EP2664365A1 - Ski binding with brake - Google Patents

Abstract

The binding has two lateral jaws (5a, 5b) arranged face to face laterally, where the jaws are pivotally mounted about longitudinal axes (7a, 7b). The jaws are attached with side areas of a ski boot in a retaining position so as to define a pivot axis of the boot. A transverse vertical plane passes through the pivot axis defining a front zone and a rear zone such that a ski brake (4) is pivotally mounted around a transverse axis to assume the two positions including a brake position and a retracted position (PE), where the transverse axis of the brake is located in the rear zone.

Description

The present invention relates to an improvement for ski binding for the practice of ski touring. It relates more particularly to a binding for retaining the front end of the boot comprising a ski brake.

Hikers who climb the slopes on their own, without the help of ski lifts, have special ski bindings. These bindings are such that during the climb the shoe is retained on the ski around a transverse pivot axis to allow the skier to rotate his shoe by raising the heel. During the descent these bindings include a pivot locking system prohibiting the lifting of the heel, to allow the skier to ski normally as if he had traditional alpine ski bindings.

The device disclosed by the European patent is already known EP 2 415 504 . But this device has a number of disadvantages, such as having to maneuver the brake manually, and as that related to the complexity and fragility of its mechanism.

The present invention aims to solve the disadvantages of the prior device and thus solve the needs of users.

For this purpose the fixation of the invention, intended to hold a ski boot to a ski, comprises two lateral jaws disposed laterally substantially vis-à-vis, each of the jaws being pivotally mounted about a longitudinal axis to have the minus two positions, a shoe-retaining position and a position of release, the jaws cooperating with lateral zones of the shoe in the retaining position, to define a transverse pivot axis of the shoe, the transverse vertical plane passing through defining a front zone, and a rear zone, while the brake ski is pivotally mounted about a transverse axis to take two positions, namely a braking position, and a retracted position, is characterized in that the pivot axis of the brake is located in the rear zone.

According to a complementary feature, the brake comprises a pedal actuated by the shoe, while a locking projection allows the maintenance of the brake in its retracted position.

According to another complementary feature, each of the jaws is in the form of a pivoting bracket consisting of an upwardly extending retaining arm extended by an actuating arm, extending substantially horizontally.

Let us add that the passage of the brake from its retracted position to its braking position is done through an elastic device associated with a sliding part, which is connected to the brake, comprises at least one locking projection cooperating in the retaining position of the shoe with the actuating arms, in order to lock the brake in its retracted position.

Note that the locking projection cooperates according to one embodiment with at least one of the end pistons of each of the actuating arms.

According to another embodiment, the lever cooperates with the locking stop of the sliding part to maintain the brake in its retracted position, while it is the jaw carried by the rear arm. control that abuts against the abutment wall of the slider.

Note that the brake is mounted articulated on a base plate while the pedal is connected to the sliding part via a link, said pedal being intended to cooperate with the shoe of the user.

• La figure 1 est une représentation d'un ski équipé de la fixation de l'invention, la chaussure étant retenue par son extrémité avant permettant la levée du talon.
• La figure 2 est une représentation du ski, la chaussure ayant été libérée par la fixation par exemple lors d'un déclenchement.
• Les figures 3 à 8 sont des illustrations représentant la fixation de l'invention dans sa position de libération de la chaussure, le frein étant dans sa position active de freinage.
• La figure 3 est une vue latérale extérieure.
• La figure 4 est une vue en coupe verticale selon A-A de la figure 5.
• La figure 5 est une vue de dessus.
• La figure 6 est une vue en perspective.
• La figure 7 est une vue en perspective de la plaque de base avec le frein.
• La figure 8 est une vue de détails selon une coupe transversale faite au niveau des mâchoires de retenue.
• Les figures 9 à 14 sont des illustrations représentant la fixation de l'invention dans sa position de retenue de la chaussure, le frein étant dans sa position inactive escamotée de non-freinage.
• La figure 9 est une vue latérale extérieure.
• La figure 10 est une vue en coupe verticale selon A-A de la figure 11.
• La figure 11 est une vue de dessus.
• La figure 12 est une vue en perspective.
• La figure 13 est une vue de détails selon une coupe transversale faite au niveau des mâchoires de retenue.
• La figure 14 est une vue en perspective de la plaque de base avec le frein.
• Les figures 15 et 16 sont des illustrations partielles en perspective d'une variante de réalisation.
• La figure 15 est une vue avec le frein en position active de freinage.
• La figure 16 est une vue avec le frein en position de non-freinage.
• Les figures 17 et 18 sont des vues illustrant une autre variante de réalisation.
• La figure 17 est une vue similaire à la figure 14.
• La figure 18 est une vue schématique en perspective.
• La figure 19 est une illustration partielle en coupe d'un autre mode d'exécution.
• La figure 20 est une vue en perspective illustrant la fixation avec son frein et son couteau.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows with reference to the accompanying drawings which are given by way of non-limiting examples.

• The figure 1 is a representation of a ski equipped with the binding of the invention, the shoe being retained by its front end allowing the lifting of the heel.
• The figure 2 is a representation of the ski, the shoe having been released by fixing for example during a trigger.
• The Figures 3 to 8 are illustrations showing the attachment of the invention in its release position of the shoe, the brake being in its active braking position.
• The figure 3 is an external side view.
• The figure 4 is a vertical sectional view according to AA of the figure 5 .
• The figure 5 is a view from above.
• The figure 6 is a perspective view.
• The figure 7 is a perspective view of the baseplate with the brake.
• The figure 8 is a detail view in cross section made at the retaining jaws.
• The Figures 9 to 14 are illustrations showing the fixation of the invention in its retaining position of the shoe, the brake being in its inactive position retracted from non-braking.
• The figure 9 is an external side view.
• The figure 10 is a vertical sectional view according to AA of the figure 11 .
• The figure 11 is a view from above.
• The figure 12 is a perspective view.
• The figure 13 is a detail view in cross section made at the retaining jaws.
• The figure 14 is a perspective view of the baseplate with the brake.
• The Figures 15 and 16 are partial illustrations in perspective of an alternative embodiment.
• The figure 15 is a view with the brake in the active braking position.
• The figure 16 is a view with the brake in the non-braking position.
• The Figures 17 and 18 are views illustrating another alternative embodiment.
• The figure 17 is a view similar to the figure 14 .
• The figure 18 is a schematic perspective view.
• The figure 19 is a partial sectional illustration of another embodiment.
• The figure 20 is a perspective view illustrating the attachment with its brake and knife.

The binding (1) of the invention is a binding intended to hold a ski boot (2) to a ski intended for the practice of ski touring (3), which comprises a ski brake (4). The binding is such that during the climb the shoe (2) is retained on the ski (3) around a transverse pivot axis (X, X ') to allow the skier to rotate his shoe by raising the heel (S ), as illustrated in figure 1 , the brake to be retracted and remained in this position to not hinder the progression. During the descent during a trigger causing the release of the boot the ski must be braked by the ski brake which is released as shown in FIG. figure 2 . During the progression of the downhill skier, it has been understood that the brake remains in the retracted position, while the heel of the skier's boot can lift during the uphill progression, without affecting the retracted position of the brake which remains in this position. position.

The fastener bearing the general reference (1) of vertical plane of general symmetry (P) comprises two lateral jaws (5a, 5b) retaining the boot, said jaws being symmetrical with respect to the plane of symmetry (P).

Thus, each of the jaws (5a, 5b) is pivotally mounted on a support plate (6) about a longitudinal pivot axis (7a, 7b).

By pivoting about their respective axes, each of the jaws can take at least two positions, namely a holding position (P1) in which the jaws are closed and cooperate with the skier's boot and a release position (P2) according to which jaws are pivoted outwardly to be in the ready-to-wear position.

Each of the jaws is in the form of a pivoting bracket. Thus each of the jaws (5a, 5b) is constituted by a first arm (8a, 8b) extending upwards (HA) which will be called holding arm, which is extended substantially to the square, by a second arm (9a, 9b), which will be called actuating arm of the jaws, extending substantially horizontally towards the plane of symmetry (P). Note that the pivot axis (7a, 7b) of each of the jaws is located at the connection between the first arm (8a, 8b) and the second arm (9a, 9b).

It should be noted that the upper end of each of the retaining arms (8a, 8b) comprises a projection (10a, 10b) extending towards the general plane of symmetry (P). Each of the projections (10a, 10b) is intended in their retaining position to engage in corresponding housings (100) made on the lateral edges of the front of the sole of the shoe of the user. Thus, the cooperation of the projections with the corresponding housing of the shoe is a pivot axis (X, X ') allowing the user to lift the heel of his shoe after release of the latter.

Each of the actuating arms (9a, 9b) of the jaws (5a, 5b) is extended towards the plane (P) by an elastic system constituted by an end piston (12a, 12b) biased by at least one spring (13a). , 13b). Note that each of the pistons is slidably mounted to move transversely against the action of the spring. For this purpose each of the end pistons (12a, 12b) is carried by two rods (14a, 14b) slidably mounted in the actuating arm (9a, 9b) as it is more particularly visible on the figures 7 and 13 . Note also that the end pistons (12a, 12b) cooperate with each other. Thus, one of the end pistons comprises an end projection (15) which cooperates with a corresponding housing (16) made in the other end piston. The cooperation of the two end pistons urged by the springs constitutes with the pivot axes of the jaws a so-called "toggle" system which makes it possible to obtain a stability of the two positions (P1) and (P2) of the jaws (5a, 5b ).

The attachment further comprises a control assembly (17) for the release of the boot, forcing in particular the passage of the jaws from their retaining position to their release position. The control assembly (17) consists of an assembly of two levers (18,19), namely a first control lever (18) and a second control lever (19). The first control lever (18) is articulated on a projection of the support plate (6) around a transverse pivot axis (21), while the second lever (19) is articulated on the first lever around a pivot axis (21a). Note that the pivot axis of the first lever is disposed in front of the jaws.

The first lever (18) is a lever of the first type consisting of a rear control arm (18a) extending from the axis of its rearward pivoting (AR) towards the jaws (5a, 5b) and further precisely to the actuating arms of the jaws, and a front control arm (18b) extending from the axis of its pivoting forward (AV).

The second control lever (19) articulated on the front arm (18b) of the first control lever (18) is intended to facilitate the pivoting of the first control lever (18). Note that the first control lever (18) takes three positions, a first position corresponding to the position of the open jaws, a second position corresponding to the position of the closed jaws and a third position in which the lever is locked in this blocking position and the opening of the jaws. Furthermore the second control lever (19) which extends the first lever cooperates with the latter by cooperation of a transverse axis (23) and a light (24). Note that the axis (23) is secured to the second control lever (19) and cooperates with a light (24) formed in the first of the levers (18). Thus its pivot axis (21a) is disposed on the front control arm (18b) of the first lever (18).

Note that the rear control arm (18a) of the first control lever (18) comprises a jaw (25) intended to cooperate with the end pistons (12a, 12b) of each of the actuating arms (9a, 9b). secured to the retaining arms (8a, 8b). Said jaw is constituted by a lower tab (25a) and an upper tab (25b) to form an activation housing (25c) in which are engaged the end pistons (12a, 12b) of each of the actuating arms (9a, 9b).

According to the invention, the ski binding (1) comprises a ski brake (4) intended to stop the ski (3) after release of the binding and release of the boot, as well as after a deliberate release.

The brake (4) is constituted by a metal stirrup pivotally mounted on the base plate around a transverse axis (Z, Z '), to take two positions, a released braking position (PL) which is taken when the shoe is no longer restrained, and a retracted position (PE) allowing the practice of skiing when the shoe is retained, namely during the ascent and during the descent.

The brake (4) comprises two side bolsters (4a, 4b), and in the released braking position (PL) the two spades (4a, 4b) are pivoted downwards on each side of the ski to protrude under the lower surface (26) of the ski. In the retracted position (PE) the two spades (4a, 4b) are placed substantially horizontally so as not to exceed below the lower surface of the ski as shown in FIGS. figures 1 , 9 , 11, 12 . It should be noted that the pivot axis (Z, Z ') of the brake (4) is located in the rear zone (ZAR) with respect to the jaws (4a, 4b), ie the zone situated at the rear of the transverse vertical plane (T) passing through the axis (X, X '). In other words, the pivot axis (Z, Z ') of the brake (4) is situated on the other side of the transverse vertical plane (T) with respect to the control assembly (17).

By definition we call the front (AV) which is oriented towards the spatula (50) of the ski (30), and the rear (AR) which is oriented towards the heel (51) of the ski (3).

Note that the brake (4) is carried by a base plate (27) disposed under the support plate (6).

Let us add that the lateral spades (4a, 4b) of the brake (4) are prolonged by pedal limbs (41a, 41b) connected to the pedal (42) on which the shoe of the skier presses during the boot, which causes the placing in the retracted position (PE) of the brake and its locking in this position, as will be described below, automatically without manual intervention of the user.

According to a characteristic of the invention the brake (4) whose pivot axis (Z, Z) is disposed at the rear of the transverse plane (T), is such that its pedal (42) is located in the area occupied by the shoe while the lateral spades (4a, 4b) are directed forward (AV).

Note that the passage of the brake (4) from its retracted position (PE) to its braking position (PF) is through an elastic device (28) associated with it. This device (28) is constituted by a sliding member (28a) biased by an elastic system such as a spring (28b), such as a tension spring as illustrated. The sliding piece (28a) is housed in a longitudinal central groove (29) made in the center of the base plate to be at its rear end (30) connected to a rod (32) via a pivot axis (33), and by its front end connected to a tension spring (28b) retained at the end of the base plate. Note that the rod (32) which is connected at one of its ends to the sliding part (28a) by a pivot axis (33) and at its other end connected to the pedal (42) by another pivot axis (34). Thus the sliding part (28a) when it is not blocked in displacement, is biased forward (AV) causing in its displacement the lower part of the rod (32), causing the setting in braking position (PF) of the brake as illustrated by the figures 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 8 .

The locking of the brake (4) in its retracted position (PE) is achieved by cooperation with the jaws (4a, 4b) with a locking projection (28c) made on the sliding piece which extends upwards and which comprises a thrust wall (28d). But more precisely the locking projection (28c) integral with the sliding part cooperates with the actuating arms (9a, 9b) and in particular with the end pistons (12a, 12b) of each of these arms.

It has been understood that during footwear and pressure of the shoe on the pedal (42), during the transition from the release position (P2) to the retaining position (P1), the link (32) moves the sliding piece (28) rearwardly (AR) and simultaneously the end pistons (12a, 12b) are moved downward (BA) and are housed in front of the central projection (28c) which abuts, which places the brake in the retracted position and holds it locked in this position. Of course the projection (28c) which is integral and central could be of any other form, such as for example formed in the form of two lateral projections symmetrical with respect to the plane (P).

It should be noted that the side bolsters (4a, 4b) are oriented towards the front which allows a perfect braking of the ski.

Let us add that the brake (4) comprises means for retracting, ie bringing the spades towards the plane of symmetry (P), and in their retracted position. These means are constituted by the cooperation of a ramp system (43a, 43b) with the pedal limbs (41a, 41b), the guide ramps to the inside of the ski being formed in the base plate (27).

Note that the support plate (6) comprises housings (40) for releasably retaining the knives (50) necessary for progression uphill in certain snow or ice conditions. These housings are arranged in an area between the jaws and the brake pedal, which allows a perfect compatibility of the brake and knives. The knives (50) comprise a central space (51) for receiving the pedal (42) of the brake (4) as illustrated in FIG. figure 20 .

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown by way of example, but it also includes all technical equivalents and their combination.

For example the support plate (6) and the base plate (27), which are two independent parts could constitute a single piece, which would be a base plate. Of course the binding (1) is fixed on the upper surface of the ski by a set of screws, as is traditionally done.

Note also that the spring (28b) of Figures 1 to 14 urging the slide (28a) is a tension spring, but it could be otherwise. Indeed according to the variant illustrated in Figures 15 and 16 , it is used compression springs, in this case two compression springs (28'b, 28 "b) arranged laterally on both sides of the general plane of symmetry (P). slider connected to the brake is constituted by a sliding plate (28'a) .This slider then moves forward (AV) when closing the brake.

In addition, the sliding part (28a) of the achievements of Figures 1 to 14 , could be constituted by two parallel sliding rods (28 "a, 28"'a) as illustrated in Figures 17 and 18 , each comprising a locking projection (28'c, 28 "c) extending upwardly to cooperate with and engage with the corresponding end pistons (12a, 12b) as shown in FIG. figure 18 . In this variant, the locking protrusions are mounted on resilient blades (28a ", 28a"') to enable the resilient displacement downwards of the projections during their passage under the end pistons during the closing phase of the jaws and brake. The lower parts of the pistons have slopes which act on the locking projections by retracting them downwards.

Let us add that in the achievements of Figures 1 to 14 , the blocking of the sliding piece (28a) which holds the brake in its retracted position is by direct abutment of the end pistons (12a, 12b) against the abutment wall (28d) of the sliding piece (28a). . But it could be otherwise as for example according to the solution illustrated in Figures 15 and 16 , according to which the cooperation of the end pistons (12a, 12b) with the blocking stop of the sliding part is done indirectly via an elastic blade (45). Thus, the end pistons (12a, 12b) urge downwardly a resilient blade (45) which cooperates with a locking projection (28c) to maintain the brake in its retracted position. The elastic blade also allows the passage of the locking projection under the end pistons, even if they have already been lowered. This allows the free choice of materials to achieve the end pistons, which minimizes the potential wear problems. Note also that the jaws can be closed even when the brake pedal is not yet activated.

Note also that it will not be outside the scope of the invention if it is the lever (18) and more precisely the jaw (25) carried by the rear control arm (18a) which abuts against the wall stop (28d) of the sliding piece (28a) as shown in FIG. figure 19 , to maintain the brake in its retracted position.

According to the embodiment illustrated by way of example, it is the jaws that comprise the projections (10a, 10b) while it is the shoe that includes the housings (100), but it could be otherwise. Thus the jaws could include the housing (100) and the shoe projections (10a, 10b).

According to the illustrations all elements are arranged symmetrically with respect to the vertical plane (P) of general symmetry, but it could be otherwise, as well as with respect to their geometry.

Claims (13)

Attachment (1) for holding a ski boot (2) to a ski (3), comprising two lateral jaws (5a, 5b) arranged laterally substantially facing each other, each of the jaws (5a, 5b) being mounted pivoting about a longitudinal axis (7a, 7b) to have at least two positions, a retaining position (P1) of the shoe and a release position (P2), the jaws cooperating with lateral zones of the shoe (100). ) in the retaining position, in order to define a transverse pivot axis (X, X ') of the boot, the transverse vertical plane (T) passing through (XX') defining a front zone (ZAV), and a rear zone (ZAR), while the ski brake (4) is pivotally mounted about a transverse axis (Z, Z ') to take two positions, namely a braking position (PF), and a retracted position (PE) , characterized in that the pivot axis (Z, Z ') of the brake (4) is located in the rear zone (ZAR). Fixing (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the brake (4) comprises a pedal (42) actuated by the shoe, while a locking projection (28c) allows the maintenance of the brake in its retracted position. Fastener (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each of the jaws is in the form of a pivoting bracket constituted by a retaining arm (8a, 8b) extending upwards (HA) extended by a actuating arm (9a, 9b) extending substantially horizontally. Fixing (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the passage of the brake (4) from its retracted position (PE) to its position braking (PF) is done through an elastic device (28) associated with a sliding piece. Fastener (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the sliding piece (28a, 28a ', 28a ", 28a"') is connected to the brake (4) and comprises at least one locking projection (28c) co-operating in the retaining position of the boot (P1) with the actuating arms (9a, 9b), in order to lock the brake in its retracted position. Fastener (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the locking projection (28c, 28'c, 28 "c) cooperates with at least one of the end pistons (12a, 12b) of each of the actuating arms . Fastener (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the lever (18) cooperates with the locking stop (28d) of the sliding part (28a) to maintain the brake in its retracted position. Fastener (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it is the jaw (25) carried by the rear control arm (18a) which abuts against the abutment wall (28d) of the sliding part (28a). . Fastener according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the brake (4) is articulated on a base plate (27) while the pedal (42) is connected to the sliding part (28a) by the intermediate of a link (32). Fastener (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the sliding piece (28a, 28'a, 28 "a) is housed in a longitudinal central groove (29) made in the center of the plate of base (27). Fastener (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the rear end (30) of the sliding piece (28) is connected to the link (32) via a pin of pivoting (33), and in that its front end is connected to a spring (28b) which is retained at the base plate (27). Fastener (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the rod (32) which is connected at one of its ends to the sliding piece (28a) by a pivot axis (33) is , at its other end, connected to the pedal by another pivot axis (34). Fastener (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 12, characterized in that the locking of the sliding member is indirectly via an elastic blade (45).

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