EP2992937B1 - Releasable binding - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to triggerable fasteners for the practice of alpine skiing, and in particular for the practice of ski touring.

Such a fastening must allow rotation of the boot around an axis transverse to the ski located at the front of the boot during the climbs, so as to make it possible to move the heel of the user relative to the ski to exert a optimal thrust effort. Such a binding must also make it possible to immobilize the heel of the user with respect to the ski during the descending phases.

Moreover, the safety fasteners are generally provided with a brake comprising two spades. The spades are positioned on either side of the ski and pivot around the same first transverse axis. Each spade comprises a first end provided with a tip intended to protrude from the sole of the ski, braking configuration, corresponding to the absence of the shoe of the user engaged with the binding. These tips are thus intended to engage in the snow to facilitate the immobilization of the ski when the user took off. The second end of each spade is connected to a pedal pivotally mounted relative to a second transverse axis so that the pedal remains substantially parallel to the upper face of the ski when the spades pivot about the first axis. The brake comprises an elastic member tending to bring the spades into a braking configuration.

The brake is usually disposed at the front of the heel. Thus, in descent position, when the user engages the attachment, his shoe presses on the pedal which causes the rotation of the spades upwards, so that the ends do not protrude from the sole of the ski. As a result, when the shoe is immobilized by the jaw of the heel, the heel is held in support on the pedal. The end pieces then remain behind the ski sole which facilitates the sliding of the ski. As soon as the user loosens, the binding triggers and releases the shoe. The support on the pedal is removed and the spades are automatically recalled by the elastic member to their braking position, protruding from the sole of the ski.

In so-called hiking bindings, in the climbing position, the heel of the boot is released relative to the heel piece. The heel is no longer maintained in support of the pedal. Also, in order not to hinder the slide of the ski in this phase, the user must inhibit the brake by locking it in a retracted configuration. The end pieces are then kept continuously set back from the sole of the ski.

When the user wishes to switch back to the down position, he must reactivate the brake by unlocking it. In this configuration, the brake will be inhibited again as long as the shoe is engaged with the heel.

To meet this need, several solutions have been proposed.

For example, documents WO 2009/105866 , WO 2012/024809 and EP 2 695 647 describe lockable brakes by moving the heel relative to the brake. In the first two solutions, the heel is translated longitudinally. In the last example, the heel pivots around a transverse axis.

The heels known from the state of the art have relatively complex configurations and impractical to use, or a limited reliability of unlocking the brake.

In all cases, the reactivation of the brake when going downhill mode requires a manual operation of the user on the body of the heel in these examples.

The object of the invention is to provide a subassembly consisting of a brake and an improved heel.

One goal is notably to propose a subassembly whose tilting between the different configurations of the brake is particularly ergonomic.

Another object of the invention is to further improve the reliability of unlocking the brake.

Another object of the invention is to allow rapid reactivation of the brake as soon as the shoe is engaged with the heel.

Another object of the invention is to have a kinematic locking / unlocking of the brake particularly simple.

An object of the invention is in particular to have a brake and / or brake unlocking control independent of the adjustment of the longitudinal position of a jaw of the heel.

• un dispositif de retenue arrière de la chaussure comprenant :
  • un corps,
  • au moins un élément de maintien destiné à coopérer avec le talon de la chaussure pour la retenue de celui-ci, l'élément de maintien étant mobile par rapport au corps,
• un dispositif de freinage comprenant :
  • un élément d'arrêt mobile entre une position active, pour laquelle l'élément d'arrêt est configuré de manière à freiner le déplacement de la planche de glisse, et une position inactive, pour laquelle l'élément d'arrêt est configuré de manière à ne pas freiner le déplacement de la planche de glisse,
  • un mécanisme de verrouillage comprenant :
    • o un organe de verrouillage mobile entre une position de verrouillage pour laquelle l'organe de verrouillage est apte à coopérer avec l'élément d'arrêt de manière à maintenir l'élément d'arrêt dans sa position inactive et une position de libération pour laquelle l'organe de verrouillage n'est pas apte à coopérer avec l'élément d'arrêt,
    • o un actionneur permettant de faire basculer l'organe de verrouillage de sa position de verrouillage vers sa position de libération.

The invention thus relates to a subset of a binding of a boot on a gliding apparatus comprising:

• a rear retainer of the shoe comprising:
  • a body,
  • at least one holding element intended to cooperate with the heel of the boot for the retention thereof, the holding element being movable relative to the body,
• a braking device comprising:
  • a stopping element movable between an active position, for which the stopping element is configured so as to slow down the movement of the board of slides, and an inactive position, for which the stop element is configured so as not to slow down the movement of the gliding board,
  • a locking mechanism comprising:
    • a locking member movable between a locking position for which the locking member is adapted to cooperate with the stop member so as to maintain the stop member in its inactive position and a release position for which the locking member is not adapted to cooperate with the stop element,
    • o an actuator for tilting the locking member from its locking position to its release position.

The subassembly is characterized in that the actuator is positioned relative to the body of the rear retainer so that it can be activated by the shoe and / or the holding member when the heel of the shoe co-operates. with the holding element.

This construction facilitates the reactivation of the brake because it is sufficient that the shoe is engaged with the rear retainer to act on the actuator releasing the locking mechanism of the brake. The operation is simple and ergonomic. There is no need for manual action by the user. The heel does not need to be moved. With this solution, the user no longer has any doubt about the activation of the brake, the latter being automatically operational when the fixing is engaged in downhill configuration. It reduces the risk of losing your ski when climbing downhill.

• L'actionneur est mobile par rapport au corps.
• L'actionneur comprend un levier d'actionnement accessible de sorte que l'actionneur puisse être activé manuellement par l'utilisateur.
• Le mécanisme de verrouillage comprend un moyen élastique sollicitant l'organe de verrouillage vers sa position de verrouillage.
• L'actionneur est mobile entre une position armée pour laquelle il ne sollicite pas l'organe de verrouillage et une position enclenchée pour laquelle l'actionneur sollicite l'organe de verrouillage vers sa position de libération. Selon une variante, le mécanisme de verrouillage comprend un moyen élastique sollicitant l'actionneur vers sa position armée. Selon un mode de réalisation, lorsque l'actionneur est dans sa position armée, une partie de l'actionneur fait saillie d'un carter du dispositif de freinage en direction de la chaussure de sorte que cette partie puisse être en contact direct avec la chaussure ou l'élément de maintien lorsque le talon de la chaussure coopère avec l'élément de maintien.
• Le mécanisme de verrouillage comprend un organe d'armement mobile entre une position neutre et une position d'activation, l'organe d'armement entraînant l'actionneur vers sa position armée lorsqu'il se déplace de sa position neutre vers sa position d'activation. Selon une variante, le mécanisme de verrouillage comprend un organe de rappel sollicitant l'organe d'armement vers sa position neutre.

According to advantageous but non-mandatory aspects of the invention, such a subset may incorporate one or more of the following features, taken in any technically permissible combination:

• The actuator is movable relative to the body.
• The actuator comprises an actuating lever accessible so that the actuator can be activated manually by the user.
• The locking mechanism comprises an elastic means biasing the locking member towards its locking position.
• The actuator is movable between an armed position for which it does not urge the locking member and an engaged position for which the actuator biases the locking member towards its release position. According to a variant, the locking mechanism comprises an elastic means urging the actuator towards its armed position. According to one embodiment, when the actuator is in its armed position, a part of the actuator protrudes from a housing of the braking device in the direction of the shoe so that this part can be in direct contact with the shoe or the holding member when the heel of the shoe cooperates with the holding member.
• The locking mechanism comprises a cocking member movable between a neutral position and an activation position, the cocking member driving the actuator towards its armed position when it moves from its neutral position to its position of activation. According to a variant, the locking mechanism comprises a return member biasing the cocking member towards its neutral position.

The invention also relates to a binding comprising a subassembly as described above and a front retaining device of the boot for positioning the boot with respect to the gliding machine alternately in a climbing position and a descent position, the rising position being offset longitudinally forwards with respect to the lowering position so that the boot secured to the front retainer configured in its up position is never in contact with the actuator when it is in position. armed position.

The invention also relates to a gliding machine equipped with a subassembly as described above.

• La figure 1 est une vue en perspective du sous-ensemble selon l'invention, le frein étant déverrouillé.
• La figure 2 est une vue en perspective du sous-ensemble, le frein étant verrouillé.
• La figure 3 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'éléments du mécanisme de verrouillage du frein.
• La figure 4 est une vue de dessus du sous-ensemble.
• Les figures 5 à 7 sont des coupes partielles selon V-V de la figure 4 illustrant l'armement du mécanisme de verrouillage.
• Les figures 8 et 9 sont des coupes selon VIII-VIII de la figure 4 illustrant les étapes du verrouillage du frein.
• Les figures 10 à 12 sont des coupes selon VIII-VIII de la figure 4 illustrant les étapes du déverrouillage du frein.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge clearly from the description which is given hereinafter, by way of indication and in no way limitative, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• The figure 1 is a perspective view of the subassembly according to the invention, the brake being unlocked.
• The figure 2 is a perspective view of the subassembly, the brake being locked.
• The figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of elements of the brake locking mechanism.
• The figure 4 is a top view of the subset.
• The Figures 5 to 7 are partial sections according to VV of the figure 4 illustrating the arming of the locking mechanism.
• The Figures 8 and 9 are cuts according to VIII-VIII of the figure 4 illustrating the steps of locking the brake.
• The Figures 10 to 12 are cuts according to VIII-VIII of the figure 4 illustrating the steps of unlocking the brake.

The invention is illustrated through an embodiment shown in the Figures 1 to 12 . It relates to a binding of a shoe 2 on a gliding device 3, for example, a ski. In this case, the attachment comprises a front retainer, called a "stop", not shown, a rear retainer 20, called "heel" and a braking device 30. The front and rear restraint are intended for fasten respectively the front and the back of the shoe with the gliding machine. In downhill configuration, the two retainers cooperate with the boot. In climbing configuration, only the front retainer cooperates with the boot.

The invention relates to a subassembly 10 composed of the rear retainer 20 and the braking device 30 of such a fastener. The invention relates more specifically to the braking device 30.

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 forward stop 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 rear retainer 20 is a conventional heel. In this example, the construction is similar to that described in the patent EP 1 027 908 . However, other heel designs may be applicable to the invention, for example those described in the documents US 4,603,880 ; US5,005,854 or EP 2 384 794 .

The heel piece 20 comprises a body 21 mounted to slide longitudinally on a rail 40 fixed on an upper face of the gliding apparatus 3, for example by means of fastening screws not shown. The body 21 supports a holding member 22, here a jaw, movable relative to the body 21. In this example, the movement of the jaw relative to the body is the combination of a vertical translation and a rotation about an axis transverse. Alternatively, the movement of the holding member relative to the body may be different, depending on the concept of the heel. It can be a simple rotation of a jaw. This may be the transverse spacing of two shafts constituting the holding element.

In this embodiment, the jaw 22 comprises, in a manner known per se, a boot protrusion 221 and a retaining protrusion 222. The lining projection 221 serves to drive the jaw 22 towards an engagement configuration when the shoe 2 of the user applies a vertical force downward on this projection of boot 221. The retaining projection 222 then comes into contact with the shoe 2 to ensure its maintenance, that is to say, the joining of the rear of the shoe with the gliding apparatus, when the jaw 22 is in engagement configuration.

The figures 2 , 8 and 9 illustrate the heel in a triggered configuration, the jaw is not engaged with the shoe.

The figures 1 , 11 and 12 illustrate the heel in an engaged configuration, the jaw is engaged with the shoe.

To maintain continuously a pressure of the jaw on the boot, the heel comprises a recoil spring 23, disposed between the body 21 and the rail 40, so as to urge the body to move forward. This displacement also induces the movement of the jaw 22 forward, which makes it possible to maintain continuous contact with the shoe even in the event of flexion of the ski. This compensation is known per se.

The heel piece 20 further comprises a trigger mechanism 24 for releasing the jaw, that is to say that it is no longer in contact with the shoe, as soon as the upward force applied to the shoe exceeds a threshold value. This triggering mechanism is known per se and will not be detailed.

In this example, the heel incorporates a mechanism 25 for adjusting the longitudinal position of the body and therefore the jaw which makes it possible to adapt to different shoe sizes. Again, the longitudinal adjustment mechanism is known per se and will not be detailed.

The braking device 30 comprises a conventional locking element 31 and a locking mechanism 32.

The stop element 31 consists of two spades 311a, 311b, a pedal 312 and a return means 313.

Each spade 311a, 311b is in the form of a shaped wire. Each spade is mounted symmetrically on the ski relative to the median longitudinal plane of the ski. Each spade pivots around the same first transverse axis Y311 at a central portion extending transversely. On either side of this central portion extend respectively a first and second extension in a parallel direction. Thus, the central portion and the two extensions are substantially in the same plane. Each spade can thus take several configurations depending on the angular position thereof relative to the Y311 axis. A first position, said active, corresponds to an orientation of the spade so that a first extension protrudes from the gliding sole of the ski and can hang in the snow. A second position, said inactive, corresponds to an orientation of the spade so that a first extension is set back relative to the gliding sole of the ski. The first extension is generally covered by a tip 314 to improve the grip in the snow.

On the other side, the pedal 312 is connected to the end of the second extension of each spade so as to be pivotable about a second transverse axis Y312 passing through these ends. The pedal includes an upper support surface intended to be in contact with the sole of the shoe. Thus, by pressing down on the pedal with his shoe, it causes the rotation of the spades to their inactive position.

To maintain the spades in the active position, a return means 313, in this case a torsion spring acts on the pedal to move away from the gliding machine which causes the rotation of the spades to their active position.

As a result, the stop member 31 is in the active position when the spades are in the active position. In this case, the pedal 312 is raised and the tips are deployed. Conversely, the stop element is in the inactive position when the spades are in the inactive position. In this case, the pedal is folded towards the ski and the ends are retracted.

In this example, the stop element 31 is housed in a housing 33 slidably mounted with respect to the rail 40. This housing 33 comprises a housing 331 closed by a cover 332. In this case, the housing comprises a connecting means , not shown, solidarisant the casing 33 with the body 21 of the heel piece 20.

In this embodiment, the pedal 312 comprises a recess 3121 opening on the underside of the pedal. A transverse shaft 3122 is formed in the recess.

In this example, the locking mechanism 32 is housed in the casing 33. It comprises here a locking member 321, an elastic means 324, an actuator 322 and an arming member 323.

The locking member 321 here consists of a longitudinal blade 3211 of which a first front end supports a hook 3212 and whose second rear end supports a vertical bearing wall 3213. The hook 3212 is intended to be housed in the housing. recess 3121 of the pedal 312 to cooperate with the transverse shaft 3122 so as to block the vertical movement of the pedal and thus immobilize the stop member 31. A stop 3214 is also attached to the blade 3211 between its two ends. This stop 3214 extends from the blade upwards to form a longitudinal bearing face.

The locking member 321 is slidably mounted in the housing 33 in a longitudinal direction. This longitudinal movement is limited by stops. Thus, the locking member can take several longitudinal positions which causes different longitudinal positions of the hook. Two operating positions are defined for the locking member. The first position, illustrated in figures 9 and 10 , is the locking position for which the locking member is adapted to cooperate with the stop member so as to maintain the stop member in its inactive position. This is a position for which the hook is adapted to cooperate with the transverse shaft. The second position, illustrated in figures 11 and 12 , is the release position for which the locking member is not adapted to cooperate with the stop element. There, the hook 3212 is moved away from the transverse shaft 3122 so that it can no longer cooperate with it.

The locking mechanism comprises an elastic means 324, in this case a spring, placed between the stop 3214 of the locking member 321 and an abutment surface 333 of the housing 33 so as to urge the locking member 321 towards its active position, i.e., the lock position. So without action on the locking member 321, it is wedged by the spring 324 in a stable position corresponding to its active position.

To release the brake, it is necessary to move the locking member 321 from its active stable position to its inactive position. In other words, this operation makes it possible to tilt the locking member 321 from its locking position to its unlocking position. It is then to move the locking member 321 backwards so that the hook can no longer cooperate with the transverse shaft of the pedal.

For this, the locking mechanism comprises an actuator 322. This is supported by the housing 33. In this example, the actuator pivots about a transverse axis Y322 fixed relative to the housing. It comprises a shaft 3221 defining the Y322 axis, two actuating levers 3222 extending transversely to the shaft and a central cam 3223 extending transversely in a direction opposite to the levers. The cam 3223 is intended to cooperate with the vertical bearing wall 3213 of the locking member so that the rotation of the cam causes a longitudinal displacement of the vertical support wall. Thus, depending on the angular position of the cam and therefore the actuator, a particular longitudinal position of the vertical support wall and therefore of the locking member is obtained.

The cam is dimensioned so that, in a first angular position of the actuator, corresponding to the armed position and illustrated in FIGS. Figures 8, 9 and 10 , the cam does not cooperate or little with the vertical support wall. In this case, the locking member is maintained in its stable active position by the spring 324. Furthermore, the cam is also dimensioned so that, in a second angular position of the actuator, corresponding to the engaged and illustrated position to the figures 11 and 12 the cam cooperates with the vertical support wall to cause the locking member to move back to its inactive position. The cam is dimensioned so that this second configuration is stable, that is to say that the spring 324 does not cause rotation of the actuator. The actuator thus makes it possible to keep the locking member in its inactive position when it is in its engaged position. However, in this example, the cam is also designed to be able to return the actuator to its armed position when it is no longer loaded and if it has not reached its engaged position. In other words, if the angular position of the actuator is intermediate, between the armed position and the engaged position, the mechanism returns the actuator to its armed position if it is no longer requested. This return to position is obtained by interaction between the cam and the vertical support wall urged by the spring 324.

The actuator is also designed so that the two actuating levers 3222 project upwardly from the upper face of the housing 33, i.e., the upper face of the lid 332 in this example, when the Actuator 322 is in its armed position. Conversely, it is also dimensioned so that the two levers actuator 3222 retract into the housing when the actuator 322 is in its engaged position. In the latter case, the levers do not exceed or slightly above the upper face of the casing 33. In this latter configuration, the levers are substantially flush with the upper face of the casing and interference with an external element does not risk to pass it towards his armed position.

The actuating levers 3222 allow the actuator to tilt to its engaged position and thus release the brake. Thus, an action on these levers causes the release of the stop element.

The invention consists in positioning the actuator relative to the body of the heel piece so that it can be activated by the shoe or a part of the jaw when the heel of the shoe cooperates with the jaw.

This particular positioning is such that the end of the actuating levers 3222 can be in contact with the shoe 2 or the boot projection 221 of the jaw 22 when the shoe is engaged with the binding in the descent configuration. However, the positioning must be such that the levers 3222 are not actuable by the shoe when it is engaged with the mounting configuration mounting.

Advantageously, the actuator 322 is positioned so as to be directly accessible by the user when the actuator is in its armed position. Thus, the actuator can be activated manually by the user. In the embodiment described, the operating levers 3222 of the actuator project from the upper face of the casing 33, in this case the upper face of the cover 332 when the actuator is in its armed position. The user can then easily act on the actuator to release the brake. He can thus, if he wishes, unlock the locking mechanism before reloading his skis. If it does not do so, unlocking will be done automatically as soon as its shoe is in mesh with the binding configured in downhill mode.

The locking mechanism 32 described herein also includes a cocking member 323 for bringing the actuator 322 into its armed position.

The arming member 323 is designed to be movable between a so-called neutral position and a so-called activation position.

The arming member 323 is assembled at one end of the shaft 3221 of the actuator 322. It is pivotally mounted about the axis Y322. The shaft 3221 passes through a hole 3231 opening on either side of the arming member 323. The rotation of the arming member relative to the shaft is however limited by a lug 3224 protruding transversely from the end of the tree. The lug is housed in a recess 3232 forming a predetermined angular sector attached to the hole 3231. The recess 3232 and the hole 3231 then define a hole having the shape similar to a keyhole. Thus, the angular deflection between the armament member and the shaft is defined by the angle of the sector forming the recess 3232. The arming member rotates in one direction or the other until the pin 3224 abuts against an edge of the recess 3232 To maintain the arming member 323 integral with the actuator 322, a screw 326 is screwed onto the end of the shaft 3221.

The arming member 323 comprises on the one hand a lever 3233 intended for gripping by the user, and on the other hand a cam 3234. The locking mechanism 32 further comprises a return member 325, here a blade spring, biasing the arming member 323 through its cam 3234 from its activation position to its neutral position.

In its neutral position, the lever 3233 is flush with the upper face of the housing and is positioned on a side edge of the housing.

When the arming member is in its neutral position, the actuator may alternatively be in its engaged position or in its armed position. When the actuator is in its engaged position, as shown in FIG. figure 5 , the lug 3224 abuts against a first edge of the recess 3232, in this example, it is the lower edge. Conversely, when the actuator is in its armed position, as shown in FIG. figure 7 , the pin 3224 abuts against a second edge of the recess 3232, in this example, it is the upper edge.

The arming member 323 and the actuator 322 are arranged relative to one another so that, when the actuator is in its engaged position, the tilting of the arming member of its Neutral position to its activation position causes the actuator from its engaged position to its position. On the other hand, when the actuator is in its armed position, the tilting of the arming member from its neutral position to its activation position has no effect on the actuator which remains in the armed position. .

To activate the locking mechanism, the user acts manually on the arming member which activates the actuator and the locking mechanism.

The activation kinematics of the locking mechanism is illustrated through the Figures 5 to 7 .

The figure 5 represents the configuration of the locking mechanism for which the brake lock is inactive. The locking member 321 is held in its release position by the actuator 322 as previously seen. The brake is released. The stop element can move from an inactive position to an active position if the pedal is not in use. In this configuration, the actuator is in its engaged position and the arming member is in its neutral position. The braking device is configured for descent.

The figure 6 represents the activation step of the locking mechanism. By acting on the lever 3233, the user causes the rotation R1 of the arming member which causes the rotation R2 of the actuator by the cooperation between the first edge of the recess 3232 and the pin 3224. The rotation of the actuator also causes the displacement T of the locking member towards its locking position. makes the modification of the cooperation between the cam 3223 with the vertical support wall 3213.

When the arming member reaches its activation position, the actuator reaches its armed position. The arming member can be released. This configuration is illustrated in figure 7 . In this case, the locking mechanism is activated. The locking member is in its locking position for which it is able to interact with the stop element. The stop element is not necessarily immobilized in its inactive position, as illustrated in FIG. figure 7 . However, as soon as the stop element reaches this inactive position without action on the actuator, this movement of the stop element causes its immobilization in its inactive position, even when the pedal is no longer requested. In this configuration, the actuator is in its armed position. The arming member returns to its neutral position thanks to the return member 325. This movement is not impeded by the actuator because the lug 3224 can freely evolve in the recess 3232. In this example, the ergot moves away from the first edge of the recess to approach the second edge of the recess. It is not necessary that the lug abuts against the second edge when it is in the latter configuration. The braking device is configured for mounting after immobilization of the stop member.

In the illustrated example, the locking mechanism comprises two arming members, one on each side of the brake. Each organ works the same way. Having one on each side, this is more ergonomic especially to be a suitable manipulation for right-handed or left-handed. Of course, the locking mechanism can work very well with a single arming member.

To release the brake, simply act on the actuator as we saw previously. When the actuator switches from an armed position to an engaged position this causes the locking member from its locking position to its release position. For this step, the arming member is not biased and remains in neutral position. The stop element can again switch from an inactive position to an active position if the pedal is not loaded. The braking device is again configured for descent.

The Figures 8 and 9 illustrate the locking kinematics of the brake.

After having previously activated the locking mechanism as described above, the user must press the pedal 312 to bring the stop member 31 into its inactive position (retracted bits) without acting on the actuator. During this movement, the transverse shaft 3122 interacts with a slope of the hook 3212 of the locking member 321 so as to cause the rearward movement of the locking member. This interaction is illustrated in figure 8 . When the stop element reaches its inactive position, the transverse shaft 3122 has passed the slope of the hook 3212, the locking member returns to its locking position thanks to the spring 324. The hook cooperates with the transverse shaft to prevent the pedal from rising and therefore the rotation of the stop element. The stop element is thus maintained in its inactive position as can be seen in the figure 9 .

It is important not to act on the actuator during this brake locking step because it is precisely the actuator that ensures the release of the brake.

When the binding is configured for climbing, the boot is engaged with a front retainer but not with the rear retainer. This can then freely rotate about a transverse axis before. The shoe can thus come into contact with the braking device.

Advantageously, when the shoe is engaged with the binding configured for the climb, the braking device is positioned so that the shoe can only act on the pedal 312 without acting on the actuator 322. In other words, the device retain before allows to advance the longitudinal position of the shoe or the braking device can be moved back so that the shoe can not interact with the actuator, when one is in mounted configuration. This arrangement is illustrated in Figures 8 and 9 .

The Figures 10 to 12 illustrate the release kinematics of the brake.

By acting on the actuator, it causes the displacement of the locking member from its locking position to its release position which has the effect of releasing the locking member 31. In this example, the cam 3223 of the actuator pushes the vertical support wall 3213 which causes the recoil of the locking member. This movement shifts the hook 3212 rearwardly so as not to cooperate with the transverse shaft 3122 of the pedal 312. As a result, the pedal can again go up when no longer requested. The brake is operational again.

When the binding is configured for descent, the shoe is engaged with a front retainer and with the rear retainer.

Advantageously, when the shoe is engaged with the binding configured for the descent, the braking device is positioned so that the shoe can act on the actuator when the shoe is engaged with the rear retainer. This arrangement is illustrated in Figures 10 to 12 .

According to a variant not shown, the actuator is actuated by the holding member of the rear retainer when the shoe is engaged with this holding member. For example, the fitting protrusion 221 of the jaw 22 may interact with the actuator at the moment when it is solicited by the shoe.

Thus, thanks to this concept, the release of the brake is automatic as soon as the shoe is engaged with the heel. This system thus makes it possible to secure the release of the brake during the descent phases. The skier does not need to check if the brake is unlocked. He has less risk of losing his ski if he releases what is more secure.

Furthermore, when in the armed position, the actuator can also be actuated manually by the user, if desired, for example, just before reloading. Indeed, in this example, a control part, namely the actuating levers 3222, is accessible by the user projecting from the upper face of the casing 33.

This design therefore allows manual or automatic unlocking of the brake.

The invention is particularly suitable for a fixation providing for advancing the longitudinal position of the boot in mounted configuration with respect to the longitudinal position of the boot in the downhill configuration. This longitudinal offset releases the heel of the shoe without having to move the rear retainer. The design of the latter may be simpler and more robust. It is not necessary to add a complementary mechanism to ensure its longitudinal displacement. Furthermore, this solution allows to place, at least partially, the actuator between the rear retainer and the back of the shoe when it is supported on the ski mounted configuration. Due to this specific position of the actuator, the shoe can not act on the actuator when it is engaged with the attachment configured for the climb. The actuator, or at least the portion of the actuator ensuring its actuation, is then located in an area extending in front of the rear retaining device to a front limit substantially corresponding to the longitudinal offset defined above.

In the embodiment described, the braking device 30 is a module independent of the rear retaining device 20. This dissociation facilitates maintenance of the binding. In case of deterioration, the braking device and the rear restraint can be replaced independently. On the other hand, one can use the heel without brake or with another brake solution.

In this example, the braking device is integral with the body of the heel. Therefore, the brake always has the same longitudinal position relative to the holding member that is to say, the jaw, regardless of the adjustment of the longitudinal position of the heel. Likewise, the longitudinal position of the actuator is always identical with respect to the holding element.

According to one variant, the body 21 of the heel piece and the casing 33 of the braking device may comprise common parts, for example the case 331 may be formed by the front extension of the body 21. There is therefore less room but the repair in case of deterioration is less convenient.

The subassembly 10 furthermore comprises a shim 4 pivotally mounted relative to the casing 33 of the braking device 30 around a transverse axis Y4, positioned slightly in front of the first transverse axis Y311 of the element In this example, the shim is in the form of a "U" profile pivoting at its ends. The climbing wedge varies between an extended position and a raised position.

In its extended position, the shim is substantially aligned with the housing of the braking device. The bridge connecting the two lateral branches of the "U" is positioned at the front of the braking device, substantially below the upper face of the casing 33, that is to say, the upper face of the cover 332 in this example so as not to interfere with the user's shoe when in mesh with the binding configured for descent.

In its raised position, the shim is positioned above the upper face of the casing so as to maintain a distance between the heel and the ski during the climbing phases and thus form a raised support for the back of the shoe of the user.

An advantage of this climbing wedge construction is its positioning relative to the fastening. In this case, the shim is associated directly with the location of the braking device. However, the brake is always placed under the shoe, it is ensured that the shim is operational during the climbing phases. In addition, the kinematics of the shim is independent of the heel which simplifies the construction of the heel. On the other hand, the position of the brake relative to the shoe is often mastered, therefore, it brings more precision in the positioning of the climbing wedge. Depending on the size adjustment, it is ensured that the climbing wedge interacts in the right place with the sole of the shoe. To improve the correct positioning, the braking device is secured in longitudinal displacement of the heel. Thus, the wedge being directly articulated relative to the braking device, it maintains a constant relative positioning with the heel, regardless of the longitudinal adjustment of the subset composed of the braking device and the rear retaining device.

According to a variant, the subassembly 10 comprises a second climbing wedge defining a second height of support under the heel to improve the support of the boot during the ascent of slopes.

This second wedge may be in the form of a second section "U" whose side branches are longer or shorter. This second profile also pivots about a transverse axis which may be the same transverse axis Y4 as the first climbing wedge or a separate parallel axis. The second shim can be hinged relative to the housing 33 of the braking device or relative to another part of the subassembly 10.

Alternatively, the second shim may be an insert that the user fixes on the first shim to change the height position of the bridge connecting the two lateral branches. Only the first wedge pivots and an additional piece is added to obtain another height of support. Alternatively, this insert can be continuously connected to the first shim. The establishment of the second shim is obtained by a relative displacement between the two shims. It can be a rotation, a translation or a combination of movement.

The invention also applies to other variants of the described functions.

For example, the locking member cooperates with the stop member differently. It can cooperate with another part of the pedal or another part of the stop element. The hook can be at the pedal. The locking member can cooperate with other types of stop element.

Other actuator designs can be envisioned as previously described. The actuator can be actuated by translation rather than rotation. It can be a push button type construction.

It is also possible to design other mechanisms for cocking the actuator. Again, the arming member can be actuated by translation rather than rotation.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It is possible to combine these embodiments.

The invention also extends to all the embodiments covered by the appended claims.

Nomenclature

2

Shoe

3

Sliding machine

4

Climbing wedge
Y4 Transverse axis

10

Subset

20

Rear retainer / heel
21 Body
22 Holding Element / Jaw
221 Boot stud
222 Holding projection
23 Reverse spring
24 Release mechanism
25 Adjustment mechanism

30

Braking device
31 Stopping element
311a, 311b Spade
Y311 First transverse axis
312 Pedal
Y312 Second transverse axis
3121 Of course
3122 Transverse tree
313 Reminder
314 End cap
32 Locking mechanism
321 Locking member
3211 Longitudinal blade
3212 Hook
3213 Support wall
3214 Stopper
322 Actuator
Y322 Transverse axis
3221 Tree
3222 Actuating lever
3223 Came
3224 Ergot
323 Arms Organ
3231 Hole
3232 Clearly
3233 Gripping lever
3234 Came
324 Elastic medium / spring
325 Reminder organ
326 Screws
33 Carter
331 Case
332 Lid
333 Stop surface

40

Rail

Claims (14)

1. Subassembly (10) for securing a boot (2) to a sliding device (3), comprising:

   - a rear retaining device (20) for the boot, comprising:

   ∘ a body (21),

   ∘ at least one holding element (22) designed to engage with the heel of the boot in order to retain the heel, the holding element being able to move with respect to the body,

   - a brake device (30) comprising:

   ∘ a stop element (31) that is able to move between an active position, in which the stop element is configured so as to brake the motion of the sliding board, and an inactive position, in which the stop element is configured so as not to brake the motion of the sliding board,

   ∘ a locking mechanism (32) comprising:

   ▪ a locking member (321) that is able to move between a locking position, in which the locking member is able to engage with the stop element so as to hold the stop element in its inactive position, and a free position, in which the locking member is not able to engage with the stop element,

   ▪ an actuator (322) by means of which the locking member can be made to tip from its locking position into its free position,

   characterized in that
   the actuator (322) is positioned relative to the body (21) of the rear retaining device such that it can be activated by the boot (2) and/or the holding element (22) when the heel of the boot engages with the holding element.
2. Subassembly (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the actuator (322) is able to move with respect to the body.
3. Subassembly (10) according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator (322) pivots about a transverse axis.
4. Subassembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator (322) comprises an actuating lever (3222) which is accessible such that the actuator can be activated manually by the user.
5. Subassembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking mechanism (32) comprises an elastic means (324) which urges the locking member (321) towards its locking position.
6. Subassembly (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the locking position is a stable position.
7. Subassembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator (322) is able to move between a cocked position, in which it exerts no force on the locking member, and an engaged position, in which the actuator urges the locking member towards its free position.
8. Subassembly (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the locking mechanism (32) comprises an elastic means (324) that urges the actuator towards its cocked position.
9. Subassembly (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, when the actuator is in its cocked position, a part (3222) of the actuator projects from a housing (33) of the brake device (30) in the direction of the boot, such that this part can be in direct contact with the boot (2) or the holding element (22) when the heel of the boot engages with the holding element.
10. Subassembly (10) according to one of Claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the locking mechanism (32) comprises a cocking member (323) that is able to move between a neutral position and an activation position, the cocking member bringing the actuator towards its cocked position when it moves from its neutral position to its activation position.
11. Subassembly (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the locking mechanism (32) comprises a return member (325) that urges the cocking member (323) towards its neutral position.
12. Subassembly (10) according to one of Claims 10 and 11, characterized in that the locking mechanism (32) comprises two cocking members (323), one on either side of the brake.
13. Subassembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the brake device (30) is a module which is independent of the rear retaining device (20).
14. Binding comprising a subassembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, and a front retaining device for the boot making it possible to position the boot with respect to the sliding device either in an ascent position or in a descent position, the ascent position being offset longitudinally towards the front in relation to the descent position, such that the boot secured with the front retaining device, configured in its ascent position, is never in contact with the actuator when it is in the cocked position.

Images