Release binding with lever for locking and releasing a shoe holding unit

Abstract

Trigger binding comprehensive a basic structure, at least one shoe retention unit (1), in particular a heel retainer, a locking element (3) with a locking structure (3d), wherein the locking element (3) is axially immovable in engagement with a counter-locking structure relative to the base structure for fixing the shoe holding unit (1) in a locking position, and a lever (4) with which the locking structure (3d) can be moved from engagement to a release position in which the shoe holding unit (1) can be axially displaced on the base structure, wherein the lever (4) is pivotable about a pivot axis (S 1) pointing in the longitudinal direction of the binding and has a lever arm (42) projecting at least substantially horizontally from the pivot axis (S1) in a transverse direction, which can be actuated in a vertical direction, wherein the shoe holding unit (1) has a push spring (5) and the push spring (5) is supported at one end on the locking element (3), characterized by the fact that an effective preload force of the push spring (5) can be determined by the locking element or a position of the locking element (3) in or on the base structure.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a release binding for a ski or snowboard, comprising a lever with which a locking element for a boot retention unit can be moved from a locking position, in which the locking element axially secures the boot retention unit in a base structure of the release binding, to a release position, in which the boot retention unit can be axially displaced on the base structure. The lever can be pivoted about a pivot axis that points in the longitudinal direction of the binding. The lever has a lever arm projecting at least substantially transversely to the pivot axis, which can be actuated in a vertical direction.

[0002] From DE 60 2005 000 441 T2, an adjustment device for a toe piece of a ski binding is known, comprising a base plate with attachment points for a ski boot and a bridge having a toothed portion that can engage with a complementary toothed portion fixed to the ski board. The bridge is rotatably mounted on the base plate about an axis. The bridge can assume two different positions by means of an operating element. DE 10 2010 048 963 A1 relates to a binding for a ski board with longitudinally adjustable retention units. The binding comprises a base plate and a coupling rail that is axially adjustable relative to the base plate together with one of the retention units.

[0003] It is an object of the invention to provide a release mechanism that enables simple but secure adjustment of a shoe holding unit in a base structure in the axial direction.

[0004] This objective is achieved by the release mechanism with the features of claim 1. Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. These can be combined with one another in a technologically meaningful manner. The description, particularly in conjunction with the drawing, further characterizes and specifies the invention.

[0005] The invention relates to a release mechanism with a base structure, at least one shoe holding unit housing, a locking element with a locking structure, wherein the locking element or the locking structure of the locking element is engaged with a counter-locking structure for axially fixing the shoe holding unit housing in a locking position.

[0006] In the following, the terms "shoe holding unit housing" and "shoe holding unit" are used interchangeably. This means that both terms are interchangeable unless it is unequivocally clear that only one of the two words makes sense.

[0007] The release mechanism further features a lever with which the locking structure or locking element can be moved from the engaged or locked position to a release position, in which the shoe-holding unit housing or the shoe-holding unit can be axially displaced on the base structure. The lever is pivotable about a pivot axis extending longitudinally along the mechanism and has a lever arm projecting horizontally from the pivot axis, at least substantially in the transverse direction, which can be actuated in a vertical direction.

[0008] The shoe holding unit can be, in particular, a heel holder with an automatic mechanism and at least one sole holder. However, the shoe holding unit can also be a toe holder with sole holders.

[0009] The term "upward direction" here refers to the direction that is essentially perpendicular to the ski surface. When the lever is moved upward, it can be moved towards or away from the ski surface. The lever can be moved upward, for example, by hand, with the end of a ski pole, or with a tool.

[0010] When the locking mechanism secures the boot-holding unit to or within the base structure, the lever is in a rest position. The lever can be pre-tensioned to this rest position, meaning that when the ski boot is attached, the lever is always in the rest position during storage and transport.

[0011] To move the locking element from the locked position to the released position, the lever is moved from its rest position upwards to a holding position, in which the boot retention unit can be moved axially on the ski. In the holding position, the lever can be held while the boot retention unit is moved axially, for example, shifted.

[0012] Once the shoe holding unit has been moved into the new position, the lever can be released and will automatically swing back to its rest position. At the same time, the lever can move the locking element into the locked position, or the lever can be moved back to its rest position by the locking element, which automatically moves into the locked position.

[0013] This means that the lever and the locking element can be coupled via, for example, a spring element, such that the spring element is tensioned when the lever is moved upwards and remains tensioned when the lever is held in the unlocked position. When the lever is released, the spring force stored in the tensioned spring element causes the lever to move back to its rest position and simultaneously moves the locking element into the locked position.

[0014] The release mechanism, or shoe-holding unit, features a push spring. One end of the push spring rests against the locking element, while the other end can rest against, for example, a structural component of the base of the shoe-holding unit or the base structure. The push spring's support, particularly against the locking element, does not necessarily require direct contact; instead, additional, preferably rigid, elements can be arranged between the end of the push spring and the locking element. These elements transmit the force of the push spring unchanged to the locking element, and vice versa.

[0015] A spring element can be arranged between the end of the push spring facing the locking element and the locking element, which automatically moves the lever into the rest position and / or the locking element into the locking position and preferably holds it there.

[0016] A coupling element can be arranged between the push spring and the spring element. The coupling element can be supported by the locking element, so that it moves together with the locking element during axial movements of the locking element. The coupling element can also be held in a receptacle in the shoe holding unit or the base structure in such a way that it cannot rotate or move upwards or downwards relative to the locking element. Alternatively, the coupling element can be rigidly connected to the locking element.

[0017] The spring element can be rigidly connected at one end to the coupling element and at the other end to the locking element or the lever. The coupling element can also serve as a receptacle for the spring element. The spring element can be, in particular, a torsion spring or a torsion bar spring.

[0018] The lever and the locking element can be connected via a cam mechanism or together form the cam mechanism.

[0019] The locking element can, for example, be a pinion that can be moved about an axis parallel to the pivot axis of the lever in a rolling engagement from the locking position to the release position, and vice versa.

[0020] The locking element can have a locking structure for engaging the counter-engagement structure, comprising circumferentially extending, projecting ribs that, in the locked position, engage in corresponding openings or slots forming the counter-engagement structure. The ribs may be formed only on a partial circumference of the locking element and, in the locked position, point substantially downwards from the locking element, away from the ski surface, or to the side. The ribs may run parallel to each other. Instead of ribs, engagement studs, for example, rectangular, round, hemispherical, triangular, pyramidal, toothed, or arbitrarily shaped studs, may also engage in correspondingly shaped openings to secure the locking element in the base structure in the locked position.

[0021] The locking element can further comprise an engagement structure with axially extending, projecting ridges. These ridges can be parallel to each other and, in particular, tooth-shaped. The lever can have a mesh at its end facing the locking element, for example, a toothed section, which engages with the ridges of the engagement structure. That is, the locking element and the lever can be in toothed engagement with each other, with the teeth rolling against each other when the lever is actuated upwards and in the opposite direction when the spring element moves it. The engagement structure and the engagement are not limited to tooth shapes but can, instead of ridges or teeth, comprise other engagement elements, such as rectangular, round, hemispherical, triangular, pyramidal, tooth-shaped, or arbitrarily shaped knobs.A connection based on friction between the intervention and the intervention structure should also not be ruled out.

[0022] The lever can have two lever arms extending from the pivot joint of the lever arm in essentially opposite directions. The first lever arm is the one described above, which can be grasped and moved upwards. The second lever arm faces the locking element. The first lever arm can be longer than the second. This amplifies the force with which the first lever arm moves upwards, so that a force greater than the force with which the first lever arm moves acts on the locking element. The magnitude of this force amplification depends on the difference in length between the first and second lever arms.

[0023] The lever or the first lever arm can project laterally beyond the shoe holding unit, providing a sufficiently large gripping surface. The first lever arm can be accessible to the user within a recess of the shoe holding unit or its housing.

[0024] In the aforementioned release mechanism, the effective preload force of the push spring is determined by the locking element or the position of the locking element in or on the base structure. A known adjustment of the preload force by manipulating the locking element, for example by turning a screw that causes compression or decompression of the push spring, is not required.

[0025] Instead, the boot retention unit is first fixed in or on the base structure according to a known sole length of the ski boot. The ski boot is then clamped into the release binding. The actual preload force of the release spring can now be read on a corresponding display. Such a display will be described below.

[0026] If the preload force is outside a safe range, the ski boot is removed from the release binding, the lever is actuated, and the boot retainer is moved axially to a new position, preferably without changing the preload force of the spring. It is advantageous if the distances between, for example, the struts of the adjustment mechanism and the openings of the counter-adjustment mechanism are small to allow for the most precise possible adjustment of the preload force. After the boot retainer has been fixed in the new position, the ski boot is again clamped into the release binding, and the new value for the spring preload force can be read. This process can be repeated until the preload force reaches a safe range or an optimal preload force setting is achieved.

[0027] Another aspect of the invention, which can be advantageously combined with the aspect described above, relates to a device for displaying the setting of a preload force of a push spring of a release binding.

[0028] The device comprises a coupling element that can be arranged, or is arranged, between a push spring and an adjusting element for adjusting the spring force of the push spring, and a display element that can be rotatably mounted in a housing of the release binding about a first axis of rotation perpendicular to a ski surface.

[0029] Furthermore, the display element can be coupled to the coupling element in a second axis of rotation that runs parallel to the first axis of rotation.

[0030] This means that the device can, for example, be integrated into the previously discussed release mechanism, with the display element then being pivotably connected to the shoe-holding unit housing and the coupling element in the two aforementioned axes of rotation. The first and second axes of rotation can, in particular, be spaced apart from each other.

[0031] The indicator element can, in particular, be a pointer connected to the coupling element in the second axis of rotation such that a linear movement of the coupling element also moves the second axis of rotation, which is connected to the coupling element, in the same direction and by the same distance. Since the pointer is simultaneously confined to the first axis of rotation, which is fixed in the shoe-holding unit housing, a linear movement of the coupling element or the shoe-holding unit housing is converted into a pivoting movement of the pointer. That is, the linear movement of the coupling element or the shoe-holding unit housing, through its coupling with the pointer, causes the pointer to pivot in both the first and second axes of rotation.

[0032] As described above, the pivoting of the pointer when entering the release binding with the ski boot can be caused by the fact that, when held in the release binding, the ski boot housing moves in the opposite direction of skiing. Since the pointer is simultaneously fixed in the first axis of rotation within the boot housing, this relatively linear movement is converted into a pivoting movement of the pointer. That is, the linear movement of the boot housing, through its coupling with the pointer in the first axis of rotation, causes the pointer to pivot in both the first and second axes of rotation.

[0033] Alternatively, the locking element can, as is known, have an external thread that interacts with openings in the base structure, which serve as threaded receptacles, so that by rotating the locking element with a tool, the locking element is moved axially. This also results in a linear displacement of the coupling element and thus a deflection of the pointer.

[0034] The described pointer can also be advantageously combined with a release binding in which the locking element is firmly anchored in the ski via a support element. Such a binding is known, for example, in DE 10 2011 086 679 A1, an application of the applicant, which is part of the scope of this application and is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0035] The distance between the first and second axes of rotation of the pointer can be smaller than the distance between the first axis and an end of the pointer furthest from the second axis. The center of the circle forming the pointer can coincide with the first axis of rotation. These varying distances create levers of different lengths, resulting in a small linear movement of the coupling element being translated into a larger deflection of the pointer.

[0036] To determine whether the preload of the push-pull spring is within permissible limits, the pointer can feature a visual and / or tactile indicator. The visual indicator could, for example, consist of differently colored fields: a green field for permissible values, a yellow field for critical but acceptable values, and a red field for impermissible values. The colored indicator can cover the entire surface of the pointer or be located only within a groove. This groove can also serve as a tactile indicator, for example, for users with poor eyesight or blindness. Instead of a groove, the pointer can have indentations or raised areas, which can be colored for better visibility. Finally, the visual indicator can also be printed directly onto the pointer and include images or text.

[0037] The disc, or at least the part of the pointer that carries the visual display, can protrude laterally beyond the shoe holding unit so that it can be viewed by a user. The free end of the pointer can be positioned, for example, in a recess of the shoe holding unit or its housing, so that it is visible to the user.

[0038] The pointer can protrude from the shoe holding unit or the shoe holding unit housing on a side opposite the lever, or the recess in the shoe holding unit housing for the pointer and the recess in the shoe holding unit housing are formed on opposite sides of the shoe holding unit or shoe holding unit housing.

[0039] The device for indicating the preload force setting of a push spring, described here in connection with the release mechanism, can advantageously also be combined with other mechanisms. The applicant therefore expressly reserves the right to pursue, in a division, only the aspect of this device independently of the release mechanism with the lever.

[0040] The release binding according to the invention is claimed here with regard to the adjustment of the boot retention unit by means of a lever, which simplifies the adjustment of the release binding for different boot sizes, for example in a ski rental shop. The lever can be operated from one side of the boot retention unit without the use of a tool. After the boot retention unit has been adjusted, the lever is automatically returned to a rest position in which a locking element axially locks the boot retention unit onto the ski.

[0041] The locking position of the locking mechanism and the rest position of the lever can be indicated, for example, by a click sound. This prevents the ski with the release binding from being handed out by a rental shop, for instance, without the lever being reliably in the rest position and the locking mechanism reliably in the locked position. For this purpose, the lever could, for example, actuate an elastic ratchet element shortly before reaching the rest position, producing the audible click.

[0042] Such a release mechanism may have further features or detailed configurations, some of which have already been described, but are not reflected in the claims and are therefore listed below as further aspects. Where reference numerals are used in the features designated as aspects, these are reference numerals of exemplary embodiments described below. The aspects are not limited to these exemplary embodiments, although the exemplary embodiments also demonstrate preferred configurations for the features described under the aspects. Aspect 1# Release binding according to claim 1, wherein the lever (4) is pre-tensioned to a rest position. Aspect 2# Release binding according to claim 2, wherein the lever (4) moves the locking element (3) into the locking position or the locking element (3) moves the lever (4) into the rest position. Aspect 3# Release binding according to claim 3, wherein the push spring (5) is supported at one end on the locking element (3). Aspect 4# Ski release binding according to claim 4, wherein the spring element (7) holds the lever (4) in the rest position and / or the locking element (3) in the locking position. Aspect 5# Release binding according to the preceding claim, wherein a coupling element (6) is arranged between the push spring (5) and the spring element (7). Aspect 6# Release binding according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the spring element (7) is a torsion spring. Aspect 7# Release binding according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lever (4) and the locking element (3) are connected via a cam mechanism or together form the cam mechanism. Aspect 8# Release bond according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (3) has a locking structure (3d) with circumferentially extending, projecting webs (3e) for engagement in counter-engagement structure of the base structure. Aspect 9# Release binding according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (3) has an engagement structure (3b) with axially extending, projecting webs (3c). Aspect 10# Release binding according to the preceding claim, wherein the lever (4) has an engagement (4c) at its end facing the locking element (3) which engages in the webs (3c) of the engagement area (3b). Aspect 11# Release binding according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (3) determines an effective preload force of the push spring (5) depending on its position on the base structure and a length of a sole of the ski boot, with the ski boot held in the release binding. Aspect 12# Device for displaying the setting of a spring force of a push spring of a release binding, with Locking element (3) for adjusting the preload force of the push spring (5), a pointer (8) which is rotatable about a first axis of rotation (R1) perpendicular to a ski surface and can be stored in a housing of the release binding, characterized in that the pointer (12) is coupled to the locking element (3) in a second axis of rotation (2) which runs parallel to the first axis of rotation (R1). Aspect 13# Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the first axis of rotation (R1) and the second axis of rotation (R2) are spaced apart from each other. Aspect 14# Device according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein a linear movement of the locking element (3) by coupling with the pointer (8) causes a pivoting of the pointer (8) in the first and the second rotation axes (R1; R2). Aspect 14# Device according to one of the three preceding claims, wherein when entering the release binding with a ski boot, the locking element (3) causes the pointer (8) to pivot in the first and second rotation axes (R1; R2). Aspect 15# Device according to one of aspects 12 or 13, wherein an axial adjustment of the locking element (3) is effected by rotating an adjusting element with a tool. Aspect 16# Device according to one of the five preceding claims, wherein the distance between the first axis of rotation (R1) and the second axis of rotation (R2) is smaller than the distance from the first axis of rotation (R1) to an end of the pointer (8) that is far from the second axis of rotation (R2). Aspect 17# Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the pointer (8) forms a partial disk with a center point that coincides with the center point of the first axis of rotation (R1). Aspect 18# Device according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the end of the pointer (8) furthest from the second axis of rotation (R2) has a visual or tactile indicator (8d). Aspect 19# Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the visual display (8d) comprises one or more color fields or color stripes or a print of symbols or words, and the tactile display (8d) comprises a groove or grooves, a notch or notches, a projection or projections. Aspect 20# Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the tactile indicator (8d) is formed on the outside of the pointer (8). Aspect 21# Device according to claim 14, further comprising a coupling element (6) arranged between an end of the push spring (5) and the locking element (3). Aspect 22# Shoe retaining element according to the preceding claim, wherein the pointer (8) partially protrudes laterally from the shoe retaining unit (1) and the skier can read the visual display (13). Aspect 23# Device according to one of the ten preceding claims, wherein the pointer (12) is arranged visibly to the skier in a recess of a boot holding unit housing (10). Aspect 24# shoe holding unit with a case a push spring (2), a locking element (3) for adjusting a preload force of the push spring (2), a lever (4) for locking and releasing the locking element (3), and a pointer (8) with a visual and / or tactile indicator (8d). Aspect 25# Shoe retaining element according to the preceding claim, wherein the position of the visual indicator (8d) is adjustable via the locking element (3) together with the preload force of the push spring (5). Aspect 26# Shoe retaining element according to aspect 24, wherein the preload force of the push-in spring (5) is predetermined and cannot be adjusted by the user. Aspect 27# Shoe holding element according to one of the three preceding claims, wherein the lever (4) is arranged with respect to a longitudinal axis (L) of the shoe holding unit (1) on a side of the shoe holding unit (1) opposite the pointer (8). Aspect 28# Shoe holding element according to one of the four preceding claims, wherein the shoe holding element comprises a base (2) and a separate shoe holding unit holder (10). Aspect 29# Shoe holding element according to the preceding claim, wherein the lever (4) is mounted in the base (2) and the pointer (8) is mounted in the base (2) and the shoe holding unit holder (10).

[0043] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the figures. Features that become apparent in the exemplary embodiments, both individually and in every combination of features, advantageously further define the subject matter of the claims and also the embodiments described above. The figures show: Fig. 1 shoe holding unit housing with base Fig. 2 Exploded view of a locking mechanism with lever and pointer Fig. 3. Perspective view of the locking mechanism from the lever side Fig. 4. Perspective view of the locking mechanism from the pointer side Fig. 5 View of the shoe holder housing with pointer, from above Fig. 6 View of the shoe holding unit housing from below Fig. 7 Locking element of a first design Fig. 8 Locking element of a second version Fig. 9 Section through the shoe holding unit housing transverse to the axial direction in the area of ​​the pointer Fig. 10 Section through the shoe holding unit housing transverse to the axial direction in the area of ​​the lever Fig. 11 Top view of shoe holding unit housing with lever and pointer Fig. 12 Perspective side view of the shoe holding unit housing with pointer Fig. 13 Perspective side view of the shoe holding unit housing with lever

[0044] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a shoe holding unit holder 10 connected to a base 2. The shoe holding unit holder 10 and the base 2 together form a shoe holding unit housing 1.

[0045] The boot retaining unit housing 1 has a lateral opening or recess 1a through which part of the base 2 is visible. The boot retaining unit housing 1 is made of plastic in a known manner. The boot retaining unit housing 1 can be axially fixed to the ski in a base structure (not shown) via the base 2. The boot retaining unit housing 1 shown is designed to be connected to a release mechanism (not shown) and, together with the mechanism, forms a heel holder for a release binding for a ski or snowboard. The boot retaining unit housing 1 can be slid onto the base 2 and is linearly movably mounted on the base 2.

[0046] An opening 1a is formed on the shoe holding unit 1, the significance of which will be described later.

[0047] The Fig. Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the base 2 with the components of a locking mechanism that axially secures the shoe-holding unit housing 1 to the base 2. The locking mechanism comprises a locking element 3, a lever 4, and a push spring 5. Furthermore, the locking mechanism includes a coupling element 6, a spring element 7, and a pointer 8.

[0048] Also visible are three screws 9 with which the base 2 can be anchored in a ski or snowboard in an alternative version of the release binding. In this case, the base 2 forms the base structure for the boot holding unit housing 1; the locking mechanism is preferably arranged in the boot holding unit housing 1 in this version.

[0049] To assemble the locking mechanism, the push spring 5 is inserted into a receptacle 2a in the base 2. The coupling element 6 is inserted into an opening 2b of the base 2 such that the rails 2c formed in the base 2 engage in the recesses 6a on the coupling element 6. This allows the coupling element 6 to move in the axial direction A, but prevents it from rotating in the base 2. To also prevent the coupling element 6 from tilting, it has two arms 6b that rest against the side walls 2d of the opening 2b. In the assembled locking mechanism, the coupling element 6 lies between the push spring 5 and the locking element 3, and is pressed against the locking element 3 by the push spring 5. This means that when the locking element 3 is moved axially or the push spring 5 is compressed or relaxed, the coupling element 6 is moved axially in the same direction and by the same distance as the locking element 3.

[0050] The locking element 3 essentially has three sections: a front end section 3a in the axial direction A, a central main section 3f and a rear end section 3g in the axial direction A.

[0051] In the exemplary embodiment, the locking element 3 is inserted into the base 2 from below, so that the front end section 3a of the locking element 3 projects into the opening 2b. The central main section 3f has an engagement structure 3b with axial ribs 3c and a locking structure 3d with radial ribs 3e. The locking element 3 is mounted in the base 2 such that at least the central main section 3f, but preferably the entire locking element 3, cannot be moved axially relative to the base but can be pivoted relative to the base 2 about an axis pointing in the axial direction A. This pivoting moves the locking structure 3d, which engages a counter-locking structure in the base structure (not shown) to secure the boot-holding unit housing 1 to the ski or snowboard, out of this engagement into a release position.in the opposite movement into a locking position in which the locking structure 3d engages in the counter-locking structure, is moved back.

[0052] The spring element 7 is arranged between the end of the push spring 5 facing the locking element 3 and the coupling element 6. The spring element 7 has two spring ends 7a and 7b projecting in the axial direction A. The coupling element 6 forms a kind of rigid housing for the spring element 7, which is therefore not compressed during axial movement of the locking element 3.

[0053] One of the spring ends 7b can be firmly connected to the coupling element 6, for example by positive locking, while the other spring end 7a can be connected to the locking element 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking element 3 has a groove 3h into which the end 7a of the spring element 7 can engage.

[0054] The lever 4 can be pivotally mounted to the base 2 via the axis 11. For this purpose, the base 2 has two mountings or bearings 2e, 2f, in which the axis 11, on which the lever 4 is mounted or supported, is held or supported. That is, the axis 11 can be fixed to the base 2 and the lever 4 is pivotally mounted on the axis 11, or the axis 11 is pivotally mounted in the base 2 and the lever 4 is fixed to the axis 11.

[0055] The lever 4 has a handle 4a, which can be gripped by a user to actuate the lever 4, a connection area 4b for connecting to the axis 11, and, in the exemplary embodiment, a partially toothed engagement 4c for engaging the engagement structure 3b of the locking element 3 with the axial webs 3c. Moving the lever 4 in an upward direction H pivots the locking element 3, causing the radial webs 3e of the locking structure 3d of the locking element 3 to move out of a counter-locking structure formed in the base structure (not shown). This allows the shoe-holding unit housing 1, in the exemplary embodiment, to be moved axially together with the base 2 and thus the push spring 5, the coupling element 6, and the locking element 3. This position of the lever 4 is also referred to as the release position.In the opposite movement, lever 4 brings the locking structure 3d back into engagement with the counter-locking structure of the base structure.

[0056] The spring element 7 biases the lever 4 into a rest position in which the locking structure 3d and the counter-locking structure are engaged. To move the locking element 3 from the locked position to the release position, the lever 2 is pivoted upwards against the spring force of the spring element 7. The lever 4 must be held in the pivoted position during the axial movement. As soon as the lever 4 is released, the spring element 7 moves it back to its rest position, in which the locking element 3 is in the locked position.

[0057] In the exemplary embodiment, the spring element 7 moves the locking element 3 back into the locking position, and the locking element 3, via the engagement structure 3b and the engagement 4c, takes the lever 4 with it into the rest position. Alternatively, the spring element 7 can be connected to the lever 4, so that the lever 4 would be moved into the rest position by the spring element 7, thereby moving the locking element 3 into the locking position.

[0058] The engagement 4c and the engagement structure 3b together form a cam mechanism and are in a rolling engagement with each other in the illustrated embodiment.

[0059] The lever 4 has a first lever arm 41 extending from a rolling point of the connection engagement 4c and engagement structure 3b to the center of the axis 11 and a second lever arm 42 encompassing the handle 4a (see Fig. 2) In the exemplary embodiment, the second lever arm 42 is longer than the first lever arm 41, whereby a force acting on the first lever arm 41 is translated into a greater force at the rolling point.

[0060] The pointer 8 has a semicircular first section 8a, the center of which coincides with an axis of rotation R1, in which the pointer 8 can be rotatably mounted, for example, in the shoe-holding unit housing 1. A second section 8b of the pointer 8 comprises a second axis of rotation R2, in which the pointer 8 can be rotatably connected to the coupling element 6 or the locking element 3.

[0061] By fixing the pointer 8 in the two axes of rotation R1 and R2, an axial movement of the shoe-holding unit housing 1 or the locking element 3, either directly or via the coupling element 6, causes the pointer 8 to pivot about both the first axis of rotation R1 and the second axis of rotation R2. This coupling converts a linear movement of the shoe-holding unit housing 1 or the locking element 3 into a pivoting or rotating movement of the pointer 8. Since, in this embodiment, the distance between the second axis of rotation R2 and the first axis of rotation R1 is smaller than the distance between the first axis of rotation R1 and a free end 8c of the first section 8a, a small linear movement is translated into a larger rotary movement.

[0062] The pointer 8 has a visual and / or tactile indicator 8d in the form of a line, an indentation, or a raised area. When installed in the shoe-holding unit housing 1, the pointer 8, or rather its free end 8c with the visual indicator 8d, is positioned by the [missing information - likely a specific feature or element] in the Fig. 1 The opening shown is 1a located to the side and can be seen and / or felt by a user.

[0063] The Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows the compound locking mechanism 12 from the lever side ( Fig. 3) and the pointer side ( Fig. 4).

[0064] The push spring 8 is supported on the locking element 3 via the coupling element 6 and presses the coupling element 6 against the locking element 3. The coupling element 6 forms a housing for the spring element 7, which engages with its spring end 7a in the groove 3h of the locking element. The spring end 7b, which is not visible, is connected to the coupling element 6. In this embodiment, the spring element 7 is a torsion spring.

[0065] The locking element 3 has an engagement structure 3b formed from axially extending webs 3c, which extend over a large part of the main section 3f and form a cam joint with the engagement 4c of the lever 4. Movement of the lever 4 in an upward direction H caused the locking element 3 to rotate about an axis S1 parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the locking mechanism 12.

[0066] The locking element 3 has a tool engagement at the free end of the rear end section 3g. A tool can be applied here if, for example, the locking element 3 is jammed with the locking structure 3d in the counter-locking structure in such a way that it can no longer be moved from the locking position to the release position by means of the lever 4.

[0067] The pointer 8 is connected to the coupling element 6 in the axis of rotation R2 and can be connected to the shoe holding unit housing 1 in the axis of rotation R1.

[0068] In the exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism 12 is installed in the base 2, which is then connected to the shoe holding unit housing 1, wherein the base 2 and the shoe holding unit housing 1 together can form a shoe holding unit, for example a heel holder.

[0069] The Fig. Figure 5 is a top view of the shoe holding unit housing 1. From this perspective, it is clearly visible that the shoe holding unit housing 1 is located next to the one already shown in the Fig. The opening 1a shown in Figure 1, through which the pointer 8 can protrude laterally from the shoe holding unit housing 1, has a further opening or recess 1b. Through this opening 1b, the lever 4 can protrude laterally from the shoe holding unit housing 1, so that it can be easily grasped by a user and moved upwards in the direction H.

[0070] The act of grasping includes grasping with the hand or a finger, grasping with part of a ski pole, and grasping using a tool.

[0071] The Fig. Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment in which the push spring 5 is directly connected to the locking element 3. In this embodiment, the pointer 7 is directly connected to the locking element 3 in the second axis of rotation R2. In this embodiment, a linear movement of the locking element 3 can be converted into a pivoting movement of the pointer 8.

[0072] The Fig. Figure 7 shows a rear view of the shoe holding unit housing 1 with the locking mechanism 12. Fig. 2. It can be seen that the locking structure 3d of the locking element 3 has radially extending webs 3e which, in the shown locking position of the locking element 3, project downwards in order to engage in corresponding counter-locking structures of a base structure.

[0073] The Fig. Figure 8 shows an alternative embodiment in which the locking element 3, as known, has a locking element with a thread as its locking structure. The locking element 3 can be rotated with a tool so that the locking structure can move axially in a corresponding known mating connection structure. As in the Fig. As shown in Figure 6, this locking element 3 can also be used to drive a pointer 8 to indicate a set spring force or release force of the push spring 5.

[0074] The Fig. Figure 9 shows a sectional view from the rear of the arrangement of the pointer 8 in the shoe-holding unit housing 1. The first axis of rotation, R1, rotatably supports the pointer 8 in the shoe-holding unit housing 1, while the second axis of rotation, R2, supports the pointer 8 in the coupling element 6. As can be seen, the support in the coupling element 6 is such that the pointer can move transversely to the longitudinal axis L of the locking mechanism 12. This allows tolerances in the manufacture of the pointer 8, for example in the area of ​​the bend at the free end 8c, to be compensated for.

[0075] The Fig. 10 shows the same view as the Fig. Figure 7 shows the connection between the lever 4 and the locking element 3. The lever 4, or rather the engagement 4c, is in rolling engagement with the locking element 3, or rather with the axial webs 3c of the engagement structure 3b. The lever 4 is in its rest position, as the locking structure 3d points towards a base structure (not shown) with a counter-engagement structure. The spring end 7a of the spring element 7 lies in the groove 3h of the locking element 3, which biases the lever 4 into the rest position and the locking element 3 into the locking position. If the lever 4 is now moved in the upward direction H, the locking element 3 is rotated in the direction of the arrow via the rolling engagement of the engagement 4c with the engagement structure 3b. This moves the locking structure out of the locking position in the counter-engagement structure (not shown), so that the shoe holding unit housing 1 can now be moved axially on the base structure (not shown).During this movement, the lever 4 is held in the raised position. When the boot holding unit housing 1 has reached the intended position, the lever 4 is released and, by means of the spring element 7, which is connected to the locking element 3 and the non-visible coupling element 6, is returned together with the locking element 3 to the rest position, in which the locking element 3 axially secures the boot holding unit housing 1 on the ski or snowboard.

[0076] When a shoe is now clamped into the release binding, which includes a heel retainer and a toe retainer, the pointer 8 indicates the actual tension force of the push-fit spring 5 as determined by the shoe. If the visual indicator 8d on the pointer 8 is not visible or only visible at the edge, the shoe is removed from the release binding. This returns the push-fit spring 5 to its set position, in which the visual indicator 8d occupies a position in the center of the recess 1a. The lever 4 is then actuated, and the shoe-holding unit housing 1 is moved axially in the direction that, after the shoe is reinserted, ensures that the visual indicator 8d is at least close to the center of the recess 1a of the shoe-holding unit housing 1.After a further check by inserting the ski boot into the release binding, the process can be repeated until the visual indicator 8d assumes an optimal, preferably central position in the recess 1a.

[0077] The Fig. Figure 11 shows the same view of the shoe holding unit housing 1 as the Fig. 5. In contrast to the illustration of the Fig. 5 can now be seen in recess 1b of lever 4.

[0078] The lever 4 and the pointer 8 are arranged on opposite sides of the boot holding unit housing 1, wherein in the illustrated embodiment the lever 4 is arranged on an inside of the release binding, so that the two levers 4 face each other when skis are strapped on or when on the snowboard.

[0079] The Fig. 12 and Fig. Figure 13 shows the shoe holding unit housing 1 of the Fig. 9 in two perspective views, one from the side with the pointer 8 in the recess 1a ( Fig. 12) and once from the side with the lever 4 in the recess 1b. Reference symbol list 1 shoe holding unit housing, shoe holding unit 1a Opening, recess 1b Opening, recess 2 Basis 2a Recording 2b Opening 2c rails 2D side panel 2e bearing, fastening 2f bearing, fastening 3 Locking element 3a front end section 3b Intervention structure 3c axial bridge 3D locking structure 3e radial bridge 3f Main Section 3g rear end section 3h Nut 4 levers 4a Handle 4b Connection area 4c intervention 5 Push spring 6 coupling element 6a Exclusion 6b Arm 7 Spring element 7a Spring end 7b Spring end 8 hands Section 8a Section 8b 8c free end 8D visual display 9 screws 10 shoe holding unit holders 11th axis 12 Locking mechanism 41 Lever arm 42 Lever arm A Axial direction H Upward direction L Longitudinal axis R1 axis of rotation R2 axis of rotation S1 swivel axis

Claims

[1] Trigger binding encompassing a basic structure, at least one shoe retention unit (1), in particular a heel retainer, a locking element (3) with a locking structure (3d), wherein the locking element (3) is axially immovable in engagement with a counter-locking structure relative to the base structure for fixing the shoe holding unit (1) in a locking position, and a lever (4) with which the locking structure (3d) can be moved from engagement to a release position in which the shoe holding unit (1) can be axially displaced on the base structure, wherein the lever (4) is pivotable about a pivot axis (S 1) pointing in the longitudinal direction of the binding and has a lever arm (42) projecting at least substantially horizontally from the pivot axis (S1) in a transverse direction, which can be actuated in a vertical direction, wherein the shoe holding unit (1) has a push spring (5) and the push spring (5) is supported at one end on the locking element (3), characterized by , that an effective preload force of the push spring (5) can be determined by the locking element or a position of the locking element (3) in or on the base structure. [2] Release binding according to claim 1, wherein the lever (4) for adjusting the shoe holding unit (1) is held in a free position and automatically returns to its rest position after being released. [3] Release mechanism according to the preceding claim, wherein a spring element (7) is arranged between the end of the push spring (5) and the locking element (3), which automatically moves the lever (4) into the rest position and / or the locking element (3) into the locking position and preferably holds it there. [4] Release bond according to the preceding claim, wherein a coupling element (6) is arranged between the push spring (5) and the spring element (7), which preferably forms a housing for the spring element (7). [5] Release connection according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the spring element (7) is connected at one end (7a) to the coupling member (6) and at another end (7b) to the locking member (3). [6] Release mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lever (4) and the locking element (3) are connected via a cam mechanism or together form the cam mechanism. [7] Release linkage according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (3) is a pinion which is movable about an axis parallel to the pivot axis (S1) of the lever (4) preferably in a rolling engagement from the locking position to the release position, and vice versa. [8] Release binding according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pivot axis (S1) divides the lever (4) into the first lever arm (41) and a second lever arm (42), wherein the first lever arm (41) faces the locking element (3). [9] Release binding according to the preceding claim, wherein the first lever arm (41) is shorter than the second lever arm (42). [10] Release binding according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the second lever arm (42) is arranged in a recess (1b) of a boot holding unit housing (1) accessible to the skier. [11] Release binding according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a device for indicating the setting of a spring force of the push spring (5), with a pointer (8) which is rotatable about a first axis of rotation (R1) perpendicular to a ski surface, can be mounted in a boot holding unit housing (1) of the release binding and can be coupled to the coupling element (6) in a second axis of rotation (R2) which runs parallel to the first axis of rotation (R1). [12] Release binding according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a linear movement of the shoe holding unit housing (1) by coupling with the pointer (8) in the first axis of rotation (R1) causes a pivoting of the pointer (8) in the first and the second axis of rotation (R1; R2). [13] Release binding according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a distance between the first axis of rotation (R1) and the second axis of rotation (R2) is smaller than a distance of the first axis of rotation (R1) to a free end (8c) of the pointer (8) located away from the second axis of rotation (R2). [14] Trigger binding according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a free end (8c) of the pointer (8) located away from the second rotation indicator (R2) has a visual indicator (8d).

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