EP3766550B1 - Front device - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a front automaton for a touring ski binding. This front automaton comprises two levers arranged laterally and opposite one another as seen in the longitudinal direction of the ski, each with a holding means for holding a ski boot in a toe area of the ski boot. The two levers are each mounted so as to be pivotable about an axis such that the holding means are moved in a transverse direction of the ski when the levers pivot about these axes. The front automaton has a release position in which the two holding means are at a first distance from one another. It also has a locking position in which the two holding means are at a second distance from one another, which is smaller than the first distance.

State of the art

In terms of their function, ski bindings can be divided into piste bindings, which are only used for downhill skiing and skiing on ski lifts, and touring bindings, which are also used for walking on skis, in particular for climbing with the help of climbing skins attached to the skis. While the former only have to ensure reliable fixation of the ski boot on the ski in a so-called downhill position, the latter must also be able to be moved from the downhill position into an ascent position for climbing, in which the ski boot can be pivoted about an axis in the transverse direction of the ski and lifted off the ski at the heel in order to enable a joint movement between the ski boot and the ski for walking.

Touring ski bindings can be divided into two types. One type includes a ski boot carrier that can be pivoted relative to the SI<i, to which the ski boot is held by binding jaws. A representative member of this type of touring ski binding is, for example, the EP 0 754 079 B1 (Fritschi AG ). The second type of touring ski binding does not include such a ski boot carrier. In this type, the ski boot is pivotally mounted in a toe area on the sole in a front automatic mechanism that is fixed to the ski. In this case, the heel automatic mechanism is also firmly attached to the SI<i at a distance from the front automatic mechanism that is adapted to the length of the SI<i boot sole and locks the boot in the heel area in the downhill position. In the ascent position, the heel of the boot is released from the heel automatic mechanism so that the heel of the boot can be lifted off the SI<i and pivoted around the bearing on the front automatic mechanism. Ski boots suitable for this type of binding typically have two lateral recesses in the toe area for pivoting mounting in the front automatic mechanism. In the heel area, recesses that are open to the rear are formed on the sole of the boot, into which the heel automatic mechanism can engage. In addition, such ski boots have a stiff or only slightly flexible sole. In the latter case, the ski boots can be designed to be flexible, for example in the ball area of the foot.

To describe such binding systems, a (fictitious) SI<i is often used as a reference system, assuming that the binding is mounted on this SI<i. This practice is adopted in the present text. The term "longitudinal direction of the ski" means along the alignment of the longitudinal axis of the ski. Similarly, "ski parallel" for an elongated object means aligned along the longitudinal axis of the ski. For a flat object, however, the term "ski parallel" means aligned parallel to the gliding surface of the ski. Furthermore, the term "cross direction of the ski" means a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the ski, which does not have to be oriented exactly at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the ski. Its alignment can also deviate slightly from a right angle. The term "ski center" in turn means a center of the ski seen in the cross direction of the ski, while the term "ski fixed" means not movable relative to the SI<i. It should also be noted that terms that do not contain the word "ski" also refer to the reference system of the (fictitious) ski. The terms "front", "back", "top", "bottom" and "side" refer to the "front", "back", "top", "bottom" and "side" of the ski. In the same way, terms such as "horizontal" and "vertical" refer to the ski, where "horizontal" means lying in a plane parallel to the ski and "vertical" means oriented perpendicular to this plane.

A touring ski binding of the second type introduced above is in the EP 0 199 098 A2 (Bartel ) and is sold under the brand name Dynafit. The front part of this system comprises two angle levers, which are arranged opposite one another in the transverse direction of the ski and are each pivoted about an axis running in the longitudinal direction of the ski. The two angle levers each have an upwardly directed arm and a sideways directed arm, which are arranged at right angles to one another. The upwardly directed arms each comprise a truncated cone or hemispherical pin pointing towards the middle of the ski, which can engage in recesses provided for this purpose in the toe area of a ski boot. The sideways directed arms of the angle levers point towards the middle of the ski like the pins, but are operatively connected to one another via a spring device. Since the two angle levers are spring-loaded by the spring device via the sideways directed arms, they can be moved downwards and upwards by overcoming a dead center position in which the two sideways directed arms are aligned in a linear extension to one another. snap upwards. When the sideways arms are snapped downwards, the upwards arms are pivoted together. When the sideways arms are snapped upwards, on the other hand, the upwards arms are pivoted apart. Accordingly, the pins for holding a ski boot are closer together in the first case and further apart in the second case. In the first case, a ski boot can be held or pivoted between the two angle levers using the pins. This position of the front part of the binding is therefore a holding position. In the second case, however, the holding means are far enough apart for the ski boot to be released. Accordingly, this position of the front part of the binding is a release position.

To move the binding front part from the holding position to the release position and back, the EP 0 199 098 A2 (Bartel ) has an opening lever which can be pivoted about an axis aligned in the transverse direction of the ski and which surrounds the connection of the two laterally aligned arms of the angle levers at the top and bottom. By operating this opening lever, the laterally aligned arms of the angle levers can be pushed upwards, where they snap into the free position. By operating the opening lever in the opposite direction, the laterally aligned arms of the angle levers can also be pushed downwards, where they snap into the fixed position.

In the event of a fall, the ski boot can be released from the ski binding system without using the release lever. To do this, the ski boot is first released from the heel mechanism and then from the front part of the binding. In the event of a frontal fall, the ski boot is released upwards by the heel mechanism and tilted forwards in the front part of the binding. If the force acting forwards or upwards on the ski boot is sufficiently large, the ski boot is also torn from the front part of the binding by overcoming the force acting on the two angle levers. In the event of a sideways fall, the ski boot is released sideways by the heel mechanism and tilted forwards by a force located in the toe area of the ski boot. The ski boot is released from the front part of the binding by rotating, overcoming the force acting on the angle levers.

Due to this possible solution of the binding front part, the problem arises that in the ascent position the ski boot can accidentally come loose from the binding front part due to a lateral torque and thus be completely released from the SI<i. Such an unintentional release can be EP 0 199 098 A2 (Bartel ) can be prevented by blocking the opening lever and thus the two angle levers.

A further development of the binding front part according to the EP 0 199 098 A2 (Bartel ) is in the WO 2009/121187 A1 (G3 Genuine Guide Gear Inc.) described. Here, the sideways-aligned arms of the angle levers do not snap into the release position, but are always pre-tensioned towards the holding position. This means that the angle levers are not moved beyond a dead center position. Accordingly, they must be held in the release position by a stopper so that they do not snap into the holding position.

Both the binding front part according to the EP 0 199 098 A2 (Bartel ) as well as the binding front part according to the WO 2009/121187 A1 (G3 Genuine Guide Gear Inc.) have the disadvantage that release is uncontrolled. When released, the two angle levers are pushed apart in an undefined manner by a force (or torque) acting on the ski boot, which releases the ski boot from the front part of the binding.

A slightly different approach is used with the front-loading machine, which is WO 2007/010392 A2 (SI<i Trab SRL) This front automaton also includes two angle levers, each of which includes two arms arranged essentially at right angles to one another. The first arms of these angle levers also include a truncated cone or hemispherical pin pointing towards the middle of the ski for holding a ski boot. In addition, the second arms of these angle levers are also aligned laterally towards the middle of the ski, pointing towards one another. In contrast to the previously described front automatons, the two angle levers are pivotally mounted about vertical axes, with the axes in front of the toe area of the ski boot. In addition, the second arms of the angle levers are not directly connected, but each end engages in a lateral notch of a pivot lever aligned in the longitudinal direction of the ski. This pivot lever can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the ski, with the ends of the second arms of the two angle levers being guided in the lateral notches. Accordingly, when the pivot lever is moved, the two angle levers are pivoted towards or away from each other, which allows the front automatic device to be transferred from the release position to the holding position and back.

In addition to being able to move in the longitudinal direction of the ski, the pivot lever is mounted on the front automatic device so that it can pivot around a vertical axis, but is pressed into a parallel alignment by two springs. If a force acts laterally on the ski boot, the outer of the two angle levers can be pushed outwards by pivoting the pivot lever slightly to the side against the spring force until the angle lever is released from the lateral notch in the pivot lever. At the same time, the inner angle lever is pivoted slightly inwards by the pivoting movement of the pivot lever, following the outer angle lever. This enables the front automatic device to WO 2007/010392 A2 (SI<i Trab SRL) a lateral release, where the ski boot support is first loosened and, as soon as the outer angle lever is released, it is released completely. The front automat also enables a frontal release, which, however, is just as uncontrolled as with the binding front parts according to the EP 0 199 098 A2 (Bartel ) and the WO 2009/121187 A1 (G3 Genuine Guide Gear Inc.) .

Also with the front machine according to the WO 2007/010392 A2 (SI<i Trab SRL) There is the problem that in the ascent position the ski boot can accidentally come loose from the front automatic system due to a lateral force and thereby become completely detached from the SI<i. According to the WO 2007/010392 A2 (SI<i Trab SRL) Such unintentional activation can be prevented by blocking the swivel lever and thus the two angle levers.

The disadvantage of these well-known binding front parts and front automatics is that they offer only limited safety for the skier. As already mentioned, the two binding front parts offer EP 0 199 098 A2 (Bartel ) and the WO 2009/121187 A1 (G3 Genuine Guide Gear Inc.) There is no defined safety release either in the frontal or lateral direction. The front automatic device according to the WO 2007/010392 A2 (SI<i Trab SRL) offers a limited lateral safety release. However, due to the interaction of the two angle levers with the pivot lever, the two angle levers are continuously spread and thus opened until the outer angle lever is completely released and pivoted away. The ski boot is already partially released while the angle levers are being spread. In addition, the front automatic also offers WO 2007/010392 A2 (SI<i Trab SRL) no frontal release. It only allows the ski boot to be ripped forwards or upwards out of the front automatic system if sufficient force is applied. This is why these well-known front automatic systems offer little safety for a skier.

Description of the invention

The object of the invention is to create a front automatic device belonging to the technical field mentioned at the beginning, which increases the safety for a skier.

The solution to the problem is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the holding means are pins which are arranged on the respective lever in such a way that they point with a free end towards the middle of the ski starting from the respective lever. In addition, the front automaton has a safety release position. The front automaton also comprises a forced control on which the two levers are mounted in the holding position, so that the two levers are coupled within a dynamic range and can be moved in the transverse direction of the ski, and the two holding means are coupled at a second distance from each other and moved on a dynamic path in the transverse direction of the ski, whereby a ski boot held in the front automaton can be moved together with the two holding means in the holding position on the dynamic path in the transverse direction of the ski, whereby the front automaton can absorb energy without the ski boot being released from the front automaton. The coupled movement of the two levers along the dynamic range can be, for example, a pivoting movement of the two levers around the axes. The The coupled movement of the two levers along the dynamic range can also be a linear movement along a linear path, which corresponds to a translational movement of the two levers, in which the two levers are coupled and moved in the transverse direction of the ski. The coupled movement of the two levers along the dynamic range can also be a linear movement along a linear path, which corresponds to a combination a translational movement and a pivoting movement of the two levers, in which the two levers are coupled and moved in the transverse direction of the ski and pivoted about the axes.

The dynamic range can be limited on one or both sides by a stop, which stops at least one of the two levers and prevents it from moving further. However, it is also possible for the dynamic range to be limited on one or both sides by the fact that from a certain position the two levers can no longer be moved coupled, but can be moved decoupledly. Of course, it is also possible for the dynamic range for one of the levers to be limited by a stop and for the other lever to be limited by the fact that from a certain position it can be moved decoupledly. The type of limitation for the two levers can also depend on the side of the dynamic range. This means that, for example, the dynamic range on a first side is limited by a stop for a first of the two levers and for a second of the two levers it is limited by the fact that from a certain position it can be moved decoupledly. At the same time, the dynamic range on a second side for the first lever can be limited by the fact that it can be moved in a decoupled manner from a certain position, while the dynamic range on the second side for the second lever is limited by a stop.

According to the invention, a ski boot held in the front automatic device can be moved along the dynamic path in the transverse direction of the ski together with the two holding means in the holding position, whereby the front automatic device can absorb energy without the ski boot being released from the front automatic device. This is advantageous when skiing and possibly in the event of a fall, as impacts can occur on the ski boot or the ski boot, which should not cause the ski boot to be released from the front automatic device. In order to set the strength of the impacts that can be withstood, the energy that the front automatic device can absorb can be specified by adjusting the length of the dynamic path and/or a resistance force that must be applied for the movement. Accordingly, a controlled A safety release should be provided which is triggered if the energy of a blow exceeds the absorbable energy.

In a first, preferred variant, in the holding position, the two levers are coupled within the dynamic range and can be pivoted around the axes in the transverse direction of the ski. This has the advantage that the movement of the two levers is guided by the axes.

In a second, preferred variant, the two levers are coupled within the dynamic range and can be moved along a linear path in the transverse direction of the ski. This can, for example, be a translational movement of the two levers, in which the two levers are coupled and moved in the transverse direction of the ski. This has the advantage that in the holding position a stable connection can be specified between the two levers, which holds the two holding means on the levers at a second distance from each other. The movement of the two levers along the linear path can, for example, also be a combination of a translational movement and a pivoting movement of the two levers, in which the two levers are coupled and moved in the transverse direction of the ski and pivoted about the axes. This has the advantage that the dynamic path of the holding means can be designed in such a way that forces acting from different directions on a ski boot held in the front automatic device can be optimally absorbed by the front automatic device.

In a preferred embodiment, the front automaton for a ski binding, in particular a touring ski binding, comprises two levers arranged laterally opposite one another as seen in the longitudinal direction of the ski, each with a holding means for holding a ski boot in a toe area of the ski boot. The two levers are preferably each mounted so as to be pivotable about an axis and the holding means are moved by the levers during a pivoting movement in a transverse direction of the ski, the front automaton preferably comprising an element referred to as a positive control and the two levers being mountable on this positive control and on another element of the front automaton. The front automaton preferably has a release position in which the two holding means are at a first distance from one another. Furthermore, the front automaton preferably has a holding position in which the two holding means are at a second distance from each other, which is smaller than the first distance. Advantageously, in the holding position, the two levers are movably mounted on the forced control, which is also movable in the holding position. The two levers are preferably coupled by the movable forced control within a dynamic range and can be pivoted in the transverse direction of the ski, with the two holding means coupled at the second distance from each other being moved along a dynamic path in the transverse direction of the ski. How the forced control is moved is not predetermined. It can be a linear movement or a pivoting or rotating movement, for example.

In a further preferred embodiment, the front automaton for a ski binding, in particular a touring ski binding, comprises two levers arranged laterally opposite one another as seen in the longitudinal direction of the ski, each with a holding means for holding a ski boot in a toe area of the ski boot. The two levers are preferably each pivotably mounted about an axis and the holding means are moved by the levers during a pivoting movement in a transverse direction of the ski, the front automaton preferably comprising an element referred to as a positive control and the axes being mounted on this positive control. The front automaton preferably has a release position in which the two holding means are at a first distance from one another. The front automaton also preferably has a holding position in which the two holding means are at a second distance from one another, which is smaller than the first distance. The two levers are advantageously mounted on the positive control, which is movable in the holding position. The two levers are preferably coupled by the movable forced control within a dynamic range and can be moved in the transverse direction of the ski, with the two holding means coupled at a second distance from each other and moved along a dynamic path in the transverse direction of the ski. How the forced control is moved is not predetermined. It can be a linear movement or a swivel or rotary movement, for example.

However, preferred embodiments of the front-loading machine can also be designed differently. The following shows how such other preferred embodiments can be designed using advantageous features. Of course, the two preferred embodiments mentioned above can also include one or more of these advantageous features.

The axes of the levers are advantageously arranged in a plane parallel to the skis. This has the advantage that the axes can be arranged below the holding means, thereby achieving a compact design of the front automatic device. The axes are also preferably aligned essentially parallel to the skis, although deviations from a parallel alignment of 10 degrees or 20 degrees can be provided. Preferably, however, the lateral deviation of the axes from a parallel alignment is less than 10 degrees. If the levers can be pivoted within the dynamic range and the dynamic path of the holding means lies in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the respective lever, one plane of the dynamic paths of the holding means is aligned essentially in the transverse direction of the skis. If, on the other hand, the two levers are coupled within the dynamic range and can be moved in the transverse direction of the skis along a linear path, the alignment of the axes can result in a continuation of the movement of the holding means in the transverse direction of the skis when the levers are pivoted about the axes. In both cases, this arrangement of the axes is advantageous if the front automatic device provides a lateral safety release. With such a lateral safety release, the ski boot moves essentially in a plane parallel to the ski boot. The movement of the ski boot can include both a linear movement and a rotation about a vertical axis of the ski boot. Since the plane of the dynamic path is thus essentially aligned at right angles to the plane of movement of the ski boot, the dynamic path of the holding means can best absorb movements of the ski boot caused by differently oriented forces running across the ski. Accordingly, the energy that the front automatic device can absorb can be specified as best as possible for different forces. By specifying the absorbable energy, a controlled, lateral safety release can be enabled, which occurs when the absorbable energy is exceeded.

Alternatively, the axes can be aligned differently. For example, they can be aligned vertically or at any angle to the longitudinal direction of the ski.

Advantageously, both levers comprise a control bar for interacting with a ski boot on a side facing the middle of the ski. These control bars can, for example, be an element attached to the corresponding lever and protruding towards the middle of the ski. The control bars have the advantage that when the two levers are pivoted above a certain pivot angle, the control bar of the lever in the direction of movement can interact with the ski boot and the holding means of this lever can therefore be released from the ski boot. This has the advantage that the process of a lateral safety release from the front automatic device can be simplified. This means that if the front automatic device provides a lateral safety release, the movement sequence of the ski boot becomes more continuous when the safety is released from the side and this increases safety for the skier. If the levers can pivot about the axes within the dynamic range, the control bars can interact with the ski boot when the levers are pivoted within the dynamic range. If, however, the two levers are movable along a linear path within the dynamic range and, for example, at least one of the two levers can pivot about the corresponding axis in the event of a lateral safety release, the corresponding control arm can interact with the ski boot in the event of the safety release, whereby the ski boot can be released more easily from the front automatic device.

As a variant, it is also possible for the control arms not to be designed as a separate element. For example, they can be manufactured in one piece together with the corresponding lever, or the levers can also be shaped in such a way that, for example, an arch in the lever takes on the function of a control arm. In this last variant, the levers comprise a control arm-like arch, which is also included under the term control arm.

Alternatively, the two levers may not comprise a control bar arranged on the side of the levers facing the middle of the ski. If, for example, the holding means are designed in such a way that they easily detach from the ski boot when the levers are pivoted beyond a certain angle, this alternative may be advantageous since it simplifies the design of the front automatic device and makes its manufacture more cost-effective.

Preferably, the forced control is movable in the holding position along a forced control path, whereby the two levers are coupled and movable within the dynamic range. If the two levers are coupled and movable within the dynamic range along a linear path, the two levers in the holding position are preferably fixedly mounted on the forced control, whereby the two levers are coupled and movable within the dynamic range. If, on the other hand, the two levers are pivotable about the axes within the dynamic range, the forced control in the holding position is preferably movable with a coupled pivoting movement of the two levers within the dynamic range of the two levers along a forced control path. How exactly the forced control is moved in these two cases is not specified. For example, its movement can be a movement in a linear direction, a pivoting or rotating movement, or a combination thereof. If the movement of the forced control is a rotating or pivoting movement, the forced control path can therefore be an angle of rotation. If, however, the movement is a combination of linear direction and swivel or rotary movement, the forced control path can be a combination of angle of rotation and linear path. In the case of such a combination, it is also possible, for example, for the forced control to be moved as a whole in a combined movement. It is also possible, for example, for one or more elements of the forced control to be moved in a linear direction, while one or more other elements of the forced control are rotated or swiveled. All such movements of the forced control along the forced control path have the advantage that a coupled Pivoting movement of the two levers along the dynamic range can be achieved.

If the movement of the forced control is a movement in a linear direction, a swivel movement or a combination of these, the movement and thus also the forced control path are preferably aligned in the cross-ski direction. This has the advantage that the forced control can follow the coupled swivel movement of the two levers, which simplifies the design of the front automatic device.

As an alternative, however, it is also possible for the forced control to not be movable in the holding position, but to be fixed to the ski.

If the positive control is movable in the holding position, then if it deviates from a center of the positive control path, it can preferably be pressed with a force towards the center of the positive control path by a pre-tensioned, elastic element. It is also possible for more than one pre-tensioned, elastic element to be present. Regardless of the number of elastic elements, this has the advantage that the positive control is moved by the elastic element(s) to the center of the positive control path when no other force acts on the positive control. The two levers can also be moved to a center of the dynamic range using the positive control. Accordingly, the two levers can be moved from this center of the dynamic range in both a first and a second direction along the dynamic range under the influence of a lateral force, and are moved back to the center of the dynamic range when the lateral force is removed. If a sideways impact or sideways force occurs on the ski boot or ski during ski skating, the corresponding energy can be absorbed by the front automatic system without the ski boot coming loose, regardless of which side the impact or force comes from.

The mentioned center of the forced control path and the mentioned center of the dynamic range can be the geometric center of the forced control path or the dynamic area. However, it can also be a point in the forced control path or dynamic area that is not in the geometric center. It is possible for these centers to be in a continuous area of the forced control path or dynamic area. In this case, the centers are given by the fact that the forced control or the levers are pressed to this point in the forced control path or dynamic area by the elastic element(s). However, it is also possible for the centers to be in a bend in the forced control path or dynamic area. For example, the forced control path can be v-shaped and the center of the forced control path can be in the tip of the "v". In this case, the forced control can be moved from the center of the forced control path along one or the other arm of the "v" depending on the direction of the lateral force or lateral impact. For example, the center of the forced control path can also be at one end of the forced control path. This can be the case in particular if the forced control path runs along the longitudinal direction of the ski. Then the forced control can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the ski starting from this end of the forced control path, but in this example the two levers are mounted on the forced control in the holding position in such a way that they can be pivoted in the direction of action of the lateral force or lateral impact, while the forced control is moved in the longitudinal direction of the ski independently of the direction of action of the lateral force.

As a variant, it is also possible for one or both levers, rather than the forced control, to be pushed into the middle of the dynamic range by one or more pre-tensioned, elastic elements. In the same way, both levers can be pushed separately into the middle of the dynamic range by one or more pre-tensioned, elastic elements. In both cases, a corresponding embodiment can be particularly advantageous if the forced control itself is arranged fixed to the ski.

In all these variants with the pre-tensioned elastic element(s), the pre-tensioned elastic element is preferably located in the middle of the ski in the longitudinal direction of the ski aligned. In a first preferred variant of this, the pre-stressed, elastic element presses on the positive control in the longitudinal direction of the ski by pressing a laterally guided and thus laterally non-displaceable piston into a horizontally arranged, essentially V-shaped indentation in the positive control. The positive control, which can be moved in the transverse direction of the ski, can be held in the middle of the positive control path by pressing the piston into a tip of the V-shaped indentation. Accordingly, the positive control can be moved starting from the middle of the positive control path along the positive control path, the piston being pressed by the corresponding flank of the essentially V-shaped indentation in the longitudinal direction of the ski against the pre-stressed force of the elastic element. The force of the elastic element acting via the piston on the flanks of the essentially V-shaped indentations and directed in the longitudinal direction of the ski causes a restoring force which drives the positive control back to the middle of the positive control path. In order to minimize the frictional resistance between the positive control and the piston, the piston can, for example, have a roller bearing at its tip which can roll on the flanks of the essentially V-shaped indentation in the positive control. However, it is also possible that the piston does not have a roller bearing, but that the piston and/or the essentially V-shaped indentation in the positive control have a special coating which reduces the frictional resistance. It is also possible that the piston has a roller bearing at its tip which can roll on a special coating of the essentially V-shaped indentation in the positive control. However, it is also possible that the piston does not have such a roller bearing and that neither the piston nor the essentially V-shaped indentation in the positive control have a special coating.

If a pre-stressed, elastic element is present and is aligned in the middle of the ski in the longitudinal direction of the ski, in a second preferred variant the pre-stressed, elastic element presses in the longitudinal direction of the ski on the forced control by pressing a laterally guided and thus laterally non-displaceable piston against a laterally guided and thus laterally non-displaceable pivoting element, so that a first foot of the pivoting element is in a substantially V-shaped Indentation in the positive control. The pivoting element can, for example, comprise a second and third foot, which are each arranged on one side of the middle of the ski on the pivoting element and are aligned towards the piston. The positive control, which can be moved in the transverse direction of the ski, can thus be held in the middle of the positive control path by supporting the second and third feet of the pivoting element on a front side of the piston and by pressing the first foot of the pivoting element into a tip of the essentially V-shaped indentation. Accordingly, the positive control can be moved starting from the middle of the positive control path along the positive control path. The first foot of the pivoting element, which is pressed into the essentially V-shaped indentation, is also moved. If the pivoting element is pivotably mounted between its three feet about a pivot axis, the pivoting element is pivoted so that, depending on the pivoting direction, only the second or third foot of the pivoting element is supported on the piston. Since the corresponding foot is moved towards the middle of the ski, the piston is moved against the pre-tension of the pre-tensioned, elastic element. At the same time, the force with which the piston is pressed against the pivot element pushes the pivot element back into its central position, in which the second and third feet of the pivot element are supported on the front of the piston. Accordingly, the forced control is driven back to the middle of the forced control path. In such a variant, there is also the possibility that the pivot element or the pivot axis of the pivot element is mounted so that it can be moved slightly in the longitudinal direction of the ski.

If a pre-stressed, elastic element is present and aligned in the middle of the ski in the longitudinal direction of the ski, in a third preferred variant the pre-stressed, elastic element presses in the longitudinal direction of the ski on the forced control by pressing a laterally guided and thus laterally non-displaceable piston against a pivotable element of the forced control. In this case, for example, the piston can be pressed into a tip of a horizontally arranged, essentially V-shaped recess in the pivot element, whereby the pivotable element is aligned essentially in the longitudinal direction of the ski and the movable in the transverse direction of the ski Forced control is held in the middle of the forced control path. In this case, the forced control can be moved starting from the middle of the forced control path along the forced control path by pivoting the pivotable element in the appropriate direction. In the process, the V-shaped indentation is also pivoted together with the pivotable element, whereby one of the two flanks of the V-shaped indentation is pressed against the piston, which is thereby moved against the force of the elastic element directed in the longitudinal direction of the ski. The force of the elastic element acting via the piston on the flanks of the essentially V-shaped indentation and directed in the longitudinal direction of the ski causes a restoring force which drives the forced control back to the middle of the forced control path.

With a pivoting element of the forced control, it is also possible for the piston to have a separate pivoting element at its front end, for example, which is pressed against the pivoting element of the forced control. With a suitable arrangement of the pivot axes of the two pivoting elements, the pivoting element of the forced control can also be aligned essentially in the longitudinal direction of the ski and the forced control, which can be moved in the transverse direction of the ski, can be held in the middle of the forced control path. In this case, the forced control can also be moved starting from the middle of the forced control path along the forced control path by pivoting the pivoting element in the appropriate direction. The separate pivoting element at the front end of the piston is pivoted along and the piston is moved against the force of the elastic element. This causes a restoring force which drives the forced control back to the middle of the forced control path.

If a pre-tensioned, elastic element is present and is aligned in the middle of the ski in the longitudinal direction of the ski, in a fourth preferred variant the pre-tensioned, elastic element presses in the longitudinal direction of the ski on the forced control by pressing a laterally guided and thus laterally non-displaceable piston against at least one pivotally mounted lever, which in turn is pressed against a pivotable element of the forced control. Possibility that, for example, there are two pivotally mounted levers which are arranged next to one another in the transverse direction of the ski such that the pivotable element is essentially aligned in the longitudinal direction of the ski and the forced control which can be moved in the transverse direction of the ski is held in the middle of the forced control path. In order to achieve this, the two pivotally mounted levers with their pivot axes can, for example, be arranged in such a way that a force from the piston is transmitted in a geared manner to the pivotable element of the forced control. However, it is also possible that the two pivotally mounted levers with their pivot axes are arranged in such a way that a force from the piston is transmitted in a geared manner to the pivotable element of the forced control. Independently of these possibilities, in the fourth preferred variant the forced control can be moved starting from the middle of the forced control path along the forced control path by pivoting the pivotable element in the appropriate direction. If there is only one pivoting lever, this lever can be pivoted and the piston can be pushed against the restoring force by the lever. If, however, there are two pivoting levers, for example, the pivoting movement of the pivoting element of the positive control can pivot one or the other pivoting lever depending on the pivoting direction of the pivoting element, as the pivoting element presses against this lever due to its pivoting movement. This can push the corresponding pivoting lever against the piston, which in turn moves it against the restoring force.

If the pre-tensioned, elastic element in the middle of the ski is aligned in the longitudinal direction of the ski, then in addition to these four preferred variants, there is also the possibility that the pre-tensioned, elastic element interacts with the forced control in a different way.

It is also possible that the pre-tensioned elastic element is not aligned in the middle of the ski in the longitudinal direction. For example, it can be aligned along the forced control path or along the dynamic area. But it is also possible that it is aligned differently and due to its Preload exerts a force on a deflection mechanism which redirects the effect of the force in a direction along the control path or along the dynamic range.

The front automaton has a safety release position. In addition, the two levers in the holding position can advantageously be moved to one end of the dynamic range, where the one of the two levers which comprises the holding means which is moved away from the centre of the ski on the dynamic path can be released by the forced control and pivoted away from the other of the two levers, whereby the front automaton can be brought from the holding position into the safety release position. This has the advantage that a lateral safety release is possible. Since the one of the two levers which is in the direction of movement can be pivoted away, the corresponding holding means is also pivoted away, whereby a ski boot held in the holding position is released in its direction of movement as soon as the two levers in the holding position are moved to the corresponding end of the dynamic range. This has the advantage that in the event of a safety release, a continuous movement of the ski boot from a position held in the holding position to a release in the safety release position is guaranteed. Since, as already described above, a predefined energy can be absorbed by the front automatic device in the holding position by moving the two levers to one end of the dynamic range, this is a controllable, lateral safety release.

Preferably, in the holding position, the two levers are each mounted on the positive control by a first sliding block guide and a first sliding block mounted therein. Furthermore, in the safety release position, at least one of the two levers is preferably released by releasing the corresponding first sliding block from the corresponding first positive control. In this case, it is possible for the first sliding block guides to enclose and guide the respective first sliding block on both sides, at least in the holding position. However, it is also possible for the first sliding block guides not to enclose and guide the respective first sliding block on both sides, but only on one side or only over an area on both sides and otherwise guide on one side. Guide on one side means that, for example, the respective first sliding block only touches the corresponding first sliding block guide on one side. The first sliding block guides can, for example, be a surface on which the respective first sliding block is supported and along which the respective first sliding block can be moved. In this case, the first sliding blocks can be pressed against the respective first sliding block guide by means of an elastic element, for example. Accordingly, regardless of whether the first sliding block guides enclose the first sliding blocks on both sides or only on one side, the formulation is used here that a first sliding block is guided in the corresponding first sliding block guide. Regardless of the specific shape and design of the first sliding block guides, the first sliding blocks can be designed in a variety of ways. For example, they can be cylindrical. However, they can also be cylindrical and each have a roller enclosing them, which improves their storage in the corresponding first sliding block guide. However, it is also possible for the two first sliding blocks to be block-shaped, for example. It is also possible for the two first sliding blocks to have differently shaped areas. For example, they can each have a cylindrical area and one or more other areas. Depending on the area of the first sliding block guide, the cylindrical area or another area of the respective first sliding block can interact with the first sliding block guide. All of these types of first sliding block guides with first sliding blocks mounted in them have the advantage that in the holding position the two levers are mounted on the positive control and in the safety release position at least one of the two levers is released and therefore has the best possible freedom of movement.

As a preferred variant, there is also the possibility that, for example, one or both levers in the holding position and in the safety release position are each mounted on the forced control by a first guide and a first sliding block mounted in it. This has the advantage that both levers are mounted on the forced control in the holding position and in the safety release position. This enables the front automatic device to be returned from the Safety release position into the holding position is made easier. To achieve this, both the first sliding guides and the first sliding blocks can be designed in a variety of ways, as already described.

Instead of these variants, the two levers can also be mounted on the forced control by a first guide rail and a first sliding block mounted therein. For example, the axes of the levers can be mounted on the forced control, while the levers are mounted on another element of the front machine by a first guide rail and a first sliding block mounted therein. In this case, the levers can be mounted on the other element in both the holding position and the safety release position, or only in the holding position.

As an alternative to these variants, the levers can also be mounted on the forced control or on the other element in a way other than by means of first guide rails and first sliding blocks. Such a mounting can be formed, for example, by a movable lever or piston connection.

If first guide rails and first guide blocks are present and if the first guide blocks are mounted in the holding position in the corresponding first guide rail, the first guide rails preferably have a geometry such that in the safety release position that of the two levers which comprises the holding means which is moved away from the center of the ski on the dynamic path can be pivoted. In the safety release position, the corresponding lever can be pivoted with a movement of the corresponding first guide block in the corresponding first guide rail or can be released from the corresponding first guide rail. If the corresponding first guide block can be pivoted in the safety release position in the corresponding first guide rail, this has the advantage that both in the holding position and in the safety release position the two levers are mounted on the forced control or on the further element of the forced control and that it is therefore easier to return the front automatic device from the safety release position to the holding position. If, on the other hand, the corresponding first guide block in the safety release position is corresponding first link guide is released, this has the advantage that in the holding position the two levers are mounted on the positive control or on the further element of the positive control and that in the safety release position the one of the two levers which comprises the holding means which is moved away from the centre of the ski on the dynamic path can pivot unhindered.

If first sliding block guides are present and have a geometry such that the first sliding blocks are mounted in the corresponding first sliding block guide in the holding position and in the safety release position, the first sliding block guides are preferably widened in an area in which the corresponding first sliding block can be moved in the corresponding first sliding block guide in the safety release position when the corresponding lever is pivoted. This has the advantage that the one of the two levers which can be pivoted in the safety release position can be moved more easily, since the corresponding first sliding block is loosely guided in this area of the corresponding first sliding block guide and therefore there is no or very little frictional resistance between the corresponding first sliding block and the corresponding first sliding block guide.

Regardless of whether the first sliding blocks are mounted in the corresponding first sliding block guide only in the holding position or both in the holding position and in the safety release position, the first sliding block guides also preferably have a corner in their shape around which the corresponding first sliding block is moved when the corresponding lever is released during a transition from the holding position to the safety release position. This has the advantage that the lever is released immediately during a safety release and thus the transition from the holding position to the safety release position takes place quickly.

Advantageously, the first sliding guides have a geometry such that in the safety release position, that of the two levers which comprises the holding means which is moved on the dynamic path towards the middle of the ski is fixed. This can be achieved, for example, by the corresponding first sliding block abutting one end of the corresponding first sliding guide. However, this can also This can be achieved by guiding the corresponding lever by the first link guide in such a way that it hits another stop and is thus prevented from moving further. If the forced control can be moved along a forced control path in the holding position, this can also be achieved, for example, by blocking further movement of the forced control in the safety release position, which also prevents further movement of the corresponding lever. The further movement of the forced control can be achieved, for example, by a stop. These three variants have the advantage that in the safety release position, free movement of the one of the two levers which comprises the holding means that is moved on the dynamic path towards the middle of the ski is prevented. This means that a controlled release of the ski boot can be achieved in the event of a lateral safety release.

As a variant, it is also possible for the first guide rails to have a geometry such that in the safety release position, the one of the two levers that includes the holding means that is moved on the dynamic path towards the center of the ski can be pivoted within a limited range, while the other lever can be pivoted freely. This also makes it possible to achieve a controlled release of the ski boot in the event of a lateral safety release.

Alternatively, the two levers in the safety release position can also be pivoted in a coupled manner by the geometry of the first guide rails, whereby the one of the two levers which comprises the holding means which is moved away from the centre of the ski on the dynamic path can be pivoted proportionally more than the other lever.

Preferably, the forced control is arranged in a ski-fixed manner in the safety release position. If the forced control is movable in the holding position along the forced control path, the forced control can be prevented from moving further beyond one end of the forced control path, for example by a stop. However, it is also possible that one of the two levers is prevented from moving further by a stop in the safety release position and that the forced control is held in place by its bearing on the forced control. prevents further movement. If the two levers are mounted on the forced control or on the other element of the front machine by a first guide and a first sliding block, the geometry of the first sliding control can also ensure that the forced control is fixed to the ski in the safety release position.

Alternatively, the forced control can also be movable in the safety release position.

If the forced control is movable in the holding position and the front automaton comprises a pre-tensioned, elastic element aligned in the middle of the ski in the longitudinal direction of the ski and the forced control has a substantially V-shaped indentation, then troughs are advantageously arranged in the outer areas of the two flanks of the V-shaped indentation. This has the advantage that, depending on the embodiment, for example a roller bearing arranged at the tip of a piston subjected to a force by the pre-tensioned, elastic element can interact with one of these troughs when the forced control is in the safety release position. In another embodiment, for example a first foot of a pivoting element can interact with one of these troughs when the forced control is in the safety release position. In both cases, the troughs have the advantage that the restoring force which acts on the forced control through the piston or the pivoting element and drives it to a middle of the forced control path is minimized or completely eliminated in the safety release position. It does not matter whether the forced control is fixed to the ski in the safety release position or whether it is movable. However, by minimizing or eliminating the repulsive force, the troughs can support a fixed arrangement of the forced control in the safety release position.

As a variant, there is also the possibility of two recesses being arranged on the front side of the piston. This is particularly advantageous when the return force, which drives the forced control to a center of the forced control path, is transmitted by a swivel element. In this case, the second or third foot of the swivel element can interact with one of these recesses, when the override control is in the safety release position. This variant also has the advantage that the restoring force that drives the override control to a center of the override control path is minimized or completely eliminated in the safety release position.

Alternatively, there is also the possibility that two recesses are not arranged in the outer regions of the two flanks of the essentially V-shaped indentation in the positive control or in the front of the piston. Such an alternative embodiment can be advantageous, for example, if the restoring force that drives the positive control to a center of the positive control path is minimized or completely eliminated in the safety release position in another way. If the positive control comprises a pivotable element in which the essentially V-shaped indentation is arranged, this can be achieved, for example, by a corresponding interaction of the pivotable element with the rest of the positive control.

Preferably, the two levers are mounted on the positive control in the release position so that the holding means of the two levers are at the first distance from each other. This has the advantage that the two levers and thus the distance between the two holding means in the release position can be controlled by the positive control.

Alternatively, the two levers can be released from the forced control in the release position. However, both levers should be able to be mounted on the forced control when the front machine is moved from the release position to the holding position, whereby the distance between the two holding devices should also be reduced from the first distance to the second distance during this transfer. This can be achieved, for example, by mounting the two levers in the release position on a variable spacer. When moving from the release position to the holding position, the distance between the two holding devices can be reduced to the second distance using this variable spacer and the two levers can be mounted on the forced control. The levers can be released from the variable spacer or remain mounted on the variable spacer. When the front machine is returned from the holding position is brought into the release position, the two levers should be able to be released from the positive control and the distance between the two holding devices should be able to be extended to the first distance by the variable spacer. If the two levers are not mounted on the variable spacer in the holding position, they should first be able to be mounted on the variable spacer. This alternative has the advantage that the distance between the two holding devices is not changed by the positive control, which means that the positive control can be constructed more sturdily and can withstand correspondingly greater forces.

The forced control advantageously comprises a control element on which the two levers are mounted, wherein the control element is movable such that the two levers are moved apart in the release position and the holding means are at the first distance from each other and that the two levers are moved together in the holding position and the holding means are at the second distance from each other. Regardless of whether the two levers are mounted directly on the control element or indirectly via one, two or more than two further elements on the control element, this has the advantage that by moving the control element, the holding means can be brought to the first distance from each other in the release position and to the second distance from each other in the holding position.

In a preferred variant, however, the forced control comprises a control element, whereby the two levers are moved together by the control element when transferred to the holding position and the holding means are at a second distance from each other. In this case, it is possible that when transferred to the release position, the two levers can be moved relative to each other by another element of the front system in such a way that the two levers are moved apart and the holding means are at a first distance from each other. Regardless of whether the two levers are mounted directly on the control element or indirectly via one, two or more than two further elements on the control element, this has the advantage that the transfer of the front machine from the release position to the holding position can be achieved by the forced control, while the transfer of the front machine from the The locking position is moved into the release position by an element independent of the forced control.

If the forced control includes a control element and if the two levers are each mounted on the forced control by a first sliding guide and a first sliding block mounted therein, the two levers are advantageously each mounted on the control element by the first sliding guide and the first sliding block mounted therein. This has the advantage that the forced control can be constructed simply and accordingly compactly. As a variant, however, there are also preferred options in which the two levers are not each mounted on the control element by the first sliding guide and the first sliding block mounted therein.

In a preferred variant, the forced control comprises two elements instead of the control element, one of the two levers being mounted on a first element and the other of the two levers being mounted on a second element, and the first and second elements being movable relative to one another in such a way that the two levers are moved apart in the release position and the holding means are at the first distance from one another, and that the two levers are moved together in the holding position and the holding means are at the second distance from one another. This can be implemented, for example, by the two elements of the forced control being connected to one another by a piston connection or a screw connection. However, the two elements can also be connected to one another by a pivot connection, for example, the holding means being moved apart or together by a pivoting movement of the two elements.

In a preferred variant, however, it is also possible for the forced control to comprise the control element mentioned above instead of the two elements.

In a further preferred variant, the forced control comprises, in addition to the two elements, the control element as a third element, whereby the third element enables the first and the second element to be moved relative to one another in such a way that the two levers are moved apart in the release position and the holding means in the first distance from each other and that the two levers are moved together in the holding position and the holding means are at the second distance from each other. This has the advantage that the transfer of the front automatic device from the release position to the holding position and back can be achieved by the forced control.

In a further preferred variant, however, the forced control comprises the control element as a third element in addition to the two elements, wherein the third element enables the first and second elements to be moved relative to one another in such a way that the two levers are moved together when transferred to the holding position and the holding means are at a second distance from one another. In this case, it is possible that when transferred to the release position, the first and second elements can be moved relative to one another by another element of the front system in such a way that the two levers are moved apart and the holding means are at a first distance from one another. This has the advantage that the transfer of the front automatic device from the release position to the holding position can be achieved by the forced control, while the transfer of the front automatic device from the holding position to the release position is carried out by an element that is independent of the forced control.

Alternatively, it is also possible for the forced control to comprise a third element which fulfils a different function than the control element, or for the forced control not to comprise a third element.

If the forced control comprises a control element without the two elements mentioned above or, in addition to the two elements mentioned above, a control element as a third element and if the forced control can be pressed with a force towards the centre of the forced control path by a pre-tensioned elastic element in the event of a deviation from a centre of the forced control path, then, regardless of the previously mentioned, preferred variants, the control element is preferably designed in such a way that the restoring force which drives the forced control into the centre of the forced control path can be transferred to the forced control via this control element. This has the advantage that the control element fulfils several functions and the front automatic device can therefore be constructed from fewer elements, which enables a simpler construction.

Alternatively, however, it is also possible that, if the positive control can be pressed towards the centre of the positive control path by a prestressed elastic element with a force in the event of a deviation from a centre of the positive control path, the restoring force which drives the positive control to the centre of the positive control path can be transmitted to the positive control in a different way.

If the forced control comprises a control element without the two elements mentioned above or, in addition to the two elements mentioned above, a control element as a third element, this control element is designed to be pivotable in a preferred variant. This has the advantage that if the forced control moves away from the middle of the forced control path, a pivoting movement of the control element can be caused, whereby a lateral safety release can be triggered by the control element at a certain pivoting angle of the control element. To make this possible, the control element of the forced control can, for example, be pivotably mounted on another element of the forced control as well as pivotably mounted on the rest of the front machine. For this purpose, the two bearings can, for example, allow both a pivoting movement and a translational movement of the control element relative to the other element of the forced control or the rest of the front machine. In order to enable a lateral safety release, the control element can also be designed, for example, such that from a certain angle in its pivoting movement it moves or releases the first, the second or both the first and the second element in such a way that one or both levers are released and can thus be pivoted apart. If, however, the forced control only comprises the control element and not the two elements mentioned above, the control element can also be designed such that from a certain angle in its pivoting movement it releases one or both levers, whereby the two levers can be pivoted apart in the event of a lateral safety release.

As a preferred variant, there is also the possibility that the control element is not designed to be pivotable. In this case, the control element can be designed to be rotatable or movable along a linear path, for example. In the latter case This linear path can be in the longitudinal direction of the ski, in the transverse direction of the ski, at an angle to these two directions, or curved.

As an alternative to these variants in which the forced control comprises two or more elements, it is also possible for the forced control to comprise only the control element or only one differently designed element.

If the forced control comprises at least three elements, i.e. in addition to the two elements mentioned above, a control element as a third element, the first element and the second element of the forced control are preferably each mounted on the third element of the forced control by a second sliding block control and a second sliding block. Accordingly, the first and the second element can be moved relative to one another by moving the third element relative to the first or second element. This has the advantage that the forced control can be operated in a simple and cost-effective manner. It is possible for the second sliding block guides to enclose and guide the respective second sliding block on both sides. However, it is also possible for the second sliding block guides not to enclose and guide the respective second sliding block on both sides, but only to guide it on one side or only over an area on both sides and otherwise on one side. Guiding on one side means that, for example, the respective second sliding block only touches the corresponding second sliding block guide on one side. The second sliding block guides can, for example, be a surface on which the respective second sliding block is supported and along which the respective second sliding block can be moved. In this case, the second sliding blocks can be pressed against the respective second sliding block guide by means of an elastic element, for example. Accordingly, regardless of whether the second sliding block guides enclose the second sliding blocks on both sides or only on one side, the formulation is used here that a second sliding block is guided in the corresponding second sliding block guide. Regardless of the specific shape and design of the second sliding block guides, the second sliding blocks can be designed in a variety of ways. For example, they can be cylindrical. But they can also, for example, be cylindrical and each have a roller surrounding them, which improves their support in the corresponding second sliding guide. However, it is also possible for the two second sliding blocks to be block-shaped, for example. It is also possible for the two second sliding blocks to have differently shaped areas. For example, they can each have a cylindrical area and one or more other areas. Depending on the area of the second sliding guide, the cylindrical area or another area of the respective second sliding block can interact with the second sliding guide.

As a variant, it is also possible for the first element of the forced control to comprise, for example, a rack which is guided in the second element and for the third element of the forced control to be a pinion by means of which the first and second elements of the forced control can be moved relative to one another. Of course, other variants are also possible in which the forced control comprises at least three elements.

If the second guide rail is present, the control element or third element of the forced control is preferably movable along the longitudinal axis of the ski, whereby when the third element of the forced control moves in a first direction, the first and second elements of the forced control are moved together by the second guide rails, and when the third element of the forced control moves in a second direction, the first and second elements of the forced control are moved apart by the second guide rails. The first and second directions in the longitudinal direction of the ski can be the forward or backward direction, or vice versa. Both have the advantage that the third element of the forced control is moved in a direction for transferring the front automatic device from the release position to the holding position and back, which is independent of the pivoting movement of the two levers oriented in the transverse direction of the ski or, if applicable, of the possible movement of the forced control in the transverse direction of the ski. Accordingly, the second guide rails can prevent a force acting on one or both levers in the transverse direction of the ski from causing a Change in the relative positions of the first and second elements of the positive control. This enables simple and safe control of the distance between the two holding elements in the release position and in the holding position.

As a variant, the control element or third element of the forced control can also not be movable along the longitudinal axis of the ski, but can be designed to rotate about an axis of rotation. If the second guide rail is present, for example, when the third element of the forced control is rotated in a first direction, the first and second elements of the forced control can be moved together by the second guide rails, and when the third element of the forced control is rotated in a second direction, the first and second elements of the forced control can be moved apart by the second guide rails. For this purpose, the second guide rails can be arranged in a spiral around the axis of rotation in the third element of the forced control or in the first or second element of the forced control.

If the third element of the forced control is designed to be rotatable about the axis of rotation, the first and second elements on the third element can also be mounted without using the second guides. For example, the first element and the second element of the forced control can each be mounted on the third element of the forced control by a swivel joint, whereby when the third element of the forced control rotates in a first direction of rotation, the first and second elements of the forced control are moved together, and when the third element of the forced control moves in a second direction of rotation, the first and second elements of the forced control are moved apart.

If the forced control is movable along the forced control path in the holding position, it preferably comprises a carriage which is designed to be movable along the forced control path. In this case, it is possible for the forced control to comprise such a carriage in addition to the control element or the two elements already mentioned. However, it is also possible for the forced control to comprise such a carriage which simultaneously fulfils the function of the already mentioned first, second or third element or control element and thus corresponds to the corresponding first, second or third element or control element. It is also possible that more than one of the first, second and third elements or control elements is designed as a slide. However, it is also possible that the forced control comprises such a slide and none of the above-mentioned elements. It is again possible that the forced control consists only of such a slide or also comprises other elements.

If the forced control includes such a carriage, the other elements of the forced control, if they are present at all, are preferably mounted on the carriage. The other elements can, for example, be movable together with the carriage in the transverse direction of the ski. However, it is also possible for one or more of the other elements to be mounted on both the carriage and the rest of the front machine. If the forced control includes, for example, a pivoting element, this pivoting element can be mounted on both the carriage and the rest of the front machine and can pivot when the carriage moves in the transverse direction of the ski. In this sense, for example, as already mentioned, the control element can be designed as a pivoting element and accordingly mounted on both the carriage and the rest of the front machine and can pivot when the carriage moves in the transverse direction of the ski.

Alternatively, it is also possible that the forced control does not include such a carriage.

If the forced control includes such a carriage, the two axes are advantageously mounted on the carriage. The levers can also be mounted on another element of the forced control. However, it is also possible for the two levers to be mounted not on another element of the forced control, but on the front machine. Both have the advantage that in the holding position the two levers can be moved together with the carriage.

As an alternative, it is also possible for the axes to be mounted not on the carriage, but on another element of the forced control or the front automatic device.

Advantageously, the front automatic mechanism has a blocking position in which the two holding means are at a third distance from one another which is the same size or smaller than the second distance and in which the two levers are blocked in their movement. This has the advantage that the front automatic mechanism can be blocked if a ski boot is held in the front automatic mechanism, thereby preventing the ski boot from accidentally coming free from the front automatic mechanism. If a touring binding system with the front automatic mechanism is in the ascent position, the blocking position can prevent the ski from being accidentally lost. This could otherwise happen, for example, when setting the ski down when carrying out a tip-toeing maneuver on a steep slope due to a sideways impact on the ski.

As a preferred variant, however, there is also the possibility that the front automatic device has a dampening position instead of a blocking position, in which the two holding means are at a third distance from each other, which is the same size as or smaller than the second distance and in which the two levers can be moved within the dynamic range with greater resistance than in the locking position. This has the advantage that the front automatic device can enable a lateral safety release when a ski boot is held in the front automatic device, but at the same time a movement of the holding means together with the ski boot held in the front automatic device along the dynamic path can be dampened and reduced accordingly. If a touring binding system with the front automatic device is in the ascent position, a movement of a ski boot held in the front automatic device in the transverse direction of the ski relative to the automatic device can be dampened and reduced accordingly by the dampening position. This has the advantage that the skier's sure-footedness is increased when ascending, while at the same time the skier's safety is maintained by ensuring the possibility of a lateral safety release.

Alternatively, it is also possible to dispense with both the blocking position and the damper position. This can be advantageous if For example, the front automat is used by an experienced skier who only wants and/or needs a lateral safety release when there are large lateral forces. In this case, the ski boot can be held sufficiently in place by the front automat in the holding position, so that no blocking or damping position is required. Accordingly, in this case, the front automat can be designed to be simpler and lighter by dispensing with the blocking position and the damping position.

If the front automaton has a blocking position, the positive control can preferably be blocked in the blocking position. This means that the positive control can be blocked in its movement if it is movable in the holding position. If, on the other hand, the positive control is fixed to the ski in the holding position, this means that the bearings of the two levers on the positive control can be blocked in the blocking position. Accordingly, blocking the positive control has the advantage that movement of the two levers can be prevented by blocking a single element. Accordingly, the front automaton can be designed more simply and manufactured more cost-effectively.

To block the forced control, it is possible, for example, for the forced control to be blocked by a blocking element. For example, one or more blocking elements can be mounted on the forced control and can be pushed or swivelled into corresponding openings in the front machine to block it. However, it is also possible for one or more blocking elements to be mounted on the front machine and can be pushed or swivelled into corresponding openings in the forced control to block it.

As a variant, it is also possible for one or both levers to be blocked in the blocking position. The forced control can also be blocked at the same time.

Advantageously, the front machine comprises a control lever which can be brought into a release position and into a holding position, whereby the front machine can be brought into the release position by positioning the control lever in the release position and by Positioning the control lever in the holding position can be brought into the holding position. The control lever can be either a pivoting or a sliding lever. Both have the advantage that the front machine can be moved in a simple, controlled manner from the release position to the holding position and back.

As a variant, it is also possible for the front automatic device to comprise two control levers, whereby the front automatic device can be moved from the release position to the holding position by a first of these two control levers and from the holding position to the release position by a second of these two control levers.

As a further variant, there is the possibility that the front automatic device comprises a control lever by which it can only be moved from the held position to the released position. The front automatic device can, for example, comprise a spur by which it can be moved from the released position to the held position, whereby this spur can be actuated by a ski boot if the ski boot is correctly positioned in relation to the holding means for entry into the front automatic device. This has the advantage that it is easier for the skier to enter the front automatic device. In order to have this advantage with the two variants mentioned above, this spur can also be provided in addition to the one or two control levers which enable the front automatic device to be moved from the held position to the released position and back.

If the front machine comprises at least one control lever and has a blocking position, the control lever can preferably be brought into a blocking position, wherein the front machine can be brought into the blocking position by positioning the control lever in the blocking position. If, on the other hand, the front machine comprises at least one control lever and has a damping position, the control lever can preferably be brought into a damping position, wherein the front machine can be brought into the damping position by positioning the control lever in the damping position. Both have the advantage that the front machine is easy to operate.

As a variant, it is also possible for the front automatic device to comprise, for example, a separate control lever by means of which the front automatic device can be brought into the blocking position or damping position, or for the front automatic device not to comprise a control lever by means of which the front automatic device can be brought into the blocking position or damping position.

If the front automatic device comprises at least one control lever and has a blocking position, the control lever preferably comprises at least one blocking element by means of which the positive control can be blocked in the blocking position by positioning the control lever in the blocking position. If the positive control is movable in the holding position, this can be done, for example, by the blocking element(s) each engaging in a recess in the positive control when the control lever is brought into the blocking position. However, it is also possible for the control lever to have two or more blocking elements which laterally surround an area of the positive control or the entire positive control and thereby prevent the positive control from moving. If the positive control is not movable in the holding position, however, the control lever can comprise, for example, two or more blocking elements which, when the control lever is in the blocking position, engage in the bearings of the two levers on the positive control and thereby block the positive control and the movement of the levers.

If, however, the front automatic device comprises at least one control lever and has a damper position, the control lever preferably comprises at least one damper element, by means of which a movement of the two levers in the damper position can be subjected to a movement resistance by positioning the control lever in the damper position. If the forced control is movable in the holding position, this can be done, for example, by the damper element(s) interacting with the forced control and thereby increasing the resistance to a movement of the forced control. In a variant of this, or if the forced control is not movable in the holding position, the control lever can also comprise, for example, one or more damper elements, which interact with the levers or the axes and thus increase the resistance to movement of the two levers.

If the forced control is movable along the forced control path and comprises a carriage which is movable along the forced control path, and the front automatic device comprises at least one control lever with at least one damper element and has a damper position, then in a preferred variant, a movement of the two levers is assigned a resistance to movement by the damper element interacting with the carriage. However, if the forced control comprises a control element, then as a preferred variant, a movement of the two levers can also be assigned a resistance to movement by the damper element interacting with the control element. As an alternative to these two variants, the resistance to movement of the two levers can also be increased in a different way.

If, however, the forced control is movable along the forced control path and comprises a carriage which is movable along the forced control path, and the front automatic device comprises at least one control lever with at least one blocking element and has a blocking position, then in a preferred variant the forced control is blocked by the blocking element engaging in a recess in the carriage. Alternatively, the forced control can also be blocked in a different way.

As a variant of blocking by means of at least one blocking element of the control lever, the forced control can, for example, not only be blocked by at least one blocking element of the control lever, but also in another way, or can be blocked in another way instead of by at least one blocking element of the control lever. If the forced control comprises a control element, it can, for example, be blocked by blocking the control element. For this purpose, the control element of the forced control can, for example, be movable in the longitudinal direction of the ski into a lateral guide, whereby the control element can also not be designed to be completely movable in the lateral guide in order to sufficiently prevent it from moving in a direction other than along the longitudinal direction of the ski and to block. To remove the blockage, the control element of the forced control can be designed to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the ski from the lateral guide, which means that it can be released for movement in a direction other than along the longitudinal direction of the ski. The lateral guide used for blocking in this example does not have to be a guide that completely surrounds the control element on the side. It can also be a rail-like guide onto which the control element can be pushed. The movement of the control element blocked by the lateral guide should be the movement that can be carried out by the forced control in the holding position. It can therefore be a linear movement in the transverse direction of the ski as well as a rotary or swivel movement.

If the front automatic device comprises a control lever, in this variant the control element can, for example, be moved by the control lever in the longitudinal direction of the ski in order to actuate the blocking of the control element. This can be achieved, for example, by the front automatic device comprising a guide element in which the control element of the forced control is mounted. The control element can be pressed against the control lever together with the guide element by a piston pre-tensioned with an elastic element and can therefore be displaced in the longitudinal direction of the ski in accordance with the positioning of the control lever. This has the advantage that, for example, the forced control can also be designed to be pressed towards the middle of the forced control path by the elastic element in the event of a deviation from the middle of the forced control path. This also has the advantage that the guide element is pressed against the control lever but does not necessarily have to follow the control lever. Compared to direct mounting of the guide element on the control lever, this has the advantage that, for example, the control lever can be brought from the blocking position to the holding position, as a result of which the guide element is moved against the pre-tensioned piston. However, if the control lever is moved from the holding position to the blocking position, the control lever can also be moved to the blocking position without moving the guide element. If, for example, the guide element is prevented by an obstacle from being moved by the pre-tensioned piston, the guide element can also can only be moved by the pre-tensioned piston when the obstacle has been removed. This means that the control element of the positive control is only pushed into the lateral guide for blocking when the positive control is correctly positioned in relation to the lateral guide. In a variant of this example, the control lever can also be moved from the holding position to the blocking position, as a result of which the guide element is moved against the pre-tensioned piston. If, however, in this variant the control lever is moved from the blocking position to the holding position, the control lever can also be brought into the holding position without moving the guide element. Depending on the design of the front automatic device, this can be advantageous. As a further variant, the control lever can also be mounted directly on the guide element, or the front automatic device can not include a guide element at all. In this last case, for example, the positive control can be pressed against the control lever by the pre-tensioned piston and/or the positive control can also be mounted directly on the control lever.

In addition to these variants, it is also possible for not only the control element of the forced control, but also another element of the forced control or the entire forced control to be movable in and out of the lateral guide in the longitudinal direction of the ski as described for the control element. This is of course a variant that is also possible if the forced control comprises more or fewer than three elements.

The holding means are pins which are arranged on the respective lever in such a way that they point with a free end towards the middle of the ski, starting from the respective lever. This has the advantage that the ski boot, which can be held in the toe area in the front automatic device, can be easily pivoted around an axis aligned horizontally in the transverse direction of the ski in the front automatic device if the ski boot has two lateral recesses in its toe area.

In a first preferred variant, the pins have pointed free ends. This has the advantage that the ski boot, which should be held in the front machine, can be stored in the front machine so that it can pivot precisely around the axis that is aligned horizontally in the transverse direction of the ski.

In a second preferred variant, the pins have rounded free ends. This has the advantage that the ski boot can easily be released from the front automatic device in the event of a lateral safety release.

In a third preferred variant, the pins have tapered areas towards their free ends, with the free ends of the pins being rounded. This has the advantage that by selecting the appropriate size of the tapered areas and the size of the rounded ends of the pins, an optimization can be achieved between precisely pivoting support of the ski boot around the horizontal axis aligned in the transverse direction of the ski and good detachability of the ski boot from the front automatic device in the event of a lateral safety release.

Alternatively, it is also possible that the holding devices are designed differently.

Advantageously, the front automatic device comprises a housing which can be fastened to a ski and a hold-down element which can be fastened to the ski. The housing can preferably be fastened to a ski in its front region, while in its rear region it is mounted so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the ski by the hold-down element, wherein the housing can be held on the ski in its rear region by the hold-down element fastened to the ski. In a preferred variant, the housing can be fastened to a ski in its rear region, while in its front region it is mounted so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the ski by the hold-down element fastened to the ski, wherein the housing can be held on the ski in its front region by the hold-down element fastened to the ski. Both of these things mean that when the front automat is mounted on a SI<i, the housing is attached to the SI<i in its front or rear area, while the rear or front area of the housing is held in the longitudinal guide of the hold-down element attached to the SI<i and can move in the longitudinal direction of the ski relative to the hold-down element. This allows the SI<i to bend when skiing, with the front automat adapting to the bend of the ski by moving the housing in the longitudinal direction of the ski relative to the hold-down element. This has the advantage that the front automat does not stiffen the ski, which optimises comfort for the skier. It should be noted that this advantage can also be achieved with any other automatic front mechanism or any automatic heel mechanism of a touring ski binding of the second type mentioned above, if the supporting structure, such as the housing here, is attached to the SI<i at one end, while the other end of the supporting structure is held in the longitudinal guide of the hold-down element attached to the SI<i and can move in the longitudinal direction of the ski relative to the hold-down element.

In a further preferred variant, the front machine can also be attached to an SI<i in a different way. For example, the front machine can comprise a housing which can be firmly attached to the SI<i, with the front machine comprising a separate hold-down element. This has the advantage, for example, that the front machine can be manufactured more simply and therefore more cost-effectively.

Further advantageous embodiments and combinations of features of the invention emerge from the following detailed description and the entirety of the patent claims.

Short description of the drawings

Fig. 1a, b, c

eine Schrägansicht eines erfindungsgemässen Frontautomaten in der Freigabestellung, in der Festhaltestellung und in der Blockierstellung,

Fig. 2

eine schematische Schrägansicht des Frontautomaten in der Festhaltestellung mit einem im Frontautomaten gelagerten Skischuh,

Fig. 3

eine Explosionszeichnung des Frontautomaten,

Fig. 4a, b, c

drei verschiedene Ansichten des Frontautomaten in der Freigabestellung,

Fig. 5a, b, c

drei verschiedene Ansichten des Frontautomaten in der Festhaltestellung,

Fig. 6a, b, c, d

drei verschiedene Ansichten des Frontautomaten in der Blockierstellung,

Fig. 7a, b, c

durch eine Zwangssteuerung verlaufende Querschnitte durch den Frontautomaten jeweils zusammen mit einem schematisch dargestellten Schnitt durch einen unteren Bereich eines Skischuhs zur Illustration einer seitlichen Sicherheitsauslösung des Frontautomaten,

Fig. 8a, b, c

Ansichten des Frontautomaten von unten zur Illustration einer seitlichen Sicherheitsauslösung des Frontautomaten, wobei eine Bodenplatte und ein Führungselement jeweils ausgeblendet sind,

Fig. 9

einen vertikalen Längsschnitt durch den Frontautomaten in der Blockierstellung, wobei ein Skischuh im Frontautomaten gelagert ist,

Fig. 10

eine Aufsicht auf den Frontautomaten in der Festhaltestellung mit einem darin gehaltenen SI<isschuh,

Fig 11a, b, c

Ansichten des Frontautomaten von unten zur Illustration einer Ausführungsmöglichkeit des Zusammenspiels eines Kolbens mit der Zwangssteuerung,

Fig. 12a, b, c

Ansichten des Frontautomaten von unten zur Illustration einer weiteren Ausführungsmöglichkeit des Zusammenspiels des Kolbens mit der Zwangssteuerung,

Fig 13a, b

durch die Zwangssteuerung verlaufende Querschnitte durch den Frontautomaten zur Illustration von Ausführungsmöglichkeiten, welche eine seitlichen Sicherheitsauslösung des Frontautomaten erleichtern können,

Fig. 14a, b, c,

d eine Schrägansicht eines weiteren erfindungsgemässen Frontautomaten in der Freigabestellung, in der Festhaltestellung und in der Sicherheitsauslösestellung,

Fig. 15

eine Explosionszeichnung des weiteren Frontautomaten,

Fig. 16a, b

zwei vergrösserte Ausschnitte aus der in Figur 15 gezeigten Explosionszeichnung,

Fig. 17a, b

zwei verschiedene Schnittansichten des weiteren Frontautomaten in der Freigabestellung,

Fig. 18a, b

zwei verschiedene Schnittansichten des weiteren Frontautomaten in der Festhaltestellung, wobei sich die Zwangssteuerung in der Mitte des Zwangssteuerungswegs befindet,

Fig. 19a, b

zwei verschiedene Schnittansichten des weiteren Frontautomaten in der Festhaltestellung, wobei sich die Zwangssteuerung beinahe an einem Ende des Zwangssteuerungswegs befindet,

Fig. 20a, b

zwei verschiedene Schnittansichten des Frontautomaten in der Sicherheitsauslösestellung,

Fig. 21a, b

zwei weitere Schnittansichten des weiteren Frontautomaten in der Freigabestellung,

Fig. 22

eine weitere Schnittansicht des weiteren Frontautomaten in der Festhaltestellung,

Fig. 23a, b

zwei Schnittansichten des weiteren Frontautomaten in der Blocl<ierstellung,

Fig. 24a, b, c

drei Schnittansichten einer Querschnittsdarstellung des weiteren Frontautomaten in der Freigabestellung, der Festhaltestellung und in der Blocl<ierstellung,

Fig. 25

eine Explosionszeichnung eines weiteren erfindungsgemässen Frontautomaten,

Fig. 26

ein vergrösserter Ausschnitt aus der in Figur 25 gezeigten Explosionszeichnung,

Fig. 27a, b, c

drei Unteransichten des in den Figuren 25 - 26 gezeigten weiteren Frontautomaten in der Festhaltestellung und in der Sicherheitsauslösestellung,

Fig. 28

eine Explosionszeichnung eines weiteren erfindungsgemässen Frontautomaten,

Fig. 29a, b, c

je eine Unteransicht eines horizontal ausgerichteten Querschnitts durch den in Figur 28 gezeigten, weiteren Frontautomaten, wobei die Querschnitte jeweils durch ein Schwenkelement des Frontautomaten verlaufen,

Fig. 30a, b, c

je einen vertikal ausgerichteten, entlang der Skimitte in Skilängsrichtung verlaufenden Querschnitt durch den in den Figuren 28 - 29c gezeigten, weiteren Frontautomaten und

Fig. 31

eine Explosionszeichnung eines weiteren erfindungsgemässen Frontautomaten,.

The drawings used to explain the embodiment show:

Fig. 1a, b, c

an oblique view of a front automatic device according to the invention in the release position, in the holding position and in the blocking position,

Fig.2

a schematic oblique view of the front automatic device in the holding position with a ski boot stored in the front automatic device,

Fig.3

an exploded view of the front machine,

Fig. 4a, b, c

three different views of the front machine in the release position,

Fig. 5a, b, c

three different views of the front machine in the holding position,

Fig. 6a, b, c, d

three different views of the front machine in the blocking position,

Fig. 7a, b, c

cross-sections through the front automatic device running through a forced control, each together with a schematically shown section through a lower area of a ski boot to illustrate a lateral safety release of the front automatic device,

Fig. 8a, b, c

Views of the front machine from below to illustrate a lateral safety release of the front machine, with a base plate and a guide element each hidden,

Fig.9

a vertical longitudinal section through the front automatic device in the blocking position, with a ski boot stored in the front automatic device,

Fig.10

a view of the front machine in the holding position with a safety shoe held in it,

Fig. 11a, b, c

Views of the front automaton from below to illustrate one possible design of the interaction of a piston with the forced control,

Fig. 12a, b, c

Views of the front automaton from below to illustrate another possible design of the interaction of the piston with the forced control,

Fig. 13a, b

Cross sections through the front automatic device running through the forced control to illustrate design options that can facilitate a lateral safety release of the front automatic device,

Fig. 14a, b, c,

d an oblique view of another front automatic device according to the invention in the release position, in the holding position and in the safety release position,

Fig. 15

an exploded view of the other front machine,

Fig. 16a, b

two enlarged sections from the Figure 15 shown exploded view,

Fig. 17a, b

two different sectional views of the other front machine in the release position,

Fig. 18a, b

two different sectional views of the other front machine in the holding position, with the forced control located in the middle of the forced control path,

Fig. 19a, b

two different sectional views of the other front machine in the holding position, with the forced control located almost at one end of the forced control path,

Fig. 20a, b

two different sectional views of the front machine in the safety release position,

Fig. 21a, b

two further sectional views of the other front machine in the release position,

Fig. 22

another sectional view of the other front machine in the holding position,

Fig. 23a, b

two sectional views of the other front machine in the blocking position,

Fig. 24a, b, c

three sectional views of a cross-sectional view of the further front machine in the release position, the holding position and the blocking position,

Fig. 25

an exploded view of another front-loading machine according to the invention,

Fig. 26

an enlarged section of the Figure 25 shown exploded view,

Fig. 27a, b, c

three sub-views of the Figures 25 - 26 shown other front automatics in the holding position and in the safety release position,

Fig. 28

an exploded view of another front-loading machine according to the invention,

Fig. 29a, b, c

a bottom view of a horizontally aligned cross section through the Figure 28 shown, further front machines, whereby the cross sections each run through a swivel element of the front machine,

Fig. 30a, b, c

a vertically aligned cross-section running along the centre of the ski in the longitudinal direction of the ski through the Figures 28 - 29c shown, other front machines and

Fig. 31

an exploded drawing of another front-loading machine according to the invention.

In principle, identical parts in the figures are provided with identical reference symbols.

Ways to implement the invention

The Figures 1a, 1b and 1c each show an oblique view of a front machine 1 according to the invention. In Figure 1a the front machine 1 is in a release position, in Figure 1b in a holding position and in Figure 1c shown in a blocking position. In all three Figures 1a, 1b and 1c the front automaton 1 is aligned from the bottom right to the top left. If the front automaton 1 is mounted on a SI<i (not shown), the bottom right of the SI<i corresponds to the back in these figures, while the top left of the SI<i corresponds to the front. Therefore, in these figures the longitudinal direction of the ski runs along an axis from the bottom right to the top left. Furthermore, in the Figures 1a, 1b and 1c top and bottom also for front machine 1 top and bottom.

The front automaton 1 comprises a housing 2, a control lever 3 and a plastic tread 4. The front automaton 1 also comprises two pivot levers 5.1, 5.2 made of aluminum, each with a retaining spur 6.1, 6.2 made of steel. The two pivot levers 5.1, 5.2 are arranged laterally, opposite each other in the cross-ski direction. They are each pivotably mounted around an axis 9.1, 9.2 (see Figure 3 ). These two axes 9.1, 9.2 are each arranged in a lower area of the front automaton 1 and are aligned in a plane parallel to the ski, converging backwards at an angle of 6 degrees to the longitudinal direction of the ski (see Figure 10 ). This means that the two pivot levers 5.1, 5.2 can essentially be pivoted in the transverse direction of the ski. In an area above the axles, the two pivot levers 5.1, 5.2 are mounted on a positive control 20. Furthermore, the two pivot levers 5.1, 5.2 each have a control bracket 8.1, 8.2 above this bearing on a side facing the middle of the ski. Above the control brackets 8.1, 8.2, in an upper area of the upward-pointing free ends of the pivot levers 5.1, 5.2, the two holding spurs 6.1, 6.2 are arranged pointing towards the middle of the ski. This means that a ski boot can be supported by the holding spurs 6.1, 6.2 between the two pivot levers 5.1, 5.2. The ski boot to be stored should have bearing bushes attached to the side of the toe area into which the retaining spurs 6.1, 6.2 can engage (see Figure 2 ).

In front of the two pivot levers 5.1, 5.2, the tread 4 is pivotably mounted in the middle of the ski about a horizontal transverse axis 7 aligned in the transverse direction of the ski. A free end of the tread 4 extends above the forced control 20 to the rear between the two pivot levers 5.1, 5.2. In the release position ( Figure 1a ), the tread 4 is pivoted slightly upwards so that its free end is positioned above the housing 2. In the holding position ( Figure 1b ) and in the blocking position (1c), however, its free end is folded downwards and rests on the housing 2.

In addition to the treadle 4, the control lever 3 is also pivotally mounted around the transverse axis 7. A free end of the control lever 3, which is used to actuate it, points forward. In the release position ( Figure 1a ) it points essentially horizontally forward. The control lever 3 is in a release position. In the locking position ( Figure 1b ), however, the free end of the control lever 3 points diagonally forward and upward, which corresponds to a holding position of the control lever 3. In the blocking position ( Figure 1c ) the free end of the control lever 3 points steeply forward and upward. The control lever 3 is in a blocking position. The front machine 1 can thus be moved from the release position to the holding position by pulling the control lever 3 up from the release position to the holding position. Starting from the holding position, the front machine 1 can be moved further into the blocking position by pulling the control lever 3 up from the holding position further into the blocking position. In order to bring the front machine 1 back into the holding position or the release position, the control lever 3 can therefore be pressed downwards.

In the release position, the two pivot levers 5.1, 5.2 are pivoted slightly apart and the two retaining spurs 6.1, 6.2 are at a first distance from each other ( Figure 1a ). This first distance is large enough to allow the toe area of an upright ski boot to be moved between the two retaining spurs 6.1, 6.2. In the holding position, however, the two pivot levers 5.1, 5.2 are pivoted slightly towards each other ( Figure 1b ). Accordingly, the retaining spurs 6.1, 6.2 are located at a second distance from each other, which is smaller than the first distance. The second distance is dimensioned such that the two retaining spurs 6.1, 6.2 can simultaneously engage from opposite sides in laterally mounted bearing bushes in the toe area of a ski boot and can thus support the ski boot. In the blocking position ( Figure 1c ) the two pivot levers 5.1, 5.2 are also pivoted slightly towards each other. Here the two retaining spurs 6.1, 6.2 are at a third distance from each other, which is the same or smaller than the second distance. Accordingly, a ski boot can also be stored in the blocking position by the lateral engagement of the two retaining spurs 6.1, 6.2.

In order to transfer the front automaton 1 from the release position to the holding position, in which a ski boot is stored in the front automaton 1, the ski boot can be positioned in an upright, parallel position with its toe area between the two pivot levers 5.1, 5.2 and gently moved downwards. The tread 4 is pressed downwards by a sole of the ski boot, whereby the front automaton 1 is transferred to the holding position. When the ski boot is correctly positioned, the two retaining spurs 6.1, 6.2 engage in the side bearing bushes of the ski boot by moving the two pivot levers 5.1, 5.2 together. At the same time, by pressing down the tread spur 4, the control lever 3 is also pivoted up into the holding position. During this transfer of the front automatic device 1 from the release position to the holding position, the control lever 3 can also be manually raised from the release position to the holding position at the same time.

Behind the two pivot levers 5.1, 5.2, the housing 2 has a guide bar 14 which runs in the transverse direction of the ski from a first side to a second side of the housing 2. This guide bar 14 is slightly higher than the rest of the housing 2 and serves to prevent a ski boot from being placed completely on the housing 2. In the event of a lateral safety release, it also serves to support a lateral movement of the ski boot and to prevent a sole of the ski boot from getting caught in the rest of the housing 2. In order to optimize this function, the guide bar 14 can have a sliding element in its upper area on which the sole of the ski boot can slide. Such a sliding element can be made of Teflon, for example.

Figure 2 shows a schematic oblique view of the front machine 1 in the holding position with a ski boot 100 stored in the front machine 1. The ski boot 100 has two bearing bushes 101.1, 101.2 in its toe area, into which the two holding spurs 6.1, 6.2 engage. As a result, the ski boot 100 is mounted on the front machine 1 so that it can pivot about a horizontal axis aligned in the transverse direction of the ski.

Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the front machine 1. The perspective of the illustration is the same as in the Figures 1a, 1b and 1c However, in the exploded view, further components of the front machine 1 can be seen, which are in the Figures 1a, 1b and 1c as well as in the Figure 2 are covered by the housing 2. Thus, in Figure 3 It can be seen that the front machine 1 comprises a flat base plate 30 made of metal, which closes off the housing 2, which is otherwise open at the bottom. The base plate 30 has four vertically aligned openings 31.1, 31.2, 31.3, 31.4 in an essentially square arrangement. When the front machine 1 is assembled, these openings 31.1, 31.2, 31.3, 31.4 are located in correspondence with four vertically aligned openings 32.1, 32.2, 32.3, 32.4 in the housing 2. In the housing 2, one of these openings 32.1, 32.2, 32.3, 32.4 is arranged in front of and behind the pivot levers 5.1, 5.2. They serve to fasten the front automat 1 to a SI<i by means of screws.

Several elements are arranged in an interior of the front automatic device 1, which is enclosed by the housing 2 and the base plate 30. For example, in a rear area of the housing 2, in the middle of the ski, there is a piston 35 made of plastic. This piston 35 is aligned in the longitudinal direction of the ski. In an upper area it has a guide aligned in its longitudinal direction, which can engage with a corresponding counterpart in the housing 2. This guide guides the piston 35 in the longitudinal direction of the ski. In its rear area, the piston 35 has an opening into which a spiral spring 36 aligned in the longitudinal direction of the ski is inserted. The rear end of this spiral spring 36 abuts against a locking nut 37, which is screwed with a thread onto an adjusting screw 38 aligned in the longitudinal direction of the ski. When the front machine 1 is mounted, a head of the adjusting screw 38 is mounted in an opening 39 in a rear-facing side wall of the housing 2. The adjusting screw 38 can be rotated from the outside through the opening 39.

In front of the piston 35, a guide element 50 made of plastic is mounted in the housing 2. This guide element 50 has an arm pointing backwards on both sides in a rear area. When the front automaton 1 is mounted, the piston 35 is surrounded by these arms on both sides from the front. The guide element 50 also has a short arm pointing forwards on both sides in a front area. These two arms each comprise an upward-pointing knob 51.1, 51.2 in a front area. To the rear, these two arms are separated from a central area 53 of the guide element 50 by a plate that is aligned vertically and in the cross-ski direction and forms a front stop 52. This central area 53 is plate-shaped and aligned horizontally. To the rear, it is separated by the two arms pointing backwards, which reach upwards to above a level of the central area 53 and thus form a rear stop. On the The positive control 20 is mounted in the middle region 53 so that it can move in the transverse direction of the ski. It is guided between the front stop 52 and the rear stop and is accordingly prevented from moving in the longitudinal direction of the ski relative to the guide element 50.

As can be seen in the exploded view, the forced control 20 comprises two side levers 20.1, 20.2 and a control plate 20.3. The latter is mounted in the guide element 50 as described above so that it can move in the transverse direction of the ski. On both sides of the control plate 20.3, one of the two side levers 20.1, 20.2 is arranged in the transverse direction of the ski. The mounting of the two side levers 20.1, 20.2 on the control plate 20.3 consists of a second sliding guide 21.1, 21.2 in the control plate 20.3 with a second sliding block 22.1, 22.2 mounted therein, which is attached to the corresponding side lever 20.1, 20.2. The second sliding guides 21.1, 21.2 are aligned in such a way that they allow a relative movement of the control plate 20.3 to the side levers 20.1, 20.2 in the longitudinal direction of the ski, whereby the two side levers 20.1, 20.2 are pulled together or pushed apart. The two pivot levers 5.1, 5.2 are mounted on the outer ends of the side levers 20.1, 20.2. For this purpose, the side levers 20.1, 20.2 each comprise a first sliding guide 23.1, 23.2, in which a first sliding block 24.1, 24.2 arranged on the corresponding pivot lever 5.1, 5.2 is mounted. The first sliding blocks 24.1, 24.2 are arranged on the respective pivot lever 5.1, 5.2 above the axes 9.1, 9.2, around which the pivot levers 5.1, 5.2 are pivotally mounted on the housing 2.

In addition to the second guide rails 21.1, 21.2, the control plate 20.3 has two notches 27.1, 27.2, which are arranged next to one another on a side of the control plate 20.3 facing forward. Two latches 28.1, 28.2 attached to the control lever 3 can engage in these two notches 27.1, 27.2. This can prevent the control plate 20.3 from moving in the transverse direction of the ski in the blocking position.

When the front automaton 1 is mounted, the spiral spring 36 is pre-tensioned between the piston 35 and the locking nut 37. To the rear, it is supported by the locking nut 37 and the adjusting screw 38 on an inner side of the housing 2. By turning the The preload of the spiral spring 36 can be adjusted by means of the adjusting screw 38, which moves the locking nut 37 forwards or backwards. Accordingly, the spiral spring 36 presses the piston 35 forwards with an adjustable force, where the piston 35 is supported against the control plate 20.3. For this purpose, the piston 35 has a laterally rounded, front end with a horizontal slot. In this slot, a round steel disk 40 is aligned horizontally and mounted so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis 41. The piston 35 abuts against this steel disk 40 in a laterally flattened recess 25 in the control plate 20.3. When the control plate 20.3 is moved sideways in the guide element 50, the steel disk 40 rolls along the corresponding flank of the laterally flattened recess 25 in the control plate 20.3 out of the recess 25 (see Figures 8a, 8b and 8c ). The piston 35 is pressed backwards against the preload of the spiral spring 36. Due to the flank of the recess 25 being aligned at an angle to the spring force, a restoring force is exerted on the control plate 20.3, which drives the control plate 20.3 back into a central position in the guide element 50, in which the steel disk 40 is located at a lowest point in the recess 25 of the control plate 20.3. Therefore, the strength of the restoring force can be adjusted by adjusting the preload of the spiral spring 36. As in the Figures 11a and 11b As shown, it is possible for the lateral flattened recess 25 to have a recess 42.1, 42.2 on each side, into which the steel disk 40 of the piston 35 can engage when the front automatic device 1 is in the safety release position. In this way, the restoring force acting on the control plate 20.3 can be minimized or completely eliminated in the safety release position.

The Figures 4a, 4b and 4c show three different views of the front machine 1 in the release position. In Figure 4a The front machine 1 is shown from below, with the base plate 30 and the guide element 50 (see Figure 3 ) are hidden. Figure 4b shows a vertical longitudinal section through the front automaton 1 along the middle of the ski and Figure 4c shows a vertical cross-section through the forced control 20, seen from the front.

As in Figure 4a As can be seen, the control plate 20.3 is shifted backwards relative to the two side levers 20.1, 20.2, as a result of which the second sliding blocks 22.1, 22.2 are located at a front end of the second sliding guides 21.1, 21.2. As the second sliding guides 21.1, 21.2 in the control plate 20.3 diverge from back to front, the two side levers 20.1, 20.2 are thereby moved apart. The two pivot levers 5.1, 5.2 are also pivoted apart accordingly. As the two side levers 20.1, 20.2 in the housing 2 are not mounted so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the ski, but only in the transverse direction of the ski, the control plate 20.3 in the housing 2 is shifted backwards into a rear position. The piston 35 is accordingly pressed backwards against the spiral spring 36.

Figure 4b shows that the control lever 3 is in the release position and that the tread 4 is pivoted upwards. It can also be seen that the tread 4 runs in its front area in the control lever 3 and has an upward-pointing shoulder 10, which with its rear edge rests against a downward-pointing counterpart 11 of the control lever 3. Therefore, the control lever 3 is pivoted upwards when the tread 4 is pressed downwards, or the tread 4 is pivoted upwards when the control lever 3 is pivoted downwards into the release position.

Further in the Figure 4b It can be seen that the control plate 20.3 is guided in the guide element 50 and that the piston 35 presses forwards from behind with the steel disk 40 against the control plate 20.3. The control plate 20.3 is held in its rear position by the guide element 50 with the front stop 52 abutting forwards against a detent 12 arranged on the control lever 3 (see also Figure 6d ).

In the cross section, which Figure 4c As shown, the bearing of the two pivot levers 5.1, 5.2 on the side levers 20.1, 20.2 can be seen. It can be seen that the first sliding blocks 24.1, 24.2 are located at an upper end of the first sliding block guides 23.1, 23.2. In one area of these upper ends, the first sliding block guides 23.1, 23.2 run a short distance in a vertical direction downwards. Then they bend outwards from the middle of the ski and run arched outwards and increasingly downwards. Further on, in Figure 4c It can be seen that the two side levers 20.1, 20.2 have notches 26.1, 26.2 in a lower area that run horizontally from the outside to the center of the ski. The axes 9.1, 9.2, around which the two pivot levers 5.1, 5.2 are pivotably mounted on the housing 2, run in these notches 26.1, 26.2. If the forced control 20 consisting of the two side levers 20.1, 20.2 and the control plate 20.3 is moved in the transverse direction of the ski, the notches 26.1, 26.2 are moved via the axes 9.1, 9.2 that are fixed to the ski on the housing 2.

The Figures 5a, 5b and 5c show the same views of the front machine 1 as the Figures 4a, 4b and 4c . In contrast to the Figures 4a, 4b and 4c The front machine 1 is in the Figures 5a, 5b and 5c but in the holding position.

In Figure 5a It can be seen that the control plate 20.3 and the piston 35 are slightly further forward in the holding position than in the release position (see Figure 4a ). Accordingly, the second sliding blocks 22.1, 22.2 are located in a middle area of the second sliding guides 21.1, 21.2. Since the second sliding guides 21.1, 21.2 diverge from the back to the front, the two side levers 20.1, 20.2 are pulled together slightly compared to the release position. Therefore, the two pivot levers 5.1, 5.2 are also pivoted together.

Figure 5b shows that the tread 4 is pivoted downwards around the transverse axis 7 and rests on the housing 2. It can also be seen that the control lever 3 is pivoted upwards slightly and is in the holding position. In comparison to the release position (see Figure 4b ) the piston 35 and the control plate 20.3 are slightly shifted forward. In contrast to the Figure 4b is here in Figure 5b the guide element 50 is hidden.

In cross section ( Figure 5c ) you can see how the two pivot levers 5.1, 5.2 are pivoted together, whereby the two retaining spurs 6.1, 6.2 are at the second distance from each other. As in the release position (see Figure 4c ), the first sliding blocks 24.1, 24.2 are located at the upper ends of the first sliding guides 23.1, 23.2. In contrast to the release position, however, as already mentioned, the two Side levers 20.1, 20.2 are pulled together. Accordingly, the axes 9.1, 9.2, around which the two pivot levers 5.1, 5.2 are pivotably mounted on the housing 2, are located somewhat further out in the notches 26.1, 26.2 of the two side levers 20.1, 20.2.

The Figures 6a, 6b and 6c show the same views of the front machine 1 as the Figures 4a, 4b and 4c or 5a, 5b and 5c. In the Figures 6a, 6b and 6c However, the front machine 1 is in the blocking position.

In the Figures 6a and 6c It can be seen that the two side levers 20.1, 20.2 and the control plate 20.3 are essentially in the same position as in the holding position (see Figures 5a and 5c ) are located. In addition, Figure 6b It can be seen that the control lever 3 is pivoted further upwards in the blocking position. It is in the blocking position. The tread 4 is pivoted downwards as in the holding position and rests on the housing 2. As a result, the shoulder 10 of the tread 4 is further forward under the control lever 3 and does not touch the counterpart 11 of the control lever 3.

Figure 6d shows similar to the Figure 6b a vertical longitudinal section through the front automatic device 1 in the blocking position. The vertical longitudinal section does not run along the middle of the ski, however, but is offset slightly from the middle of the ski to the side. It runs through one of the two arms of the guide element 50 running forwards and through the knob 51.2 arranged on this arm. This shows the ratchet 12, which is arranged on the control lever 3 in an area below the transverse axis 7. With this ratchet 12, the control lever 3 presses on the two knobs 51.2 of the arms of the guide element 50 pointing forwards. The further the control lever 3 is pulled upwards in the blocking position, the further the ratchet 12 is pulled over the knobs 51.2 of the guide element 50. The guide element 50 and the control plate 20.3 mounted therein are also pulled forwards in the longitudinal direction of the ski. As this causes the second sliding blocks 22.1, 22.2 to be pulled together by the second sliding guides 21.1, 21.2, the two side levers 20.1, 20.2 and the two pivot levers 5.1, 5.2 are further pulled together with the retaining spurs 6.1, 6.2 (see Figure 6a ). Therefore, in the blocking position, the Retaining spurs 6.1, 6.2 at a third distance from each other, which is the same size or smaller than the second distance. How large the third distance actually is depends on the ski boot which is stored in the front automatic device 1. In comparison to the holding position, in which holding spurs 6.1, 6.2 are at a second distance from each other, the two holding spurs 6.1, 6.2 are pulled together in the blocking position by pulling up the control lever 3 until they rest in the lateral bearing bushes of the ski boot. This resting prevents the control lever 3 from being pulled up any further via the pivoting levers 5.1, 5.2 and the forced control 20. How far the control lever 3 can be pulled up in the blocking position therefore depends on the width of the ski boot or on the distance between the lateral bearing bushes in the toe area of the ski boot.

This pulling together of the two retaining spurs 6.1, 6.2 in the blocking position can also be carried out by a slightly modified mechanism. For example, the arms of the guide element 50 running forwards can have a ratchet which runs essentially semicircularly towards the front and upwards, with the curve radius decreasing towards the top. In this modification, one knob can be arranged on each side of the control lever 3 in the area below the transverse axis 7. The control lever 3 can use these knobs to press on the two ratchets on the arms of the guide element 50 pointing forwards. The further the control lever 3 is pulled upwards in the blocking position, the further the knobs are pulled over the ratchets on the guide element 50. The curve radius of the ratchets tapering towards the top pulls the guide element 50 and the control plate 20.3 mounted therein forwards in the longitudinal direction of the ski. The two pivot levers 5.1, 5.2 can be pulled together with the retaining spurs 6.1, 6.2 via the second sliding guides 21.1, 21.2 and the second sliding blocks 22.1, 22.2.

In addition to pulling the two retaining spurs 6.1, 6.2 together in the blocking position, the two latches 28.2 are inserted into the corresponding notches 27.2 in the control plate 20.3 by pulling up the control lever 3 (see Figure 3 ). This blocks movement of the control plate 20.3 and thus of the entire forced control 20 in the transverse direction of the ski.

If the control lever 3 is swung downwards from the blocking position into the holding position, the detent 12 is moved backwards away from the knobs 51.2 of the guide element 50. In doing so, the detent 12 hits the first stop 52 of the guide element 50. If the control lever 3 is now swung further downwards into the release position, the detent 12 presses the first stop 52 backwards. As a result, the guide element 50 with the control plate 20.3 mounted therein is moved backwards against the piston 35 and against the preload of the spiral spring 36 (see Figure 4b ).

The Figures 7a, 7b and 7c each show a vertical cross-section through the front automatic device 1, seen from the front, running through the forced control 20, and a schematically shown section through a lower area of the ski boot 100. The sequence of figures illustrates a lateral safety release of the front automatic device 1. In the illustration, the ski boot 100 is released from the front automatic device 1 to the right. Viewed in the forward direction, the movement of the ski boot 100 is to the left. Here, however, the terms "right" and "left" refer to the illustration shown.

In the Figure 7a The front machine 1 is in the holding position. The illustration corresponds to the Figure 5c shown representation of the front automatic device 1. The additional schematic representation of the ski boot 100 shows how the ski boot 100 is mounted in the front automatic device 1. This shows that a lower area of the sole of the ski boot 100 almost touches the control plates 8.1, 8.2 of the two pivot levers 5.1, 5.2. The forced control 20 consisting of the control plate 20.3 and the two side levers 20.1, 20.2 is located snugly centered in the front automatic device 1. As already described, the forced control 20 can be moved in the transverse direction of the ski in the holding position. (This movement is blocked in the blocking position.) During such a movement, the two pivot levers 5.1, 5.2 are coupled within a dynamic range and pivoted in the transverse direction of the ski about the axes 9.1, 9.2. As a result, the two retaining spurs 6.1, 6.2 are coupled at a second distance from each other and moved on a dynamic path in the transverse direction of the ski. This is shown in the Figure 7b shown. Here the front machine 1 is still in the holding position. The However, the two pivot levers 5.1, 5.2 are pivoted to the right almost to one end of the dynamic range and the forced control 20 is moved almost to one end of a forced control path. Since the two pivot levers 5.1, 5.2 are pivoted to the right, the two retaining spurs 6.1, 6.2 are also moved together with the ski boot 100 almost to one end of a dynamic path. In this position, the lower area of the sole of the ski boot 100 touches the control bracket 8.1 of the corresponding pivot lever 5.1 on the right. By striking the control bracket 8.1, the retaining spur 6.1 of this pivot lever 5.1 is just released from the corresponding bearing bush 101.1 of the ski boot 100. Accordingly, the retaining spur 6.1 cannot dig into the bearing bush 101.1 of the ski boot 100 and also cannot prevent the ski boot 100 from becoming detached from the front automatic device 1 by getting caught on the sole of the ski boot 100.

In the state in which the forced control 20 is centered, the first two sliding blocks 24.1, 24.2 are located essentially above the axes 9.1, 9.2, around which the two pivot levers 5.1, 5.2 can be pivoted ( Figure 7a ). When the forced control 20 is moved to the right, the two swivel levers 5.1, 5.2 are swiveled to the right. As in Figure 7b As shown, the first two sliding blocks 24.1, 24.2 are also pivoted to the right. Due to their arrangement relative to the axes 9.1, 9.2, the first two sliding blocks 24.1, 24.2 are also moved slightly downwards. Therefore, they are no longer at the upper end, but between the upper end and the bend of the first sliding block guides 23.1, 23.2.

If the forced control 20 is moved to the right to the end of the forced control path and the two pivot levers 5.1, 5.2 are pivoted to the right to one end of the dynamic range, the first two sliding blocks 24.1, 24.2 are in the bend of the first sliding block guides 23.1, 23.2. In this case, due to the geometry of the first sliding block guides 23.1, 23.2, the first sliding block 24.2 of the left pivot lever 5.2 hits the first sliding block guide 23.2 of the corresponding side lever 20.2 and thus prevents the forced control 20 from moving further to the right. At the same time, the forced control 20 is moved so far to the right that the first sliding block 24.1 of the right pivot lever 5.1 is pushed from the bend into the first guide rail 23.1 is released and can move freely in the curved section of the first guide rail 23.1 of the corresponding side lever 20.1. This allows the right pivot lever 5.1 to tilt freely downwards, which puts the front automat 1 in a safety release position ( Figure 7c ). When the right pivot lever 5.1 is tilted away, the ski boot 100 is released from the front automatic device 1.

The Figures 8a, 8b and 8c illustrate how the Figures 7a, 7b and 7c a lateral safety release of the front automatic device 1. The front automatic device 1 is in the same positions in the illustrations as in the illustrations of the Figures 7a, 7b and 7c . The Figures 8a, 8b and 8c However, they show the front machine 1 from below, with the base plate 30 and the guide element 50 (see Figure 3 ) are hidden.

The Figure 8a equals to Figure 5a . It shows the forced control 20 consisting of the control plate 20.3 and the two side levers 20.1, 20.2 centered in the front machine 1. The Figure 8b shows the forced control 20 in a position close to the end of the forced control path. Accordingly, the two pivot levers 5.1, 5.2 are pivoted almost to the end of the dynamic range. The Figure 8c the forced control 20 at the end of the forced control path. The two pivot levers 5.1, 5.2 are pivoted to the end of the dynamic range, whereby the pivot lever 5.1, which is in the pivoting direction, is released by the forced control 20 and tilted downwards.

As already mentioned in connection with the Figure 3 described, the control plate 20.3 has a laterally flattened recess 25. Since the control plate 20.3 in the Figures 8b and 8c is moved sideways from its central position, the piston 35 is pressed backwards from the corresponding flank of the recess 25 in the control plate 20.3 out of the recess 25 against the preload of the spiral spring 36. Due to the flank of the recess 25 being aligned at an angle to the spring force, a restoring force is exerted on the control plate 20.3, which drives the control plate 20.3 back to its central position. This restoring force and the path that a ski boot stored in the front automatic device 1 travels from its central position to the end of the dynamic path provide a maximum energy, which the front automatic device 1 can absorb without a lateral safety release occurring. This maximum energy can be set by pre-tensioning the spiral spring 36 by means of the adjusting screw 38 and the locking nut 37.

The side safety release, which is in the Figures 7a, 7b, 7c , as well as 8a, 8b and 8c, can also be done on the other side, not shown here. The release process is the same.

The front automat 1 not only allows a lateral safety release, but also a release in the forward direction. This front release can take place when the front automat 1 is in the holding position or in the blocking position. To illustrate this, the Figure 9 a vertical longitudinal section through the front automatic device 1 in the blocking position. A ski boot 100 is stored in the front automatic device 1. A heel of the ski boot 100 is free, whereby the ski boot 100 can be pivoted upwards with the heel. The ski boot 100 is shown tilted forwards, with a toe area 102 of the ski boot 100 touching the control lever 3. If a skier who uses a front automatic device 1 falls forwards, the ski boot 100 can be pushed further than in the Figure 9 shown. If the front automat 1 is tilted forwards as shown in Figure 9 shown is in the blocking position, in the event of such a fall the control lever 3 is pressed down by the toe area 102 of the ski boot 100 from the blocking position into the holding position, as a result of which the front automatic device 1 is moved from the blocking position into the holding position. If the ski boot is now tilted further forwards, the control lever 3 is pressed down a little further. The two pivot levers 5.1, 5.2 are pivoted apart and the ski boot 100 is released from the front automatic device 1. For this to happen, the control lever 3 does not have to be pushed all the way from the holding position into the release position and the front automatic device 1 does not have to be moved completely into the release position. It is sufficient if the ski boot 100 presses the control lever 3 down a little from the holding position and the two pivot levers 5.1, 5.2 are pivoted apart a little.

The front automatic device 1 can be used in a touring binding system together with a heel automatic device (not shown). In such a system, the heel automatic device should enable storage of the ski boot 100 in a heel area. Accordingly, such a system enables a downhill position in which the front automatic device 1 is in the holding position and in which the ski boot 100 is stored in its toe area in the front automatic device 1 and in its heel area on the heel automatic device. Furthermore, such a touring binding system enables an ascent position in which the ski boot 100 is stored in the front automatic device 1 and released by the heel automatic device. In this ascent position, the front automatic device 1 can be in the holding position or in the blocking position. In both positions, it enables a pivoting movement of the ski boot 100 about a transverse axis of the ski and accordingly enables a walking movement of a skier.

As described above, the front automatic mechanism 1 enables a lateral safety release in the holding position. If a ski boot 100 is stored in a touring binding system with the front automatic mechanism 1 and the touring binding system is in the downhill position, the touring binding system enables a lateral safety release. If, for example, the ski boot 100 is stored on the heel automatic mechanism by holding spurs pointing from back to front, the ski boot 100 can perform a rotary movement in the event of such a lateral safety release. It is first released laterally from the front automatic mechanism 1 while it is still held by the holding spurs of the heel automatic mechanism. As soon as the ski boot 100 is released from the front automatic mechanism 1, it can also be released from the heel automatic mechanism by moving or rotating it away from the holding spurs of the heel automatic mechanism. Accordingly, a lateral safety release option via the heel automatic mechanism is no longer necessary. It is sufficient if the heel unit enables a safety release in the forward direction.

The front automat 1 is optimized for a lateral safety release in a touring binding system where the heel automat does not allow a lateral safety release. This optimization is in the Figure 10 which shows a view of the front machine 1 in the holding position with the safety shoe 100 held therein, illustrated. In the Figure 10 Two dashed lines are shown along which the axes 9.1, 9.2 (see Figure 3 ), around which the two pivot levers 5.1, 5.2 can be pivoted. These two straight lines 15.1, 15.2 run backwards at an angle of 6 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the ski and intersect at a point 16 in the heel area of the ski boot 100. Since the heel mechanism does not allow a lateral safety release, the ski boot 100 is rotated about a vertical axis near point 16 in the event of a lateral safety release until it is released from the front mechanism 1. As a result, the pivoting movement of the pivot lever 5.1, 5.2 located in the direction of movement runs perpendicular to the direction of movement of the ski boot 100. Accordingly, the alignment of the axes 9.1, 9.2 is optimized for a rotary movement of the ski boot 100 in the event of a lateral safety release.

As can be seen from the Figures 8a, 8b and 8c As can be seen, this optimization results in the two side levers 20.1, 20.2 of the forced control 20 not being aligned along a straight line running at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the ski. They are each aligned at right angles to the corresponding axis 9.1, 9.2 and thus deviate by 6 degrees from a straight line that is aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the ski.

Similar to the Figures 8a and 8b show the Figures 11a and 11b the front automaton 1 in the holding position or in a position in which the forced control 20 is at the end of the forced control path. The front automaton 1 is shown from below in each case, with the base plate 30 and the guide element 50 hidden. Figure 11c again shows the front machine 1 in the holding position from below, whereby the base plate 30 is hidden, while the guide element 50 is shown.

The front machine 1, which is in the Figures 11a, 11b and 11c has two differences compared to the previously shown front automaton 1. These differences illustrate further design options for the front automaton 1. The first difference is that the piston 35 is guided by a knob in a cut in the guide element 50 aligned in the longitudinal direction of the ski (see Figure 11c ). Since the I<bolben 35 is guided at the top and bottom in the longitudinal direction of the ski, the I<bolben 35 is guided better in the longitudinal direction of the ski, so that a better Power transmission from the piston 35 to the control plate 20.3 is achieved, thereby minimising friction losses. The second difference is that the laterally flattened recess 25 has a recess 42.1, 42.2 on each side, into which the steel disk 40 of the piston 35 can engage when the front automat 1 is in the safety release position (see Figures 11a and 11b b). In this way, the restoring force acting on the control plate 20.3 can be minimized or completely eliminated in the safety release position. Accordingly, the pivoting of the corresponding pivot lever 5.1 is made easier, since the minimized or eliminated restoring force also minimizes or eliminates the frictional resistance for the pivoting movement of the pivot lever 5.1.

The Figures 12a, 12b and 12c show a similar view of the front machine 1 as the Figures 11a, 11b and 11c , whereby the Figures 12a, 12b and 12c but illustrate another possible design. Here the piston 35 does not have a steel disk 40 at its tip. Instead of the steel disk 40, a pivoting element 43 is arranged between the piston 35 and the control plate 20.3. This pivoting element 43 is pivotally mounted in its center about a vertically aligned pivot axis 44. To the front it has a rounded, first foot 45.1, which engages in the laterally flattened recess 25 of the control plate 20.3. On both sides of the center of the ski, the pivoting element also has a second and third foot 45.2, 45.3, each facing backwards, behind the pivot axis 44. When the forced control 20 is in the middle of the forced control path, these two feet 45.2, 45.3 are supported backwards against the piston 35 (see Figure 12a ). When the forced control 20 is moved along the forced control path, the first foot 45.1 of the swivel element 43 is moved along with it, whereby the swivel element 43 is swiveled about its axis 44 (see Figure 12b ). The foot 45.2 of the swivel element which lies in the direction of movement of the positive control 20 presses the piston 35 backwards, while the other foot 45.3 no longer touches the piston 35. Since the swivel element 43 is thereby subjected to the forward-directed force via this one foot 45.2 by the piston 35, a torque acts on the swivel element 43 which drives the positive control 20 back in the middle of the positive control path via the first foot 45.1 of the swivel element 43.

When the forced control 20 is moved to one end of the forced control path, the second or third foot 45.2, 45.3 of the swivel element 43 touching the piston 25 engages in a corresponding recess 46.1, 46.2 in the front of the piston 35 ( Figure 12b ). This minimizes or eliminates the force transmission between the piston 35 and the swivel element 43, whereby the restoring force acting on the positive control 20 is also minimized or completely eliminated. Accordingly, the pivoting away of the corresponding swivel lever 5.1, 5.2 is made easier, since the minimized or eliminated restoring force also minimizes or eliminates frictional resistance for the swivel movement.

In the Figure 12c the front automaton 1 is shown in the holding position from below, with the base plate 30 hidden, while the guide element 50 is shown. This shows that in this embodiment the pivot axis 44 of the pivot element 43 is mounted in the guide element 50, but the pivot axis 44 can move slightly in the longitudinal direction of the ski. This ensures that in the blocking position the piston 35 together with the pivot element 43 can follow the movement of the control plate 20.3 (here hidden by the guide element 50) slightly in the longitudinal direction of the ski.

The Figures 13a and 13b each show a vertical cross-section through the front machine 1, seen from the front, through the forced control 20. In both figures, the forced control 20 of the front machine 1 is located at one end of the forced control path. In the Figure 13a is the one in the Figures 11a, 11b and 11c shown execution option, while in the Figure 13b that in the Figures 12a, 12b and 12c shown. Both differ from the previously described design options in that the curved sections of the first sliding guides 23.1, 23.2 become wider towards the bottom. This allows the first sliding blocks 24.1, 24.3 to move in the curved section of the first sliding guides 23.1, 23.2 with less frictional resistance. This makes it easier to move the corresponding pivot lever 5.1, 5.2 away in the safety release position.

Regardless of the Figures 11a, 11b, 11c , 12a, 12b and 12c This widening of the curved sections of the first guide rails 23.1, 23.2 can also be used in the Figures 1 - 10 The design option of the front machine 1 shown can be provided. It is possible for the first guide rails 23.1, 23.2 to become wider towards the bottom as shown here, or for them to be constantly wider over the entire arched sections than at their upper ends.

In comparison to the embodiments shown in the previous figures, the retaining spurs 6.1, 6.2, which are shown in the Figures 13a, 13b shown, have more rounded free ends. This means that the ski boot can be released more easily from the front automatic device 1 in the event of a lateral safety release. However, this slightly impairs the storage of the ski boot in the front automatic device 1. Accordingly, it is possible that the shape of the free ends of the retaining spurs 6.1, 6.2 in the front automatic device 1 is optimized between optimal storage of the ski boot and optimal release of the ski boot from the front automatic device 1. It should be mentioned that the retaining means can also be designed completely differently than the retaining spurs 6.1, 6.2 shown here.

The Figures 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d each show an oblique view of another front machine 201 according to the invention. In Figure 14a This front machine 201 is shown in the release position. In the Figures 14b and 14c the front automaton 201 is shown in the holding position, with the forced control 220 in the Figure 14b is in the middle of the forced control path, while in Figure 14c is located at one end of the forced control path. In contrast, the front automat 201 is in the Figure 14d shown in the safety release position. In all four Figures 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d the front automaton 201 is aligned diagonally from top right to bottom left. If the front automaton 201 is mounted on a SI<i (not shown), in these figures the top right of the SI<i corresponds to the back, while the bottom left of the SI<i corresponds to the front. Therefore, in these figures the longitudinal direction of the ski runs along an axis from top right to bottom left. Furthermore, in the Figures 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d top and bottom also on the front machine 201 top and bottom.

The front automaton 201 according to the invention shown here differs from the previously described front automaton 1 according to the invention in that the axes (see Figure 15 ) of the two pivot levers 205.1, 205.2 are mounted on the forced control 220 and that the forced control 220 in the holding position together with the two pivot levers 205.1, 205.2 is essentially movable in the transverse direction of the ski along the forced control path. Accordingly, in Figure 14c It can be seen that the two pivot levers 205.1, 205.2 together with the forced control 220 are opposite the middle of the forced control path ( Figure 14b ) are displaced along a linear path in the cross-ski direction. As in Figure 14d As can be seen, in the front automatic device 201 shown here, the pivoting lever 205.1 located in the direction of movement of the forced control 220 can also be tilted away in the safety release position, whereby a ski boot held in the front automatic device 201 (not shown here) can be released.

Figure 15 shows an exploded view of the Figures 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d Front machines shown 201. In contrast to the Figures 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d However, the perspective of the representation is different. For example, "back" in Figure 15 bottom right, while "front" is at the top left.

In the Figure 15 it can be seen that the front machine 201 comprises a substantially flat base plate 230, which closes off the housing 202, which is otherwise open at the bottom. This base plate 230 can be made of metal or of another material such as plastic. On both sides of a strip running in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 230 there are elevations 217.1, 217.2 on the base plate 230, which serve as guides for the positive control 220 and for a guide element 250. The base plate 230 has four vertically aligned openings 231.1, 231.2, 231.3, 231.4 in a substantially square arrangement. When the front machine 201 is assembled, these openings 231.1, 231.2, 231.3, 231.4 are located in correspondence with four vertically aligned openings 232.1, 232.2, 232.3, 232.4 in the housing 202. In the housing 202, one of these openings 232.1, 232.2, 232.3, 232.4 is located in front of and behind the pivot levers 205.1, 205.2. They are used to attach the front automat 201 to a SI<i by means of screws.

Several elements are arranged in an interior of the front automatic device 201, which is enclosed by the housing 202 and the base plate 230. For example, in a rear area of the housing 202 in the middle of the ski there is a piston 235 made of plastic. This piston 235 is aligned in the longitudinal direction of the ski and guided in the longitudinal direction of the ski. In its rear area the piston 235 has an opening into which a spiral spring 236 aligned in the longitudinal direction of the ski is inserted. This spiral spring 236 abuts with its rear end against a locking nut 237 which is screwed with a thread onto an adjusting screw 238 aligned in the longitudinal direction of the ski. When the front automatic device 201 is assembled, a head of the adjusting screw 238 is mounted in an opening 239 in a rear-facing side wall of the housing 202. The adjusting screw 238 can be rotated from the outside through the opening 239.

In front of the piston 235, the guide element 250 made of steel, aluminum or plastic is mounted on the base plate 230 in the housing 202. This guide element 250 has a bearing bush in a rear area for mounting a second vertical axis 249 and in a front area on both sides an upward-pointing knob 251.1, 251.2. Furthermore, the guide element 250 has, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the ski, in a central area a plate which is aligned vertically and in the transverse direction of the ski and forms a front stop 252, which delimits a central area 253 of the guide element 250 towards the front. This central area 253 is plate-shaped and aligned horizontally. It has an arm 254.1, 254.1 on both sides, which are directed laterally from the front to the rear. The forced control 220 is mounted on the central area 253 so that it can move in the transverse direction of the ski. It is guided between the front stop 252 and the second vertical axis 249 and is accordingly prevented from moving in the longitudinal direction of the ski relative to the guide element 250.

As can be seen in the exploded view, the forced control 220 comprises two side levers 220.1, 220.2, a swivel element 220.3 and a slide 220.4. The slide 220.4 is between the guide element 250 at the bottom and the housing 202 at the top and is mounted so as to be movable at the front and rear in the transverse direction of the ski. It comprises an essentially flat, horizontally oriented upper surface and a surface at the front and rear each oriented essentially vertically in the transverse direction of the ski. Therefore, a vertical cross-section in the longitudinal direction of the ski through the carriage 220.4 has an n-shaped shape that is open at the bottom and flattened at the top. When the front automatic device 201 is assembled, the pivoting element 220.3 is arranged so as to extend from the rear below the upper surface of the carriage 220.4. The pivoting element 220.3 is pivotable in its front region by a first vertical axis 248 in a horizontal plane and is mounted on the carriage 220.4 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the ski. In order to facilitate the pivoting movement of the pivoting element 220.3, the first vertical axis 248 has a roller that rotates around the first vertical axis 248. Viewed in the transverse direction of the ski, on both sides of the pivot element 220.3, one of the two side levers 220.1, 220.2 is mounted on the slide 220.4 below the upper surface of the carriage 220.4 in the transverse direction of the ski. In addition, the two side levers 220.1, 220.2 are each mounted on the pivot element 220.3 by a second sliding guide 221.1, 221.2 in the pivot element 220.3 with a second sliding block 222.1, 222.2 mounted therein and arranged on the corresponding side lever 220.1, 220.2. These two second sliding blocks 222.1, 222.2 each comprise a roller which encloses the cylindrical core of the corresponding second sliding block 222.1, 222.2. These rollers serve to ensure that the second sliding blocks 222.1, 222.2 can be moved with less friction losses in the corresponding second sliding block guide 221.1, 221.2.

The second link guides 221.1, 221.2 are arranged in such a way that they allow a movement of the pivoting element 220.3 in the longitudinal direction of the ski relative to the rest of the forced control 220 and thus the side levers 220.1, 220.2 as well as a rotational movement of the pivoting element 220.3 relative to the rest of the forced control 220 and thus the side levers 220.1, 220.2. When the pivoting element 220.3 rotates, the two side levers 220.1, 220.2 are kept at the same distance from each other, while they are pushed apart or pulled together by a relative movement in the longitudinal direction of the ski. The pulling together is carried out by the two arms 254.1, 254.2 of the central region 253 of the guide element 250. which can also interact with the second sliding blocks 222.1, 222.2 when the guide element 250 is moved backwards.

At the two lateral ends of the slide 220.4, in an upper area, one of the two pivot levers 205.1, 205.2 is mounted so as to be pivotable about an axis 209.1, 209.2. These two axes 209.1, 209.2 are arranged in a plane parallel to the slide, with two straight lines defined by the two axes 209.1, 209.2 being aligned almost parallel to the ski and converging towards the rear at an angle of approximately 6 degrees. In a lower area below the axes 209.1, 209.3, the two pivot levers 205.1, 205.2 are mounted on the outer ends of the side levers 220.1, 220.2. For this purpose, the two pivot levers 205.1, 205.2 each have a first sliding block 224.1, 224.2 at their lower ends, which each has a cylindrical cross-section and is aligned parallel to the axis 209.1, 209.3 of the corresponding lever 205.1, 205.1. These two first sliding blocks 224.1, 224.2 are each mounted in a first sliding block guide 223.1, 223.2 of the corresponding side lever 220.1, 220.2 in the holding position and in the release position.

The carriage 220.4 has two notches 227.1, 227.2 on its front, upper side edge. Two latches 228.1, 228.2 attached to the control lever 203 can engage in these two notches 227.1, 227.2. This can prevent the carriage 220.4 from moving in the transverse direction of the ski in the blocking position.

When the front automatic device 201 is in the holding position, the carriage 220.4 can be moved in the cross-ski direction along the forced control path. The two side levers 220.1, 220.2 and the two pivot levers 205.1, 205.2 are also moved with the carriage 220.4. At the same time, the pivot element 220.3, which is mounted in its front area by the first axis 248 on the carriage 220.4 and in its rear area by the second axis 249 on the guide element 250, is pivoted along the forced control path. This moves the two second sliding blocks 222.1, 222.2 in the second sliding guides 221.1, 221.2, with the two side levers 220.1, 220.2 being kept at the same distance from each other.

When the front automatic device 201 is assembled, the spiral spring 236 is pre-tensioned between the piston 235 and the locking nut 237. To the rear, it is supported by the locking nut 237 and the adjusting screw 238 on an inner side of the housing 202. By turning the adjusting screw 238, which moves the locking nut 237 forwards or backwards, the pre-tension of the spiral spring 236 can be adjusted. Accordingly, the spiral spring 236 presses the piston 235 forwards with an adjustable force, where the piston 235 is supported against the pivot element 220.3. For this purpose, the piston 235 has a front end with two laterally chamfered, vertically aligned surfaces which fit into a V-shaped recess in the rear end of the pivot element 220.3. When the carriage 220.4 is in the middle of the forced control path, the pivoting element 220.3 is aligned in the longitudinal direction of the ski and the piston 235 presses into the V-shaped recess in the rear end of the pivoting element 220.3. When the carriage 220.4 is moved sideways along the forced control path, the pivoting element 220.3 is pivoted sideways as described. As a result, the V-shaped recess in the rear end of the pivoting element 220.3 is also pivoted, with a flank of the V-shaped recess, which lies in the direction of movement of the forced control 220, being pressed against the piston 235. This forces the piston 235 backwards and exerts a restoring force on the pivoting element 220.3, which drives the pivoting element 220.3 back into an orientation parallel to the longitudinal direction of the ski and the carriage 220.4 back into a central position of the positive control path. Therefore, by adjusting the preload of the spiral spring 236, the strength of the restoring force can be adjusted.

The Figures 16a and 16b each show an enlarged section of the Figure 15 shown exploded view of the front automaton 201. It shows one of the two pivot levers 205.1, 205.2, the retaining spur 206.1, 206.2 arranged in the upper area of the corresponding pivot lever 205.1, 205.2, the associated axle 209.1, 209.2, and the associated side lever 220.1, 220.2. This shows that the pivot levers 205.1, 205.2 have a width in the longitudinal direction of the ski which corresponds to approximately three times the length of the cylindrical first sliding blocks 224.1, 224.2. It can also be seen that the cylindrical first Slide blocks 224.1, 224.2 are arranged in the middle of the pivot levers 205.1, 205.2 when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the ski. In front of and behind the respective cylindrical first slide block 224.1, 224.2, the lower ends of the pivot levers 205.1, 205.2 reach to slightly below the cylindrical first slide blocks 224.1, 224.2 and form a stop 218.1, 218.2 on their side facing the middle of the ski. These two stops 218.1, 218.2 can also be seen as part of the first slide blocks 224.1, 224.2. When mounted, they face an opposite stop 219.1, 219.2 on the corresponding side lever 220.1, 220.2 in both the holding position and the release position.

Furthermore, in the enlarged sections of the Figures 16a and 16b It can be seen that the two side levers 220.1, 220.2, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the ski, also have a width which corresponds to approximately three times the length of the cylindrical first sliding blocks 224.1, 224.2. It can also be seen that the two side levers 220.1, 220.2 have an upwardly open hook on their side facing away from the center of the ski in the lower area, which is part of the first sliding block guide 223.1, 223.2. These hooks, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the ski, have an extension which essentially corresponds to the length of the cylindrical first sliding blocks 224.1, 224.2 and are each arranged in the middle of the corresponding side lever 220.1, 220.2, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the ski. On both sides of the hooks, the two side levers 220.1, 220.2 each have a vertically aligned surface in the lower area on their side facing away from the center of the ski, which form the stops 219.1, 219.2 of the first link guides 223.1, 223.2. Above these lower areas, the two side levers 220.1, 220.2 each have a surface with a concave, essentially quarter-cylindrical curvature on their side facing away from the center of the ski. These curvatures run from the bottom outside upwards towards the center of the ski.

In the assembled state, the cylindrical first sliding blocks 224.1, 224.2 are mounted in the hooks of the first sliding block guides 223.1, 223.2 both in the holding position and in the release position. At the same time, the stops 218.1, 218.2 of the pivot levers 205.1, 205.2 are arranged opposite the stops 219.1, 219.2 of the side levers 220.1, 220.2. Accordingly, in the holding position and In the release position, a force acting outwards from the center of the ski on one of the retaining spurs 206.1, 206.2 creates a torque on the pivot levers 205.1, 205.2 mounted on the axes 209.1, 209.2, whereby the lower areas of the pivot levers 205.1, 205.2 are pressed towards the center of the ski. The stops 218.1, 218.2 of the pivot levers 205.1, 205.2 are pressed against the stops 219.1, 219.2 of the side levers 220.1, 220.2 and the pivot levers 205.1, 205.2 can be prevented from pivoting by the side levers 220.1, 220.1.

In Figure 16b It can also be seen that the pivot levers 205.2 each have a control bar 208.2 below the holding spur 206.2. In the embodiment shown here, the control bars 208.2 are a substantially rectangular block which is arranged on the side of the respective pivot lever 205.2 facing the middle of the ski, with a longitudinal axis of the control bars 208.2 being aligned pointing from the holding spur 206.2 to the axis 209.2.

The Figures 17a and 17b each show a cross-section through the front machine 201 in the release position. In Figure 17a the cross section runs vertically in the cross direction of the ski and a sectional view from the front is shown. In Figure 17b In contrast, the cross-section runs in a horizontal direction and a sectional view from below is shown.

Figure 17a shows that in the front automatic device 201, the two pivot levers 205.1, 205.2 are pivoted apart in the release position so that the two retaining spurs 206.1, 206.2 are at the first distance from each other. Since the cross section, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the ski, runs through a center of the side levers 220.1, 220.2 and the leg levers 205.1, 205.2, it can be seen how the cylindrical first guide stones 224.1, 224.2 are mounted in the hooks of the first guide guides 223.1, 223.2. Since the two side levers 220.1, 220.2 are moved towards each other, the lower areas of the pivot levers 205.1, 205.2 are moved towards each other and the retaining spurs 206.1, 206.2 located above the axes 209.1, 209.2 are moved apart.

In Figure 17b It can also be seen that the two side levers 220.1, 220.2 are moved towards each other. It can also be seen that the swivel element 220.3 is rear (which corresponds to the right in the figure) and is pressed against the piston 235. In front of the front end of the pivot element 220.3, a groove 225 aligned in the longitudinal direction of the ski can be seen in the underside of the carriage 220.4. In this groove 225, an upper end of the first vertical axis 248 is mounted so that it can rotate about a vertical axis and can be displaced in the longitudinal direction of the ski. This makes it possible for the pivot element 220.3 to be displaced in the longitudinal direction of the ski relative to the rest of the forced control 220, the first vertical axis 248 being moved along with the carriage 220.4 when the carriage 220.4 is moved in the transverse direction of the ski.

Next shows Figure 17b that the pivoting element 220.3 is moved so far back in the release position that a front end of the pivoting element 220.3 is moved almost behind the two second sliding blocks 222.1, 222.2 and that therefore the two second sliding blocks 222.1, 222.2 are released by the second sliding block guides 221.1, 221.2 of the pivoting element 220.3 for a movement sideways away from the center of the ski. Accordingly, in this position the side levers 220.1, 220.2 are not moved so far towards the center of the ski by the second sliding block guides 221.1, 221.2. In the embodiment shown here, this task is performed by the Figure 15 shown two arms 254.1, 254.2 of the guide element 250, which is also moved backwards. Due to the sectional view in Figure 17b However, the guide element 250 cannot be seen. In principle, however, it is possible that in another embodiment the two second guide rails 221.1, 221.2 of the pivot element 220.3 extend further forward and also keep the second guide rails 222.1, 222.2 and thus the two side levers 220.1, 220.2 pulled together in the release position. In such an embodiment, however, the geometry of the pivot element 220.3 must be adapted so that the pivot element 220.3 can continue to fulfill the other functions described below.

The Figures 18a and 18b each show a cross-section through the front automaton 201 in the holding position, with the forced control 220 located in the middle of the forced control path. In Figure 18a the cross section runs vertically in the cross direction of the ski and a sectional view from the front is shown. In figure 18b In contrast, the cross-section runs in a horizontal direction and a sectional view from below is shown.

Figure 18a shows that in the front automatic device 201, the two pivot levers 205.1, 205.2 are pivoted together in the holding position, so that the two holding spurs 206.1, 206.2 are at a second distance from each other. Since the cross section, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the ski, runs through a center of the side levers 220.1, 220.2 and the leg levers 205.1, 205.2, it can be seen how the cylindrical first sliding blocks 224.1, 224.2 are also mounted in the hooks of the first sliding block guides 223.1, 223.2 in the holding position. In addition, it can be seen that, in contrast to the release position, the two side levers 220.1, 220.2 and thus the lower areas of the pivot levers 205.1, 205.2 are moved apart, while the retaining spurs 206.1, 206.2 located above the axes 209.1, 209.2 are moved together.

Also in Figure 18b It can be seen that the two side levers 220.1, 220.2 are moved away from each other. In addition, Figure 18b It can be seen that the pivoting element 220.3 is moved further forwards compared to the release position (which corresponds to the left in the figure) and that the piston 235 is also moved further forwards. In this position of the pivoting element 220.3, the two second sliding blocks 222.1, 222.2 are guided in the second sliding block guides 221.1, 221.2 of the pivoting element 220.3 and are prevented from moving in the transverse direction of the ski relative to one another. Since the two second sliding block guides 221.1, 221.2 diverge from front to back laterally away from the center of the ski, in this position the second sliding blocks 222.1, 222.2 and thus the side levers 220.1, 220.2 are moved apart compared to the release position.

The Figures 19a and 19b show how the Figures 18a and 18b a cross-section through the front machine 201 in the holding position. In Figure 19a the cross section runs vertically in the cross direction of the ski and a sectional view from the front is shown. In Figure 19b In contrast, the cross section runs horizontally and a sectional view from below is shown. In contrast to the Figures 18a and 18b In the illustrations shown here, the override control 220 is located almost at one end of the override control path.

Figure 19a shows that in the front machine 201 in the holding position with the forced control 220, almost at one end of the forced control path, the two pivot levers 205.1, 205.2 are also pivoted together and that the two holding spurs 206.1, 206.2 are also at the second distance from each other. It can also be seen that the cylindrical first sliding blocks 224.1, 224.2 are still mounted in the hooks of the first sliding guides 223.1, 223.2 and that the two side levers 220.1, 220.2 are also still moved apart, whereby the lower areas of the pivot levers 205.1, 205.2 are moved apart, while the holding spurs 206.1, 206.2 located above the axes 209.1, 209.2 are moved together.

In Figure 19b it can be seen that the pivoting element 220.3 is pivoted in the direction of movement of the carriage 220.4 when the carriage 220.4 is moved away from the center of the forced control path in the transverse direction of the ski. In order to enable this pivoting movement of the pivoting element 220.3, the pivoting element 220.3 is fixed in its front area to the first vertical axis 248 in the groove 225 (see Figure 17a ) on the carriage 220.4 and in its rear area on the second vertical axis 249 at the top in a groove 226 in the housing 202 running in the longitudinal direction of the ski and at the bottom on the guide element 250 (not visible here). Since the pivoting element 220.3 is pivotally mounted in the groove 225 in the carriage 220.4 as well as in the groove 226 in the housing 202 and is movable in the longitudinal direction of the ski, the pivoting element 220.3 is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the ski. The position of the pivoting element 220.3 in the longitudinal direction of the ski is controlled by the bearing of the lower end of the second vertical axis 249 in the guide element 250 by a corresponding positioning of the guide element 250 in the longitudinal direction of the ski (see also Figures 15 and 21a, 22 and 23a).

In order to keep the distance between the two second sliding blocks 222.1, 222.2 and thus the retaining spurs 206.1, 206.2 constant even during a movement of the forced control 220 along the forced control path and a related pivoting movement of the limb element 220.3, the two second sliding block guides 221.1, 221.2 run towards each other from the back to the front in a curved form. They extend on both sides of the first vertical axis 248 from behind the first vertical Axis 248 to the first vertical axis 248. If the swivel element 220.3 is as in Figure 19b shown is pivoted sideways relative to an alignment parallel to the longitudinal direction of the ski, the two second guide rails 221.1, 221.2 are pivoted accordingly. The second guide rail 221.2 arranged on the side opposite to the direction of movement of the carriage 220.4 is moved forwards, whereby the corresponding second guide rail 222.2 is located further back in the second guide rail 221.2. At the same time, in this position of the pivoting element 220.3, the second guide rail 221.1 located in the direction of movement of the carriage 220.4 is moved so far back that the corresponding second guide rail 222.2 is moved out of the second guide rail 221.1 and is located at the front end of the pivoting element 220.3. This front end of the swivel element 220.3 has a V-shaped recess extending to the rear, the flanks of this V-shape forming a front tip on both sides of the front end of the swivel element 220.3 as shown here. Figure 19b shown until it is pivoted almost to one end of the forced control path, the second sliding block 222.1 lying in the direction of movement of the carriage 220.4 is located exactly at the front tip, which lies in the direction of movement of the carriage 220.4. This second sliding block 222.1 is released from the corresponding second sliding block guide 221.1 and could be moved further in the direction of movement of the carriage 220.4. Such further movement would, however, result in the corresponding second side lever 220.1 also being moved in this direction, which in turn would pivot the corresponding pivot lever 205.1. This would result in the holding spur 206.1 on this pivot lever 205.1 being moved towards the middle of the ski, which would reduce the distance between the two holding spurs 206.1, 206.2. However, if a ski boot (not shown) is held in the front automatic device 201, the ski boot is held between the holding spurs 206.1, 206.2 and the two holding spurs 206.1, 206.2 cannot be moved closer to each other. Accordingly, the second sliding block 222.1 cannot be moved further in the direction of movement of the carriage 220.4 when the front automatic device 201 is in use, despite being released by the corresponding second sliding block guide 221.1.

The Figures 20a and 20b each show a cross-section through the front machine 201 in the safety release position. In Figure 20a the cross section runs vertically in the cross direction of the ski and a sectional view from the front is shown. In Figure 20b In contrast, the cross-section runs in a horizontal direction and a sectional view from below is shown.

Figure 20a shows that in the front automatic device 201, in the safety release position, the forced control 220 is moved to one end of the forced control path. The pivot lever 205.2, which is arranged on the side opposite this end of the forced control path, is in the same position as in the holding position (see Figures 18a and 19a ). The cylindrical first sliding block 224.2 of this pivot lever 205.2 is mounted in the hook of the corresponding first sliding block guide 223.2. In contrast to the holding position, however, the other of the two pivot levers 205.1 is pivoted downwards to the side, whereby the retaining spur 206.1 of this pivot lever 205.1 is moved away and a ski boot is released from the front automatic device 201. In the Figure 20a It can be seen that by pivoting the pivot lever 205.1 away, the first sliding block 224.1 of this pivot lever 205.1 is no longer mounted in the hook of the corresponding first sliding block guide 223.1, but is moved upwards towards the center of the ski along the concave, essentially quarter-cylindrical curved surface of the corresponding side lever 220.1.

In Figure 20b It can be seen that even in the safety release position the swivel element 220.3 is swiveled in the direction of movement of the slide 220.4. In contrast to the illustration in Figure 19b However, here the swivel element 220.3 is swiveled a little further, whereby the two second guide rails 221.1, 221.2 are also moved a little further. The second guide rail 221.2, which is arranged on the side opposite to the direction of movement of the carriage 220.4, is now moved so far forward that the corresponding second sliding block 222.2 strikes the rear end of the second guide rail 221.2. This striking action blocks further movement of the swivel element 220.3 and thus also of the carriage 220.4. At the same time, in this position of the swivel element 220.3, the The second sliding block 221.1, which is located in the direction of movement of the carriage 220.4, is moved so far to the rear that the corresponding second sliding block 222.1 is moved beyond the tip at the front end of the pivoting element 220.3. This makes it possible for the second sliding block 222.1 to be moved into the V-shaped recess in the front end of the pivoting element 220.3, which extends to the rear, as shown here. During such a movement, the entire corresponding side lever 220.1 with the first sliding block 223.1 arranged on it is moved towards the middle of the ski. This means that during this movement the first sliding block 224.1 of the corresponding pivot lever 205.1 is also moved towards the centre of the ski until the cylindrical first sliding block 224.1 is released from the hook of the first sliding block guide 223.1 and the lower end of the pivot lever 205.1 is released from the stop 219.1 (only in Figure 16a shown) and the swivel lever 205.1 can be swung completely to the side.

In the event of a lateral safety release, this movement of the side lever 220.1 and the pivot lever 205.1 is driven by a sideways force which acts on the ski boot held in the front automatic device 201. This means that in the event of a lateral safety release, the ski boot held in the front automatic device 201 is first pressed in the transverse direction of the ski, whereby the carriage 220.4 is moved to one end of the forced control path. During this movement, the ski boot remains held in the carriage 220.4, with energy being absorbed by the movement of the carriage 220.4 and the forced control 220 against the restoring force of the spiral spring 236. If the energy of an impact is greater than the energy that can be absorbed by the front automatic device 201, the ski boot still exerts a force on the pivot lever 205.1 lying in the direction of movement even when it has reached the end of the dynamic path. Because the side lever 220.1 belonging to this pivot lever 205.1 is released at the end of the forced control path from the pivot element 220.3 to the middle of the ski, the pivot lever 205.1 can be pushed further to the side away from the ski boot. When the pivot lever 205.1 is pushed away in this way, the ski boot is initially still held in the bearing bush in the ski boot by the retaining spur 206.1. However, as soon as the pivot lever 205.1 has reached a certain pivot angle, the control bar 208.1 of the pivot lever 205.1 begins to come into contact with the sole of the ski boot. to cooperate, whereby the retaining spur 206.1 is released from the bearing bush of the ski boot and the ski boot is released accordingly.

During this pivoting movement of the pivot lever 205.1, the second sliding block 222.1 of the side lever 220.1 is also pressed into the V-shaped recess at the front end of the pivot element 220.3. This mechanism has the effect that the second sliding block 222.1, due to its positioning in the V-shaped recess at the front end of the pivot element 220.3, prevents the pivot element 220.3 from snapping back into an orientation parallel to the longitudinal direction of the ski. Accordingly, in the safety release position, the forced control 220 consisting of the slide 220.4, the two side levers 220.1, 220.2 and the pivot element 220.3 is blocked. Despite this blocking of the forced control 220, the pivot lever 205.1 pivoted to the side can pivot freely between a position pivoted to the side and an almost upright position.

To bring the front automatic device 201 back from the safety release position to the holding position, it is sufficient to raise the swivel lever 205.1 which has been swung to the side. This causes the cylindrical first sliding block 224.1 to be swung downwards below the axis 209.1, where it meets the hook of the corresponding first sliding block guide 223.1 and, by interacting with this hook, pulls the side lever 220.1 sideways away from the center of the ski. This also pulls the second sliding block 222.1 of this side lever 220.1 out of the V-shaped recess at the front end of the swivel element 220.3, thereby releasing the swivel element 220.3. As soon as the pivoting element 220.3 is released in this way, the pivoting element 220.3 and the entire positive control 220 can be moved back to the center of the positive control path by the restoring force caused by the spiral spring 236.

The Figures 21a and 21b each show a vertical longitudinal cross-section through the front automaton 201 in the release position. In the Figure 21a the cross-section runs along the middle of the ski, while in the Figure 21b is slightly offset to the side of the ski. In both figures it can be seen that the control lever 203 in the release position is positioned with its free end facing forward in the longitudinal direction of the ski. and that the step spur 204 is aligned with its free end obliquely upwards and backwards from the housing 202. Furthermore, it can be seen in both figures that in the release position the guide element 250 is displaced backwards relative to the housing 202. In the illustration in Figure 21a It can also be seen that the second vertical axis 249, which is mounted with its lower end on the guide element 250, is also moved backwards in the groove 226 in the housing 202.

In the Figure 21b the interaction between the control lever 203, the tread 204 and the guide element 250 is illustrated. The control lever 203 and the tread 204 are both mounted on the housing 202 so as to be pivotable about the ski transverse axis 207 which is aligned horizontally in the ski transverse direction. The control lever 207 has a rounded block 210 on each side below the ski transverse axis 207. These blocks 210 are arranged between the knobs 251.1, 251.2 and the stop 252 of the guide element 250, viewed in the ski longitudinal direction. In the release position, in which the control lever 203 is pivoted with its free end downwards into an essentially parallel alignment, these blocks 210 are moved backwards accordingly below the ski transverse axis 207. As a result, they press against the stop 252 and keep the guide element 250 moved backwards. Accordingly, at the same time, via the second vertical axis 249, the pivoting element 220.3 is also moved backwards against the piston 235 and the restoring force caused by the spiral spring 236, and the two pivoting levers are moved apart as described above. To prevent the guide element 250 from being moved forwards against the two blocks 210 by the restoring force, the stop 252 of the guide element 250 has a convex curvature on its front side. This curvature is dimensioned and positioned in such a way that the two blocks 210 are located just above the curvature in the release position, which prevents a relative movement of the blocks 210 to the curvature and accordingly blocks a forward movement of the guide element 250.

When the front automaton 201 is brought into the release position by operating the control lever 203 and the two blocks 210 are moved backwards, the blocks 210 not only push the guide element 250 backwards. They also press in their rear, upper area against a 207 arranged stop 211 on the tread spur 204, whereby the free end of the tread spur 204 is pivoted upwards. If a ski boot is now to be clamped into the front automatic device 201, it is sufficient to lower the ski boot onto the front automatic device 201 in the correct position in the longitudinal direction of the ski. As soon as the sole of the ski boot presses the free end of the tread spur 204 downwards, the blocks 210 are pressed backwards via the stop 211. The pressure on the blocks 210 is sufficient for them to be moved over the curvature on the front side of the stop 252 of the guide element 250, whereby the guide element 250 is released to the front and can be moved forwards by the spiral spring 236. This movement of the guide element 250 also moves the blocks 210 further forwards via the stop 252 and the control lever 203 is pivoted into a position in which its free end points slightly diagonally upwards. In addition, the movement of the guide element 250 also moves the pivot element 220.3 forwards, whereby the two pivot levers are pushed together. Accordingly, the front automaton 201 is thereby transferred into the holding position in which the ski boot is held in the holding spurs.

The Figure 22 shows a vertical longitudinal cross-section along the middle of the ski through the front automatic device 201 in the holding position. It can be seen that the control lever 203 points diagonally upwards and that the free end of the tread 204 points horizontally backwards and rests on the housing 202. It can also be seen that the guide element 250 in the housing 202 is moved forwards and that as a result the second vertical axis 249 and thus the pivot element 220.3 are also moved forwards.

The Figures 23a and 23b show how the Figures 21a and 21b a vertical longitudinal cross-section through the front machine 201. In the Figure 23a the cross-section runs along the middle of the ski, while in the Figure 23b slightly offset to the side of the ski. In contrast to the Figures 21a and 21b Here the front automaton 201 is in the blocking position. This can be seen from the fact that the free end of the control lever 203 is in comparison to the release position ( Figures 21a and 21b ) and to the holding position (see Figure 22 ) has been pulled further up. A transfer of the Control lever 203 in this position results in the two blocks 210 pressing with their front ends against the knobs 251.1, 251.2 of the guide element 250. This causes the guide element 250 in the housing 202 to be pulled a little further forward until indentations in the front lower end of the blocks 210 are pulled over the knobs 251.1, 251.2 and engage with them. This engagement prevents the front automatic device 201 from being accidentally returned to the holding position. The resulting movement of the guide element 250 further forward also causes the second vertical axis 249 and the swivel element 220.3 to be pulled a little further forward.

The Figures 24a, 24b and 24c each show a horizontal cross section through the front machine 201. In the Figure 24a The front machine 201 is shown in the release position, while in the Figure 24b in the holding position with the forced control 220 in the middle of the forced control path and in the Figure 24c shown in the blocking position. Thus, the Figure 24a to get the same representation as Figure 17b , while the Figure 24b to get the same representation as Figure 18b is about.

In contrast to the figures shown so far, the sequence of figures 24a, 24b and 24c illustrates how the pivoting element 220.3 is positioned in the release position, the holding position and the blocking position in the longitudinal direction of the ski. Figure 24a It can be seen that the pivoting element 220.3 in the release position is moved almost behind the two second sliding blocks 222.1, 222.2. In contrast, the pivoting element 220.3 is further forward in the holding position and in the blocking position, so that the two second sliding blocks 222.1, 222.2 are guided on both sides in the second sliding block guides 221.1, 221.2. In contrast to the holding position, the pivoting element 220.3 is pulled a little further forward in the blocking position. As a result, the two second sliding blocks 222.1, 222.2 are placed a little further back in the two first sliding block guides 221.1, 221.2 and accordingly moved a little further apart. This means that the two side levers 220.1, 220.2 are moved a little further apart and the two pivot levers 205.1, 205.2 are pivoted together with their upper ends. This means that when the front automatic device 201 is moved from the holding position to the In the blocking position, the two retaining spurs are moved somewhat closer together. If a ski boot is held in the front automatic device 201, the retaining spurs are pressed further into the two lateral bearing bushes in the toe area of the ski boot when the ski boot is transferred to the blocking position, which means that the ski boot is held even better.

At the same time, in the blocking position, the slide 220 is also blocked in the middle of the forced control path. As in Figure 15 As shown, the carriage 220.4 has two notches 227.1, 227.2 on its front, upper side edge. Two latches 228.1, 228.2 attached to the control lever 203 can engage in these two notches 227.1, 227.2 when the control lever 203 is brought into the blocking position. This blocking has the advantage that, for example, when climbing, when the ski boot is only held in the front automatic mechanism 201 and released by the heel automatic mechanism, an unintentional lateral release is prevented.

Furthermore, the cross-sectional views of the Figures 24a, 24b and 24c It can be seen that the control lever 203 is positioned differently in the release position, the holding position and the blocking position. The free end of the control lever 203 is raised in both the blocking position and the holding position compared to the release position. Therefore, the front automat 201 also enables, as already mentioned in Figure 9 For the front automatic device 1, a release in the forward direction is shown, in which the ski boot is pivoted forwards in the front automatic device 201 until a tip of the ski boot presses the control lever 203 downwards into the release position. This frontal release can take place both when the front automatic device 201 is in the holding position and in the blocking position.

Especially in the cross-sectional representations such as the Figures 24a, 24b and 24c it can be seen that the carriage 220.4 is not straight in the cross-ski direction, but is slightly curved backwards on both sides. This curvature corresponds to a circular section of a circle with a radius of about 300 mm. In addition, the two axes 209.1, 209.2 are not aligned in the longitudinal direction of the ski, but converge towards the rear at an angle of 6 degrees. As already mentioned, this has Figure 10 for the front machine 1 shown to do with the fact that the front machine 201 in a Touring binding system can be used together with a heel mechanism (not shown). The front mechanism 201 also enables a lateral safety release in the holding position. If, for example, the ski boot is held on the heel mechanism by holding spurs pointing from back to front, the ski boot can perform a rotary movement with such a lateral safety release. It is first released laterally from the front mechanism 201 while it is still held by the holding spurs of the heel mechanism. As soon as the ski boot is released from the front mechanism 201, it can also be released from the heel mechanism by moving or rotating it away from the holding spurs of the heel mechanism. Accordingly, a lateral safety release option via the heel mechanism is unnecessary. It is sufficient if the heel mechanism enables a safety release in a forward direction.

For these reasons, the front automatic mechanism 201 is optimized for a lateral safety release in a touring binding system in which the heel automatic mechanism does not allow a lateral safety release. In the case of a lateral safety release, the ski boot is rotated around a vertical axis until it is released from the front automatic mechanism 201. Due to the alignment of the axes 209.1, 209.2, the pivoting movement of the pivot lever 205.1, 205.2 in the direction of movement runs perpendicular to the direction of movement of the ski boot. Accordingly, the alignment of the axes 209.1, 209.2 is optimized for a rotary movement of the ski boot in the case of a lateral safety release.

This optimization also results in the carriage 220.4 being curved and the two side levers 220.1, 220.2 of the forced control 220 not being aligned along a straight line running at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the ski, but rather being slidably mounted in the carriage 220.4, each aligned at right angles to the corresponding axis 209.1, 209.2.

Figure 25 shows an exploded view of another front machine 301 according to the invention from the perspective of an oblique view, in which "back" is at the bottom right of the figure, while "front" is at the top left. In order to ensure clarity of the To improve the presentation, not all elements of the front machine 301 are shown, but only those that are most important for understanding.

The front automat 301 shown here is constructed very similarly to the front automat 201, which was used in the Figures 14a to 24c is shown. Accordingly, the functioning of the two front machines 201, 301 is also very similar. Structural differences and differences in the functioning of the two front machines 201, 301 are described below. Elements and positions of the front machine 301 shown here that are not described in detail here correspond to the elements or positions of the front machine 201 described above. Thus, the front machine 301, like the front machine 201 described above, includes, among other things, an essentially flat base plate 330, a housing 302, a control lever 303, a piston 335 and a spiral spring 336. Furthermore, the front machine 301, in addition to the two pivot levers 305.1, 305.2, also includes a positive control 320, which in turn includes two side levers 320.1, 320.2, a pivot element 320.3 and a slide 320.4.

In contrast to the front machine 201, which was Figures 14a to 24c As shown, in the front automatic device 301 shown here, the piston 335 and the swivel element 320.3 of the positive control 320 are shaped differently. For example, the piston 235 does not have a tip at its front end, but rather a surface aligned vertically in the cross-ski direction with a round, concave indentation arranged in its middle, while the swivel element 320.3 does not have a horizontal, essentially V-shaped indentation at its rear end, but rather two rounded feet pointing laterally to the rear. The interaction of these feet with the front end of the piston 335 causes a different progression of the strength of the restoring force depending on the orientation of the swivel element 320.3. However, both the shape of the front end of the piston 235 and the shape of the rear end of the pivot element 320.3 with or without feet pointing laterally to the rear can also be modified in order to optimize the course of the strength of the restoring force depending on the orientation of the pivot element 320.3 for a lateral safety release process.

Furthermore, in contrast to the pivot element 220.3 of the front machine 201, the pivot element 320.3 does not comprise an arm on each side. Accordingly, the second sliding guides 321.1, 321.2 on the pivot element 320.3 do not enclose the second sliding blocks 322.1, 322.2, but only support the second sliding blocks 322.1, 322.2 against movement towards the middle of the ski. This one-sided support is also provided for the first sliding guides 323.1, 323.2 and the first sliding blocks 324.1, 324.2. The side levers 320.1, 320.2 thus comprise a first sliding guide 323.1, 323.2 on their sides facing away from the middle of the ski. In contrast to the first sliding guides 223.1, 223.2 of the side levers 220.1, 220.2 of the front machine 201, the first sliding guides 323.1, 323.2 of the front machine 301 shown here do not comprise hooks, but only one stop 319.1, 319.2 against which the first sliding blocks 324.1, 324.2 consisting of a mutual stop 318.1, 318.2 rest. In order to press the first sliding blocks 324.1, 324.2 against the first sliding block guides 323.1, 323.2 and the second sliding blocks 322.1, 322.2 against the second sliding blocks 321.1, 321.2, the front automaton 301 shown here comprises two leg springs 329.1, 329.2 (see also Figure 26 ). Each of these leg springs 329.1, 329.2 is guided around one of the axes (not shown here) of the pivot levers 305.1, 305.2. The leg springs 329.1, 329.2 are each supported against the slide 320.4 and the corresponding pivot lever 305.1, 305.2 and press the upper part of this pivot lever 305.1, 305.2 outwards so that the two retaining spurs 306.1, 306.2 are each pressed apart as far as possible. As a result, the second sliding blocks 322.1, 322.2, which are arranged in the lower area of the pivot levers 305.1, 305.2, are pressed against the second sliding block guides 321.1, 321.2 arranged on the side levers 320.1, 320.2. Furthermore, the leg springs 329.1, 329.2 are each additionally supported on the respective side lever 320.1, 320.2, whereby the side levers 320.1, 320.2 are pressed towards the middle of the ski. Accordingly, the first sliding blocks 324.1, 324.2 arranged on the side levers 320.1, 320.2 are also pressed against the first sliding block guides 323.1, 323.2 arranged on the pivot element 320.3. This allows the upper ends of the pivot levers 305.1, 305.2 to be moved as far apart as possible. At the same time, however, they can be pivoted towards the middle of the ski if necessary. This can be useful, for example, if there is no ski boot in the front machine 301. If a ski with the front automatic device 301 is then dropped or falls over and falls onto the front automatic device 301, the pivoting levers 305.1, 305.2 are subjected to less stress since they can be moved towards the middle of the ski against the spring force of the spiral springs 329.1, 329.2. The risk of damage to the front automatic device 301 is thus reduced.

Of course, there are also possible variations to this design of the front automatic device 301. For example, the two leg springs 329.1, 329.2 can only be supported on the carriage 320.4 and on the respective pivot lever 305.1, 305.2. However, the two leg springs 329.1, 329.2 can also be supported elsewhere and in a different way and can also be replaced by a different type of elastic element that can exert a tensile or compressive force. It is also possible for the respective pivot lever 305.1, 305.2 on each side to be pressed or pulled against the corresponding side lever 320.1, 320.2 by a first elastic element, while the respective side lever 320.1, 320.2 is pressed or pulled towards the middle of the ski by a second elastic element.

In the exploded view in Figure 25 No guide element is shown which corresponds to the guide element 250 of the Figures 14a to 24c The front machine 201 shown in Figure 25 The front automaton 301 shown can also comprise such a guide element. However, if the second sliding guides 321.1, 321.2 on the swivel element 320.3 only run towards each other slightly when viewed from back to front, such a guide element can be dispensed with. This is because the spiral spring 336 exerts sufficient force on the piston 335 and the swivel element 320.3 so that the swivel element 320.3 can be moved forwards as soon as the control lever 303 clears a space in front of the swivel element 320.3 and because a force directed towards the middle of the ski, which acts on the two side levers 320.1, 320.2, is not sufficient to push the swivel element 320.3 backwards via the second sliding blocks 322.1, 322.2 and the second sliding guides 321.1, 321.2. In such a case, however, one or more elements can still be provided between the control lever 303 and the pivoting element 320.3. Such an intermediate element can, for example, be the one already described for the front automatic device 201. Ensure interaction between the control lever 303, the tread 304 and the position of the swivel element 320.3.

The Figure 26 shows an enlarged section of the Figure 25 shown exploded view of the front automaton 301. It shows one of the two side levers 320.1 as well as the leg spring 329.1 belonging to the corresponding side. It can be seen that the leg spring 329.1 has a forward-pointing leg 328.1, which is supported on an upper side of the slide 320.4 when the front automaton 301 is assembled, and that the leg spring 329.2 has an upward-pointing leg 328.2, which is supported against the pivot lever 305.1 when the front automaton 301 is assembled. It can also be seen that the leg spring 329.1 has a downward-pointing leg 328.3 which, in the assembled state of the front automatic device 301, is inserted into an opening 327 in the side lever 320.1, whereby a movement of the side lever 320.1 both away from the center of the ski and towards the center of the ski can be controlled by the leg spring 329.1.

In the enlarged section of the exploded view in Figure 26 It can also be seen that the side lever 320.1 has an upper and a lower plate in a central area and an area facing the middle of the ski. Between these two plates there is a gap in which the second sliding block 322.1 is arranged. When the front automatic device 301 is assembled, the pivoting element 320.3 is arranged at the same height as this gap and can be partially moved into this gap during a pivoting movement. It can also be seen that the upper of the two plates extends slightly beyond the rest of the side lever 320.1 to the front and rear when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the ski. This creates a type of linear guide to the side of the side lever 320.1, with which the side lever 320.1 is mounted in the carriage 320.4 so that it can move in the transverse direction of the ski. This plate-like construction and this type of linear guide are used by both the side levers 320.1, 320.2 of the front machine 301 shown here and the side levers 220.1, 220.2 of the Figures 14a to 24c This design is only one possible example. It is The specialist is free to design the two side levers and their bearings in or on the slide 220.4 or 320.4 differently.

The Figures 27a, 27b and 27c show a bottom view of the Figures 25 and 26 shown front machine 301, whereby the base plate 330 is hidden. In the Figures 27a and 27b The front automatic device 301 is in the holding position. The forced control 320 is in Figure 27a in the middle of the forced control path, while in the Figure 27b shown almost at one end of the forced control path. In contrast, the front automaton 301 is located in the Figure 27c in the safety release position and one of the two pivot levers 305.1 is folded down. The side lever 320.1, which belongs to the pivot lever 305.1 folded down, is pushed towards the middle of the ski. As a result, the corresponding second sliding block 322.1 is in front of the pivot element 320.3 pivoted to the side and blocks a movement of the pivot element 320.1 back into a parallel alignment. In order to return the front automatic device 301 to the holding position, it is sufficient to pivot the pivot lever 305.1 back upwards. This frees up space on the side of the side lever 320.1 facing away from the middle of the ski from the pivot lever 305.1. The side lever 320.1 can therefore be pushed back by the leg spring 329.1 (see Figure 25 ) can be moved outwards away from the centre of the ski, thereby releasing the pivoting element 320.3. This allows the forced control 320 to be moved back to the centre of the forced control path. However, this function of the leg springs 329.1, 329.2 can also be fulfilled by other elements. For example, a lever can be arranged between the pivoting lever 305.1, 305.2 and the corresponding side lever 320.1, 320.2. By means of such a lever, the side lever 302.1, 302.2 of a pivoting lever 305.1, 305.2 that is folded downwards can be pulled outwards when the pivoting lever 305.1, 305.2 that is folded downwards is pivoted upwards by the skier. To ensure that such levers do not cause damage to the front automatic device 301 when one of the pivot levers 305.1, 305.2 is pivoted with its upper area towards the middle of the ski, the levers can also be arranged loosely between the pivot levers 305.1, 305.2. It is sufficient if the levers only pull the corresponding side lever 320.1, 320.2 outwards when a pivot lever 305.1, 305.2 is pivoted upwards.

Since the data in the Figures 27a, 27b and 27c In contrast to the bottom views shown for the front machine 201, the representations shown are not horizontal sectional representations, it can be seen here that the swivel element 320.3 is partially moved between the plates of the side levers 320.1, 320.2 depending on the positioning of the forced control 320 on the forced control path. In addition, the interaction of the piston 335 with the feet of the swivel element 320.3 pointing laterally to the rear can be seen here, which is characterized by the V-shaped indentation in the swivel element 220.3 and the piston 235 of the Figures 14a to 24c shown front machine 201.

In a variant of the Figures 25 to 27c However, the two side levers 320.1, 320.2 of the front automatic device 301 shown can also be designed differently. For example, unlike in the embodiment of the front automatic device 301, they can not be mounted in the carriage 320.4 so that they can move in the transverse direction of the ski, but can each be mounted on the carriage 320.4 so that they can pivot about a vertical axis. This enables the two side levers to act as a lever arm by increasing or reducing a force transmitted from the pivot levers 305.1, 305.2 to the pivot element 320.3. For this purpose, the side levers can each have a substantially elongated shape, for example, and each be aligned substantially in the longitudinal direction of the ski, with the vertical axis of each side lever being arranged in the region of a first end of the side lever. If the side levers also interact with the corresponding swivel lever in their middle area, viewed in their longitudinal direction, and interact with the swivel element in an area of their second end, a reduction in the force transmitted from the swivel levers to the swivel element is achieved. This reduces, for example, the frictional force between the side levers and the swivel element. This leads to reduced resistance to movement when the forced control moves along the forced control path, because this mainly involves a relative movement between the side levers and the swivel element, while a relative movement between the side levers and the swivel levers only occurs when a safety release is triggered sideways, when a swivel lever is swung sideways downwards.

Figure 28 shows an exploded view of another front machine 401 according to the invention from the perspective of an oblique view, in which "back" is at the bottom right of the figure, while "front" is at the top left. Some of the Figure 28 Elements provided with reference symbols are only described in more detail in the description of the following figures. However, these reference symbols are also used in the Figure 28 to simplify the understanding of the construction of the front machine 401.

The Figure 28 The front machine 401 shown is constructed very similarly to the two front machines 201, 301, which are used in the Figures 14a to 24c or 25 to 27c. Accordingly, the functionality of the three front machines 201, 301, 401 is very similar. The similarity of the Figure 28 shown front machine 401 to the front machine 301, which is in the Figures 25 to 27c shown, larger than the front machine 201, which is in the Figures 14a to 24c Therefore, the structural differences as well as differences in the functionality of the front machine 401 described here compared to the previously described in connection with the Figures 25 to 27c The elements and positions of the front automaton 401 shown here that are not described in detail correspond to the elements and positions of the front automaton 401 shown in the Figures 25 to 27c shown front automaton 301. For example, the front automaton 401, like the front automaton 301 described above, includes, among other things, a housing 402, a control lever 403, a piston 435 and a spiral spring 436. Furthermore, the front automaton 401 also includes a positive control 420 in addition to the two pivot levers 405.1, 405.2.

A first significant difference to the Figures 25 to 27c shown front machine 301 is that the forced control 420 of the front machine 401 is constructed differently. Thus, the forced control 420 also includes a swivel element 420.3 and a slide 420.4. In contrast to the forced control 320 of the front machine 301, however, it does not include two side levers. Therefore, in the front machine 401, the two swivel levers 405.1, 405.2 work directly together with the swivel element 420.3. To make this possible, the two Pivoting levers 405.1, 405.2 of the front automatic device 401 have a stop 412.1, 412.2 pointing towards the middle of the ski below the axes 409.1, 409.2. In addition, the pivoting element 420.3 has a different shape than the previously described front automatic device 301 so that it can interact with the two stops 412.1, 412.2 of the pivoting levers 405.1, 405.2. Furthermore, the carriage 420.4 is also shaped differently than the carriage 320.4 of the previously described front automatic device 320. For example, the pivoting element 420.3 is mounted in a middle area of the carriage 420.4 in a slot 420.5 running horizontally from a rear side to a front side of the carriage 420.4. In addition, one surface of the slide 420.4 has a recess 425.1, 425.2 on each side, from which the stops 412.1, 412.2 of the pivot levers 405.1, 405.2 can be moved upwards when the corresponding pivot lever 405.1, 405.2 is tilted sideways in the event of a lateral safety release. In order to prevent or at least greatly reduce the penetration of snow into the slide 420.4 through these recesses 425.1, 425.2, the two side levers 405.1, 405.2 each have a cover 413.1, 413.2 at the height of the axes 409.1, 409.2. These covers 413.1, 413.2 each extend slightly closer to the center of the ski than the stop 412.1, 412.2 of the corresponding pivot lever 405.1, 405.2 and fill the recesses 425.1, 425.2 in the surface of the slide 420.4 in the holding position and in the release position of the front automatic device 401. To ensure that these covers 413.1, 413.2 do not hit the sole of a ski boot held in the ski binding from below in the event of a lateral safety release, the upper areas of the pivot levers 405.1, 405.2 are bent backwards so that the two retaining spurs 406.1, 406.2 are located behind the stops 412.1, 412.2 and the covers 413.1, 413.2. This ensures that the cover 413.1, 413.2 of the sideways pivoting lever 405.1, 405.1 can be pivoted upwards in front of the sole of the ski boot in the event of a lateral safety release.

A second major difference between the front-loading machine 401 shown here and the one in the Figures 25 to 27c The advantage of the front machine 301 shown is that the front machine 401 comprises not only one but two base plates 430.1, 430.2 and a holding element 430.3. Of these three elements, a first base plate 430.1 as a guide for the movement of the carriage 420.4 in the transverse direction of the ski. In its front area in front of the guide for the carriage 420.4 it has two openings 431.1, 431.4 through which screws can be passed for fastening the front automatic device 401 to a SI<i. A second base plate 430.2 also has two openings 431.2, 431.3 in its front area through which screws can be passed for fastening the front automatic device 401 to a SI<i. This second base plate 430.2 is arranged behind the first base plate 430.1 and serves as a base for the holding element 430.3, which also has two openings 433 for fastening to a SI<i. This holding element 430.3 is formed from a piece of sheet metal. In a cross-section aligned vertically in the transverse direction of the ski, this holding element 430.3 has a substantially U-shape, with the two upper edges bent inwards. As a result, the holding element 430.3 forms a rail-like longitudinal guide for the housing 402 of the front automatic device 401, whereby the housing 402 of the front automatic device 401 cannot be moved upwards relative to the holding element 430.3. Therefore, when the front automatic device 401 is mounted on an SI<i, four screws are guided through four vertically aligned openings 432.1, 432.2, 432.3, 432.4 arranged in the housing 402 and screwed tightly to the SI<i. The two front screws run through the two front openings 432.1, 432.4 of the housing 402 as well as through the two openings 431.1, 431.4 of the first base plate 430.1 and hold the housing 402 and the first base plate 430.1 firmly on the ski. The two rear screws, on the other hand, are guided downwards through the rear openings 432.2, 432.3 of the housing 402 when fastening the front automatic device 401, where they run through the two openings in the holding element 430.3 and through the two openings 431.2, 431.3 of the second base plate 430.2 and only hold the holding element 430.3 and the second base plate 430.2 to the SI<i. Therefore, in the assembled state, when the front automaton 401 is attached to a SI<i, the housing 402 is only screwed to the SI<i by the two front screws. The rear area of the housing 402, however, is held in the longitudinal guide of the holding element 430.3 screwed to the SI<i and can move in the longitudinal direction of the ski relative to the holding element 430.3. This allows the SI<i to bend when skiing, with the front automaton 401 adapting to the bend of the ski by the housing 401 being bent relative to the holding element 430.3. The advantage of this is that the 401 front automat does not stiffen the ski, which optimises comfort for the skier.

A third major difference between the front-loading machine 401 shown here and the Figures 14a to 24c or 25 to 27c is that the front automaton 401 has a damping position instead of a blocking position. Accordingly, the control lever 403 of the front automaton 401 shown here does not comprise a latch with which a movement of the carriage 420.4 in the transverse direction of the ski can be blocked. On the other hand, the control lever 403 comprises two curvatures 428.1, 428.2 which press from the front against a front side of the carriage 420.4 when the control lever 403 is moved upwards into a damping position. As a result, a movement of the carriage 420.4 in the transverse direction of the ski is subjected to increased resistance to movement due to friction. Accordingly, the carriage 420.4 can be moved less well in the transverse direction of the ski in the damping position of the front automaton 401. Therefore, if the damper position is used when climbing, the ski boot is prevented from swinging back and forth relative to the ski boot held in the front automatic device 401. Accordingly, the damper position increases the skier's sure-footedness. At the same time, however, a lateral safety release can still take place in the damper position, which ensures safety for the skier even in the damper position.

The Figures 29a, 29b and 29c each show a bottom view of a horizontally aligned cross section through the front machine 401, which runs through the pivoting element 420.3 and through the horizontal slot 420.5 in the carriage 420.4. In these cross-sectional views it can be seen that the pivoting element 420.3, as with the two front machines 201, 301, is mounted on the carriage 420.4 so that it can pivot about a first vertical axis 448, wherein the first vertical axis 448 can be moved relative to the carriage 420.4 in the longitudinal direction of the ski. It can also be seen that the pivoting element 420.3 is mounted behind the carriage 420.4 so that it can pivot about a second vertical axis 449 on the housing 402 of the front machine 401, wherein the second vertical axis 449 can be moved relative to the housing 402 in the longitudinal direction of the ski. Furthermore, the cross-sectional views show that the swivel element 420.3 has an elongated shape. A longitudinal axis of the pivot element 420.3 is aligned parallel to the longitudinal direction of the ski when the forced control 420 is in the middle of the forced control path. In a rear area, the pivot element 420.3 has two feet that protrude laterally from the longitudinal axis of the pivot element 420.3 and point diagonally backwards. With these feet, the pivot element 420.3 is supported against a metal front side 437 of the piston 435. The support of the pivot element 420.3 against the piston 435 functions as in the case of the pivot element 43 of the Figures 12a, 12b and 12c shown variant of the front machine 1. Furthermore, in the cross-sectional views of the Figures 29a, 29b and 29c It can be seen that the pivoting element 420.3, arranged slightly in front of the first vertical axis 448, has two arms 440.1, 440.2 that point slightly forward and protrude laterally from the longitudinal axis of the pivoting element 420.3. These two arms 440.1, 440.2 have outer ends that are rounded and are bent towards each other from the back to the front from the outside to the middle of the ski. These outer ends serve as guides for the stops 412.1, 412.2 of the pivoting levers 405.1, 405.2. The pivoting element 420.3 also comprises a head 441 arranged between its two arms 440.1, 440.2. This head 441 is arranged in front of the first vertical axis 448 and has a side that points forward and has a locking position. A flat area of this forward facing side is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pivot element 420.3.

If the front machine 401 is as in the Figure 29a shown in the release position, the control lever 403 presses against the head 441 of the pivot element 420.3. As a result, the leg element 420.3 is moved backwards in the release position compared to the holding position together with the piston 435 against the spring force of the spiral spring 436. Accordingly, the two arms 440.1, 440.2 of the pivot element 420.3 are also moved backwards relative to the stops 412.1, 412.2 of the pivot levers 405.1, 405.2. This means that the outer ends of the two arms 440.1, 440.2, which are bent towards each other towards the middle of the ski, give the stops 412.1, 412.2 more space for movement towards the middle of the ski compared to the holding position. In order to use this space for the stops 412.1, 412.2, the two pivot levers 405.1, 405.2 are each connected by a leg spring 429.1 429.2 with a This force causes the pivot levers 405.1, 405.2 to be pivoted as far apart as possible in the release position and the two stops 412.1, 412.2 strike the outer ends of the two arms 440.1, 440.2. This ensures that the two retaining spurs are at the first distance from each other.

However, if the front machine 401 is as in the Figure 29b shown in the holding position, the control lever 403 does not press against the head 441 of the swivel element 420.3. Accordingly, the swivel element 420.3 is moved forward in the holding position by the spiral spring 436 and the piston 435 as far as the bearing of the first vertical axis 448 in the slide 420.4 allows. In this position, the head 441 of the swivel element 420.3 is located just inside the front side of the slide 420.4. If the forced control 420 is in the Figure 29b shown in the middle of the positive control path, the two arms 440.1, 440.2 of the pivoting element 420.3 are also located so far forward in the slide 420.4 that the stops 412.1, 412.2 of the two pivoting levers 405.1, 405.2 in the rear area of the outer ends of the arms 440.1, 440.2 abut against the outer ends of the arms 440.1, 440.2. Since the outer ends of the two arms 440.1, 440.2 are furthest apart from each other in their rear area, the stops 412.1, 412.2 are also moved further apart compared to the release position. This means that the pivoting levers 405.1, 405.2 are pivoted together so that the two retaining spurs are at the second distance from each other.

In contrast to Figure 29b The front machine 401 is in the Figure 29c in the safety release position with a swivel lever 405.1 swung away to the side. The forced control 420 is moved to one end of the forced control path, whereby the swivel element 420.3 is swung about the first vertical axis 448 and about the second vertical axis 449 to the side of the swivel lever 405.1 released by the safety release. Due to this swivel movement, the arm 440.1 of the swivel element 420.3, against which the swiveled-away swivel lever 405.1 is supported in the holding position by its stop 412.1, is moved backwards. Accordingly, the stop 412.1 of the swiveled-away swivel lever is located 405.1 in front of the arm 440.1 of the pivoting element 405.1, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the ski. Since the pivoting lever 405.1 is thus released from the pivoting element 420.3, it is pivoted outwards by the leg spring 429.1 with the retaining spur, while its stop 412.1 is moved towards the middle of the ski. Because the stop 412.1 is therefore in front of the arm 440.1 of the pivoting element 420.3, the stop 412.1 prevents the arm 440.1 of the pivoting element 420.3 from being moved forward again. Accordingly, a movement of the forced control 420 back to the middle of the forced control path is blocked. Only when the pivoted-away pivot lever 405.1 is pivoted back towards the center of the ski by the skier, the arm 440.1 of the pivot element 420.3 is released again, whereby the forced control 420 can be moved back to the center of the forced control path by the spring force of the spiral spring 436.

In the Figure 29c It can also be seen that in the safety release position, the pivoting movement of the pivoting element 420.3 moves the arm 440.2 of the pivoting element 420.3 forwards on the side of the non-released pivot lever 405.2. This arm 440.2 of the pivoting element 420.3 is moved so far forwards that the stop 412.2 of the corresponding pivot lever 405.2 is located behind the arm 440.2 when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the ski. Therefore, the corresponding pivot lever 405.2 is also released by the pivoting element 420.3. Nevertheless, this pivot lever 405.2 is not pivoted outwards with the retaining spur because the movement of the carriage 420.4 in the transverse direction of the ski moves the cover 413.2 of the corresponding pivot lever 405.2 below a central region of the housing 402 and abuts against the bottom of the housing 402.

Both in the release position, in the holding position and in the safety release position, the pivot levers 405.1, 405.2 can be pivoted against the spring force of the leg springs 429.1, 429.2 with the holding spurs towards the middle of the ski. If a ski with the front automatic device 401 falls over and hits a pivot lever 405.1, 405.2, the corresponding pivot lever 405.1, 405.2 can be pivoted inwards towards the middle of the ski, which reduces the risk of damage to the front automatic device 401.

In the Figures 30a, 30b and 30c a vertically aligned cross-section of the front automaton 401 is shown, arranged in the middle of the ski and running in the longitudinal direction of the ski. In the figures, the front automaton 401 is on the left, while the back automaton 401 is on the right.

In the Figure 30a the front automaton 401 is in the release position. Accordingly, the control lever 403 is pivoted downwards with its free end about the ski transverse axis 407 and is in the release position. As a result, a locking unit 408 arranged below the ski transverse axis 407 on the control lever 403 and running concentrically about the ski transverse axis is moved backwards and presses the head 441 of the swivel element 420.3 backwards. A rear end of the locking unit 408 is locked in the locking position on the head 441 of the swivel element 420.3. This locking prevents the spiral spring 436 from pushing the piston 435 and the swivel element 420.3 forwards and moving the control lever 403 into its holding position.

In order to move the front automaton 401 from the release position to the holding position, the control lever 403 can be pulled upwards slightly. This is sufficient to release the locking unit 408 from the locking position on the head 441 of the swivel element 420.3. As soon as the locking unit 408 is released from the locking position, the locking unit 408 is moved forwards by the spiral spring 436 together with the swivel element 420.3 and the piston 435. This causes the control lever 403 to be pivoted upwards with its free end and transferred to the holding position. As a variant, the tread spur consisting of a base element 404.1 and a wire bracket 404.2 can also be pressed downwards to transfer the front automaton 401 to the holding position. If the tread is pressed downwards, the base element 404.1 of the tread is pivoted about the ski's transverse axis 407. The control lever 403 is moved by a stop 410 of the base element 404.1, which rests on a counterpart of the control lever 403. This also releases the locking unit 408 from the locking position on the head 441 of the pivoting element 420.3, after which the control lever 403 is moved into the holding position by the spiral spring 436 and the front automatic device 401 is moved into the holding position.

In the Figure 30b the front automaton 401 is shown in the holding position. Therefore, the free end of the control lever 403 is located slightly higher than in the release position, while the locking unit 408 of the control lever 403 is located slightly further forward than in the release position. Accordingly, two locking positions 408.1 408.2 arranged one behind the other on a lower side of the locking unit 408 are located slightly further forward than in the release position. The front of the two locking positions 408.1 is pulled onto a front, upright edge of the first base plate 430.1 and locked into place on this front, upright edge of the first base plate 430.1. The control lever 403 is thus locked into its holding position.

Since the locking unit 408 of the control lever 403 is located further forward in the holding position than in the release position, space is freed up in front of the head 441 of the swivel element 420.3 by the rear end of the locking unit 408 being moved forward. As a result, the swivel element 420.3 is, as already mentioned in connection with the Figures 29a and 29b explained by the spiral spring 436 moved forward relative to the carriage 420.4 and the remaining front automatic device 401.

Furthermore, in the holding position, in addition to the control lever 403, the base element 404.1 of the treadle is also pivoted about the ski transverse axis 407, so that the bracket element 404.2 of the treadle is lowered onto the housing 402 of the front automatic device 401.

In the Figure 30c the front automaton 401 is shown in the damper position. Compared to the holding position, the free end of the control lever 403 is therefore moved further upwards. Accordingly, the control lever 403 is pivoted further about the ski transverse axis 407, whereby the locking unit 408 of the control lever 403 is also moved further forwards and upwards. As a result, the rear of the two locking positions 408.2 is pulled onto the front, upright edge of the first base plate 430.1 and locked into place on this front, upright edge of the first base plate 430.1. The control lever 403 is therefore locked into its damper position. In addition, by positioning the control lever 403 in the damper position, the two in Figure 28 shown curvatures 428.1, 428.2 of the control lever 403 are lowered to the slide 420.4 and press from the front onto the front of the slide 420.4. This pressure causes the slide 420.4 to move backwards only slightly. However, the slide 420.4 is pushed backwards against the first base plate 430.1 and the housing 402 are pressed, which together form a guide for the carriage 420.4 for a movement of the carriage 420.4 in the transverse direction of the ski. As already explained above, the resistance to movement is thereby increased when the carriage 420.4 moves in the transverse direction of the ski.

In a variant of the Figures 28 to 30c For example, in the front automatic device 401 shown, the stops 412.1, 412.2 on the pivot levers 405.1, 405.2 can also be designed differently. In particular, the function of the stops 412.1, 412.2 can also be taken over by another element. For example, instead of the stops 412.1, 412.2, a roller can be provided for each pivot lever 405.1, 405.2, which is mounted on the corresponding pivot lever 405.1, 405.2 so that it can rotate about an axis. These rollers can be arranged, for example, such that their axes are aligned essentially vertically in the release position and in the holding position and that the rollers can roll on the outer ends of the arms 440.1, 440.2 of the pivot element 420.3. In this case, for example, the rollers instead of the stops 412.1, 412.2 can be regarded as the first sliding blocks, while the outer ends of the arms 440.1, 440.2 of the pivoting element 420.3 can be regarded as the first sliding block guides.

In another variant to the Figures 28 to 30c The function of the stops 412.1, 412.2 on the pivot levers 405.1, 405.2 can also be taken over by pivot arms pivotably mounted on the pivot levers 405.1, 405.2. Such a front automat 501 is shown, for example, in the following Figure 31 shown.

Figure 31 shows an exploded view of another front machine 501 according to the invention from the perspective of an oblique view, in which "back" is at the bottom right of the figure, while "front" is at the top left. To improve the clarity of the illustration, not all elements of the front machine 501 are shown, but only those elements that are most important for understanding.

A first significant difference between the front machine 501 shown here and the front machine 401, which is in the Figures 28 to 30c shown is the Function of the interaction of the pivot levers 505.1, 505.2 with the pivot element 520.3. As with the front automatic device 401, the two pivot levers 505.1, 505.2 are pivotably mounted on a carriage 520.4 in a central area about axes (not shown) that are aligned essentially in the longitudinal direction of the ski. Below the mounting of these axes on the pivot levers 505.1, 505.2, however, the pivot levers 505.1, 505.2 do not include any stops pointing towards the middle of the ski, but instead each include a pivot arm 517.1, 517.2 pointing towards the middle of the ski. These two pivot arms 517.1, 517.2 each have an elongated shape and are each mounted in the area of a lower end of the corresponding pivot lever 505.1, 505.2 on the corresponding pivot lever 505.1, 505.2 so as to be pivotable about an axis (not shown) that is aligned essentially in the longitudinal direction of the ski. When the front automatic device 501 is mounted, these two pivot arms 517.1, 517.2 point essentially horizontally to the center of the ski and interact with the pivot element 520.3 with a free end that is opposite the bearing on the respective pivot lever 505.1, 505.2. Therefore, if a swivel arm 517.1, 517.2 is pushed outwards away from the center of the ski by the swivel element 520.3, the corresponding swivel lever 505.1, 505.2 with the corresponding retaining spur 506.1, 506.2 is swiveled towards the center of the ski. If, on the other hand, the swivel element 520.3 allows a swivel arm 517.1, 517.2 more space towards the center of the ski, the corresponding swivel lever 505.1, 505.2 is swiveled outwards by a leg spring (not shown here), so that the corresponding retaining spur 506.1, 506.2 is moved outwards away from the center of the ski and the corresponding swivel arm 517.1, 517.2 is moved inwards towards the center of the ski.

A second significant difference between the front machine 501 shown here and the front machine 401, which is shown in the Figures 28 to 30c is shown, is the control of the displacement of the control element 520.3 in the longitudinal direction of the ski. Thus, the pivoting element 520.3, in contrast to the pivoting element 420.3 of the front automaton 401, does not have a head against which the control lever 503 could press in order to push the pivoting element 520.3 backwards. The pivoting element 520.3 of the front automaton 501 shown here is also pivotably mounted on the carriage 520.4 about a first vertical axis 548. This first vertical axis 548 is also also mounted on the carriage 520.4 so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the ski. However, this first vertical axis 548 has a rectangular, elongated element 550 at its upper end, which is aligned in the longitudinal direction of the ski and is mounted on the carriage 520.4 so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the ski. This rectangular element 550 extends with its front end into an area of a front end of the carriage 520.4. Therefore, when the control lever 503 is pivoted downwards with its free end and the locking unit 508 of the control lever 503 is thereby moved backwards, the locking unit 508 does not press a head of the pivot element 520.3, but rather the front end of the rectangular element 550 backwards. As a result, the rectangular element 550 is moved backwards together with the first vertical axis 548, which also moves the pivot element 520.3 backwards.

In a variant of the Figure 31 For example, the swivel arms 517.1, 517.2 on the swivel levers 505.1, 505.2 of the front automatic device 501 shown can also be designed differently. For example, the swivel arms 517.1, 517.2 can be shaped differently. However, they can also have a roller at their free ends, which is mounted on the corresponding swivel arm 517.1, 517.2 so that it can rotate about an axis. These rollers can be arranged, for example, such that their axes are aligned vertically when the swivel arms 517.1, 517.2 are aligned horizontally. This means that the rollers can roll on the outer side edges of the swivel element 520.3. In this case, for example, the rollers instead of the free ends of the pivot arms 517.1, 517.2 can be regarded as the first sliding blocks, while the outer side edges of the pivot element 520.3 can be regarded as the first sliding block guides.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments of the front automaton 1 and the four other front automatons 201, 301, 401 and 501. Various other designs are possible. For example, features of the front automatons 1, 201, 301, 401 and 501 can be combined as desired. For example, the front automatons 401, 501 can have a blocking position instead of the damper position or neither a damper position nor a blocking position. The front automatons 1, 201 and 301 can also have a blocking position instead of the damper position. have a damper position instead of the blocking position or have neither a damper position nor a blocking position.

Regardless of such combinations, both the first and the second guide rails can be replaced by other guides. One possibility is to use dovetail guides with a carriage guided on them. Furthermore, the first guide rails can be arranged not on the positive control but on the housing of the front machine. In the case of the front machine 1, the two axes can be arranged on the positive control instead of the housing. Furthermore, in the case of the front machine 1, the bearings of the two pivot levers on the positive control can also be arranged below the axes about which the pivot levers can pivot.

In the case of the other front automats 201, 301, 401 and 501, however, the pivoting away of the pivot lever in the direction of movement can be achieved by arranging a guide for the pivot lever on the housing of the front automat, which releases the corresponding pivot lever as soon as the end of the forced control path is reached. However, it is also conceivable that the forced control hits an obstacle at the end of the forced control path, whereby a release mechanism on the forced control is actuated, which releases the corresponding lever for a pivoting movement.

The invention is not limited to these variants of the front vending machine. Other embodiments are also possible.

In summary, it can be stated that a front automatic device is created which increases the safety for a skier.

Claims (15)

1. Frontal automat (1, 201, 301, 401) for a touring sl<ibinding, having two levers (5.1, 5.2, 205.1, 205.2, 305.1, 305.2, 405.1, 405.2) which are arranged laterally as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the ski and are opposite one another, each having a holding means (6.1, 6.2, 206.1, 206.2, 306.1, 306. 2, 406.1, 406.2) for holding a sl<iboot (100) in a toe region of the sl<iboot (100), wherein the holding means (6.1, 6.2, 206.1, 206.2, 306.1, 306.2, 406.1, 406.2) are pins which are arranged on the respective lever (5.1, 5.2, 205.1, 205.2, 305.1, 305.2, 405.1, 405. 2) in such a way that, starting from the respective lever (5.1, 5.2, 205.1, 205.2, 305.1, 305.2, 405.1, 405. 2) with one free end pointing towards the center of the ski, wherein the two levers (5.1, 5.2, 205.1, 205.2, 305.1, 305.2, 405.1, 405.2) are each pivotably mounted about an axis (9.1, 9.2, 209.1, 209.2, 409.1, 409. 2) in such a way that the holding means (6.1, 6.2, 206.1, 206.2, 306.1, 306.2, 406.1, 406.2) are moved in a transverse direction of the ski when the two levers (5.1, 5.2, 205.1, 205.2, 305.1, 305.2, 405.1, 405.2) are each pivoted about these axes (9.1, 9.2, 209.1, 209.2, 405.1, 405.2) in a transverse skiing direction, wherein

   a. the frontal automat (1, 201, 301, 401) has an opening state in which the two holding means (6.1, 6.2, 206.1, 206.2, 306.1, 306.2, 406.1, 406.2) are located at a first distance from one another,

   b. the frontal automat (1, 201, 301, 401) has a retaining state in which the two holding means (6.1, 6.2, 206.1, 206.1, 306.1, 306.2, 406.1, 406.2) are located at a second distance from one another, which is smaller than the first distance, and

   c. the frontal automat (1, 201, 301, 401) has a safety release state,

   characterized by a positive control (20, 220, 320, 420) on which the two levers (5.1, 5.2, 205.1, 205.2, 305.1, 305.2, 405.1, 405.2) are mounted in the retaining state, so that the two levers (5. 1, 5.2, 205.1, 205.2, 305.1, 305.2, 405.1, 405.2) can be moved in a coupled manner in the transverse direction of the ski within a dynamic range and the two holding means (6.1, 6.2, 206.1, 206.2, 306.1, 306.2, 406.1, 406. 2) are moved coupled at a second distance from each other on a dynamic path in the transverse direction of the ski, whereby a sl<iboot (100) held in the frontal automat (1, 201, 301, 401) together with the two holding means (6.1, 6.2, 206.1, 206.2, 306.1, 306.2, 406. 1, 406.2) in the retaining state can be moved along the dynamic path in the transverse direction of the ski, as a result of which energy can be absorbed by the frontal automat (1, 201, 301, 401) without the sl<iboot (100) being released from the frontal automat (1, 201, 301, 401).
2. Frontal automat (1, 201, 301, 401) according to claim 1, characterized in that the axes (9.1, 9.2, 209.1, 209.2, 409.1, 409.2) of the levers (5.1, 5.2, 205.1, 205.2, 305.1, 305.2, 405.1, 405.2) are arranged in a plane parallel to the ski.
3. Frontal automat (1, 201, 301, 401) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that both levers (5.1, 5.2, 205.1, 205.2, 305.1, 305.2, 405.1, 405.2) each comprise a control jaw (8.1, 8.2, 208.1, 208.2) on a side facing the center of the ski for interacting with a sl<iboot (100).
4. Frontal automat (1, 201, 301, 401) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the positive control (20, 220, 320, 420) is movable along a positive control path in the retaining state, whereby the two levers (5.1, 5.2, 205.1, 205.2, 305.1, 305.2, 405.1, 405.2) are movable in a coupled manner within the dynamic range.
5. Frontal automat (1, 201, 301, 401) according to claim 4, characterized in that the positive control (20, 220, 320, 420) can be pressed with a force towards the center of the positive control path by a prestressed, elastic element (36, 236, 336, 436) in the event of a deviation from a center of the positive control path.
6. Frontal automat (1, 201, 301, 401) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the frontal automat (1, 201, 301, 401) has a safety release state and in that the two levers (5. 1, 5.2, 205.1, 205.2, 305.1, 305.2, 405.1, 405.2) can be moved in the retaining state to an end of the dynamic range where the one of the two levers (5.1, 5.2, 205.1, 205.2, 305.1, 305.2, 405.1, 405. 2), which comprises the holding means (6.1, 6.2, 206.1, 206.2, 306.1, 306.2, 406.1, 406.2), which is moved away from the ski center on the dynamic path, can be released by the positive control (20, 220, 320, 420) and can be moved away from the other of the two levers (5. 1, 5.2, 205.1, 205.2, 305.1, 305.2, 405.1, 405.2), whereby the frontal automat (1, 201, 301, 401) can be brought from the retaining state into the safety release state.
7. Frontal automat (1, 201, 301, 401) according to claim 6, characterized in that in the retaining state the two levers (5.1, 5.2, 205.1, 205.2, 305.1, 305.2, 405.1, 405. 2) are each mounted on the positive control (20, 220, 320, 420) by a first link guide (23.1, 23.2, 223.1, 223.2, 323.1, 323.2, 440.1, 440.2) and a first link block (24.1, 24.2, 224.1, 224.2, 324.1, 324.2, 412.1, 412. 2) and that in the safety release state at least one of the two levers (5.1, 5.2, 205.1, 205.2, 305.1, 305.2, 405.1, 405. 2) is released in that the corresponding first sliding block (24.1, 24.2, 224.1, 224.2, 324.1, 324.2, 412.1, 412.2) is released from the corresponding first positive control (23.1, 23.2, 223.1, 223.2, 323.1, 323.2, 440.1, 440.2).
8. Frontal automat (1, 201, 301, 401) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the two levers (5.1, 5.2, 205.1, 205.2, 305.1, 305.2, 405.1, 405. 2) are mounted on the positive control (20, 220, 320, 420), such that, in the opening state, the holding means (6.1, 6.2, 206.1, 206.2, 306.1, 306.2, 406.1, 406.2) of the two levers (5.1, 5.2, 205.1, 205.2, 305.1, 305.2, 405.1, 405.2) are located at the first distance from one another.
9. Frontal automat (201, 301, 401) according to claim 8, characterized in that the positive control (220, 320, 420) comprises a control element (220.3, 320.3, 420.3) on which the two levers (205. 1, 205.2, 305.1, 305.2, 405.1, 405.2) are mounted, the control element (220.3, 320.3, 420.3) being movable in such a way that, in the opening state, the two levers (205.1, 205.2, 305.1, 305.2, 405.1, 405. 2) are moved apart and the holding means (206.1, 206.2, 306.1, 306.2, 406.1, 406.2) are at the first distance from each other and that in the retaining state the two levers (205. 1, 205.2, 305.1, 305.2, 405.1, 405.2) are moved together and the holding means (206.1, 206.2, 306.1, 306.2, 406.1, 406.2) are at the second distance from each other.
10. Frontal automat (1, 201, 301) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the positive control (20, 220, 320) comprises two elements (20.1, 20.2, 220.1, 220.2, 320.1, 320.2), wherein one of the two levers (5.1, 205.1, 305. 1) is mounted on a first element (20.1, 220.1, 320.1) and the other of the two levers (5.2, 205.2, 305.2) is mounted on a second element (20.2, 220.2, 320.2), and wherein the first and second elements (20.1, 20.2, 220.1, 220.2, 320.1, 320. 2) are movable relative to one another in such a way that, in the opening state, the two levers (5.1, 5.2, 205.1, 205.2, 305.1, 305.2) are moved apart and the holding means (6.1, 6.2, 206.1, 206.2, 306.1, 306. 2) are located at the first distance from each other and that, in the retaining state, the two levers (5.1, 5.2, 205.1, 205.2, 305.1, 305.2) are moved together and the holding means (6.1, 6.2, 206.1, 206.2, 306.1, 306.2) are located at the second distance from each other.
11. Frontal automat (1, 201, 301) according to claim 10, characterized in that the first element (20.1, 220.1, 320.1) and the second element (20.2, 220.2, 320.2) of the positive control (20, 220, 320) are each controlled by a second link guide (21. 1, 21.2, 221.1, 221.2, 321.1, 321.2) and a second link block (22.1, 22.2, 222.1, 222.2, 322.1, 322.2) on a third element (20.3, 220.3, 320.3) of the positive control (20, 220, 320).
12. Frontal automat (1, 201, 301) according to claim 11, characterized in that the third element (20.3, 220.3, 320.2) of the positive control (20, 220, 320) is movable along the longitudinal axis of the ski, wherein

    a. when the third element (20.3, 220.3, 320.3) of the positive control (20, 220, 320) is moved in a first direction, the first and second elements (20.1, 20.2, 220.1, 220.2, 320.1, 320.2) of the positive control (20, 220, 320) are moved together by the second link guides (21.1, 21.2, 221.1, 221.2, 321.1, 321.2), and

    b. when the third element (20.3, 220.3, 320.3) of the positive control (20, 220, 320) is moved in a second direction, the first and second elements (20.1, 20.2, 220.1, 220.2, 320.1, 320.2) of the positive control (20, 220, 320) are moved apart by the second link guides (21.1, 21.2, 221.1, 221.2, 321.1, 321.2).
13. Frontal automat (1, 201, 301) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the frontal automat (1, 201, 301) has a blocking position in which the two holding means (6.1, 6.2, 206.1, 206.2, 306. 1, 306.2) are located at a third distance from one another, which is equal to or smaller than the second distance and in which the two levers (5.1, 5.2, 205.1, 205.2, 305.1, 305.2) are blocked in their movement.
14. Frontal automat (401) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the frontal automat (401) has a damping position in which the two holding means (406.1, 406.2) are located at a third distance from each other, which is equal to or smaller than the second distance and in which the two levers (405.1, 405.2) can be moved within the dynamic range with higher resistance than in the retaining state.
15. Frontal automat (1, 201, 301, 401) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by a control lever (3, 203, 303, 403) which can be brought into a opening position and into a retaining position, wherein the frontal automat (1, 201, 301, 401) can be brought into the opening state by positioning the control lever (3, 203, 303, 403) into the opening position and into the retaining state by positioning the control lever (3, 203, 303, 403) into the retaining position.

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