EP0739646A1 - Binding element assembly for boots on skis - Google Patents

Abstract

The binding member consists of two pivoted retaining elements (6, 7) for the toe of the ski boot, mounted in a housing on a base and equipped with a main return spring on a rod. It has an auxiliary spring (22) which is connected to return lugs (6b, 7b) on the inside of the retaining elements by a head (24) which can be engaged with one lug, both or neither. The auxiliary rod (23) is mounted on a plate which turns about a pivot (30), and the head has a series of notches (24d) in it to engage with the lugs.

Description

The invention relates to a retaining element intended to retain the boot of a skier in abutment on a gliding board, in particular an alpine ski, and to release said boot in the event of excessive stress.

The invention also relates to a set of two retaining elements associated with a set of two right and left boots for each of a skier's feet.

In the case of alpine skiing, it is known to retain a boot bearing on a ski by means of a front binding element and a rear binding element which retain the front and rear end caps of the boot. These two fastening elements comprise a jaw carried by a body. The jaw is movable in response to the stresses of the shoe against the return force of a spring which opposes its movement.

The hardness of the spring is adjustable, so that the shoe is released from the fastening element for a stress exceeding a determined stress threshold. This threshold is commonly referred to as the trigger threshold.

To be able to use shoes with the various fasteners on the market, the shape of the front and rear toe caps of the shoe has been standardized. In the ISO standardization system, the current standard has the reference ISO 5355. The fastening elements, on the other hand, are designed to be compatible with the standardized zones of the shoe and to ensure the release of the shoe at release values determined.

At the front, a shoe is retained by a front fastening element, the jaw of which has two lateral shoe retaining members which are independent or integral in their movement. The jaw is movable at least laterally towards the inside or outside of the foot, following a torsional stress exerted on the skier's leg. In the case where the jaw has two retaining members, each of the retaining members is movable in a determined direction, in fact towards the outside of the retaining element. Current bindings have a trigger threshold generally equal inwards and outwards of the foot.

However, it is known that the skier's knee, which is stressed during a torsional fall, is more fragile for a twist of the leg corresponding to a rotation of the foot inwards than for a rotation outwards.

To take this into account, fastening elements have been proposed which have a different triggering threshold according to the direction of tilting of the jaw. Such elements are for example described in French patents FR 1 503 847, 1 503 848, 1 503 849, or also in the German patent application published under the number 18 07 074.

The major drawback of this type of device is that the binding elements are asymmetrically constructed and therefore require pairing between the boots and the skis, that is to say the right and left skis. must be necessarily identified, and that the skier must especially put on the right ski with his right shoe and the left ski with the left shoe. It is materially possible to reverse the two skis, that is to say to put on the left ski for example with the right shoe. In this case, the effect of the asymmetry in the release of the binding acts in reverse, without it being possible to remedy it other than by exchanging the two skis.

The problem posed by the invention is to improve the operating mode of the existing retaining elements. It consists in particular in providing the retaining elements with an asymmetric trigger threshold, and in improving the operation of such retaining elements with an asymmetric trigger threshold.

According to the invention, the problem is solved by integrating into the elastic return mechanism of the jaw a simple, effective and inexpensive selection mechanism which makes it possible to choose different operating modes of the retaining element, depending on whether it has for the two directions of release of the boot, an identical trigger threshold, or a lower trigger threshold for one or the other of the directions. This selection can be done manually or automatically.

The retaining element according to the invention comprises two retaining members provided for retaining the shoe and carried by a body, a base which carries the body, a return spring for the retaining members housed in the body, and a tie rod connecting the retaining members to the spring, the tie having a head against which each retaining member exerts a support by a return, each retaining member being movable in a determined direction carrying with it the pulling against the restoring force exerted by the spring . It is characterized by the fact that it has an auxiliary spring connected to the wing returns by an auxiliary tie rod, and a movable member of the auxiliary tie rod to place the auxiliary tie rod in one of the different positions where the auxiliary tie rod is engaged. with a number of wing returns varying between zero and two. In this way, the retaining elements are constructed symmetrically, and the trigger thresholds of the wings can be made asymmetrical in one direction or another.

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

Figure 1 is a side view of a retaining element according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a top view of the retainer of Figure 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view in section through a horizontal plane of the retaining element of FIGS. 1 and 2.

Figure 4 is a rear view in partial section of the retaining element.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the retaining element along the cutting plane identified in FIG. 3.

Figures 6 and 7 are schematic top views at the auxiliary tie which illustrate the operation of the element.

Figure 8 shows the button for operating the auxiliary tie rod.

FIG. 9 illustrates another mode of piloting the auxiliary tie rod.

FIG. 9a shows an alternative embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a side view in section of the retaining element equipped with the piloting device illustrated in FIG. 9.

Figure 11 is a sectional side view of a retaining element according to another embodiment of the invention.

Figures 12 and 13 are rear views of the retainer of Figure 11 which illustrate its operation.

FIG. 1 represents a retaining element 1 comprising a body 2 carried by a base 3. The base is designed to be assembled to the ski, or if necessary to an interface plate, by any appropriate means, for example screws.

The base is extended towards the rear by a support plate 4 which is designed to receive the shoe sole.

The body itself carries a jaw retaining the front end of the shoe. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining jaw has two lateral retaining wings 6 and 7. The wings provide lateral retention of the shoe.

The jaw also retains the shoe in a vertical upward direction by a sole clamp. In the illustrated embodiment, the sole clamp is in two parts 6c and 7c respectively associated with each of the wings 6 and 7.

The wings 6 and 7 are independent, they are respectively articulated around a substantially vertical axis 8, 9 carried by the body 2.

They extend beyond their axis of articulation by a wing return 6a, 7a. The wings 6 and 7 are returned to the rest position by a spring 11 housed in the body. They are connected to the spring by a tie rod 12. The spring bears at its rear end against a wall 13 of the body, and at its front end against a plug 14 screwed to the end of the tie rod. The cap adjusts the initial compression of the spring.

The tie has a slender portion 15 which passes through the spring, the wall 13, and it ends on the side of the wing returns with a head 16. The wing returns 6a and 7a are each engaged with the head of the tie.

In this way, the rotation of one of the wings towards the outside causes the displacement of the tie rod towards the rear, and the compression of the spring. The release of the boot is reached for a predetermined value of opening of a wing, which has caused a determined compression stroke of the spring. This construction is not, however, limiting for the invention, in particular the connection between the tie rod and the spring could be different.

The retaining element shown in Figure 1 has a second level of return of the wings. This second level comprises an auxiliary plate 20 having on the rear an auxiliary wall 21 against which the end of an auxiliary spring 22 is supported. The other end of the auxiliary spring is supported on the end of an auxiliary tie rod 23, which crosses the spring over its length, the auxiliary wall 21, and ends on the rear with a head 24. The wings 6 and 7 have auxiliary returns 6b and 7b which are intended to engage with the head 24. The head 24 has a width which corresponds substantially to the spacing between the returns 6b and 7b, so that each return comes to bear on the lateral edge of the head, when the auxiliary tie rod is in the centered position. In the embodiment shown, the auxiliary spring and tie rod are above the main spring and tie rod 12. This is not limiting, and the auxiliary spring and tie rod could as well be located below, towards the 'base 3. Furthermore, the auxiliary returns 6b and 7b are distinct from the returns 6a and 7a, this is not limiting, and they could as well be connected in one piece to the returns 6a and 7a. In addition, the auxiliary returns do not necessarily have the same length relative to the axis of rotation 8, 9 of the wings as the returns 6a and 7a. They can have an equal, greater or lesser length, which influences the lever arm with which a wing biases the auxiliary spring.

Preferably, at rest, that is to say in the absence of a shoe, there is a slight clearance between the head 24 of the auxiliary tie rod and the auxiliary returns 6b and 7b of the wings. For this, for example, a stud 25 secured to the plate 20 forms a stop for the tie rod 23, in the direction where the spring 22 recalls it. The reason for this game will appear later.

Also, according to a preferred embodiment, the head 24 of the tie rod has indentations 24a and 24b provided to cooperate with the returns 6b and 7b opposite the ends of the two auxiliary wing returns 6a and 7a. Two footprints 24c and 24d are also located next to the footprints 24a, 24b, inwards.

The auxiliary plate 20 which carries the auxiliary tie rod is mounted to oscillate around a vertical pivot 30 situated towards the front and held in the body 2. For example, as shown in the figures, the housing of the plate auxiliary in the body is delimited upwards by an attached wall 31, and the pivot 30 is carried partly by the wall 31 and partly by the rest of the body.

The plate can occupy three stable positions, a central position which is that shown in FIG. 6, where the auxiliary returns are respectively opposite the indentations 24a and 24d, and, on each side of this central position, an off-center position, where only one of the returns is opposite an imprint 24c or 24d, and or the other return escapes the head of the tie rod. FIG. 7 shows the plate in one of its off-center positions, where the return 7b is opposite the imprint 24d, and the return 6b is offset with respect to the head 24 of the tie rod, and, therefore, n is more in touch with him.

From the above description, it is understood that when the auxiliary plate 20 is in the centered position, each of the wings drives in its rotation both the main tie 15 and the auxiliary tie 23. The release of the boot occurs after '' a determined opening of the wing, which corresponds to a determined stroke of the two tie rods. To reach this race, the shoe will have had to overcome the return force added by the two springs 11 and 22.

In an off-center position, for example that illustrated in FIG. 7, the wing 7 drives the two tie rods in rotation, while the wing 6 drives only the main tie rod. In fact, in its off-center position, the auxiliary tie rod 23 is engaged only with the wing 7, not with the wing 6. To be released by the wing 6, the shoe will have to overcome the restoring force of the main spring alone. The trigger threshold of this wing is lower than that of the other wing. It goes without saying that in the other off-center position, it is the wing 6 and no longer the wing 7 which is engaged with the auxiliary tie rod.

At rest, preferably, the head of the auxiliary tie rod is located slightly behind the wing returns 6b and 7b so that, when the boot is engaged, the wings can open slightly by moving only the main tie rod. This first part of the wing opening movement corresponds to the adaptation of the retaining element to the manufacturing tolerances in width of the toe pieces. Any other suitable means, for example manual adjustment, is also suitable. The other advantage of this offset is that, at rest or after engagement of the shoe, the plate can oscillate freely, without modifying the compression of the springs. A very low effort is therefore sufficient to rotate it in one of its three positions.

In this way, the retaining element is constructed symmetrically, and it is possible to use this element with an identical triggering threshold for the two wings, or only differentiated triggering, that is to say a lower trigger threshold for one wing than for the other.

Advantageously, for a set of retaining elements comprising two elements such as that which has just been described, each intended to retain the front of each shoe, when the elements are side by side, it is the thresholds of the two outer wings which are set lower than the two inner wings, in order to obtain an easier release of the shoes for a twist of each leg corresponding to a rotation of the foot towards the other foot. It is indeed for such a twist that the knee is more fragile.

The means provided for controlling the oscillating movement of the auxiliary plate 20 are shown in the figures in the form of a rotary control button 33 mounted on the upper surface of the body, more precisely on the upper surface of the wall 31. The button is carried by a vertical axis 34 which passes through the wall 31. Under the wall, the axis is extended by a horizontal rod 35 which ends in a fork. The fork grips a finger 36 integral with the plate 20. The rotation of the button causes with it the oscillation of the plate in one of its operating positions. Any suitable means can also be provided for marking each of the three positions of the plate with a hard point.

Figures 9 and 10 illustrate an alternative embodiment of these control means. According to this variant, the shoe 39 carries on the front an insert 40 for example magnetic which is embedded in the thickness of the shell. This insert is oriented or positioned differently for a right shoe and a left shoe. At the level of the retaining element, the insert is identified by an appropriate sensor 42, for example a Hall effect sensor which transmits the information to a processing device 43. The device controls the rotation of a motor 44 equipped a reducer whose terminal axis has a control rod 45 of the finger 36 secured to the plate 20, which was discussed above.

Other control means may naturally be suitable, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 9a, two electromagnets 46 and 47 respectively placed on each side of the plate 20, each electromagnet pushing the plate back into one of the off-center positions.

FIG. 11 illustrates another variant implementation of the invention. According to this variant, the auxiliary tie rod 50 has a head 51 which, at rest, is released from the auxiliary returns 56b and 57b of the wings 56 and 57. The auxiliary tie rod requests an auxiliary spring 52, one end of which bears against a wall of the body. As in the previous case, the wings 56 and 57 have returns 56a and 56b which are engaged with the main tie rod 53. In the illustrated embodiment, the returns 56a and 56b, 57a and 57b are extended continuously. They could also be separate.

In this case, it is no longer the tie rod and its support plate which are mounted oscillating, it is the head of the tie rod which is pivotally mounted to offer a grip to one or other of the returns 56b and 57b . In the advantageous case where the tie rod is formed mainly of a long rod 58 and the head 51, or else the head and the rod are pivotally mounted around the axis of the rod or the head alone is pivotally mounted relative to the rod, around its axis. Advantageously, the rod of the tie carries a crimped washer which, abutting against the wall of the body, places at rest the head of the auxiliary tie in a position offset backwards relative to the returns. Of course, any other suitable construction is suitable.

In the illustrated embodiment, the rotation of the head is controlled by a pivoting button 60 located in the upper part of the body. The button is carried by a vertical axis which crosses the wall of the body, and is extended by a horizontal rod 61. The rod ends between two teeth 62a and 62b carried by the head.

In the situation where the head of the tie rod is released from the returns 56b and 57b, the button is in a central position, aligned with the longitudinal direction defined by the plane of symmetry of the element. The trigger threshold of each of the wings is then identical, and this threshold is defined by the main spring 54. The button can pivot on one side or the other relative to this central position, carrying with it the head of the tie rod in a position where it is engaged with one or the other of the auxiliary returns. FIG. 13 thus shows the head 51 of the tie rod engaged with the return 57b. In such a position, the trigger threshold of the wing 56 is unchanged. On the other hand, the threshold of the wing 57 increases by a value defined by the stiffness of the auxiliary spring.

As in the previous case, other control means than the button could be suitable.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments which have been described or mentioned, one could indeed adopt other variants or equivalents.

Claims (7)

Element for retaining a boot on a ski provided for releasing the boot in two distinct directions, comprising two retaining members (6, 7, 56, 57) provided for retaining the boot carried by a body, a base which carries the body , a main spring (11, 54) for restoring the retaining members housed in the body, and a main tie rod (12, 53) connecting the retaining members to the spring, the tie having a head against which each retaining member exerts support by a return, each retaining member being movable in a determined direction carrying with it the pulling against the restoring force exerted by the spring, characterized by the fact that it has an auxiliary spring (22, 52) connected to the wing returns by an auxiliary tie rod (23, 50), and a movable member of the auxiliary tie rod to place the tie rod at will in engagement with a number wing returns between zero and two. Element according to claim 1, characterized in that the movable member is the tie rod (23) itself which is mounted oscillating around its end remote from the wing returns (6b, 7b) between at least three positions, one central position where the head (24) of the auxiliary tie rod is engaged with the two wing returns, and on each side, a lateral position where the tie rod is engaged with only one of the two returns. Element according to claim 2, characterized in that the auxiliary tie rod (23) is carried by a plate (21) mounted to oscillate around a pivot axis (30). Element according to claim 2, characterized in that in the rest position, the head (24) of the auxiliary tie rod is released rearwards relative to the wing returns (6b, 7b). Element according to claim 2, characterized in that the head of the auxiliary tie has indentations (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) provided to cooperate with the wing returns (6a, 7a). Element according to claim 1, characterized in that the movable member is the head (51) of the tie rod (50) which is pivotally mounted around the longitudinal axis defined by the rod (58) of the tie rod, and which can take one of the positions where the head (51) of the tie rod is released from the wing returns (56b, 57b), or where the head is engaged with one or the other of the wing returns (56b and 57b ). Set of retaining elements intended to retain the two boots of a skier in abutment against two skis, and to release one and / or the other of the boots in the event of excessive stress, characterized in that it has two identical retaining elements according to any one of the preceding claims, respectively intended to be assembled on each of the skis.

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