EP0653231A1 - Binding element for skis - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a binding element intended to retain the end of a boot. It comprises a body which carries a jaw (8). The jaw (8) is movable vertically and its movement is transmitted to the return spring of the jaw, which compensates for a rearward fall. The boot sole is pinched between a support plate (25) and the sole gripper (13) of the jaw. The support plate is mounted movably about a longitudinal and horizontal axis (shaft) so that twisting of the boot causes the jaw to rise and thus the compensation means to be activated. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to an alpine ski binding element, intended to retain a boot bearing on a ski, and to release it in the event of excessive stress.

It is known to retain a shoe resting on a ski by means of a front binding element and a rear binding element. Each retaining element has a jaw carried by a body, which is movable against the restoring force exerted by an energy spring, generally a compression spring.

The invention relates more particularly to a front fixing element. Usually, the front binding element reacts to a lateral stress on the front end of the shoe. Such stress results from a stress in pure torsion on the skier's leg. When the fall is complex, such an element reacts to the lateral component of the stress exerted by the shoe.

To take account of the other stress components, in particular the vertical components up or down, fastening elements are additionally equipped with compensation mechanisms. Thus, certain fastening elements react to a vertical upward stress. Such stress corresponds to a fall towards the rear of the skier. The European patent application published under the number 102 868 describes for example such a fixation.

Other bindings have a compensation mechanism which reacts in the event of torsional stress combined with a forward fall of the skier. Such a mechanism is described for example in the German patent application published under the number 29 05 837. This mechanism comprises a support plate for the shoe which is vertically movable, the movement of which is caused by a vertical pressure downwards on the shoe lowers the restoring force that the spring exerts on the jaw.

Another mechanism is described in the German patent application published under the number 33 35 878. This mechanism also comprises a shoe support plate which is vertically movable and which forces the jaw to move in the direction of release of the shoe.

Such devices compensate for the increase in friction of the shoe on its supports, that the forward component of the fall induces. Such mechanisms are satisfactory as long as the lateral component of the fall remains preponderant compared to the vertical component.

Now it happens that in the case of certain so-called "before twists" falls, that is to say with a forward component and a lateral component, the lateral component is not sufficient to cause the lateral tilting of the jaw . There is then a twisting of the shoe which gets stuck between the jaw and its support plate. The compensation mechanisms currently known are not sufficiently active to cause the opening of the jaw. Sometimes these falls are dangerous, and cause injuries in particular in the knees of the skier.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide a fastening element which releases the shoe, in particular in the case of a pre-twist fall where the lateral component is relatively weak.

Another object of the invention is to propose a fixing element which is relatively simple to construct.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear during the description which follows, this description being however given by way of non-limiting indication.

• une embase reliée au ski,
• un corps monté sur l'embase,
• une mâchoire de retenue de la chaussure portée par le corps mobile au moins partiellement dans un plan horizontal,
• la mâchoire comprenant deux ailes de retenue latérale de la chaussure et un serre-semelle de retenue verticale,
• au moins chacune des ailes de retenue latérale étant mobile dans un plan horizontal en réponse aux sollicitations de la chaussure, contre la force développée par un ressort de rappel logé dans le corps,
• au moins le serre-semelle de la mâchoire étant mobile verticalement en réponse aux sollicitations verticales vers le haut,
• un mécanisme de compensation reliant le serre-semelle au ressort de rappel des ailes, pour abaisser la force exercée par le ressort sur les ailes à la suite d'une sollicitation verticale vers le haut exercée sur le serre-semelle,
• un élément de support sur laquelle repose l'extrémité de la semelle de chaussure à proximité de la mâchoire.

The alpine ski binding element according to the invention comprises:

• a base connected to the ski,
• a body mounted on the base,
• a shoe retaining jaw carried by the movable body at least partially in a horizontal plane,
• the jaw comprising two lateral retaining wings of the boot and a vertical retaining sole clamp,
• at least each of the lateral retaining wings being movable in a horizontal plane in response to the stresses of the shoe, against the force developed by a return spring housed in the body,
• at least the sole clamp of the jaw being movable vertically in response to the vertical upward stresses,
• a compensation mechanism connecting the sole clamp to the wing return spring, to lower the force exerted by the spring on the wings following a vertical upward bias exerted on the sole clamp,
• a support element on which the end of the shoe sole rests near the jaw.

It is characterized by the fact that the support element forms for the shoe a tilting axis oriented longitudinally and located in the middle part of the sole, and that the vertical distance between the support element and the sole clamp is substantially equal to the thickness of the shoe sole, so that a twist of the shoe in the fastening element results in a tilting of the shoe around the support element, and that the edge of the sole which rises biases vertically upwards the sole clamp.

By this characteristic, the shoe rests down against the retaining element, and in the event of rolling stress causing a twist of the shoe, the shoe rocks around the support element. The part of the sole which rises biases the sole clamp upwards, which activates the compensation mechanism provided for the rear fall.

The combination of a central support element or a mobile support plate in roll and a fastening element equipped with a rear fall compensation mechanism makes it possible to activate this compensation mechanism not only in the event of rear fall, but also in cases where the shoe tends to twist in its fastening element during a fall before twisting.

According to another secondary characteristic of the invention, the support plate is itself connected to second compensation means which transmit to the spring reminders to the roll stresses of the support plate. These stresses exert on the spring a compensating force which is added to that generated by the sole clamp.

According to another characteristic of the invention, an element among the base, the body or the jaw is disengageable relative to the element which carries it or on which it is mounted, and a circuit for control actuates the declutching beyond a determined roll tilting stroke of the support plate.

The invention will be better understood by referring to the description below and to the accompanying drawings which form an integral part thereof.

Figures 1 and 2 show in front view and in section, the front end of a shoe pinched between the jaw of the fastening element and the support plate and illustrate the prior art.

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 which generally illustrates the invention.

Figure 4 is a side view in partial section of a fastening element implementing the general principle of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a top view, in partial section of the fixing element of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 illustrates the operating mode of the fixing element of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 illustrates the mode of action of the shoe on the fastening element of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 shows a fastening element in side view and in partial section according to another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 9 is a partial perspective view of the fastener of Figure 8 at the support plate.

FIG. 10 illustrates the operating mode of the fixing element of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 shows in side view and in partial section an attachment element according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Figure 12 is a top view of the fastener of Figure 11 at the support plate.

FIG. 13 illustrates the operation of the fixing element of FIG. 11.

Figure 14 shows in side view and in partial section a fastening element according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a top view in section of the fixing element of FIG. 14.

Figure 16 is a top view in section at a lower level.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the rocker of the fixing element in FIG. 14.

Figures 18 and 19 illustrate the mode of operation of the fastener of Figure 14.

Figure 20 shows schematically an alternative embodiment.

Figures 21 to 23 illustrate another embodiment of the invention.

Figures 24 to 26 relate to an alternative embodiment.

Figure 1 shows the front end 1 of a shoe sole which is pinched between the jaw 2 of a fastening element and a support plate 3 on which it rests. The fastening element which carries the jaw 2 is equipped with a compensation mechanism for rear fall, that is to say a vertical upward bias exerted on the jaw decreases the restoring force which is necessary overcome to cause the lateral opening of the jaw until the release of the shoe. Such compensation mechanisms are known, and some will be described in more detail with the different embodiments chosen to illustrate the invention.

The support plate 3 of FIG. 2 is traditional, that is to say that it is immobile or else it can be lowered vertically in response to the stresses of the shoe oriented downwards.

FIG. 2 shows the sole of shoe 1 animated by a twisting movement under the effect for example of a moment around a longitudinal axis which has been illustrated at "M".

Under the action of this moment, the shoe rocks by taking support by one of its lateral edges on the support plate, and by urging vertically upward the jaw with its other lateral edge. Illustrated in "F" the vertical stress that the shoe exerts on the jaw. It is this force F which activates the compensation mechanism and causes a reduction in the lateral retention force of the jaw.

Figure 3 illustrates the present invention. The shoe sole no longer rests on a support plate but on a support element 4 which forms a vertical downward retention for the shoe sole as well as a longitudinal and central tilting axis, located towards the middle of the width of the sole. Figure 3 shows this support element in the form of a bead. This is not limiting, and as will appear below, the support element can also be constituted by a support plate articulated around a longitudinal axis, or by any other means forming a vertical support for the sole and a lateral tilting axis.

Referring to FIG. 3, a moment M of the same axis and same amplitude as the previous one causes the boot to tilt around the support element 4. The edge of the sole which rises, this time induces on the jaw a vertical force F 'which activates the rear compensation mechanism. The force F ′ is greater than F, since the shoe rocks around the support element 4, and no longer around its other lateral edge. F 'is about twice F.

A more intense force activates the compensation circuit for rear fall. In addition, this force opens the jaw further in a vertical direction.

Thus, the compensation resulting from the twisting of the shoe is more effective, and the gripping of the shoe in the fastening element is less pronounced than in the case of FIG. 2. The lateral release of the shoe is therefore easier .

It is believed that the protection of the leg and the knee in certain configurations of falls known as pre-torsion is thus improved.

Figures 4 to 7 relate to a first embodiment of the invention.

The fastening element 5 shown in these figures comprises a body 6 connected to a base 7 which is connected to the ski by any suitable means and for example by screws.

The body 6 carries a jaw 8 for retaining the front end of the shoe. The jaw 8 comprises two lateral retaining wings 9 and 10, respectively articulated to the body 6 around axes 11 and 12. The jaw 8 also comprises a sole clamp for vertical retention of the shoe. The sole clamp is here in two parts 13a and 13b, respectively associated with the wings 9 and 10. Only the part 13b is visible in FIG. 1.

The wings 9 and 10 are movable in response to the stresses of the shoe, against the restoring force applied to them by a spring 15.

The spring 15 is housed in the body, in a housing 17. It actuates a tie rod 16 also housed and guided in the body for a longitudinal translational movement. The tie rod has a head 18 towards the rear, and a plug 19 screwed onto the end of the tie rod towards the front, and guided in the housing 17. The plug 19 makes it possible to adjust the preload of the spring. The spring bears backwards against the wall of the body, which is crossed by the tie rod and which also guides the tie rod. Towards the rear, the spring is retained by the plug 19, and the plug can slide freely inside the housing 17.

The wings 9 and 10 have, beyond their axis of articulation to the body, a small arm 9a, 10a, which is engaged with the head of the tie rod so that the opening of a wing causes the translation towards the back of the tie rod and spring compression.

The body 6 is connected to the base 7 by a transverse articulation shown diagrammatically at 22 and located in the front part of the body. As shown, the base has on the front two ears 20 and 21 between which the front part of the body is engaged. The body is connected to these ears by means of articulation, for example rivets, pin portions or any other suitable means.

Towards the rear, an articulated link 24 connects the base to the head 18 of the tie rod. The link is connected to the base for example by a hinge pin 27, and to the head of the tie in the same way. At rest, the link is oriented from bottom to top and from back to front, so that a tilting of the body around the axis 22 causes a rotation of the link around its articulation at the base, which causes in turn a rearward translation of the tie rod 16. This translation releases the head of the tie rod from the small arms of the wings, and soothes the wings when opened.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, a vertical upward stress exerted on the sole clamp, for example following a fall towards the rear of the skier, results in an elevation of the jaw, a rotation of the link 24, and a translation of the tie rod. This constitutes the compensation circuit for rear fall.

According to the invention, the shoe is supported downwards on a support element constituted by a movable support plate 25, according to a rolling movement. As shown in the figures, for example, the base 7 has, around the middle of the width of the support plate, two protruding studs aligned along a longitudinal axis. These studs carry an axis 26 oriented longtudinally, with respect to which the support plate 25 is articulated. The support plate 25 can oscillate on either side of a horizontal position around this axis 26 in response to stresses in twisting or rolling of the shoe. Optionally, the support plate is held in its rest position by two lateral springs, or by elastically deformable blocks, where appropriate with damping characteristics. 28a and 28b show schematically such return and damping elements.

Figure 4 shows the front 29 of a ski boot engaged in the binding element 5. The shoe sole is engaged between the support plate 26 on which it rests and the sole clamp 13. It can be noted here that the thickness of the sole is standardized, and that as a general rule, the fastening elements are designed according to existing standards, so that the relative height of the sole clamp relative to the support plate corresponds substantially to the height a standardized sole. Usually, there is also an automatic or manual adjustment of this height.

The fastener 5 operates as follows. In the case of a rear fall, the shoe sole urges the sole clamp 13 upwards, which activates the compensation circuit and reduces the lateral force that the shoe must overcome to be released laterally. In the case of a front fall causing a twist of the shoe, as shown in FIG. 7, the shoe tilts the support plate 25. As a result, a lateral edge of the shoe rises and stresses vertically with a force F 'the part of the sole clamp which retains it. We have previously seen that the vertical force exerted on the sole clamp is amplified by the fact that the shoe sole is in abutment against a central element and can tilt in roll with respect to this element. The force F 'activates the compensation circuit for rear fall of the shoe element, and forces the jaw 8 to rise. The restoring force that the shoe must overcome in order to be released laterally is weaker in the case of a twist of the shoe, due to the activation of this compensation circuit.

Figures 8 to 13 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the invention. According to this variant, compensation means, called second means, connect the support plate to the return spring, in such a way that the tilting in roll of the support plate generates on the return spring a compensation which is added to that from the elevation of the jaw.

Figures 8 to 10 relate to a first embodiment, and Figures 11 to 13 to a second embodiment.

The fixing element shown in Figures 8 to 10 is essentially identical to that of Figures 4 to 7, and the same references will be used to designate the same elements.

The main difference comes from the fact that the link rod 24 which connected the base to the head of the tie rod is here replaced by a rocker 30 with two branches. The rocker is articulated around an axis 31 connected integrally to the base. It has a first branch 32 which fulfills the same function as the previous link 24.

Towards the rear, the rocker has an approximately horizontal second branch 33. The branch 33 is relatively wide and it is engaged under the front edge of the support plate 25. In the horizontal position of the support plate 25, the branch 33 has two areas of contact with the plate 25 located on either side other of the hinge pin 26 of the plate. Thus, any rolling movement of the support plate results in a rotation of the rocker in the direction of a rearward translation of the tie rod 16.

Thus, the tilting in roll of the support plate 25 induces an effect which is added to that produced by the elevation of the jaw. In the present case, it is the rocker 30 which acts as an adder. The effect produced by the tilting of the support plate in roll is added to that produced by the elevation of the jaw, and generates a compensation which decreases the effort required to open one or the other of the wings laterally. . The shoe distributes itself the effect of its twist on the plate 25 and the sole clamp 13. In fact, it can move vertically and freely, with near friction, between these two elements.

It should be noted that the rocker constitutes a reversible connection, because the tilting with roll of the support plate 25 causes the jaw 8 to rise, independently of the vertical stress which is exerted on the jaw.

It has been noted that the support plate 26 reacts not only to a twisting of the shoe, but also to a pre-torsional fall without twisting. In a type of fall, it has in fact been observed that the maximum pressure of the shoe on its support plate occurs after the shoe has started to move laterally. The resultant is then offset relative to the hinge axis 26 of the plate 25 and produces a driving effect on the tilting in roll of the support plate.

Figures 11 to 13 illustrate an alternative embodiment. FIG. 10 represents a fixing element 35 which for the most part is already known. This element comprises a body 36 carried by a base 37. The base has a vertical pivot 40 around which the body 36 is pivotally mounted. The body carries a retaining jaw 38.

The jaw is here in one piece and comprises two parts forming lateral retaining wings and an upper part forming the sole clamp 39 for vertical retaining.

The jaw and the body are integral for any lateral pivoting movement around the pivot 40. However, the jaw can pivot vertically relative to the body about an axis 41, located in its lower part.

Forward, the pivot 40 has a flat 42 against which a spring 45 bears. The spring 45 is housed in an orifice 46 in the body, and its other end bears against a screw cap in the front part of the body. In pure lateral movement, the flat causes the compression of the spring and the elastic return of the body and the jaw in the centered position.

The spring 45 bears against the flat 42 by means of transmission links 48 and 49. The jaw 38 bears against the link 49 by a transverse pin 50 situated in its upper part, so that an upward tilting of the jaw pushes the rod 49 forward, against the return force of the spring 45, which decreases the force that the spring exerts on the flat 42 of the pivot 41, and therefore the resistance that the shoe must overcome to drive laterally the jaw and be released if necessary. This constitutes means of compensation for rear fall.

The fixing element of FIG. 11 also has a support plate 55. The support plate 55 is articulated around a longitudinal axis 56 situated towards the middle of the width of the ski. The vertical distance between the support plate 25 and the sole clamp 39 corresponds to the thickness of a shoe sole.

A rocker 57 is located between the support plate 55 and the jaw 38. The rocker is articulated around a transverse axis 58 carried by the base 37. The rocker has forwardly a branch 59 which is engaged under the jaw 38. In the illustrated embodiment, the branch ends in a shoe 60 which bears against the underside of the jaw. Towards the rear, the rocker 57 has a branch 61 which is relatively wide and which is engaged under the support plate 55, so that a rolling movement of the support plate around the axis 56 causes a tilting of the rocker 57 around its articulation axis 58. The rocker in turn forces the jaw to rise around its axis 41, which activates the compensation mechanism for rear fall. This is illustrated in Figure 13.

Thus, this mechanism is activated both in the case of a rear fall and in the case of a fall causing a twist of the shoe in its fastening element. The jaw is the member towards which these different stresses converge, and the shoe distributes itself the effect of its twist between the sole clamp 39 and the plate 55.

Figures 14 to 20 illustrate another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 14 represents a fixing element 65 which is generally of the same type as that of FIG. 1.

It has a body 66 mounted on a base 67 which is intended to be secured to the ski, and which will be described in more detail later.

The body carries a jaw 68 which has two independent wings 69 and 70 respectively articulated around a vertical axis 71, 72. The jaw also comprises a vertical retaining sole clamp 73. The sole clamp comprises three parts, two lateral parts 69b and 70b respectively associated with each of the wings 69 and 70, and a central part 74 integral with the body 66.

Beyond their articulation axis 71, 72, the wings have a small arm 69a, 70a which actuates a piston 76 guided in a housing 77, and movable in translation against the restoring force of a compression spring 75. The arms 69a and 70a bear against a shoulder 78 that the piston has in its rear part. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the piston is hollowed out, the spring 75 is housed in the recess of the piston, and a rod 79 whose head is retained by the body passes through the piston and the spring right through, and retains the rear end of the piston by a nut. Thus, the opening of one of the wings induces a translation of the piston 76 in its housing 77, and additional compression of the spring which opposes this movement.

The body 66 is connected to the base 67 by means of an axis 80 carried by the base forward, and oriented transversely. The axis 80 allows an elevation of the body in response to a vertical upward stress exerted on the sole clamp 73.

This movement is transmitted to the piston 76 by a rocker 81 and a link 82. The rocker 81 is articulated around an axis 83 carried by the base 67 behind the axis 80 and oriented in a transverse direction. As can be seen in FIG. 17, the rocker has upwards two parallel branches 84, the upper part of which bears against a shoulder 85 of the piston 76, located near the shoulder 78 which takes up the stresses on the wings 69 and 70.

The link 82 in turn connects the upper and rear part of the body 66 to the branch 84 of the rocker 82, between the hinge pin 83 and the shoulder 85, so that an upward movement of the body causes the rocker 82 in a direction which causes the piston 76 to move back, thus inducing additional compression of the spring 75. The force to be exerted to open the wings until the shoe is released is reduced. This constitutes compensation for rear fall.

The fastening element 65 also has a support plate 86 on which the front of the shoe sole rests. As in the cases described above, the support plate 86 is movable in rotation about a horizontal axis 88 oriented in a longitudinal direction and located towards the middle of the width of the plate. The pin 88 is carried for example by the rear part of the base 67.

The vertical distance between the support plate 86 and the sole clamp 73 is close to the thickness of a standardized sole, as is usual.

The rolling movement of the plate 86 is captured by a rocker 90 articulated around a horizontal and transverse axis 91 located in front of the plate 86. The rocker 90 has two rear legs 92 respectively engaged under the support plate 86 towards its lateral edges. Below the axis 91, the rocker has a branch with a support face 93 oriented downwards.

By its bearing face 93, the rocker actuates forward a pusher 95 guided by the base 67 in a longitudinal direction. Forward, the pusher 95 is in contact with the preceding rocker 81, by a branch 96 located downward relative to its hinge axis 83. In this way, a tilting in roll of the support plate 86 is transmitted to the rocker 81 and causes a rearward translation of the piston 76, that is to say in the same direction as that caused by the opening of one of the wings or by the elevation of the body. All these stresses add up at the level of piston 76.

The link between the rocker 81 and the link 82 is a single-acting link. As is more easily visible in Figure 17, the lower part of the rod 82 is folded forward and is engaged in an opening 97 of the main branch of the rocker. Thus, an upward translation of the rod 82 causes the rotation of the rocker 81, but this is not reversible, that is to say that a rotation of the rocker 81, for example following a tilting in roll of the support plate 86 does not impose an elevation of the link 82 and an elevation of the body 66.

Of course, this is not limiting, and the connection between the link and the rocker could be reversible. The connection could be achieved in this case by an axis of articulation around an axis or any other appropriate means.

The fastening element which is shown in Figures 14 to 20 also has a second shoe release circuit. This circuit operates by declutching between a mobile element, for example the jaw, the body or the base, and the element which carries it or on which it is mounted, in this case the body, the base, or a plate. base on which the base is mounted. The declutching is activated by a lock, the movement of which is controlled by the rolling movement of the support plate, and it occurs after a determined roll stroke on either side of its rest position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the base 67 is in two parts, an upper plate 100 and a lower base plate 101 intended to be secured to the ski. These two elements are pivotally mounted relative to each other around a pivot 102 of vertical axis. As can be seen in FIG. 14, the pivot 102 is the lower part of the plate 100 and it is retained in a cylindrical orifice of the base plate 101. The pivot 102 is hollowed out in its central part, and the rocker 81 is partially housed in this recess 105. The axis 80 of articulation of the body, the axis 83 of articulation of the rocker 81 are carried by the plate 100. The axis 88 of the support plate 86 is carried by the base plate 101.

The disengagement occurs between the plate and the base plate, that is to say that the plate, the body and the jaw can pivot freely around the pivot 102, beyond a determined course of roll of the plate. support 86.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lock is constituted by a part of the pusher 95 which connects the two rockers 81 and 90. As can be seen, the pusher 95 is in two parts, one 106 in contact with the rocker 90 and guided relative to the base plate 101, the other 107, in the form of an anchor, guided in the plate 100 in the vicinity of the pivot 102.

The anchor 107 comprises a body 108 which is in abutment against the rocker 81, and a curved branch 109 which is located outside the pivot 102, which is which is housed in a recess 110 of the base plate, having a shape complementary. By cooperating with the recess 110, the branch 109 acts as a lock. When the branch comes out of its recess, the plate is released relative to the base plate, and a very low stress is enough to rotate the jaw, the body and the plate laterally, and therefore to release the shoe. The rotation of the plate relative to the base plate has a sufficient amplitude to require the release of the shoe.

The translation of the branch in its housing is controlled by the translation of the pusher 95, that is to say the rotation of the rocker 90, itself induced by the rollover tilting of the support plate 86.

The operation of the fastening element 65 in the case of a twist of the shoe is as follows.

For a low stress in twisting of the shoe, the tilting in roll of the support plate pushes the pusher 95 forward, hence a rotation of the rocker 81, a translation of the piston 75, from which it results in a lowering of the resistance force that the wings present at the opening. The tilting in roll of the support plate is accompanied by a vertical upward bias exerted by the shoe on the sole clamp 73 of the fastening element. The rocker 81 adds up the stresses to which it is subjected, and transmits them to the piston 76. FIG. 18 illustrates this mode of operation.

If the rolling movement exceeds a predetermined amplitude, the branch 109 of the anchor 107 comes out of its housing and disengages the plate 100 relative to the base plate 101 until the shoe is released. Figure 19 illustrates this mode of operation.

At this stage, any suitable means of returning the plate to its nominal position can be provided, for example an independent return spring connecting the plate and the base plate, or else a form of ramp given to the external wall of the branch. 109 of the anchor.

FIG. 20 illustrates an alternative embodiment. According to this variant, the connection between the rocker 81 and the anchor 106 is reversible. For example, the branch 96 of the rocker 81 is engaged in a groove 115 which has the body of the anchor 106. In this way, the disengagement of the plate 100 also occurs in the case of a rear fall causing the elevation of the body beyond a determined amplitude. Indeed, the link 82 drives the rocker 81 in rotation, which in turn drives the anchor 106 in forward translation.

Figures 21 to 23 illustrate another embodiment of the invention. The fastening element used to illustrate this embodiment has, apart from the support element of the shoe, a structure which is essentially known from the French patent application published under the number 2 656 807.

This structure has a base 120 designed to be secured to the ski, and surmounted by a body 121. Two arms 122 and 123 are articulated to the body, around substantially vertical axes. Towards the rear, the two arms are connected by two superposed crosspieces 124 and 125. One of the crosspieces, in this case the lower crosspiece 124 carries on its front face a curved ramp 126 seen from above, against which is compressed a roller 127 pushed back by a spring 128 housed in the body. A threaded plug 129 also makes it possible to adjust the initial compression of the spring.

A shoe retaining wing 130 and 131 is articulated at the rear end of each arm around the axis which already connects the arm and the crosspieces. The wings extend beyond this axis and they are joined by two levers 132 and 133 articulated in their central zone in the manner of a toggle. In the closed position of the toggle joint, the two wings are kept closed, substantially in the extension of the arms 122 and 123 which carry them. In particular, they are held in position by a shoulder 138, 139 intended to cooperate with the lower cross member 124.

The levers 132 and 133 have two returns 134 and 135 oriented towards the front, which can meet a central stud 136 in the event of lateral movement of the arms 122 and 123.

The arms and the wings form with the body, the crosspieces and the two levers in toggle two deformable trapezoids nested one inside the other.

When the shoe is subjected to lateral stress, the two trapezoids are driven laterally, against the restoring force that the spring 128 exerts on the lower crossmember by the roller 127 and the ramp 126.

Beyond a determined angular amplitude, one of the returns 134 or 135 is retained by the central stud 136, which causes the opening of the toggle formed by the two levers 132 and 133. The wings can then open, in particular, the wing that the shoe requested laterally. The shoe is then released.

Upwards, the shoe is retained by a sole clamp. The sole clamp is here in two parts, respectively associated with each of the wings. Preferably, the surface of the wings which forms the sole clamp is inclined so as to allow the shoe to escape in the event of rearward stress.

In addition, a central probe 140 is located between the two wings, substantially at the height of the sole clamp. The probe is designed to be placed slightly above the upper surface of the shoe sole.

The probe is the end of a rocking lever 141 which is articulated around a horizontal and transverse axis carried by the connecting structure between the arms and the wings. The front branch of the lever 141 is opposite the articulation of the two levers 132 and 133 of the toggle joint. The lever 141 is provided to open the toggle joint when the feeler 140 is pressed upwards. We anticipate this way the opening of the wings when the shoe requests the fastening element with an upward component.

Downwards, the shoe rests on a support plate 145 which is articulated around a longitudinal and horizontal axis 146 carried by the rearward extension of the base 120.

The plate 145 can oscillate in response to the stresses of the shoe on either side of a horizontal position. The distance between the upper surface of the support plate and the lower face of the probe 140 is equal to the thickness of the shoe sole, or slightly greater.

When the shoe has a rolling movement, it rocks laterally around the axis 146. A part of the shoe sole rises and comes into contact with the probe 140. If the amplitude of the rocking movement is sufficient , the lever 141 forces the toggle to open.

The sensitivity of the probe is partly determined by its width. For example, this width is of the order of a quarter or a third of the width of the shoe sole.

The axis of articulation of the support plate is not necessarily materialized. This axis can also be fictitious.

To illustrate this, FIG. 24 represents a fastening element of the same type as that of FIG. 21, except that the support plate 150 on which the shoe sole rests is linked to the jaw, and movable with it. The support plate moves laterally with the shoe and the jaw of the binding.

The support plate 150 rests on a stationary support 151 whose width is less than that of the plate. The support 151 laterally provides two longitudinal edges 154, 155 around which the support plate can tilt in the event of rolling stress on the shoe. As shown in FIG. 26, when the support plate has moved laterally by a certain angle, one of the edges, in this case the edge 155, is located in the central region of the plate and provides the plate a fictitious tilting axis. In this position, part of the shoe is raised and actuates the probe 152 similar to the previous probe 140. In fact, the distance at rest between the upper surface of the support plate and the probe is equal to or very slightly greater than the thickness of the shoe sole.

To facilitate this tilting, preferably, the support plate is connected to the jaw by a set of corrugations 153 which form a deformable connection zone. The stud could also be replaced by a set of ramps or other similar means.

Naturally, the present description is given for information only, and other variants of the invention could be adopted without departing from the scope thereof.

In particular, in the embodiments described above, the support plate is connected to the compensation circuit for rear fall at the jaw itself or at a rocker which connects the jaw to the return spring. It goes without saying that this is not limiting, and that the support plate could be connected to any movable element of the compensation means for rear fall, for example the tie rod or the piston which connects the rocker or the jaw to the spring. .

In addition, the reaction of the jaw to an upward vertical stress has been described in the form of an elevation of the jaw by rotation about a transverse axis. It goes without saying that this is not limiting, and that the jaw, or, where appropriate, the sole clamp could be driven in a tilting movement around a longitudinal direction, in response to a vertical upward bias.

Claims (10)

Alpine ski binding element intended to retain the end of a shoe sole and to release this end during excessive stress, comprising: - a base (7, 37, 67, 120) intended to be connected to the ski, - a body (6, 36, 66, 121) mounted on the base, - a jaw (2, 8, 38, 68, 130/131) for retaining the boot carried by the movable body at least partially in a horizontal plane, - the jaw comprising two lateral retention wings of the boot and a sole clamp (13, 39, 73) for vertical retention, - at least each of the lateral retaining wings being movable in a horizontal plane in response to the stresses of the shoe, against the force developed by a return spring (15, 45, 75, 128) housed in the body, - first compensation means (24, 30, 48, 49, 81, 141) provided for lowering the retaining force that the retaining wings exert, in the case where the jaw is biased with a vertical component upwards, - a support element (4, 25, 55, 86, 145, 150) on which the end of the shoe sole rests close to the jaw characterized in that the support element (4, 25, 55, 86, 145, 150) has at rest an upper horizontal support surface located at a distance from the sole clamp equal to the thickness of a shoe sole, and that it is mounted tilting around at least one longitudinal articulation axis (26, 56, 88 146, 154, 155) located in its middle part Element according to claim 1, characterized in that the support element is a support plate (25, 55, 86, 145) movable in roll about a materialized axis (26, 56, 88, 146) oriented longitudinally and located in the central part of the element. Element according to claim 1, characterized in that the support element is a support plate (150) movable in roll about a fictitious axis (154, 155) oriented longitudinally. Element according to claim 1, characterized in that second compensation means (30, 57, 90, 95) activated by the rolling movements of the support plate (25, 55, 86) connect the support plate to the at least one of the movable members of the first compensation means for urging this mechanism in the direction of a lowering of the return force of the spring in response to a rolling movement of the support plate. Element according to claim 4, characterized in that a connection circuit connects the support plate (86) to one of the members of the fixing element which are the base, the body, the jaw and releases said element member relative to the member on which it is mounted or the member by which it is carried, beyond a predetermined stroke of the support plate (86), to cause a free tilting of the jaw (68) at least in a horizontal plane. Element according to claim 4, in which the first compensation means comprise a rocker (30, 81) which sends back to the spring vertical restraints exerted on the sole clamp (13, 73), characterized in that the second compensation means comprise a connection (33) between the support plate (25, 86) and the rocker (30, 81) which transmits the stresses of the roll of the support plate in the direction of an addition to the stresses coming from the sole clamp. Element according to claim 6, characterized in that the body (6, 66) is connected to the base (7, 67) by an articulation (22, 80), that a rocker (30, 81) articulated with respect to the base connects the body (6, 66) to the member (16, 76) which compresses the return spring (15, 75), and that a connection (33, 90, 95) connects the support plate (25, 86) to the rocker (30, 81). Element according to claim 6, characterized in that the rolling movement of the support plate (25, 86) causes the elevation of the sole clamp (13, 73) via the rocker (30, 81). Element according to Claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the base (67) comprises two elements (100, 101) movable with respect to each other, and that a part (109) forming a lock between the two elements (100, 101) is actuated by the tilting in roll of the support plate (86). Element according to claim 4, in which the first compensation means comprise a jaw (38) movable vertically in response to the vertical stresses of the shoe, against the restoring force of the energy spring, characterized in that the second compensation means comprise a connection (57) between the support plate (55) and the jaw (38) which transmits the stresses to the roll from the support plate to the sole clamp in the form of vertical stresses upwards.

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