Cross-country ski binding and cross-country ski provided with such a binding

Abstract

Binding (1) for cross-country skiing to receive a boot equipped with a connecting element, said binding comprising a base including a receiving portion (15,16) configured to receive said connecting element, and a retaining element (17,18) movable between an engaged position in which it prevents the exit of said connecting element from the receiving portion, and a retracted position, in which the receiving portion is open to allow the insertion and removal of said connecting element into the receiving portion, the retaining element being carried by a mechanism (50) allowing its rotation about a vertical axis (Z), the retaining element comprising two protruding portions (62, 64) oriented in opposite directions, arranged to cover the connecting element (46) when the retaining element is in the engaged position, such that said protruding portions (62, 64) are moved in opposite directions between the engaged and retracted positions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of snow sports, and more specifically to cross-country skiing. It particularly concerns a binding designed to be mounted on a ski, in order to secure the user's boot to the ski. It also relates to a specific mechanism for engaging the binding or releasing the boot from it. Such a binding is suitable for various cross-country skiing techniques, such as classic or skating. Previous Techniques

[0002] In general, cross-country ski bindings must allow for a reliable attachment of the boot to the ski, while allowing the heel to lift during the push-off phases, and this while limiting as much as possible the lateral movement of the boot relative to the longitudinal axis of the ski.

[0003] To achieve this, the boots known to date incorporate a transverse axis located at the front of the boot, slightly below and set back from the front end. This transverse axis is held within the binding during skiing and serves as the boot's pivot point when the heel is lifted.

[0004] Document DE 94 22 308 U describes an example of a binding suitable for use with this type of boot. Specifically, this binding includes a central hook extending wide enough to lock the boot's pivot point and allow the boot to pivot while remaining in a vertical plane. This hook is linked to a mechanism that allows it to be translated horizontally and longitudinally by the user rotating a knob. The relatively wide design of this hook has the disadvantage of adding weight to the binding, with a relatively complex and fragile mechanism.

[0005] An evolution of this type of binding was proposed in document EP 2 184 089, which describes a binding with two hooks that cooperate with the boot's axis. These two hooks are located on either side of the binding's median longitudinal plane and are attached to a mechanism that allows them to pivot about a transverse horizontal axis. This mechanism is associated with an operating element located at the front of the binding, which is connected to the hooks via a lever arm. When this arm is moved, the hooks retract, allowing the axle to enter grooves designed for this purpose on vertical surfaces. These vertical surfaces are positioned so that they fit into complementary grooves on the boot.The mechanism is associated with return means which are counteracted when the user lifts the lever to release their shoe, so that after releasing this lever, the hooks automatically return to the engaged position, in which the grooves receiving the axle are closed.

[0006] This device has several drawbacks, notably the need for a significant lever action by the user to release the hooks. Furthermore, and most importantly, the system is prone to unexpected release of the fastener if the vertical force exerted on the axis exceeds the force exerted by the return mechanism.

[0007] Another solution was proposed in document EP 3 554 656, which also describes a cross-country ski binding equipped with a pair of hooks designed to cooperate with the boot's axle. These hooks are movable in longitudinal translation by rotating a knob located at the front of the binding. This binding has vertical ribs or walls that extend longitudinally and cooperate with complementary grooves in the boot sole to ensure the boot is centered on the binding and to transmit lateral forces when the boot is pressed against the binding. At the front, these ribs have recesses forming grooves into which the boot's axle can be inserted.The movable hooks can thus move between an engaged position where they close these grooves and prevent the shaft from coming out, and a retracted position, in which the grooves are open and allow the shaft to be inserted and removed.

[0008] This device has the drawback of a certain mechanical complexity, since it requires converting a rotation of the control knob into a translation of the pair of axes. The mechanism must be able to move the hooks a sufficient distance simply by rotating the control knob, thus necessitating the creation of a significant lever arm.

[0009] Other solutions less suitable for fixing a cross-country ski boot of the aforementioned type are also described in documents EP 2 682 165, US 4 239 257, DE 26 07 835, US 4 108 467 and JP S53 15936. Description of the invention

[0010] One of the objectives of the invention is to provide a fastener that is simple in design, allowing sufficient movement of the hooks by means of a mechanism that integrates easily into the volume of the fastener, while ensuring very high reliability.

[0011] To this end, the Applicant designed a cross-country ski binding, conventionally intended to receive a boot equipped with a connecting element, such as a transverse axle, located at the front. This binding comprises a base extending longitudinally and including a receiving portion configured to accommodate this connecting element, and a movable retaining element between, on the one hand, an engaged position in which it prevents the connecting element from exiting the receiving portion, and on the other hand, a retracted position, in which the receiving portion is open to allow the connecting element to be inserted and removed from the receiving portion.

[0012] According to the invention, this binding is characterized in that the retaining element is supported by a mechanism allowing the retaining element to rotate about a vertical axis, and in that the retaining element has two protruding portions oriented in opposite directions, arranged to cover the connecting member when the retaining element is in the engaged position, such that said protruding portions are displaced in opposite directions along the longitudinal axis between the engaged and retracted positions. The term "vertical" will be used for simplicity, assuming that the binding is placed on a horizontal plane, so that the vertical direction corresponds to the perpendicular to the plane of the baseplate, and consequently, to the upper face of the ski when the binding is mounted. Thus, one of the protruding portions can point forward, while the other can point backward.

[0013] In other words, unlike prior art devices in which the retaining element moves by longitudinal translation or rotation around a horizontal and transverse axis, the invention favors a movement in which this retaining element pivots around an axis perpendicular to the plane of the ski. In other words, during the engagement or retraction movements of the retaining element, one portion of this element moves forward, while the other portion moves backward. In the engaged position, the retaining element locks the connecting member within the receiving portion so that the boot remains attached to the binding. Thanks to this configuration, improved resistance to pull-out is observed compared to vertical forces exerted by the connecting member.

[0014] In practice, the retaining element may in particular take the form of two hooks arranged to receive the connecting member between them and each having an extremity portion forming each one of the prominent portions, in such a way that in the engaged position, the extremities are brought closer together with respect to the longitudinal direction to be positioned above the connecting member when the connecting member is received between the hooks, and in the retracted position, the extremities are moved apart with respect to the longitudinal direction to allow passage of the connecting member between the extremities.

[0015] The hooks may respectively have first portions rising vertically up to the extremity portions in such a way that in the engaged position, the first portions are arranged on either side of the connecting member, close to the connecting member, and in the retracted position, the first portions are arranged on either side of the connecting member, at a distance from the connecting member.

[0016] At least part of the extremity portion of each of the brackets can extend in a horizontal plane.

[0017] The axis of rotation can be positioned between the two prominent portions.

[0018] In one particular embodiment, the two hooks are identical in shape and arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of rotation of the mechanism. However, the invention also covers cases where one hook is of a different design, to withstand greater forces on the inner or outer side of the fastener.

[0019] In general, the receiving portion receiving the linking element to retain the shoe can be designed in various ways and notably take the form of two grooves, formed in walls present on the base of the binding, and extending vertically and longitudinally.

[0020] In practice, the hooks can be positioned in various ways relative to the grooves that house the connecting element. Thus, the hooks can be located on the outside or inside of the walls, that is, on one side or the other of the wall, relative to the longitudinal median plane of the fastener. In one particular embodiment, the walls in which the grooves are formed may have an internal recess, within which the hook is housed and in which it moves to transition from an engaged to a retracted position and vice versa. In other words, in this embodiment, the hooks are protected from external elements since they pivot inside the wall containing the groove and close the grooves when the fastener is engaged.

[0021] To move the mechanism supporting the retaining element, particularly the hooks, the fastener is equipped with an operating mechanism that the user acts upon to actuate the fastener. This operating mechanism is connected to the mechanism in such a way that its movement causes the retaining element to move from the engaged to the retracted position. This operating mechanism may be an integral part of the mechanism, and thus directly connected to the retaining element. Alternatively, the retaining element may be a separate component that is mechanically separated from the retaining element and only comes into contact with the mechanism when it is actuated. This allows, in particular, for a displacement movement, for example, by translation, that is distinct from the rotational movement of the retaining element.

[0022] Advantageously, in practice, the mechanism ensuring the rotation of the hooks can take the form of a substantially horizontal plate, mounted to rotate about a vertical axis. This plate carries the hooks, and an arm extends from this plate. The rotation of this arm about the vertical axis causes the hooks to rotate. In other words, the characteristic hooks are carried by a part with an extension reaching an area accessible to the user, so that the user can move the hooks by acting on the end of this arm via the operating mechanism.

[0023] In a particular embodiment, this mechanism may also include two fins extending in the plane of the plate symmetrically with respect to the axis of rotation, so as to bear against the frame of the fixing, and ensure and avoid deformations of the plate and more generally of the mechanism in the case of significant forces.

[0024] Another feature of the invention is that the fastening may include return means configured to exert a restoring force on the mechanism, forcing it to remain in an engaged position. In other words, the mechanism is designed such that when the user exerts force on the arm to pivot the hooks, they must counteract the force exerted by these return means to release the shoe's connecting element, this connecting element generally being a pin. As soon as the user ceases to exert force on the arm, the mechanism returns to the engaged position, locking the pin in the grooves by default.

[0025] Various forms of embodiment can be envisaged with regard to the connection between the operating member and the rest of the mechanism.

[0026] Thus, in one embodiment, the operating mechanism is fixed to the end of the arm that rotates the mechanism. This arm can be located in various places on the binding, and in particular, can extend forward so that the operating mechanism is positioned at the front of the binding. It can also be located in a lateral area of ​​the binding, in a region easily accessible to the user, without risk of interference with other parts of the ski.

[0027] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the arm and / or the operating mechanism may include locking means for securing it in a position where the retaining element is engaged. In other words, the arm can be locked in a position where the hooks close the grooves, preventing any unexpected disengagement of the axle, even if a very high force is exerted on the shoe's axle, since movement of the arm is rendered impossible.

[0028] In one particular embodiment, these locking means may include a movable portion that translates relative to the end of the arm, this movable portion being able to cooperate with a region of the rest of the fastener to prevent the arm from rotating. In other words, the arm has a sliding stop at its end that engages with a fixed part of the fastener, preventing the arm from being moved.

[0029] Advantageously, in practice, the hooks have inclined ramps at the top that allow them to move from the engaged to the retracted position when the shoe's connecting element exerts downward force on these ramps during the donning of the shoe. In other words, the hooks are configured so that the pressure of the connecting element, when applied from above, automatically moves the hooks into a position where the axle can enter the grooves, without the need for manual operation of the mechanism.

[0030] The invention also covers a cross-country ski equipped with such a binding, in particular one where the base of the binding is mounted on the ski by means of a plate attached to the upper face of the ski and with which the base of the binding is in sliding connection to allow the translation of the base and the adjustment of the position of the boot's attachment zone on the ski. Brief description of the figures

[0031] The method of implementing the invention and the resulting advantages will become clear from the description of the embodiments that follow, supported by the attached figures in which: there figure 1 is a top-view representation of a cross-country ski, the cross-country ski comprising a ski binding according to a first embodiment of the invention, the figure 2 is a representation, viewed from below, of a cross-country ski boot, showing a connecting element configured to be held in the ski binding of the cross-country ski. figure 1 , there figure 3 is a rough perspective view of the ski binding according to the first embodiment of the invention, the figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the fixing of the figure 1 in which the different constituent elements are shown separately, the figure 5is a rough perspective view of the part bearing the characteristic hooks of the fastening of the figure 1 , THE figures 6 and 7 These are detailed views, respectively from above and from the side, of the connection area of ​​the shoe's axle on the binding. figure 3 shown in an engaged position, the figures 8 and 9 These are respectively top and side views of the detail of the connection area of ​​the shoe's axle on the binding. figure 3 shown in a retracted position, the Figure 10 is a view from below of the fixing of the figure 3 shown in an engaged pose, the figure 11 is a detailed view of the part bearing the characteristic hooks according to a second embodiment of the invention, the Figures 12 and 13 are top views of a fastener incorporating the part of the figure 11 shown in the respectively engaged-locked and retracted-unlocked positions, the figure 14is a simplified side view of the main parts operating for locking the arm of the part of the figure 11 . Method of implementing the invention

[0032] There figure 1 represents a cross-country ski 40 extending between a spatula 41 and a heel 42 and comprising, in a middle section between the spatula 41 and the heel 42, a fixation 1 for a ski boot 45, one of whose soles is visible on the figure 2 .

[0033] For the remainder of this description, the longitudinal direction is understood to be the direction parallel to that of the ski intended to receive the binding, or the horizontal direction in the median plane of symmetry of the binding. The transverse direction is the direction perpendicular to this median plane of symmetry, and the vertical direction is the one that is perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse directions, and perpendicular to the plane of the underside of the baseplate.

[0034] The fixing 1 illustrated at the figure 3 consists of a plate 2 attached to the upper surface of the ski, and featuring rails 6 allowing the mounting of a base 3 extending along the longitudinal direction and to which the shoe is attached 45. Adjusting the base 3 can be done as illustrated in the figure 3 by a piece 4 allowing the base position to be indexed 3relative to the plate, and thus to precisely adjust the position of the boot's grip zone relative to the ski, without direct relation to the invention.

[0035] In its front part, the fastening 1 and more specifically the base 3 of the fixing 1 includes the area intended to receive the connecting element 46 of the shoe 45. This connecting organ 46 is preferably an axis 47, which corresponds to the transverse front axis of the shoe 45. This transverse front axis of the shoe 45 may be located in front of the front end of the sole or, as shown, under the sole in the front area of ​​the sole, or this axis may be separated into two segments that may extend laterally from the shoe 45.

[0036] More specifically, this area of ​​the mounting is designed to receive the front axle 47 of the shoe45 has two walls 13, 14 roughly in line with the vertical walls 8, 9 extending along the entire length of the fixing, these walls are designed to fit into complementary grooves 48, 49 under the sole of the shoe 45. In the axle attachment zone 47 of the shoe 45, these walls 13, 14 have a higher profile, and feature a groove in their center 15, 16 intended to receive the axle 47 of the shoe 45 and block it lengthwise. The gorges 15,16 form the receiving portions within the meaning of the invention. Between the two walls 13, 14, and ahead of the gorges 15,16, The presence of an elastomeric element is noted. 10 configured to come into contact with the extreme front part of the shoe 45,and serve as a return spring, or even a shock absorber, during heel lift movements of the shoe 45. The inner faces of the gorges 15, 16 located in the extension of the inner faces of the walls 13,14, are closed respectively by a hook 17, 18 more easily visible to the figure 4 .

[0037] In front of the shock absorber 10, the base 3 features a recess 21 inside which is inserted a control mechanism 20 accessible to the user to operate the opening or closing of the fastener. More precisely, and as can be seen in the figure 4 this operating mechanism 20 fits into the end 31 arm 30 of the room 50 carrying the retaining elements intended to hold the axis 47 of the shoe 45 in the fixing 1,These retaining elements consist more specifically of the characteristic hooks. 17, 18. This fastening can be achieved by a press fit, possibly combined with the insertion of a fixing screw through the hole. 22 of the lever, which passes through the hole 32 of the end 31 of the arm. The assembly consisting of the arm 30 of the room 50 and the operating mechanism 20 forms an actuating lever allowing the binding to be opened, either to release the boot 45 by allowing the axis 47 of the shoe 45 to remove the fastener from the grooves by lifting upwards, or to provide access to the grooves so that the axle 47 of the shoe 45 can be positioned at the bottom of these gorges for putting on the shoe 45.This actuation lever is therefore a release lever, and also a fitting lever.

[0038] As illustrated in the figure 5 the mechanism 50, bearing the characteristic hooks 17, 18, generally takes the form of a plate 52 which is mounted to rotate freely on the base 3 of the fixing, around an axis of rotation extending along a vertical axis Z. Certain areas of this plate 52 were folded to get out of its plan. One example is the hooks. 17, 18 which extend transversely and symmetrically with respect to the vertical axis Z, and therefore with respect to the central recess 54 which is centered on this vertical Z axis and which ensures the rotation of this part relative to the rest of the fixing. The central part 54 of the plate 52 features a central hole for a mounting screw (not shown) under the base3 and this same central part is embossed upwards to accommodate the head of this screw. As can be seen in the figure 5 the hooks 17, 18, arranged on either side of the axis of rotation, each possess a first portion 63, 61 connecting to the plate, rising vertically to an extreme portion 62, 64 extending opposite the plaque. In particular, the first portions 61, 63 are arranged to define a space in which the axis 47 of the shoe 45 can be received. In the embodiment shown, the first portions 61, 63 are arranged so that, in an engaged position, the axis 47 of the shoe 45 extending in a transverse plane passing through the vertical axis Z, the first portions 61, 63are arranged on either side of the transverse plane, one being offset towards the rear and the other towards the front. Furthermore, the extreme portions 62, 64 hooks 17, 18 are oriented in opposite directions, one forwards, for the hook whose first portion 61, 63 is shifted backward, and the other backward, for the hook whose first portion 61, 63 is shifted forward. Each of the hooks 17, 18 may have at least part of its extremity 62, 64 which extends in a horizontal plane.

[0039] In the engaged position, the first portions 61, 63 are thus arranged on either side of the axis 47 of the shoe 45 along the longitudinal direction, near the axis 47 of the shoe 45, if necessary in contact with it, preventing the axis from exiting 47in both directions of the longitudinal direction, but also by limiting or even preventing rotation of the axis 47 along the vertical Z-axis. The extreme portions 62, 64 hooks 17, 18 They are brought closer together along the longitudinal direction to be positioned above the axis 47, if necessary, in contact with it, prevent its exit along the vertical Z axis. The plate can be pivoted along the vertical Z axis to a retracted position in which the hooks 17, 18 are offset from the transverse plane passing through the vertical axis Z in which the axis extends 47, to allow passage of the axis 47 in the direction of the insertion or removal of the axis 47. In the retracted position, one of the hooks 17 is moved towards the front of the fixing 1 while the other hook 18 is moved towards the rear of the fixing1. The first sections are then arranged on either side of the axis 47 of the shoe 45, at a distance from it and the extreme portions 62, 64 are spaced apart from each other relative to the longitudinal direction to allow passage of the axis 47 of the shoe 45 between them.

[0040] The extreme portions 62, 64 thus form two prominent portions oriented in opposite directions, arranged to cover the axis 47 of the shoe 45 when the retaining element is in the engaged position and between which the axis of rotation is arranged in such a way that said prominent portions are moved in opposite directions of the longitudinal direction between the engaged and retracted positions.

[0041] The invention described with prominent portions formed by extreme portions of hooks is not, however, limited to such an embodiment.

[0042] The extreme portions 62, 64 hooks 17, 18 may have a triangular profile, or more generally inclined slopes such that when the axis 47 of the shoe 45 is not completely at the bottom of the gorge, a lower slope pushes the axis back 47 towards the inside of the throat. Furthermore, the extreme portions 62, 64 hooks 17, 18 feature inclined ramps in the upper part 65, 66 which allow the hooks to be moved 17, 18 from the engaged position to the retracted position when the axis 47 of the shoe 45exerts a downward force on these ramps during the boot fitting. Furthermore, if the hook is not sufficiently advanced towards the bottom of the gully, the upper slope formed by the ramp of the extreme section pushes the axis back 47 outwards when the throat hook closes, to prevent jamming. This same upper slope is inclined in such a way as to facilitate donning the boot by allowing the hook to retract during donning. When the user presses with the axle 47 of his shoe on this upper, sloping slope, the hooks 17, 18 automatically tilt and release the groove openings to allow the shaft 47 of the shoe 45 to descend to the bottom of the gorge, until the hooks 17, 18 can resume their initial positions by covering the axis 47 of the shoe 45 and by trapping the axis 47 of the shoe 45at the bottom of the gorge to ensure the shoe is held in place 45.

[0043] In practice, the hooks 17, 18 are transversely separated by a distance d, which is between 15mm and 30mm, preferably close to about 20mm.

[0044] Furthermore, the plaque 52 also includes two outgrowths 56, 58 which extend transversely, to come into contact with the plate 2 and the base 3 of the fixing, in order to stiffen this plate 52 and to ensure rotation of the part 50 without distortion.

[0045] In the form illustrated in the figure 5 , one of the hooks 18 presents a rearward protrusion 59 intended to receive the support of a return spring visible at the Figure 10 and which will be described later. The arm 30 of the room 50is slightly offset on one side of the piece relative to its median longitudinal plane, to allow its end 31 to remain accessible and not to extend too far laterally when the arm 30 will be pivoted around the vertical Z axis. As already mentioned, the arm 30 presents its end 31 slightly raised relative to the main part of the arm, so that it can be fitted into the housing provided for this purpose in the operating mechanism 20.

[0046] The operation of the device is illustrated in the following: figures 6 to 9 As illustrated in the figure 6 the operating mechanism 20 is located in the left half of the base 3 of the binding (looking at the top of the ski towards its tip) 41), and the hooks 17, 18 are in an engaged position, meaning they prevent the axis 47 to come out of the throat 15, 16, as illustrated in the figure 7. In the engaged position of the hooks, the fixing is in the closed position.

[0047] When the operating mechanism 20 is pivoted laterally, as illustrated in the figure 8 the arm 30 is set in rotation and consequently, the part 30 as a whole, causing the rotating plate to rotate 52 and therefore, also the hooks 17, 18. These hooks 17,18 therefore find themselves in the retracted position where the gorges 15, 16 are released, and allow the introduction (or exit) of the axis 47 of the shoe 45. In the retracted position of the hooks, the fixing is therefore in the open position.

[0048] As an example, the rotation of the arm 30 allowing the transition from the engaged position to the retracted position corresponds to an angle of approximately 30° to 50°, preferably 40°.

[0049] There Figure 10allows visualization of the return mechanisms that force the binding back into an engaged or closed position. More specifically, the base 3 of the fixing present on the underside, a housing 71 inside which is placed a return spring 70 operating in compression. One end 72 of this jurisdiction 70 comes to rest against a wall 73 housing 70 located on one side of the fastener. On the other side, the other end 74 spring 70 comes into contact with the portion 59 of the room 50. In this way, when the arm 30 is moved along the arrow O, in the direction of the opening of the fastener, the spring 70 is compressed and the fastener is in the open position. When the user releases the arm 30, the spring 70relaxes, and causes the arm to rotate in the direction of arrow F, in the direction of the fastening closure, causing the fastening to close.

[0050] Furthermore, the binding can be fitted automatically, without the need to manually operate the lever formed by the operating mechanism. 20 and the arm 30, given that the hooks have upper slopes or shoeing slopes 65, 66 formed by the ramps. Indeed, by downward pressure on the axis 47 of the shoe 45 on these ski slopes, the hooks 17,18 are retracted and pivot around the vertical Z axis, allowing passage to the axis 47 of the shoe 45 so that it could descend vertically into the gorges 15,16.

[0051] THE figures 11 to 14 illustrate a perfected form of the invention, in which the movement of the arm 30can be locked in a position where the grooves 17, 18 are sealed, preventing the unexpected exit of the shaft 47 of the shoe 45. More specifically, as illustrated in the figure 11 the lever 100 mounted at the end of the arm 30 presents a portion 103, which is fitted onto the end 31 arm 30, with a certain latitude of movement conferred by the capacity of the cleat 106 to move in the light 105 located at the end 31 arm 30.

[0052] Thus, when the fastener changes from the engaged configuration shown to the figure 12 , to the open configuration of the figure 13 The operating mechanism is translated to the right (when looking towards the front of the fixing), by sliding between the front and rear edges of the recess. 21. In doing so, the cleat 106 causes the arm to rotate30, and he shifts into the light 105. The translation of the operating element is thus converted into rotation of the mechanism 50 wearing the hooks.

[0053] Additionally, this low room 103 supports a tall piece 101 which is capable of sliding longitudinally relative to the part 103, thanks to the light 104 into which the lateral lug is inserted 108. The upper part 101 of the room 100 It can thus move back and forth, and it has an outgrowth 102 positioned at the rear. This protrusion may come in a recess. 110 made on the upper part of the fixing, around the periphery of the recess 21 inside which the operating mechanism can move 100. In the position illustrated at the figure 12 the room 101 is moved back, thus allowing the operating mechanism to be blocked100 by preventing it from moving laterally. In this configuration, the arm 30 cannot move unexpectedly, and the fixing is kept locked in the engaged position, preventing the axis 47 of the shoe 45 to break free from the fixation 1.

[0054] In the configuration illustrated at the figure 13 the room 110 was moved forward, causing the protrusion to protrude 102 housing 110, and thus allowing lateral movement of the operating mechanism 20. This movement causes the part to rotate. 50, and retracts the hooks 17, 18, thus opening the entrance to the gorge 15, 16 and allowing the output of the axis input 47 of the shoe 45.

[0055] In a particular form of realization, a hollowing out 115 may be designed to accommodate the outgrowth 102when the hooks are in the retracted position, if you also want to lock the fixing in this position.

[0056] Furthermore, we will not deviate from the scope of the invention if the mechanism 50 is replaced by any other mechanism that allows the activation of organs analogous to hooks 17, 18 by rotating them simultaneously.

[0057] It follows from the above that the fastening according to the invention has a simplified mechanical design while allowing a significant range of motion of the hooks that hold the axle 47 of the shoe 45, therefore resulting in a high level of reliability.

Claims

1. Cross-country ski binding (1) (40) intended to receive a boot (45) equipped with a connecting element (46) located in the front part, said binding (1) comprising a base (3) extending in a longitudinal direction and including a receiving portion (15,16) configured to receive said connecting element (46), and a movable retaining element between an engaged position in which it prevents the exit of said connecting element (46) from the receiving portion (15,16), and a retracted position, in which the receiving portion (15,16) is open to allow the insertion and removal of said connecting element (46) into the receiving portion, in which the retaining element is carried by a mechanism (50) allowing rotation of said retaining element about an axis of rotation along a vertical axis (Z), characterized in that The retaining element comprises two prominent portions (62, 64) oriented in opposite directions, arranged to cover the connecting member (46) when the retaining element is in the engaged position, such that said prominent portions (62, 64) are displaced in opposite directions of the longitudinal direction between the engaged and retracted positions.

2. Fixing (1) according to claim 1, characterized in thatThe retaining element is formed by two hooks (17, 18) arranged to receive the connecting member (46) between them and each having an extreme portion (62, 64) each forming one of the prominent portions, such that in the engaged position, the extreme portions (62, 64) are brought together to be positioned above the connecting member (46) when the connecting member (46) is received between the hooks (17, 18), and in the retracted position, the extreme portions (62, 64) are separated from each other to allow passage of the connecting member (46) between the extreme portions.

3. Fixing (1) according to claim 2, characterized in thatthe hooks (17, 18) respectively have first portions (63, 61) rising vertically up to the extreme portions (62, 64) in such a way that in the engaged position, the first portions (63, 61) are arranged on either side of the connecting member (46), close to the connecting member (46), and in the retracted position, the first portions are arranged on either side of the connecting member (46), at a distance from the connecting member (46).

4. Fixing (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the axis of rotation is located between the two prominent portions (62, 64).

5. Fixing (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the brackets (17,18) are symmetrical with respect to the vertical axis (Z).

6. Fixing (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving portion (15,16) is made up of two grooves, the grooves being formed in walls (4) extending vertically and longitudinally.

7. Fixing (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the mechanism (50) is connected to an operating member (20) whose movement causes the retaining element to move from the engaged position to the retracted position.

8. Fixing (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the mechanism (50) includes a substantially horizontal plate (52), mounted movably in rotation about the vertical axis (Z) on the base (3), said plate carrying the hooks (17,18).

9. Fixation (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the plate (52) has an arm (30) intended to be connected to the operating member (20, 100), the rotation of the arm and of the plate (52) around said vertical axis (Z) causing the rotation of the hooks (17,18).

10. Fixing (1) according to claim 1, c characterized in that It includes return means (70) configured to exert a return force on the mechanism (50) forcing it to remain in an engaged position.

11. Fixing (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that The operating member (100) is mounted to move in transverse translation relative to the base and cooperates mechanically with the end of the arm (30) so that its translation causes the rotation of the arm (30).

12. Fixing (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the operating member (100) has locking means (102) allowing the arm (30) to be locked in a position where the retaining element is in the engaged position.

13. Fixing (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the locking means include a movable portion (101) in translation relative to the end of the arm (30), and adapted to cooperate with an area of ​​the rest of the fixing to block the rotation of the arm (30).

14. Fixing (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the hooks (17,18) have in their upper part inclined ramps (65,66) which allow the hooks to be moved from the engaged position to the retracted position when the connecting member (46) of the shoe (45) exerts a downward force on these ramps, at the time of putting on the shoe.

15. Cross-country ski (40) equipped with a binding (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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