EP0228599B1 - Ski-binding with cableless remote control - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a release device for locking a jaw of a ski binding according to the first part of claim 1 or 7.

A trigger device of this type is described in CH-A-591.873. In this known solution, a transmitter is arranged in the ski pole, which - in its activated position - actuates a receiver arranged on a binding part, whereby the binding can be triggered arbitrarily. The known construction is such that a handle, which is arranged as an actuating button on the side of the handle of the ski pole, must be held in the pressed-in position for the ready position and activated when the transmitter is released. However, this type of actuation has the disadvantage that the skier must hold the handle in the pressed-in position during the entire journey, since an unintentional release of the binding is initiated even if the hand is accidentally loosened. Such unwanted loosening can be brought about partly by the skier loosening his cramped finger or else by the ski pole getting stuck on an obstacle and the skier, who would otherwise have been stuck in the binding, being released by it unexpectedly. Such approvals inevitably lead to falls of the skier that cannot be calculated beforehand.

Furthermore, in this known solution, another switch is provided, which is provided on the end face of the ski pole and is used to switch off the circuit between the battery and the transmitter. However, since this switch must keep the circuit switched on for the journey in order to ensure an exit, the second switch cannot provide the skier with any security against unwanted release. Or else the entire device becomes more complicated to handle than this is the aim of the solution proposed in the mentioned publication.

In the associated AT-B-333.169 on page 3, line 60 to page 4, line 36, the above-mentioned design and function are comprehensibly described.

FR-A1-2,050,491 discloses a mechanically actuatable release device for locking a ski binding. The locking of the ski binding is arbitrarily released by means of a cable that can be operated by hand. For this purpose, an actuating device with a spring-loaded lever mechanism is provided on each of the ski pole handles. While skiing, the skier holds the lever in the position folded towards the ski pole handle; when the lever is released, the binding opens. Only the structure of this known trigger device stands out in terms of type both from the prior art and from the solution according to the invention. In addition, the false trips mentioned at the beginning can also occur here.

In a further known embodiment according to FR-A1-2,138,648, the handle is in turn arranged on the end face of the ski pole handle, so that unintentional actuation cannot be ruled out. In addition, this known solution is designed to enable the skier to get out of the binding in the event of danger. Now, however, it has been shown in the course of the safety regulations that measures which provide for an arbitrary actuation of safety ski bindings while driving have an effect in the direction of uncertainty, since only the safety ski bindings are designed for these triggering processes.

Although, in addition to the wired configuration shown in the figures, a transmitter-receiver control is also mentioned according to the description, the risk of unwanted triggering remains in this case as well, so that this publication does not go beyond the disclosure content of the prior art already taken into account.

The CH-A-467.081 (see Fig. 4) further established a link with a wireless control of a trigger device device known, in which the release of the binding in the event of danger is possible by a pulse to the release device, the transmitter required for this being attached to the body of the skier or to a ski pole. Since according to this proposal the triggering should take place in the event of danger, the corresponding switch must be easily accessible and arranged so that it is located in the immediate area of the handle. This solution has the disadvantage that the handle for the switch is arranged on the free end face of the ski pole grip and protrudes from it. This can lead to an unintentional release of the binding, which inevitably leads to the skier falling.

The aim of the invention is to propose, in the case of a ski binding of the type mentioned at the outset, for an arbitrary release measures which enable a comfortable exit from the ski binding, in particular an exit without bending down. The safety release function of the ski binding should be retained, i.e. done solely by the construction of the jaws of this ski binding; whereas an arbitrary triggering via the above-mentioned wireless transmission link is to be initiated.

According to the invention, the object is achieved either by the characterizing part of claim 1 or 7. Through these measures it is achieved that practically only deliberate tripping of the binding is initiated via the wireless transmission link; but not unintentionally, for example as a result of hand cramps or fear reactions during a downhill run, which usually lead to surprising and therefore dangerous falls for the skier. The solution specified in claim 1 results in a very simple construction, in which, however, an unwanted actuation of the handle and thus the transmitter is practically switched off. The handle of the ski pole is usually not held on its free end face, but this protrudes between the index finger and thumb of the handle enclosing hand. In addition, the handle is not yet actuated due to its recessed arrangement, for example when the thumb is placed on the end face of the handle, since actuation can only be brought about by a conscious movement of the fingertip in the axial direction.

Further advantageous and inventive configurations are contained in claims 2 to 6.

The measure contained in claim 2 enables a simple structure of the handle, the holding part and upper part of which can be made easily accessible if required. The solution specified in claim 3 ensures protection against unintentional actuation with differently configured ski pole handles. The features of claim 4, in addition to a secure power transmission from the handle designed as a handle to the switch against the ingress of moisture into the interior of the handle, also create a seal. According to claim 5, space-saving accommodation for the switch in the handle of the ski pole is guaranteed. The measures according to claim 6 enable a compact arrangement of the switch and handle.

Another possibility of preventing an unintentional or unwanted actuation of the switch is characterized by the measures contained in claim 7.

In this embodiment, it is necessary to detach the ski pole provided with the switch with one hand and to twist the handle or the rotatable part of the handle relative to the ski pole with the other hand to arbitrarily trigger the ski binding. However, an unintentional actuation of the handle and thus the switch is completely excluded.

In this context, the features of claim 8 can also be provided. This results in a very simple construction, with the arrangement of the ring serving as a handle and actuating the switch on the underside of the ski stick handle largely avoiding undesired actuation, it still having to be taken into account that ski stick handles are generally in their lower, i.e. their area closer to the ski pole tip, have a bead for supporting the hand or the little finger, so that the ring is largely protected against unintentional contact.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the features of claim 9 can be provided, this embodiment being able to be implemented in both embodiments of the invention. This enables a compact construction of the entire triggering device. At the same time, there is the advantage that the direction of radiation of the signals coincides with the ski pole and this can easily be aligned with the jaws of the binding provided with the corresponding release device, this jaw being provided with a corresponding receiver which responds to the signals emitted and, for example a circuit to an electromagnet of the triggering device, which in principle is one bige structure can be switched through. The electromagnet can actuate the triggering device directly or indirectly6, for example via a hydraulic or pneumatic system.

According to another variant of the invention it can be provided that the radiator of the transmitter controlled by the switch is arranged in the region of the plate of the ski pole and radiates essentially radially to the ski pole. The emitter of the transmitter can e.g. be aligned to one arm of the plate, which also has the advantage of easy control of the direction of radiation from the transmitter. In addition, this variant has the advantage that the distance between the transmitter and the receiver arranged on the corresponding jaw can be kept very small, which means that very weak transmitters, the energy consumption of which is therefore also very small, can be found, which results in a long life of a battery serving as a voltage source results.

An advantageous further development of this inventive idea is that the radiator is connected to the oscillator of the transmitter via a line guided in the hollow ski pole, and that this line is led out through the wall of the ski pole via a sealing sleeve.

The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. 1 schematically shows a first embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2 shows a variant of the embodiment according to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of the invention.

In the embodiment according to Figure 1, the handle 1 of the ski pole 2 is formed in several parts. The Holding part 3 of the handle 1 on its underside has a bore for receiving the free end of the ski pole 2, a clamping screw 4 being provided for fixing the connection of the handle to the ski pole.

On the upper end face of the holding part 3 there is a recess 5 for receiving a battery 6, on one wall of which a contact pin 7 is held and on the second wall of which a contact spring 8 is supported, which is partially embedded in the holding part 3 made of plastic.

The contact spring 8 has a second resilient section 8 'protruding from the upper end face of the holding part 3, on which, when the handle 1 is assembled, a contact pin 10, which is also embedded in the upper part 9 and is made of insulating plastic, rests. A line 11, which is guided in a bore, is in conductive connection with the latter, which line 11 is connected to a switch 13 accommodated in a recess 12 in the upper end face of the upper part 9. This switch 13 is also electrically conductively connected to a further contact pin 15 embedded in the upper part 9 via a line 14, which is also guided in a bore. When the handle 1 is assembled, this contact pin 15 rests on a contact pin 16 embedded in the holding part 3, which is connected to the transmitter 18 or its oscillator 18 'via a line 17 guided in a bore. This oscillator 18 'is held in a recess 19 of the holding part 3 which is open to the outside and which recess 19 is covered by an insert 20. This insert 20 is connected to the holding part 3 by means of screws, not shown. This results in a series connection of the switch 13 with the oscillator 18 ', which is supplied with current by the battery 6.

In the variant shown in FIG. 1, the oscillator 18 'is connected via a line 21 which is guided in a bore to the further radiator 18''of the transmitter 18 which is accommodated in a recess 22 formed on the underside of the holding part 3 and whose position in FIG Recess 22 is defined by two springs 23 embedded in the walls of the further recess 22 is. Downward, the further recess 22 is covered by a cover plate 25 which has a smaller opening 24 than the recess 22 and is connected to the holding part 3 by means of screws or a snap-in connection.

The upper part 9 is by means of releasable connecting means, not shown, e.g. Screws or snap catches, connected to the holding part 3, a seal 26 being inserted between these parts. Likewise, the insert 20 is provided with a groove receiving an O-ring 27 and the holding part 3 is provided with a shoulder serving to support this O-ring 27.

The recess 12 accommodating the switch 13 can be closed upwards by a membrane 29 made of an elastically deformable material, such as e.g. Synthetic rubber or the like. Covered, which is clamped between the upper part 9 and a cover 30, which is connected to the upper part 9 by means of screws or other releasable connecting means, and at the same time assumes the function of a seal.

This cover 30 has a circumferential bead 32 surrounding a recess 31, as a result of which the actuation button 28 is arranged in a recessed manner and is therefore protected against unintentional actuation.

Since the actuation button 28 is lower than the top of the bead of the cover 30, it is necessary to actuate the switch 13, the actuating member 33 of which is located just below the underside of the actuation button 28, essentially in the longitudinal direction of the ski pole 2 towards the actuation button 28 press what is possible due to the bead 32 only with a fingertip. This, however, prevents involuntary or unwanted actuation of the switch 13.

An actuation of the switch 13 leads to an activation of the transmitter 18 and thus to a radiation of signals which are received by the receiver arranged in a baking of the binding, not shown, and lead to an activation of the release device of the binding. This can the binding can be triggered arbitrarily by simply actuating the switch 13, which enables a comfortable exit from the binding without having to bend down. At the same time, however, an unwanted release of the binding during a downhill run, for example due to fear reactions, due to the sunken arrangement of the actuation button 28, which could lead to surprising and therefore dangerous falls for the skier, is ruled out.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the signals from the transmitter 18 are emitted essentially in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the ski pole 2, as a result of which a simple alignment of the signal beam on the jaws of the binding provided with the receiver is possible.

The embodiment variant shown schematically in FIG. 2 differs from that according to FIG. 1 only in that the radiator 18 ″ of the transmitter 18 is not arranged in the lower region of the holding part 3 facing the tip of the ski pole, but on the plate 34 of the ski pole 2 is fixed and aligned substantially radially. As a result, the emitter 18 ″ can be brought very close to the cheeks of the ski binding provided with the receiver, with the alignment of the emitter 18 ″ along an arm 35 of the plate 34, the emitted signal beam easily on the corresponding cheeks of the ski binding , or its recipient can be aligned. Due to the very short range required for the transmitter 18, it can be operated with extremely low energy, which results in a very long battery life. The line 21 ′ used to connect the oscillator 18 ′ to the radiator 18 ″ is, as indicated by the broken line in FIG. 1, guided in the hollow ski pole 2 and led out through the wall of the ski pole 2 via a sealing collar 36.

In order to facilitate the alignment of the transmitter radiator on the jaws of the ski binding provided with the release device in this solution, it is expedient to provide an anatomically shaped handle 1 for the ski pole 2, with the longer cross-sectional axis of which the radiation direction of the transmitter encloses a certain angle, thereby ensuring that the ski pole is always in the same way is taken in hand and so there is a fixed relationship between the position of the ski pole in the sand of the user and the beam direction of the transmitter 18. However, this can also be brought about by appropriate attachment of the loop of the handle 1 of the ski pole 2, which then determines the position of the ski pole in the hand of the user. This also results in a largely unambiguous determination of the direction of radiation of the transmitter to the position of the ski pole in the hand of the user, which facilitates the alignment of the transmitter beam on the corresponding jaws of the ski binding. The only requirement in both cases is that the handle 1 and the plate 34 are connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner via the ski pole.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 3, the handle 1 is also formed in several parts, a holding part 40, in which the fixing device for securing the connection between the ski pole 2 and the handle 1, and a lower part 41 are provided. The fixing device is formed by a sleeve 43, which is inserted into the hollow ski pole 2 and is provided with slots 42, and a cone 44 which is inserted therein and is provided with a threaded bore. By screwing the screw 45 into the cone 44, the slotted sleeve 43 is widened and thus pressed against the inner wall of the ski pole 2, as a result of which a firm connection of the holding part to the actual ski pole 2 is achieved.

On the underside of the holding part 40, contact pins 46, 46 'and 47, 47' are embedded in the latter, the contact pins 46 and 46 'being connected to one another via a substantially semicircular conductor track (not shown) and the contact pins 47, 47' to another , also not shown, similar interconnect are interconnected. These contact pins 46, 46 'and 47, 47', which are partially embedded in the material of the holding part 40, lie in the assembled state of the handle 1 on contact pins 48, 48 'and 49 held in the lower part 41, or on a contact spring 52 .

This contact spring 52 also projects into a recess 5, which is arranged on the upper side of the lower part 41 and in which one Battery 6 is held, and creates a conductive connection with it. Furthermore, a contact pin 7 is held in this recess 5 and is connected to the switch 13 via a conductor track 37 and a line connected to it. This switch 13 is also connected to the contact pin 48, so that there is a series connection for the switch 13 with respect to the battery 6. The switch 13 is connected in series with the oscillator 18 'of the transmitter 18 via the contact pins 48, 46, 46', 48 ', and a conductor track 50 connected to the latter and a line 51 connected to the latter, which oscillator 18' via the Contact spring 52, the contact pin 47, the conductor track connected to it and the contact pins 47 'and 49, and a conductor track connected to the latter and a line 51' connected to the latter, is connected to the battery 6.

The oscillator 18 'is held in a recess 53 which is open at the edge and which can be closed with an insert 54 which can be connected to the lower part 41 by means of releasable connecting means (not shown). The oscillator 18 'is connected via a line 55 to the radiator 18 ", which is held in recesses 56, 56' of the lower part 41 and the insert 54 in the region of the underside of the lower part 41, the line 55 being laid in a groove, which is formed in the parting surfaces of the lower part 41 or the insert 54.

The switch 13 is accommodated in a recess 57 formed on the underside of the lower part 41 and fixed in its position by means of only indicated screws. The recess 57 merges into a circumferential groove 58 machined into the lower part 41 on the underside thereof, into which a ring 59 engages, or is rotatably held therein by means of second O-rings 60, 61, the two O-rings 60 , 61 serve at the same time for sealing.

The ring 59 has an elevation 62 which cooperates with the actuator 33 of the switch 13 and depresses it when the ring 59 is rotated accordingly, as a result of which the switch 13 closes the circuit and which consists of the oscillator 18 'and the radiator 18 " Transmitter 18 is activated, which, as already described, triggers the binding.

The ring 59 can be biased against a rest position not activating the switch 13 by means of a spring, not shown. This could e.g. act in the circumferential direction and be supported on the ring and the lower part 41.

Furthermore, the ring 59 is provided with downwardly projecting ribs 63 which facilitate its handling. To secure the retention of the ring in the circumferential groove 58, a locking ring 64 is provided, which is detachable, e.g. by means of screws, can be connected to the lower part.

To activate the transmitter 18, it is necessary in this variant to turn the ring 59 relative to the handle 1, for which purpose it may be necessary to grasp the ski pole 2 with one hand and to turn the ring 59 with the other hand. However, this can only be done consciously by the skier, but not in the course of an anxiety reaction, which prevents false triggering for this reason.

Of course, it is also possible with this embodiment of the invention to arrange the emitter 18 "of the transmitter instead of on the underside of the handle 1 in the area of the plate of the ski pole 2. To do this, it is only necessary to either line the line 55 downwards on the ski pole 2 lead or, as has been explained with reference to FIG. 3, lead inside the ski pole 2 to the plate 34.

The invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiments mentioned above. Rather, further measures can be taken without leaving the scope of the invention. The measures which lead to the correct emission direction of the transmitter in connection with the configuration according to FIG. 3 have already been pointed out. Another possibility of simply marking the emission direction of the transmitter is to make a notch or a line of color on the ski pole, which identifies the emission direction of the transmitter.

Claims (11)

1. A releaser device for the locking mechanism of a jaw assembly of a ski binding, comprising a transmitter (18) housed in a ski pole (2) provided with a grip handle (1), a manual actuator (28) disposed on the free end face of said grip handle (1) of said ski pole (2) so as to be immediately accessible from outside, and a switch (13) operable by said manual actuator (28), the locking mechanism of said jaw assembly being releasable under the control of a receiver associated to said jaw assembly and selectively exciteable by said transmitter (18) via a wireless transmitting space, characterized in that said manual actuator (28) is arranged so as to be protected from involuntary actuation by being disposed in a recess (31) in the free end face of said grip handle (1) of said ski pole (2) so as to be operable only by means of an operating element adapted to be inserted into said recess (31) in the axial direction of said ski pole (2) and to be displaced in this direction.
2. A releaser device according to claim 1, characterized in that said rgip handle (1) comprises a base portion (3) for connection to said ski pole (2) and a top portion (9) releasably connected to said base portion (3), that said top portion (9) of said grip handle (1) has a cover (30) releasably secured thereto as by means of screws, said free end face of said grip handle (1) of said ski pole (2) being formed on said cover (30).
3. A releaser device according to claim 1, characterized in that said cover (30) is formed with a circumferentially extending rim (32) surrounding or defining, respectively, said recess (31) for receiving said manual actuator (28).
4. A releaser device according to claim 2, characterized in that between said top portion (9) and said cover (30) of said grip handle (1) there is provided a diaphragm (29) made of an elastically deformable material, such as a synthetic rubber or the like, and that said diaphragm (29) is clamped on said top portion (9) of said grip handle (1) so as to act as a sealing gasket.
5. A releaser device according to claim 4, characterized in that below said diaphragm (29) said top portion (9) of said grip handle (1) is formed with a cavity (12) for housing said switch (13).
6. A releaser device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that said diaphragm (29) lies in a plane extending between said switch (13) and said manual actuator (28), and that ad actuating member (33) is disposed above said switch (13) and below the underside of said manual actuator (28).
7. A releaser device for a locking mechanism of a jaw assembly of a ski binding, comprising a transmitter (18) housed in a ski pole (2) provided with a grip handle (1), and a manually operable switch (13), said locking mechanism of said jaw assembly being releasable under the control of a receiver associated to said jaw assembly and selectively exciteable by said transmitter (18) via a wireless transmitting space, characterized in that said switch (13) is operable by rotating said grip handle (1) relative to said ski pole (2) or by rotating a section of said grip handle (1) relative to another section of said grip handle (1).
8. A releaser device according to claim 7, characterized in that said switch (13) is retained in a section (41) of said grip handle (1) fixedly connected to said ski pole (2), a rotatably ring (59) being mounted on the underside of said section (41) of said grip handle (1) to act as a manual actuator, and provided with a raised portion (62) cooperating with an operating member (33) of said switch (13), a spring being preferably provided for biasing said ring into a rest position in which said switch (13) is not operated.
9. A releaser device according to claim 1 or 7, characterized in that said switch (13) is operable to control a transmitter (18) housed in said grip handle (1) of said ski pole (2), the antenna (18") of said transmitter being disposed at the underside of said grip handle (1) so as to emit the signals substantialy in the longitudinal direction of said ski pole (2), the voltage source (6) for said transmitter (18) being preferably also housed in said grip handle (1) of said ski pole /2).
10. A releaser device according to claim 1 or 7, characterized in that the antenna (18") of said switch-controlled transmitter is disposed adjacent the snow ring (34) of said ski pole (2) so as to emit signals substantially in the radial direction of said ski pole (2) (fig. 2).
11. A releaser device according to claim 10, characterized in that said antenna (18") is connected to the oscillator (18') of said transmitter (18) by a conductor (21') extending in the hollow ski pole (2), and that said conductor (21') is passed out of said ski pole (2) through the wall thereof with the aid of a sealing gasket (36) (fig. 2).

Images