HEEL UNIT FOR A SKI BINDING

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a heel unit for a ski binding according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Conventional heel units for ski bindings typically feature a fixed axle body, usually in the form of a post or pin arranged orthogonally with respect to the plane of the ski. This axle provides a vertical axis of rotation, around which the binding body of the heel unit rotates. An elastic element, usually a spring, particularly a compression spring, is typically supported on one side by this axle body and on the other side by a section of the binding body. This allows for a safety release in the event of a fall or similar incident, when forces exceeding a predetermined threshold are exerted on the binding elements. The rotation of the binding body around the axle body, against the spring force of the elastic element, triggers this release.In other cases, it is also possible that the elastic element is incorporated into the axle body itself and, for example, protrudes through it.

[0003] In both cases, the inclusion of an axle body, which acts as the pivot point for the binding body, results in a significantly higher weight for the heel unit. Almost all forces acting on the heel unit are transferred to this axle body, usually a post, which is positioned orthogonally to the plane of the ski and is therefore subjected to considerable forces and moments. For this reason, relatively high-density materials, such as aluminum, are used. In rarer cases, plastic is also used, but this necessitates significantly greater wall thicknesses to withstand the stresses, which in turn leads to increased weight, a larger design, and higher manufacturing costs due to the increased material usage. The use of materials more expensive than plastic, such as metals, also results in higher manufacturing costs.

[0004] In cases where the elastic element is supported by the axle body, the arrangement of the elastic element and axle body behind or next to each other occupies a considerable amount of installation space. Therefore, such heel units are characterized by a relatively large design.

[0005] EP 3 345 659 A1 discloses a heel unit for a ski binding, comprising a base having a pin on which a binding body is rotatably mounted about the pin. Two elastic elements in the form of compression springs extend in the longitudinal direction of the ski to the right and left of the pin of the base.

[0006] EP 2 384 794 A1 discloses a heel unit for a ski binding, comprising a base, a binding body rotatably mounted on the base and two elastic elements in the form of compression springs, which extend to the right and left of the central axis of the heel unit in the longitudinal direction of the ski.

[0007] FR 3 043 565 A1 discloses a heel unit for a ski binding, comprising a base with a pin around which a binding body is rotatably arranged. A compression spring, which does not rotate with the binding body when the binding body is rotated around the pin but is fixed to the base, is arranged inside the base-side pin.

[0008] WO 2012 / 156899 A1 discloses a heel unit for a ski binding, comprising a base and a binding body, wherein the base has a receptacle for a pin arranged on the binding body side. Inside the pin is a compression spring which pre-tensions the binding body into an engagement position of the heel unit, the spring interacting with the receptacle in the base via a pressure piece in the form of a ball to pre-tension the binding body into the engagement position.

[0009] US patent 2016 / 089592 A1 discloses a heel unit for a ski binding, comprising a base, a binding body rotatably mounted on the base, and an elastic element in the form of a U-shaped spring bar, the free ends of which also serve as engagement means for engaging the heel section of a ski boot.

[0010] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide a heel unit for a ski binding, in particular a touring binding, which, in an extremely compact and lightweight design, simultaneously ensures a safety release.

[0011] The problem underlying the invention, as formulated above, is solved by a heel unit for a ski binding according to claim 1.

[0012] An important feature of the invention is therefore that the vertical axis of rotation is not in the form of a pin or post, but in the form of a virtual axis of rotation over which the elastic element extends.

[0013] Firstly, the absence of an upright pin or post allows for weight savings. Secondly, the superimposed arrangement of the vertical axis of rotation and the elastic element offers a particularly compact design, especially in the direction of action of the elastic element, since the installation space is almost exclusively limited to the length of the elastic element.

[0014] Because the elastic element rotates around the vertical axis of rotation together with the binding body, wear on the binding body can be reduced due to lower frictional forces.

[0015] It should be noted at this point that, within the scope of this disclosure, terms such as "above", "below", "front", "back", "sideways", "vertical direction", "latitude direction", "longitudinal direction" and the like refer, for the sake of simplicity, to the view of a skier who has entered the heel unit of a ski binding, in particular a touring binding, mounted on a ski with a ski boot, wherein the ski is arranged in a horizontal plane.

[0016] Furthermore, it should be noted that the term "ski" and related terms such as "ski boot," "ski binding," "touring ski binding," "ski plane," "ski longitudinal axis," "ski center axis," "ski width direction," "ski length direction," and the like are not intended to refer only to skis in the narrow sense, but also include splitboards (snowboards divisible lengthwise 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 items or parts thereof are considered skis or parts of skis within the meaning of this invention.

[0017] The use of a spring as an elastic element advantageously leads to a compact design of the heel unit and also offers a good ratio between small installation space and high stability of the arrangement.

[0018] Furthermore, the elastic element is a spring, specifically a compression spring, whose spring axis intersects the vertical axis of rotation, particularly at a right angle. If the spring axis of a spring, especially a compression spring, intersects the vertical axis of rotation, particularly at half the spring's length, an extremely compact design of the heel unit is achieved, as the entire assembly is almost exclusively limited to the length of the spring. The absence of a pin or post results in less weight. A compression spring is a particularly compact and stable type of spring, which is also resistant to component failure.

[0019] Furthermore, the binding body comprises at least two housing parts which form a receptacle for the elastic element, wherein at least one housing part is displaceable relative to the other housing part, particularly in a central position of the binding body in the engagement position in a ski longitudinal direction, and a first end of the elastic element is supported directly or indirectly against one of the two housing parts, while a second end of the elastic element, opposite the first end, is supported directly or indirectly against the other of the two housing parts. Such an arrangement advantageously ensures compression of the elastic element, which is necessary for providing release forces. Indirect support here means that the spring ends can also be supported against components that are fixed relative to one of the two housing parts.

[0020] If the binding body comprises at least two housing parts, one of the two housing parts can, in particular, be guided along a cam track associated with the base such that, when the binding body rotates about the vertical axis of rotation, the distance of the end of the elastic element, which is directly or indirectly supported on this housing part, to the vertical axis of rotation is greater in a central position of the binding body in the engagement position of the heel unit than in a release position of the binding body, which is a transition position between the engagement position and the release position of the heel unit. Providing a cam track associated with one of the two housing parts allows for adjustment of the release curve, i.e., the curve of the forces acting when the heel unit is released or when moving between the engagement position and the release position.By changing the geometry of such a backdrop, in particular by using different steep angles of the backdrop surface, such a trigger curve can be adjusted as desired.

[0021] Furthermore, it is considered advantageous if, during rotation of the binding body around its vertical axis of rotation, the distance between the end of the elastic element, which is directly or indirectly supported on the housing part guided by the cam track, and the vertical axis of rotation gradually decreases from the center position to the release position of the binding body. This is intended to increase the force required for adjustment between the engagement and release positions as the force approaches the release position. This helps prevent, for example, false releases and unintentional detachment of the heel unit from the ski boot due to impacts caused by uneven terrain or similar events.

[0022] Preferably, the heel unit can further comprise a stop element designed to prevent the mutually movable housing parts from disengaging. By providing such a stop element, which can be in the form of a locking pin, for example, the mutually movable housing parts and other components of the heel unit can be held together even after the heel unit has been released and / or the engagement between the heel unit and the heel section of the ski boot has been released, or in the event of over-rotation of the binding body about the vertical axis of rotation beyond the release position.

[0023] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the heel unit can also include a centering feature configured to pre-tension the binding body in the engagement position to a central position until a force acting on the engagement means of the binding body exceeds a predetermined threshold. A centering feature, which can be provided, for example, as a base-provided or base-fixed projection or recess, can ensure a particularly user-friendly arrangement. Such a projection or recess can interact with a complementary recess or projection to pre-tension or keep the binding body centered in the engagement position.Such an arrangement allows the binding body to be held centered in the middle position without significant force being exerted on the binding body's engagement elements or the binding body itself, which, for example, facilitates entry into the heel unit.

[0024] Furthermore, the preload of the elastic element can preferably be adjustable by means of an adjustment device. This allows, for example, different release forces to be set for users of varying weights or with different riding styles, by preloading the elastic element more strongly for higher release forces and less strongly for lower release forces. Such adjustment devices can, for example, be provided in the form of a simple threaded screw against which one end of the elastic element can be supported directly or indirectly.

[0025] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings. Specifically, the drawings show: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a heel unit for a ski binding according to the preferred embodiment in an engagement position of a binding body of the heel unit. Figure 2 is a side sectional view of the heel unit according to the preferred embodiment along a median plane of the heel unit orthogonal to a ski plane in a mid-position of the engagement position. Figure 3 is a sectional view of the heel unit according to the preferred embodiment along a line AA in Figure 2 in the center position of the engagement position. Figure 4 shows a sectional view of the heel unit according to the preferred embodiment along line AA. Figure 2in a release position between the engagement position and a release position of the binding body. Figure 5 shows a sectional view of the heel unit according to the preferred embodiment along a line BB in Figure 2 in an end position of two housing parts that can be moved relative to each other. Figure 6 shows a sectional view of the heel unit according to the preferred embodiment along line CC. Figure 2 in the center position of the engagement position. Figure 7 shows a sectional view of the heel unit according to the preferred embodiment along a line CC in Figure 2 in the release position of the binding body, with one cover hidden. Figure 8 shows an exploded view of the heel unit according to the preferred embodiment along line CC. Figure 2 in the middle position of the intervention position.

[0026] A heel unit 10 of the preferred embodiment of the invention is in Figure 1 perspective and in Figure 2shown in a side section view through a midplane of the heel unit 10.

[0027] The heel unit 10 of the preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a base 12 with a mounting arrangement 14 for attachment to a ski surface. In the present embodiment, the mounting arrangement can be implemented by means of three mounting holes 14 through which mounting screws can be passed and screwed into holes that are to be drilled in the ski surface when mounting the heel unit 10 onto a ski. In particular, two front mounting holes 14 (see e.g. Figure 1 ) and a rear mounting hole 14 (see e.g. Figure 2 ) is provided for, however many other mounting hole arrangements are also conceivable.

[0028] The heel unit 10 is adjustable between an engagement position, in which it engages a heel section of a ski boot to be coupled with the heel unit 10, and a release position, in which it releases the heel section of the ski boot. It further comprises a binding body 16, which has engagement means 18a, 18b for engaging the heel section of the ski boot. The engagement means can be implemented, in particular, by two projecting pins 18a, 18b, which engage in notches provided therein to engage the heel section of the ski boot. These pins 18a, 18b can be formed individually or, as in the present embodiment, connected at one end and thus provided in a fork-like manner.The binding body 16 is rotatably mounted on the base 12 for adjustment between the engagement position and the release position of the heel unit about a ski plane shown in figure two, which is essentially orthogonal to a vertical axis of rotation V defined by the ski surface.

[0029] The heel unit 10 further comprises an elastic element 20, which is arranged essentially parallel to the ski plane and orthogonal to the vertical axis of rotation V and pre-tensions the binding body 16 into the engagement position of the heel unit 10. The elastic element 20 can, in particular, be in the form of a compression spring 20 and be received in a spring receptacle formed by the binding body 16.

[0030] As especially in the Figures 4, 5 and 7As can be seen, the elastic element 20 rotates around the vertical axis of rotation V together with the binding body 16 during adjustment between the engagement position and the release position. Furthermore, the elastic element 20 extends, as is best illustrated in the Figures 2 , 6 and 7 It can be seen extending beyond the vertical axis of rotation V in such a way that it protrudes beyond the vertical axis of rotation V on two sides.

[0031] If the elastic element 20 is in the form of a spring, in particular a compression spring, then, in other words, a spring axis CC of the spring 20 can intersect the vertical axis of rotation V, in particular at a substantially right angle.

[0032] The heel unit 10 can also include a climbing aid 22, which is adjustable between an active position, in which it supports a section of the ski boot sole at a predetermined height above the ski plane, and an inactive position, in which it does not support the sole section. For adjustment between the active and inactive positions, the climbing aid 22 can be pivotally mounted on an axis 23 on the heel unit 10, in particular on the binding body 16 of the heel unit 10. Both in Figure 1 as well as in Figure 2 The climbing aid 22 is shown in its inactive position.

[0033] The binding body 16 can comprise at least two housing parts 16a, 16b, which form a receptacle for the elastic element 20. One housing part 16a can be displaceable relative to the other housing part 16b, and a first end 20a of the elastic element 20 can be supported directly or indirectly against a first of the two housing parts 16a, while a second end 20b of the elastic element 20, opposite the first end 20a, can be supported directly or indirectly against the other 16b of the two housing parts 16a, 16b. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a first, front housing part 16a and a second, rear housing part 16b can be provided.Between the first 16a and the second 16b housing part, the elastic element 20 can be accommodated in the form of a compression spring 20, such that a forward-facing first end 20a of the compression spring 20 is supported against an inner surface of the first housing part 16a, and a rearward-facing second end 20b of the compression spring 20 is supported against an inner surface of a spring sleeve 17 coupled to the second housing part 16b. In this way, the two housing parts 16a, 16b can be pushed apart by the compression spring 20. In the preferred embodiment, the rear housing part 16b can be pivotally mounted about the vertical axis of rotation V, and the front housing part 16a can also be pivotally mounted about the vertical axis of rotation V, but additionally be displaceable relative to the rear housing part 16b. This fixes the rear housing part 16b in a longitudinal direction and pushes the front housing part 16a forward.To limit the displacement of the front housing part 16a of the binding body 16 in the central position and to provide the necessary stability, a cover 40, in particular made of sheet metal, can be provided, which may have the front mounting holes 14 through which the heel unit 10 can be attached to the ski. A front cam of the front, first housing part 16a can be pressed directly against this cover 40 to limit the forward displacement of the housing part 16a, but an additional intermediate piece, in particular made of plastic, can also be provided, which is inserted between the front housing part 16a and the cover 40.

[0034] In Figure 3 is a sectional view of the heel unit 10 according to the preferred embodiment along a line AA in Figure 2 shown in the mid-position of the intervention position, in Figure 4is a sectional view of the heel unit 10 according to the preferred embodiment along line AA in Figure 2 shown in a trigger position between the engagement position and a release position of the binding body 16 and in Figure 5 is a sectional view of the heel unit 10 according to the preferred embodiment along a line BB in Figure 2 shown in an end position of two housing parts 16a, 16b that can be moved relative to each other. Figure 6 is a sectional view of the heel unit 10 according to the preferred embodiment along line CC in Figure 2 shown in the mid-position of the intervention position, in Figure 7 is a sectional view of the heel unit 10 according to the preferred embodiment along a line CC in Figure 2 shown in the release position of the binding body 16, with a cover 40 hidden, and in Figure 8is an exploded view of the heel unit 10 according to the preferred embodiment along line CC in Figure 2 shown in the middle position of the intervention position.

[0035] One of the two housing parts 16a, 16b can be guided along a cam guide 30 associated with the base 12 such that, when the binding body 16 is rotated about the vertical axis of rotation V, the distance of the end 20a of the elastic element 20, which is supported directly or indirectly on this housing part 16a, to the vertical axis of rotation V in a central position of the binding body 16 in the engagement position of the heel unit 10 is greater than in a release position of the binding body 16, which is a transition position between the engagement position and the release position of the heel unit 10.Additionally, when the binding body 16 rotates about the vertical axis of rotation V, the distance of the end 20a of the elastic element 20, which is directly or indirectly supported on the housing part 16a guided by the cam guide 30, to the vertical axis of rotation V can gradually decrease from the center position to the release position of the binding body 16, i.e., the elastic element 20 is compressed. Preferably, the distance of the end 20a of the elastic element 20, which is supported on the front housing part 16a guided by the cam guide 30, to the vertical axis of rotation V is in the Figures 3 and 6 The depicted center position is large, meaning the spring is compressed less and comparatively lower forces are acting on it, in which the Figures 4 and 7 The trigger position shown is minimal, meaning the spring is strongly compressed and the greatest forces are at work, and in the Figure 5The position shown, in which the binding body 16 is rotated beyond the release position or the trigger position with respect to the base, is maximal, i.e., the spring is compressed the least and the lowest forces are acting.

[0036] In Figure 5 It can be seen that the heel unit 10 may further comprise a stop element 34, which is designed to prevent the mutually slidable housing parts 16a, 16b from disengaging. Such a stop element 34 may, for example, be in the form of a locking pin 34, which remains engaged even after the heel unit 10 has been triggered and / or the engagement between the heel unit 10 and the heel section of the ski boot has been released, or in the event of a Figure 5 The depicted over-rotation of the binding body around the vertical axis of rotation V beyond the release position can hold together the mutually movable housing parts 16a, 16b of the heel unit 10.

[0037] In Figure 3It can be seen that the heel unit 10 can further comprise a centering element 32, which is configured to pre-tension the binding body 16 in the engagement position to a central position until a force acting on the engagement means 18a, 18b of the binding body 16 exceeds a predetermined threshold. The centering element 32 can, for example, be provided as a projection 32 on or fixed to the base 12, or as a recess. Such a projection 32 or recess can interact with a complementary recess, particularly in this embodiment of the cam guide 30, or with a complementary projection to pre-tension or keep the binding body 16 centered in the engagement position.

[0038] Especially in Figure 8It can be seen that the preload of the elastic element 20 can be adjusted by means of adjusting means 17. Such adjusting means 17 can, for example, be provided in the form of a simple threaded screw 17, which, as shown in the exploded view in Figure 8 It can be seen that it can be screwed into a thread of the second housing part 16b. An end 20b of the elastic element 20 can be directly supported on an inner side of such an adjusting screw 17, which may in particular be designed as a sleeve or spring sleeve.

Claims

1. Heel unit (10) for a ski binding, wherein the heel unit (10) is adjustable between an engagement position, in which it engages in a heel portion of a ski boot to be coupled to the heel unit (10), and a release position, in which it releases the heel portion of the ski boot, and wherein the heel unit (10) comprises: a base (12) which has a fastening arrangement (14) for fastening to a ski surface, a binding body (16) which has engagement means (18a, 18b) for engagement in the heel portion of the ski boot, wherein the binding body (16) is mounted rotatably on the base (12) for adjustment between the engagement position and the release position of the heel unit about a vertical axis of rotation (V) which is orthogonal to a ski plane defined by the ski surface, and an elastic element (20) which is arranged parallel to the ski plane and orthogonal to the vertical axis of rotation (V) and pretensions the binding body (16) into the engagement position of the heel unit (10), wherein the elastic element (20) is at least one spring (20), wherein the binding body (16) comprises at least two housing parts (16a, 16b) which form a receptacle for the elastic element (20), wherein at least one housing part (16a) is displaceable in relation to the other housing part (16b) and a first end (20a) of the elastic element (20) is supported directly or indirectly on a first of the two housing parts (16a), while a second end (20b), opposite the first end (20a), of the elastic element (20) is supported directly or indirectly on the other (16b) of the two housing parts (16a, 16b), characterised in that the elastic element (20) rotates about the vertical axis of rotation (V) together with the binding body (16) during adjustment between the engagement position and the release position and that the elastic element (20) extends through the vertical axis of rotation (V) so that it protrudes on two opposite sides of the vertical axis of rotation (V), and that the elastic element (20) is a spring (20), the spring axis of which intersects the vertical axis of rotation (V).

2. Heel unit according to Claim 1, characterised in that one (16a) of the two housing parts (16a, 16b) is guided along a slide guide (30) assigned to the base (12) in such a manner that, in the event of a rotation of the binding body (16) about the vertical axis of rotation (V), the distance from the end (20a), supported directly or indirectly on this housing part (16a), of the elastic element (20) to the vertical axis of rotation (V) in a central position of the binding body (16) in the engagement position of the heel unit (10) is greater than in a release position of the binding body (16) which is a transition position between the engagement position and the release position of the heel unit (10).

3. Heel unit according to Claim 2, characterised in that, in the event of a rotation of the binding body (16) about the vertical axis of rotation (V), the distance from the end (20a) of the elastic element (20) which is supported directly or indirectly on the housing part (16a) guided by the sliding block guide (30) to the vertical axis of rotation (V) becomes gradually smaller from the central position to the release position of the binding body (16).

4. Heel unit according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a stop element (34) which is configured to prevent a release of the housing parts (16a, 16b) which are displaceable relative to one another.

5. Heel unit according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a centring device (32) which is configured to pretension the binding body (16) in the engagement position into a central position until a force acting on the engagement means (18a, 18b) of the binding body (16) exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

6. Heel unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a pretensioning of the elastic element (20) is adjustable by adjustment means (17).