EP2724760B1 - Retaining device for a ski binding with separated climbing wedges - Google Patents

Description

Ski binding retainer with separate climbing blocks

The present invention relates to a rear retaining device, or heel, a fixation of a shoe on a gliding device and, in particular for a ski touring.

The document EP-A-2 351 603 describes an embodiment of a heel gear designed for ski touring. This restraint allows the touring skier to adapt his fixation to his needs. Downhill slope, the heel of the ski boot will be blocked by a jaw, while slope uphill, a lever actuating the jaw acts as a climbing wedge adapted to the steepness of the slope.

However, with this retainer, a breakage of the actuating lever when used as a wedge equates to a complete failure of the fastener. In addition, it turns out that the lever actuating the jaw is not optimal for handling when locking the heel and for its climbing wedge function.

The document WO-2009/105866 describes another embodiment of a heel gear designed for ski touring. This retainer comprises two shafts interacting with an insert placed in the heel of the shoe. The vertical release is obtained by the relative spacing between these two shafts in a direction transverse to the ski. This type of construction differs greatly from a device comprising a jaw pivoting about an axis of rotation transverse to the ski, both on the construction and on the triggering behavior. The document EP2695647A1 discloses a heel piece according to claim 1 but without disclosing whether the shim rests on the jaw when in its active position. An object of the invention is therefore to overcome the above disadvantages by providing an improved heel.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by the device of claim 1. By providing the climbing wedge in the form of a separate element of the actuating lever, a breaking of the wedge has no impact on the operating lever. Thus, a skier with a broken climb wedge can still use the operating lever to fix his ski boot and go down the slope. Furthermore, with an actuating lever on one side and a climbing wedge on the other, there are two separate elements that can each be well adapted to the unique function they must fulfill.

• Le dispositif de retenue arrière comprend un élément de blocage apte à maintenir la première cale de montée dans la première position passive. Avantageusement, l'élément de blocage coopère avec une extrémité libre de la première cale de montée. Avantageusement, l'élément de blocage comprend un organe d'actionnement par l'extrémité d'un bâton.
• La première cale de montée pivote autour d'un axe de basculement transversal, distinct de l'axe de rotation transversal de la mâchoire.
• Le dispositif de retenue arrière comprend un mécanisme de maintien de la première cale de montée dans ses positions active et passive, ledit mécanisme comportant notamment une came en coopération avec un ressort. Avantageusement, le mécanisme de maintien est adapté pour définir deux positions relatives stables pour chacune des deux cales.
• Le dispositif de retenue arrière comprend une deuxième cale de montée apte à basculer entre une deuxième position active, dans laquelle la deuxième cale forme une butée inférieure située à une deuxième hauteur pour ledit talon ; et une deuxième position passive, dans laquelle la deuxième cale n'interfère pas avec le déplacement vertical dudit talon.
• La première cale de montée, lorsqu'elle est dans sa première position passive, empêche le basculement de la deuxième cale de montée vers la deuxième position active.
• La deuxième cale de montée limite le mouvement de la première cale de montée vers l'arrière, lorsqu'elle est dans sa deuxième position passive.
• Les première et deuxième cales de montée pivotent autour d'un même axe de basculement.
• Une cale de montée comprend au moins une butée permettant de limiter le basculement arrière de ladite cale par rapport au levier d'actionnement. Selon un mode de réalisation, la butée coopère avec le levier d'actionnement.

According to other embodiments, the retaining device according to the invention comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination:

• The rear retainer includes a locking member adapted to maintain the first hold in the first passive position. Advantageously, the locking element cooperates with a free end of the first shim. Advantageously, the locking element comprises an actuating member by the end of a stick.
• The first shim rotates about a transverse tilt axis, distinct from the transverse axis of rotation of the jaw.
• The rear retaining device comprises a mechanism for holding the first shim in its active and passive positions, said mechanism comprising in particular a cam in cooperation with a spring. Advantageously, the holding mechanism is adapted to define two stable relative positions for each of the two shims.
• The rear retaining device comprises a second shim capable of tilting between a second active position, wherein the second shim forms a lower stop located at a second height for said heel; and a second passive position, in which the second wedge does not interfere with the vertical displacement of said heel.
• The first climbing wedge, when in its first passive position, prevents the tilting of the second climbing wedge to the second active position.
• The second climbing wedge limits the movement of the first climbing wedge rearward when it is in its second passive position.
• The first and second shims pivot about a same tilting axis.
• A shim comprises at least one stop for limiting the rear tilting of said shim relative to the actuating lever. According to one embodiment, the stop cooperates with the actuating lever.

The invention also relates to a binding of a boot for a gliding apparatus, comprising a front retainer and a rear retainer, the rear retainer being in accordance with one of the previously described embodiments.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un dispositif de retenue selon l'invention en configuration « descente de pente » CD1 ou dans une première configuration de « montée de pente » CM1 ;
• la figure 2 est une vue éclatée du dispositif de retenue de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 est une vue de face d'un élément de blocage du dispositif de retenue de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 4 est une coupe longitudinale médiane partielle et arrachée du dispositif de retenue selon les flèches IV de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 5 est une vue en perspective du dispositif de retenue de la figure 1 dans une deuxième configuration de « montée de pente » CM2 ;
• la figure 6 est une coupe longitudinale médiane partielle et arrachée du dispositif de retenue selon les flèches VI de la figure 3 ;
• la figure 7 est une vue en perspective du dispositif de retenue de la figure 1 dans une troisième configuration de « montée de pente » CM3 ;
• la figure 8 est une coupe longitudinale latéralement décalée partielle et arrachée du dispositif de retenue selon les flèches VIII de la figure 7 ;
• la figure 9 est une coupe longitudinale médiane partielle et arrachée du dispositif de retenue illustrant une étape de mise en place d'une première cale de butée ;
• la figure 10 est une coupe longitudinale médiane partielle et arrachée du dispositif de retenue illustrant une autre étape de mise en place d'une première cale de butée.

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example, and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• the figure 1 is a perspective view of a retaining device according to the invention in "downhill slope" configuration CD1 or in a first configuration of "slope climb"CM1;
• the figure 2 is an exploded view of the restraint of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 3 is a front view of a locking element of the retaining device of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 4 is a partial median longitudinal section and removed from the retaining device according to the arrows IV of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 5 is a perspective view of the restraint of the figure 1 in a second "climb up" configuration CM2;
• the figure 6 is a partial median longitudinal section and removed from the retaining device according to the arrows VI of the figure 3 ;
• the figure 7 is a perspective view of the restraint of the figure 1 in a third configuration of "climb of slope"CM3;
• the figure 8 is a partially laterally offset longitudinal section cut away from the retaining device according to arrows VIII of FIG. figure 7 ;
• the figure 9 is a partial median longitudinal section cut away from the retaining device illustrating a step of setting up a first abutment wedge;
• the figure 10 is a partial median longitudinal section cut away from the retaining device illustrating another step of setting up a first abutment wedge.

In the rest of the description, terms such as "horizontal", "vertical", "longitudinal", "transversal", "superior", "lower", "up", "down", "before" will be used. , " back ". These terms must in fact be interpreted in a relative manner in relation to the normal position that the retainer occupies on a ski, and the normal direction of advancement of the ski. For example, "longitudinal" refers to the longitudinal axis of the ski.

The figure 1 shows a retaining device 1 according to the invention. This retaining device 1 constitutes the rear or heel part of an alpine ski mount binding. In known manner, the heel 1 comprises a body 10 mounted longitudinally sliding on a base (not shown) attached to a ski (not shown).

As we see in figure 2 , the retaining device 1 further comprises a jaw 20, an actuating lever 30 and a set 40 of shims.

The jaw 20 is rotatably mounted on the body 10 via a rotation shaft 21, extending along a transverse axis A. Thus, conventionally, the jaw 20 is able to be moved between an engaged position, shown in FIG. the figure 1 , and a triggered position, not shown. In known manner, a mechanism, not shown, allows the tilting of the jaw from a stable position engaged to a triggered stable position and vice versa. The jaw 20 is provided with two posts 201a, 201b protruding, extending rearwardly, arranged on either side of a median longitudinal plane. Each upright 201a, 201b has a transverse through hole 202a, 202b and a housing 203a, 203b oriented in the extension of the upright 201a, 201b. The jaw 20 also has a central support 204 and a pair of lateral supports 205a, 205b. A receiving slot 206 is arranged transversely between the two uprights 201a, 201b.

The actuating lever 30 comprises two branches 31a, 31b substantially parallel. Their first ends are inserted into the housings 203a, 203b of the uprights 201a, 201b of the jaw 20. Their second ends are connected to one another by an actuating plate 32 forming the free end of the lever 30.

The actuating plate 32 is provided with a locking element 33. In this example, it is a spring 33 composed of a twisted wire having substantially a "W" shape, as illustrated in FIG. figure 3 . The blocking element 33 comprises a central loop 331 and two lateral branches 332a, 332b. Each side branch 332a, 332b is mounted tightly in a hole in the portion of the actuating plate 32 facing the jaw. Each lateral branch 332a, 332b is connected to the central loop 331 via a cross member 333a, 333b. These crosspieces 333a, 333b are slightly inclined relative to the transverse direction so that the two junctions between the crosspieces 333a, 333b and the central loop 332 define two end points 334a, 334b. These extreme points form abutment contacts 334a, 334b. The middle loop 331 of the spring 33 is disposed in a notch 321 of the actuating plate 32. It constitutes an actuating member 331. Thus, when the locking element 33 is secured to the actuating plate 32, the stop contacts 334a, 334b constitute the parts of the spring 33 farthest from the actuating plate 32. By exerting a force on the central loop 331 in the direction of the actuating plate 32, the abutment contacts 334a are brought together, 334b of the actuating plate 32.

On the upper part of the actuating plate 32 is provided a housing 322, facing upwards, for receiving the end of a stick, to facilitate the tilting of the jaw 30 to its tripped position.

The assembly 40 of shims comprises a first shim 41, a second shim 42, a tilting shaft 43, extending along a transverse axis B, and a mechanism 44 for holding the shims in position 41, 42. The two shims 41, 42 are rotatably mounted around the tilting shaft 43. When the heel piece 1 is assembled, the shims 41, 42 are arranged so that, in a certain configuration, they can be housed between the two branches 31a, 31b of the actuating lever 30 and between the jaw 20 and the actuating plate 32.

It should be noted that the tilting shaft 43 is distinct from the rotation shaft 21. Thus, if the tilting shaft 43 breaks, the heel remains functional downhill because the jaw can still rotate around its shaft. rotation 21. This increases the security of the attachment. According to one embodiment, the tilting shaft 43 is offset longitudinally rearwardly relative to the rotation shaft 21. Preferably, the longitudinal offset of the two axes A, B projected on a plane passing through the surface of support 204 is greater than 10 mm. This arrangement makes it possible to increase the length of the formed lever by the climbing wedge 41, 42. Thus, for the same vertical force corresponding to the support of the shoe on the hold, we obtain a force exerted on the support of the hold on the jaw even lower that the lever arm is long. The holds are thus less constrained. This advantage allows a heel design more economical and more compact.

The first shim 41 comprises a longitudinal body 411 and a first flared abutment 412. At a first end, the longitudinal body 411 is traversed, in its thickness, in its central part, by a longitudinal rectangular opening 413. In addition, the same end, the longitudinal body 411 is traversed by a transverse hole 414 for accommodating the tilting shaft 43. Thus, the first shim 41 is rotatably mounted around the tilting shaft 43. The first flared abutment 412 is disposed at the other end of the body 411 and forms the free end of the first wedge 41. It is provided with a central circular hole 415 and two lateral fins 416a, 416b.

The second climbing wedge 42 comprises two wedges 421a, 421b. A first end of each branch 421a, 421b is traversed by a transverse opening 422a, 422b intended to receive the tilting shaft 43. Thus, the second shim 42 is rotatably mounted around the tilting shaft 43. The second ends of the wedge arms 421a, 421b are connected by a second flared abutment 423. This second flared abutment 423 forms the free end of the second spacer 42. It is provided with a central circular hole 424 and two lateral fins. 425a, 425b. Each hold branch 421a, 421b is provided with a stop tooth 426a, 426b. Each stop tooth 426a, 426b extends transversely outwardly from its shim arm 421a, 421b, approximately mid-length thereof. The spacing of the outer ends of the stop teeth 426a, 426b is slightly greater than the distance separating the two branches 31a, 31b of the actuating lever 30.

With reference to the figure 2 , the holding mechanism 44 includes a central cam 417, two lateral cams 427a, 427b and a torsion spring 45.

The central cam 417 is part of the body 411 of the first shim 41. It is formed by a cylinder truncated by a descent flat 4171 and by a rising flat 4172. The two flats 4171, 4172 are inclined, one relative to each other, from a certain angle. The central cam 417 surrounds the tilting shaft 43 in the middle part of the body 411. It extends transversely over the entire width of the longitudinal rectangular opening 413.

The lateral cams 427a, 427b are part of the branches 421a, 421b of the second climbing wedge 42. Each lateral cam 427a, 427b is formed by a cylinder truncated by a downcomer 4271a, 4271b and by a rising flat 4272a , 4272b. The two flats 4271a, 4272a, 4271b, 4272b are inclined relative to each other by a determined angle. Each side cam 427a, 427b surrounds the tilt shaft 43 at level of the first ends of the wedge arms 421a, 421b. It extends transversely outwardly of the shim 42 on a narrow width.

The torsion spring 45 is preferably a twisted yarn having substantially a "W" shape. It comprises a central loop 451 and two lateral branches 452a, 452b. Each lateral branch 452a, 452b is connected to the central loop 451 via a crossbar 453a, 453b. The central loop 451 cooperates with the central cam 417. The lateral branches 452a, 452b cooperate with the lateral cams 427a, 427b.

The assembly 40 of shims is secured to the jaw 20 via the tilting shaft 21. This is indeed supported by the holes 202a, 202b of the uprights 201a, 201b. When the set of shims 40 is assembled with the jaw 20, the crosspieces 453a, 453b of the torsion spring 45 are inserted into the receiving slot 206 to secure the torsion spring 45 with the jaw 20. Thus, only the central loop 451 and the two lateral branches 452a, 452b may bend.

The retaining device 1 is adjustable between a slope descent configuration CD1 shown in FIGS. figures 1 and 4 , a first CM1 slope climb configuration, a second CM2 slope climb configuration shown in FIGS. Figures 5 and 6 , and a third CM3 slope climb configuration shown in FIGS. Figures 7 and 8 .

We will now describe the different configurations and the transition from the CM1 configuration to the CM3 configuration via the CM2 configuration, with reference to the drawings.

Suppose a skier in alpine hike equipped with a pair of skis equipped with the retaining device 1 according to the invention. At the beginning of the hike, the skier prepares to climb a slope.

The first step is to put in position a forward stop adapted to the climb of slope. For example, by interchanging a stop designed for the descent with a stop designed for climbing. A stop designed for climbing may be, for example, a stop similar to that described in the application EP-A-0 199 098 . This step is not detailed because it is not the main object of the invention.

A second step is to position the body of the heel lengthwise at a specific position so that when the shims 41, 42 switch to the active position, that is to say, in the up position, they cooperate with the sole of the shoe to limit the lowering, or vertical downward movement of the heel.

A third step is to tilt the jaw 20 to its engaged position. The heel 1 is thus configured as shown in FIG. figure 1 . For this operation, the user can use the actuating lever 30 or use the underside of his shoe by pressing on the upper front part of the jaw.

When the skier moves on flat, he has little or no need to limit the race of his heel. In this case, it does not need a climbing wedge. We configure the heel in a first climb configuration CM1 for which, the two climbing wedges 41, 42 are in the passive position, that is to say, in the descent position. In this configuration CM1, the heel of the shoe can freely lower to come into contact with the upper surface of the ski or a plate connected to the ski.

It should be noted that this first rise configuration CM1 is analogous to the descent configuration CD1. The difference between these two configurations CM1, CD1 lies in the longitudinal position of the body 10 of the heel and / or the fact that the shoe is engaged with a forward stop designed for the descent or a forward stop designed for climbing. In all cases, this translates into the fact that, for the descent configuration CD1, the shoe is engaged with the jaw while for the climbing configuration CM1, the shoe does not touch the jaw.

In this first configuration CM1 (or CD1), illustrated in the figure 4 , the first shim 41 is in a first passive position PP1 and the second shim 42 in a second passive position PP2. The passive positions PP1 and PP2 are positions in which the wedges 41, 42 do not interfere with the vertical displacement of the heel of the ski boot. On the other hand, in these passive positions PP1 and PP2, the wedges 41, 42 are substantially secured in rotation with the actuating lever 30 with respect to the tilting shaft 43.

The first shim 41 rests on the second shim 42, that is, the first shim 41 comes into contact with the second shim 42 when the first shim 41 pivots about the tilting shaft 43 , towards the back of the ski. Thus, during a rearward rotation of the first shim 41, it causes, through this contact, the rearward rotation of the second shim 42. More specifically, in this example, the lateral fins 416a, 416b of the first shim 41 rest on the shim arms 421a, 421b of the second shim 42.

The stop teeth 426a, 426b of the second shim 42 are arranged so as to be able to rest on the branches 31a, 31b of the actuating lever 30. These stops make it possible to limit the rear tilting of the two shims 41, 42 relative to the actuating lever 30. These arresting teeth 426a, 426b ensure that the shims 41, 42 are locked together in rotation with the actuating lever 30 in relation to the control shaft 30 in a (rearward) direction. tipping 43.

Furthermore, the locking in rotation in the other direction (towards the front) of the wedges 41, 42 with the actuating lever 30 relative to the shaft 43 is ensured by the blocking element 33. blocks the rotation of the first wedge 41 forward. Indeed, the actuating lever 30 supports the locking element 33 defining two stop contacts 334a, 334b remote from a first distance d1 of the tilting axis B. Moreover, the free end of the first shim 41 is moved away from a second distance d2 from the tilting axis B. The first distance d1 being smaller than the second distance d2, the rotation of the first shim 41 around the tilting axis B is limited by the stop contacts 334a, 334b, for a given position of the actuating lever 30, in the case where the spring 33 is not biased. Thus, during the rotation towards the rear of the first wedge 41 around the tilting axis B, its first flared abutment 412 abuts against the spring 33. If the rotation is continued backwards by a force on the hold 41, the spring 33 is biased so as to increase the first distance d1 until it is greater than the second distance d2. This amounts to removing the abutment contacts 334a, 334b from the tilting axis B. The spring 33 no longer blocks the first shim 41 which can then rotate further. As soon as the wedge 41 exceeds the actuating lever 30, the spring 33 resumes its initial configuration which allows the locking in rotation of the wedge in the other direction, forwards. Advantageously, the first flared abutment 412 comprises a slope making it possible to facilitate the spacing of the abutment contacts 334a, 334b from the tilting axis B. The passive position PP1 corresponds to an angular position of the first shim 41 for which the wedge 41 has passed the spring 33 after a rotation towards the rear, the spring having resumed its initial configuration.

The free end of the second shim 42 is moved away from a third distance d3 of the tilting axis B. In this embodiment, this third distance d3 is smaller than the first distance d1. The second shim 42 is not limited in rotation by the spring 33. However, because the first shim 41 comes into contact with the second shim 42 when the first shim 41 pivots about the tilting shaft 43 towards the back of the ski, the inverse kinematics occurs. Thus, the second shim 42 comes into contact with the first shim 41 when the second shim 42 pivots around the tilting shaft 43, towards the front of the ski. As a result, the forward tilting of the second shim 42 is limited by the first shim 41.

The blocking element 33 thus ensures that the shims 41, 42 are locked in rotation with the actuating lever 30 relative to the shaft 43. This fastening makes it possible to keep the shims 41, 42 away from the shoe. When the heel 1 is in CD1 descent configuration, it is important that the climbing wedges do not interfere with the shoe, for security reasons. If a climbing wedge becomes stuck with the shoe, there is a risk that the attachment does not trigger when necessary, the wedge hooking the shoe to the heel 1.

The central loop 451 of the torsion spring 45 rests on the downfloor 4171 of the central cam 417, and the side branches 452a, 452b rest on the down flats 4271a, 4271b of the side cams 427a, 427b. Consequently, the two shims 41, 42 are held in stable equilibrium in their passive positions PP1 and PP2, relative to one another, by the torsion spring 45.

When the skier desires to climb a slope, it is useful to insert a climbing wedge between the heel of the shoe and the ski. This wedge helps the skier in his motor movement, improving his support and balance. Advantageously, the more the slope is tilted, the hold must be high. With a wedge, the center of gravity of the skier is then naturally returned to the center of the ski when it is inclined.

In the embodiment described, the heel incorporates two climbing wedges 41, 42, to obtain two support heights H1, H2. The support heights H1, H2, correspond to the height between a reference associated with the upper surface of the ski and a support zone of a climbing wedge against which comes into contact with the heel of the boot. In our example, the bearing areas of the shims 41, 42 are surfaces of the first 412- and second flared stops 423.

Alternatively, the heel may include only one climbing wedge.

For an average slope, the user will set up the first climbing wedge 41. Thus, he configures the heel in a second climbing configuration CM2 for which the first climbing wedge 41 switches to the active position, that is, that is, in the climb position.

For this, as illustrated in figure 9 , it introduces the tip 501 of its ski pole 50 between the first flared abutment 412 of the wedge 41 and the central loop 331 of the locking element 33. By pivoting the stick 50 rearwardly relative to the point d bearing on the wedge 41 (indicated by the arrow F), the stick causes the deformation of the spring 33 and more particularly of the central loop 331, in the direction of the actuating plate 32 (indicated by the arrow G). This deformation has the effect of bringing the abutment contacts 334a, 334b closer to the actuating plate 32 or, in other words, of moving the abutment contacts 334a, 334b away from the tilting axis B. As a result, the spring 33 is no longer in contact with the first flare abutment 412. The first shim 41 is released and can rotate around its tilting shaft 43, towards the front of the ski. Using the tip 501 of his ski pole 50, the skier then tilts the first climbing wedge 41 forward against the restoring force of the torsion spring 45 (as illustrated by the arrows R to figures 9 and 10 ). This action has no effect on the second spacer 42, which is held in its passive position PP2 by the lateral branches 452a, 452b of the torsion spring 45.

To facilitate this action, the tip 501 of the stick 50 can jam in the hole 415 which allows a good grip of the stick on the first shim 41.

At the end of tilting, the central loop 451 of the torsion spring 45, which has passed through the rectangular longitudinal opening 413 of the first wedge 41, bears on the rising surface 4172 of the central cam 417. The retaining device 1 is in its second CM2 climb configuration, shown at Figures 5 and 6 . The first shim 41 is in a first active position PA1 and is kept in stable equilibrium by the central loop 45. In this position PA1, the body 411 rests on the central support 204 of the jaw 20. On the other hand, the second climbing wedge 42 is still in its second passive position PP2.

In its first active position PA1, the first shim 41 forms a stop below a first height H1 for the ski boot heel. In other words, as explained above, the first flared abutment 412 of the first shim 41 limits the vertical movement of the heel towards the ski. Thanks to the first hold 41, the ascent of the average slope is easier for the skier.

If the skier encounters a steep slope, he introduces the tip 501 of his stick into the circular hole 424 of the second climbing wedge 42. Then he tilts the second wedge 42 forward with the help of his stick.

In the same way, to facilitate this tilting, the tip 501 of the stick 50 can jam in the hole 424 which allows a good grip of the stick on the second shim 42.

At the end of tilting, the lateral branches 452a, 452b of the torsion spring 45 come to bear on the rising flats 4272a, 4272b of the side cams 427a, 427b. The retainer 1 is in its third climb configuration CM3, shown in FIGS. Figures 7 and 8 . The second climbing wedge 42 is in a second active position PA2 and is kept in stable equilibrium by the lateral branches 452a, 452b of the torsion spring 45. In this position PA2, the locking teeth 426a, 426b and a part of the branches 421a, 421b rest on the lateral supports 205a, 205b of the jaw 20. The first shim 41 is always in its first active position PA1.

In its second active position PA2, the second shim 42 forms a stop below a second height H2 greater than the first height H1 for the ski boot heel. In other words, the second flared abutment 423 of the second shim 42 limits the vertical movement of the heel to the ski. Thanks to the second block 42, the ascent of the steep slope is easier for the skier.

In order to return, from the configuration CM3, to the configuration CM1, the skier successively tilts the second wedge 42 and the first wedge 41 backwards until the first wedge 41 snaps behind the element For this operation, the skier can use holes 415, 424 with his stick 50.

Thus, for this embodiment, the first active position PA1 and the first passive position PP1 mean that, for each configuration, the first shim 41 is in a determined stable position relative to the jaw 20. Similarly, the second active position PA2 and the second passive position PP2 mean that, for each configuration, the second shim 42 is in a determined stable position relative to the jaw 20. Moreover, when the heel is in a climbing configuration where the jaw 20 is engaged, the active positions PA1, PA2 indicate that at least a portion of one of the rise wedges 41, 42 is interposed in the trajectory of the heel towards the ski contrary to the passive positions PP1, PP2 for which no part of a climbing wedge identified 41 and / or 42 does not interfere with the trajectory of the heel towards the ski.

• on obtient un levier d'actionnement 30 plus solide grâce à sa fixation sur la mâchoire 20 sans possibilité de mouvement relatif ;
• la construction est simple ;
• l'accès à l'élément de blocage 33 est facile, ainsi que la manipulation du dispositif ;
• un actionnement à distance avec le bâton sans besoin de se baisser ;
• une amélioration de la cinématique et un dispositif compact grâce aux deux axes de rotation A et de basculement B différents.

In summary, the retaining device 1 according to the invention has in particular the following advantages:

• a more solid actuating lever 30 is obtained by attaching it to the jaw 20 without the possibility of relative movement;
• the construction is simple;
• access to the blocking element 33 is easy, as well as manipulation of the device;
• remote actuation with the stick without the need to bend down;
• an improvement of the kinematics and a compact device thanks to the two different axes of rotation A and tilt B.

Disassociating the lift blocks from the operating lever allows the design of a robust and ergonomic operating lever. The lever can incorporate a form ensuring a good grip to engage or trigger the heel manually. In addition, it may also include a form facilitating the engagement and / or remote triggering via a stick. On the other hand, the lever can be fixed directly on the jaw thus improving its anchoring. The lever is directly attached to the jaw which reinforces the strength of this subset.

This design also allows you to quickly disable climbing wedges if the skier wishes. For example, after a steep slope, there may be a false flat that does not require a bilge height. The skier, wishing to pass in the first climb configuration CM1, has only to act on the actuating lever 30 to tilt the jaw 20 into its triggered position. This movement of the jaw causes the wedges to rise rearward so that they no longer interfere with the vertical movement of the heel.

The locking element 33 described above is a spring. Alternatively, the locking element may take other forms. For example, an elastic portion of a constituent part of the actuating lever 32. It can also be a rotary latch housed at the end of the actuating lever interacting with the free end of the first shim. Advantageously, the latch comprises an elastic member holding the latch in a configuration for which it is adapted to retain the first shim to make it integral with the actuating lever. The lock can pivot about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the actuating lever or about an axis parallel to an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the actuating lever. According to another variant, the lock is translated in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the actuating lever. Again, resilient means can hold the lock in a lock configuration. Similarly, the locking element is not necessarily placed at the end of the operating lever. For example, the first shim can be maintained in its passive position PP1 by lateral locks placed on the branches 31a, 31b.

According to another variant, the holding of the shims in the active position PA1, PA2 or in the passive position PP1, PP2 is ensured solely by the mechanism 44 for holding in position the shims 41, 42. Thus, it is only the spring of torsion 45 which is sufficient to define two stable positions for each climbing wedge. In this case, there is no blocking element 33 as such.

In the case where the heel comprises only one climbing wedge, some constructions described above can be transposed to this design. For example, the shim may incorporate stops or stop teeth to limit the rear tilting of the shim beyond the actuating lever. Similarly, the maintenance mechanism would be different.

In the examples described, the shims pivot about the same tilting axis B. In a variant, each shim may have its own tilting axis, different from each other. Alternatively, the rocking of the shims from one position to the other can be achieved by a movement other than a rotation, for example, a translation.

In the context of the invention, the technical characteristics of the variants described can be combined with each other, at least partially.

Claims (15)

1. Rear retaining device (1) for a boot binding on a sliding device, comprising:

   - a jaw (20) for retaining a heel of the boot, the jaw pivoting about an axis of rotation (A) essentially transverse to the sliding device, between a stable engaged position and a stable disengaged position;

   - an actuating lever (30) by means of which the jaw can be tipped between its stable engaged position and its stable disengaged position; and

   - a first slope-ascent wedge (41) which is separate from the actuating lever (30) and is able to tip between:

   • a first active position (PA1) so as to form a lower stop located at a first height (H1) for said heel; and

   • a first passive position (PP1) in which the first wedge (41) does not interfere with the vertical movement of said heel;

   characterized in that,
   when the first slope-ascent wedge (41) is in the active position, it rests on the jaw (20).
2. Rear retaining device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the actuating lever (30) is directly secured to the jaw (20).
3. Rear retaining device (1) according to either one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a blocking element (33) that is able to hold the first ascent wedge (41) in the first passive position (PP2).
4. Rear retaining device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the blocking element (33) engages with a free end (412) of the first ascent wedge.
5. Rear retaining device (1) according to either of Claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the blocking element (33) comprises a member (331) for actuation using the end (501) of a pole (50).
6. Rear retaining device (1) according to any one of Claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the first ascent wedge (41) pivots about a transverse tipping axis (B) which is distinct from the transverse axis of rotation (A) of the jaw (20).
7. Rear retaining device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a mechanism (44) for holding the first ascent wedge (41) in its active (PA1) and passive (PP1) positions, said mechanism comprising, in particular, a cam (417) that cooperates with a spring (45).
8. Rear retaining device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a second ascent wedge (42) that is able to tip between:

   - a second active position (PA2) in which the second wedge (42) forms a lower stop located at a second height (H2) for said heel; and

   - a second passive position (PP2) in which the second wedge (42) does not interfere with the vertical movement of said heel.
9. Rear retaining device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first and second ascent wedges (41, 42) pivot about one and the same tipping axis (B).
10. Rear retaining device (1) according to either of Claims 8 and 9, characterized in that, when it is in its first passive position (PP1), the first ascent wedge (41) prevents the second ascent wedge (42) tipping towards the second active position (PA2).
11. Rear retaining device (1) according to one of Claims 8 to 10, characterized in that, when it is in its second passive position (PP2), the second ascent wedge (42) limits the movement of the first ascent wedge (41) to the rear.
12. Rear retaining device (1) according to one of Claims 8 to 11, characterized in that, when it is in its second active position (PA2), the second ascent wedge (42) rests on bearing surfaces (205a, 205b) of the jaw which are separate from the bearing surfaces (204) of the jaw on which the first ascent wedge (41) rests when it is in its first active position (PA1).
13. Rear retaining device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a body (10) that is mounted so as to be able to slide longitudinally on a base attached to the sliding device, and in that the jaw is mounted so as to be able to pivot on said body.
14. Rear retaining device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an ascent wedge (42) comprises at least one stop (426a, 426b) by means of which it is possible to limit the rearward tipping of said wedge (42) with respect to the actuating lever (30).
15. Boot binding for a sliding device, comprising a rear retaining device and a front retaining device, characterized in that the rear retaining device (1) is according to any one of the preceding claims.

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