Heel binding with straight guiding paths of retaining elements during vertical release

Abstract

Ski binding with a toe holder which, in a top view of the ski binding, defines a pivot axis transverse to a longitudinal direction of the ski binding for a ski boot held by the toe holder, and a heel holder with a base, a heel holder housing projecting from the base, a first retaining element and a second retaining element, each having an engagement section for a holding engagement with a ski boot heel and a bearing section, a support device which receives the retaining elements in the area of ​​the respective bearing section, a pretensioning device against whose pretensioning force the retaining elements can be moved out of the holding engagement, a first guide track which extends transversely to the longitudinal direction in a top view and guides the first retaining element in a guide engagement transversely to the longitudinal direction, and a second guide track,which extends transversely to the longitudinal direction in the top view and guides the second retaining element in a guide engagement transversely to the longitudinal direction, wherein the guide tracks are each straight or composed of straight guide track sections over their extension in the guide engagement and each point obliquely downwards away from each other at least sectionally transversely to the longitudinal direction.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a ski binding with a toe holder, which preferably defines a pivot axis for a ski boot held by the toe holder in a plan view of the ski binding transversely to a longitudinal direction of the ski binding, and a heel holder with a heel holder housing and a first holding element and a second holding element for holding engagement with a ski boot heel. When stepping into the binding and upon vertical release of the heel holder, the first holding element and the second holding element move along straight guideways, which at least in sections point diagonally downwards away from one another to the sides, transversely to the longitudinal direction.

[0002] The invention relates to a ski binding with a toe holder, which in a plan view of the ski binding transversely to a longitudinal direction of the ski binding defines a pivot axis for a ski boot held by the toe holder, and a heel holder.

[0003] The ski binding is preferably a ski binding that can be used by the user for touring. The touring binding can be adjusted to allow ascent with the binding, releasing the ski boot from the heel holder, and descent with the binding, holding the ski boot in the heel holder. The heel holder can be connected to the ski body or to a plate that can be moved relative to the ski body.

[0004] The toe holder is a toe holder known in the art, e.g. a toe holder for a touring ski binding with two so-called pins that can engage laterally in the ski boot sole in corresponding receptacles to hold the ski boot in the toe holder during ascent, so that the ski boot can be pivoted about an axis that runs through the pins and the receptacles of the ski boot sole.

[0005] US 2013 / 0062862 A1 discloses a heel holder for a ski binding suitable for downhill and touring. To facilitate stepping into the heel holder before a descent, the heel holder is mechanically moved backward against the force of the pressure spring upon stepping in. To prevent false release in the event of brief vertical forces, the release path for the retaining elements is extended. A similar heel holder is known from EP 2 545 966 ​​A2. Another example is disclosed in document EP11151042.

[0006] Especially for ski tourers, the weight of the touring ski binding is playing an increasingly important role, as every gram of weight saved makes touring easier. At the same time, however, one does not want to compromise on safety and handling, which is why an adjustable release value (so-called "Z-value") on the binding is essential. At higher Z-values ​​(selected according to the weight and ability of the touring skier), the ease of entry into many touring bindings suffers. Especially when stepping into the heel clamp with the ski boot, the release force usually has to be overcome, which can be very strenuous with higher Z-values. Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a heel clamp for a touring ski binding that allows an adjustability of the release value while simultaneously offering improved entry comfort.Entry comfort is improved by reducing the entry force in relation to the release force.

[0007] This object of the invention is achieved by a ski binding having the features of claim 1.

[0008] The toe holder can be connected directly to the ski or to a base connected to the ski.

[0009] The heel holder comprises a base, a heel holder housing extending from the base, a first retaining element, and a second retaining element. The first retaining element and the second retaining element each have an engagement portion for retaining engagement with a ski boot heel, a bearing portion, and preferably a coupling portion in the longitudinal direction between the engagement portion and the bearing portion.

[0010] The first retaining element and the second retaining element can be two separate components that are not formed or connected to each other. In particular, they can be two rod-shaped parts, preferably solid parts, that have a constant or varying cross-section over their length, particularly a round or circular cross-section.

[0011] The first retaining element and the second retaining element can be parts of a single retaining element body, for example, a U-shaped bracket. In this case, the free ends of the U-shaped bracket form the engagement sections of the first retaining element and the second retaining element, and the curved, closed end of the U-shaped bracket forms the bearing section. The coupling sections are formed by the U-shaped beams extending at least substantially parallel to one another in the region between the free ends and the closed end of the U-shaped bracket.

[0012] Furthermore, the heel holder comprises a support device which receives the holding elements in the region of the respective bearing section, and a pretensioning device, against the pretensioning force of which the holding elements can be moved out of the holding engagement about the respective pivot axis.

[0013] The support device can be a part of the heel holder housing, for example, comprising a receptacle for the bearing section(s), such as a groove into which the closed end of the U-shaped bracket can be placed. The support device can also be an additional component that accommodates the bearing section(s) of the retaining element(s) and is connected or connectable to the heel holder housing. The support device can be moved relative to the heel housing, or the bearing section(s) can move relative to the support device.

[0014] The heel holder has a first guide track which, in a plan view of the heel holder, extends transversely to the longitudinal direction and guides the first holding element in a guide engagement transversely to the longitudinal direction.

[0015] The heel holder has a second guide track which, in plan view, extends transversely to the longitudinal direction and guides the second holding element in a guide engagement transversely to the longitudinal direction.

[0016] The first guide track for the first retaining element and the second guide track for the second retaining element are each straight or composed of straight guide sections over their guide-engaged extensions and each point diagonally downwards, at least in sections, transverse to the longitudinal direction and away from each other. By selecting a suitable angle of inclination for the inclination of the first and second guide tracks, the ratio of entry force to release force is reduced, thus enabling a reduced-force entry into the ski binding.

[0017] The first guide track and the second guide track can each comprise a straight inner guide track section that is oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction, for example substantially horizontally, and at least one straight outer guide track section that is oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction. The inner guide section can have an inner end that is closest to a horizontal central longitudinal plane, while an outer end of the outer guide section can have a greatest distance of the respective guide track from the central longitudinal line. The inner guide track section and the outer guide track section of the first and second guide tracks merge into one another at an angle or are connected to one another at an angle. The angle is preferably an obtuse angle. The angle can be greater than 160°, preferably greater than 165°, particularly preferably approximately 170°.The transition from the inner guideway section to the outer guideway section can occur when the respective retaining element has traveled approximately 25% to 75% of its path along the guideway in guide engagement. The transition from the inner guideway section to the outer guideway section can, for example, have a square or rounded shape.

[0018] The guide recess for the first retaining element and the guide recess for the second retaining element are preferably formed in a front housing wall of the heel retaining housing facing the toe holder. In particular, these can be elongated holes in the housing wall. The elongated holes can have a diameter transverse to their longitudinal extent that essentially corresponds to the diameter of the first retaining element or the second retaining element. The guide recesses can also be formed in one or each additional, preferably plate-shaped component that is arranged longitudinally in front of the heel retaining housing and / or is or can be connected to the heel retainer.

[0019] When the holding engagement is released or when the heel holder is released vertically, the first holding element moves along the first guide track, which comprises only a first guide track section, in a first inclined plane, and the second holding element moves along the second guide track, which comprises only a first guide track section, in a second inclined plane. Preferably, the second inclined plane is a mirror image of the first inclined plane, with the horizontal center plane of the heel holder as the mirror plane.

[0020] If the first guideway and the second guideway each consist of an inner guideway section and an outer guideway section, when the holding engagement is released or when the heel holder is released vertically, the first holding element moves along the first guideway in the inner guideway section along a third essentially horizontal plane and in the outer guideway section along the inclined first plane, and the second holding element moves along the inner guideway section in a fourth essentially horizontal plane and along the outer guideway section along the inclined second plane. If the second guideway is a mirror image of the first guideway and the third plane and the fourth plane are aligned horizontally, the two planes form a common plane.

[0021] The first inclined plane and the second inclined plane can have a downward inclination angle of 4° to 22°, preferably of 8° to 15°, and particularly preferably of approximately 10° and 10°±2°, respectively, to a horizontal support surface for the heel holder.

[0022] The third plane and the fourth plane may be horizontal planes parallel to the horizontal contact surface for the heel holder or they may have a positive or negative inclination angle of <4° to the horizontal contact surface.

[0023] The heel holder may further comprise an adjusting structure which, in engagement with the coupling portion of the first holding element, defines a pivot axis for the first holding element and, in engagement with the coupling portion of the second holding element, defines a pivot axis for the second holding element in a side view, each transverse to the longitudinal direction.

[0024] The positioning structure can be clamp-shaped or bow-shaped, with a main strut or cross member and two arms projecting essentially vertically from the ends of the main strut and extending essentially parallel to one another. The arms each have a free end. The arms are firmly connected to the main strut or are preferably formed in one piece with the main strut. The first arm, which cooperates with the coupling section of the first holding element, and the second arm, which cooperates with the coupling section of the second holding element, can be bent in the region of their free ends so that the free ends lie opposite one another. The first arm and the second arm can rest on the first and second holding elements, respectively, on facing lateral inner sides or opposite lateral outer sides of the holding elements and / or can engage laterally around the respective holding element, inside or outside.The arms can be elastically deformed by the application of force, for example, from the retaining elements. The main strut can be arranged above or below the retaining elements in a plan view of the heel support. Alternatively, the positioning structure can also have a closed geometry and enclose the first or second retaining element. Corresponding openings for the first or second retaining element can be provided in the positioning structure.

[0025] The bearing sections can be moved toward each other in plan view against the preload force of the preload device, and the pivot axes can be formed on mutually opposite, outer longitudinal sides of the coupling sections or on mutually facing, inner longitudinal sides of the coupling sections, or on the axis of the holding elements. Additional bearing elements can be used for the holding elements, which can be moved along the holding elements, in particular, together with the positioning structure.

[0026] The adjustment structure can be adjusted to different positions relative to the heel support housing and the retaining elements and can be locked in each position. Adjusting the adjustment structure adjusts the position of the respective pivot axis relative to the retaining elements and preferably also relative to the heel support housing, thereby changing, for example, the vertical release force required to release the retaining engagement.

[0027] The adjustment structure is preferably movable linearly in the longitudinal direction of the ski binding. For this purpose, the adjustment structure can be continuously moved along the coupling sections and secured in any position to prevent accidental displacement. The adjustment structure can be continuously moved and secured in the respective position. This can be secured using self-locking elements. Furthermore, the adjustment structure can also be moved to different, predefined locking positions and secured there. The position of the adjustment structure on the coupling sections can determine a force for stepping into the heel holder and / or a release force of the heel holder, preferably essentially vertically upwards. The release force must be overcome, for example, in the event of hard impacts from the ski or in the event of a fall in order to release the heel end of the ski boot vertically from the heel holder.This can prevent injuries or at least reduce the risk of injury.

[0028] The support device can fix the retaining elements in the region of the respective bearing section in the longitudinal direction. This means that the retaining elements held in the support device cannot be moved linearly in the longitudinal direction of the ski binding or heel holder within the heel holder housing toward the toe holder and / or in the opposite direction. However, the retaining elements held in the support device and fixed in the longitudinal direction can be mounted in the support device so as to be rotatable about a respective rotation axis.

[0029] Adjusting the adjustment structure can cause an adjustment of the position of the pivot axes in the longitudinal direction of the ski binding.

[0030] The positioning structure can have a first abutment element laterally adjacent to the coupling section of the first holding element and a second abutment element laterally adjacent to the coupling section of the second holding element. The abutment elements preferably have a smooth surface with low frictional resistance. The material of the abutment elements preferably has a small coefficient of elasticity, preferably a coefficient of elasticity that is substantially equal to or smaller than the coefficient of elasticity of the material of the holding elements. For this purpose, the abutment elements can, for example, be made of the same material as the holding elements.

[0031] The pretensioning force of the pretensioning device can tension the coupling section of the first holding element transversely to the longitudinal axis of the ski binding into abutment contact with the first abutment element and the coupling section of the second holding element transversely to the longitudinal axis of the ski binding into abutment contact with the second abutment element.

[0032] The pivot axes can be formed in the stop contact of the coupling sections and the respective abutment element.

[0033] The adjusting structure can have a cross member which is guided so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction relative to the heel holder housing and which, in plan view, extends above or below the holding elements transversely to the longitudinal direction and preferably laterally beyond the holding elements.

[0034] The abutment elements can be connected to the cross member or formed on the cross member and each have a preferably convex, round contact surface facing laterally toward the respective coupling section, with which the respective coupling section is in abutment contact. The abutment elements can be rotatably mounted on the cross member.

[0035] The preload force of the preload device can act on the holding elements in the respective bearing section transversely to the longitudinal direction and / or transversely to the pivot axes.

[0036] The pretensioning device can comprise one or more compression-preloaded springs or spring elements. The respective spring can have a spring axis extending transversely to the longitudinal direction and / or transversely to the pivot axes. This means that the spring axis can be directed upwards substantially parallel to the pivot axis for the ski boot held by the toe holder or perpendicular to an underside of the base.

[0037] The support device can comprise a first support element movable transversely to the longitudinal direction and a second support element movable transversely to the longitudinal direction. The first support element can support the first holding element in the longitudinal direction, and the second support element can support the second holding element in the longitudinal direction.

[0038] The preload force of the preload device can be introduced into the support elements.

[0039] The heel holder preferably has a guide, preferably a guide track, which guides the support elements in a guided engagement, preferably in sliding contact, transversely to the longitudinal direction and transversely to the pivot axes. The heel holder preferably has a first guide track for the first holding element and a second guide track for the second holding element.

[0040] The first support element can support the first holding element so that it can rotate about a longitudinal axis of the first holding element. The second support element can support the second holding element so that it can rotate about a longitudinal axis of the second holding element.

[0041] The first holding element can form a two-armed lever around the first pivot axis, and the second holding element can form a two-armed lever around the second pivot axis. The levers can each have a front lever arm extending from the associated pivot axis toward the respective engagement section and a rear lever arm extending from the associated pivot axis toward the respective bearing section. By adjusting the adjusting structure, the position of the respective pivot axis and, for the respective holding element, the ratio of the length of the front lever arm to the length of the rear lever arm can be adjusted.

[0042] The preload force of the preload device in the respective bearing section can act at a force introduction point. The length of the front lever arm of the respective holding element can be measured from the associated pivot axis to a free front end of the respective holding element, and the length of the rear lever arm of the respective holding element can be measured from the associated pivot axis to the force introduction point of the respective holding element. The respective pivot axis can be adjusted back and forth in the longitudinal direction of the associated holding element until the ratio of the length of the front lever arm to the length of the rear lever arm can be increased from a smallest value to a largest value. The lever ratio of the front lever arm to the rear lever arm can be in a range between 0.5:1 and 5:1, preferably between 1:1 and 4:1.

[0043] The heel holder can further comprise an adjustment member which is coupled to the adjustment structure in such a way that an adjustment of the adjustment member causes the adjustment of the adjustment structure and the adjustment structure is fixed in each adjustment position, for example due to frictional engagement or due to the thread pitch of a thread of a screw encompassed by the adjustment member which causes the adjustment.

[0044] The heel support housing can be moved relative to the base around a vertically directed axis of rotation for lateral release of the heel support against a preload force, preferably from another preload device. Such a release device for lateral release of a heel support is known from the applicant's patent application DE 10 2017 120 702 A1, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0045] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. The figures show: Figure 1: Perspective view of a heel holder; Figure 2: Vertical section in the longitudinal direction of the ski binding through the heel holder of the Figure 1 ; Figure 3: View of a vertical section through the heel holder of the Figure 1 transverse to the longitudinal direction at the level of the support device; Figure 4: View of the heel holder of the Figure 1 from above in a sectional view along section CC from the Figure 3 ; Figure 5: View of the heel holder of the Figure 1 from above in a sectional view along section DD from the Figure 3 ; Figure 6: View of the heel holder of the Figure 1 from above in a sectional view along section EE from the Figure 3 ; Figure 7: Vertical section through the heel holder of the Figure 1 along the central axis of one of the holding elements, without heel holder housing and with a first embodiment of the support device; Figure 8: Vertical section through the heel holder of the Figure 1along the central axis of one of the holding elements, without heel holder housing and with a second embodiment of the support device; Figure 9: Exploded view of a second embodiment of a mechanism comprising the holding elements, the support device and the actuating structure; Figure 10: Various sectional views of the mechanism of the Figure 9 ; Figure 11: Front side of heel holder housing with straight guideways for the holding elements, first version; Figure 12: Front side of heel holder housing with straight guideways for the holding elements, second version; Figure 13: First version of the mechanism with pre-tensioned holding elements; Figure 14: Mechanism of the Figure 13 with compressed pre-tensioning device. Figure 15: Sketch of a ski boot insert in contact with a retaining element when entering the heel holder. Figure 16: Sketches of a ski boot insert in contact with a retaining element when entering or releasing the heel holder and the acting forces.

[0046] The Figure 1shows a heel holder 1 of a ski binding, not shown in full, which further comprises a toe holder not shown but known in the prior art.

[0047] The heel holder 1 comprises a base 2, which in the illustrated embodiment is designed as a carriage that can be slid onto a rail S connectable to the ski (not shown). A preferably multi-part heel holder housing 3 protrudes from the base 2. The heel holder housing 3 can be firmly connected to the base 2 or formed in one piece with one of the heel holder housing parts (32, 33), for example by die casting or a generative process.

[0048] A ski brake B is connected to the rail S. The ski brake B, or rather the brake arms A1, A2, can be locked in the position shown for ascent mode by means of a locking and release mechanism, of which only a release lever H is visible. For alpine mode, the locking can be released using the release lever H, so that the brake arms A1, A2, or their free ends, are moved downward by the mechanism when the pedal P of the ski brake B is free of load.

[0049] The heel holder housing 3 comprises a front wall 31 facing the toe holder (not shown) with a first through-opening 38 for a first holding element 4 and a second through-opening 39 for a second holding element 5. The first holding element 4 and the second holding element 5 are mounted within the heel holder housing 3. An engagement portion 41 of the first holding element 4 and an engagement portion 51 of the second holding element 5 protrude from the heel holder housing 3 in the direction of the toe holder (not shown).

[0050] The Figure 2 shows a central longitudinal section through the heel holder 1 of the Figure 1 . In the sectional view, it can be seen that the heel holder housing 3 forms a cavity 11 in which a mechanism described below is arranged, with which an entry force into the heel holder 1 and / or a release force for a vertical release of the heel holder 1 can be adjusted.

[0051] In the exemplary embodiment, the heel holder housing 3 consists of a first heel housing part 32 and a second heel housing part 33, which can be connected to one another in a captive manner but can rotate relative to one another. The heel holder housing 3 is connected to the base 2 via the second heel housing part 32. Preferably, the heel holder housing part 32 is connected to the base 2 in such a way that it can rotate relative to the base 2 about an axis of rotation R that protrudes perpendicularly from the base 2 in the Y direction. The second heel housing part 33 comprises a guide 14 that supports a ball 15. In the exemplary embodiment, the ball 15 can be tensioned against the guide 14 by means of a spring element 16, whereby a transverse release force of the heel holder 1 can be adjusted. Such a release device for the transverse release of a heel holder is known from the applicant's patent application DE 10 2017 120 702 A1, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0052] The Figure 2 shows the first holding element 4. Of the first holding element 4, the engagement section 41 and a bearing section 43 can be seen, while a coupling section 42 located between the engagement section 41 and the bearing section 43, which connects the engagement section 41 to the bearing section 43, is concealed. The bearing section 43 is mounted and secured in a support device 6, so that the first holding element 4 can at least not move linearly in the longitudinal direction X relative to the heel holder housing. Also visible is a pretensioning device 10 with a spring force F, which acts on the support device essentially transversely to the longitudinal direction X in the transverse direction Y.

[0053] Above the first holding element 4 in the region of the coupling section 42, a part of an adjusting structure 8 is shown, the position of which can be changed along the coupling section 43 relative to the heel holder housing 3 in order to adjust a release force for releasing the heel holder 1 from a holding engagement with a ski boot heel.

[0054] In the exemplary embodiment, the adjusting movement of the adjusting structure 8 can be achieved by an adjusting element 9, which here is formed as a nut 9b firmly connected to the adjusting structure 8 or a thread cut into a through-hole in the adjusting structure 8 and a screw 9a. By turning the screw 9a in the nut 9b or the thread, the adjusting structure 8 is moved in or against the longitudinal direction X.

[0055] The Figure 3shows a vertical section through the heel holder transversely to the longitudinal direction X in the region of the support device 6 for the first holding element 4 and a support device 7 for the second holding element 5. The support devices 6 and 7 each comprise an opening into which the first and second holding elements 4, 5 engage with the respective bearing section 43, 53 or through which the holding elements 4, 5 extend with the respective bearing section 43, 53. The pretensioning device 10 is supported on mutually facing side surfaces of the support devices 6, 7 and pretensions them into the positions shown. The support devices 6, 7 can be moved towards one another counter to the pretensioning force F of the pretensioning device 10. In the exemplary embodiment, the two support devices 6, 7 are moved in a guide formed by the heel holder housing 3.In the example shown, the support devices 6, 7 have the cross-section of a parallelogram and, when approaching each other, are moved simultaneously along an incline in the Y-direction and Z-direction.

[0056] The Figure 4 shows a sectional view of the heel holder housing 3 in the longitudinal direction X and parallel to a support surface on which the heel holder 1 rests (see Figure 3 Section CC).

[0057] The section CC shows the release device for a transverse release of the heel holder 1 with the ball 15 and the connecting element that captively connects the second heel holder housing 33 to the first heel holder housing part 32. Visible are the rail S onto which the heel holder housing 3 is pushed, the base 2 and the section plane CC with the openings for the release device for the transverse release and part of the second heel holder housing part 33. Through a further opening, the support devices 6, 7 for the first holding element 4 and the second holding element 5 can be seen, with the pretensioning device 10. The support devices 6, 7 are pretensioned into an end position by the pretensioning force F of the pretensioning device 10 when no force acts on the engagement sections 41, 51 of the holding elements 4, 5 in order to press them outwards in the transverse direction Z.

[0058] Two further openings provide a view of the support structure 8, or rather, the part of the support structure 8 that lies in the Y direction below the support elements 4, 5. Abutments 12, 13 and receptacles for these abutments 12, 13 are indicated, the significance of which will be described in detail below.

[0059] The Figure 5 shows a further sectional view of the heel holder housing 3 in the longitudinal direction X and parallel to a support surface on which the heel holder 1 rests (see Figure 3 Cut DD).

[0060] The section through the heel support housing 3 runs above the retaining elements 4, 5. Visible is an access opening for a tool for adjusting the force of a pre-tensioning device for the transverse release. Also visible are the support devices 6, 7 and the pre-tensioning device 10, which uses the spring force F to pre-tension the support devices 6, 7 into a rest position shown.

[0061] The central, rectangular opening in the first heel support housing part 32 reveals the upper end of the second heel support housing part 33, which is arranged below the adjustment structure 8. Visible from the adjustment structure 8 is a cross member that overlaps the first holding element 4 and the second holding element 5, with a slot-shaped opening in which, in the exemplary embodiment, a nut 9b is arranged. The nut 9b cannot be moved relative to the cross member of the adjustment structure 8. The nut 9b forms part of the adjustment element 9. Another part is formed by the screw 9a.

[0062] Finally, the Figure 5the first holding element 4 with the engagement section 41, the coupling section 42 and the bearing section 43, and the second holding element 5 with the engagement section 51, the coupling section 52 and the bearing section 53. The bearing sections 43, 53 are connected to the support devices 6, 7 in such a way that they cannot be moved in or against the longitudinal direction X relative to the heel holder housing 3. However, rotation of the holding elements 4, 5 about the respective rotation axis is not excluded. In the position shown, the support devices 6, 7 are held by the pretensioning device 10 in positions which essentially correspond to a maximum distance between the two support devices 6, 7 from one another transversely to the longitudinal direction X in the Y direction.The holding elements 4, 5 run parallel to one another, wherein central longitudinal axes or axes of rotation of the holding elements 4, 5 are aligned in the longitudinal direction X in a common plane which runs parallel to the support surface of the heel holder 1.

[0063] The Figure 6 shows a further sectional view of the heel holder housing 3 in the longitudinal direction X and parallel to a support surface on which the heel holder 1 rests (see Figure 3 Cut EE).

[0064] The section through the heel holder housing 3 runs here in the middle of the holding elements 4, 5. As shown in section CC ( Figure 4 ) Parts of the device for adjusting the force of a pre-tensioning device for the transverse release. Also visible are the support devices 6, 7 and the pre-tensioning device 10, which uses the spring force F to pre-tension the support devices 6, 7 into a rest position.

[0065] For the first time, the Figure 6the position of the abutments 12, 13. The abutments 12, 13 are connected to the positioning structure 8. The connection can be a bearing so that the abutments 12, 13 can rotate about the respective axis of rotation oriented substantially in the Y direction. The abutments 12, 13 can be pin-shaped or barrel-shaped, preferably they are rotationally symmetrical. In a further embodiment, the abutments 12, 13 can be connected to the positioning structure 8 in a rotationally fixed manner or can be formed by the positioning structure 8 itself. In the exemplary embodiment, the positioning structure 8 comprises, for each of the holding elements 4, 5, at least in the lower section shown, two side cheeks 84, 85 and a cross strut 83 connecting the two side cheeks 84, 85 at their free ends, which cross strut 83 comprises the bearing for the abutment(s) 12, 13. The support structure 8 can be formed in one piece, for example by die casting or a generative process, or can consist of several parts joined together.

[0066] The abutments 12, 13 lie directly on the holding elements 4, 5 and form pivot axes B 4 , B 5 , which extend essentially in the Y direction. If the holding elements 4, 5 are pushed away from each other in directions, for example when stepping into the heel holder 1 or during a vertical release, the abutments 12, 13, or the points or lines on the abutments 12, 13 at which the holding elements 4, 5 touch the abutments 12, 13, form pivot points for the holding elements 4, 5. The abutments 12, 13 cannot be moved relative to each other in the Y direction and form pivot axes B 4 , B 5 for the holding elements 4, 5. Depending on the position of the support structure 8 along the coupling sections 42, 52 of the holding elements 4, 5 and relative to the heel holder housing 3, the holding elements 4, 5 are divided into a first lever arm H 1 with a length L 1 and a second lever arm H 2 with a length L 2 ( Figure 7). The first lever arm H 1 extends from the front free end of the holding sections 41, 51 to the respective pivot axis B 4 , B 5 , the second lever arm H 2 from the respective pivot axis B 4 , B 5 to the bearing sections 43, 53 of the respective support device 6, 7. The first lever arm H 1 is longer, the shorter the distance between the actuating structure 8 or the pivot axes B 4 , B 5 and the support devices 6, 7, and the shorter the distance between the actuating structure 8 or the pivot axes B 4 , B 5 and the support devices 6, 7. The length ratio H 1 :H 2 between the first lever arm H 1 and the second lever arm H 2 determines the force with which the bearing sections 43, 53 of the holding elements 4, 5 act on the support devices 6, 7 in order to move them from the rest position (see Figure 3) toward each other in the Y and Z directions. The larger the ratio H 1 :H 2 , the smaller the force required to move the ski boot heel out of engagement with the retaining elements 4 and 5.

[0067] The Figures 7 and 8 each show a vertical section along the longitudinal axis X through the heel holder 1, wherein the heel holder housing 3 or the first heel holder housing part 32 is not shown in order to provide an unobstructed view of the holding element 4 with the support device 6 and the positioning structure 8. The Figures 7 and 8differ in the fixing of the holding element 4 to the support device 6 and in the position of the pivot axis B 4 for the holding element 4. The combination of holding elements 4, 5, support devices 6, 7 with pretensioning device 10, and adjusting structure 8 can be referred to as a mechanism 20, with which a position of the pivot axes B 4, B 5 is determined and thereby the force with which the holding elements 4, 5 hold a ski boot heel in the holding engagement can be adjusted.

[0068] The Figure 7 is described in detail, which is Figure 7 The above applies accordingly to the Figure 8 . In the Figure 7 the base 2 is shown, parts of the second heel holder housing part 33, the release device for a transverse release of the heel holder with the spring element 16 for adjusting the release force, and the rail S, which can be connected to a ski by means of screws.

[0069] In the Figure 7Also shown is the retaining element 4, which is anchored in the bearing section 43 in the support device 6, so that it cannot be moved in the longitudinal direction relative to the support device 6, but can optionally be rotated about its rotational axis relative to the support device 6. The retaining element 4 is a rod, preferably made of a solid material, for example, a light metal such as hardened aluminum or steel. In particular, the retaining element 4 can be a round rod with a round, preferably circular, diameter.

[0070] The support device 6 shown has a through-opening 61 through which the bearing section 43 of the holding element 4 passes. In the exemplary embodiment, the holding element 4 has a first diameter in the engagement section 41 and coupling section 42, and the bearing section 43 has a second diameter that essentially corresponds to the inner diameter of the through-opening 61, wherein the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter. The transition from the first diameter to the second diameter is stepped, preferably with a single step. The free end of the bearing section 43 is connected to a cap 18 whose diameter is larger than the diameter of the bearing section 43.The cap 18 can be screwed onto the holding element 4 or screwed into the holding element 4, thereby clamping the support device 6 in the direction of the coupling section 42 so that the latter rests firmly against the step where the second diameter transitions into the first diameter. If, as shown, the bearing section 43 extends through the support device 6 and protrudes from the support device 6 at the end facing away from the engagement section 41, the securing can also be achieved, for example, by a snap ring, which is preferably shaped such that it clamps the support device 6 in the direction of the coupling section 42. A relative movement of the support device 6 to the holding element 4 should be prevented by the cap 18 or the snap ring.

[0071] In order to reduce frictional resistance during rotation of the holding element 4 in the through-hole 61, an inner peripheral wall of the through-hole 61 and / or the outer surface of the bearing portion 43 can be machined, for example, finely ground or coated.

[0072] The support device 6 can be an abutment element 12 (see Figure 6 ) which defines a pivot axis B 4 for the holding element 4.

[0073] In the Figure 8 The connection between the support device 6 and the holding element 4 comprises a pivot bearing 19, in the exemplary embodiment a ball or barrel bearing, in order to keep frictional resistance low when the holding element 4 rotates about its axis of rotation in the through opening 61.

[0074] The support device 6 of the Figure 8does not include an abutment element 12. The pivot axis B 4 is formed by the edge of the end of the support device 6 facing the engagement portion 41 of the holding element 4. This means that the support device 6 must be formed from a material with a material hardness that corresponds at least to the material hardness of the material from which the holding element 4 is formed.

[0075] In the Figure 9 A further embodiment of the mechanism 20' is shown, with which the force of the holding engagement of the holding elements 4', 5' of the heel holder 1 can be adjusted. The exploded diagram shows that the mechanism 20' differs significantly from the mechanism 20 of the previously described embodiment.

[0076] The first holding element 4' and the second holding element 5' are hook-shaped, the pretensioning device 10 transmits the pretensioning force F via a force transmission element 10a' to the support devices 6', 7', and the adjusting device 8' comprises a guide 81' for the first holding element 4' and a guide 82' for the second holding element 5'. The pretensioning force F of the pretensioning device 10 acts in the Y direction.

[0077] The holding elements 4', 5' can be inserted with the hook-shaped ends 17' into openings of the support devices 6', 7' and locked into place, so that the support devices 6', 7' can no longer move linearly in the longitudinal direction X relative to the holding elements 4', 5'. However, rotation or pivoting of the holding elements 4', 5' in pivot axes formed by the rotation axes of the ends 17' is preferably possible.

[0078] The positioning structure 8' consists of several parts that can be coupled together. One part is a crossbeam that spans the two holding elements 4', 5' in the Z direction and comprises an arm at each end that projects vertically in the Y direction and laterally covers the holding elements 4', 5'. Guide elements 81', 82' can be coupled to the arms. These guide elements have a through-opening in the longitudinal direction X, which serves as guides for the holding elements 4', 5'. The arms preferably cover the guide elements 81', 82' in the X and Y directions. The guide elements 81', 82' have connecting elements on an upper side that protrude in the Y direction and interact with corresponding mating connecting elements on the crossbeam to establish the coupling. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the connecting elements are cylindrical in shape; the mating connecting elements are openings in the crossbeam that accommodate the connecting elements.Preferably, the connecting elements and thus the guide elements 81', 82' can be pivoted in the coupled state in the openings about a pivot axis oriented in the Y direction. To support pivoting of the guide elements 81', 82', the guide elements 81', 82' can have a spherical surface facing the respective arm.

[0079] The pretensioning device 10 is installed in the heel holder 1 such that the pretensioning force F acts perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in the Y direction. To transmit the pretensioning force F to the support devices 6', 7', the pretensioning device 10 acts on a force transmission element 10a', which transmits the pretensioning force F to the support devices 6', 7'. In the exemplary embodiment, the force transmission element 10a' is partially truncated pyramid-shaped with two bearing surfaces for the support devices 6', 7'. The ends of the support devices 6', 7' facing the force transmission element 10a' have at least one oblique side or are triangular. The oblique side or a leg of the triangle facing the force transmission element 10a' are designed such that they lie fully against support surfaces of the force transmission element 10a' when the pretensioning device 10 tensions the transmission element 10a' against the support devices 6', 7'.

[0080] Finally, the mechanism 20' also comprises the adjusting member 9, which in the example is formed from a screw 9a and a nut 9b that can be connected to the adjusting structure 8'.

[0081] The Figure 9 also shows the mechanics 20' after assembly.

[0082] The Figure 10 shows in four sketches views of and sections through the assembled mechanism 20' of the Figure 9 .

[0083] The first sketch a) shows a side view of the mechanism 20' in the longitudinal direction. The retaining element 5' extends through the adjusting device 8' and is mounted with its hook-shaped end 17' in the support device 7'. The hook-shaped end 17' of the retaining element 5' extends to an opening in an upper side of the support device 7' and is essentially flush with the upper side. The preload device 10 presses the force transmission element 10a' in the Y direction against the support devices 6', 7' with the preload force F.

[0084] The second sketch b) shows a horizontal section in the longitudinal direction of the mechanism 20' at the level of the central or rotational axes of the holding elements 4', 5'. This view clearly shows the spherical surfaces of the guide elements 81', 82' for the holding elements 4', 5' facing the arms of the actuating structure 8'. The spherical surfaces define the position of the pivot axes B 4 , B 5 for the holding elements 4', 5'. If the ends of the holding elements 4', 5' facing away from the support devices 6', 7' are moved in the direction of the arrow, the holding elements 4', 5' pivot in the pivot axes B 4 , B 5 . As a result, the support devices 6', 7' are moved towards one another in the direction of the arrow and downwards along the force transmission element 10a' in the Y direction against the preload force F of the preload device 10.

[0085] The third sketch c) shows a vertical sectional view of the mechanism 20', in which the support devices 6', 7' are cut centrally in the longitudinal direction X. The pretensioning device 10 tensions the force transmission element 10a' in the partially pyramid-shaped region flat against the support devices 6', 7', which in the exemplary embodiment has a triangular end facing the force transmission element 10a'. The hook-shaped ends 17' of the holding elements 4', 5' lie in a vertical bore in the support devices 6', 7' and thereby prevent the holding elements 4', 5' from moving linearly in or against the longitudinal direction X relative to the support devices 6', 7'. The support devices 6', 7', in turn, are installed in the heel holder housing 3 (not shown) in such a way that they cannot move linearly in or against the longitudinal direction X relative to the heel holder housing 3.

[0086] The fourth sketch d) shows a vertical section through the center of the adjusting structure 8' with the guide elements 81', 82'. The guide elements 81', 82' are coupled or connected to the cross member of the adjusting structure 8' as shown; the guide elements 81', 82' rest in the region of a respective vertex or a respective vertex line of the spherical upper sides on the inner walls of the arms of the adjusting structure 8' facing the guide elements 81', 82'. The adjusting structure 8' includes a central receiving space for the nut 9b of the adjusting member 9.

[0087] The Figure 11shows the front wall 31 of the heel holder housing 3 as seen from the toe holder. A first guide track 100 for the first holding element 4 and a second guide track 200 for the second holding element 5 are formed in the front wall 31. The first guide track 100 has a single guide track section 101 with an inner end 100i and an outer end 100a. The second guide track 200 has a guide track section 201, an inner end 200i, and an outer end 200a. The inner end 100i of the first guide track 100 and the inner end 200i of the second guide track 200 are spaced apart by a smaller distance than the respective outer ends 100a, 200a. Furthermore, the guide tracks 100, 200 are inclined. They point away from each other and diagonally downward at an angle of inclination α, so that the inner ends 100i, 200i are at a greater distance from a ski surface than the outer ends 100a, 200a. The angle of inclination α can, for example, be less than 15°.

[0088] The first guide track 100 and the second guide track 200 have identical shapes and dimensions. A vertical mirror plane SE in the longitudinal direction X, which may include a central longitudinal axis of the heel holder 1, is shown in the Figure 11 specified.

[0089] The first holding element 4 and the second holding element 5 are shown in a guide engagement in the respective guide track 100, 200 in an outer end position, into which the holding elements 4, 5 are moved when the ski boot is put into the heel holder and during vertical release.

[0090] The Figure 12 shows a second embodiment of the first and second guideways 100, 200 with a straight extension. The details of the second embodiment are explained using the second guideway 200. The statements regarding the second guideway 200 apply accordingly to the first guideway 100.

[0091] The guideway 200 comprises an inner straight guideway section 202 and an outer straight guideway section 201. The inner straight guideway section 202 has a different angle of inclination than the outer straight guideway section 201. The inner straight guideway section 202 and the outer straight guideway section 201 merge into one another in a straight line, so there is no defined transition area that is, for example, rounded. The transition is the intersection of two straight lines with different angles of inclination.

[0092] The guideway 200 comprises an inner end 200i, which is formed by the second guideway section 202, and an outer end 200a, which is formed by the first guideway section 201.

[0093] The inner straight guideway section 202 runs essentially horizontally, i.e., for example, parallel to a ski surface when the heel holder 1 is mounted on the ski. The inner straight guide section 201 can have a positive or negative inclination angle of, for example, less than 4°.

[0094] The outer straight guideway section 201 may have an inclination angle identical to the inclination angle α in the Figure 11 or a larger or smaller angle of inclination.

[0095] The first holding element 4 and the second holding element 5 are shown in a guide engagement in the respective guide track 100, 200 in an inner end position, which the holding elements 4, 5 assume when the ski boot is held in the heel holder for a descent, for example, or the ski binding is used in the ascent mode, ie the ski boot heel is not held in the heel holder 1.

[0096] The Figure 13shows, without the heel holder housing 3, the holding elements 4, 5, the adjusting structure 8 with the abutment elements 12, 13, the support devices 6, 7, which are connected to the bearing sections 43, 53 of the holding elements 4, 5, and the pretensioning device 10, which pretensions the holding elements 4, 5 via the support devices 6, 7 into a rest position, which they assume during a descent in holding engagement with the boot, or when no boot is held in the heel holder. Also shown are the inclined first planes E1 and the inclined second plane E2, along which the holding elements 4, 5 move when the user steps into the heel holder 1 of the ski binding with a ski boot or the heel holder 1 is triggered vertically, for example in the event of a fall.

[0097] With regard to the Figure 10In the mirror plane SE, the angle of inclination β of the first inclined plane E1 or the second inclined plane E2 can be between 95° and 110° or 130°. These angle values ​​are not fixed; deviating angles of inclination are included within the scope of the invention if they allow the teaching of the invention to be implemented.

[0098] The Figure 14 shows the holding elements 4, 5 of the Figure 3 in the position into which they are moved when entering the heel holder with a ski boot or when the heel holder 1 is released vertically. The pretensioning device 10 is compressed, the engagement sections 41, 51 of the holding elements 4, 5 have moved along the guide tracks 100, 200 of the Figure 11or the first inclined plane E1 and the second inclined plane E2 outwards and downwards. At the same time, the support devices 6, 7 were moved inwards towards each other and upwards relative to the positioning structure on the corresponding inclined plane E1, E2. The movements of the holding elements 4, 5 are rectilinear movements along the respective inclined plane E1, E2. In addition to this linear movement, the holding elements 4, 5 can be displaced from the Figure 13 shown position to the one shown in the Figure 14 shown position around their respective rotation axis.

[0099] The Figure 15shows a sketch of the entry with a ski boot into the heel holder 1, with the arrow indicating the entry direction and the directed force during entry. Item 300 represents an insert attached to the ski boot, which is in contact with the holding elements 4, 5 in downhill mode. Of the heel holder 1, only the holding element 4 and the track 100 with the first track section 101 and the second track section 102 are shown. When entering the heel holder 1 with the insert 300, the holding element 4 is first guided outwards along a plane E3, E4 and then diagonally downwards along the plane E1, E2. The same applies when the heel holder 1 is released vertically.

[0100] Figure 16 shows a sketch of the force ratios on the ski boot, or rather the insert 300, of the heel holder 1 according to the invention, when entering the heel holder 1 ( Figure 16 b) or when the ski boot or insert 300 is released from the heel holder 1 ( Figure 16 d) The guideways of the retaining elements 4, 5 run at an inclination angle α of approximately 10°. Compared to this is a conventional heel holder of a ski binding, whose retaining elements 4", 5" run on horizontally aligned guideways, i.e., the guideways are aligned parallel to a ski surface (not shown). Figure 16 a) shows the forces acting when entering the heel holder and Figure 16 c)the forces acting when the heel holder is released. The force F PIN describes the force acting in the engagement section 41, 51 that is necessary to move the holding elements 4, 5, 4", 5" from their rest position. The release force FA or FA " describes the force that causes the vertical movement of the insert 300 away from the ski surface, e.g., during a vertical release. The entry force FE or FE " describes the force that causes the vertical movement of the insert 300 towards the ski surface, e.g., when stepping into the ski binding. The force FN describes the normal force that acts at a contact point between the insert 300 and the holding element 4, 5, 4", 5" during stepping in or release. The normal force FN is divided vectorially into a first force component F 1 and a second force component F 2.The first force component F 1 acts in the direction of movement of the holding elements 4, 5, 4", 5" determined by the guideways 100, 200 of the holding elements and thus acts opposite to the preload force F PIN . The second force component F 2 acts perpendicular to F 1 and thus does not cause any movement of the holding elements 4, 5, 4", 5".

[0101] The inclination of the guideways 100, 200 of the heel holder 1 according to the invention by the angle of inclination α ( Figure 16 b) results in a lower required entry force FE compared to the entry force FE " with a conventional heel holder with horizontally aligned guideways ( Figure 16 a) , since the first force component F 1 in the design according to Fig. 16 b) Conversely, in the version according to Fig. 16 d) a higher release force FA compared to the release force FA " after execution Fig. 16 c) necessary, since the first force component F 1 in the design according to Fig. 16 d)is smaller. As a result, the ratio of entry force FE to release force FA is reduced overall with the heel holder according to the invention, favoring a force-reduced entry into the ski binding. List of reference symbols

[0102] 1Heel holder 2Base 3 Heel holder housing 31 Front wall 32 Heel holder housing part 33 Heel holder housing part 38 Through opening 39 Through opening 4 Holding element 4' Holding element 4" Holding element 41 Engagement section 42 Coupling section 43 Bearing section 5 Holding element 5' Holding element 5" Holding element 51 Engagement section 52 Coupling section 53 Bearing section 6 Support device 6' Support device 7 Support device 7' Support device 8 Adjusting structure 84 Side cheek 85 Side cheek 83 Cross brace 8' Adjusting structure 81' Guide 82' Guide 9 Adjusting element 9a Screw 9b Nut 10 Pre-tensioning device 10a Force transmission element 11 Cavity 12 Abutment element 13 Abutment element 14 Link 15 Ball 16Spring element 17'Hook-shaped end 18Cap 19Pivot bearing 20Mechanics 20'Mechanics 100Guideway 100aOuter end of the guideway 100iInner end of the guideway 101Guideway section 102Guideway section 200Guideway 200aOuter end of the guideway 200iInner end of the guideway 201Guideway section 202Guideway section300Insert B 4 Swivel axis B 5 Swivel axis RRotation axis FPreload force E1Plane E2Plane E3Plane E4Plane H 1 Lever arm H 1 :H 2 Length ratio of lever arm H 1 to lever arm H 2 H 2 Lever arm L 1 Length L 2 Length SEMirror plane WAngle XLongitudinal direction YTransverse direction ZTransverse direction αInclination angle βInclination angle A1Arm A2Arm BSki brake HRelease lever PPedal SSrail FA Release force FA "Release force FE Entry force FE "Entry force FN Normal force F 1 first force component F 2 second force component F PIN Preload force holding element

Claims

1. A ski binding comprising a toe retainer which defines a pivot axis for a ski boot held by the toe retainer, transversely to a longitudinal direction (X) of the ski binding in a plan view onto the ski binding, and a heel retainer, the heel retainer (1) comprising: 1.1 a base (2); 1.2 a heel retainer housing (3) which protrudes upwards from the base (2); 1.3 a first holding element (4) and a second holding element (5), each comprising an engaging portion (41, 51), for a holding engagement with a ski boot heel, and a bearing portion (43, 53); 1.4 a support device (6, 7) which receives the holding elements (4; 5) in the region of the respective bearing portion (43, 53); 1.5 a biasing device (10), against the biasing force (F) of which the holding elements (4, 5) can be moved out of the holding engagement; 1.6 a first guide rail (100) which extends transversely to the longitudinal direction (X) in the plan view and guides the first holding element (4) transversely to the longitudinal direction (X) in a guiding engagement; 1.7 and a second guide rail (200) which extends transversely to the longitudinal direction (X) in the plan view and guides the second holding element (5) transversely to the longitudinal direction (X) in a guiding engagement, 1.8 wherein the guide rails (100, 200) are each linear or composed of linear guide portions (101, 102; 201, 202) over their extent which is in the guiding engagement and 1.9 each point obliquely downwards, at least in portions, away from each other to the sides and transversely to the longitudinal direction (X), characterised in that 1.10 the first holding element (4) and the second holding element (5) move along the guide rails (100, 200) when a user steps into the heel retainer (1) and when the heel retainer (1) is released vertically.

2. The ski binding according to claim 1, wherein the guide rails (100, 200) each comprise an inner guide rail portion (101; 201) which is linear transversely to the longitudinal direction (X) and at least one outer guide rail portion (102; 202) which is linear transversely to the longitudinal direction (X), wherein the linear guide portions (101, 102; 201, 202) of the respective guide rail (100, 200) transition into each other at an angle (W), preferably an obtuse angle (W).

3. The ski binding according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the guiding engagement for the first holding element (4) and the guiding engagement for the second holding element (5) are formed in a front housing wall (31) of the heel retainer housing (3) which faces the toe retainer.

4. The ski binding according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein when the holding engagement is released, the first holding element (4) moves along the first guide rail (100) in a first inclined plane (E1) and the second holding element (5) moves along the second guide rail (200) in a second inclined plane (E2).

5. The ski binding according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the holding engagement is released, the first holding element (4) moves along the first guide rail (100) in a third plane (E3) and in the first inclined plane (E1) and the second holding element (5) moves along the second guide rail (200) in a fourth plane (E4) and in the second inclined plane (E2).

6. The ski binding according to any one of the preceding two claims, wherein the first inclined plane (E1) and the second inclined plane (E2) have an angle of inclination (α) of 4° to 16°, preferably 8° to 13° and particularly preferably 10° ± 2° with respect to a horizontal contact area for the heel retainer (1).

7. The ski binding according to any one of the preceding two claims, wherein the third plane (E3) and the fourth plane (E4) are horizontal planes or have a positive or negative angle of inclination of < 4° with respect to the contact area for the heel retainer (1).

8. The ski binding according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heel retainer (1) comprises a setting structure (8) which couples to the first holding element (4) in a coupling portion (42) and to the second holding element (5) in a coupling portion (52), wherein the coupling portions (42, 52) are formed on the respective holding element (4, 5) between the engaging portion (41, 51) and the respective bearing portion (43, 53), and wherein the setting structure (8) can be shifted in the longitudinal direction (X) along the coupling portions (42, 52).

9. The ski binding according to the preceding claim, wherein the position of the setting structure (8) with respect to the holding elements (4, 5) defines pivot axes (B4, B5) about which the holding elements (4, 5) pivot when the holding engagement is released.

10. The ski binding according to claim 9 and at least one of claims 4 to 7, wherein when the holding engagement is released or in a vertical release, the first holding element (4) and the second holding element (5) move downwards on the first inclined plane (E1) or second inclined plane (E2) towards the ski in the longitudinal direction in front of the respective pivot axis (B4, B5) and in the opposite direction behind the respective pivot axis (B4, B5).

11. The ski binding according to any one of the preceding two claims, wherein the setting structure (8) comprises a crossbar and extends above or below the holding elements (4, 5), transversely to the longitudinal direction (X) in the plan view and preferably laterally beyond the holding elements (4, 5).

12. The ski binding according to any one of the preceding two claims, wherein the biasing force (F) of the biasing device (10) acts transversely to the longitudinal direction (X) in the horizontal (Y) or vertical direction (Z) in the respective bearing portion (43, 53).

13. The ski binding according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support device (6, 7) comprises a first support element (6) which can be moved transversely to the longitudinal direction (X) and a second support element (7) which can be moved transversely to the longitudinal direction (X), and wherein the first support element (6) supports the first holding element (4) in the longitudinal direction (X) and the second support element (7) supports the second holding element (5) in the longitudinal direction (X).

14. The ski binding according to at least claim 9, wherein: - the biasing force (F) of the biasing device (10) acts at a force introducing point in the respective bearing portion (43, 53); - the length (L1) of a front lever arm (H1) of the respective holding element (4, 5) is measured from the associated pivot axis (B4, B5) up to a free front end of the respective holding element (4, 5), and the length (L2) of a rear lever arm (H2) of the respective holding element (4, 5) is measured from the associated pivot axis (B4, B5) up to the force introducing point of the respective holding element (4, 5); - the respective pivot axis (B4, B5) can be adjusted back and forth in the longitudinal direction of the associated holding element (4, 5) far enough that the ratio H1 : H2 of a length (L1) of the front lever arm (H1) to a length (L2) of the rear lever arm (H2) can be increased from a minimum value (0.5 : 1) to a maximum value (5 : 1).

15. The ski binding according to at least claim 8, wherein the heel retainer (1) comprises a setting member (9) which is coupled to the setting structure (8) such that adjusting the setting member (9) adjusts the setting structure (8) and fixes the setting structure (8) in each setting position.

Images