Heel unit for a sliding board binding with a frontal release arrangement comprising a torsion spring

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heel unit (10) for a ski-mount binding, comprising a base (12) with a fastening arrangement (14) for attachment to a ski-mount surface, a binding body (16) mounted on the base (12), two coupling pins (18) arranged substantially side by side for engaging in recesses of a heel section of a boot to fix the boot to the heel unit (10), wherein the coupling pins (18) project from the binding body (16) in a ski-mount position in a ski-mount longitudinal direction (X), in particular in a forward direction, and at least one of the coupling pins (18) is movable relative to the other coupling pin (18) between a ski-mount position and a front release position, and a front release arrangement (18, 20, 22, 24) which is configured to move the at least one of the coupling pins (18) to its To pre-tension the departure position,wherein the frontal release arrangement (18, 20, 22, 24) comprises at least one torsion spring (20) which provides tension force for the frontal release arrangement (18, 20, 22, 24).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a heel unit for a gliding board binding according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The heel units discussed in the present disclosure are, in particular, heel units for touring ski bindings, whose binding body is to be attached to a touring ski. However, splitboards (longitudinally divisible snowboards whose halves can be used as touring skis) or similar are equally suitable as gliding boards to which a heel unit according to the invention is to be attached, so the invention also relates to heel units for bindings of such gliding boards, although reference is made below primarily to touring ski bindings without limiting the subject matter of the invention.

[0003] A generic heel unit of the type described above is known, for example, from DE 10 2010 028 764 A1. The movement of the coupling pins relative to each other against an elastic tension force allows a frontal release, i.e., a release or release of a ski boot upon application of a torque about a transverse ski axis (Y-axis) if this torque exceeds a My release torque.

[0004] Furthermore, from DE 10 2014 109 601 A1, AT 402 020 B and EP 2 345 463 A1 heel units according to the preamble of claim 1 are known, in which a frontal release is effected via one or more compression springs, which each provide tensioning force for the respective frontal release arrangements.

[0005] FR 3 019 757 A1 also discloses a front unit for a gliding board binding with a release mechanism that functions via a compression spring.

[0006] Mz and My are the binding's release values. Mz is the torque required for release when the boot rotates in the binding. My is the torque required for release when the boot is tilted forward, such as during a forward fall.

[0007] The movement of the coupling pins relative to one another required for frontal release in such heel units usually occurs against the preload force of compression springs arranged in the longitudinal direction of the gliding board. The preload force of these springs is transmitted to the coupling pins via inclined wedge surfaces of wedge elements in order to move them in a direction different from the arrangement direction of the compression springs, in particular to preload them towards one another, i.e. to generate a torque. Similar systems are known in which one or more compression springs are arranged in a direction perpendicular to a gliding board plane. Here, too, deflection elements are required to preload coupling pins moving towards and away from one another in order to apply the spring force to the coupling pins in the required direction.There is usually not enough space for arranging sufficiently dimensioned compression springs in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the gliding board and parallel to the gliding board plane.

[0008] Disadvantages of such conventional heel units and their frontal release mechanisms are that a force transmission device consisting of multiple components is required, as in the case of DE 10 2010 028 764 A1, at least consisting of wedge elements and compression springs. Considerable friction arises in such a force transmission device, which reduces the efficiency of the frontal release mechanisms and results in losses during force transmission. To compensate for these losses, the compression springs, for example, must be made stronger, which, however, results in a higher overall weight and higher costs. Furthermore, a higher number of parts inevitably leads to increased weight and higher costs of the heel unit.

[0009] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a heel unit with a frontal release arrangement, wherein the heel unit can be manufactured with reduced design effort, reduced cost, reduced size and / or reduced weight.

[0010] According to the invention, the above-stated object is achieved by a heel unit for a gliding board binding according to claim 1.

[0011] Torsion springs are used to generate torque or accumulate rotational energy in a structure. For the purposes of the present invention, other terms such as leg spring or torsion spring are applicable to the spring type "torsion spring." These terms can equally be used for the spring(s) of the front release assembly according to the present invention. A front release is also referred to as a my-release in this disclosure.

[0012] Consequently, the use of a torsion spring offers the advantage that no additional components are required to transmit the spring force in the appropriate direction to the coupling pins. According to an important feature of the present invention, at least one of the coupling pins is preloaded toward its down position by at least one torsion spring. A torque is generated directly by the torsion spring and transmitted to the coupling pins to preload them into the down position. No additional force redirection elements are required.

[0013] The present invention therefore provides a heel unit with a more direct force transmission in the frontal release assembly, resulting in less friction between the components. By using fewer components, the heel unit is also more cost-effective to manufacture and has a lower weight.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the binding body can be movably mounted on the base between a downhill position and a lateral release position to enable lateral release through the movement of the binding body. In particular, the binding body can be mounted on the base so as to be rotatable about a Z-axis perpendicular to the gliding board plane. A lateral release is also referred to in this disclosure as an Mz release.

[0015] If the binding body is movably mounted on the base between a downhill position and a side release position, the heel unit can further comprise a side release arrangement configured to bias the binding body toward its downhill position. In this way, in the event of a fall, a side or side release can be provided when the boot twists, thus providing a complete safety release, including frontal and side release, which significantly increases the safety for a user of the heel unit.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, two torsion springs can be provided, each of which is assigned to a coupling pin. Thus, both coupling pins can be preloaded into their down position. When using two torsion springs, each of the two springs can be made smaller, thus saving installation space.

[0017] Furthermore, the coupling pins can advantageously be configured to move away from one another during a movement between the downhill position and the frontal release position in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the gliding board and substantially parallel to the gliding board surface, or in a direction with a movement component in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the gliding board and substantially parallel to the gliding board surface and a movement component in a direction substantially perpendicular to the gliding board surface, such that a distance between the coupling pins increases. A movement of the coupling pins away from one another releases the boot in the event of a forward fall. An additional movement of the coupling pins away from one another and upwards extends a release path and can advantageously prevent false releases due to impacts or the like.

[0018] The at least one torsion spring can be mounted on an axle that extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the gliding board. Such an arrangement on an axle provides secure mounting of the force-transmitting parts and ensures greater stability of the heel unit.

[0019] Preferably, the at least one torsion spring can have two spring legs that protrude in different directions from coils of the torsion spring. This simple torsion spring design provides direct force transmission between the components of the front release assembly.

[0020] In this case, a spring leg of the at least one torsion spring can interact with one of the coupling pins, in particular directly abut one of the coupling pins, in order to ensure a direct force transmission between the torsion spring and the coupling pin without major friction losses.

[0021] Additionally or alternatively, a spring leg of the at least one torsion spring can interact with a portion fixed to the binding body, in particular, directly abut a portion fixed to the binding body, in order to ensure direct force transmission between the torsion spring and the binding body without significant friction losses. "Fixed to the binding body" in this context can mean either formed integrally with the binding body or attached to the binding body.

[0022] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the heel unit can further comprise an adjustment arrangement, wherein the preload of the frontal release assembly can be adjusted by means of the adjustment arrangement. This allows the heel unit to be advantageously adapted to different users with different parameters, such as body weight, performance level, age, etc. If a side release assembly is additionally provided, the preload of the side release assembly can also be adjustable.

[0023] In a particularly simple and effective variant of this design, the preload of the frontal release assembly can be adjusted using an adjustment screw arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the gliding board surface. The screw can be easily operated using a standard screwdriver. This ensures easy handling with regard to the adjustment of the preload of the frontal release assembly of the heel unit.

[0024] Advantageously, a spring leg of the at least one torsion spring can interact with a portion of the adjustment arrangement, whereby the preload can be adjusted directly by applying pressure to the spring leg.

[0025] In another particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment arrangement can further comprise a display unit with a pointer and a display scale for displaying the preload of the frontal release arrangement, wherein the display scale is arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the gliding board surface. In this way, a control option for setting the preload of the frontal release arrangement is offered by a so-called Z-value being able to be read from the display scale at the level of the pointer. By arranging the display scale substantially perpendicularly with respect to the gliding board surface or plane, a shorter installation space is required in the longitudinal direction of the gliding board, whereby the heel unit can be kept particularly compact.

[0026] In this embodiment, the pointer can be located on and / or connected to the adjustment screw, and the indicator scale can be located on the binding body or on a section fixed to the binding body. By arranging the pointer and indicator scale on existing components, additional parts can be eliminated. This, in turn, makes it possible to keep the heel unit compact, lightweight, and low-cost.

[0027] In addition, the heel unit can further comprise a front cover connected to the binding body, which is configured to provide a guide for the coupling pins, which is configured to limit the movement path of the coupling pins away from each other and / or toward each other. Such limitation can be achieved, in particular, by stops inward and outward in a Y-direction. This allows a defined release path for a My release to be achieved.

[0028] The invention will be explained in more detail below using a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a heel unit for a gliding board binding according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention in a downhill position, wherein an upper binding cover and a front cover are hidden, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the in Figure 1 shown heel unit according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention in a frontal release position, wherein the upper binding cover and the front cover are hidden, Figure 3 is a plan view of the Figures 1 and 2 shown heel unit according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention in the downhill position, Figure 4 is a plan view of the Figures 1 to 3shown heel unit according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention in the frontal release position, Figure 5 is a front view of the Figures 1 to 4 shown heel unit according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention in the downhill position, Figure 6 a front view of the Figures 1 to 5 shown heel unit according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention in the frontal release position, Figure 7 is a front view of the Figures 1 to 6 shown heel unit according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention in the downhill position, with the upper binding cover and the front cover shown, and Figure 8 is a front view of the Figures 1 to 7 shown heel unit according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention in the frontal release position, wherein the upper binding cover is hidden and the front cover is hidden.

[0029] A heel unit according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 1 generally designated by the reference number 10. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the heel unit 10 in a downhill position. An upper binding cover 60 (see Figure 7 ) and a front cover 50 (see Figures 7 and 8 ) are hidden.

[0030] A gliding board plane runs along a surface of the gliding board on which the heel unit 10 is mounted by means of a fastening arrangement 14 of a binding base 12, and a gliding board longitudinal axis runs in a gliding board longitudinal direction in the direction of travel of the gliding board. Figures 1 to 8 sketched coordinate system of the heel unit 10 is defined, in which an X-direction runs in the direction of the gliding board longitudinal axis, a Z-direction runs upwards perpendicular to the gliding board plane and a Y-direction runs perpendicular to the Z-direction and to the X-direction.

[0031] The heel unit 10 of the present invention includes a base 12 with a mounting arrangement 14 for attachment to a gliding board surface. In particular, the base 12 may include screw holes 14 for attachment to the gliding board surface using mounting screws (not shown). Alternatively, the base 12 could also be mounted on the gliding board so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the gliding board.

[0032] Furthermore, the heel unit 10 comprises a binding body 16 mounted on the base 12 and two coupling pins 18 arranged substantially side by side for engaging recesses in a heel portion of a shoe to fix the shoe to the heel unit 10. The binding body 16 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention can, in particular, be mounted on the base 12 so as to be rotatable about the Z-axis to provide a lateral or Mz release.

[0033] According to the invention, the coupling pins 18 protrude from the binding body 16 in a downhill position of the binding body 16 in a gliding board longitudinal direction X, in particular in a forward direction of travel, and at least one of the coupling pins 18 is movable relative to the other coupling pin 18 between a downhill position and a frontal release position. The downhill position is in Figure 1 shown, while the frontal release position in Figure 2 In the frontal release position (also in the Figures 4 , 6 and 8 ) the coupling pins 18 are moved outwards in the Y direction by external force against a preload exerted thereon, for example in the event of a frontal fall.

[0034] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, both coupling pins 18 move away from each other substantially in the Y direction from the downhill position to the frontal release position. Alternatively, the coupling pins 18 could move from the downhill position to the frontal release position with a movement component in the Y direction and a movement component in the Z direction. In both cases, the distance between the coupling pins 18 is greater in the frontal release position than in the downhill position.

[0035] This is clear from the Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a plan view of the heel unit 10 according to the preferred embodiment in the downhill position, Figure 4a top view of the heel unit 10 according to the preferred embodiment in the frontal release position. It can be clearly seen that the distance between the coupling pins 18, in particular the front ends of the coupling pins 18, which engage with the heel portion of the shoe, in the frontal release position ( Figure 4 ) is larger than in the downhill position ( Figure 3 ).

[0036] The heel unit 10 of the present invention further comprises a frontal release assembly 18, 20, 22, 24 configured to bias at least one of the coupling pins 18 toward its downhill position. When both coupling pins 18 are movable relative to each other, the frontal release assembly 18, 20, 22, 24 also biases both coupling pins 18 toward their downhill positions.

[0037] According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the binding body 16 may be movably mounted on the base 12 between a downhill position and a side release position, and the heel unit 10 may further include a side release assembly 12, 16, 18 configured to bias the binding body 16 toward its downhill position.

[0038] According to the invention, the front release assembly 18, 20, 22, 24 comprises at least one torsion spring 20, which provides tensioning force for the front release assembly 18, 20, 22, 24. In particular, two torsion springs 20 can be provided, with each torsion spring 20 being assigned to a respective coupling pin 18.

[0039] As in the Figures 1 and 2 or 5 and 6 As can be clearly seen, these torsion springs 20 can be mounted on axes 22 which extend essentially in the X-direction. Figure 5shows a front view of the heel unit 10 according to the preferred embodiment in the downhill position, Figure 4 A front view of the heel unit 10 according to the preferred embodiment in the frontal release position. Again, it can be seen that the distance between the front ends of the coupling pins 18 is greater in the frontal release position than in the downhill position.

[0040] According to the preferred embodiment, the torsion springs 20 can have two spring legs 20z, 20y, which protrude in particular in different directions from coils 20 of the torsion spring 20. In the preferred embodiment, the spring coils 20 are arranged around an axis extending in the X direction, and one spring leg 20y protrudes therefrom substantially in the Y direction, while another spring leg 20z protrudes substantially in the Z direction. In this case, each of the spring legs 20z can interact with one of the coupling pins 18, in particular directly abutting it. Furthermore, the spring legs 20y can interact with a section 24 fixed to the binding body, in particular directly abutting it. According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the front release arrangement 18, 20, 22, 24 is composed of the coupling pins, the torsion springs 20, the axes 22 supporting the torsion springs 20 and the binding body-fixed section 24.These elements interact in such a way that the torsion springs 20 transmit a Mz torque between the coupling pins 18 and the binding body-fixed section 24 and thus also the binding body 16 itself in order to preload the coupling pins 18 towards their downhill position.

[0041] The binding body-fixed portion 24 may be formed integrally with the binding body 16 or may be attached thereto or fixed with respect to the binding body 16. With reference to the Figures 1 to 4 In the preferred embodiment described here, the binding body-fixed section 24 can be embodied by a surface of an extension 28 pointing downwards in the direction of the gliding board surface, wherein the extension 28 can be fixed to the binding body 16, for example, by means of a screw 30 (see Figures 3 and 4Fixing the extension 28 to the binding body 16 by means of a screw 30 and not forming it integrally with the binding body 16 offers advantages in the manufacture, assembly, and maintenance of the heel unit 10. However, a one-piece design of the extension 28 and the binding body 16 would also be conceivable.

[0042] The heel unit 10 can preferably further comprise an adjustment arrangement 24, 26, 40, 42 for adjusting the preload of the frontal release arrangement 18, 20, 22, 24. In particular, the adjustment of the preload of the frontal release arrangement 18, 20, 22, 24 can be effected by an adjustment screw 26, which in the present embodiment can be arranged in particular in the Z-direction.

[0043] According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment assembly 24, 26, 40, 42 can comprise a display unit 40, 42 consisting of a pointer 40 and an indicator scale 42. Using the pointer 40 and the indicator scale 42, the preload of the front release assembly 18, 20, 22, 24 can be displayed, and a so-called Z-value can be read from the indicator scale 42. The indicator scale 42 can preferably be arranged substantially in the Z-direction. Furthermore, the pointer 40 can be connected to the adjustment screw 26, and the indicator scale 42 can be arranged on the binding body 16. If the adjustment screw 26 is screwed in or out of a corresponding thread, the pointer 40 moves together with the adjustment screw 26 along the direction of the adjustment screw axis, in the case of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the Z-direction.In this way, a value of the preload on the coupling pins 18 can be read off the display scale 42 fixed to the binding body.

[0044] With reference to the Figures 7 and 8 The heel unit 10 may further comprise an upper binding cover 60 and a front cover 50, which are each attached to the binding body 16. Only a few parts of the upper binding cover 60 are shown in Figure 7 lateral sections can be seen. For example, one or two climbing aids (not shown) can be attached to the binding cover 60.

[0045] The front cover 50, which is attached to the binding body 16 from the front in the X direction, can provide a guide 52 in the form of a slotted guide for the coupling pins 18. Such a guide 52 can, in particular, limit the movement path of the coupling pins 18 away from and toward each other by providing stops inward and outward in the Y direction, whereby a defined release path for a My release can be achieved.

[0046] In Figure 7 the departure position of the coupling pins 18 is shown, in which they rest against an inner stop in the Y direction of the guide 52 of the front cover 50, while in Figure 8 the frontal release position of the coupling pins 18 is shown, in which they rest against an outer stop of the guide 52 of the front cover 50 in the Y direction.

Claims

1. Heel unit (10) for a slide board binding, comprising a base (12) with a fastening arrangement (14) for attachment to a slide board surface, a binding body (16) mounted on the base (12), two coupling pins (18) arranged adjacent to one another for engagement in recesses of a heel section of a shoe in order to fix the shoe to the heel unit (10), wherein the coupling pins (18) protrude from the binding body (16) in a downhill skiing position of the binding body (16) in a slide board longitudinal direction (X), in particular in a forward direction of travel, and at least one of the coupling pins (18) is movable relative to the other coupling pin (18) between a downhill skiing position and a frontal release position, and a frontal release arrangement (18, 20, 22, 24) which is adapted to bias the at least one of the coupling pins (18) towards its downhill skiing position, characterised in that the frontal release arrangement (18, 20, 22, 24) comprises at least one torsion spring (20), which provides a tensioning force for the frontal release arrangement (18, 20, 22, 24).

2. Heel unit (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that the binding body (16) is movably mounted on the base (12) between a downhill skiing position and a lateral release position.

3. Heel unit (10) according to claim 2, further comprising a lateral release arrangement (12, 16, 18) which is adapted to bias the binding body (16) towards its downhill skiing position.

4. Heel unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that two torsion springs (20) are provided, wherein each one torsion spring (20) is assigned to each one coupling pin (18).

5. Heel unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the coupling pins (18) are designed to move away from one another during a movement between the downhill skiing position and the frontal release position in a direction (Y) that is substantially perpendicular to the slide board longitudinal direction (X) and substantially parallel to the slide board surface or in a direction with a movement component in the direction (Y) that is substantially perpendicular to the slide board longitudinal direction (X) and substantially parallel to the slide board surface and a movement component in a direction (Z) that is substantially perpendicular to the slide board surface, so that an interspacing between the coupling pins (18) increases.

6. Heel unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one torsion spring (20) is mounted on an axis (22) which extends substantially parallel to the slide board longitudinal direction (X).

7. Heel unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one torsion spring (20) has two spring legs (20z, 20y) which protrude in different directions from coils (20) of the torsion spring (20).

8. Heel unit (10) according to claim 7, characterised in that a spring leg (20z) of the at least one torsion spring (20) cooperates with one of the coupling pins (18).

9. Heel unit (10) according to claim 7 or 8, characterised in that a spring leg (20y) of the at least one torsion spring (20) cooperates with a portion (24) fixed to the binding body.

10. Heel unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an adjustment arrangement (24, 26, 40, 42), wherein the biasing of the frontal release arrangement (18, 20, 22, 24) can be adjusted by means of the adjustment arrangement (24, 26, 40, 42).

11. Heel unit (10) according to claim 10, characterised in that the biasing of the frontal release arrangement (18, 20, 22, 24) can be adjusted by an adjusting screw (26) which is arranged in a direction (Z) substantially perpendicular to the slide board surface.

12. Heel unit (10) according to one of claims 7 to 9 and claim 10 or 11, characterised in that a spring leg (20y) of the at least one torsion spring (20) cooperates with a portion (24) of the adjustment arrangement (24, 26, 40, 42).

13. Heel unit (10) according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterised in that the adjustment arrangement (24, 26, 40, 42) further comprises a display unit (40, 42) with a pointer (40) and an indicator scale (42) to indicate the biasing of the frontal release arrangement (18, 20, 22, 24), wherein the indicator scale (42) is arranged in a direction (Z) substantially perpendicular to the slide board surface.

14. Heel unit (10) according to claim 11 and claim 13, characterised in that the pointer (40) is arranged on the adjusting screw (26) and / or connected thereto, and the indicator scale (42) is arranged on the binding body (16) or on a portion fixed to the binding body.

15. Heel unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a front cover (50) connected to the binding body (16) which is adapted to provide a guide (52) for the coupling pins (18), said guide being adapted to limit the movement path of the coupling pins (18) away from and / or towards each other.

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