EP3928842A1 - Front unit for a touring ski binding - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a front unit (10) for a touring binding, comprising two lateral bearing sections (16a, 16b), which are arranged on a transverse ski axis running essentially orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of the ski and parallel to a ski plane and which are set up for this purpose, in a closed position of the front unit (10) to engage lateral counter-bearing sections (110) of a ski boot (100) in order to hold the ski boot (100) on the front unit (10) so that it can pivot about the transverse axis of the ski, and a longitudinal positioning section (40) on which the ski boot (100) can be supported in an entry position in such a way that the counter-bearing sections (110) are positioned in a ready-to-engage position relative to the bearing sections (16a, 16b) with regard to their position along the longitudinal axis of the ski, the front unit (10) being adjustable between an open position, in which the bearing sections (16a, 16b) and the counter-bearing sections (110) outside r are engaged, and the closed position in which the bearing sections (16a, 16b) and the counter bearing sections (110) are engaged, wherein the longitudinal positioning section (40) in the open position of the front unit (10) relative to the bearing sections (16a, 16b) is fixed and is movable relative to the bearing sections (16a, 16b) in the closed position of the front unit (10).

Description

The present invention relates to a front unit for a touring binding, comprising two lateral bearing sections which are arranged on a ski transverse axis running essentially orthogonally to a ski longitudinal axis and parallel to a ski plane and which are designed to engage lateral counter bearing sections of a ski boot when the front unit is in a closed position to hold the ski boot on the front unit so that it can pivot about the transverse axis of the ski, and a longitudinal positioning section on which the ski boot can be supported in an entry position in such a way that the counter-bearing sections are positioned relative to the bearing sections with regard to their position along the longitudinal ski axis in a ready-to-engage position , wherein the front unit is adjustable between an open position in which the bearing sections and the counter bearing sections are disengaged, and the closed position in which the bearing sections and the counter bearing abs cuts are engaged.

Front units for touring bindings of this type are attached in particular to skis, in particular touring skis, and used together with a heel unit so that the front unit can be placed in a walking position for the ascent in which the front unit releases a ski boot heel and the boot can pivot freely around the bearing sections , and for the descent, the front unit can be placed in a descent position in which the heel unit holds the ski boot heel fixed to the ski.

An example of such a front unit known from the prior art for a touring binding of the type mentioned is in FIG EP 2 737 929 A1 disclosed. The one in the EP 2 737 929 A1 The front unit disclosed comprises two lateral, inwardly pointing pins as bearing sections which engage in corresponding lateral holes of a front section of a ski boot. The pins are arranged at the distal ends of respective clamping brackets, the clamping brackets for opening and closing the front unit being pivotably held on the front unit and being movable between an open position and a closed position by means of a binding actuation arrangement. When getting into the known front unit, the ski boot must be positioned so that its lateral bearing holes are just opposite the bearing pins of the front unit so that the bearing pins can snap into the bearing openings when the front unit is closed. Correct positioning of the ski boot can often be difficult in practical use on the mountain, especially for inexperienced users. To make it easier to find the correct entry position for the ski boot, the EP 2 737 929 A1 propose to additionally provide a longitudinal stop on the front unit for a front section of the ski boot, the longitudinal stop being set in the open position of the front unit in a first upright position to support the ski boot in the entry position and in the closed position of the front unit in a second folded forward position Position is set in which it allows pivoting of the ski boot around the bearing sections for walking. The longitudinal stop is pretensioned in the direction of the second position and can be locked in the open position in the first position in order to provide the entry aid. When the front unit is moved from the open position to the closed position, the longitudinal stop is automatically moved from the first position to the second position. Accordingly, the longitudinal stop provides the desired entry aid in the open position, the movement or adjustment taking place anyway for the closing of the front unit and the transition to the closed position Front unit is used at the same time for the movement or adjustment of the longitudinal stop in the second position, in which the longitudinal stop does not hinder the pivoting movement of the ski boot. This automatic adjustment of the longitudinal stop when adjusting the front unit into the closed position takes place via a coupling element which is coupled to the binding actuation arrangement, in particular to an actuating lever, and the longitudinal stop itself in order to transmit an adjustment movement of the binding actuating arrangement to the longitudinal stop.

With this entry aid, entry into the touring binding can be made much easier, but a movement coupling of the longitudinal stop with the actuation arrangement of the front unit also entails problems. Movable binding parts, for example, are susceptible to a functional failure. In addition, an additional component in the form of a coupling element is necessary for the transmission of the adjustment movement, which in the case of the EP 2 737 929 A1 is implemented as an additional control lever. However, the provision of a plurality of components almost inevitably leads to higher production costs, a higher weight and, as mentioned above, to a greater vulnerability with regard to functionality.

Against this background, the object of the present invention is to provide a front unit for a touring binding which, taking into account the production costs and the weight of the front unit, has improved functionality and operability to avoid the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art and which in particular enables the correct positioning of the Shoe easier when getting on.

The above-formulated object on which the invention is based is achieved by a front unit for a touring binding, comprising two Lateral bearing sections which are arranged on a transverse ski axis running essentially orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of the ski and parallel to a ski plane and which are designed to engage lateral counter bearing sections of a ski boot in a closed position of the front unit in order to pivot the ski boot about the transverse ski axis To hold the front unit, and a longitudinal positioning section on which the ski boot can be supported in an entry position in such a way that the counter-bearing sections are positioned with regard to their position along the longitudinal axis of the ski in a position ready for engagement relative to the bearing sections, the front unit being adjustable between an open position, in which the bearing sections and the counter bearing sections are disengaged, and the closed position in which the bearing sections and the counter bearing sections are in engagement, the longitudinal positioning section in the open position of the front The unit is fixed relative to the bearing sections and is movable relative to the bearing sections in the closed position of the front unit.

An important feature of the invention is therefore that in the closed position of the front unit the longitudinal positioning section can move in relation to the front unit or the bearing sections, in particular can move with the ski boot with every step so as not to limit the freedom of movement of the ski boot when walking and to enable pivoting of the ski boot in the closed position of the front unit.

A movement coupling for adjusting the longitudinal positioning section with movable parts of the front unit provided for adjusting the front unit between the open position and closed position is therefore not necessary, since the longitudinal positioning section is movable relative to the bearing sections around which the ski boot pivots when walking and can therefore be easily moved away when walking through the ski boot.

In the context of this disclosure, terms such as “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “rear”, “side”, “height direction”, “width direction”, “longitudinal direction” and the like relate to the view of a skier in order to simplify the illustration who got into the front unit of a ski binding, in particular touring binding, mounted on a ski with a ski boot, the ski being arranged in a horizontal plane.

Furthermore, the term “ski” as well as the terms containing this term such as “ski boot”, “ski binding”, “touring ski binding”, “ski level”, “ski longitudinal axis”, “ski center axis”, “ski width direction”, “ski longitudinal direction” and the like do not only refer to on skis in the narrower sense, but also includes cross-country skis, splitboards (snowboards that can be divided lengthways into at least two parts, the individual parts of which can be used in the manner of normal skis), snowshoes or similar boards for walking or gliding on snow and ice. All these objects or parts thereof are regarded as skis or parts of skis for the purposes of this invention.

In the open position, the longitudinal positioning section can be placed in a first position to support the ski boot in the entry position, the longitudinal positioning section being locked in the open position in the first position, and adjustable in the closed position between the first position and a second position, in which it enables the ski boot to pivot about the transverse ski axis for walking, the longitudinal positioning section being locked in the closed position neither in the first position nor in the second position. This makes it possible that an entry aid for correct positioning of the ski boot relative to the bearing sections is provided by the locked longitudinal positioning section only in the open position, while in the closed position the longitudinal positioning section is not locked and thus a movement of the front section of the ski boot, in particular a pivoting of the ski boot about the bearing sections and the ski transverse axis, is not hindered.

A longitudinal positioning section that can be adjusted between a first and a second position can preferably also be prestressed in the direction of the first position by an elastic means. By pretensioning in the direction of the first position, manual movement or adjustment of the longitudinal positioning section in the first position to support the ski boot in the open position of the front unit or a movement coupling with an actuating arrangement of the front unit or the like is not necessary. In particular, in the open position, the longitudinal positioning section, which is pretensioned into the first position and locked in the first position, can provide support for the ski boot and thus an aid to getting on, while in the closed position, in particular in a walking position, the longitudinal positioning section moves with every step and with it accompanying pivoting of the ski boot about the transverse ski axis moved together with the front section. Such a movement of the longitudinal positioning section can take place from the first position to the second position against the pretensioning force of the elastic element, which is why it is advantageous if the spring force of the elastic element is designed to be as low as possible. The spring force should only be sufficient to bring the longitudinal positioning section reliably into the first position.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elastic means can be a leg spring. A leg spring generally has lower spring forces than, for example, compression or tension springs and, moreover, takes up only extremely little installation space, as a result of which a compact arrangement can be achieved. In a case in which the longitudinal positioning section is mounted pivotably about an axis, Use a leg spring arranged around the same axis in an advantageous manner.

In addition, the front unit can furthermore comprise an actuation arrangement which is designed to move the front unit from the open position into the closed position when actuated by a user and thereby move the bearing sections towards one another. The actuation arrangement can also be set up to fix the longitudinal positioning section in the first position. No additional components are therefore necessary in order to fix or lock the longitudinal positioning section in the first position, as a result of which production costs, weight and installation space can be saved.

The actuating arrangement can preferably comprise an actuating lever on which a locking pin is arranged, which is designed to engage in a corresponding locking notch arranged on the longitudinal positioning section in the open position of the front unit in order to lock the longitudinal positioning section in the open position of the front unit in the first position. The longitudinal positioning section can be reliably locked in the first position by means of the locking pin and the locking notch. It should be noted that other locking options, such as an integrally formed projection and a correspondingly complementarily formed recess, are also possible. The locking pin or the projection can also be formed on the longitudinal positioning section and the complementary notch or recess can be formed on the actuating lever. It only has to be ensured that the longitudinal positioning section can be safely locked in the first position in the open position of the front unit in order to provide the entry aid.

In particular, the longitudinal positioning section can be arranged in front of the bearing sections in a longitudinal direction of the ski. Through this beneficial Arrangement, the longitudinal positioning section can interact with the front section of the ski boot in order to provide a support and thus an entry aid for positioning the ski boot.

In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal positioning section can comprise at least one stop against which a front section of the ski boot strikes in the entry position. A direct interaction between the ski boot and the longitudinal positioning section in the form of a direct stop can offer the user the best possible feedback and thus a very good entry aid for correctly positioning the ski boot relative to the bearing sections in the longitudinal direction of the ski. It should be noted that several stops can also be provided. In particular, two stops arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the ski can be provided. In this case, the user can move his ski boot so that it rests against both stops. As a result, in addition to correct positioning in the longitudinal direction of the ski, twisting of the ski boot to the side about a vertical axis can also be prevented, as a result of which the ease of entry can be further improved.

The longitudinal positioning section can also be mounted on the front unit on a bearing axis that runs essentially orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the ski and parallel to the transverse axis of the ski. Thus, the longitudinal positioning section can pivot with the ski boot when climbing in the closed or walking position of the front unit, and pivoting of the ski boot about the transverse ski axis is not hindered by the longitudinal positioning section.

The front unit can furthermore comprise a base plate with a fastening arrangement for fastening the front unit to a ski, the bearing axis on which the longitudinal positioning section is mounted being arranged on the base plate. An arrangement of the The longitudinal positioning section on a base plate that is fixed to the ski is particularly advantageous since the longitudinal positioning section can thereby be locked particularly securely in the first position. In addition, a movement coupling of the longitudinal positioning section with other movable components of the front unit is not necessary, as a result of which a reliable function of the front unit is not restricted.

In the first position, the longitudinal positioning section can protrude upwards essentially upright from the front unit and, in the second position, can be pivoted forward and downward about the bearing axis, so that it approaches the ski plane during the transition from the first position to the second position. This means that in the open position of the front unit, the longitudinal positioning section can protrude upright when it is locked in the first position, and in the closed position, in particular a walking position, the front unit can pivot forward and downward about the bearing axis into the second position.

Figur 1

eine Seitenansicht einer Vordereinheit für eine Tourenbindung gemäß der Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung in einer Öffnungsstellung,

Figur 2

eine Draufsicht der Vordereinheit gemäß der Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung in der Öffnungsstellung,

Figur 3

eine Schnittansicht entlang der Linie A-A in Figur 2,

Figur 4

eine Seitenansicht der Vordereinheit gemäß der Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung in einer Schließ- bzw. Abfahrtsstellung,

Figur 5

eine Draufsicht der Vordereinheit gemäß der Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung in der Schließ- bzw. Abfahrtsstellung,

Figur 6

eine Schnittansicht entlang der Linie B-B in Figur 5 und

Figur 7

eine Seitenansicht der Vordereinheit gemäß der Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung in der Schließ- bzw. einer Gehstellung mit einem Zehenabschnitt eines Skischuhs gekoppelt.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show in detail:

Figure 1

a side view of a front unit for a touring binding according to the embodiment of the present invention in an open position,

Figure 2

a plan view of the front unit according to the embodiment of the present invention in the open position,

Figure 3

a sectional view along the line AA in Figure 2 ,

Figure 4

a side view of the front unit according to the embodiment of the present invention in a closed or departure position,

Figure 5

a plan view of the front unit according to the embodiment of the present invention in the closed or departure position,

Figure 6

a sectional view along the line BB in Figure 5 and

Figure 7

a side view of the front unit according to the embodiment of the present invention in the closed or a walking position coupled to a toe section of a ski boot.

In the present disclosure, direction and location information such as “top”, “bottom”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “rear”, “vertical”, “horizontal” or the like relate to an operationally mounted state of the Touring binding or the front unit of the touring binding, in which it is attached to a ski, for example, and the observer who understands these terms stands on a horizontal surface and looks forward in the direction of travel of the ski. An axis running in the X direction then runs parallel to the viewing direction and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ski, a Y direction runs orthogonally to the X direction and parallel to the horizontal subsurface or to the ski plane and to the transverse axis of the ski, and a Z direction runs orthogonally to the X direction and to the Y-direction in the vertical direction to the horizontal underground.

The ones in the Figures 1 to 7 The illustrated front unit 10 of the preferred embodiment of the invention comprises two lateral bearing sections 16a, 16b, which are arranged on a ski transverse axis which runs essentially orthogonally to a ski longitudinal axis and which are set up for this purpose are to engage lateral counter-bearing sections 110 of a ski boot 100 in order to keep the ski boot 100 pivotable about the transverse axis of the ski.

The front unit 10 further comprises a longitudinal positioning section 40 on which the ski boot 100 can be supported in an entry position in such a way that the counter bearing sections 110 are positioned relative to the bearing sections 16a, 16b with regard to their position along the longitudinal axis of the ski in a position ready for engagement.

The front unit 10 is basically adjustable between an open position, which in the Figures 1 to 3 is shown, and a closed position, which in the Figures 4 to 7 is shown. In the closed position, the bearing sections 16a, 16b are spaced apart from one another which is designed for engagement with the counter bearing sections 110 of the ski boot 100, while in the open position they are spaced apart from one another which is greater than in the closed position, so that the ski boot 100 can be inserted between the bearing sections 16a, 16b or removed from the front unit 10. In other words, the bearing sections 16a, 16b and the counter bearing sections 110 are engaged in the closed position and disengaged in the open position. As mentioned, the open position of the front unit 10 is in FIG Figures 1 to 3 shown, while the closed position in the Figures 4 to 7 is shown. It is in the Figures 4 to 6 a departure position and in Figure 7 shown a walking stance. In the downhill position, the front unit 10 is set up for a downhill run and a heel unit (not shown) can hold a heel section of the ski boot fixed on the ski. The front unit 10 is set up in the downhill position for downhill skiing in such a way that the ski boot 100 is released from the front unit 10 in the event of a force acting on the bearing sections 16a, 16b which exceeds a predetermined threshold value, for example in the event of a fall. In the walking position, the heel unit should not hold the heel section of the ski boot 100, so that the ski boot 100 can pivot about the transverse axis of the ski in engagement with the bearing sections 16a, 16b for ascent. A release of the ski boot 100 by the front unit 10 is prevented or made more difficult in the walking position.

The longitudinal positioning section 40 is fixed relative to the bearing sections 16a, 16b in the open position and is movable relative to the bearing sections 16a, 16b in the closed position. This means that in the closed position of the front unit 10, the longitudinal positioning section 40 can move in relation to the front unit 10 or to the bearing sections 16a, 16b, in particular can move with the ski boot 100 during every step of the ascent, in order to increase the freedom of movement of the ski boot 100 Not to be limited when walking and to allow the ski boot 100 to pivot in the closed position of the front unit 10.

Furthermore, the longitudinal positioning section 40 in the open position can be placed in a first position to support the ski boot 100 in the entry position, the longitudinal positioning section 40 being locked in the open position in the first position and adjustable in the closed position between the first position and a second position in which it enables the ski boot 100 to be pivoted about the transverse ski axis for walking, the longitudinal positioning section 40 being locked in the closed position neither in the first position nor in the second position. As a result, in the open position, the locked longitudinal positioning section 40 provides an entry aid for the correct positioning of the ski boot 100 relative to the bearing sections 16a, 16b, while in the closed position the longitudinal positioning section 40 is not locked and thus a movement of the front section 130 of the ski boot 100, in particular a pivoting of the ski boot 100 about the bearing sections 16a, 16b and the transverse axis of the ski is not hindered. Since the heel section of the ski boot 100 is held by a heel unit in the downhill position, the ski boot 100 is thus held between the front unit 10 and heel unit is fixed and not pivoted about the transverse axis of the ski, the longitudinal positioning section 40 can remain in the first, in particular upright, position. In the walking position, however, the heel section of the ski boot is released and the ski boot 100 can be pivoted about the transverse axis of the ski. In the closed position and thus also in the walking position, the longitudinal positioning section 40 can move with the pivoting movement of the ski boot 100 and does not restrict the movement of the ski boot 100 during ascent.

The longitudinal positioning section 40 can be a stop element 40 and can comprise at least one stop 42a, 42b or a stop surface 42a, 42b, on which a front section 130 of the ski boot 100 strikes in the entry position. A direct interaction of the front section 130 of the ski boot 100 and the longitudinal positioning section 40 in the form of a direct stop 42a, 42b makes it easier for the user to correctly position the ski boot 100 relative to the bearing sections 16a, 16b in the longitudinal direction of the ski. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, two stops 42a, 42b arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the ski can be provided. The user can move the ski boot 100 in such a way that it strikes both stops 42a, 42b, as a result of which, in addition to the correct positioning in the longitudinal direction of the ski, a lateral twisting of the ski boot 100 can also be prevented. In this way, ease of entry can be further improved in the preferred embodiment.

The longitudinal positioning section 40 can be mounted on the front unit 10 on a bearing axis 44 that runs essentially orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the ski and parallel to the transverse axis of the ski. For example, the longitudinal positioning section 40 can pivot with the ski boot 100 when the front unit 10 is in the walking position, and pivoting of the ski boot 100 about the transverse ski axis is not hindered by the longitudinal positioning section 40.

The front unit 10 can furthermore comprise a base plate 12 with a fastening arrangement 14 for fastening to a ski. The base plate 12 can be fixedly mounted on a ski, for example by means of screws to be inserted into screw holes 14. The bearing axis 44, on which the longitudinal positioning section 40 is mounted, can in particular be arranged on the base plate 12. The arrangement of the longitudinal positioning section 40 on a base plate 12 which is fixed to the ski is particularly advantageous, since the longitudinal positioning section 40 can thereby be locked particularly securely in the first position. In addition, a coupling of the movement of the longitudinal positioning section 40 with other movable components of the front unit 10 is not necessary.

In the first position, the longitudinal positioning section 40 can protrude upwards essentially upright from the front unit 10 and, in the second position, can be pivoted forwards and downwards about the bearing axis 44, so that it can be moved from the first position to the second position of the ski plane approximates. This means that the longitudinal positioning section 40 can protrude upright in the open position of the front unit 10 when it is locked in the first position, and in the closed position, in particular the walking position, of the front unit 10 around the bearing axis 44 forwards and downwards into the Swivel away the second position.

In the advantageous embodiment, in the open position of the front unit 10, the ski boot 100 can be brought up to the longitudinal positioning section 40 from the rear until a front sole section 130 of the shoe 100 hits the rear contact surface 42a, 42b. The ski boot 100 is then supported in an entry position, the rear contact surface 42a, 42b acting as the longitudinal positioning section 40. The bearing openings or counter bearing sections 110 of the ski boot 100 are in the entry position positioned with regard to their position along the X direction (longitudinal axis of the ski) in a position ready for engagement with respect to the bearing sections or bearing journals 16. This means that the bearing journals 16 are just opposite the bearing openings 110 of the ski boot 100, so that when the front unit 10 is subsequently closed, the bearing journals 16 can easily slide into the bearing openings 110 of the ski boot 100 and snap into place there. The rear contact surface 42a, 42b thus forms a front stop against which a front section 130 of the ski boot 100 strikes in the entry position in order to position the boot ready for action.

As in Figure 3 As can be seen, the longitudinal positioning section 40 adjustable between the first and the second position can be pretensioned in the direction of the first position by an elastic means 46, which can preferably be a leg spring 46. In particular, in the open position, the longitudinal positioning section 40, which is pretensioned into the first position and locked in the first position, can provide support for the ski boot 100 and thus an aid to getting on, while in the closed position, especially in the walking position, the longitudinal positioning section 40 moves along with every step moved along with the front section 130 of the ski boot 100. Such a movement of the longitudinal positioning section 40 can take place from the first position to the second position against the pretensioning force of the elastic element 46, which should only be sufficient to bring the longitudinal positioning section 40 reliably into the first position. A leg spring 46 can preferably be wound around the pivot axis 44 of the longitudinal positioning section or stop element 40, which prestresses it backwards (ie clockwise in the figures) so that it is placed under prestress in the first, in particular upright, position.

In addition, the front unit 10 can comprise two clamping brackets 18a, 18b, at least one of which can be pivoted about an axis 20a, 20b on the Base plate 12 is supported. Each of the clamping angles 18a, 18b can have a first leg 18a-1, 18b-1, at the distal end of which one of the bearing sections 16a, 16b is arranged. The clamping angles 18a, 18b can in particular be held on the base plate 12 via a pivot axis 20a, 20b running parallel to a central ski axis, so that the clamping angles 18a, 18b can be pivoted about the pivot axes 20a, 20b. Each clamping bracket 18a or 18b can encompass the first leg 18a-1, 18b-1, which can protrude upwards with respect to a ski plane defined by the ski (the plane in which a running surface of the ski lies), ie approximately in an orthogonally can extend to the ski plane running height direction. Furthermore, each clamping bracket 18a, 18b can comprise a second limb 18a-2, 18b-2, which extend from the first limb 18a-1, 18b-1 to the ski center axis of the ski and can be oriented approximately parallel to the plane of the ski.

Distal ends (ends remote from the pivot axes 20a, 20b) of the second legs 18a-2, 18b-2 of the clamping brackets 18a, 18b can each be secured by at least one pin (not shown) arranged on the second legs 18a-2, 18b-2 in Be extended towards the central axis of the ski. The ends of the pins facing the central axis of the ski can be slidably inserted into holes in end caps 32a, 32b, the pin of one clamping bracket 18a being inserted into a hole in a first end cap 32a and the pin of the other clamping bracket 18b being inserted into a hole in a second end cap 32b can be introduced. A compression spring 34 can be wound around each of the pins, each of the springs 34 being supported on the one hand on the distal end of the clamping bracket 18a, 18b and on the other hand on the end cap 32a, 32b, around the end caps 32a, 32b in one of the clamping brackets 18a, 18b in the direction leading away, ie in the direction of the two end caps 32a, 32b approaching each other, so that the end caps 32a, 32b rest against one another and are pressed against one another.

Distal ends of the first legs 18a-1, 18b-1 can each have one of the bearing sections 16a, 16b. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bearing sections 16a, 16b can in particular be present as bearing journals 16a, 16b, which extend inwards from the first leg 18a-1, 18b-1, ie. H. project towards the central axis of the ski and taper to a cone-shaped point at their projecting ends. The tips of the bearing journals 16a, 16b can thus roughly point towards one another.

In addition, one or both of the clamping brackets 18a, 18b can be spring-loaded by at least one elastic element 34, which can be embodied in particular by the compression springs 34, and the bearing sections 16a, 16b, in particular in the form of the bearing journals 16a, 16b, can be overcome by overcoming a The dead center position of one or both clamping brackets 18a, 18b must be biased into the closed position or into the open position.

In addition, the front unit can furthermore comprise an actuation arrangement 26, 28 which is designed to move the front unit 10 from the open position into the closed position when actuated by a user and thereby move the bearing sections 16a, 16b towards one another. The actuation arrangement can also be set up to fix the longitudinal positioning section 40 in the first position. The actuation arrangement 16, 28 can be formed by an actuation lever 26 and by a blocking lever 28.

The actuating lever 26 can in particular be designed with two arms and can be held on the base plate 12 so as to be pivotable about an actuating lever pivot axis (not shown) running essentially orthogonally to the ski center axis and essentially parallel to the ski plane. A first arm of the operating lever 26 can extend from the operating lever pivot axis (not shown) to the end caps 32a, 32b of the clamping brackets 18a, 18b extend and encompass the end caps 32a, 32b with an end section, for example in the form of a fork or a receptacle. The end portion may have the closing actuation portion 30, which extends in the form of a first plate portion from the first arm to a certain extent over the end caps 32a, 32b, and a second plate portion (not shown) which extends from the first arm to a certain extent extends far below both end caps 32a, 32b. The end caps 32a, 32b can thus be received between the plate sections of the actuating lever 26 and a pivoting movement of the actuating lever 26 about the actuating lever pivot axis (not shown) can be coupled in motion with a pivoting movement of the clamping brackets 18a, 18b about the pivot axes 20a, 20b.

As in the Figures 3 and 6th can be seen, a locking pin 27 can be arranged on the actuating lever 26, which is designed to engage in a corresponding locking notch 48 arranged on the longitudinal positioning section 40 in the open position of the front unit 10 in order to position the longitudinal positioning section 40 in the open position of the front unit 40 in the lock in the first position. The longitudinal positioning section 40 can be reliably locked in the first position by means of the locking pin 27 and the locking notch 48. A projection formed integrally on the actuating lever 26 and a correspondingly complementary recess in the longitudinal positioning section 40 would also be conceivable as an alternative to the locking pin 27 and the locking notch 48.

The blocking lever 28 can be held pivotably about a blocking lever pivot axis 29, which is essentially parallel to the ski plane, on a distal end section of the actuating lever 26 pointing forward in the longitudinal direction of the ski. A second arm of the actuation lever 26 can extend from the actuation lever pivot axis (not shown) in the substantially opposite direction to the first arm and can be connected to the blocking lever 28 at its distal end. The blocking lever 28 can have an operating section 28-1 and a blocking section 28-2, which can extend from the blocking lever pivot axis 29 in different, in particular essentially opposite directions, as opposite arms.

The front unit 10 can be locked in the closed position by the blocking lever 28. The blocking lever 28 can be adjustable between a blocking position and a release position and can be configured to lock the front unit 10 in the closed position in the blocking position, in that the blocking section 28-2 interacts with the base plate 12, for example.

In the open position, the longitudinal positioning section 40 can be held in position via the locking pin 27 on the actuating lever 26 or locked in the first position. In the departure position, the actuating lever 26 can move downwards by getting in, the locking pin 27, which holds the longitudinal positioning section 40 locked, can perform a rotational movement and release the longitudinal positioning section 40. In the event of a fall or the like, the longitudinal positioning section 40 does not prevent the front unit 10 from being triggered and the ski boot 100 released. As in the downhill position, the longitudinal positioning section 40 is also freely movable in the walking position and can move forward against the force of the spring 46 acting on it by a pivoting movement of the ski boot 100 when walking.

Together with the clamping brackets 18a, 18b, the actuation arrangement 26, 28 of the front unit 10 can form a movement device 18a, 18b, 26, 28 for moving the bearing sections 16a, 16b between the open position and the closed position of the front unit 10, the Movement device 18a, 18b, 26, 28 can have a closing actuation section 30, the actuation of which causes a movement of the bearing sections 16a, 16b from the open position into the closed position. The closing actuation section 30 can define a substantially flat step surface 30 for a front sole section of the ski boot. In the present embodiment, such a flat tread surface 30 can be present in particular as a flat plate section 30, but can alternatively also be defined, for example, by a plurality of contact points at a sufficient distance from one another. In this context, it is advantageous that a flat support is provided for the ski boot 100, in particular for a sole section 120 of the ski boot 100, so that the user can correctly align the ski boot 100 with respect to the front unit 10 for coupling the bearing sections 16a, 16b with the counter bearing sections 110 is further facilitated. The movement device 18a, 18b, 26, 28 can accordingly convert a movement of the closing actuation section 30 directed towards the ski plane into an approaching movement of the bearing sections 16a, 16b in order to move the bearing sections 16a, 16b into the closed position of the front unit 10. The clamping brackets 18a, 18b with the spring-loaded end caps 32a, 32b and the actuation arrangement, consisting of actuation lever 26 and blocking lever 28, can thus together form the movement device

The operation of the front unit 10 of the preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to FIG Figures 1 to 7 explained. It should be noted that the invention is not restricted to this embodiment and that the operating procedures of the front unit 10 described are only intended to be of an exemplary nature.

A user can step into the front unit 10 with the ski boot 100 when the clamping angles 18a, 18b are in the Figures 1 and 3 Open position shown are in which the end caps 32a, 32b with the End section 30 are moved into the upper position and the bearing journals 16a, 16b are accordingly pivoted outwardly. The bearing sections or bearing journals 16a, 16b can then be so far apart that a sole section 120 of a ski boot 100 can be pushed in between them with as little clearance as possible. A running surface of the sole section 120 can be placed on the closing actuation section 30 and can be supported from above on the closing actuation section 30. The ski boot 100 can be guided forward until it strikes the stop surfaces 42a, 42b of the longitudinal positioning section 40. The ski boot 100 is then in the correct entry position in relation to the bearing sections / bearing journals 16a, 16 through the closing actuation section 30 in the vertical direction and through the longitudinal positioning section 40 and its stop surfaces 42a, 42b in the longitudinal direction of the ski.

The end section 30 can then move towards the ski by exerting a force directed towards the ski through the ski boot on the closing actuation section 30 (and / or through a manual pivot actuation of the blocking lever 28). The end section 30 can take the end caps 32a, 32b with it and pivot the clamping brackets 18a, 18b about the pivot axes 20a, 20b. Accordingly, the bearing journals 16a, 16b can approach one another and move in the direction of the ski boot. This movement can take place against the resistance of the compression springs 34, since a contact point between the end caps 32a, 32b in the open position can be above a connecting line between the pivot axes 20a, 20b. Correspondingly, an approach of the contact point to the connecting line can mean a reduction in the respective distances between the end caps 32a, 32b and the clamping angles 18a, 18b and thus a compression of the compression springs 34.

When the end caps 32a, 32b are approximately at the level of the connecting line, the movement device can reach a dead point in which the resistance of the compression springs 34 against the approach of the end caps 32a, 32b to the connecting line becomes an acceleration caused by the force of the springs 34 the end caps 32a, 32b jumps in the direction of a further approach to the ski. The force of the springs 34, which in this case can always push the end caps 32a, 32b away from the connecting line, can thus cause the movement device to jump over at dead point and automatically push the clamping brackets 18a, 18b in the direction of a closed position in which the bearing pins 16a, 16b are biased towards mutual approximation.

At the latest when it passes through the dead center, the closing actuation section 30 can have a height above the ski that positions the ski boot 100 supported on the closing actuation section 30 at a correct height in relation to the bearing journals 16a, 16b, so that the bearing holes of the ski boot 100 are approximately the same Height as the bearing journals 16a, 16b are located, so that the bearing journals 16a, 16b can safely engage in the bearing holes 110 during the further movement of the movement device into the closed position. The clamping angles 18a, 18b can be stably preloaded by the action of the compression springs 34 described above. The front unit 10 is in the departure position. Now an associated heel unit can either be coupled to a heel section of the ski boot 100 for descent or the front unit 10 can be adjusted to the walking position for an ascent by pivoting the clamping angles 18a, 18b into the open position due to a pivot from the ski boot 100 16a, 16b to reliably prevent acting force, in addition the blocking lever 28 is pivoted into a blocking position in which a distal end of the blocking section 28-2 is supported below the blocking lever pivot axis 29 on the ski, so that a movement of the second arm of the actuating lever 26 towards the ski and thus an upward movement of the End portion 30 is blocked. The front unit 10 is now in the walking position and a moving apart of the clamping brackets 18a, 18b and thus also the bearing pins 16a, 16b is prevented or at least made more difficult. In the walking position, the longitudinal positioning section in the form of the stop element 40 is movable relative to the bearing journals 16a, 16b and, in particular, can be pivoted about the axis 44 fastened to the base plate 12. As in Figure 7 As can be seen, the front section 130 of the ski boot 100 strikes the stop surfaces 42a, 42b of the longitudinal positioning section 40 with every step of the user and pivots this against the spring force of the torsion spring 46, which is also mounted on the axis 44, forward and down (here counterclockwise) . Since the actuating lever 26 and thus also the locking pin 27 moves downwards during the adjustment from the open position to the closed position and the engagement between the locking pin 27 on the actuating lever 26 and the locking notch 48 on the longitudinal positioning section 40 has been released, the longitudinal positioning section 40 is particularly movable rotatable about the axis 44 and can swivel with the swiveling movement of the ski boot 100 when walking.

To open the front unit 10, the blocking lever 28 can first be pivoted back from the blocking position, so that the distal end 28 - 2 is released from contact with the surface of the base plate 12. The blocking lever 28 can then be gripped on the operating section 28-1 and moved towards the ski, so that the operating lever 26 is pivoted and the end section moves upwards. The movement device can oppose this opening movement with the resistance of the springs 34 until the end caps 32a, 32b again pass through the dead center at the level of the connecting line between the pivot axes 20a, 20b. The springs 34 can then automatically push the end caps 32a, 32b further upwards in the direction of the open position and finally hold the clamping brackets 18a, 18b in the open position. The bearing pins 16a, 16b can disengage from the Loosen bearing holes 110 and the ski boot 100 can finally be pulled out of the front unit 10. In the open position, the longitudinal positioning section 40 is again fixed with respect to the bearing sections 16a, 16b and can serve as an entry aid.

Claims (12)

Front unit (10) for a touring binding, comprising: two lateral bearing sections (16a, 16b), which are arranged on a transverse ski axis running essentially orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of the ski and parallel to a ski plane and which are designed to have lateral counter-bearing sections (110) of a ski boot (100) in a closed position of the front unit (10) ) to engage in order to hold the ski boot (100) pivotably about the transverse ski axis on the front unit (10), and a longitudinal positioning section (40) on which the ski boot (100) can be supported in an entry position in such a way that the counter bearing sections (110) are positioned relative to the bearing sections (16a, 16b) with regard to their position along the longitudinal axis of the ski in a position ready for engagement, wherein the front unit (10) is adjustable between an open position in which the bearing sections (16a, 16b) and the counter bearing sections (110) are disengaged, and the closed position in which the bearing sections (16a, 16b) and the counter bearing sections (110) are engaged characterized in that
the longitudinal positioning section (40) is fixed relative to the bearing sections (16a, 16b) in the open position of the front unit (10) and is movable relative to the bearing sections (16a, 16b) in the closed position of the front unit (10). Front unit (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the longitudinal positioning section (40) in the open position is placed in a first position to support the ski boot (100) in the entry position, the longitudinal positioning section (40) in the open position in the first position is locked, and in the closed position between the first position and a second position is adjustable, in which it enables pivoting of the ski boot (100) about the transverse ski axis for walking, the longitudinal positioning section (40) being locked in the closed position neither in the first position nor in the second position. Front unit (10) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the longitudinal positioning section (40) is pretensioned in the direction of the first position by an elastic means (46). Front unit (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the elastic means is a leg spring (46). Front unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an actuation arrangement (26, 28) which is designed to move the front unit (10) from the open position into the closed position when actuated by a user and thereby adjust the bearing sections (16a , 16b) to move towards each other. Front unit (10) according to one of Claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the actuating arrangement (26, 28) is further designed to fix the longitudinal positioning section (40) in the first position. Front unit (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the actuating arrangement (26, 28) comprises an actuating lever (26) on which a locking pin (27) is arranged which is designed to be in the open position of the front unit (10) to engage a corresponding locking notch (48) arranged on the longitudinal positioning section (40) in order to lock the longitudinal positioning section (40) in the open position of the front unit (10) in the first position. Front unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longitudinal positioning section (40) is arranged in front of the bearing sections (16a, 16b) in a longitudinal direction of the ski. Front unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longitudinal positioning section (40) comprises at least one stop (42a, 42b) on which a front section (130) of the ski boot (100) strikes in the entry position. Front unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longitudinal positioning section (40) is mounted on the front unit (10) on a bearing axis (44) running essentially orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the ski and parallel to the transverse axis of the ski. Front unit (10) according to claim 10, further comprising a base plate (12) with a fastening arrangement (14) for fastening the front unit (10) to a ski, wherein the bearing axis (44) on which the longitudinal positioning section (40) is mounted the base plate (12) is arranged. Front unit (10) according to Claim 2 and Claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the longitudinal positioning section (40) protrudes substantially upright from the front unit (10) in the first position and protrudes around the bearing axis (44) in the second position is pivoted forward and downward so that it approaches the level of the ski during the transition from the first position to the second position.

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