HEEL REST WITH ADJUSTABLE FORCE FOR VERTICAL RELEASE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a ski binding with a toe holder, which preferably defines a pivot axis for a ski boot held by the toe holder in a top view of the ski binding transversely to a longitudinal direction of the ski binding, and a heel holder with a heel holder housing and a first retaining element and a second retaining element for a holding engagement with a ski boot heel. The first retaining element and the second retaining element are pivotable out of the holding engagement about a respective pivot axis, the position of which relative to the corresponding retaining element can be adjusted. The position of the pivot axes relative to the retaining elements determines a release force required to release the holding engagement.

[0002] One of the aims of the invention is to make it easy and precise to adjust the force required for a vertical release of a heel holder, e.g. in the event of a fall.

[0003] This problem according to the invention is fulfilled by a ski binding with the features of claim 1.

[0004] The invention relates to a ski binding with a toe holder which, in a top view of the ski binding, defines a pivot axis for a ski boot held by the toe holder, transverse to a longitudinal direction of the ski binding, and a heel holder.

[0005] The ski binding is preferably a binding that can be used by the user for both ski touring and alpine skiing. The heel holder can be connected to the ski body or to a plate that can be moved relative to the ski body.

[0006] From EP 3 000 511 A1, a heel retainer for a ski binding is known, comprising a U-shaped retaining element body that can be pivoted about a vertical axis to release the binding when lateral forces occur or in touring mode. The vertical axis includes four defined positions in which the retaining element body, or retaining elements, can be tensioned outwards against the restoring force of the retaining element body or can return to their initial position. The tensioning and releasing elements for the retaining elements act on the inner surfaces of the retaining elements facing the vertical axis.

[0007] The toe holder can be a toe holder known in the prior art.

[0008] The heel retainer comprises a base, a heel retainer housing extending from the base, a first retaining element and a second retaining element, a bearing section, and each of the following engagement sections for engagement with a ski boot heel, wherein the retaining elements have a coupling section in the longitudinal direction between the engagement section and the bearing section.

[0009] Furthermore, the heel holder includes a support device which accommodates the retaining elements in the area of ​​the respective bearing section, an adjusting structure which, in a side view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, defines a pivot axis for the first retaining element in an engagement with the coupling section of the first retaining element and a pivot axis for the second retaining element in an engagement with the coupling section of the second retaining element.

[0010] The retaining elements are pivotable against a preload force around their respective pivot axis. The adjusting mechanism is adjustable to different positions relative to the heel holder housing and the retaining elements, and can be locked in each of these positions. Adjusting the mechanism changes the position of the respective pivot axis relative to the retaining elements and preferably also relative to the heel holder housing, thereby altering the release force of the heel holder required to release the retaining engagement.

[0011] The first and second retaining elements are parts of a single retaining element body. The retaining element body can be, in particular, clamp-shaped or U-shaped, with the clamp or U-shape being, for example, U-, V-, W-, or H-shaped. The pivot axes are formed on an outer surface of the retaining elements that points away from the central axis of the retaining element body.

[0012] In one embodiment, the retaining element body is a bracket, preferably a U-shaped bracket. The two legs of the U-shaped bracket form the retaining elements. The free ends of the U-shaped bracket, or areas at the free ends of the U-shaped legs including the free ends, form the engagement sections of the first and second retaining elements. A connecting section of the U-shaped bracket, linking the retaining elements or legs, forms the bearing section. The connecting section can be arcuate or straight, except for transition areas where the first and second retaining elements are connected to the connecting section. Alternatively, in a top view, the connecting section can be corrugated, triangular, or any other shape that allows the bracket to be represented. If the connecting section is arcuate, the arc can be concave or convex relative to the open end of the bracket.

[0013] The legs of the stirrup form the coupling sections in the area between the free ends or the engagement sections and the bearing section. The legs can run essentially parallel to each other. The length of the legs between the respective free end and a transition into the bearing section is preferably identical. Particularly preferably, the legs are identical in shape and length or mirrored.

[0014] The first retaining element can form a first retaining element arm, and the second retaining element can form a second retaining element arm of the retaining element body. In a load-free state of the retaining element body, the first and second retaining element arms can run at least substantially parallel to each other, and the bearing section connects the first and second retaining element arms. The connection can be, in particular, direct and permanent.

[0015] The retaining element body can, in particular, form a pretensioning device against whose pretensioning force the retaining elements can pivot out of the holding engagement about the respective pivot axis. The pretensioning device, in the form of a U or other stirrup shape, inherently forms a pretensioning mechanism due to its elasticity in shape or bending. This elasticity returns the U-shaped beams to their original position when deflected by a force, provided the force does not cause buckling or permanent deformation of the U-shape.

[0016] In one design, the retaining element body is formed from a single piece of profile material. Suitable materials include metals with good flexural elasticity, such as steel, copper, or nickel, or non-metals with comparable properties, such as PET with or without fiber reinforcement made of glass or carbon. A bracket made of spring steel, for example, is particularly advantageous. The retaining element body can be easily and cost-effectively formed from wire or bar stock by forming processes such as bending or edging.

[0017] The retaining element body can be, in particular, a profile with a circular, semi-circular, oval, or polygonal cross-section. The profile's outer surface can be smooth or machined, for example, with longitudinal and / or transverse grooves. The profile material can be solid or, in principle, hollow. The profile can be machined into the retaining element body or post-processed after forming, for example, by finishing. The retaining element can be manufactured from the profile material by bending, pressing, and / or cutting.

[0018] In principle, the retaining element body can also consist of several parts that are joined together to form the retaining element body. The profile can consist of several layers with different physical properties that are bonded or welded together. The layers can be arranged axially next to each other, or an outer material layer can radially enclose an inner material layer directly beneath it.

[0019] In one embodiment, the retaining element body and the bearing section are held in the heel holder housing in such a way that the retaining element body cannot move relative to the heel holder housing, at least not longitudinally. Movement of the retaining element body perpendicular to the longitudinal direction can also be largely prevented by its mounting in the heel holder.

[0020] The bearing housing can be multi-part. For example, the heel retainer housing can comprise at least one first bearing housing part in which a receptacle is formed for at least the bearing section of the retaining element body. The receptacle can be formed by a recess, such as a groove, the shape of which, in a top view of the heel retainer, substantially corresponds to the shape of the bearing section of the retaining element body. The receptacle can have a width in the longitudinal direction that substantially corresponds to the maximum longitudinal diameter of the bearing section lying in the receptacle. The receptacle can have a depth transverse to the longitudinal direction that is greater than the maximum diameter of the bearing section lying in the receptacle transverse to the longitudinal direction, for example, 1.5 or 2 times the diameter.A second heel retainer housing part can form a cover for the first heel retainer housing part, which can be securely connected to the first heel retainer housing part. On an inner surface facing the first heel retainer housing part, the cover can include an engagement structure that, when the heel housing is closed, projects into the receptacle and / or rests on the bearing section or a portion thereof of the bearing section of the retainer body, so that the retainer body lying in the receptacle cannot tilt within the receptacle, i.e., cannot move transversely to the longitudinal direction in the Z-direction. However, a pivoting movement of the bearing section about a point or segment of its radial central axis with a pivot axis that runs essentially transversely to the longitudinal axis in the Y-direction may be possible.

[0021] The adjusting structure primarily causes the position of the respective pivot axis relative to the retaining element body to be adjusted longitudinally. The adjusting structure can be clamp-shaped or U-shaped, with a main strut or crossbar and two arms projecting substantially perpendicularly from the ends of the main strut, extending substantially parallel to each other. Each arm encompasses a free end. The arms are either rigidly connected to the main strut or integrally formed with it. The first arm, which interacts with the coupling section of the first retaining element, and the second arm, which interacts with the coupling section of the second retaining element, can be bent in the region of their free ends so that the free ends face each other. The first arm and the second arm can be connected to the first and second arms, respectively, at the first and second ends of the main strut.The arms of the second retaining element rest against the inner sides of the retaining elements facing each other, or against the outer sides facing away from each other, and / or grip the respective retaining element laterally, either internally or externally. The arms can be elastically deformed by force, for example, from the retaining elements. The main strut can be positioned above or below the retaining elements when viewed from above.

[0022] The adjusting mechanism is adjustable to different positions relative to the heel holder housing and the retaining elements, and can be locked in each of these positions. Adjusting the mechanism changes the position of the respective pivot axis relative to the retaining elements and preferably also relative to the heel holder housing, thereby altering, for example, the release force required in the vertical direction to release the retaining engagement.

[0023] The locking mechanism is preferably linear and movable along the length of the ski binding. It can be continuously shifted along the coupling sections and secured against unintentional movement in any position. The locking mechanism can be moved into different, predefined detent positions. These detent positions can be formed directly on the retaining elements, for example, by recesses.

[0024] InIn one embodiment, the actuating structure comprises a first actuating element for the first retaining element and a second actuating element for the second retaining element. The first and second actuating elements can each include an actuating element housing and a support element for the respective retaining element in the coupling section. The actuating element housing is fixedly arranged within the heel retainer housing; for example, it can be formed by the heel retainer housing or connected to it, for example, by bonding. The actuating element housing can also be permanently connected to the respective retaining element, for example, by bonding. The actuating element housings can form detent positions for the support elements.

[0025] The actuating structure comprises a support element for each of the first and second retaining elements. The support elements can be moved longitudinally relative to the respective actuating element housing and engage in predefined detent positions within the housing. The support elements are preferably moved together longitudinally by an adjusting mechanism to move from one detent position to the next. The support elements are preferably moved synchronously, that is, in the same direction, over the same distance, and at the same speed.

[0026] The position of the actuating mechanism at the coupling sections can determine a force required to engage the heel cup and / or a release force for the heel cup, preferably essentially vertically upwards. This release force must be overcome, for example, in the event of hard impacts from the ski or a fall, to release the heel end of the ski boot vertically from the heel cup. This can prevent injuries or at least reduce the risk of injury.

[0027] This means that the positioning structure can have a first abutment element laterally adjacent to the coupling section of the first retaining element and a second abutment element laterally adjacent to the coupling section of the second retaining element. The abutment elements preferably have a smooth surface with low frictional resistance. The material of the abutment elements preferably has a low coefficient of elasticity, ideally one that is essentially equal to or less than the coefficient of elasticity of the material of the retaining elements or the retaining element body. For example, the abutment elements can be made of the same material as the retaining elements or the retaining element body.

[0028] The preload force of the preloading device can clamp the coupling section of the first retaining element transversely to the longitudinal axis of the ski binding into a stop contact with the first abutment element and the coupling section of the second retaining element transversely to the longitudinal axis of the ski binding into a stop contact with the second abutment element.

[0029] The pivot axes can be formed in the stop contact of the coupling sections and the respective abutment element.

[0030] The positioning structure can have a traverse that is guided in a longitudinally displaceable manner relative to the heel support housing and extends in plan view over or under the retaining elements transversely to the longitudinal direction and preferably laterally beyond the retaining elements.

[0031] The abutment elements can be connected to or formed on the crossbeam and each have a preferably convex round contact surface facing laterally towards the respective coupling section, with which the respective coupling section is in contact at the end stop. The abutment elements can be rotatably mounted on the crossbeam.

[0032] The heel holder, preferably the heel holder housing, can have a first lateral limit stop for the first retaining element and a second lateral limit stop for the second retaining element. The first and second limit stops can be formed in or connected to a side wall of the heel holder housing facing the toe holder.

[0033] The first retaining element can be in longitudinal contact with the first limit stop between its engagement section and its coupling section, and the second retaining element can be in longitudinal contact with the second limit stop between its engagement section and its coupling section, so that the retaining elements can be pivoted out of the contact with the respective limit stop, in particular against the preload force of the preloading device, about the respective pivot axis.

[0034] The limit stops can be part of elongated through-openings in the side wall of the heel holder housing facing the toe holder, with the respective closed ends of the through-openings forming the first limit stop and the second limit stop, respectively. The through-openings can be curved in a frontal view of the side wall from the toe holder, but are preferably straight, each with one, two, or more sections set at an angle to one another. The through-openings extend transversely to the longitudinal direction from each inner through-opening end at a first distance from the center line along the length of the ski binding, obliquely downwards to an outer through-opening end at a second distance from the center line. The second distance is greater than the first distance.

[0035] If the through-holes, as described, run at an angle to a ski surface, the retaining elements are deflected around their respective pivot axis in the Y and Z directions upon vertical release. The deflection of the retaining elements in the Z direction can be achieved or assisted by pivoting the retaining element body around the radial center axis of the bearing section.

[0036] The first retaining element forms a two-armed lever around the first pivot axis, and the second retaining element forms a two-armed lever around the second pivot axis. Each lever has a front lever arm extending from its corresponding pivot axis towards the respective engagement section and a rear lever arm extending from its corresponding pivot axis towards the respective bearing section. By adjusting the actuating structure, the position of the respective pivot axis and, for each retaining element, the ratio of the length of the front lever arm to the length of the rear lever arm can be changed.

[0037] The preload force of the preloading device in the respective bearing section can act at a force application point. The length of the front lever arm of the respective retaining element is measured from the associated pivot axis to a free front end of the respective retaining element, and the length of the rear lever arm of the respective retaining element is measured from the associated pivot axis to the force application point of the respective retaining element. The respective pivot axis can be adjusted back and forth longitudinally along the associated retaining element to such an extent that the ratio of the length of the front lever arm to the length of the rear lever arm can be increased from a minimum to a maximum value. The lever ratio of the front lever arm to the rear lever arm is in a range, for example, between 0.2:1 and 5:1, or between 0.5:1 and 4:1.

[0038] The heel holder may further comprise an adjusting element which is coupled to the adjusting structure in such a way that an adjustment of the adjusting element causes the adjustment of the adjusting structure and the adjusting structure is fixed in each position, e.g. due to frictional engagement or due to the thread pitch of an adjustment-causing thread of a screw encompassed by the adjusting element.

[0039] The heel holder housing can be moved relative to the base about a vertically directed axis of rotation to enable lateral release of the heel holder against a preload force, preferably by a further preloading device. Such a release device for the lateral release of a heel holder is known from the applicant's patent application DE 10 2017 120 702 A1, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0040] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to figures. The figures show: Figure 1: Perspective view of a heel support; Figure 2: Sectional view of the heel support Figure 1 from the side along the longitudinal axis; Figure 3: Sectional view of the heel holder of the Figure 1 from above, transverse to the longitudinal direction at the level of the retaining element body; Figure 4: sectional view as Figure 2 without heel holder housing; Figure 5: Receptacle for retaining element body and cover with molded-on engagement structure; Figure 6: two views with adjusting structure in different positions.

[0041] The Figure 1 shows a heel holder 1 of a ski binding not fully shown, which further comprises a toe bracket not shown, known in the prior art.

[0042] The heel holder 1 comprises a base 2, which in the illustrated embodiment is designed as a slide that can be slid onto a rail S that can be connected to the ski (not shown). A preferably multi-part heel holder housing 3 projects from the base 2. The heel holder housing 3 can, as shown, consist of a first heel holder housing part 32, a second heel holder housing part 33, and a third heel holder housing part 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the third heel holder housing part 34 forms a cover that can be removably connected to the first heel holder housing part 32 and / or the second heel holder housing part 33. The first heel holder housing part 32 and the second heel holder housing part are connected to each other and to the base 2. At least the second heel holder housing part 33 can be formed in one piece with the base 2, for example, by die casting or an additive manufacturing process.

[0043] For lateral release, the heel holder 1 can rotate about a pivot axis R to release the ski boot when lateral forces occur that are above a set release value for the heel holder 1.

[0044] A ski brake B is connected to the rail S, and the ski brake B, or rather the brake arms A1, A2, can be locked in the position shown for the ascent mode by means of a locking and release mechanism, of which only a release lever H is visible. For the alpine mode, the locking can be released using the release lever H, so that the brake arms A1, A2, or rather their free ends, are moved downwards by the mechanism when the pedal P of the ski brake B is unloaded.

[0045] The heel retainer housing 3 comprises a side wall 31 facing the toe retainer (not shown) with a first through-opening 38 for a first retaining element 4 and a second through-opening 39 for a second retaining element 5. In the exemplary embodiment, the through-openings 38, 39 run obliquely in the side wall 31 and have straight axial side walls.

[0046] The first retaining element 4 and the second retaining element 5 are part of a retaining element body 40 ( Figure 3 ), which is mounted within the heel retainer housing 3. A gripping section 41 of the first retaining element 4 and a gripping section 51 of the second retaining element 5 project from the heel retainer housing 3 towards the toe retainer (not shown).

[0047] The Figure 2 shows a central longitudinal section through the heel holder 1 of the Figure 1. In the sectional view, it can be seen that the heel retainer housing 3 or the first heel retainer housing part 32 forms a receptacle 11 for a bearing section 43 of the retaining element body 40.

[0048] In the exemplary embodiment, the heel retainer housing 3 consists of the first heel retainer part 32 and the second heel retainer part 33, which are connected to each other in a captive manner. The heel retainer housing 3 is connected to the base 2 via the second heel retainer part 33. Preferably, the second heel retainer housing part 33 is connected to the base 2 such that the heel retainer housing 3 can rotate relative to the base 2 about the axis of rotation R, which projects perpendicularly from the base 2 in the Y direction.

[0049] The second heel housing part 33 comprises a cam 14 which supports a ball 15. In the exemplary embodiment, the ball 15 can be tensioned against the cam 14 by means of a spring element 16, thereby allowing a lateral release force of the heel holder 1 to be set. Such a release device for the lateral release of a heel holder is known from patent application DE 10 2017 120 702 A1 of the applicant group, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0050] The Figure 2 The first retaining element 4 is shown. The engagement section 41 of the first retaining element 4 is visible. The bearing section 43 of the retaining element body 40 ( Figure 3 ) is stored and secured in the receptacle 11, so that the retaining element body 40 and thus the first retaining element 4 and the second retaining element 5 cannot move linearly in the longitudinal direction X relative to the heel retainer housing 3.

[0051] The third heel retainer housing part 34 is connected to the first heel retainer housing part 32 and the second heel retainer housing part 33. On its underside facing the first heel retainer housing part 32, the third heel retainer housing part 34 has an engagement structure 34a that projects into the receptacle 11 for the bearing section 43 of the retaining element body 40. In the exemplary embodiment, the engagement structure 34a is shaped such that, when the third heel retainer housing part 34 is mounted, it rests on the retaining element body 40 placed in the receptacle and presses it towards the side wall 31.

[0052] Above the only partially visible retaining element body 40, a part of an adjusting structure 8 is shown, the position of which in the longitudinal direction X relative to the heel retainer housing 3 can be changed in order to set a release force for releasing the heel retainer 1 from a holding engagement with a ski boot heel.

[0053] In the exemplary embodiment, the positioning movement of the positioning structure 8 can be controlled by an adjusting element 9, which here is formed as a nut 9b rigidly connected to at least a part of the positioning structure 8, or as a thread cut into the positioning structure 8 in a through-opening, and a screw 9a. By turning the screw 9a in the nut 9b or the thread, the positioning structure 8 is moved in or against the longitudinal direction X.

[0054] The Figure 3 Figure 1 shows a vertical section through the heel holder transverse to the longitudinal direction X in the area of ​​the receptacle 11 for the bearing section 43 of the retaining element body 40. In the exemplary embodiment, the retaining element body 40 has the shape of a U-shape. The retaining elements 4, 5 form the U-beams, and the closed end of the U-shape forms the bearing section 43.

[0055] The retaining elements 4, 5 each comprise the engagement section 41, 51, which interacts with a heel end (not shown) of a ski boot to securely connect the ski boot to the ski in downhill mode. The bearing section 43 of the retaining element body 40 prevents the retaining element body 40 from moving linearly in the longitudinal direction X relative to the heel retainer housing 3. Between the bearing section 43 and the engagement section 41, 51, the retaining elements 4, 5 each form a coupling section 42, 52, which interacts with the adjusting structure 8 and the abutment elements 12, 13 of the adjusting structure, respectively, to define pivot axes B4, B5. The abutment elements 12, 13 can be displaced along the retaining elements 4, 5 in the longitudinal direction X relative to the heel housing 3 by the adjusting element 9, the abutment elements 12, 13 always preferably having direct contact with the retaining elements 4, 5.By moving the abutment elements 12, 13, the position of the respective pivot axis B 4 , B 5 shifts and thereby changes the internal restoring force F of the retaining element body 40, which must be applied for the lateral release of the heel ager 1.

[0056] While the abutment elements 12, 13 can be moved longitudinally, the actuating element housings 81a, 82a are fixedly held in the heel holder housing 3 or fixedly connected to the retaining elements 4, 5 in the area of ​​the respective coupling section 42, 52. The actuating element housings 81a, 82a can include detent positions in which the abutment elements 12, 13 can engage when moved longitudinally in the X direction. Each detent position corresponds to a different position of the respective pivot axis B4, B5 and thus to a different release force for the heel holder 1. Preferably, the release force for each of the different detent positions is known during the manufacture of the heel holder 1, for example, determined by tests or calculated from known values.

[0057] It goes without saying that the actuating element housings 81a, 82a and detent positions for the abutment elements 12, 13 are mirror-symmetrical with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the retaining element body 40 or the heel holder 1, and that the abutment elements 12, 13 are moved synchronously in the longitudinal direction X. The actuating elements 81, 82 are preferably formed on an outer surface of the retaining elements 4, 5 pointing away from the central longitudinal axis of the retaining element body. In one embodiment, the actuating element housings 81a, 82a can be slid or clipped onto the retaining elements 4, 5 in the area of ​​the respective coupling section, bonded to the respective retaining elements 4, 5, for example, or secured against movement relative to the respective retaining elements 4, 5 in the heel holder housing 3 by a force-fit or form-fit connection.

[0058] In one embodiment, the detent positions can also be formed directly by the retaining elements 4, 5. These can be raised areas, recesses, or notches that are formed or molded directly from the material of the retaining elements 4, 5.

[0059] The Figure 4 Figure 1 shows a sectional view of the heel retainer 1 without the heel retainer housing 3 in a plane that intersects the central longitudinal axis of the first retaining element 4 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. Only the retaining element 4 and part of the bearing area 43 are visible of the retaining element body 40. The retaining element 4 comprises the engagement section 41 and the coupling section 42. The adjusting element 8, which is connected to the adjusting device 9, is located in the area of ​​the coupling section 42.

[0060] In the Figure 4The pivot axis B4 is shown, around which the retaining element 4, or rather the section of the retaining element 4 located in front of the pivot axis B4 in the direction of the toe holder, can be pivoted. The pivot axis B4 divides the retaining element 4 into a first lever arm H1 and a second lever arm H2. Lever arm H1 extends from the pivot axis B4 to the transition of the retaining element 4 over a length L1 into the bearing section 43 of the retaining element body 40 and includes part of the coupling section. The second lever arm H2 extends from the pivot axis B4 to the free end of the retaining element 4 over a length L2 and includes part of the coupling section 42 and the engagement section 41. The lengths L1 and L2 of the respective lever arms H1 and H2, or the ratio of the lever arm lengths to each other, are determined by the position of the pivot axis B4 at the coupling section 42 of the retaining element 4.The smaller the length ratio H2:H1, the greater the force required at the engagement section 41 to pivot the lever arm 4 or the second lever arm H2 around the pivot axis B 4.

[0061] The figure also shows that the rail S is firmly connected to the ski body (not shown), in this exemplary embodiment by means of screws. In the Figure 3 For example, four screws are shown, two on each side of the heel holder 1, which are arranged in a mirrored arrangement with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the heel holder 1.

[0062] The Figure 5 Figure 1 shows a top view of the heel retainer housing 3 with heel retainer housing parts 32, 33 and, next to it, heel retainer housing part 34. The underside of heel retainer housing part 34 is visible, which rests directly on heel retainer housing part 32 when heel retainer housing part 34 closes the heel retainer housing 3 (see Figure 3). Figure 2 ).

[0063] The heel retainer housing 3 forms a receptacle 11 for the bearing section 43 of the retaining element body 40. The shape of the receptacle 11 essentially corresponds to the shape of the bearing section 43. The width of the receptacle 11 essentially corresponds to the diameter of the retaining element body 40 in the area of ​​the bearing section 43. The receptacle 11 is shaped such that the retaining element body 40 lying in the receptacle 11 cannot be displaced in the longitudinal direction X.

[0064] The third heel retainer housing part 34 forms a cover of the heel retainer housing 3. It comprises an engagement structure 34a, the shape of which essentially corresponds to the shape of the receptacle 11 in the heel retainer housing 3. The engagement structure 34a can be a bead-shaped protrusion or a receptacle in the form of a groove for part of the bearing section 43 of the retaining element body 40. Preferably, the engagement structure 34a is bead-shaped and engages in the receptacle 11 in the heel retainer housing 3 when the third heel retainer housing part 34 is connected to the heel retainer housing 3. As the Figure 2 As shown, the engagement structure 34a can be shaped such that it clamps the retaining element body 40 onto the toe holder in the longitudinal direction X. The engagement structure 34a can rest on the retaining element body 40 in the area of ​​the bearing section 43, so that the retaining element body 40 is fixed transversely to the longitudinal direction at least in this area.

[0065] The engagement structure 34a can only bear against the bearing section 43 of the retaining element body 40 at one point or section, namely at a point or section that defines a pivot axis transverse to the longitudinal direction and at least substantially parallel to a ski surface about which the retaining element body 40 can pivot when the retaining elements 4, 5 are moved outwards and upwards in the through-openings 38, 39 in the side wall 31 of the heel retainer housing 3 when the heel retainer 1 is triggered.

[0066] The Figure 6 Figure 1 shows two views of the heel holder 1 with different positions of the pivot axes B4 and B5. The respective position of the pivot axes B4 and B5 determined the length ratio of lever 1 to lever 2. Figure 4 ) and thus the force required for a vertical release of the ski binding or heel holder 1.

[0067] In the right-hand representation of the Figure 6The pivot axes B4 and B5 are in a position that determines or defines the minimum release force. Lever 2 has a maximum length L2, and lever 1 has a minimum length L1. In the left-hand illustration, the pivot axes B4 and B5 are located closer to the side wall 31 of the heel retainer housing 3 in the longitudinal direction X. Lever 2 is now shorter compared to the right-hand illustration, and lever 1 is correspondingly longer. The release force for the vertical release of the heel retainer 1 is therefore greater in the left-hand illustration than in the right-hand illustration. Figure 6 does not show the maximum value of (5:1) in the ratio of (H1:H2) as defined in claim 1.

Claims

1. A ski binding comprising a toe retainer, which in a plan view onto the ski binding defines a pivot axis for a ski boot held by the toe retainer, transversely with respect to a longitudinal direction (X) of the ski binding, and a heel retainer, wherein the heel retainer (1) comprises: 1.1 a basis (2); 1.2 a heel retainer housing (3) protruding upwards from the base (2); 1.3 a first holding element (4) and a second holding element (5) which comprise a bearing portion (43), respectively an engaging portion (41, 51) for a holding engagement with a ski boot heel, and a coupling portion (42, 52) between the engaging portion (41, 51) and the bearing portion (43) in the longitudinal direction (X); 1.4 a support device which accommodates the holding elements (4, 5) in the region of the bearing portion (43); and 1.5 an actuating structure (8) which defines a pivot axis (B4) for the first holding element (4) in an engagement with the coupling portion (42) of the first holding element (4) and defines a pivot axis (B5) for the second holding element (5) in an engagement with the coupling portion (52) of the second holding element (5) in a side view, each transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction (X), 1.6 wherein the holding elements (4, 5) can be pivoted out of the holding engagement about the respective pivot axis (B4, B5) counter to a biasing force (F), 1.7 wherein the actuating structure (8) can be adjusted relative to the heel retainer housing (3) and the holding elements (4, 5) into different actuating positions and can be respectively fixed in the actuating positions, 1.8 wherein adjusting the actuating structure (8) alters the position of the respective pivot axis (B4, B5) relative to the holding elements (4, 5) and preferably also relative to the heel retainer housing (3) and thus adjusts a release force necessary for releasing the holding engagement, 1.9 wherein the first holding element (4) and the second holding element (5) are parts of a single holding element body (40), for example a U-shaped bracket, 1.10 wherein the first holding element (4) forms a double-ended lever around the first pivot axis (B4), and the second holding element (5) forms a double-ended lever around the second pivot axis (B5), wherein the levers each comprise a front lever arm (H1) extending from the associated pivot axis (B4, B5) towards the respective engaging portion (41, 51) and a rear lever arm (H2) extending from the associated pivot axis (B4, B5) towards the bearing portion (43), and wherein adjusting the actuating structure (8) adjusts the position of the respective pivot axis (B4, B5) and thus the ratio of the length of the front lever arm (H1) to the length of the rear lever arm (H2) for the respective holding element (4, 5), and 1.11 wherein the biasing force (F) of the holding element body (40) acts in the bearing portion (43), wherein the length (L1) of the front lever arm (H1) of the respective holding element (4, 5) is measured from the associated pivot axis (B4, B5) to the free end of the respective holding element (4, 5), and the length (L2) of the rear lever arm (H2) of the respective holding element (4, 5) is measured from the associated pivot axis (B4, B5) to the force transmission point of the respective holding element (4, 5), wherein the respective pivot axis (B4, B5) can be adjusted back and forth in the longitudinal direction of the associated holding element (4, 5) far enough that the ratio H1 : H2 of the length (L1) of the front lever arm (H1) to the length (L2) of the rear lever arm (H2) can be increased from a minimum value of 0.2 : 1 to a maximum value of 5 : 1.

2. The ski binding according to the preceding claim, wherein - the holding element body (40) is a U-shaped bracket and - the free ends of the U-shaped bracket form the engaging portions (41, 51) of the first holding element (4) and second holding element (5) and - the curved, closed end of the U-shaped bracket forms the bearing portion (43).

3. The ski binding according to the preceding claim, wherein the U-bars form the coupling portions (42, 52) in the region between the free ends and the closed end of the U-shaped bracket and preferably extend at least substantially parallel to each other.

4. The ski binding according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding element body (40) forms a biasing device, wherein the holding elements (4, 5) can be pivoted about the respective pivot axis (B4, B5) out of the holding engagement, counter to the biasing force (F) of the biasing device.

5. The ski binding according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding element body (40) is a U-shaped bracket and thus forms a biasing device, wherein the holding elements (4, 5) can be pivoted about the respective pivot axis (B4, B5) out of the holding engagement, counter to the biasing force (F) of the biasing device.

6. The ski binding according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding element body (40) is held in the bearing portion (43) in the heel retainer housing (3) such that the holding element body (40) cannot move relative to the heel retainer housing (3) at least in the longitudinal direction (X).

7. The ski binding according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating structure (8) adjusts the position of the respective pivot axis (B4, B5) in the longitudinal direction (X).

8. The ski binding according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heel retainer (1) comprises a setting member (9) which is coupled to the actuating structure (8) such that adjusting the setting member (9) adjusts the actuating structure (8) and fixes the actuating structure (8) in any actuating position.

9. The ski binding according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heel retainer (1) comprises a setting member (9) which is coupled to the actuating structure (8) such that adjusting the setting member (9) adjusts the actuating structure (8), and wherein the actuating structure (8) can be adjusted into predetermined latching positions and activating the setting member (9) adjusts the actuating structure (8) into one of the latching positions, wherein the actuating structure (8) is secured in each of the latching positions.

10. The ski binding according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating structure (8) comprises a first actuating element (81) for the first holding element (4) for altering the position of the first pivot axis (B4) and a second actuating element (82) for the second holding element (5) for altering the position of the second pivot axis (B5), and a setting member (9) moves the first actuating element (81) and the second actuating element (82) synchronously in the longitudinal direction (X).

11. The ski binding according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling portions (42, 52) can be moved towards each other in the plan view, counter to the biasing force (F) of the holding element body (40), and the pivot axes (B4, B5) are located on longitudinal axes of the holding elements (4, 5) or are formed on longitudinal sides of the coupling portions (42, 52), which are located on the outer side and face away from each other, or are formed by the latching positions of the actuating elements (81, 82).

12. The ski binding according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein - the actuating structure (8) comprises a first counter bearing element (12) laterally next to the coupling portion (42) of the first holding element (4) and a second counter bearing element (13) laterally next to the coupling portion (52) of the second holding element (5), - the biasing force (F) of the holding element body (40) tenses the coupling portion (42) of the first holding element (4) transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis (X) of the ski binding into an abutting contact with the first counter bearing element (12) and tenses the coupling portion (52) of the second holding element (5) transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis (X) of the ski binding into an abutting contact with the second counter bearing element (13), and - the pivot axes (B4, B5) are formed in the abutting contact between the coupling portions (42, 52) and the respective counter bearing element (12, 13).

13. The ski binding according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein - the heel retainer (1), preferably the heel retainer housing (3), comprises a first lateral limiting abutment and a second lateral limiting abutment, - the first holding element (4) is in an abutting contact with the first limiting abutment between its engaging portion (41) and its coupling portion (42) in the longitudinal direction (X), and the second holding element (5) is in an abutting contact with the second limiting abutment between its engaging portion (51) and its coupling portion (52) in the longitudinal direction (X), and - the holding elements (4, 5) can be pivoted about the respective pivot axis (B4, B5) out of the abutting contact with the respective limiting abutment, counter to the inner biasing force (F) of the holding element body (40).

14. The ski binding according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heel retainer housing (3) is formed from at least two heel retainer housing parts (32, 33, 34), and the bearing portion (43) of the holding element body (40) is held in a groove (11) of a first housing part (32), and a second heel retainer housing part (34) forms a cover of the heel retainer housing (3), wherein the second heel retainer housing part (34) comprises an engaging structure (34a) which, when the heel retainer housing (3) is closed, rests on the bearing portion (43) of the holding element body (40) and prevents the holding element body (40) from moving transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction (X).

15. The ski binding according to any one of the preceding claims, each in combination with claim 10, wherein the heel retainer (1) comprises a setting member (9) which is coupled to the actuating structure (8) such that adjusting the setting member (9) adjusts the actuating structure (8), wherein - each of the actuating elements (81, 82) comprises an actuating element housing (81a, 82a) and a counter bearing element (12, 13) for the respective holding element (4, 5) in the region of the coupling portion (42, 52), and - the counter bearing element (12, 13) can be shifted linearly in the longitudinal direction (X) relative to the respective actuating element housing (81a, 82a) by the setting member (9) and latched in predetermined latching positions in the actuating element housing (81a, 82a).