Heel unit for a gliding board binding with mz release via cam bodies

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heel unit (10; 110) for a ski-ski binding, in particular for a touring binding, comprising a base (12; 112) with a mounting arrangement (14; 114) for attachment to a ski-ski, a binding body (16; 116) which is rotatable relative to the base (12; 112) about a release axis (A) extending orthogonally to a ski-ski plane (E), coupling means (18; 118) arranged on the binding body (16; 116) which are configured to engage with a heel section of a ski-ski boot in a downhill position of the ski-ski binding in order to hold the ski boot on the ski-ski binding, wherein the coupling means (18; 118) project from the binding body (16; 116) in a ski-ski longitudinal direction (x), in particular in a forward direction, in the downhill position, and an Mz release mechanism (26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 50;126, 128, 130, 138, 140), which is configured to pre-tension the coupling means (18; 118) into the release position such that, in the release position, they disengage from the engagement with the glide board shoe when a force exceeding a predetermined release force is applied and move from the release position to a release position by a rotational movement of the binding body (16; 116) about the release axis (A), wherein the Mz release mechanism has a spring arrangement (30, 38, 50; 130, 138) with a spring element (30; 130) which determines the predetermined release force, and wherein the Mz release mechanism (26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 50; 126, 128, 130, 138, 140) has a connection to the binding body (16; 116) arranged cam body (40; 140) which is designed to engage in cam action with a counter contour (28; 128) of a cam surface (26; 126) provided at the base (12; 112) in the departure position, wherein the spring arrangement (30, 38, 50;130, 138) is designed to exert a tensile force on the cam body (40; 140) in order to pull it into cam engagement with the counter contour (28; 128) of the cam surface (26; 126).;

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a heel unit for a gliding board binding, in particular for a touring binding, comprising a base with a fastening arrangement for attachment to a gliding board, a binding body which is rotatable relative to the base about a release axis of rotation extending orthogonally to a gliding board plane, coupling means arranged on the binding body which are designed to engage with a heel portion of a gliding board boot in a downhill position of the gliding board binding in order to hold the gliding board boot to the gliding board binding, wherein the coupling means protrude from the binding body in a gliding board longitudinal direction, in particular in a forward direction of travel, in the downhill position, and an Mz release mechanism which is designed to pretension the coupling means in the downhill position in such a way thatthat in the downhill position, they release from engagement with the gliding board shoe upon application of a force exceeding a predetermined release force and move from the downhill position into a release position by a rotational movement of the binding body about the release axis of rotation, wherein the Mz release mechanism has a spring arrangement with a spring means which determines the predetermined release force, and wherein the Mz release mechanism comprises a cam body arranged on the binding body, which is designed to engage in a cam-like manner with a counter-contour of a cam surface provided on the base in the downhill position.

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

[0003] Heel units of this type are known, for example, from DE 10 2011 079 210 A1 or EP 0 199 098 A3 and typically have a base-fixed axle body in the form of a post or pin arranged substantially orthogonally with respect to the gliding board plane, around which the binding body can rotate. Conventionally, a spring means in the form of a compression spring is provided, which is supported at one spring end portion on a guide surface provided on this axle body and at the other spring end portion on a portion on the binding body in order to preload the heel unit into the downhill position. This configuration provides an Mz safety release in the event of a user of the heel unit falling if forces acting on the coupling means exceed a predetermined threshold value, by rotating the binding body around the axle body against the spring force of the compression spring.

[0004] Mz and My are release torques of gliding board bindings. My is the torque for release when a torque is applied around a gliding board transverse axis (Y-axis) if this torque exceeds a My release torque. Mz is the torque for release when the gliding board shoe rotates in the gliding board binding, and My is the torque during a forward tilt, for example, a forward fall. Accordingly, an Mz safety release ensures that the gliding board shoe is released from the gliding board binding when a torque is applied around a Z-axis if this torque exceeds an Mz release torque. The Z-axis runs parallel to the release rotation axis, which is orthogonal to the gliding board plane. The Mz release mechanism is designed to provide such an Mz safety release in the most defined way possible.

[0005] However, an arrangement of the compression spring and axle body, as in the known heel units, one behind the other along the longitudinal direction of the gliding board, requires a relatively large amount of space in the longitudinal direction of the gliding board, and the Mz release mechanism of the known heel units takes up a relatively large amount of space in the longitudinal direction of the gliding board. This can be problematic not only due to the increased space requirement, but also due to the increased weight of the heel unit due to the longer design.

[0006] EP 2 384 794 B1 discloses a heel unit for a gliding board binding according to the preambles of claims 1 and 10.

[0007] FR 3 098 412 A3 discloses a front unit for a gliding board binding with pivot arms that are pre-tensioned by a torsion spring and a cable pull.

[0008] DE 10 2005 048 995 A1 also discloses a front unit for a gliding board binding with clamping jaws pre-tensioned by a tension spring.

[0009] Against this background, it was the object of the present invention to provide a heel unit for a gliding board binding, in particular for a touring binding, with a compact design, in particular in the longitudinal direction of the gliding board.

[0010] According to the invention, this object is achieved according to a first aspect of the invention by a heel unit for a gliding board binding, in particular for a touring binding, comprising a base with a fastening arrangement for attachment to a gliding board, a binding body which is rotatable relative to the base about a release axis of rotation extending orthogonally to a gliding board plane, coupling means arranged on the binding body which are designed to engage with a heel section of a gliding board shoe in a downhill position of the gliding board binding in order to hold the gliding board shoe to the gliding board binding, wherein the coupling means protrude from the binding body in a gliding board longitudinal direction, in particular in a forward direction of travel, in the downhill position, and an Mz release mechanism which is designed to pretension the coupling means in the downhill position in such a way thatthat in the downhill position, they release from engagement with the gliding board shoe upon application of a force exceeding a predetermined release force and move from the downhill position into a release position by a rotational movement of the binding body about the release axis of rotation, wherein the Mz release mechanism has a spring arrangement with a spring means that determines the predetermined release force, and wherein the Mz release mechanism comprises a cam body arranged on the binding body, which is configured to engage in a slotted manner with a mating contour of a cam surface provided on the base in the downhill position, wherein the spring arrangement is configured to exert a tensile force on the cam body in order to pull it into slotted engagement with the mating contour of the cam surface, whereby the coupling means are pretensioned into the downhill position.

[0011] An important aspect of this inventive solution is therefore to preload the coupling means into the downhill position by exerting a tensile force on the cam body. Such a configuration enables a space-saving design of the Mz release mechanism, particularly in the longitudinal direction of the gliding board.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the spring arrangement can have a cable element which is designed to transmit the tensile force to the cam body. A cable element can be deflected at almost any position on the heel unit, thereby enabling a multitude of arrangement options for the elements of the spring arrangement. In particular, the spring means can be arranged almost anywhere and the spring force of the spring means can be advantageously transmitted by the correspondingly guided or deflected cable element and exerted at the required location. This configuration allows for many different design options and, with clever structural arrangement of the spring means and the cable element, a considerable amount of installation space can be saved. In other words, the heel unit can be designed to be particularly compact, particularly in the longitudinal direction of the gliding board.

[0013] If the spring arrangement comprises a cable element, a first end portion of the cable element can preferably be attached to the spring means. This can preferably be achieved via a loop formed at the end of the cable or in a similar manner. Alternatively, other suitable connections between the cable element and the spring means are conceivable, but a direct connection is preferably provided in order to achieve direct force transmission without significant friction losses. Alternatively, the first end portion of the cable element can also be attached to the spring means via an intermediate connecting element.

[0014] Furthermore, a second end section of the rope element can be fixed to the binding body. In particular, it is contemplated that such a fixation of the rope element to the binding body takes place via a seal or the like arranged at the end section of the rope element, with the rope element first being guided through a through-hole or other recess in the binding body. Alternatively, any other thickened portion can be provided at the end section of the rope element. A connection via a loop formed at the end of the rope, which is hooked onto a projection on the binding body, or another suitable connection—directly or via an intermediate connecting element—is also conceivable.Because the second end portion of the cable element is fixed to the binding body, the cable element can transmit the spring force of the spring means to the cam body in order to provide the release force for the Mz release mechanism, which in turn allows for a variety of design options for the spring arrangement, achieves a compact design of the heel unit and yet can provide a relatively large release force.

[0015] In addition, the binding body can have at least one guide section for the cable element. By means of guide sections on the binding body, the cable element can, for example, be guided around the binding body and deflected. If the binding body itself functions as a deflection element, the cable element remains close to it and a compact design can be achieved. In addition, the at least one guide section for the cable element on the binding body can be used to determine the position of the cable element relatively precisely and to direct it in such a way that the cable element does not enter the range of movement of other movable elements of the heel unit with which the cable element is not intended to interact and whose movement the cable element is not intended to impair. In this way, possible malfunctions of the heel unit can be prevented in a particularly simple manner by means of the at least one guide section for the cable element provided on the binding body.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the spring means can be a torsion spring. 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 for the spring type "torsion spring." These terms can be used equally well instead of "torsion spring." One advantage of using a torsion spring as the spring means for the spring arrangement is, for example, that torsion springs can be designed relatively compactly in the direction of a central axis of their coils. The spring arrangement thus requires less installation space, particularly in the longitudinal direction of the gliding board, allowing the entire heel unit arrangement to be designed more compactly.

[0017] If the spring arrangement comprises a cable element and the spring means is a torsion spring, a first spring leg of the torsion spring can be supported on a section of the binding body and / or a second spring leg of the torsion spring can be supported on a section of the cable element, in particular on a first end section of the cable element. Supporting the spring legs of the torsion spring on the binding body or on the cable element allows direct force transmission between the spring arrangement and the binding body on which the coupling means are arranged. In an advantageous and space-saving manner, this force transmission can be achieved through the flexible cable element, which can be deflected at suitable points to achieve a particularly compact overall arrangement.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the spring means can be a tension spring. Although a tension spring is less compact along the central axis of its spring coils than, for example, a torsion spring, it offers particularly simple design options and can be arranged outside a central axis in the longitudinal direction of the gliding board of the heel unit. This allows the arrangement to be arranged next to or next to the binding body instead of behind or in front of an axle body of the base in a transverse direction of the gliding board (y-direction). This in turn allows the length of the heel unit to be shortened in the longitudinal direction of the gliding board (x-direction).

[0019] If the spring means is a tension spring, a first spring end of the tension spring can be assigned to the binding body and / or a second spring end of the tension spring can be assigned to the cam body. "Assigned" in this context means that the first spring end of the tension spring can be arranged or fastened to the binding body either directly or via an intermediate element, and the second spring end of the tension spring can be arranged or fastened to the cam body either directly or via an intermediate element. Fastening the spring ends of the tension spring to the binding body or to the cam body allows direct force transmission between the spring arrangement and the binding body on which the coupling means are arranged. In particular, spring end sections on the spring ends of the tension spring can be designed as hook sections or the like and can be attached to a section of the binding body orof the cam body in order to transfer the release force to the coupling means arranged on the binding body.

[0020] Furthermore, the object of the present invention formulated at the outset is achieved according to a second aspect of the invention by a heel unit for a gliding board binding, in particular for a touring binding, comprising a base with a fastening arrangement for attachment to a gliding board, a binding body which is rotatable relative to the base about a release axis of rotation extending orthogonally to a gliding board plane, coupling means arranged on the binding body which are designed to engage with a heel section of a gliding board boot in a downhill position of the gliding board binding in order to hold the gliding board boot to the gliding board binding, wherein the coupling means protrude from the binding body in a gliding board longitudinal direction, in particular in a forward direction of travel, in the downhill position, and an Mz release mechanism which is designed to pretension the coupling means in the downhill position in such a way thatthat, in the downhill position, they release from engagement with the gliding board shoe upon application of a force exceeding a predetermined release force and move from the downhill position into a release position by a rotational movement of the binding body about the release rotation axis, wherein the Mz release mechanism has a spring arrangement with a spring means that determines the predetermined release force, and wherein the Mz release mechanism comprises a cam body arranged on the binding body, which is configured to engage in a slotted manner with a mating contour of a cam surface provided on the base in the downhill position, wherein the spring arrangement is configured to exert a spring force on the cam body in order to bring it into slotted engagement with the mating contour of the cam surface, and wherein the spring means is a torsion spring.

[0021] An important aspect of this inventive solution is that the triggering force for the Mz triggering mechanism is provided by a torsion spring. One advantage of using a torsion spring as the spring means for the spring arrangement is, for example, that torsion springs can be designed relatively compactly in the direction of a central axis of their coils, and the spring arrangement thus requires less installation space, particularly in the longitudinal direction of the gliding board, allowing the entire arrangement of the heel unit to be made more compact. The torsion spring can also be arranged with the central axis of the spring coils in the longitudinal direction of the gliding board, the transverse direction of the gliding board, or in a direction perpendicular to the gliding board plane, thus providing considerable design flexibility.In the present invention, it is particularly intended to arrange the torsion spring with its central axis perpendicular to the gliding board plane in order to keep the heel unit compact in the longitudinal direction of the gliding board.

[0022] Torsion springs are used to generate torque or to accumulate rotational energy in a structure. For the purposes of this invention, the term "torsion spring" may also be referred to as a leg spring or torsion spring. These terms can be used equally well in place of "torsion spring."

[0023] Advantageously, a first spring leg of the torsion spring can be supported on a section of the binding body and / or a second spring leg of the torsion spring can be supported on a section of the Mz release mechanism, in particular on a section of the cam body. Supporting the spring legs of the torsion spring on the binding body or on the cam body allows direct force transmission between the spring arrangement and the binding body on which the coupling means are arranged. In particular, it is envisaged that the first spring leg of the torsion spring presses directly against a section on the binding body and / or the second spring leg of the torsion spring presses directly against a section on the cam body or an element associated with the cam body in order to provide the release force for the Mz release mechanism and to transmit it to the coupling means via the torsion spring.

[0024] In particular, it is envisaged that the cam body is pivotably mounted on the binding body, in particular about a pivot axis parallel to the gliding board plane and orthogonal to the release rotation axis, or about a pivot axis parallel to the release rotation axis. A pivotable mounting of the cam body enables a defined movement of the same. This can reduce the likelihood of the cam body jamming or similar on the binding body. In addition, less friction is generated than, for example, with a movable arrangement of the cam body. The overall system is thus less susceptible to defects and easier to maintain. Alternatively, a movable mounting of the cam body is also conceivable; in other words, the invention is not limited to a pivotable mounting of the cam body.

[0025] Particularly preferably, a spring preload of the spring means can be adjustable, in particular adjustable by means of an adjusting screw. This allows the heel unit to be advantageously adapted to different users with different parameters, such as body weight, riding ability, age, gliding board shoe length (altered torque by changing the lever arm length), etc. Overall, user safety can be improved in this way. An adjusting screw can be easily operated using a standard screwdriver. This ensures easy handling with regard to the adjustment option for a spring preload of the spring means of the spring arrangement of the Mz release arrangement of the heel unit.

[0026] The coupling means can in particular be two coupling pins arranged essentially next to one another, which are designed to engage in recesses in the heel section of the gliding board shoe in order to hold the gliding board shoe on the gliding board binding, wherein at least one of the coupling pins is movable relative to the other coupling pin, in particular in a plane essentially parallel to the gliding board plane. Preferably, it is contemplated that both coupling pins are movable away from one another against an elastic tensioning force in the plane essentially parallel to the gliding board plane. This makes it possible to provide not only the Mz release but also a frontal or My release in order to obtain a fully functional safety binding with Mz and My release. As mentioned at the beginning, My is the torque during a forward tilt, for example a forward fall. In the case of a frontal orAccording to the My-release mechanism, the gliding board shoe is released when a torque is applied in the gliding board's transverse direction (y-direction) if this torque exceeds a My-release torque. Preferably, the spring preload of a spring element of a My-release mechanism can also be adjustable in order to adapt the My-release torque to various user parameters such as body weight, riding ability, age, gliding board shoe length, etc.

[0027] The object of the invention formulated at the outset is also achieved by a touring binding comprising a heel unit according to the first or second aspect of the present invention.

[0028] The invention will be explained in more detail below using preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a heel unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention in a downhill position, Figure 2 is a plan view of the heel unit of the first embodiment in the downhill position, Figure 3 is a side view of the heel unit of the first embodiment in the downhill position, Figure 4 is a sectional view along the line AA in Figure 3 the heel unit of the first embodiment in the downhill position, Figure 5 a sectional view along the line BB in Figure 3 the heel unit of the first embodiment in the downhill position, Figure 6 a top view of the heel unit of the first embodiment in a release position, Figure 7 a side view of the heel unit of the first embodiment in the release position, Figure 8 a sectional view along the line CC in Figure 6the heel unit of the first embodiment in the release position, Figure 9 a perspective view of a heel unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention in a downhill position, Figure 10 a top view of the heel unit of the second embodiment in the downhill position, Figure 11 a side view of the heel unit of the second embodiment in the downhill position, Figure 12 a sectional view along the line DD in Figure 10 the heel unit of the second embodiment in the downhill position, Figure 13 a top view of the heel unit of the second embodiment in a release position, Figure 14 a side view of the heel unit of the second embodiment in the release position, Figure 15 a sectional view along the line EE in Figure 13the heel unit of the second embodiment in the release position, Figure 16 a perspective view of a heel unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention in a downhill position, Figure 17 a top view of the heel unit of the third embodiment in the downhill position, Figure 18 a side view of the heel unit of the third embodiment in the downhill position, Figure 19 a sectional view along the line FF in Figure 17 the heel unit of the third embodiment in the downhill position, Figure 20 a rear view of the heel unit of the third embodiment in the downhill position, Figure 21 a top view of the heel unit of the third embodiment in a release position, Figure 22 a side view of the heel unit of the third embodiment in the release position, Figure 23 a sectional view along the line GG in Figure 21the heel unit of the third embodiment in the release position and Figure 24 a rear view of the heel unit of the third embodiment in the release position.

[0029] One in the Figures 1 to 8The heel unit, generally designated 10, of a first exemplary embodiment of the invention comprises a base 12 for fastening the heel unit 10 to a gliding board (not shown). A fastening arrangement of the base 12, realized, for example, by fastening holes 14 for fastening screws, as well as a lower contact surface of the base 12, define a gliding board plane E corresponding to a surface of the gliding board on which the heel unit 10 is to be mounted. The base 12 also defines an X-axis (gliding board longitudinal direction or x-direction), which is oriented in the direction of travel of the gliding board, a Y-axis (gliding board transverse direction or y-direction) running orthogonal to the X-axis and parallel to the gliding board plane E, and a Z-axis (vertical direction or z-direction) running orthogonal to the gliding board plane E.

[0030] The base 12 can be constructed in two parts, with a first base element 20, in particular in the form of a base plate 20, which for attachment to the gliding board has, for example, the fastening arrangement for fastening by means of screws (corresponding bores 14 in the first base element 20), and with a second base element 22, in particular in the form of a longitudinally displaceable slide 22, which can be attached to the first base element 20. The second base element 22 can be held displaceably in the x-direction on the first base element 20 in order to enable longitudinal positioning of the heel unit 10 for adaptation to a shoe size and / or to enable a certain mobility of the heel unit 10 relative to the gliding board along the x-axis within a predetermined dynamic range of motion.

[0031] The heel unit 10 further comprises a binding body 16 which is used to adjust the heel unit 10 between a Figures 1 to 5shown departure position and one in the Figures 6 to 8 illustrated release position relative to the base 12 about a release rotation axis A running orthogonally to the gliding board plane E (see top and sectional views of the Figures 2 , 4 , 6 and 8 ) is rotatable. The trigger rotation axis A thus runs along the z-direction. In particular, as shown in the sectional views of the Figures 4 , 5 and 8 As can be seen, the second base element 22 has a pin section 24 which extends substantially in the z-direction and around which the binding body 16 can be rotatably mounted.

[0032] The heel unit 10 further comprises coupling means 18 on the binding body 16 for coupling to a gliding board boot in order to secure the gliding board boot in the downhill position of the heel unit 10. The coupling means 18 can protrude from the binding body 16, particularly in the downhill position, in the x-direction, in particular in the direction of travel, and in the release position, can be rotated laterally to the left or right, together with the binding body 16, around the release rotation axis A with respect to the base 12 at a predetermined angle of rotation, depending on the direction of force application.In a manner known per se, the coupling means 18 can be formed by two coupling pins 18 arranged next to one another, extending essentially in the x-direction, which extend in a plane essentially parallel to the gliding board plane E and protrude forward from the heel unit 10 in the downhill position, in the direction of travel, wherein at least one of the coupling pins 18 is movable relative to the other coupling pin, in particular is movable in the plane essentially parallel to the gliding board plane E. The coupling pins 18 can be separate pins or form ends of a U-shaped bracket. In a manner known per se, the coupling pins 18 are preferably pretensioned into their engagement-ready position by a My release mechanism, so that they hold the heel section of the gliding board shoe.Upon overcoming a predetermined release force, the coupling pins 18 can be moved away from each other in the y-direction, with this movement taking place against the action of a μ release spring. An example of such a release mechanism is again known from EP 2 545 966 ​​A2, the content of which with regard to this release mechanism is intended to be fully incorporated into this disclosure. Alternatively, the coupling pins 18 can be formed by the front ends of a U-shaped bracket element, which is secured to the heel unit 10 in such a way that the two coupling pins 18 are movable by elastic deformation of the U-shaped bracket element in order to enable μ release of the heel unit 10.

[0033] The heel unit 10 comprises an Mz release mechanism configured to pretension the coupling means 18 into the downhill position such that, in the downhill position, they disengage from the gliding board shoe upon application of a force exceeding a predetermined release force and move from the downhill position into the release position by a rotational movement of the binding body 16 about the release rotation axis A. The Mz release mechanism comprises a spring arrangement with a spring means 30 that determines the predetermined release force. Furthermore, the Mz release mechanism comprises a cam body 40 arranged on the binding body 16, which is configured to engage in a cam-like manner in the downhill position with a counter-contour 28 of a cam surface 26 provided on the base 12, in particular on the pin portion 24.

[0034] According to the invention, a tensile force is exerted on the cam body 40 via the spring arrangement in order to pull it into engagement with the counter contour 28 of the cam surface 26 and thereby pretension the heel unit 10 or the binding body 16 and the coupling means 18 into the downhill position.

[0035] The cam body 40 can in particular be pivotally mounted on the binding body 16 about a pivot axis 42, in particular at a rear end of the heel unit 10 in the direction of travel or x-direction. In the first exemplary embodiment, the pivot axis 42 can run substantially parallel to the gliding board plane E and substantially orthogonal to the release rotation axis A. In this way, the cam body 40 can be movable away from the binding body 16 during a pivoting movement about the pivot axis 42 against the pretensioning force of the spring means 30 and can be movable towards the binding body 16 or can be pretensioned towards the binding body 16 by the spring means 30.

[0036] In the case of the first embodiment, the spring means can in particular be a torsion spring 30 with two spring legs 34, 36. A spring preload of the spring means 30 can preferably be adjustable, in particular by means of an adjusting screw 38, which is fastened to the binding body 16 and presses on the first spring leg 34. The Mz release mechanism can comprise a cable element 50, which transmits the tensile force or the preload force of the spring means 30, in particular the torsion spring 30, to the cam body 40. A first leg 34 of the torsion spring 30 can, as in Figure 3can be seen, be supported on the binding body 16 and a second spring leg 36 of the torsion spring 30 can be supported on a section of the cable element 50, in particular on a first end section 52 of the cable element 50. The first end section 52 of the cable 50 can in particular be designed as a loop 52 at the cable end, which is suspended on the second spring leg 36, as in Figure 1 As can be seen, for example, from the Figures 2 or 4 As can be seen, a second rope end 54 can be fixed to the binding body 16, for example by means of a seal. Alternatively, a rope loop suspended from a projection of the binding body 16 is also conceivable here, or any other suitable connection by means of which the rope end 54 can be reliably secured to the binding body 16 or another element fixed to the binding body.

[0037] The cable element 50 can, in particular, be guided around the binding body 16, starting from the first spring leg 34, and can be fixed to the binding body 16 on a side of the binding body 16 opposite the torsion spring 30 or the first spring leg 34, for example by a seal 54 or otherwise. With reference to Figure 4, a sectional view in a plane parallel to the gliding board plane E at the level of the cable element 50, the cable element 50 can be guided between its end sections 52, 54 by means of guide sections 60 on the binding body 16 in order to stabilize the position of the cable 50. Such guide sections 60 can be realized, for example, by projections on the binding body 16 that engage over or under the cable element 50. In addition, the cable element 50 can also be guided on the cam body 40 or otherwise connected to the cam body 40 in order to transmit the tensile force of the spring means 30, in particular the torsion spring 30, to the cam body 40.

[0038] As mentioned above, in the Figures 1 to 5 the downhill position of the heel unit 10 is shown, while in the Figures 6 to 8 the release position of the heel unit 10 is shown. When comparing the Figures 1 to 5 with the Figures 6 to 8It can first be seen that the coupling means 18 protrude from the binding body 16 in the downhill position in the direction of travel x (see for example Figure 2 ) and in the release position are rotated together with the binding body 16 relative to the base 12, in particular around the pin section 24 of the carriage 22 (see for example Figure 6 ).

[0039] With reference to the Figures 5 and 8 , sectional views in a plane parallel to the gliding board plane E at the level of the counter contour 28 of the cam surface 26 formed on the pin portion 24 of the base 12, an Mz release of the heel unit 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention by means of the Mz release mechanism is explained. In Figure 5the part of the cam body 40 projecting in the direction of the binding body 16 is prestressed into a recess on the pin section 24 formed by the counter contour 28 on the cam surface 26 due to the tensile force exerted on the cam body 40 via the cable element 50. In comparison, in Figure 8 , which is a sectional view along the lines CC in Figure 7shows a state during or after an Mz release. In this state, a force exceeding the Mz release force acts (or has acted), in particular from a lateral direction, on the coupling means 18, thereby creating a torque about the Z-axis. Such a state occurs, for example, in the event of a fall by the user or due to lateral impacts that the gliding board experiences while riding. It can be seen that the cam body 40 has moved along the counter contour 28 of the cam surface 26 due to the rotational movement of the coupling means 18 and thus of the binding body 16 on which it is mounted, and has been pushed backward in the direction of travel by a sliding movement along this link surface in conjunction with a rotational or pivoting movement about the pivot axis 42 against the spring preload transmitted by the cable element 50.Thus, the arrangement allows rotation of the coupling means 18 and the binding body 16 with respect to the base 12 of the heel unit 10, but counter to the spring force of the spring means 30, which in the case of the present embodiment can be transmitted via the cable element 50.

[0040] With reference to the Figures 9 to 15A second exemplary embodiment of the invention is described in more detail below. Only the differences from the first exemplary embodiment will be discussed in more detail, and reference is made to the description of the first exemplary embodiment. All features and functions of the first exemplary embodiment not described again here can be transferred to the second exemplary embodiment in the same or at least in a very similar manner. Accordingly, the statements regarding the X, Y, and Z axes as well as the x, y, and z directions in the description of the first exemplary embodiment of the invention apply equally to the second exemplary embodiment.

[0041] With reference to Figure 9A heel unit 110 of the second embodiment also comprises a base 112 for fastening the heel unit 110 to a gliding board (not shown). A fastening arrangement of the base 112, realized, for example, by fastening holes 114 for fastening screws, as well as a lower contact surface of the base 112, in turn define a gliding board plane E corresponding to a surface of the gliding board on which the heel unit 110 is to be mounted. Furthermore, the heel unit 110 comprises a binding body 116, which in turn is rotatable relative to the base 112 about a release rotation axis A extending orthogonally to the gliding board plane E. The base 112 can, as in the first embodiment, have a pin portion 124 (see Figures 12 and 15 ) around which the binding body 116 can rotate.

[0042] The heel unit 110 comprises an Mz release mechanism configured to pre-tension the coupling means 118 into the downhill position such that, in the downhill position, they release from engagement with the gliding board shoe upon application of a force exceeding a predetermined release force and move from the downhill position into the release position by a rotational movement of the binding body 116 about the release rotation axis A. The coupling means 118 can in turn be implemented in the form of coupling pins 118 arranged substantially side by side. Figure 10 It can be seen that the coupling means 118 are aligned in the x-direction in the downhill position and protrude from the binding body 116 in the direction of travel. Figure 13 the coupling means 118 in the release position together with the binding body 116 are rotated with respect to the base 112 about the release rotation axis A.

[0043] The Mz trigger mechanism comprises a spring arrangement with a spring means 130 which determines the predetermined trigger force. As shown, for example, in the Figures 9 and 11 As can be seen, the spring means 130 can, unlike in the first embodiment, be a tension spring 130, which acts in particular without an additionally provided cable element.

[0044] In addition, the Mz release mechanism comprises a cam body 140 arranged on the binding body 116, which is designed to engage in the downhill position with a counter contour 128 of a cam surface 126 provided on the base 112, in particular on the pin section 124.

[0045] As in Figure 12 , a sectional view in a plane parallel to the gliding board plane E along the lines DD in Figure 11, the spring arrangement is designed to exert a tensile force on the cam body 140 in order to pull it into engagement with the counter contour 128 of the cam surface 126 and thereby pretension the heel unit 110 or the binding body 116 and the coupling means 118 into the downhill position.

[0046] For this purpose, a first spring end 134 of the tension spring 130 can be assigned to the binding body 116, and a second spring end 136 of the tension spring 130 can be assigned to the cam body 140 in order to transmit the tensile force to the cam body 140. For example, an axle 132 can be attached to the binding body 116, wherein the first spring end 134 can be hooked to the axle 132, for example in the form of a hook portion. The second spring end 136 can be attached, for example, to an adjusting screw 138, by means of which a spring preload of the tension spring 130 can be adjusted and which is itself attached to the cam body 140 in order to transmit the tensile force to the cam body 140 via the tension spring 130 and the adjusting screw 138.

[0047] The cam body 140 can in turn be pivotably mounted on the binding body 116. In the second embodiment, the cam body 140 can in particular be pivotably mounted on the binding body 116 about a pivot axis 142 parallel to the release rotation axis A.

[0048] In the Figures 9 to 12 the downhill position of the heel unit 110 is shown, while in the Figures 13 to 15 the release position of the heel unit 110 is shown. Figures 12 and 15 are sectional views in a plane parallel to the sliding board plane E at the level of the counter contour 128 of the cam surface 126 formed on the pin portion 124 of the base 112. Figure 12 is a sectional view along the lines DD in Figure 11 and Figure 15 is a sectional view along the lines EE in Figure 14 .

[0049] An Mz release of the heel unit 110 according to the second embodiment of the present invention by means of the Mz release mechanism functions similarly to the first embodiment, with the difference that the tensile force or pretensioning force is not transmitted to the cam body 140 by a torsion spring in conjunction with a cable element, but by a tension spring 140.

[0050] In Figure 12 the part of the cam body 140 projecting in the direction of the binding body 116 is prestressed into a recess on the pin section 124 formed by the counter contour 128 on the cam surface 126 due to the tensile force exerted on the cam body 140 via the tension spring 130. In comparison, in Figure 15again, a state during or after an Mz triggering is shown. In this state, a force exceeding the Mz triggering force acts (or has acted), particularly from a lateral direction, on the coupling means 118, creating a torque about the Z-axis. Figure 15 It can be seen that the cam body 140 has moved along the counter contour 128 of the cam surface 126 due to the rotational movement of the binding body 116, on which it is mounted, and has been pushed rearward in the direction of travel by a sliding movement along this cam surface in conjunction with a rotational or pivoting movement about the pivot axis 142 against the spring preload transmitted by the tension spring 130. A rotation of the coupling means 118 and the binding body 116 with respect to the base 112 about the release rotation axis A against the spring force of the spring means 130 thus leads to an adjustment between the downhill position and the release position.

[0051] A third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 16 to 24 described. In the description of the third embodiment, only the differences compared to the first embodiment are discussed in detail, while with regard to all other features, reference is made to the description of the first embodiment. Features and functions not described again in the third embodiment can be transferred from the first embodiment to the third embodiment in the same or corresponding manner. Thus, the statements regarding the X, Y and Z axes as well as the x, y and z directions in the description of the first and second embodiments apply equally to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] One in Figure 16The heel unit 210 of the third embodiment, shown in a perspective view, also comprises a base 212 for fastening the heel unit 210 to a gliding board (not shown). A fastening arrangement of the base 212, realized, for example, by a fastening hole 214 for fastening screws, as well as a lower contact surface of the base 212, in turn define a gliding board plane E corresponding to a surface of the gliding board on which the heel unit 210 is to be mounted. Furthermore, the heel unit 210 comprises a binding body 216, which in turn is rotatable relative to the base 212 about a release rotation axis A extending orthogonally to the gliding board plane E. The base 212 can, as in the first and second embodiments, have a pin portion 224 (see Figures 19 and 23 ) around which the binding body 216 can rotate about the release rotation axis A.

[0053] The heel unit 210 also includes an Mz release mechanism configured to pre-tension the coupling means 218 into the downhill position such that, in the downhill position, they release from engagement with the gliding board shoe upon application of a force exceeding a predetermined release force and move from the downhill position into the release position by a rotational movement of the binding body 216 about the release rotation axis A. The coupling means 218 can be implemented, as in the two previously described embodiments, in the form of coupling pins 218 arranged substantially side by side. Figure 17 It can be seen that the coupling means 218 are aligned in the x-direction in the downhill position and protrude from the binding body 216 in the direction of travel. In contrast, in Figure 21In the illustrated state of the heel unit 210, the coupling means 218 in the release position are rotated together with the binding body 216 with respect to the base 212 about the release rotation axis A.

[0054] In addition, the Mz release mechanism also comprises a cam body 240 arranged on the binding body 216, which is designed to engage in the downhill position with a counter contour 228 of a cam surface 226 provided on the base 212, in particular on the pin section 224, as in Figure 19 can be seen.

[0055] The Mz trigger mechanism comprises a spring arrangement with a spring means 130 which determines the predetermined trigger force. As best shown in the Figures 20 and 24As can be seen, the spring means 230 in the case of the third embodiment is a torsion spring 230, and the spring arrangement is configured to exert a spring force on the cam body 240 in order to bring it into engagement with the counter contour 228 of the cam surface 226. The torsion spring 230 of the third embodiment can act, in particular, without an additionally provided cable element.

[0056] As in the Figures 20 and 24 As can be seen, a first spring leg 234 of the torsion spring 230 can be supported on a portion of the binding body 216, and a second spring leg 236 of the torsion spring 230 can be supported on a portion of the Mz trigger mechanism, in particular on a portion of the cam body 240. As a result, the preload force of the torsion spring 230 can be transmitted directly to the cam body 240 via the spring legs 234, 236.

[0057] The spring preload of the torsion spring 230 can be adjusted, as in the previously described embodiments, in particular by means of an adjusting screw 238, the arrangement of which can be seen, for example, from the Figures 18 , 20 and 24 Accordingly, the adjusting screw 238 can be fastened to a portion of the binding body 216, in particular can be threadably engaged with the binding body, and when the screw 238 is rotated in the thread direction, it can press on a spring leg 234 of the torsion spring 230 in order to increase the spring preload, or when the screw 238 is rotated counter to the thread direction, it can reduce the pressure on a spring leg 234 of the torsion spring 230 in order to reduce the spring preload.

[0058] The cam body 240 can in turn be pivotably mounted on the binding body 216. In the third embodiment, the cam body 240 can in particular be pivotably mounted on the binding body 216 about a pivot axis 242 parallel to the gliding board plane E and orthogonal to the release rotation axis A.

[0059] In the Figures 16 to 20 the downhill position of the heel unit 210 is shown, while in the Figures 21 to 24 the release position of the heel unit 210 is shown. The Figures 19 and 23 are sectional views in a plane parallel to the sliding board plane E at the level of the counter contour 228 of the cam surface 226 formed on the pin portion 224 of the base 212. Figure 19 is a sectional view along the lines FF in Figure 18 and Figure 23 is a sectional view along the lines GG in Figure 22 .

[0060] An Mz release of the heel unit 210 according to the third embodiment of the present invention by means of the Mz release mechanism functions similarly to the first and second embodiments, with the difference that the pretensioning force is transmitted directly to the cam body 240 by a torsion spring.

[0061] In Figure 19 the cam body 240 is preloaded into a recess on the journal section 224 formed by the counter contour 228 on the cam surface 226 due to the preload force exerted on the cam body 240 via the torsion spring 230. In comparison, in Figure 23 a state during or after an Mz triggering is shown. In this state, a force exceeding the Mz triggering force acts (or has acted), particularly from a lateral direction, on the coupling means 218, creating a torque about the Z-axis. Figure 23It can again be seen that the cam body 240 has moved along the counter contour 228 of the cam surface 226 due to the rotational movement of the binding body 216, on which it is mounted, and has been pushed rearward in the direction of travel by a sliding movement along this cam surface in conjunction with a rotational or pivoting movement about the pivot axis 242 against the spring preload transmitted by the torsion spring 230. A rotation of the coupling means 218 and the binding body 216 with respect to the base 212 about the release rotation axis A against the spring force of the torsion spring 230 thus leads to an adjustment between the downhill position and the release position.

Claims

1. Heel unit (10; 110) for a sliding board binding, in particular for a touring binding, comprising: - a base (12; 112) with a fastening arrangement (14; 114) for fastening to a sliding board, - a binding body (16; 116), which is rotatable relative to the base (12; 112) about a release axis of rotation (A) extending orthogonally to a sliding board plane (E), - coupling means (18; 118) arranged on the binding body (16; 116), which are designed to engage with a heel section of a sliding board boot in order to hold the sliding board boot on the sliding board binding in a downhill position of the sliding board binding, wherein in the downhill position the coupling means (18; 118) protrude from the binding body (16; 116) in a longitudinal direction (x) of the sliding board, in particular in a forward direction of travel, from the binding body (16; 116), and - an Mz release mechanism (26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 50; 126, 128, 130, 138, 140), which is designed to preload the coupling means (18; 118) into the downhill position in such a way that, in the downhill position, when a force exceeding a predetermined release force acts on them, they disengage from the sliding board boot and, via a rotational movement of the binding body (16; 116) about the release axis of rotation (A), move from the downhill position into a release position, wherein the Mz release mechanism has a spring arrangement (30, 38, 50; 130, 138) with a spring means (30; 130) which determines the predetermined release force, and wherein the Mz release mechanism (26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 50; 126, 128, 130, 138, 140) comprises a cam body (40; 140) arranged on the binding body (16; 116), which is designed to engage in a cam follower manner with a counter-contour (28; 128) of a cam surface (26; 126) provided on the base (12; 112) in the release position, characterised in that the spring arrangement (30, 38, 50; 130, 138) is designed to exerting a tensile force on the cam body (40; 140) in order to pull it into cam follower engagement with the counter-contour (28; 128) of the cam surface (26; 126).

2. Heel unit (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that the spring arrangement (30, 38, 50) has a cable element (50) which is designed to transmit the tensile force to the cam body (40).

3. Heel unit (10) according to claim 2, characterised in that a first end section (52) of the cable element (50) is attached to the spring means (30).

4. Heel unit (10) according to claim 2 or claim 3, characterised in that a second end section (54) of the cable element (50) is fixed to the binding body (16).

5. Heel unit (10) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterised in that the binding body (16) has at least one guide section (60) for the cable element (50).

6. Heel unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the spring means (30) is a torsion spring (30).

7. Heel unit (10) according to claim 2 and claim 6, characterised in that a first spring leg (34) of the torsion spring (30) is supported on a section of the binding body (16) and / or a second spring leg (36) of the torsion spring (30) is supported on a section of the cable element (50), in particular on a first end section (52) of the cable element (50).

8. Heel unit (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the spring means (130) is a tension spring (130).

9. Heel unit (110) according to claim 8, characterised in that a first spring end (134) of the tension spring (130) is assigned to the binding body (116) and / or a second spring end (136) of the tension spring (130) is assigned to the cam body (140).

10. Heel unit (10; 210) for a sliding board binding, in particular for a touring binding, comprising: - a base (12; 212) with a fastening arrangement (14; 214) for fastening to a sliding board, - a binding body (16; 216), which is rotatable relative to the base (12; 212) about a release axis of rotation (A) extending orthogonally to a sliding board plane (E), - coupling means (18; 118) arranged on the binding body (16; 216), which are designed to engage with a heel section of a sliding board boot in order to hold the sliding board boot on the sliding board binding in a downhill position of the sliding board binding, wherein in the downhill position the coupling means (18; 218) protrude from the binding body (16; 216) in a longitudinal direction (x) of the sliding board, in particular in a forward direction of travel, from the binding body (16; 216), and - an Mz release mechanism (26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 50; 226, 228, 230, 238, 240), which is designed to preload the coupling means (18; 218) into the downhill position in such a way that, in the downhill position, when a force exceeding a predetermined release force acts on them, they disengage from the sliding board boot and, via a rotational movement of the binding body (16; 216) about the release axis of rotation (A), move from the downhill position into a release position, wherein the Mz release mechanism (26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 50; 226, 228, 230, 238, 240) has a spring arrangement (30, 38, 50; 230, 238) with a spring means (30; 230) which determines the predetermined release force, and wherein the Mz release mechanism (26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 50; 226, 228, 230, 238, 240) comprises a cam body (40; 240) arranged on the binding body (16; 216), which is designed to engage in a cam follower manner with a counter-contour (28; 228) of a cam surface (26; 226) provided on the base (12; 212) in the release position, characterised in that the spring arrangement (30, 38, 50; 230, 238) is designed to exert a spring force on the cam body (40; 240) in order to bring it into cam follower engagement with the counter-contour (28; 228) of the cam surface (26; 226), and in that the spring means (30; 230) is a torsion spring (30; 230).

11. Heel unit (210) according to claim 10, characterised in that that a first spring leg (234) of the torsion spring (230) is supported on a section of the binding body (216) and / or a second spring leg (236) of the torsion spring (230) is supported on a section of the Mz release mechanism (226, 228, 230, 238, 240), in particular on a section of the cam body (240).

12. Heel unit (10; 110; 210) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cam body (40; 140; 240) is pivotably arranged on the binding body (16; 116; 216), in particular pivotably arranged on the binding body (16; 116; 216) about a pivot axis (42; 242) parallel to the sliding board plane (E) and orthogonal to the release axis of rotation (A) or about a pivot axis (142) parallel to the release axis of rotation (A).

13. Heel unit (10; 110; 210) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a spring preload of the spring means (30; 130; 230) is adjustable, in particular by means of an adjustment screw (38; 138; 238).

14. Heel unit (10; 110; 210) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the coupling means (18; 118; 218) are two coupling pins (18; 118; 218) arranged essentially next to each other, which are designed to engage in recesses in the heel section of the sliding board boot in order to hold the sliding board boot to the sliding board binding, at least one of the coupling pins (18; 118; 218) being movable relative to the other coupling pin.

15. Touring binding comprising a heel unit (10; 110; 210) according to one of the preceding claims.

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