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 respective pivot axes, the position of which relative to the corresponding retaining elements 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] 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 transversely to a longitudinal direction of the ski binding, and a heel holder.

[0003] The ski binding in question is preferably a ski binding that can be used by the user for ski touring. The touring binding can be adjusted so that ascents are possible with the binding in place, allowing the ski boot to be released from the heel cup, and descents are possible with the binding in place, allowing the ski boot to be held in the heel cup. The heel cup can be connected to the ski body or to a plate that can be moved relative to the ski body.

[0004] From EP 3 345 659 A1, a heel retainer is known which comprises two retaining elements. Each of the retaining elements has an engagement section for connecting to a ski boot heel, a bearing section, and, in the longitudinal direction of the retaining elements, a coupling section between them. The heel retainer further comprises an adjusting structure and a support device which accommodates the retaining elements in the area of ​​the respective bearing section.

[0005] The toe holder is a toe holder known in the prior art, e.g. a toe holder for a touring ski binding with two so-called pins that can engage laterally in corresponding receptacles in the ski boot sole to hold the ski boot in the toe holder during the ascent, so that the ski boot can be pivoted about an axis that runs through the pins and the receptacles of the ski boot sole.

[0006] For ski tourers in particular, the weight of the touring ski binding is playing an increasingly important role, as every gram saved makes touring easier. However, safety is paramount, which is why an adjustable release value (so-called "Z-value") on the binding is essential. Many models on the market only allow adjustment of the Z-value for horizontal release, while the Z-value for vertical release is more or less fixed. However, to allow for individually tailored release values ​​for the user, adjustable vertical release values ​​are increasingly in demand. Therefore, the invention aims to provide a heel holder for a touring ski binding that has a low weight and simultaneously allows adjustment of both the horizontal and vertical release values.

[0007] This problem according to the invention is fulfilled by a ski binding with the features of claim 1.

[0008] The heel holder comprises a base, a heel holder housing rising from the base, a first retaining element and a second retaining element, each having an engagement section for holding with a ski boot heel, a bearing section and a coupling section in the longitudinal direction between the engagement section and the bearing section.

[0009] The first retaining element and the second retaining element can be two separate components that are not formed together or connected. In particular, they can be two rod-shaped parts, preferably solid parts, having a constant or varying cross-section along their length, especially round or circular.

[0010] The first and second retaining elements can be parts of a single retaining element body, for example, a U-shaped bracket. In this case, the free ends of the U-shaped bracket form the engagement sections of the first and second retaining elements, and the curved, closed end of the U-shaped bracket forms the bearing section. The coupling sections are formed by the U-shaped beams, which run at least substantially parallel to each other, in the area between the free ends and the closed end of the U-shaped bracket.

[0011] Furthermore, the heel holder comprises a support device which accommodates the retaining elements in the area of ​​the respective bearing section, an adjusting structure which, in an engagement with the coupling section of the first retaining element, defines a pivot axis for the first retaining element and, in an engagement with the coupling section of the second retaining element, a pivot axis for the second retaining element in a side view, each perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a pretensioning device against whose pretensioning force the retaining elements can be pivoted out of the retaining engagement about the respective pivot axis.

[0012] The support device can be part of the heel cup housing, for example, including a receptacle for the bearing section(s), such as a groove into which the closed end of the U-shaped bracket can be placed. The support device can also be an additional component that accommodates the bearing section(s) and is itself connected or connectable to the heel cup housing. The support device can be movable relative to the heel cup housing, or the bearing section(s) can be movable relative to the support device.

[0013] The support structure can be clamp-shaped or U-shaped, with a main strut or crossbeam 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 rigidly connected to the main strut or, preferably, are integrally formed with the main strut. The first arm, which interacts with the coupling section of the first support element, and the second arm, which interacts with the coupling section of the second support 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 bear against the inner lateral surfaces of the first and second support elements, respectively, facing each other, or their outer lateral surfaces facing away from each other, and / or grip the respective support 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. Alternatively, the positioning structure can have a closed geometry and enclose the first or second retaining element. In this case, corresponding openings for the first or second retaining element can be provided in the positioning structure.

[0014] The bearing sections can be moved towards each other in a top view against the preload force of the preloading device, and the pivot axes can be formed on the outer longitudinal sides of the coupling sections facing away from each other, or on the inner longitudinal sides of the coupling sections facing each other, or on the axis of the retaining elements. Additional bearing elements can be used for the retaining elements, which can be moved along the retaining elements, particularly together with the actuating structure.

[0015] 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.

[0016] The adjustment mechanism is preferably linearly 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 adjustment mechanism can be moved steplessly and locked in the respective position. This locking can be achieved using self-locking elements. Furthermore, the adjustment mechanism can also be moved to different, predefined detent positions and locked there. The position of the adjustment mechanism at the coupling sections can determine the force required to engage the heel cup and / or the release force of the heel cup, preferably essentially vertically upwards. The 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.

[0017] The support device can fix the retaining elements in the longitudinal direction within the respective bearing section. This means that the retaining elements held in the support device cannot be moved linearly in the direction of the toe holder and / or in the opposite direction within the heel holder housing, either along the length of the ski binding or the heel holder. However, the retaining elements held and fixed longitudinally in the support device can be rotatably mounted within the support device about a respective axis of rotation.

[0018] Adjusting the positioning structure can cause an adjustment of the position of the pivot axes in the longitudinal direction of the ski binding.

[0019] 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. For example, the abutment elements can be made of the same material as the retaining elements.

[0020] 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.

[0021] The pivot axes can be formed in the stop contact of the coupling sections and the respective abutment element.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] The heel holder, preferably the heel holder housing, can have a first lateral limit stop for the first holding element and a second lateral limit stop for the second holding element.

[0025] 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.

[0026] The limit stops can be part of elongated through-openings in a front 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 arcuate in a top view of the front 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 centerline along the length of the ski binding, obliquely downwards to an outer through-opening end at a second distance from the centerline. The second distance is greater than the first distance.Alternatively, one or more sections of the passage openings can also run parallel to each other, so that the distance to a ski surface does not change.

[0027] The preload force of the preloading device can act on the holding elements in the respective bearing section transversely to the longitudinal direction and / or transversely to the pivot axes.

[0028] The preload device can comprise one or more springs or spring elements preloaded under compression. Each spring can have a spring axis oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction and / or transversely to the pivot axes. That is, the spring axis can be essentially parallel to the pivot axis for the ski boot held by the toe holder or vertically upwards perpendicular to an underside of the base.

[0029] The support device can comprise a first support element movable transversely to the longitudinal direction and a second support element movable transversely to the longitudinal direction. The first support element can support the first retaining element longitudinally, and the second support element can support the second retaining element longitudinally.

[0030] The prestressing force of the prestressing device can be introduced into the support elements.

[0031] The heel holder preferably has a guide, more preferably a guide track, which guides the support elements in a guide engagement, preferably in a sliding contact, transversely to the longitudinal direction and transversely to the pivot axes. The heel holder preferably has a first guide track for the first retaining element and a second guide track for the second retaining element.

[0032] The first support element can rotatably mount the first retaining element about a longitudinal axis of the first retaining element. The second support element can rotatably mount the second retaining element about a longitudinal axis of the second retaining element.

[0033] The first retaining element can form a two-armed lever around the first pivot axis, and the second retaining element can form a two-armed lever around the second pivot axis. Each lever can have a front lever arm extending from its associated pivot axis towards the respective engagement section and a rear lever arm extending from its associated pivot axis towards the respective bearing section. By adjusting the positioning mechanism, 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.

[0034] 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 can be measured from its associated pivot axis to a free front end of the retaining element, and the length of the rear lever arm of the respective retaining element can be measured from its 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 can be in a range between 0.5:1 and 5:1, preferably between 1:1 and 4:1.

[0035] The heel retainer 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 adjusted 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to figures. The figures show: Figure 1: Perspective view of a heel holder; Figure 2: Vertical section in the longitudinal direction of the ski binding through the heel holder of the Figure 1 Figure 3: View of a vertical section through the heel rest of the Figure 1 transverse to the longitudinal direction at the level of the support device; Figure 4: View of the heel holder of the Figure 1 from above in a sectional view along section CC from the Figure 3 Figure 5: View of the heel holder of the Figure 1 from above in a sectional view along section DD from the Figure 3 Figure 6: View of the heel holder of the Figure 1 from above in a sectional view along section EE from the Figure 3 Figure 7: Vertical section through the heel restraint of the Figure 1 along the central axis of one of the retaining elements, without heel support housing and with a first embodiment of the support device; Figure 8: Vertical section through the heel support of the Figure 1along the central axis of one of the retaining elements, without heel retainer housing and with a second embodiment of the support device; Figure 9: Exploded view of a second embodiment of a mechanism comprising the retaining elements, the support device and the adjusting structure; Figure 10: Various sectional views of the mechanism of the Figure 9 .

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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 be rigidly connected to the base 2 or formed in one piece with one of the heel holder housing parts (32, 33), for example by die casting or an additive manufacturing process.

[0040] 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.

[0041] The heel retainer housing 3 comprises a front 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. The first retaining element 4 and the second retaining element 5 are 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).

[0042] The Figure 2 shows a central longitudinal section through the heel holder 1 of the Figure 1 The sectional view shows that the heel retainer housing 3 forms a cavity 11 in which a mechanism described below is arranged, with which an entry force into the heel retainer 1 and / or a release force for a vertical release of the heel retainer 1 can be set.

[0043] In the exemplary embodiment, the heel retainer housing 3 consists of a first heel retainer part 32 and a second heel retainer part 33, which can be connected to each other in a captive but rotatable manner relative to each other. The heel retainer housing 3 is connected to the base 2 via the second heel retainer part 32. Preferably, the heel retainer housing part 32 is connected to the base 2 such that it can rotate relative to the base 2 about an axis of rotation R, which projects perpendicularly from the base 2 in the Y direction. The second heel retainer 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 setting a lateral release force of the heel retainer 1. Such a release device for the lateral release of a heel retainer is known from patent application DE 10 2017 120 702 A1 of the applicant group, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0044] The Figure 2 The first retaining element 4 is shown. The engagement section 41 and a bearing section 43 of the first retaining element 4 are visible, while a coupling section 42, located between the engagement section 41 and the bearing section 43 and connecting them, is concealed. The bearing section 43 is mounted and secured in a support device 6, so that the first retaining element 4 cannot move linearly in the longitudinal direction X relative to the heel retainer housing. Also visible is a preloading device 10 with a spring force F, which acts on the support device essentially transversely to the longitudinal direction X in the transverse direction Y.

[0045] Above the first retaining element 4 in the area of ​​the coupling section 42, a part of an adjusting structure 8 is shown, the position of which along the coupling section 43 relative to the heel holder housing 3 can be changed in order to set a release force for releasing the heel holder 1 from a holding engagement with a ski boot heel.

[0046] 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 fixedly connected to the positioning structure 8 or a thread cut into the positioning structure 8 in a through-hole 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.

[0047] The Figure 3Figure 1 shows a vertical section through the heel retainer transversely to the longitudinal direction X in the area of ​​the support device 6 for the first retaining element 4 and a support device 7 for the second retaining element 5. The support devices 6 and 7 each comprise an opening into which the first and second retaining elements 4, 5 engage with their respective bearing sections 43, 53, or through which the retaining elements 4, 5 with their respective bearing sections 43, 53 extend. The preloading device 10 rests against mutually facing side surfaces of the support devices 6, 7 and preloads them into the positions shown. Against the preloading force F of the preloading device 10, the support devices 6, 7 can be moved towards each other. In the exemplary embodiment, the two support devices 6, 7 are moved in a guide formed by the heel retainer housing 3.In the example shown, the support devices 6, 7 have the cross-section of a parallelogram and are moved simultaneously along an incline in the Y-direction and Z-direction when approaching each other.

[0048] The Figure 4 shows a sectional view of the heel support housing 3 in longitudinal direction X and parallel to a support surface on which the heel support 1 rests (see Figure 3 Cut CC).

[0049] Section CC shows the release mechanism for a lateral release of the heel holder 1 with the spring element 16 and the connecting element 21, which securely connects the second heel holder housing 33 to the first heel holder housing part 32. Visible are the rail S onto which the heel holder housing 3 is slid, the base 2, and the section plane CC with the openings for the release mechanism for the lateral release and part of the second heel holder housing part 33. Through another opening, the support devices 6, 7 for the first retaining element 4 and the second retaining element 5, respectively, are visible, along with the preloading device 10. The support devices 6, 7 are preloaded into an end position by the preloading force F of the preloading device 10 when no force acts on the engagement sections 41, 51 of the retaining elements 4, 5 to push them outwards in the transverse direction Z.

[0050] Two further openings reveal the actuating structure 8, or rather the part of the actuating structure 8 that lies below the retaining elements 4 and 5 in the Y-direction. Abutments 12 and 13, or rather the supports for these abutments 12 and 13, are indicated; their significance will be described in detail below.

[0051] The Figure 5 shows another sectional view of the heel support housing 3 in longitudinal direction X and parallel to a support surface on which the heel support 1 rests (see Figure 3 Cut DD).

[0052] The section through the heel retainer housing 3 runs above the retaining elements 4, 5. Visible is an access opening for a tool to adjust the force of a pre-clamping device for the lateral release. Also visible are the support devices 6, 7 and the pre-tensioning device 10, which, with the spring force F, pre-tensions the support devices 6, 7 into a rest position as shown.

[0053] The upper end of the second heel support housing part 33, located below the adjusting structure 8, is visible in the central rectangular opening of the first heel support housing part 32. A crossbar extending from the adjusting structure 8 overlaps the first retaining element 4 and the second retaining element 5, with a slot-shaped opening in which, in this embodiment, a nut 9b is located. The nut 9b cannot be moved relative to the crossbar of the adjusting structure 8. The nut 9b forms part of the adjusting element 9. Another part is formed by the screw 9a.

[0054] Finally, the Figure 5The first retaining element 4 comprises the engagement section 41, the coupling section 42, and the bearing section 43, and the second retaining element 5 comprises the engagement section 51, the coupling section 52, and the bearing section 53. The bearing sections 43 and 53 are connected to the support devices 6 and 7 in such a way that they cannot be moved relative to the heel retainer housing 3 in or against the longitudinal direction X. However, rotation of the retaining elements 4 and 5 about their respective axes of rotation is not excluded. In the position shown, the support devices 6 and 7 are held by the preloading device 10 in positions that essentially correspond to a maximum distance between the two support devices 6 and 7 transversely to the longitudinal direction X in the Y direction.The retaining elements 4, 5 run parallel to each other, with the central longitudinal axes or rotation axes of the retaining elements 4, 5 being aligned in a common plane that runs parallel to the support surface of the heel holder 1 in the longitudinal direction X.

[0055] The Figure 6 shows another sectional view of the heel support housing 3 in longitudinal direction X and parallel to a support surface on which the heel support 1 rests (see Figure 3 Section EE).

[0056] The section through the heel support housing 3 runs here in the middle of the retaining elements 4, 5. As shown in section CC ( Figure 4 ) Parts of the device for adjusting the force of a pre-clamping device for the lateral release. Furthermore, the support devices 6, 7 and the pre-tensioning device 10, which pre-tensions the support devices 6, 7 into a rest position with the spring force F, can be seen.

[0057] For the first time, the Figure 6The position of the abutments 12, 13. The abutments 12, 13 are connected to the adjusting structure 8. The connection can be a bearing, allowing the abutments 12, 13 to rotate about their respective axes of rotation, which are oriented substantially in the Y-direction. The abutments 12, 13 can be pin-shaped or barrel-shaped; preferably, they are rotationally symmetrical. In a further embodiment, the abutments 12, 13 can be non-rotatably connected to the adjusting structure 8 or be formed by the adjusting structure 8 itself. In the exemplary embodiment, the adjusting structure 8 comprises, at least in the lower section shown, two side plates 84, 85 and a cross member 83 connecting the two side plates 84, 85 at their free ends for each of the retaining elements 4, 5, and this cross member 83 forms the bearing for the abutments 12, 13. The support structure 8 can be formed in one piece by, for example, die casting or an additive manufacturing process, or it can consist of several parts joined together.

[0058] The abutments 12, 13 lie directly against the retaining elements 4, 5 and form pivot axes B 4 , B 5 which extend essentially in the Y direction. If the retaining elements 4, 5 are pushed away from each other, for example during entry into the heel holder 1 or during a vertical release, the abutments 12, 13, or the points or lines on the abutments 12, 13 where the retaining elements 4, 5 touch the abutments 12, 13, form pivot points for the retaining elements 4, 5. The abutments 12, 13 cannot be moved relative to each other in the Y-direction and form pivot axes B4, B5 for the retaining elements 4, 5. Depending on the position of the support structure 8 along the coupling sections 42, 52 of the retaining elements 4, 5 and relative to the heel holder housing 3, the retaining elements 4, 5 are divided into a first lever arm H1 with a length L1 and a second lever arm H2 with a length L2. Figure 7The first lever arm H1 extends from the front free end of the holding sections 41, 51 to the respective pivot axes B4, B5, and the second lever arm H2 extends from the respective pivot axes B4, B5 to the bearing sections 43, 53 of the respective support devices 6, 7. The first lever arm H1 is longer the shorter the distance between the actuating structure 8 or the pivot axes B4, B5 and the support devices 6, 7, and shorter the greater the distance between the actuating structure 8 or the pivot axes B4, B5 and the support devices 6, 7. The length ratio H1 : H2 between the first lever arm H1 and the second lever arm H2 determines the force with which the bearing sections 43, 53 of the holding elements 4, 5 act on the support devices 6, 7 to move them from their rest position (see Figure 3) to move towards each other in the Y and Z directions. The larger the ratio H1 :H2, the smaller the force required to move the ski boot heel out of the holding engagement with the holding elements 4 and 5.

[0059] The Figures 7 and 8 Each figure shows a vertical section along the longitudinal axis X through the heel holder 1, whereby the heel holder housing 3 and the first heel holder housing part 32, respectively, are not shown in order to provide an unobstructed view of the retaining element 4 with the support device 6 and the adjusting structure 8. Figures 7 and 8The retaining element 4 differs in the positioning of the support device 6 and in the position of the pivot axis B 4 for the retaining element 4. The combination of retaining elements 4, 5, support devices 6, 7 with pretensioning device 10, and adjusting structure 8 can be referred to as a mechanism 20, with which a position of the pivot axes B 4 , B 5 is determined and thereby the force with which the retaining elements 4, 5 hold a ski boot heel in the holding engagement can be adjusted.

[0060] The Figure 7 is described in detail, which leads to Figure 7 The same applies to the Figure 8 . In the Figure 7 The base 2 is shown, parts of the second heel holder housing part 33, the release device for a lateral release of the heel holder with the spring element 16 for adjusting the release force, and the rail S, which can be connected to a ski by means of screws.

[0061] In the Figure 7Furthermore, the retaining element 4 is shown, which is anchored in the bearing section 43 in the support device 6, so that it cannot be moved longitudinally relative to the support device 6, but can optionally be rotated relative to the support device 6 about its axis of rotation. The retaining element 4 is a rod, preferably made of a solid material, for example, a light metal such as hardened aluminum or steel. In particular, the retaining element 4 can be a round rod with a round, preferably circular, diameter.

[0062] The support device 6 shown has a through-opening 61 through which the bearing section 43 of the retaining element 4 penetrates. In the exemplary embodiment, the retaining element 4 has a first diameter in the engagement section 41 and coupling section 42, and the bearing section 43 has a second diameter that essentially corresponds to the inner diameter of the through-opening 61, wherein the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter. The transition from the first diameter to the second diameter is stepped, preferably with a single step. The free end of the bearing section 43 is connected to a cap 18, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the bearing section 43.The cap 18 can be screwed onto or into the retaining element 4, thereby clamping the support device 6 in the direction of the coupling section 42 so that the latter rests firmly against the step where the second diameter transitions into the first diameter. If, as shown, the bearing section 43 extends through the support device 6 and protrudes from the support device 6 at the end facing away from the engagement section 41, the securing can also be effected, for example, by a snap ring, which is preferably shaped such that it clamps the support device 6 in the direction of the coupling section 42. Relative movement of the support device 6 to the retaining element 4 should be prevented by the cap 18 or the snap ring.

[0063] To reduce frictional resistance when the retaining element 4 rotates in the through-hole 61, an inner circumferential wall of the through-hole 61 and / or the outer surface of the bearing section 43 can be machined, for example by fine grinding or coating.

[0064] The support device 6 can be a buttress element 12 (see Figure 6 ) include, which defines a pivot axis B 4 for the retaining element 4.

[0065] In the Figure 8 The connection between the support device 6 and the retaining element 4 includes a rotary bearing 19, in the exemplary embodiment a ball or barrel bearing, in order to keep frictional resistance low when the retaining element 4 rotates about its axis of rotation in the through-opening 61.

[0066] The support device 6 of the Figure 8does not include abutment element 12. The pivot axis B 4 is formed by the edge of the end of the support device 6 facing the engagement section 41 of the retaining element 4. This means that the support device 6 must be made of a material with a material hardness that is at least equal to the material hardness of the material from which the retaining element 4 is made.

[0067] In the Figure 9 Another embodiment of the mechanism 20' is shown, with which the holding force of the retaining elements 4', 5' of the heel holder 1 can be adjusted. The exploded view shows that the mechanism 20' differs significantly from the mechanism 20 of the previously described embodiment.

[0068] The first retaining element 4' and the second retaining element 5' are hook-shaped; the pretensioning device 10 transmits the pretensioning force F via a force transmission element 10a' to the support devices 6', 7'; and the adjusting device 8' comprises a guide 81' for the first retaining element 4' and a guide 82' for the second retaining element 5'. The pretensioning force F of the pretensioning device 10 acts in the Y-direction.

[0069] The retaining elements 4', 5' can be inserted into openings of the support devices 6', 7' with their hook-shaped ends 17' and locked into place, so that the support devices 6', 7' can no longer move linearly in the longitudinal direction X relative to the retaining elements 4', 5'. However, rotation or pivoting of the retaining elements 4', 5' in pivot axes formed by the rotation axes of the ends 17' is preferably possible.

[0070] The positioning structure 8' consists of several parts that can be coupled together. One part is a crossbeam that spans the two retaining elements 4', 5' in the Z-direction and includes an arm projecting vertically in the Y-direction at each end, laterally covering the retaining elements 4', 5'. Guide elements 81', 82' can be coupled to the arms. These guide elements have a through-opening in the longitudinal X-direction, which serves as a guide for the retaining elements 4', 5'. Preferably, the arms cover the guide elements 81', 82' in both the X- and Y-directions. The guide elements 81', 82' have connecting elements projecting in the Y-direction on their upper surface, which interact with corresponding mating connecting elements on the crossbeam to establish the coupling. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting elements are cylindrical, and the mating connecting elements are openings in the crossbeam that accommodate the connecting elements.Preferably, the connecting elements, and thus the guide elements 81', 82', can be pivoted in the openings about a pivot axis aligned in the Y direction when coupled. To facilitate pivoting the guide elements 81' 82', the guide elements 81', 82' can have a convex surface facing the respective arm.

[0071] The pretensioning device 10 is installed in the heel holder 1 such that the pretensioning force F acts perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in the Y direction. To transmit the pretensioning force F to the support devices 6', 7', the pretensioning device 10 acts on a force transmission element 10a', which transmits the pretensioning force F to the support devices 6', 7'. In the exemplary embodiment, the force transmission element 10a' is partially truncated pyramidal in shape with two bearing surfaces for the support devices 6', 7'. The ends of the support devices 6', 7' facing the force transmission element 10a' have at least one inclined side or are triangular. The inclined side or leg of the triangle facing the force transmission element 10a' is designed so that it rests fully against the bearing surfaces of the force transmission element 10a' when the pre-tensioning device 10 tensions the transmission element 10a' against the support devices 6', 7'.

[0072] Finally, the mechanism 20' also includes the adjusting element 9, which in the example is formed from a screw 9a and a nut 9b that can be connected to the adjusting structure 8'.

[0073] The Figure 9 Furthermore, the mechanism is shown at 20' after assembly.

[0074] The Figure 10 shows in four sketches views of and sections through the assembled mechanism 20' of the Figure 9 .

[0075] The first sketch a) shows a longitudinal side view of the mechanism 20'. The retaining element 5' extends through the adjusting device 8' and is supported in the support device 7' with its hook-shaped end 17'. The hook-shaped end 17' of the retaining element 5' extends to an opening in the upper surface of the support device 7' and is essentially flush with the upper surface. The preloading device 10, with the preload force F, presses the force transmission element 10a' in the Y-direction against the support devices 6', 7'.

[0076] The second sketch b) shows a horizontal section in the longitudinal direction of the mechanism 20' at the level of the central and rotational axes of the retaining elements 4', 5'. This view clearly shows the convex surfaces of the guide elements 81', 82' for the retaining elements 4', 5', which face the arms of the actuating structure 8'. The convex surfaces define the position of the pivot axes B4, B5 for the retaining elements 4', 5'. If the ends of the retaining elements 4', 5' facing away from the support devices 6', 7' are moved in the direction of the arrow, the retaining elements 4', 5' pivot in the pivot axes B4, B5. This causes the support devices 6', 7' to move towards each other in the direction of the arrow and downwards in the Y-direction against the preload force F of the preloading device 10 along the force transmission element 10a'.

[0077] The third sketch c) shows a vertical sectional view of the mechanism 20', in which the support devices 6', 7' are cut in the center along the longitudinal direction X. The pre-tensioning device 10 clamps the force transmission element 10a' across its surface in the semi-pyramidal area against the support devices 6', 7', which in this embodiment have a triangular end facing the force transmission element 10a'. The hook-shaped ends 17' of the retaining elements 4', 5' lie in a vertical bore of the support devices 6', 7' and thereby prevent the retaining elements 4', 5' from moving linearly in or against the longitudinal direction X relative to the support devices 6', 7'. The support devices 6', 7', in turn, are installed in the heel retainer housing 3 (not shown) in such a way that they cannot move linearly in or against the longitudinal direction X relative to the heel retainer housing 3.

[0078] The fourth sketch d) shows a vertical section through the center of the adjusting structure 8' with the guide elements 81', 82'. The guide elements 81', 82' are coupled or connected to the crossbeam of the adjusting structure 8' as shown. The guide elements 81', 82' rest against the inner walls of the arms of the adjusting structure 8' facing the guide elements 81', 82' in the region of a respective apex or apex line of the convex upper surfaces. The adjusting structure 8' includes a receiving space in its center for the nut 9b of the adjusting device 9. Reference symbol list

[0079] 1 Heel holder 2 Base 3 Heel holder housing 31 Front wall 32 Heel holder housing part 33 Heel holder housing part 38 Through opening 39 Through opening 4 Retaining element 4' Retaining element 41 Engagement section 42 Coupling section 43 Bearing section 5 Retaining element 5' Retaining element 51 Engagement section 52 Coupling section 53 Bearing section 6 Support device 6' Support device 7 Support device 7' Support device 8 Adjusting structure 84 Side panel 85 Side panel 83 Crossbar 8' Adjusting structure 81' Guide 82' Guide 9 Adjusting element 9a Screw 9b Nut 10 Preload device 10a' Force transmission element 11 Cavity 12 Abutment element 13 Abutment element 14 Cam 15 Ball 16 Spring element 17'hook-shaped end 18cap 19swivel bearing 20mechanism 20'mechanism 21connecting element B 4 pivot axis B 5 pivot axis Fpreload force H 1 lever arm H 1 :H 2 length ratio of lever arm H 1 to lever arm H 2 H 2 lever arm L 1 length L 2 length R axis of rotation XL longitudinal direction Y transverse direction Z transverse direction A1 arm A2 arm B ski brake H release lever P pedalSSchiene

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 each comprise an engaging portion (41; 51) for a holding engagement with a ski boot heel, a bearing portion (43; 53) and a coupling portion (42; 52) between the engaging portion (41; 51) and the bearing portion (43; 53) in the longitudinal direction (X); 1.4 a support device (6; 7) which accommodates the holding elements (4, 5) in the region of the respective bearing portion (43; 53); 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); and 1.6 a biasing device (10), 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 (10), 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, characterised in that 1.8 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,2. The ski binding according to claim 1, wherein the support device (6; 7) fixes the holding elements (4, 5) in the longitudinal direction (X) in the region of the respective bearing portion (43; 53).

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

4. 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.

5. The ski binding according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bearing portions (43, 53) can be moved towards each other in the plan view, counter to the biasing force (F) of the biasing device (10), 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 guides (81', 82') of the actuating structure (8).

6. 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 biasing device (10) 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).

7. The ski binding according to the preceding claim, wherein - the actuating structure (8) comprises a crossbar - which is guided such that it can be shifted relative to the heel retainer housing (3) in the longitudinal direction (X) and which - extends in the plan view above or below the holding elements (4, 5) transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis (X) and preferably laterally beyond the holding elements (4, 5), and - the counter bearing elements (12, 13) are connected to the crossbar or moulded on the crossbar and - each comprise a convexly rounded contact surface, laterally facing the respective coupling portion (42; 52) and with which the respective coupling portion (42; 52) is in abutting contact.

8. 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 biasing force (F) of the biasing device (10).

9. The ski binding according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the biasing force (F) of the biasing device (10) acts on the holding elements (4, 5) in the respective bearing portion (43; 53) transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction (X) and / or transversely with respect to the pivot axes (B4; B5).

10. The ski binding according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the biasing device (10) comprises one or more compressively biased springs, and the respective spring has a spring axis which points transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction (X) and / or transversely with respect to the pivot axes (B4, B5).

11. The ski binding according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support device (6; 7) comprises a first support element (6) which can be moved transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction (X) and a second support element (7) which can be moved transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction (X), and wherein the first support element (6) supports the first holding element (4) in the longitudinal direction (X) and the second support element (7) supports the second holding element (5) in the longitudinal direction (X).

12. The ski binding according to any one of the immediately preceding two claims, wherein the heel retainer (1) comprises a guide, preferably a guide rail, which guides the support elements (6, 7) in a guiding engagement, preferably a sliding contact, transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction (X) and / or transversely with respect to the pivot axes (B4, B5).

13. The ski binding according to any one of the immediately preceding three claims, wherein the first support element (6) mounts the first holding element (4) such that it can rotate about the longitudinal axis (X) of the first holding element (4), and the second support element (7) mounts the second holding element (5) such that it can rotate about the longitudinal axis (X) of the second holding element (5).

14. The ski binding according to any one of the preceding claims, 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), - 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 respective bearing portion (43; 53), and - 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).

15. The ski binding according to the preceding claim, wherein - the biasing force (F) of the biasing device (10) acts in the respective bearing portion (43; 53) at a force transmission point, - 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 front 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), and - the respective pivot axis (B4; B5) can be adjusted back and forth in the longitudinal direction (X) 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 0.5 : 1 to a maximum value of 5 : 1.