Front unit for a touring ski binding

Abstract

The present invention relates to a front unit (10) for a touring binding, comprising two lateral bearing sections (16a, 16b) arranged on a ski transverse axis running substantially orthogonal to a ski longitudinal axis and parallel to a ski plane, and which are configured to engage lateral counter-bearing sections (110) of a ski boot (100) in a closed position of the front unit (10) in order to hold the ski boot (100) pivotably about the ski transverse axis on the front unit (10), and a longitudinal positioning section (40) on which the ski boot (100) can be supported in an entry position such that the counter-bearing sections (110) are positioned in an engagement position relative to the bearing sections (16a, 16b) with respect to their position along the ski longitudinal axis, wherein the front unit (10) is adjustable between an open position in which the bearing sections (16a,16b) and the counter bearing sections (110) are out of engagement, and the closed position in which the bearing sections (16a, 16b) and the counter bearing sections (110) are engaged, wherein the longitudinal positioning section (40) is fixed relative to the bearing sections (16a, 16b) in the open position of the front unit (10) and is movable relative to the bearing sections (16a, 16b) in the closed position of the front unit (10).

Description

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

[0002] Front units for touring bindings of this type are attached particularly to skis, especially touring skis, and used together with a heel unit, so that for the ascent the front unit can be put into a walking position in which the front unit releases a ski boot heel and the boot can pivot freely around the bearing sections, and for the descent the front unit can be put into a descent position in which the heel unit holds the ski boot heel fixed to the ski.

[0003] An example of such a touring binding for a touring binding of the type mentioned above, known from the prior art, is disclosed in EP 2 737 929 A1. The touring binding disclosed in EP 2 737 929 A1 comprises two lateral, inwardly pointing pins as bearing sections, which engage in corresponding lateral holes in the front section of a ski boot. The pins are arranged at the distal ends of respective clamping brackets, the clamping brackets being pivotably mounted on the touring binding for opening and closing the touring binding and being movable between an open position and a closed position by means of a binding actuation mechanism. When stepping into the known touring binding, the ski boot must be positioned so that its lateral bearing holes are directly opposite the bearing pins of the touring binding, so that when the touring binding is closed, the bearing pins can snap into the bearing openings.Correctly positioning a ski boot can often prove difficult in practical use on the mountain, especially for inexperienced users. To facilitate finding the correct entry position for the ski boot, EP 2 737 929 A1 proposes providing an additional longitudinal stop on the toe unit for the front section of the ski boot. In the open position of the toe unit, the longitudinal stop is in a first upright position to support the ski boot in the entry position. In the closed position of the toe unit, it is in a second, forward-folded position, allowing the ski boot to pivot around the bearing sections for walking. The longitudinal stop is pre-tensioned towards the second position and can be locked in the first position in the open position to provide an entry aid.When the toe unit is moved from the open to the closed position, the longitudinal stop automatically moves from the first to the second position. Thus, in the open position, the longitudinal stop provides the desired entry aid. The movement or adjustment of the toe unit, which is already required to close the toe unit and transition to the closed position, is simultaneously used to move or adjust the longitudinal stop to the second position, in which the longitudinal stop does not obstruct the pivoting movement of the ski boot. This automatic adjustment of the longitudinal stop when moving the toe unit to the closed position is achieved via a coupling element that is connected to the binding actuation mechanism, in particular to an actuation lever, and to the longitudinal stop itself, in order to transmit the adjustment movement of the binding actuation mechanism to the longitudinal stop.

[0004] This entry aid significantly simplifies getting into the touring binding; however, linking the movement of the longitudinal stop to the actuation mechanism of the toe unit also presents some challenges. For example, moving binding components are prone to malfunction. Furthermore, an additional component in the form of a coupling element is required to transmit the adjustment movement; in the case of EP 2 737 929 A1, this is implemented as an additional control lever. However, the use of multiple components almost inevitably leads to higher production costs, increased weight, and, as mentioned above, greater susceptibility to malfunctions.

[0005] Against this background, the object of the present invention is to provide a front unit for a touring binding which, taking into account the production costs and the weight of the front unit, has improved functionality and operability to avoid the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art and which in particular facilitates the correct positioning of the shoe when entering the boot.

[0006] The problem underlying the invention, as formulated above, is solved by a front unit for a touring binding according to claim 1.

[0007] An important feature of the invention is therefore that in the closed position of the front unit, the longitudinal positioning section can move in relation to the front unit or to the bearing sections, in particular moving with the ski boot with each step, in order not to limit the freedom of movement of the ski boot when walking and to allow the ski boot to pivot in the closed position of the front unit.

[0008] A movement coupling for adjusting the longitudinal positioning section with moving parts of the front unit for adjusting the front unit between the open position and the closed position is therefore not necessary, since the longitudinal positioning section is movable relative to the bearing sections around which the ski boot pivots when walking and can therefore simply be moved away by the ski boot when walking.

[0009] Furthermore, only in the open position does the locked longitudinal positioning section provide an entry aid for the correct positioning of the ski boot relative to the bearing sections, while in the closed position the longitudinal positioning section is not locked and thus movement of the front part of the ski boot, in particular pivoting of the ski boot around the bearing sections and the ski's transverse axis, is not hindered.

[0010] Due to pre-tensioning towards the first position, manual movement or adjustment of the longitudinal positioning section into the first position to support the ski boot in the open position of the front unit, or a movement coupling with an actuating arrangement of the front unit or the like, is unnecessary. In particular, in the open position, the longitudinal positioning section, pre-tensioned to the first position and locked in the first position, can provide support for the ski boot and thus assist in entry, while in the closed position, especially in a walking position of the closed position, the longitudinal positioning section moves together with the front section with each step and the associated pivoting of the ski boot around the ski's transverse axis.Such a movement of the longitudinal positioning section from the first position to the second position can occur against the preload force of the elastic element, which is why it is advantageous if the spring force of the elastic element is designed to be as low as possible. The spring force should only be sufficient to reliably move the longitudinal positioning section into the first position.

[0011] Within the scope of this disclosure, terms such as "above", "below", "front", "back", "sideways", "vertical direction", "latitude direction", "longitudinal direction" and the like refer, for the sake of simplicity, to the view of a skier who has entered the front unit of a ski binding, in particular a touring binding, mounted on a ski with a ski boot, wherein the ski is arranged in a horizontal plane.

[0012] Furthermore, the term "ski" and related terms such as "ski boot," "ski binding," "touring ski binding," "ski plane," "ski longitudinal axis," "ski center axis," "ski width direction," "ski longitudinal direction," and the like, refer not only to skis in the narrow sense but also include cross-country skis, splitboards (snowboards divisible lengthwise into at least two parts, the individual parts of which can be used in the manner of normal skis), snowshoes, or similar boards for walking or gliding on snow and ice. All these items or parts thereof are considered skis or parts of skis within the meaning of this invention.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elastic means can be a torsion spring. A torsion spring generally exhibits lower spring forces than, for example, compression or tension springs and also occupies very little installation space, thus enabling a compact arrangement. In a case where the longitudinal positioning section is pivotably mounted about an axis, a torsion spring can advantageously be arranged around the same axis.

[0014] Furthermore, the front unit can also include an actuating mechanism designed to move the front unit from the open position to the closed position when actuated by a user, thereby bringing the bearing sections towards each other. The actuating mechanism can also be configured to fix the longitudinal positioning section in the first position. This eliminates the need for additional components to fix or lock the longitudinal positioning section in the first position, thus saving production costs, weight, and installation space.

[0015] Preferably, the actuating arrangement comprises an actuating lever on which a detent pin is arranged. This detent pin is configured to engage a corresponding detent notch on the longitudinal positioning section when the front unit is in the open position, thereby locking the longitudinal positioning section in the first position. The detent pin and detent notch reliably lock the longitudinal positioning section in the first position. It should be noted that other locking options, such as an integrally formed projection and a correspondingly complementary recess, are also possible. Alternatively, the detent pin or projection can be formed on the longitudinal positioning section, and the complementary notch or recess can be formed on the actuating lever.It is only necessary to ensure that the longitudinal positioning section can be securely locked in the first position in the open position of the front unit in order to provide the entry aid.

[0016] In particular, the longitudinal positioning section can be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the ski in front of the bearing sections. This advantageous arrangement allows the longitudinal positioning section to interact with the front section of the ski boot to provide support and thus an aid in positioning the ski boot.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal positioning section can include at least one stop against which a front section of the ski boot abuts in the entry position. Direct interaction between the ski boot and the longitudinal positioning section in the form of a direct stop can provide the user with optimal feedback and thus excellent assistance in correctly positioning the ski boot relative to the bearing sections in the longitudinal direction of the ski. It should be noted that multiple stops can also be provided. In particular, two stops arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the ski can be provided. In this case, the user can move their ski boot so that it rests against both stops. This prevents not only correct positioning in the longitudinal direction of the ski but also lateral rotation of the ski boot around a vertical axis, further improving entry comfort.

[0018] The longitudinal positioning section can also be mounted on the front unit at a bearing axis that runs essentially orthogonal to the ski's longitudinal axis and parallel to the ski's transverse axis. This allows the longitudinal positioning section to pivot with the ski boot during ascent when the front unit is in the closed or walking position, and the longitudinal positioning section does not impede the ski boot's pivoting around the ski's transverse axis.

[0019] The front unit can further comprise a base plate with a mounting arrangement for attaching the front unit to a ski, wherein the bearing axis on which the longitudinal positioning section is mounted is arranged on the base plate. Arranging the longitudinal positioning section on a ski-mounted base plate is particularly advantageous because it allows the longitudinal positioning section to be locked securely in the first position. Furthermore, a coupling of the longitudinal positioning section's movement with other moving components of the front unit is not necessary, thus ensuring the reliable function of the front unit is not compromised.

[0020] The longitudinal positioning section can, in the first position, project essentially vertically upwards from the front unit and, in the second position, be pivoted forwards and downwards around the bearing axis so that it approaches the ski plane during the transition from the first to the second position. This means that, in the open position of the front unit, the longitudinal positioning section can project vertically upwards when locked in the first position, and, in the closed position, particularly a walking position, pivot forwards and downwards around the bearing axis of the front unit into the second position.

[0021] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings. Specifically, the drawings show: Figure 1 is a side view of a front unit for a touring binding according to the embodiment of the present invention in an open position; Figure 2 is a top view of the front unit according to the embodiment of the present invention in the open position; Figure 3 is a sectional view along line AA. Figure 2 Figure 4 shows a side view of the front unit according to the embodiment of the present invention in a closed or departure position, Figure 5 shows a top view of the front unit according to the embodiment of the present invention in the closed or departure position, Figure 6 shows a sectional view along line BB in Figure 5 and Figure 7 a side view of the front unit according to the embodiment of the present invention in the closed or walking position coupled with a toe section of a ski boot.

[0022] In the present disclosure, directional and spatial terms such as "above," "below," "left," "right," "front," "back," "vertical," "horizontal," or the like refer to a ready-to-use, mounted state of the touring binding or the touring binding's front unit, in which it is, for example, attached to a ski, and the observer understanding these terms is standing on a horizontal surface and looking forward in the direction the skis are traveling. An axis extending in the X-direction then runs parallel to the direction of view and parallel to the ski's longitudinal axis; a Y-direction runs orthogonal to the X-direction and parallel to the horizontal surface or the ski plane and the ski's transverse axis; and a Z-direction runs orthogonal to the X-direction and to the Y-direction in a vertical direction to the horizontal surface.

[0023] The in the Figures 1 to 7The front unit 10 of the preferred embodiment of the invention comprises two lateral bearing sections 16a, 16b, which are arranged on a ski transverse axis running substantially orthogonally to a ski longitudinal axis and which are designed to engage lateral counter bearing sections 110 of a ski boot 100 in order to keep the ski boot 100 pivotable about the ski transverse axis.

[0024] Furthermore, the front unit 10 includes a longitudinal positioning section 40 on which the ski boot 100 can be supported in an entry position such that the counter bearing sections 110 are positioned in an engagement position relative to the bearing sections 16a, 16b with respect to their position along the longitudinal axis of the ski.

[0025] The front unit 10 is basically adjustable between an open position, which is in the Figures 1 to 3 shown, and a closing position which is in the Figures 4 to 7As shown, in the closed position, the bearing sections 16a, 16b are spaced apart to engage with the counter-bearing sections 110 of the ski boot 100, while in the open position they are spaced apart to a greater extent than in the closed position, allowing the ski boot 100 to be inserted between the bearing sections 16a, 16b or removed from the front unit 10. In other words, the bearing sections 16a, 16b and the counter-bearing sections 110 are engaged in the closed position and disengaged in the open position. As mentioned, the open position of the front unit 10 is shown in the Figures 1 to 3 depicted, while the closed position is in the Figures 4 to 7 is shown. This includes the following: Figures 4 to 6 a departure position and in Figure 7A walking position is shown. In the downhill position, the front unit 10 is set up for downhill skiing, and a heel unit (not shown) can hold a heel section of the ski boot fixed to the ski. In the downhill position, the front unit 10 is configured for downhill skiing such that if a force acting on the bearing sections 16a, 16b exceeds a predetermined threshold, for example in the event of a fall, the ski boot 100 is released by the front unit 10. In the walking position, the heel unit should not hold the heel section of the ski boot 100, so that the ski boot 100 can pivot around the ski's transverse axis for uphill skiing, engaging with the bearing sections 16a, 16b. Release of the ski boot 100 by the front unit 10 is prevented or made more difficult in the walking position.

[0026] The longitudinal positioning section 40 is fixed relative to the bearing sections 16a, 16b in the open position and movable relative to the bearing sections 16a, 16b in the closed position. This means that in the closed position of the front unit 10, the longitudinal positioning section 40 can move relative to the front unit 10 or to the bearing sections 16a, 16b, and in particular, can move with the ski boot 100 with each step during ascent, so as not to restrict the freedom of movement of the ski boot 100 while walking and to allow the ski boot 100 to pivot in the closed position of the front unit 10.

[0027] Furthermore, the longitudinal positioning section 40 can be set in a first position in the open position to support the ski boot 100 in the entry position, wherein the longitudinal positioning section 40 is locked in the first position in the open position, and in the closed position can be adjustable between the first position and a second position, in which it allows the ski boot 100 to pivot about the ski transverse axis for walking, wherein the longitudinal positioning section 40 is not locked in either the first or the second position in the closed position.In the open position, the locked longitudinal positioning section 40 provides an entry aid for the correct positioning of the ski boot 100 relative to the bearing sections 16a, 16b. In the closed position, the longitudinal positioning section 40 is not locked, thus allowing movement of the front section 130 of the ski boot 100, in particular pivoting of the ski boot 100 about the bearing sections 16a, 16b and the ski's transverse axis, without obstruction. Since, in the downhill position, the heel section of the ski boot 100 is held by a heel unit, and the ski boot 100 is therefore fixed between the front unit 10 and the heel unit and does not pivot about the ski's transverse axis, the longitudinal positioning section 40 can remain in the first, upright position. In the walking position, however, the heel section of the ski boot is released, and the ski boot 100 can pivot about the ski's transverse axis.In the closed position and thus also in the walking position, the movable longitudinal positioning section 40 can now move along with the pivoting movement of the ski boot 100 and does not restrict the movement of the ski boot 100 during ascent.

[0028] The longitudinal positioning section 40 can be a stop element 40 and can comprise at least one stop 42a, 42b or a stop surface 42a, 42b against which a front section 130 of the ski boot 100 abuts in the entry position. Through a direct interaction of the front section 130 of the ski boot 100 and the longitudinal positioning section 40 in the form of a direct stop 42a, 42b, the user can be significantly facilitated in correctly positioning the ski boot 100 relative to the bearing sections 16a, 16b in the longitudinal direction of the ski. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, two stops 42a, 42b arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the ski can be provided. The user can move the ski boot 100 so that it hits both stops 42a, 42b, which, in addition to correct positioning in the longitudinal direction of the ski, also prevents lateral twisting of the ski boot 100.In the preferred embodiment, this further improves ease of entry.

[0029] The longitudinal positioning section 40 can be mounted on the front unit 10 on a bearing axis 44 that is essentially orthogonal to the ski's longitudinal axis and parallel to the ski's transverse axis. This allows the longitudinal positioning section 40 to pivot with the ski boot 100 during ascent in the walking position of the front unit 10, and the longitudinal positioning section 40 does not impede the ski boot 100's pivoting about the ski's transverse axis.

[0030] The front unit 10 can further comprise a base plate 12 with a mounting arrangement 14 for attachment to a ski. The base plate 12 can, for example, be firmly mounted on a ski by means of screws inserted into screw holes 14. The bearing axis 44, on which the longitudinal positioning section 40 is mounted, can in particular be arranged on the base plate 12. The arrangement of the longitudinal positioning section 40 on a ski-mounted base plate 12 is particularly advantageous because the longitudinal positioning section 40 can thereby be locked particularly securely in the first position. In addition, a coupling of the movement of the longitudinal positioning section 40 with other moving components of the front unit 10 is not necessary.

[0031] The longitudinal positioning section 40 can, in the first position, project essentially vertically upwards from the front unit 10 and, in the second position, be pivoted forwards and downwards about the bearing axis 44, so that it approaches the ski plane during the transition from the first to the second position. This means that, in the open position of the front unit 10, the longitudinal positioning section 40 can project vertically upwards when locked in the first position, and, in the closed position, particularly the walking position, of the front unit 10, pivot forwards and downwards about the bearing axis 44 into the second position.

[0032] In the advantageous embodiment, with the front unit 10 in the open position, the ski boot 100 can be brought from behind towards the longitudinal positioning section 40 until a front sole section 130 of the boot 100 abuts the rear contact surface 42a, 42b. The ski boot 100 is then supported in an entry position, with the rear contact surface 42a, 42b acting as the longitudinal positioning section 40. In the entry position, the bearing openings or counter-bearing sections 110 of the ski boot 100 are positioned in an engagement position relative to the bearing sections or bearing pins 16 with respect to their position along the X-direction (ski longitudinal axis). This means that the bearing pins 16 are directly opposite the bearing openings 110 of the ski boot 100, so that when the front unit 10 is subsequently closed, the bearing pins 16 can easily slide into the bearing openings 110 of the ski boot 100 and lock into place.Thus, the rear mounting surface 42a, 42b forms a front stop against which a front section 130 of the ski boot 100 abuts in the entry position in order to position the boot ready for intervention.

[0033] As in Figure 3As can be seen, the longitudinal positioning section 40, which is adjustable between the first and second positions, can be pre-tensioned in the direction of the first position by an elastic element 46, which may preferably be a torsion spring 46. In particular, in the open position, the longitudinal positioning section 40, which is pre-tensioned to the first position and locked in the first position, can provide support for the ski boot 100 and thus an aid for entry, while in the closed position, especially in the walking position, the longitudinal positioning section 40 moves with the front section 130 of the ski boot 100 with each step. Such movement of the longitudinal positioning section 40 from the first position to the second position can occur against the pre-tensioning force of the elastic element 46, which should only be sufficient to reliably bring the longitudinal positioning section 40 into the first position.Preferably, a torsion spring 46 can be wound around the pivot axis 44 of the longitudinal positioning section or stop element 40, which pre-tensions the same towards the rear (i.e. clockwise in figures) so that it is placed under pre-tension in the first, in particular upright, position.

[0034] Furthermore, the front unit 10 can comprise two clamping brackets 18a, 18b, at least one of which is pivotably mounted on the base plate 12 about an axis 20a, 20b. Each of the clamping brackets 18a, 18b can have a first leg 18a-1, 18b-1, at the distal end of which one of the bearing sections 16a, 16b is arranged. The clamping brackets 18a, 18b can, in particular, each be mounted on the base plate 12 via a pivot axis 20a, 20b running parallel to a ski center axis, so that the clamping brackets 18a, 18b are pivotable about the pivot axes 20a, 20b. Each clamping angle 18a or 18b can include the first leg 18a-1 , 18b-1, which can rise upwards with respect to a ski plane defined by the ski (the plane in which a running surface of the ski lies), i.e., can extend approximately in a vertical direction perpendicular to the ski plane.Furthermore, each clamping angle 18a, 18b can include a second leg 18a-2, 18b-2, which extends from the first leg 18a-1, 18b-1 towards the ski's central axis and can be oriented approximately parallel to the ski plane.

[0035] The distal ends (ends furthest from the pivot axes 20a, 20b) of the second legs 18a-2, 18b-2 of the clamping brackets 18a, 18b can be extended towards the ski's central axis by at least one pin (not shown) arranged on each of the second legs 18a-2, 18b-2. The pins can be slidably inserted with their ends pointing towards the ski's central axis into holes in end caps 32a, 32b, wherein the pin of one clamping bracket 18a can be inserted into a hole in a first end cap 32a and the pin of the other clamping bracket 18b can be inserted into a hole in a second end cap 32b. Each of the pins can be wound with a compression spring 34, each of the springs 34 being able to be supported on one side at the distal end of the clamping angle 18a, 18b and on the other side at the end cap 32a, 32b in order to compress the end caps 32a, 32b in a direction leading away from the clamping angles 18a, 18b, i.e.to pre-tension in the direction of an approximation of the two end caps 32a, 32b, so that the end caps 32a, 32b lie against each other and are pressed against each other.

[0036] The distal ends of the first legs 18a-1, 18b-1 can each have one of the bearing sections 16a, 16b. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bearing sections 16a, 16b can, in particular, be configured as bearing pins 16a, 16b, which project inwards from the first leg 18a-1, 18b-1, i.e., towards the ski's central axis, and taper to a conical point at their projecting ends. The tips of the bearing pins 16a, 16b can thus point approximately towards each other.

[0037] Furthermore, one or both of the clamping angles 18a, 18b can be spring-loaded by at least one elastic element 34, which can in particular be embodied by the compression springs 34, and the bearing sections 16a, 16b, in particular in the form of the bearing pins 16a, 16b, can be pre-tensioned into the closed position or into the open position by overcoming a dead center position of one or both of the clamping angles 18a, 18b.

[0038] Furthermore, the front unit can also include an actuating arrangement 26, 28, which is configured to move the front unit 10 from the open position to the closed position when actuated by a user, thereby moving the bearing sections 16a, 16b towards each other. The actuating arrangement can also be configured to fix the longitudinal positioning section 40 in the first position. The actuating arrangement 16, 28 can be formed by an actuating lever 26 and a locking lever 28.

[0039] The actuating lever 26 can, in particular, be designed with two arms and can be pivotally mounted on the base plate 12 about an actuating lever pivot axis (not shown) that runs substantially orthogonal to the ski's central axis and substantially parallel to the ski plane. A first arm of the actuating lever 26 can extend from the actuating lever pivot axis (not shown) to the end caps 32a, 32b of the clamping brackets 18a, 18b and engage the end caps 32a, 32b with an end section, e.g., in the form of a fork or a receptacle. The end section can comprise the closing actuating section 30, which extends from the first arm a certain distance over the end caps 32a, 32b in the form of a first plate section, and a second plate section (not shown) which extends from the first arm a certain distance below both end caps 32a, 32b.The end caps 32a, 32b can thus be accommodated between the plate sections of the actuating lever 26 and a pivoting movement of the actuating lever 26 about the actuating lever pivot axis (not shown) can be coupled to a pivoting movement of the clamping angles 18a, 18b about the pivot axes 20a, 20b.

[0040] As in the Figures 3 and 6As can be seen, a locking pin 27 can be arranged on the actuating lever 26. This pin is designed to engage, in the open position of the front unit 10, a corresponding locking notch 48 on the longitudinal positioning section 40, thus locking the longitudinal positioning section 40 in the first position when the front unit 40 is open. The locking pin 27 and locking notch 48 reliably lock the longitudinal positioning section 40 in the first position. Alternatively, a projection integrally formed on the actuating lever 26 and a correspondingly complementary recess in the longitudinal positioning section 40 would also be conceivable.

[0041] The locking lever 28 can be pivotally mounted about a locking lever pivot axis 29, which is essentially parallel to the plane of the ski, on a distal end section of the actuating lever 26 that points forward in the longitudinal direction of the ski. A second arm of the actuating lever 26 can extend from the actuating lever pivot axis (not shown) in essentially the opposite direction to the first arm and can be connected to the locking lever 28 at its distal end. The locking lever 28 can have an operating section 28-1 and a locking section 28-2, which can extend from the locking lever pivot axis 29 in different, in particular essentially opposite, directions as opposing arms.

[0042] The locking lever 28 can lock the front unit 10 in the closed position. 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.

[0043] In the open position, the longitudinal positioning section 40 can be held in position or locked in the first position by the locking pin 27 on the actuating lever 26. In the descent position, the actuating lever 26 can move downwards, allowing the locking pin 27, which holds the longitudinal positioning section 40 in place, to rotate and release the longitudinal positioning section 40. In the event of a fall or similar incident, the longitudinal positioning section 40 does not obstruct the release of the front unit 10 or the release of the ski boot 100. As in the descent position, the longitudinal positioning section 40 is also freely movable in the walk position and can move forward against the force of the spring 46 by a pivoting movement of the ski boot 100 while walking.

[0044] Together with the clamping brackets 18a, 18b, the actuating arrangement 26, 28 of the front unit 10 can form a movement device 18a, 18b, 26, 28 for moving the bearing sections 16a, 16b between the open position and the closed position of the front unit 10, wherein the movement device 18a, 18b, 26, 28 can have a closing actuating section 30, the actuation of which causes a movement of the bearing sections 16a, 16b from the open position to the closed position. The closing actuating section 30 can define a substantially flat tread 30 for a front sole section of the ski boot. In the present embodiment, such a flat tread 30 can be, in particular, a flat plate section 30, but alternatively, for example, it can also be defined by several contact points at a sufficient distance from one another.In this context, it is advantageous that a flat support is provided for the ski boot 100, in particular for a sole section 120 of the ski boot 100, thus further facilitating the correct alignment of the ski boot 10 with respect to the front unit 10 for coupling the bearing sections 16a, 16b with the counter-bearing sections 110. The movement device 18a, 18b, 26, 28 can therefore convert a movement of the closing actuation section 30 directed towards the ski plane into an approach movement of the bearing sections 16a, 16b in order to move the bearing sections 16a, 16b into the closed position of the front unit 10. The clamping angles 18a, 18b with the spring-loaded end caps 32a, 32b and the actuating arrangement, consisting of actuating lever 26 and locking lever 28, can thus together form the movement device.

[0045] The functioning of the front unit 10 of the preferred embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the Figures 1 to 7 explained. It should be noted that the invention is not limited to this embodiment and that the described operating procedures of the front unit 10 are merely exemplary.

[0046] A user can enter the front unit 10 with the ski boot 100 if the clamping angles 18a, 18b are in the Figures 1 and 3The opening position shown is such that the end caps 32a, 32b are moved into the upper position with the end section 30, and the bearing pins 16a, 16b are accordingly pivoted outwards. The bearing sections or bearing pins 16a, 16b can then be positioned far enough apart to allow a sole section 120 of a ski boot 100 to be inserted with minimal clearance between them. A tread of the sole section 120 can be placed onto the closing actuation section 30 and supported from above by the closing actuation section 30. The ski boot 100 can be moved forward until it abuts the stop surfaces 42a, 42b of the longitudinal positioning section 40.Then the ski boot 100 is in the correct entry position with respect to the bearing sections / bearing pins 16a, 16, by means of the closing actuation section 30 in the vertical direction and by means of the longitudinal positioning section 40 and its stop surfaces 42a, 42b in the ski longitudinal direction.

[0047] Subsequently, the end section 30 can move towards the ski by the ski boot exerting a force towards the ski on the closing actuation section 30 (and / or by manual pivoting of the locking lever 28). The end section 30 can thereby engage the end caps 32a, 32b and pivot the clamping angles 18a, 18b about the pivot axes 20a, 20b. Accordingly, the bearing pins 16a, 16b can approach each other and move towards the ski boot. This movement can occur against the resistance of the compression springs 34, since a contact point between the end caps 32a, 32b in the open position can be located above a line connecting 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 clamping angles 18a, 18b and thus a compression of the compression springs 34.

[0048] When the end caps 32a, 32b are approximately at the level of the connecting line, the movement device can reach a dead center at which the resistance of the compression springs 34 against the approach of the end caps 32a, 32b to the connecting line changes into an acceleration of the end caps 32a, 32b towards a further approach to the ski, caused by the force of the springs 34. The force of the springs 34, which in this case can always push the end caps 32a, 32b away from the connecting line, can thus cause the movement device to change direction at the dead center and automatically push the clamping angles 18a, 18b towards a closed position in which the bearing pins 16a, 16b are biased towards mutual approach.

[0049] At the latest when passing through the dead center, the closing actuation section 30 can be at a height above the ski that positions the ski boot 100, supported on the closing actuation section 30, at the correct height relative to the bearing pins 16a, 16b, so that the bearing holes of the ski boot 100 are approximately at the same height as the bearing pins 16a, 16b, so that when the moving device continues to move into the closed position, the bearing pins 16a, 16b can engage securely in the bearing holes 110. The clamping angles 18a, 18b can be stably pre-tensioned by the action of the compression springs 34 described above. The front unit 10 is in the downhill position.Now, either a corresponding heel unit can be coupled with a heel section of the ski boot 100 for downhill skiing, or for uphill skiing, the front unit 10 can be adjusted to the walking position by additionally pivoting the locking lever 28 into a locking position in order to reliably prevent the clamping angles 18a, 18b from pivoting into the open position due to a force acting from the ski boot 100 on the bearing pins 16a, 16b, in which a distal end of the locking section 28-2 is supported on the ski below the locking lever pivot axis 29, so that a movement of the second arm of the actuating lever 26 towards the ski and thus an upward movement of the end section 30 is blocked. Now the front unit 10 is in the walking position and a movement apart of the clamping angles 18a, 18b and thus also of the bearing pins 16a, 16b is prevented or at least made more difficult.In the walking position, the longitudinal positioning section in the form of the stop element 40 is movable relative to the bearing pins 16a, 16b and, in particular, pivotable about the axis 44 attached to the base plate 12. As in . Figure 7As can be seen, with each step of the user, the front section 130 of the ski boot 100 abuts the stop surfaces 42a, 42b of the longitudinal positioning section 40 and pivots it forward and downward against the spring force of the leg spring 46, which is also mounted on the axis 44 (here counterclockwise). Since the actuating lever 26, and thus also the locking pin 27, moves downwards during adjustment from the open position to the closed position, and the engagement between the locking pin 27 on the actuating lever 26 and the locking notch 48 on the longitudinal positioning section 40 is disengaged, the longitudinal positioning section 40 is movable, in particular rotationally movable about the axis 44, and can pivot along with the ski boot 100 during walking.

[0050] To open the front unit 10, the locking lever 28 can first be pivoted back from the locking position so that the distal end 28-2 is released from contact with the surface of the base plate 12. The locking lever 28 can then be grasped at the operating section 28-1 and moved towards the ski, causing the actuating lever 26 to pivot and the end section to move upwards. During this opening movement, the movement mechanism can resist the springs 34 until the end caps 32a, 32b again pass the dead center at the level of the line connecting the pivot axes 20a, 20b. The springs 34 can then automatically push the end caps 32a, 32b further upwards towards the opening position and finally hold the clamping angles 18a, 18b in the open position.The bearing pins 16a, 16b can then disengage from the bearing holes 110, and the ski boot 100 can finally be pulled out of the front unit 10. In the open position, the longitudinal positioning section 40 is again fixed relative to the bearing sections 16a, 16b and can serve as an entry aid.

Claims

1. Front unit (10) for a touring binding, comprising: two lateral bearing portions (16a, 16b) which are arranged on a ski transverse axis running substantially orthogonally to a ski longitudinal axis and parallel to a ski plane and which are designed to engage lateral counter bearing portions (110) of a ski boot (100) when the front unit (10) is in a closed position in order to hold the ski boot (100) on the front unit (10) such that it can pivot about the ski transverse axis, and a longitudinal positioning portion (40) on which the ski boot (100) can be supported in an entry position in such a way that the counter bearing portions (110) are positioned, with regard to their position along the ski longitudinal axis, in a position ready for engagement relative to the bearing portions (16a, 16b), wherein the longitudinal positioning portion (40) is set in the open position in a first setting for supporting the ski boot (100) in the entry position, wherein the longitudinal positioning portion (40) is locked in the first setting in the open position, and in the closed position is adjustable between the first setting and a second setting, in which it allows the ski boot (100) to pivot about the ski transverse axis for walking, wherein the longitudinal positioning portion (40) is locked in neither the first setting nor the second seting in the closed position, wherein the front unit (10) is adjustable between an open position in which the bearing portions (16a, 16b) and the counter bearing portions (110) are disengaged, and the closed position in which the bearing portions (16a, 16b) and the counter bearing portions (110) are engaged, wherein the longitudinal positioning portion (40) is fixed relative to the bearing portions (16a, 16b) in the open position of the front unit (10) and is movable relative to the bearing portions (16a, 16b) in the closed position of the front unit (10), characterized in that the longitudinal positioning portion (40) is preloaded in the direction of the first position by an elastic means (46).

2. Front unit (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic means (46) is a leg spring.

3. Front unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an actuation arrangement (26, 28)which is designed to adjust the front unit (10) from the open position to the closed position when actuated by a user, and thereby to move the bearing portions (16a, 16b) towards one another.

4. Front unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuation arrangement (26, 28) is further designed to fix the longitudinal positioning portion (40) in the first setting.

5. Front unit (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the actuation arrangement (26, 28) comprises an actuation lever (26) on which a locking pin (27) is arranged, which is designed to engage in the open position of the front unit (10) in a corresponding locking notch (48) arranged on the longitudinal positioning portion (40) in order to lock the longitudinal positioning portion (40) in the open position of the front unit (10) in the first setting.

6. Front unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longitudinal positioning portion (40) is arranged in front of the bearing portions (16a, 16b) in a ski longitudinal direction.

7. Front unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longitudinal positioning portion (40) comprises at least one stop (42a, 42b) against which a front portion (130) of the ski boot (100) abuts in the entry position.

8. Front unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longitudinal positioning portion (40) is mounted on a bearing shaft (44) on the front unit (10) that runs substantially orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the ski and parallel to the transverse axis of the ski.

9. Front unit (10) according to claim 8, further comprising a base plate (12) with a fastening arrangement (14) for fastening the front unit (10) to a ski, wherein the bearing shaft (44) on which the longitudinal positioning portion (40) is mounted is arranged on the base plate (12).

10. Front unit (10) according to claim 1 and claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the longitudinal positioning portion (40) projects substantially vertically upwards from the front unit (10) in the first setting, and is pivoted forwards and downwards about the bearing shaft (44) in the second setting, so that it approaches the ski plane during the transition from the first setting to the second setting.

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