Front unit for a ski binding with a step-in aid

Abstract

The present invention relates to a front unit (10) for a ski binding, in particular for a touring binding, wherein the front unit (10) is adjustable between an open position and a closed position, comprising a base plate (12) with a fastening arrangement (14) for attachment to a ski, two lateral bearing elements (16a, 16b) which are arranged on a ski transverse axis extending substantially orthogonally to a ski longitudinal axis and parallel to a ski plane and which are configured to engage lateral counter-bearing elements of a ski boot in order to hold the ski boot pivotable about the ski transverse axis, wherein the bearing elements (16a, 16b) have a distance in the closed position of the front unit (10) which is designed for engagement with the counter-bearing elements, and have a distance in the open position of the front unit (10) which is greater than in the closed position.so that the ski boot can be inserted between the bearing elements (16a, 16b) or removed from the front unit (10), and a movement device (18a, 18b, 26, 28) for moving the bearing elements (16a, 16b) between the open position and the closed position of the front unit (10), wherein the movement device (18a, 18b, 26, 28) has a closing actuation section (30) whose actuation causes a movement of the bearing elements (16a, 16b) from the open position to the closed position, wherein a width b of the closing actuation section (30) in a ski width direction orthogonal to the ski longitudinal axis is at least about 15 mm, preferably at least about 20 mm, more preferably at least about 25 mm.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a front unit for a ski binding, in particular for a touring binding, wherein the front unit is adjustable between an open position and a closed position, comprising a base plate with a fastening arrangement for fastening to a ski, two lateral bearing elements which are arranged on a transverse ski axis running substantially orthogonal to a ski longitudinal axis and parallel to a ski plane and which are designed to engage lateral counter-bearing elements of a ski boot in order to hold the ski boot pivotably about the transverse ski axis, wherein the bearing elements have a distance in the closed position of the front unit which is designed for engagement with the counter-bearing elements, and in the open position of the front unit have a distance which is greater than in the closed position,so that the ski boot can be inserted between the bearing elements or removed from the front unit, and a movement device for moving the bearing elements between the open position and the closed position of the front unit, wherein the movement device has a closing actuating section, the actuation of which causes a movement of the bearing elements from the open position to the closed position.

[0002] An example of a conventional front unit for a ski binding, in particular for a touring binding, of the type mentioned above is disclosed in EP 0 199 098 A2. This comprises two lateral, inwardly facing pins as bearing elements, which engage with corresponding lateral counter-bearing elements in the form of holes in a front section of a ski boot in order to pivot the ski boot about the transverse axis of the ski for walking. The pins are arranged at the distal ends of respective brackets, wherein the brackets are pivotable against a spring force about axes running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ski in order to move the pins between the closed position and the open position.The mechanism described in EP 0 199 098 A2 for moving the angles between the open and closed positions further comprises a snap mechanism in which tension springs keep the angles stable in both the open and closed positions, and the angles pass through an unstable dead center during the transition between the open and closed positions. Such a front unit is also known, for example, from EP 2 319 596 A2.

[0003] To step into such a front unit, the user must support their ski boot against the closing actuation section and then move the bearing elements into the closed position by actuating them with a sole section of the ski boot by exerting a substantially vertical, downward force. The bearing elements of the front unit and the counter-bearing elements of the ski boot should be located at essentially the same position in the longitudinal direction of the ski. In particular, the user steps onto the closing actuation section with the sole section of the ski boot positioned between the bearing elements, thereby adjusting the front unit from the open position to the closed position using the movement device, whereby the bearing elements move toward each other.

[0004] Accordingly, the closure section acts as a support surface for the sole section of the ski boot. In conventional front units, the width in a direction orthogonal to the ski's longitudinal axis is relatively small, usually only about 10 mm or less.

[0005] This can often result in the ski boot or sole section of the ski boot tilting relative to the ski plane, making it difficult for the bearing elements of the front unit to engage properly with the counter-bearing elements of the ski boot. This problem can occur particularly when a user attempts to step into the front unit on slopes with sloping terrain, as the user must compensate for the tilted position of the ski, and thus the front unit, by tilting their leg or foot. A closing actuation section with a width of just 10 mm often does not provide a sufficiently large contact surface in the direction of the ski width to correctly align the ski boot and the counter-bearing elements. As a result, the ski boot tends to tilt relative to the front unit or ski plane, making it difficult to step into the front unit or to couple the bearing elements with the counter-bearing elements.

[0006] In addition, EP 3 566 754 A1 and EP 2 574 379 A2 each disclose a front unit for a ski binding according to the preamble of claim 1, comprising a base plate, two lateral bearing elements for engaging in counter-bearing elements in a ski boot, and a movement device for moving the bearing elements between an open position with a greater distance from one another and a closed position with a smaller distance from one another, wherein the movement device has a closing actuation section, the actuation of which causes a movement of the bearing elements from the open position into the closed position.

[0007] Furthermore, EP 2 626 117 A1 discloses a ski jumping binding, wherein a front bar of the boot held in the binding is held down from above by a cross brace of the binding in order to hold the boot to the binding.

[0008] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide a front unit for a ski binding, in particular for a touring binding, of the type described above, in which coupling the bearing elements of the front unit with the counter-bearing elements of the ski boot or getting into the front unit is simplified.

[0009] The object underlying the invention, formulated above, is achieved by a front unit for a ski binding according to claim 1.

[0010] An important feature of the invention is thus a wider support surface in the ski width direction, in particular for a sole section of the ski boot, on the closing actuation section.

[0011] The wider contact surface serves as a guide for the user when getting in and helps to correctly align the ski boot relative to the front unit for coupling the bearing elements with the counter-bearing elements. The likelihood of the ski boot, particularly the sole section of the ski boot, tilting relative to the ski plane and thus to the front unit can be reduced by providing a wider contact surface in the form of the locking actuation section, which is wider in the direction of the ski width.

[0012] At this point, it should be noted that, for the purposes of this disclosure, terms such as "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "lateral", "height direction", "width direction", "longitudinal direction" and the like refer, for the sake of simplicity, to the view of a skier who has stepped into the front unit of a ski binding, in particular a touring binding, mounted on a ski with a ski boot, the ski being arranged in a horizontal plane.

[0013] Furthermore, it should be noted that the term "ski" and the terms containing it, such as "ski boot," "ski binding," "touring binding," "ski plane," "ski longitudinal axis," "ski center axis," "ski width direction," "ski longitudinal direction," and the like, are not intended to refer only to skis in the narrow sense, but equally to splitboards (snowboards that can be divided longitudinally into at least two parts, the individual parts of which can be used like regular skis), snowshoes, or similar boards for walking or gliding on snow and ice. All of these items or parts thereof are considered skis or parts of skis within the meaning of this invention.

[0014] The width of the locking actuation section in the ski width direction is between 30 mm and 40 mm. This width is limited by the binding width, as an obstructive overhang of the locking actuation section in the ski width direction is undesirable. A width of 30 mm to 40 mm for the locking actuation section makes good use of the available width, offers a relatively wide contact surface, and thus ensures optimal orientation when coupling the bearing elements with the counter-bearing elements.

[0015] InIn a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the movement device can be configured to convert a movement of the closing actuating section directed towards the ski plane into an approach movement of the bearing elements in order to move the bearing elements into the closed position of the front unit. Thus, actuation of the closing actuating section can lead to adjustment of the front unit from the open position to the closed position, wherein the widened support surface can advantageously ensure correct alignment of the ski boot with respect to the front unit. Instead of both bearing elements, only one bearing element can move in order to effect an adjustment from the open position to the closed position or vice versa. It is crucial that the distance between the bearing elements is greater in the open position than in the closed position.The closing actuating section can, for example, be provided on an arm of an actuating lever pivotably mounted about an axis substantially parallel to the ski plane and can, for example, be designed as a plate section.

[0016] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the closure actuation section defines a substantially flat tread surface for a front sole portion of the ski boot. Such a flat tread surface can, for example, also be defined by several contact points at a sufficient distance from one another. In this context, it is only necessary that a flat support for the ski boot, in particular for a front sole portion of the ski boot, is provided, so that the user is able to correctly align the ski boot with respect to the front unit for coupling the bearing elements to the counter-bearing elements.

[0017] Furthermore, the tread can be essentially parallel to the ski plane in the open position. This can, in turn, simplify entry into the front unit, since with a tread parallel to the ski plane, the ski boot can be correctly aligned with the front unit by placing a portion of its sole on the tread.

[0018] Particularly preferably, the movement device can comprise two angle pieces, at least one of which is mounted on the base plate so as to be pivotable about an axis, wherein each of the angle pieces has a first leg, at the distal end of which one of the bearing elements is arranged. Such angle pieces limit the width of the closing actuation section. Preferably, the available width should be utilized to the greatest extent possible in that the closing actuation section extends in the ski width direction almost to the angle pieces. The angle piece(s) can be pivotable about axes parallel to the ski center axis or about axes orthogonal to the ski center axis. If both angle pieces are mounted on the base plate so as to be pivotable about an axis each, the angle pieces are arranged symmetrically in the longitudinal direction of the ski with respect to a ski center axis.Such a symmetrical arrangement of the angles is advantageous, for example, when the front unit is triggered in the event of a skier falling, since forces acting laterally to the left or right can be transmitted equally in both directions. In In an alternative embodiment, however, only one angle can be held pivotably about an axis on the base plate, wherein the other angle can be arranged substantially immovably with respect to the base plate or can be formed integrally with the base plate.

[0019] InIn a further advantageous embodiment, at least one of the angles can be spring-loaded by at least one elastic element, and the bearing elements can be preloaded into the closed position or into the open position by overcoming a dead center position of at least one of the angles. With such a structurally advantageous arrangement, the angles can be moved beyond the dead center by actuating the closing actuation section. By overcoming a particularly unstable dead center position by the angle(s), a reliable holding of the bearing elements in the closed or open position can be ensured. For example, a joint can be provided between free ends of second legs of the angles, which are opposite the first legs, wherein at least one spring can be arranged between the second leg of each angle and the joint.

[0020] In addition, the movement device can further comprise an actuating lever, which is pivotably mounted about an actuating lever pivot axis extending substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the ski and substantially parallel to the plane of the ski. The actuating lever can, in particular, be pivotably mounted on the base plate. By means of such an actuating lever, for example, a manual adjustment of the front unit between the open position and the closed position and vice versa can also be possible. In particular, the closing actuating section can be provided on a distal end section of the actuating lever pointing rearward in a longitudinal direction of the ski.

[0021] Furthermore, the movement device can further comprise a blocking lever, which is mounted on a distal end portion of the actuating lever, which is pivotable about a blocking lever pivot axis substantially parallel to the ski plane, and points forward in the longitudinal direction of the ski. Such a blocking lever can lock the front unit in the closed position. The blocking lever can be adjustable between a blocking position and a release position and, in the blocking position, can be configured to lock the bearing elements in the closed position of the front unit. This can prevent, for example, the front unit from being triggered in a walking mode (i.e., when the ski boot is coupled to the front unit and not coupled to a heel unit, so that the ski boot can pivot about the front unit and lift off the heel unit to allow the user to ascend).

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the closure actuation section can be made of a metallic material. In particular, metals such as aluminum, steel, titanium, and the like, as well as various alloys thereof, are considered. The use of such metals can advantageously reduce wear when the closure actuation section interacts with a ski boot sole.

[0023] The invention will be explained in more detail below using a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. In detail: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a front unit for a touring binding according to the embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a plan view of the front unit according to the embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 is a rear view of the front unit according to the embodiment of the present invention in an open position, Figure 4 is a sectional view along the line AA in Figure 3 , Figure 5 is a rear view of the front unit according to the embodiment of the present invention in a closed position and Figure 6 is a sectional view along the line BB in Figure 5 .

[0024] The Figures 1 to 6The front unit 10 of the preferred embodiment of the invention shown comprises a base plate 12 with a fastening arrangement 14 for attachment to a ski. The base plate 12 can be firmly mounted on a ski, for example, by means of screws inserted into screw holes 14. The front unit 10 is adjustable between an open position and a closed position.

[0025] Furthermore, the front unit 10 comprises two lateral bearing elements 16a, 16b, which are arranged on a transverse ski axis running substantially orthogonally to a ski longitudinal axis and which are designed to engage lateral counter-bearing elements of a ski boot in order to hold the ski boot pivotable about the transverse ski axis. In In the closed position, the bearing elements 16a, 16b have a distance which is designed for engagement with the counter-bearing elements. InIn the open position, the bearing elements 16a, 16b have a distance that is greater than in the closed position, so that the ski boot can be inserted between the bearing elements 16a, 16b or removed from the front unit 10. The open position of the front unit 10 is Figures 3 and 4 The closed position is shown in the Figures 5 and 6 shown.

[0026] Furthermore, the front unit 10 comprises a movement device 18a, 18b, 26, 28 for moving the bearing elements 16a, 16b between the open position and the closed position of the front unit 10, wherein the movement device 18a, 18b, 26, 28 has a closing actuation section 30, the actuation of which causes a movement of the bearing elements 16a, 16b from the open position into the closed position.

[0027] A width b of the closing actuation section 30 in a ski width direction orthogonal to the ski longitudinal axis is between 30 mm and 40 mm.

[0028] In addition, the front unit 10 can comprise two brackets 18a, 18b, at least one of which is pivotably mounted on the base plate 12 about an axis 20a, 20b. Each of the brackets 18a, 18b can have a first leg 18a-1, 18b-1, at the distal end of which one of the bearing elements 16a, 16b is arranged. The brackets can be held on the base plate 12, in particular, via a respective pivot axis 20a, 20b running parallel to a ski center axis, so that the brackets 18a, 18b can be pivoted about the pivot axes 20a, 20b. Each angle 18a or 18b can comprise the first leg 18a-1, 18b-1, which can project upwards with respect to a ski plane defined by the ski (the plane in which a running surface of the ski lies), ie can extend approximately in a height direction orthogonal to the ski plane.Furthermore, each angle 18a, 18b may comprise a second leg 18a-2, 18b-2, which may extend from the first leg 18a-1, 18b-1 towards the ski center axis of the ski and may be oriented approximately parallel to the ski plane.

[0029] The movement device 18a, 18b, 26, 28 can be configured to convert a movement of the closing actuating section 30 directed towards the ski plane into an approach movement of the bearing elements 16a, 16b in order to move the bearing elements 16a, 16b into the closed position of the front unit 10.

[0030] The closure actuation section 30 can define a substantially flat tread surface 30 for a front sole section of the ski boot. Such a flat tread surface 30 can, in the present embodiment, be present in particular as a flat plate section 30, but can alternatively also be defined, for example, by several contact points sufficiently spaced from one another. In this context, it is only necessary that a flat support is provided for the ski boot, in particular for a front sole section of the ski boot, so that the user is able to correctly align the ski boot with respect to the front unit 10 for coupling the bearing elements 16a, 16b to the counter-bearing elements.

[0031] Furthermore, the tread 30 can be substantially parallel to the ski plane in the open position. This can, in turn, simplify entry into the front unit, since with a tread 30 parallel to the ski plane, the ski boot can be correctly aligned with respect to the front unit 10 by placing a sole portion of the ski boot on the tread 30.

[0032] The base plate 12, the closing actuating section 30 and / or the angles 18a, 18b can in particular be made of a metallic material, such as aluminum, steel, titanium and the like, as well as various alloys thereof.

[0033] Distal ends (ends remote from the pivot axes 20a, 20b) of the second legs 18a-2, 18b-2 of the angles 18a, 18b can be extended toward the ski center axis by at least one pin (not shown) arranged on the second legs 18a-2, 18b-2. The pins can be slidably inserted into holes in end caps 32a, 32b with their ends facing the ski center axis, wherein the pin of one angle 18a can be inserted into a hole in a first end cap 32a and the pin of the other angle 18b can be inserted into a hole in a second end cap 32b. A spiral spring 34 can be wound around each of the pins, wherein each of the spiral springs 34 can be supported on the one hand on the distal end of the angle 18a, 18b and on the other hand on the end cap 32a, 32b in order to move the end caps 32a, 32b in a direction away from the angles 18a, 18b, iein the direction of an approach of the two end caps 32a, 32b, so that the end caps 32a, 32b abut against each other and are pressed against each other.

[0034] Distal ends of the first legs 18a-1, 18b-1 can each have one of the bearing elements 16a, 16b. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bearing elements 16a, 16b can be present, in particular, as bearing pins 16a, 16b, which each protrude inward from the first leg 18a-1, 18b-1, i.e., toward the ski center axis, and taper to a conical point at their protruding ends. The tips of the bearing pins 16a, 16b can thus point approximately toward one another.

[0035] In addition, one or both of the angles 18a, 18b can be spring-loaded by at least one elastic element 34, which can be embodied in particular by the spiral springs 34, and the bearing elements 16a, 16b, in particular in the form of the bearing pins 16a, 16b, can be preloaded into the closed position or into the open position by overcoming a dead center position of one or both angles 18a, 18b.

[0036] The movement device 18a, 18b, 26, 28 can further comprise an actuating lever 26, which can in particular be designed with two arms and can be pivotally mounted on the base plate 12 about an actuating lever pivot axis 27 running substantially orthogonal to the ski center axis and substantially parallel to the ski plane. A first arm 26-1 of the actuating lever 26 can extend from the actuating lever pivot axis 27 toward the end caps 32a, 32b of the brackets 18a, 18b and can encompass the end caps 32a, 32b with an end portion, e.g., in the form of a fork or a receptacle. The end portion may include the closure actuation portion 30, which extends in the form of a first plate portion from the first arm 26-1 a little way beyond the end caps 32a, 32b, and a second plate portion (not shown) which extends from the first arm 26-1 a little way below both end caps 32a, 32b.The end caps 32a, 32b can thus be received between the plate sections of the actuating lever 26 and a pivoting movement of the actuating lever 26 about the actuating lever pivot axis 27 can be coupled in motion to a pivoting movement of the angles 18a, 18b about the pivot axes 20a, 20b.

[0037] The movement device 18a, 18b, 26, 28 can further comprise a blocking lever 28, which is mounted on a distal end portion of the actuating lever 26, which faces forward in the longitudinal direction of the ski, for pivoting about a blocking lever pivot axis 29 substantially parallel to the ski plane. A second arm 26-2 of the actuating lever 26 can extend from the actuating lever pivot axis 27 substantially in the opposite direction to the first arm 26-1 and can be connected at its distal end to the blocking lever 28. The blocking lever 28 can have an operating portion 28-1 and a blocking portion 28-2, which can extend from the blocking lever pivot axis 29 in different, in particular substantially opposite, directions.

[0038] The front unit 10 can be locked in the closed position by the locking lever 28. The locking lever 28 can be adjustable between a locking position and a release position and can be configured to lock the front unit 10 in the closed position in the locking position, for example, by the locking section 28-2 interacting with the base plate 12. The brackets 18a, 18b with the spring-loaded end caps 32a, 32b, the actuating lever 26, and the locking lever 28 can thus together form the movement device 18a, 18b, 26, 28.

[0039] The operation of the front unit 10 of the preferred embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to the Figures 1 to 6 explained. It should be noted that the invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the described operations of the front unit 10 are intended to be merely exemplary.

[0040] A user can enter the front unit 10 with the ski boot when the angles 18a, 18b are in the Figures 3 and 4shown open position, in which the end caps 32a, 32b with the end section 30 are moved into the upper position and the bearing pins 16a, 16b are pivoted outwards accordingly. The bearing elements or bearing pins 16a, 16b can then be far enough apart from one another that a sole section of a ski boot can be inserted with as little play as possible between them. A running surface of the sole section can be placed on the closing actuation section 30 and supported from above on the closing actuation section 30. The closing actuation section 30 being widened in the direction of the ski width and thus providing a wider contact surface for the running surface of the sole section provides the user with an orientation aid when getting in, which helps to correctly align the ski boot in relation to the front unit for coupling the bearing elements with the counter-bearing elements.

[0041] The end section 30 can then move toward the ski by exerting a force directed toward the ski through the ski boot on the closing actuation section 30 (or / and by manually pivoting the blocking lever 28). The end section 30 can thereby carry the end caps 32a, 32b and pivot the brackets 18a, 18b about the pivot axes 20a, 20b. Accordingly, the bearing pins 16a, 16b can approach each other and move toward the ski boot. This movement can occur against the resistance of the coil springs 34, since a contact point between the end caps 32a, 32b in the open position can lie above a connecting line between the pivot axes 20a, 20b. Accordingly, an approach of the contact point to the connecting line can mean a reduction of the respective distances between the end caps 32a, 32b and the angles 18a, 18b and thus a compression of the spiral springs 34.

[0042] When the end caps 32a, 32b are approximately level with the connecting line, the movement mechanism can reach a dead center, at which the resistance of the coil springs 34 to the approach of the end caps 32a, 32b to the connecting line switches into an acceleration of the end caps 32a, 32b, caused by the force of the springs 34, in the direction of further approach to the ski. The force of the coil springs 34, which in this case can always push the end caps 32a, 32b away from the connecting line, can thus cause the movement mechanism to switch at the dead center and automatically push the brackets 18a, 18b toward a closed position, in which the bearing pins 16a, 16b are preloaded toward mutual approach.

[0043] At the latest when passing through the dead center, the closing actuating section 30 can have a height above the ski which positions the ski boot supported on the closing actuating section 30 at a correct height with respect to the bearing pins 16a, 16b, so that bearing holes of the ski boot are located approximately at the same height as the bearing pins 16a, 16b, so that during the further movement of the movement device into the closed position, the bearing pins 16a, 16b can securely engage in the bearing holes.

[0044] In the closed position, the brackets 18a, 18b can be stably preloaded by the above-described action of the coil springs 34. However, to improve the load-bearing capacity of the front unit 10 and reliably prevent pivoting of the brackets 18a, 18b into the open position due to a force acting from the ski boot on the bearing pins 16a, 16b, the blocking lever 28 can additionally be pivoted into a blocking position in which a distal end of the blocking section 28-2 rests against the ski below the blocking lever pivot axis 29, so that movement of the second arm 26-2 of the actuating lever 26 toward the ski and thus an upward movement of the end section 30 is blocked.

[0045] To open the front unit 10, the blocking lever 28 can first be pivoted back from the blocking position so that the distal end 28-2 is released from contact with the surface of the base plate 12. The blocking lever 28 can then be grasped at the operating section 28-1 and moved toward the ski, pivoting the actuating lever 26 and moving the end section upward. The movement device can counteract this opening movement with the resistance of the coil springs 34 until the end caps 32a, 32b again pass through the dead center at the level of the connecting line between the pivot axes 20a, 20b. The springs 34 can then automatically push the end caps 32a, 32b further upward toward the open position, ultimately holding the brackets 18a, 18b in the open position.The bearing pins 16a, 16b can thereby be released from engagement with the bearing holes and the ski boot can finally be pulled out of the front unit 10.

Claims

1. Front unit (10) for a ski binding, in particular for an alpine touring binding, the front unit (10) being adjustable between an open position and a closed position, comprising: a base plate (12) comprising a fastening assembly (14) for fastening to a ski, two lateral bearing elements (16a, 16b), which are arranged on a transverse ski axis extending substantially orthogonally to a longitudinal ski axis and in parallel with a ski axis and are configured to engage with lateral counter-bearing elements of a ski boot in order to hold the ski boot so as to be pivotable about the transverse ski axis, the bearing elements (16a, 16b) having a spacing in the closed position of the front unit (10) that is configured for engagement with the counter-bearing elements and having a spacing in the open position of the front unit (10) that is greater than in the closed position, such that the ski boot can be introduced between the bearing elements (16a, 16b) or can be removed from the front unit (10), and a movement apparatus (18a, 18b, 26, 28) for moving the bearing elements (16a, 16b) between the open position and the closed position of the front unit (10), the movement apparatus (18a, 18b, 26, 28) comprising a closing actuation portion (30), the actuation of which causes the bearing elements (16a, 16b) to move from the open position into the closed position, characterised in that a width b of the closing actuation portion (30) is between 30 mm and 40 mm in a ski width direction orthogonal to the longitudinal ski axis.

2. Front unit (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that the movement apparatus (18a, 18b, 26, 28) is configured to convert a movement of the closing actuation portion (30) directed towards the ski plane into a movement approaching the bearing elements (16a, 16b), in order to move the bearing elements (16a, 16b) into the closed position of the front unit (10).

3. Front unit (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the closing actuation portion (30) defines a substantially planar tread surface (30) for a front sole portion of the ski boot.

4. Front unit (10) according to claim 3, characterised in that the tread surface (30) is substantially parallel to the ski plane in the open position.

5. Front unit (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the movement apparatus (18a, 18b, 26, 28) comprises two brackets (18a, 18b), of which at least one is held on the base plate (12) so as to be pivotable about a shaft (20a, 20b), each of the brackets (18a, 18b) comprising a first leg (18a-1, 18b-1), at the distal end of which one of the bearing elements (16a, 16b) is arranged.

6. Front unit (10) according to claim 5, characterised in that at least one of the brackets (18a, 18b) is spring-loaded by at least one resilient element (34) and the bearing elements (16a, 16b) are preloaded into the closed position or into the open position by overcoming a dead centre position of at least one of the brackets (18a, 18b).

7. Front unit (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the movement apparatus (18a, 18b, 26, 28) further comprises an actuating lever (26), which is held so as to be pivotable about an actuating-lever pivot shaft (27) extending substantially orthogonally to the longitudinal ski axis and substantially in parallel with the ski plane.

8. Front unit (10) according to claim 7, characterised in that the movement apparatus (18a, 18b, 26, 28) further comprises a blocking lever (28), which is held on a distal end portion of the actuating lever (26) pointing forwards in the longitudinal ski direction so as to be pivotable about a blocking-lever pivot shaft (29) that is substantially parallel to the ski plane.

9. Front unit (10) according to claim 8, characterised in that the blocking lever (28) is adjustable between a blocking position and a release position and is configured to lock the bearing elements (16a, 16b) in the closed position of the front unit (10) when in the blocking position.

10. Front unit (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the closing actuation portion (30) is made of a metal material.

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