Heel unit for touring ski binding with automatic climbing wedge adjustment and method for positioning shoe supports

Abstract

The invention relates to a heel unit for touring bindings with automatic climbing aid adjustment, in which the adjustment device with a gearbox provides shoe support surfaces at different heights, and a method for positioning shoe supports of different heights under a ski boot, in which the position of the supports is adjusted automatically.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a heel unit according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method according to the preamble of claim 15. In particular, the invention relates to a heel unit for a touring binding, comprising a base for attachment to a touring ski and a binding body that is adjustable between a downhill position and a touring position (climbing position), wherein the binding body is the coupling element between the touring binding and a touring boot. The invention particularly relates to an electric mode for automatically adjusting the climbing aid.

[0002] In touring, heel units of this type are used to engage the rear section of a touring boot in the downhill position and secure it to the touring ski. During ascent, the boot is released, allowing the heel of the boot to lift off the touring ski. The touring boot's front section is then pivoted around a transverse axis running perpendicular to the touring ski's axis. This allows the user to walk naturally on the touring ski.

[0003] With each step during ascent, the heel of the touring boot lifts off the touring ski and then lowers again until the touring boot meets a support surface for the heel section of the boot. The support surface for the heel section depends on the geometry of the binding body of the heel unit. For use in off-piste terrain and thus on variable slope angles, touring bindings with climbing aids have proven effective. These allow various support surfaces to be adjusted within the boot's pivoting range, supporting the touring boot in a nearly horizontal position above the touring ski despite varying slope gradients. Relevant state of the art:

[0004] In known touring bindings, a heel unit can be set between a first position in which the touring boot is fixed to the touring ski (downhill state), a second position in which the touring boot is released (ascent state) and can approach relatively close to the touring ski for walking on flat terrain, a third position in which the binding part (climbing aid) is moved to a position below the heel section of the touring boot in order to support the touring boot at a greater height above the touring ski for ascent on steeper terrain, and optionally a fourth position in which an even higher climbing aid is activated. Disadvantages of conventional touring bindings:

[0005] A significant disadvantage of conventional climbing aids is that adjusting the climbing aid or the height of the touring boot's contact surface is relatively laborious and requires the tourer to stop and perform an awkward movement to activate the mechanism located in the heel area. In conventional touring bindings, the mechanisms are operated by inserting the tip of the ski pole into a designated recess and a rotating arm movement, or by folding over mounted elements with a translatory movement of the pole basket. This requires the tourer to have a firm and secure stance, which is often not available on steep terrain or in difficult snow conditions. When rotating the upper body to transfer targeted forces to the binding with the ski pole, the tourer often loses their balance and has to repeat the process.This can be dangerous in difficult terrain and lead to unwanted loss of time. Constant interruptions in the ascent rhythm lead to unfavorable heart rates when the ski tourer resumes. If a group ascends in the same track, different adjustment habits cause delays for the other group members. The abrupt interruption of successive ski tourers on a steep slope and the resulting reduction in distance increase the surface loading and thus the risk of an avalanche.

[0006] Continuous adjustment devices arranged between a front and rear part of a ski binding to support the ski boot are known from DE 10 2009 036 245 A1, DE 10 2011 015785 A1, and WO 2007 / 079604 A1. The gearing allows for continuous adjustment of the contact height. However, this mechanism is fragile and usually requires an additional part that must be screwed onto the ski between the toe piece and the automatic heel mechanism. US 2012 / 025489 A2 shows a mechanically adjustable climbing aid. Technical task to be solved:

[0007] Against this background, it is the object of the present invention to provide a heel unit for a touring binding which ensures automatic adjustment of the height of the touring boot's support surface as desired by the tourer during the ascent. In this way, loss of time and uncomfortable movement for adjusting the height of the climbing aid can be avoided. With the help of this invention, the tourer is able to continue his ascent in the terrain and thus save strength and energy and traverse dangerous passages with greater safety. In addition, it is the object of the invention to provide an automatically adjustable climbing aid which can be adjusted easily and comfortably, as well as reliably and according to the tourer's wishes. A tourer can control the desired position of his climbing aid during the ascent using a mobile remote control.In addition, a ski tourer can also use the same function of the heel unit in manual mode, as is usual with conventional bindings and without any electronics. Disclosure of the invention:

[0008] According to the present invention, a heel unit for a ski binding, and in particular a touring binding, is provided with the features of claim 1, and in particular an automatic adjustment unit for positioning one or more boot supports. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] The adjustment unit preferably comprises the following: a base plate for attachment to a touring ski, a binding body which is adjustable between a downhill position and a touring position, coupling elements which protrude in a forward direction in downhill mode and serve to engage a heel section of the touring boot, a two-part pivot bearing on which the binding body rests and is pivotally mounted, two flaps which are rotatably mounted about a transverse axis on the binding body, a motion conversion arrangement, a spring-biased locking arrangement, an energy storage device and an electronic control unit.

[0010] It's advantageous if the heel unit is mounted on a slideable and lockable rail. The base can be mounted on the touring ski using a slide system, allowing the entire heel unit to be adjusted longitudinally along the ski using an adjusting screw to ensure the correct position for different touring boot sizes.

[0011] It is also advantageous if the heel unit has a detachably integrated energy storage unit. The energy storage unit can be attached modularly using a slide / clip system to protect it from negative environmental influences while storing the touring skis or during charging. The energy storage unit can be "docked" onto the back of the heel unit. This has the advantage that the battery can be stored and charged indoors in dry conditions.

[0012] It is advantageous if a force detection element is attached to the fixed pin, which detects an electrical signal when the touring boot is placed on the binding body and sends it to the control unit.

[0013] It is advantageous if a force detection element is attached to the fixed pin, which detects an electrical signal when the touring boot is placed on the binding body and sends it to the control unit.

[0014] It is advantageous if there is an elastic sealing element between the base and the touring ski, which is pressed onto the touring ski during assembly to protect the interior against the ingress of water and dirt and the base contains a heating element which heats the ambient temperature in the interior of the base and de-ices the space between the base and the binding body.

[0015] It is advantageous if, upon a specific actuation of the radio element that can be actuated by a hiker, a predetermined movement of the movement conversion arrangement is carried out in the automatic touring mode, and the movement of the movement conversion arrangement is carried out until the rotation angle detection element sends the signal predetermined for the predetermined movement of the movement conversion arrangement.

[0016] It is advantageous if the entire electrical system is in an energy-saving "deep sleep mode" when it is not moving and the energy storage device is removable and can be stored under suitable environmental conditions.

[0017] It is advantageous if a ski tourer can connect wirelessly to the heel unit using a smartphone or device in order to read out the current battery level or other sensor data and operate the automatic mode using voice control. In addition, a fully automatic mode can be used in which the angle of attack sensor measures the slope gradient and intelligent software automatically adjusts the climbing aid that is suitable for the ski tourer without the need to operate an operating element.

[0018] Further advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description and the drawings. The invention will be explained in more detail below using preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 shows a particularly preferred embodiment, Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a heel unit of a second embodiment of the invention in a downhill position (coupling position), Figure 3 shows a perspective exploded view of the Figure 2 shown heel unit, Figure 4 a top view of the base, which is attached to the touring ski with four screws, Figure 5 a side sectional view according to a line in CC in Figure 4 , Figure 6 a side view of the Figure 2 illustrated heel unit with axes to the sectional views AA and BB, Figure 7 a perspective sectional view according to a line CC in Figure 4 , Figure 8 a sectional view (top view) according to a line BB in Figure 6 according to a second embodiment, Figure 9 a sectional view (top view) along a line BB in Figure 6 according to a third embodiment, Figure 10 a sectional view (top view) along a line BB in Figure 6according to a fourth embodiment, Figure 11 is a sectional view (top view) along a line AA in Figure 6 and the automatic adjustment device in the activation position of the binding body according to a fourth embodiment, Figure 12 a sectional view (top view) along a line AA in Figure 6according to a second embodiment: the binding body is in downhill mode, Figure 13a-c shows a perspective view of the heel unit in automatic mode according to a fourth embodiment, Figure 14a-c shows side functional views of the first, second and third climbing aids in automatic mode according to a fourth embodiment, Figure 15a-c shows a perspective view of the heel unit in manual mode according to a third embodiment, Figure 16a-c shows the side functional views of the first, second and third climbing aids in manual mode according to a third embodiment and Figure 17 shows the software architecture of the invention.

[0019] Fig.1 shows a perspective view of a heel unit of the first embodiment of the invention in a downhill position (coupling position). The heel unit 56 includes an insulated housing 38,which is mounted on a touring ski. On the insulated housing 38 is a binding body 47 which is rotatable about an axis orthogonal to the base. Inside the binding body 47 There is an electrical adjustment unit 35 and a gearbox 36. Due to assembly and insulation purposes, the binding body 47 with a rear flap 49 waterproof screwed. In the insulated housing 38 there is a control unit 43, an LED unit 45, a heating element 46 and a charging unit 44. On the binding body 47 there is a coupling element 52, which is designed to engage a corresponding recess on the rear side of a touring boot to hold the touring boot in the downhill position. Above the coupling element 52there is a holding module 50, the holding module is a spring cover 51 and a centering screw 52 The holding module 50 is designed to connect the coupling element 52 in all directions on the binding body 47 Due to the elastic properties of the spring cover 51 A length compensation can take place when a touring ski bends in the longitudinal direction of the ski, so that the coupling agent 52 and a touring boot cannot become tense. In addition, this design ensures quick and easy disassembly for exchanging coupling elements with different spring strengths. Furthermore, the binding body contains 47 the different contact surfaces 53, 54 and 55 the heel, which by rotating the binding body guarantees the ski tourer different heights of the climbing aid in the terrain.

[0020] Fig. 2shows a perspective view of a heel unit of the second embodiment of the invention in a downhill position (coupling position). The heel unit comprises a base 5, which can be mounted on a touring ski 21 This is attached to the touring ski with four screws through mounting holes 21 screwed. At the base 5 is a binding body 4 which is rotatable about an axis orthogonal to the base. On the binding body 4 there is a coupling element 3, which is designed to engage in a corresponding recess on the rear side of a touring boot to secure the touring boot in the downhill position. This is secured to the binding body by a bolt (not marked) in a transverse axis to the touring ski. 4 secured. Furthermore, the binding body 4 the different contact surfaces6, 7 and 1 the heel, which, by rotating the binding body, guarantees the skier different heights of the climbing aid in the terrain. The contact surface 1 differs from the support surface 55 in Fig. 1 of the first embodiment in that they are located on the spring means 40 and the support surface 55 in Fig. 1 on the insulated housing 38. The contact surfaces 6, 7 and 1 can be automatically adjusted by the ski tourer using an electrical adjustment device. A more detailed version of the automated embodiment is described below. In addition, the binding body contains 4 two pivoting flaps 1 and 2,These serve as the support surface for the touring boot during manual operation of the heel unit. These are folded down, as usual, with a ski pole basket. A more detailed example of manual operation is described below.

[0021] Fig. 3 shows a perspective exploded view of the Fig. 2 shown heel unit. Inside the binding body 4 there is an electric motor 9, which is secured by a cover screwed to the binding body 8 is secured in the axial direction. On the bearing-mounted shaft of the electric motor there is a worm 10. In the axis of rotation of the binding body 4 a two-part pivot bearing, consisting of a pin 13 and a matching counterpart 11, inserted vertically. The pin 13 transfers the axial forces of the binding body to the touring ski when the touring boot hits the ground21. On one in the cone 13 There is a worm gear in the recess provided 12, which, in engagement with a worm 10, creates a frictional connection and the rotation of the binding body 4 blocked. The counterpart 11 serves as a support surface for the binding body 4 and secures the worm gear 12 in the axial direction. In a recess on the counterpart 11 is a rotation angle sensor 29 integrated and is located in the axis of rotation of the binding body 4. At the base of the cone 13 There is a force sensor which, when loaded, is positioned between the pins 13 and touring skis 21 It is advantageous if the fixed pin 13 a force sensing element 14 which, when putting on the touring boot 37 on the binding body 4 an electrical signal is detected and sent to the control unit43 sends.

[0022] Fig. 4 shows a top view of the base 5, which is attached to the touring ski with four screws 21 In the half of the base facing away from the direction of travel 5 a circular recess is provided in which the pin 13 is mounted. The pin 13 is mounted against the touring ski because of its base 21 It is thus protected against vertical, horizontal and rotational movements. It is advantageous if the base 5;38 a thermal detection element 25 which sends a temperature value to the control unit 43 sends and a charging unit 44 contains, with the help of which the energy storage 23 is charged by supplying electrical current and an LED unit 45which shows a hiker the current charge level of the energy storage device through visual color signals 23 symbolized and is mounted on a rail in a movable and lockable manner.

[0023] Fig. 5 shows a lateral sectional view along a line CC in Fig. 4 , in which the touring skis 21 mounted base 5 including cones 13 To see the inner workings of the base 5 To protect against moisture and cold, it is placed on an elastic mat 22 with insulating properties. Inside the base 5 the accumulator is 23, the control board 24 (including motor driver) and a temperature sensor 25. Furthermore, a through hole of the pin 13 which serves as a cable guide between the electrical components installed in the binding body and the control board 24The control unit 43 consists of a charging unit 44, an LED unit 45 and a heating element 46 against icing. It is advantageous if there is a gap between the base 5; 38 and the touring ski 21 an elastic sealing element 22 which is mounted on the touring ski 21 pressed to protect the interior against the ingress of water and dirt and the base 5;38 a heating element 46 which heats the ambient temperature inside the base and the space between the base and the binding body 4 defrosted.

[0024] Fig. 6 shows a side view of the Fig. 2The heel unit shown in FIG. 1 shows the axes of sectional views AA and BB. Sectional view BB is used to describe the locking arrangement using spring force, and section view AA is used to describe the mechanics of an electrical adjustment device. Description of the mechanics

[0025] Fig. 7 is a perspective sectional view along a line BB in Fig. 6 , in which the spring arrangement 40 This serves to identify the binding body 4 to hold it in a desired position by spring force (hereinafter referred to as "locking") and to secure it against rotation. The spring bearing 19 can be tightened by tightening a screw 20, which in a slot stone 18 screwed, can be moved horizontally. This allows the two springs 17(only one spring marked), guided by a special housing geometry, against the slide 16 The carriage 16 presses against the pin with the resulting preload force 13. Due to the special geometries of slides 16 and cones 13 This allows different positions to be locked and requires the release of the locked position of the binding body 4 a certain "triggering force." The binding body 4 is in a locked position in downhill mode and can only be released by a sufficiently large torque (e.g., a fall). The amount of torque required to release the mechanism depends on the preload of the springs and the geometry of the pins. 13 and sleds 16 away.

[0026] The Fig. 7 marked push buttons 15 is located at the attachment point of the sled 16on the binding body 4 and serves to activate an automated adjustment device.

[0027] The push button 15 is activated as soon as the movement of the carriage 16 due to the special geometry of the binding body 4 is blocked. If the push button 15 activated, the spring forces act through the slide 16 on the binding body 4 , but no longer on the cone 13, whereby the binding body 4 can rotate freely. This mechanism will be described in detail below.

[0028] In Fig. 8 is a sectional view (top view) of the Departure position It is clearly visible that the carriage 16 through the tensioned springs 17 on the cone 13 and thus the position of the binding body 4 is locked. The release of the binding body4 from this position requires a certain torque.

[0029] If you turn the binding body 4 by manual intervention counterclockwise, it is locked in a second position (see Fig. 9 ). The second position, the manual position, is used for manual operation (no electronics required) of the heel unit in ascent mode. The binding body 4 remains in this position during the ascent and a ski tourer can use the climbing aids 1,2 adjust with his ski pole.

[0030] If the binding body 4 starting from the first position ( Fig. 8 ) is turned clockwise to a third position, the Activation position (see Fig. 10 ), the automated adjustment mechanism is activated: From a certain angle of rotation, the movement of the carriage 16 by narrowing the geometry of the binding body 4 blocked (collision with pin13). At this point the carriage pushes 16 on the push button 15 and loses contact with the pin 13. The push button 15 now activates the control electronics. The binding body 4 From this point on, it is "decoupled" from the spring force and can move freely in a clockwise direction.

[0031] Fig. 11 is a sectional view (top view) along a line AA in Fig. 6 and shows the electrical adjustment device 35 in the Activation position (see Fig. 10 ) of the binding body 4. At this point, snail 10 and worm gear 12 against each other (tooth mesh). The bonding body 4 is no longer locked by spring forces, but is locked by the engagement of worm 10 and worm gear 12 blocked against clockwise rotation. If the screw 10 now from the engine9 set into rotation, the teeth of the worm gear 36 in engagement and the binding body 4 rotates around a common axis. To ensure that the engagement of the worm gear 36 takes place, the geometry of the pin 13 designed so that manual force is necessary to move the binding body 4 counterclockwise from the activation position. This will release the binding body 4 held in the activation position until the gearbox 36 is in intervention.

[0032] As soon as the worm gear 36 is engaged, the binding body 4 cannot turn into an undesired position due to external transverse forces, since the self-locking effect of the gear unit transfers the forces via the motor shaft 42 on the binding body 4This ensures that, despite the transverse forces of the touring boot when stepping on the ground, the desired climbing position is achieved without the holding torque of the electric motor 9 (no power supply) is maintained. To maintain the torque of the binding body 4 when the touring boot is on the ground and thus the load on the worm gear 36 To keep the climbing aid positions as low as possible, the climbing aid positions are selected so that the force application vector of the touring boot is as close as possible to the common axis of rotation of the pins 13 and binding bodies 4 and thus the smallest possible lever arm (torque) results.

[0033] Fig. 12 is a sectional view (top view) along a line AA in Fig. 6 , in which the binding body 4 in the Departure mode and the automatic adjustment device is shown. The worm 10 has no engagement with the worm gear 12,whereby the binding body 4 is only locked by a spring force. Even in the event of a release mechanism (fall of the ski tourer), the movement of the binding body 4 not due to a collision of the gearbox 36 blocked.

[0034] Also in manual position (see Fig. 9 ) the snail has 10 no engagement with the worm gear 12. For clarity, this figure is not shown. Departure mode This ensures that the binding 56 can be triggered by a sufficiently large transverse force (torque), for example due to a fall, and the touring boot is released from the binding. Description of the automated adjustment

[0035] If the binding body is 4 Now in engagement of the automatic adjustment mechanism, a tourer can press a button on a radio element 34three different climbing aids. These are shown in the figures below Fig. 13a-c shown. In the first position ( Fig. 13a ) the heel of the touring boot is placed on a designated support surface (round marking). If a touring skier now activates the second climbing aid position ( Fig. 13b ), the binding body rotates 4 a few clockwise rotation angles to a second position, in which the touring boot is placed on the support surface (round mark). In a third climbing aid position ( Fig. 13c ) the touring boot is placed on the storage area, which is located on a movable flap 1 It is advantageous if a radio element that can be operated by a hiker 34 upon a specific activation of the radio element 34 a predetermined movement of the motion conversion arrangement 41is executed in automatic tour mode and the movement of the motion conversion arrangement 41 is executed until the rotation angle detection element 29 which is responsible for the predetermined movement of the motion conversion arrangement 41 sends a predetermined signal.

[0036] In the figure below Fig. 14a-c The various climbing aid positions are shown in a side view with varying angles of attack. It is clearly visible that the touring boot shown is always in a horizontal position at increasing angles of attack. Description of manual adjustment

[0037] If the binding body is 4 in the manual ascent mode, as in Fig. 9 As shown, it is locked in this position by a spring force. In the illustrations below Fig. 15a-c The manual adjustment mechanism is described. manual modeThe coupling element is located in the heel unit 3 of binding bodies 4 and touring boot no longer in the pivoting range of the touring boot. Therefore, the touring boot hits the base when settling 5 and is suitable for walking on flat terrain as a first climbing aid in manual mode (round marking). Using his ski pole basket, a ski tourer can now create a second climbing aid.

[0038] For this it is necessary to remove the stored flap 2 using a ski pole basket into the pivoting area of ​​the touring boot. The height of this second, manual climbing aid is approximately the same as the second automatic climbing aid. This is used to help the ski tourer move forward in the terrain. To provide an even higher climbing aid, the ski tourer must open another flap. 1 and can therefore move on steep terrain. Description of the software architecture of the automatic adjustment

[0039] The figure below Fig. 17 shows the software architecture of the automated adjustment unit, which is described in detail below:

[0040] The central electrical component is the control board 24, which has a microprocessor 30, a motor driver 28 and a Bluetooth module 27 By converting the accumulator 23 from chemical to electrical energy, the control boards are supplied with electrical power. The microprocessor 30 can be controlled with a signal via the motor driver 28 the stepper motor 9 and regulate its speed. An angle sensor 29 measures the position of the binding body 4;47 and can the microprocessor 30 communicate the exact angle of rotation. In addition, the sensors in the base 5 installed force / temperature and angle of attack sensors 14, 25, 33 with the microprocessor 30.A tourer is equipped with a Bluetooth radio element 34, which is attached to a suitable location (ski pole, backpack strap, watch on the wrist, etc.). It is advantageous if the entire electrical system is in an energy-saving "deep sleep mode" as long as it is not moving and the energy storage 23 is removable for storage in suitable environmental conditions.

[0041] The following describes an application example of the automatic adjustment unit at the software level: As soon as a ski tourer needs a higher climbing aid, he presses the button provided on his radio element 34. The software now checks the data from the force sensor 14,to determine whether a ski tourer has placed his shoe on the heel unit at that moment. As soon as the software detects that the shoe has detached from the heel unit, a signal is sent to the motor 9 sent and the rotational movement of the binding body 4 is initiated. The angle sensor 29 reports to the software the number of actual shaft revolutions performed and thus the exact angular position of the binding body 4 Once the correct position is reached, the system returns to an energy-saving "sleep mode" and waits for the next command. If the desired position is not reached for any reason (a block of ice obstructs movement), the software can adjust the motor speed. 9 to ensure a higher torque. If the counter torque is too high during the adjustment process, the motor 9Its special design prevents damage. This allows an incomplete change of position caused by a touring boot re-emerging too quickly to be easily completed with the next step. An angle of attack sensor 33 In the further course of development, the radio element 34 and enable a fully automated system. This allows the software to detect the current slope gradient and determine the optimal climbing position for the ski tourer and move to it. It is advantageous if a ski tourer can connect wirelessly to the heel unit using a smartphone or other device. 34 to read the current battery level or other sensor data and can operate the automatic mode by voice control and can also use a fully automatic mode in which the angle of attack sensor 33measures the slope gradient and intelligent software automatically selects the climbing aid suitable for the ski tourer, without the need to operate an operating element 34, sets.

Claims

1. A heel unit for a ski binding (56), having an electrical adjusting device (35) for changing the height of a boot support, wherein the adjusting device comprises a gear (36) and boot support surfaces (6; 7; 1; 53; 54; 55) at different heights, characterized in that the gear (36) is configured to successively rotate a plurality of boot supports arranged about an axis perpendicular to the surface of a ski (21) into a position under a ski boot (37).

2. The heel unit according to claim 1 for a touring binding (56), comprising - a base (5; 38) for attachment to a touring ski (21), which serves as an insulated housing (5; 38) for an energy storage (23) located therein and a control board (24) with a microprocessor (30), - a binding body (4; 47) which is adjustable between a downhill position, a manual touring position and an automatic touring position, wherein the binding body (4; 47) comprises coupling means (3; 52) for coupling a touring boot (37), which in the downhill position project from the binding body (4; 47) in a forward direction and serve to engage a heel portion (39) of the touring boot (37), and which in the manual and automatic touring position are arranged in a second and third position in which they release the touring boot (37), such that the touring boot is no longer coupled to the binding body (4; 47) and such that they are no longer located in the pivoting range of the touring boot, and - a plurality of boot support surfaces (6; 7; 1; 53; 54; 55), which are arranged in the manual and automatic touring positions in a position different from the downhill position and on which a heel portion (39) of the touring coot (37) is supported at predetermined heights above the touring ski (21) in the touring positions.

3. The heel unit according to claim 2, characterized in that the binding body (4; 47) is rotatable in both directions relative to the base (5; 38) about an axis extending perpendicular to the touring ski (21) for adjustment between the downhill position, manual position and automatic position.

4. The heel unit according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the binding body (4; 47) is in a fixed position in the downhill position or the manual position, which it can only change against a pretension by a spring arrangement (40).

5. The heel unit according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that a carriage (16) movable in a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction of the ski is tensioned against a pin (13) by two springs (17) in downhill position and in manual position, so that the binding body (4; 47) is fixed in this position.

6. The heel unit according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the binding body (4; 47) is releasable from engagement with the touring boot (37) by a release mechanism of the coupling means (3; 52) when a force acts on the heel unit (56) which exceeds a predetermined release force.

7. The heel unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in a manual touring mode, the height of the support surface above the touring ski for the heel portion of a touring boot (37) can be adjusted by a ski tourer using a ski pole by means of movable flaps (1; 2) located on the binding body (4; 47).

8. The heel unit according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that a movement conversion arrangement (41) is arranged inside the binding body (4; 47), which converts the movement of a shaft (42) into a movement of the binding body (4; 47), so that when the movement conversion arrangement (41) is actuated in the automatic touring position, the height of the support surface for the heel portion (39) of a touring boot (37) changes upon stepping.

9. The heel unit according to claim 8, characterized in that the movement conversion arrangement (41) is a worm gear arrangement (36), wherein the worm gear arrangement comprises: - a motor shaft (42), - a worm (10), which sits on the motor shaft (42), - a worm wheel (12), which sits on pin (13) and is in threaded engagement with the worm (10), - a drive (9) which drives the motor shaft (42) and the worm (10) and - an energy store (23) which supplies the drive (9) with energy.

10. The heel unit according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the movement conversion arrangement (41), which sets a shaft (42) located in a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction of the ski and the worm (10) seated on the shaft into rotation and causes the binding body (4; 47) to rotate about an axis vertical to the longitudinal direction of the ski by threaded engagement with a worm wheel (12), which is also located in a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction of the ski and is mounted horizontally on the fixed pin (13).

11. The heel unit according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that a predetermined position of the binding body (4; 47) in the automatic touring position is held by a worm gear (36), which maintains the position of the binding body (4; 47) by self-locking properties even when forces are applied.

12. The heel unit according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the electrical adjusting device (35) is activated in a predetermined activation position of the binding body (4; 47), in which the binding body (4; 47) has decoupled itself from the spring force and a movable carriage (16) in the activation position presses on a mechanical pushbutton (15), which closes the electrical circuit when actuated and supplies the movement conversion arrangement (41) with electrical energy.

13. The heel unit according to one of claims 5 to 12, characterized in that a rotation angle detection element (29) is attached to the pin (13), which detects the angular position of the binding body (4; 47) and thus determines the current position of the binding body (4; 47) in automatic touring mode and is located on the axis of rotation of the binding body (4; 47).

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