Likewise, in the event of a safety release in the forward direction, this element snaps up while the opening lever is moved downwards by the snap-action.

In the downhill position of the ski binding 1 shown in FIG. 1, the automatic heel unit 7 is acted upon, as is known for downhill ski bindings, by a forwardly acting spring force which presses the automatic heel unit 7 forward against a front stop on the rear base element 6. In this case, the front stop is positioned such that the automatic heel unit 7 can interact with the heel area of the ski boot 100 just. Starting from this position, the heel unit 7 can be pressed back against the spring force. This makes it possible for the automatic heel unit 7 to be pushed backwards by the ski boot 100 or the sole plate 4 when the ski 200 is bent downwards in the area of the ski binding during skiing and the sole plate 4 and the heel area of the ski boot 100 due to the curvature of the ski 200 are moved relative to the rear base member 6 to the rear. Accordingly, no appreciable stiffening of the ski 200 in the central region of the ski 200 is effected by the ski binding 1, whereby an optimal ride comfort for the skier is ensured.

1 shows a schematic side view of the inventive ski binding 1 with the ski boot 100 held in the ski binding 1. In contrast to the representation in FIG. 1, the ski binding 1 is in the illustration in FIG. 2, however not in the downhill position, but in a climbing position. Therefore, the heel machine 7 is shifted backwards in comparison to FIG. In this position, the heel unit 7 is moved backwards relative to the heel area of the ski boot 100 and opposite the rear end of the sole plate 4, whereby the heel area of the ski boot 100 and the rear end of the sole plate 4 are released by the automatic heel unit 7. This makes it possible that the sole plate 4 can be pivoted together with the ski boot 100 about the pivot axis 3 to 90 °, whereby the skier a natural walking motion is made possible. Therefore, this positioning of the heel machine 7 is also referred to herein as the ascent configuration.

So that in the ascent position of the ski binding 1 the skier does not simply lift the ski boot 100 off the sole plate 4 and thus of the ski binding 1, the sole of the ski boot 100 is in the heel region of the ski boot 100 of two retaining elements 8.1 on the sole plate 4 fixed. For this purpose, the two holding elements are mounted 8.1 in the rear region of the sole plate 4 on one side of the sole plate 4 pivotally about a horizontally oriented in the transverse direction axis 20 on the sole plate 4 (see Fig. 4) and pivoted with their upper portions to the front, thereby their upper areas embrace the sole of the ski boot 100 at the back. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the two retaining elements 8.1, in contrast, are pivoted rearwardly with their upper regions, thereby releasing the heel region of the ski boot 100, so that the ski boot 100 can be moved forwards by the automatic heel unit 7 in the event of a safety release the ski binding 1 can be solved.

By this pivoting of the two holding elements 8.1 the skier is also in the ascent position a simple way to get in and out of the ski binding 1 allows. For this purpose, the two holding elements 8.1 (not shown) acted upon by a torsion spring, which presses the upper portions of the holding elements 8.1 forward. To enter the ski binding 1, the ski boot 100 is first inserted into the toe 5 and then lowered with the heel area on the holding elements 8.1. Since the front, upper regions of the two holding elements 8.1 are beveled towards the front, thereby the upper regions of the two holding elements 8.1 are pressed by the rear edge of the ski boot sole against the torque to the rear. Once the ski boot 100 is lowered onto the sole plate 4, the retaining elements 8.1 can be moved back by the torque and engage around the heel of the ski boot 100 at the top rear, whereby the ski boot 100 is fixed to the sole plate 4. To get out of the ski binding 1 again, it is sufficient to press the rear, upper portion of one of the two retaining elements 8.1 down. Since the two holding elements 8.1 are connected to one another by a connecting bar 19 (see FIGS. 3 and 4), the upper regions of the two holding elements 8.1 are thereby pivoted backwards against the torque and the heel region of the ski boot 100 is released. Accordingly, the ski boot 100 can be lifted out of the ski binding 1 as a result.

FIG. 3 shows a further schematic illustration of the ski binding 1 according to the invention in the ascent position. In contrast to FIG. 2, however, the ski boot 100 is not shown and the sole plate 4 is lowered toward the ski. In addition, the ski binding 1 is shown viewed from above. Same as in Fig. 2 but corresponds to the left in the representation in the ski binding 1 front and right in the representation of the ski binding 1 back. Therefore located in Fig. 3 left of the toe 5 and right of the heel machine 7 of the ski binding 1. In between is the sole plate 4, which held in its front region in the vicinity of the front jaw 5 a slide plate 9 to support a in the ski binding 1 Includes ski boot. If the front jaw 5 allows a lateral safety release, this slide plate 9 not only supports the ski boot, but also facilitates a sliding movement of the ski boot in the lateral direction. Furthermore, the sole plate 4 has in its rear region a support surface 10 for supporting a ski boot held in the ski binding 1. At this support surface 10 a generally known ski bindings forth ski brake 11 is arranged. This ski brake 11 is deactivated when a ski boot is held in the ski binding 1, and is activated by a known mechanism as soon as the ski boot is removed from the ski binding 1.

3 can be seen that the two arranged in the rear region of the sole plate 4 holding elements 8.1, 8.2 are so far apart that the heel machine 7 between the two holding elements 8.1, 8.2 is located and in the downhill position between the two holding elements 8.1, 8.2 can be moved forward. As a result, a blocking element 12 arranged in the front, lower region of the heel unit 7 is moved forward and engages around the rear end of the sole plate 4 from the top rear. Thus, the sole plate 4 is held in the downhill position in a substantially skiparallelen orientation.

Fig. 4 shows a vertically oriented, running in the ski longitudinal section through the ski binding 1 in the ascent position without the heel unit 7, but with the ski binding 1 held in the ski boot 100. As already in Fig. 3, corresponds to the left in the Representation of the ski binding 1 in the front, while the right in the representation of the ski binding 1 corresponds to the rear. By the sectional view of the structure of the sole plate 4 is arranged with the arranged in the rear region of the sole plate 4 and pivotable about the axis 20 holding elements 8.1. Thus, it can be seen that the sole plate 4 has a linkage 13, which extends from a front portion of the sole plate 4 with the toe 5 and the slide plate 9 to the rear to a rear portion of the sole plate 4. At the rear end of this linkage 13, a heel element 14 is mounted, which forms the support surface 10 for the heel of the ski boot 100 and on which the two holding elements 8.1 are pivotally mounted about the axis 20.

In order to adjust a length of the sole plate 4 and the entire ski binding 1 on ski boots with different shoe sizes, the heel element 14 relative to the linkage 13 in the longitudinal direction of the linkage 13 is slidably mounted. In this case, the position of the heel element 14 relative to the linkage 13 can be controlled by means of a screw 15 screwed into the linkage 13 from behind. For this purpose, a sheet metal element 16 is mounted on the screw 15. By turning the screw 15 relative to the linkage 13, this screw 15 is moved together with the sheet metal element 16 to the front or to the rear, whereby the blade element 16 mounted on the heel element 14 is moved. To enable this functionality, the sheet metal element 16 each has a front and a rear, vertically downwardly bent end with an opening. Through these openings, the screw 15 is guided from behind and screwed into the linkage 13. In addition, the sheet metal element 16 has in its rear region on both sides slightly displaced away from the middle two strips 17.2, which are bent vertically upwards (strips 17.1, 17.2 in Fig. 3). These two strips 17.2 form a rear stop for the ski binding 100 held in the ski binding 1. They serve to prevent the ski boot 100 held in the ski binding 1 from sliding backwards and becoming free from the toe 5. Accordingly, the length of the sole plate 4 is adjusted by the fact that the two strips 17.2 just touch the heel of the ski boot 100 when the ski boot 100 is inserted in the ski binding 1. Only after the length of the sole plate 4 is set in this way, in a further step, a front position of the heel counter in the down position relative to the rear end of the sole plate 4 and the heel of the ski boot 100 is set. For this purpose, the automatic heel unit cooperating with the rear base element has a mechanism, which is generally known from downhill ski bindings, for longitudinal adjustment of an automatic heel piece.

As already mentioned, the heel element 14 is mounted on the sheet metal element 16 and on the linkage 13. In this case, the heel element 14 is slidably mounted both in relation to the linkage 13 and against the sheet metal element 16 in the longitudinal direction of the linkage 13, but between the heel element 14 and the sheet metal element 16, a coil spring 18 is arranged, which the heel element 14 against the sheet metal element 16 to pushes a stop forward. Therefore, the heel element 14 can be pressed against the sheet metal element 16 and also with respect to the linkage 13 against the spring force caused by the coil spring 18 over a distance to the rear. When the heel element 14 is pushed backwards and moved backwards, a connecting bar 19 which connects the two holding elements 8.1 in the lower region of the holding elements 8.1 is pressed back against the upwardly directed strips 17.2 of the sheet metal element 16. As a result, the connecting bar 19 is stopped by the strips 17.2 in its rearward movement and the lower areas of the two holding elements 8.1 are pivoted forward relative to the axis 20 on which the holding elements 8.1 are mounted on the heel element 14. As a result, the upper regions of the two retaining elements 8.1 are pivoted backwards and the two retaining elements 8.1 release the heel region of the ski boot 100. Now, if the heel element 14 is moved backwards so is released, it is again moved forward by the coil spring 18 relative to the linkage 13 and the sheet metal element 16. As a result, the axis 20 is also moved relative to the upwardly directed strips 17.2 of the sheet metal element 16 forward and the beam and the retaining elements 8.1 can be swung back. This pivoting back takes place automatically, since the two holding elements 8.1 (not shown) are acted upon by a about the axis 20 leg torque, which the upper portions of the holding elements 8.1 forward and the lower portions of the holding elements 8.1 with the connecting bar 19 to the rear suppressed. Accordingly, this relative movement of the axis 20 leads to the upwardly directed strip 17.2 of the sheet metal element 16 to the fact that the two holding elements 8.1 can be moved back about the axis 20 and the heel area of the ski boot 100 can again engage around from the back above.

This mechanism for releasing or gripping the ski boot heel is used when changing the ski binding 1 from the ascent to the downhill position and back as described below, so that the heel area of the ski boot 100 released in the downhill position of the holding elements 8.1 and in the ascent position is fixed by the holding elements 8.1.

How the heel element 14 to use the mechanism for releasing the ski boot heel by the holding elements in the transition from the ascent to the downhill position against the spring force is moved backwards, is illustrated in Figs. 5a, 5b and 5c. These figures each show a simplified, schematic representation of the rear base member 6 with the heel unit 7 and the heel element 14. In Fig. 5a is the ski binding 1 in the ascent position, while the ski binding 1 in Fig. 5b at the transition into the Downhill position is shown and in Fig. 5c is in the downhill position. In all FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c, the automatic heel unit 7 is schematically represented by a block, in which only the blocking element 12 arranged in the front lower area of the automatic heel unit 7 is indicated. Further, in Figs. 5a, 5b and 5c, the rear base member 6 is shown in a sectional view, whereby it can be seen that the rear base member 6 has an opening 21 in its front upper portion and that in the rear base member 6, a sliding member 22 in the ski longitudinal direction is movably guided. This sliding element 22 is fastened in its rear region to the automatic heel unit 7 and has in its front region a recess 23 with a flattened front edge. Further, this sliding element 22 in front of the recess 23 has a front end which has approximately the same length as the opening 21 in the rear base element 6.

As already mentioned, the ski binding is shown in Fig. 5a in the ascent position. Accordingly, the automatic heel unit 7 and attached to the heel unit 7 sliding element 22 is in a rear position. In this position, the front end of the sliding element 22 is placed below the opening 21 in the rear base element 6. If, therefore, the sole plate 4 is lowered with the heel element 14 towards the ski, a pin 24 located at the rear of the heel element 14 on the heel element 14 hits the opening 21 in the rear base element 6, but strikes the rear end of the sliding element 22 and is thereby prevented from further lowering.

If starting from this climbing position, the ski binding 1 is transferred to the downhill position, the automatic heel unit 7 is moved forward. This can be done, for example, by a control lever (not shown) mounted on the rear base element 6 and on the automatic heel unit 7 or by a locking system (also not shown). As shown in FIG. 5b, the sliding element 22 connected to the automatic heel unit 7 is thereby also pushed forward, whereby the recess 23 in the sliding element 22 comes to lie below the opening 21 in the rear base element 6. If in this position the sole plate 4 is lowered with the heel element 14 toward the ski, then the pin 24 located below on the heel element 14 again hits the opening 21 in the rear base element 6. However, the pin 24 can now be guided further down into the recess 23 become. The pin 24 abuts against the flattened, front edge of the recess 23 and is pressed by the inclined surface of the edge to the rear. This results in that the pin 24 and the heel element 14 are moved backwards and that the heel of the ski boot is released by the retaining elements by the mechanism explained above. During such movement of the heel element 14 downwardly and rearwardly abuts the rear end of the heel element 14 against the blocking element 12. Thus, the blocking element 12 is pressed against a spring force to the rear in the heel unit 7 and snaps back forward as soon as the rear End of the heel element 14 is located below the blocking element 12 and the blocking element 12 thereby releases. As a result, the heel element 14 is blocked below the blocking element 12 and the sole plate 4 is locked in a substantially parallel orientation, while the heel of the ski boot is released from the holding elements and newly locked by the heel counter 7 in a lowered position. The ski binding 1 is thus transferred to the downhill position.

6a, 6b and 6c each show a simplified, schematic representation of the automatic heel unit 7 with the blocking element 12 to illustrate the operation of the blocking element 12. For this purpose, the heel machine 7 and the blocking element 12 in Fig. 6a in the ascent position shown while in the Fig. 6b in the transition to the downhill position and in Fig. 6c are shown in the downhill position. As in FIGS. 1 to 5c, in FIGS. 6a, 6b and 6c on the left in the heel counter 7, the front corresponds to the front, while in the right in the heel counter 7 in FIGS. 6a, 6b and 6c. Although the operation of the blocking element 12 is coupled to the latch or lever for adjusting the heel unit 7 from the ascent to the downhill and back, for clarity, the bolt or lever in the Fig. 6a, 6b and 6c is not shown. It is only one shown in horizontally oriented in the cross direction axis 25, which is mounted on the bolt or lever and which can be moved by the bolt or lever forward or backward.

As can be seen in FIG. 6a, the blocking element 12 is in a forward position in the ascent position. Therefore located within the heel counter 7 an upwardly open recess 26 in the blocking element 12 to parts below a fixed in the heel counterpart 7 counterpart 27. As a result, the axis 25, which is mounted for adjusting the heel 7 on the bolt or lever, not in the Recess 26 are moved in the blocking element 12. Therefore, when the axle 25 is pushed forward by the latch or lever, the axle 25 abuts the counterpart 27 and the heel machine 7 is moved forward from the ascent configuration to the downhill configuration until the heel counter 7 abuts against the aforementioned front stop abuts the rear base element and prevents it from moving forward. Once the heel unit 7 is positioned relative to the rear base member, the rear end of the heel member 14 may abut against the blocking member 12 as described with reference to FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c as the soleplate 4 is lowered downwardly. Since both the heel element 14 and the blocking element 12 have tapered ends and the heel element 14 is moved down and back when lowering the sole plate 4, the blocking element 12 is pressed against a spring force in the heel counter 7 during this movement. As shown in Fig. 6b, characterized in the heel machine 7, the recess 26 is moved to behind the counterpart 27 and the axis 25 can fall into the recess 26 down. As soon as the sole plate 4 with the heel element 14 is below the blocking element 12, the blocking element 12 is moved forward by a spring, not shown here, and locks the sole plate 4 in a substantially parallel orientation. In this case, the recess 26 is moved with the axis 25 forward to parts under the counterpart 27 together with the blocking element 12.

In order to transfer the ski binding 1 from the downhill position back into the ascent position, the axle 25 is pulled backwards by means of the bolt or adjusting lever. Since the axis 25 is initially in the recess 26 in the blocking element 12, the blocking element 12 is first pulled back, whereby the heel element 14 and thus the sole plate 4 are released upwards. If the axle 25 is pulled further back, so now the heel machine 7 is moved with the sliding element 22 shown in Figs. 5a, 5b and 5c with backwards. This movement of the heel unit 7 is continued until the automatic heel unit 7 engages in a rear position in the ascent configuration and the axis 25 is lifted by the movement of the bolt or adjusting lever out of the recess 26 in the blocking element 12. In this case, the movement of the heel unit 7 and the sliding member 22 to the rear causes the pin 24 is pushed along the inclined surface of the flattened edge of the recess 23 in the sliding member 22 upwards, whereby the heel member 14 and the sole plate 4 are released from their lock and whereby the heel element 14 by the coil spring 18 relative to the linkage 13 and the sheet metal element 16 can be moved forward. As explained in connection with FIG. 4, this leads to the fact that the holding means 8.1 acted upon by a leg spring can move backwards and thereby can grip around the heel of the ski boot from behind and fix the ski boot accordingly to the sole plate 4. Thus, the ski binding 1 is moved back by actuating the bolt or the actuating lever in the climbing position.

7a, 7b and 7c each show a simplified schematic representation of the rear base member 6 mounted heel unit 7 with a lever 29 for adjusting the heel unit 7 from the departure configuration in the ascent configuration and back. 7a, 7b and 7c serve to illustrate the operation of the control lever 29. In Fig. 7a, the heel machine 7 is shown in Abfahrtskonfiguration, while in Fig. 7b in the transition to the ascent configuration and in Fig. 7c in the Ascension configuration is shown. As already shown in FIGS. 1 to 6c, in FIGS. 7a, 7b and 7c on the left in the heel counter 7 it corresponds to the front, while in FIGS. 7a, 7b and 7c on the right in the heel counter 7 it corresponds. It should also be noted that this lever 29 is independent of the opening lever 28, which is described above in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2.

The adjusting lever 29 described here has an elongated shape with a right angle, which is similar to an "L". In this case, a lower end of a lower edge of the actuating lever 29 is mounted pivotably about a pivot axis 30 on the rear base element 6. Further, in the vicinity of the front-pointing right angle in the adjusting lever 29 in the lower edge of the actuating lever 29, an elongated opening 31 is arranged. This elongate opening is aligned parallel to the lower edge of the actuating lever 29 and serves as a guide link for the axis 25, which, as already described in connection with FIGS. 6a, 6b and 6c, is used for the longitudinal displacement of the heel unit 7.

As seen in Fig. 7a, the heel unit 7 is in the downhill configuration in a position on the front of the rear base member 6. In this case, the adjusting lever 29 is pivoted so far forward that the axis 25, which due to the blocking element 12th can not be moved further down (see Fig. 6c), at the front, upper end of the elongated opening 31 abuts. Accordingly, the front stop for the automatic heel unit 7 already described above is formed by the axis 25 and the adjusting lever 29, which prevents the automatic heel unit 7 from moving further to the front.

When the automatic heel unit 7 is to be transferred from the downhill configuration in the ascent configuration, the upper edge of the control lever 29, which points obliquely rearwardly upwards, is pressed downwards. As a result, the adjusting lever 29 is pivoted about the pivot axis 30 to the rear. With this movement, the elongated opening 31 is moved in the lower edge of the actuating lever 30 to the rear, whereby the axis 25 is moved to the rear. This leads first to the fact that the blocking element 12 is pulled back in the heel counter 7 against the already described spring force. Once the blocking element 12 can not be pulled further back, the heel machine 7 is moved together with the axis 25 to the rear. However, since the pivot axis 30 of the actuating lever 29 is behind and below the elongated opening 31, the elongated opening is not only moved to the rear, but also upwards with this movement. This results in the elongated opening 31 being moved upwardly relative to the axis 25 until the axis 25 abuts against a lower end of the elongate opening 31 (see FIG. 7b), whereafter the axis 25 passes through the lower end of the elongated opening 31 is lifted to the top. As a result, the axis 25, as described in connection with FIGS. 6a, 6b and 6c, is lifted upwards out of the recess 26 in the blocking element 12. Once the axis 25 is lifted out of the recess 26, the blocking element 12 is moved forward again by the spring force. At the same time the heel machine 7 has reached a locking position, in which he locks. As a result, the heel unit 7 is transferred to the ascent configuration.

In order to transfer the automatic heel unit 7 back to the departure configuration, the adjusting lever 29 is simply pivoted back to the top front. Thereby, the guided in the elongated opening 31 axis 25 is pushed forward, whereby the heel machine 7, as also described in connection with Figs. 6a, 6b and 6c, is moved forward.

The invention is not limited to the ski binding 1 described above. Various changes and variations can be made to this ski binding. For example, there is the possibility that another blocking element or no blocking element is used. Also, there is a possibility that the adjusting lever for adjusting the heel unit is formed from the ascent configuration to the departure configuration and back other than described above. For example, the opening lever and the lever can be formed by a single lever. There is also the possibility, for example, that the automatic heel unit not only enables a safety release in the forward direction, but also a lateral safety release. In principle, however, there is also the possibility that the automatic heel unit is constructed fundamentally differently than described above, as long as it allows a safety release in the forward direction. For example, there is also the possibility that the automatic heel unit can not be displaced in the longitudinal direction of the ski between the ascent configuration and the departure configuration. In this case, for example, the heel unit may be pivotable about an axis pivotable between the ascent configuration and the downhill configuration. However, there is also the possibility that the automatic heel unit has no special ascent configuration and departure configuration. In this case, for example, the pivot axis about which the sole plate is pivotally mounted, be mounted on a carriage in the ski longitudinal direction displaceable on the front base element. This allows the pivot axis, the soleplate and the toe to be moved to a forward position with the carriage in the ascent position, while in the downhill position may be moved to a rearward position. In this case, the carriage may for example be blocked by a bolt in the corresponding position on the front base element. In this case, the carriage with the pivot axis on a departure configuration and a climb configuration, while the heel machine is arranged skifest.

Regardless of the design of the heel unit and the mounting of the pivot axis there is also the possibility that the sole plate and the two holding elements are designed differently. For example, the sole plate can also be made shorter and only reaching to a middle of the ski boot sole, while the retaining elements can be designed, for example, in a hook shape and can fix the ski boot to the soleplate by hooking into corresponding counterparts in the ski boot. Instead of the two holding elements, however, it is also possible, for example, for a single holding element to be provided, which is designed in the form of a hook, a simple clamping yoke or as a single step-in holding element. In such an embodiment with a single retaining element, the retaining element may for example also be arranged in a ski center on the sole plate. In this case, the retaining element can be encompassed on both sides, for example, in the downhill position by the automatic heel unit, so that the automatic heel unit interacts on both sides of the retaining element with the heel region of the ski boot.

Furthermore, irrespective of these possible variations, there is also the possibility that the ski brake is not arranged on the soleplate but on the rear base element or on the automatic heel unit. In this case, however, the ski brake should be locked in the ascent position by the heel counter in a deactivated position so that the sole plate can be lifted off the ski while walking without activating the ski brake. For example, there is also the possibility that the ski brake is activated only in the event of a safety release in the forward direction by a mechanism of the heel unit.

Furthermore, irrespective of these variants, it is also possible for one or more climbing aids to be provided. These climbing aids can be designed, for example, in the form of a pivoting lever, which can be pivoted under the soleplate if necessary and supports the soleplate at a suitable distance from the ski and prevents it from being lowered further towards the ski.

Although the ski binding 1 described above can be used as a touring ski binding or even as a freeride binding, it is also possible either to make the ski binding more massive and thereby implement the invention clearly in a freeride binding. But it is also possible to implement the invention less massive and thus easier in the form of an ordinary touring ski binding. But it is also possible to implement the invention in a cross-country or telemark binding, in which an additional downhill position is desired, in which the ski boot heel is locked in a lowered position on the ski.

In summary, it should be noted that a ski binding is provided by the invention, which allows high set values for a safety release and at the same time requires a small amount of effort from the skier during the climb.

Claims (15)

A ski binding (1) for mounting on a top of a ski (200), comprising a sole element (4), a front holding device (5) for holding a ski boot (100) in a toe area of the ski boot (100) and an automatic heel counter (7) ) for holding the ski boot (100) in a heel region of the ski boot (100), wherein the sole element (4) is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis (3) arranged in its front region, oriented substantially horizontally in the ski direction, wherein the heel automaton (7 ) enables a safety release in the forward direction, and wherein a) the ski binding (1) has a downhill position, in which the sole element (4) is aligned essentially in parallel with the ski, b) and the ski binding (1) has a rise position, in which the sole element (4) is pivotable about the pivot axis (3), characterized in that the automatic heel unit (7) is arranged both in the downhill position of the ski binding (1) and in the ascent position of the ski binding (1) on the ski (200), the heel area of a ski boot (100) held in the ski binding (1) ) a) in the downhill position of the ski binding (1) by the automatic heel unit (7) can be locked in a lowered position and b) in the ascent position of the ski binding (1) by the automatic heel unit (7) is releasable, whereby the ski boot (100) in the climbing position of the ski binding (1) together with the sole element (4) about the pivot axis (3) is pivotable. 2. Ski binding (1) according to claim 1, characterized by a blocking element (12) through which in the downhill position the sole element (4) is aligned substantially parallel to the ski, and from which the sole element (4) is releasable in the ascent position. 3. Ski binding (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that in the downhill position in a safety release, the sole element (4) through the blocking element (12) in the substantially ski-parallel alignment is durable. 4. Ski binding (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the automatic heel unit (7) forms the blocking element (12). 5. Ski binding (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that on the sole element (4) at least one holding element (8.1, 8.2) is arranged, by means of which in the ski binding (1) held ski boot (100) in the Ascension position on the sole element (4) can be fixed. 6. Ski binding (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that in the ski binding (1) held ski boot (100) in the downhill position by the at least one retaining element (8.1, 8.2) is releasable. The ski binding (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the automatic heel unit (7) has a downhill configuration and a climb configuration and is in the downhill configuration in the downhill configuration and in the ascent position in the ascent configuration, the heel region of the heel Skiboot (100) held in the ski binding (1) a) by the automatic heel unit (7) in the downhill configuration in a lowered position is lockable and b) is releasable in the ascent configuration by the automatic heel unit (7), whereby the ski boot (100) in the ascending position of the ski binding (1) together with the sole element (4) about the pivot axis (3) is pivotable. 8. Ski binding (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the automatic heel unit (7) is movably mounted on a skifesten base member (6) and relative to the base member (6) in the downhill configuration and in the ascent configuration is movable. 9. Ski binding (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the automatic heel unit (7) is slidably mounted in the ski longitudinal direction on the base element (6) and is in the downhill configuration in a forward position and in the ascent configuration in a rear position. 10. Ski binding (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the automatic heel unit (7) about an axis pivotally mounted on the base member (6) and is in the downhill configuration in a first position and in the ascent configuration in a second position. 11. Ski binding (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the front holding device (5) is movable in the longitudinal direction and is in the downhill position in a rear position and in the ascent position in a forward position. 12. Ski binding (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the pivot axis (3) about which the sole element (4) is pivotable, is movable in the ski longitudinal direction and in the down position in a rear position and in the Ascent position is in a forward position. 13. Ski binding (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the sole element (4) is movable in the ski longitudinal direction and is in the downhill position in a rear position and in the ascent position in a forward position. 14. Ski binding (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the automatic heel unit (7) in the downhill position relative to the ski (200) along a dynamic path substantially in the ski longitudinal direction is movable. 15. Ski binding (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the automatic heel unit (7) is acted upon in the downhill position by an elastic element with a forwardly directed force.