Heel unit for a sliding board binding, and sliding board

Abstract

A heel unit (20) for a sliding board binding (2) can be adjusted between a downhill position and at least one touring position. The heel unit (20) comprises a base (21) with a securing assembly (22) for securing to a sliding board (1), a binding element (23) which has holding means (24) for engaging with the heel portion (51) of the boot (50) and which is rotatably mounted on the base (21) about a vertical rotational axis (V1), and a climbing aid (30) which can be positioned in at least one active position and a passive position by rotating the binding element. The climbing aid (30) can be pivoted 0° to 80° about a pivot axis (S) with respect to the sliding board axis (L), wherein the climbing aid (30) is designed such that the climbing aid (30) can be moved between at least two positions S1, S2 by pivoting the climbing aid (30) about the pivot axis (S).

Description

[0001] Heel unit for a gliding board binding and gliding board

[0002] The present invention relates to a heel unit for a gliding board binding, in particular a ski touring binding, as well as a gliding board according to the preambles of the independent claims.

[0003] Various gliding board bindings are already known from the state of the art. In addition to ski and ski touring bindings, there are also other binding types for gliding boards, such as cross-country bindings, telemark bindings, snowboard and splitboard bindings, and waterski bindings, which perform different functions and whose binding bodies can be designed accordingly.

[0004] In skiing, a distinction is usually made between piste bindings and touring bindings. Gliding board bindings for skiing generally comprise at least two binding bodies: a heel unit and a toe unit, designed to engage a boot in the downhill position and lock it onto the gliding board. Piste bindings are used for downhill skiing and / or skiing on ski lifts.

[0005] Gliding board bindings for ski touring, on the other hand, are typically adjustable in two positions: a downhill position, similar to conventional ski bindings, and a touring or ascent position. Touring bindings are primarily used for ascending with the aid of skins attached to the gliding boards.

[0006] In a downhill position, a binding body should reliably fix the heel section of a ski touring boot in a holding position on the gliding board. An optional brake assembly is held in a non-operating position so that a ski can glide over the ground. In the event of a fall or unusual force, when a safety release is preferably triggered, the brake assembly should be moved to an active position. This prevents the free ski from sliding down. The basic functional principle of such a brake assembly corresponds to that of the ski brake known from alpine bindings.

[0007] In a touring position, which is used when climbing a mountain, the heel section of the ski touring boot should be released so that the ski touring boot can lift off the heel unit. The ski touring boot is held horizontally and pivots around an axis in the transverse direction of the ski.

[0008] At least one optional climbing aid can be adjustable to an active and / or a passive configuration. The boot can usually be supported at the level of the gliding board for walking in a touring position on flat terrain. The position in which no climbing aid is activated and the boot is supported on the ski is called the zero position. For climbing on steeper terrain, a climbing aid can be placed in the pivoting area of ​​the boot and support the boot at a predetermined height. If necessary, a second climbing aid can be activated which supports the boot at a further predetermined height. Because the ski touring boot is supported at a predetermined height above the base level when the climbing aid is in an active position, these configurations are preferred for steeper climbs. The strain on the calves and Achilles tendons is reduced.The optional brake assembly is held in a non-operating position in the touring position, allowing the ski to glide over the ground. The brake assembly is thus fixed at the height of the gliding board.

[0009] Based on the construction, the type of touring binding and the desired function, the heel unit can have different configurations in the touring position.

[0010] DE 10 2013 224 574 A1 relates to a heel unit for a touring binding, comprising a base and a binding body with coupling means for coupling a touring boot, which is adjustable between a downhill position and a touring position. The heel unit is intended to enable optimal positioning of the touring boot in the downhill position and at the same time offer a suitable boot support section for the touring position, which allows comfortable walking on flat terrain. Two climbing aids are shown, which are adjustable between an active and a passive position. A total of three different, predetermined heights are possible for adaptation to the gradient of the terrain.

[0011] EP 3 848 099 A1 discloses a heel unit for a touring binding, which comprises one or two climbing aids that can be adjusted between an active position and a passive position. In a touring position of the heel unit, the climbing aid in an active position supports a heel section of a touring boot at a predetermined height above a gliding board plane. The predetermined height of the two climbing aids is different. The disclosure shows one or two climbing aids that are pre-tensioned into the active position by means of an elastic element over their entire path of movement and can be locked in a passive position. A disadvantage of the heel units known from DE 10 2013 224 574 A1 and EP 3 848 099 A1 is that only one single support position is possible for each climbing aid.Both disclosures feature two climbing aids, each pivotable into an active and a passive position to achieve two different support heights. Manufacturing and assembly costs are increased because two components must be manufactured and assembled for the two separately designed climbing aids. Since the climbing aids are often pivotally mounted on the same axis of the binding body, intentionally activating the first climbing aid can inadvertently adjust the second climbing aid as well, resulting in an incorrect support height.

[0012] EP 4 190 415 A1 discloses a heel unit of a touring binding, which comprises a one-piece climbing aid with multiple support options. The climbing aid is pivotally mounted on the binding body and has at least a first and a second support section with optionally different support heights. The climbing aid can be designed with one or two arms.

[0013] One problem with the heel unit known from EP 4 190 415 A1 is its lack of user-friendliness. Because the first rotational position is both the downhill position and the touring position with a support height of 1, the heel unit of the boot can be accidentally engaged during the ascent. This is the case when the binding body is rotated into a first rotational position for support at a height of 11, but the climbing aid is forgotten to be pivoted into a first position. A further disadvantage of the disclosure is that only three different support heights can be set. The object of the invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. Tourers and freeriders desire ski bindings that are lightweight, highly stable, reliable, have precise power transmission, are affordable and have the highest safety standards.In summary, walking comfort should be maximized without compromising riding comfort and / or safety levels. The binding should therefore be compactly designed, conserving material resources and being cost-effective to manufacture. Despite minimal material use and being lightweight, the gliding board binding should be highly stable and wear-resistant. In particular, the gliding board binding should maximize walking comfort and user-friendliness. The effort required, particularly during ascents, should be minimized, thus improving the user's stamina. Individual settings adapted to the user should be simple and uncomplicated, even in extreme external conditions such as cold, snow, and ice.

[0014] This problem is solved by the heel units and the gliding board defined in the independent patent claims. Further embodiments are set out in the dependent patent claims.

[0015] A heel unit according to the invention for a gliding board binding is particularly suitable for a ski touring binding. The heel unit is adjustable between a downhill position and at least one touring position. In the downhill position, the heel unit holds a heel section of a boot. In a touring position, the heel unit releases the heel section of the boot so that the boot can lift off from the heel unit. The heel unit comprises a base with a fastening arrangement for attachment to a gliding board. The heel unit further comprises a binding body which has holding means for engaging the heel section of the boot. The binding body is mounted on the base so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation. In the downhill position, the holding means point parallel to a gliding board longitudinal axis in the direction of a front unit of the gliding board binding. This allows them to engage the heel section of the boot.In the touring position(s), the holding means point approximately parallel to a transverse axis of the gliding board or approximately in the opposite direction of the front unit. This releases the heel section of the boot. The heel unit also comprises a climbing aid which can be positioned in at least one active position and one passive position, in particular by rotating the binding body. In a touring position, the climbing aid is positioned in an active position such that the heel section of the boot can be supported at at least one predetermined height above a base plane. The climbing aid can be pivoted about a pivot axis. The pivot axis lies in a plane parallel to the gliding board plane and runs at an angle of 0° to 80°, preferably 35° to 65°, particularly preferably approximately 0° or approximately 48°, relative to the longitudinal axis of the gliding board.The climbing aid is designed in such a way that by pivoting the climbing aid about the pivot axis the climbing aid can be moved between at least two positions S1, S2 which have a different predetermined height to adapt to different terrain gradients.

[0016] The term "gliding board" and related terms such as "boot," "binding," "plane," "longitudinal axis," and the like can refer to skis, but also to splitboards, snowshoes, or similar boards for walking and / or gliding on snow and ice. Gliding boards for water and / or sand surfaces are also conceivable, although this list is not exhaustive.

[0017] The base of the heel unit allows for mounting on the gliding board. It is advantageously flat and can be, for example, plate- or rail-shaped. The base can be attached to the gliding board using a mounting arrangement.

[0018] Assuming that the base is mounted on the gliding board , the base plane coincides with a gliding board plane .

[0019] The gliding board plane defines the top of the gliding board and is therefore located on the side of the gliding board facing away from the gliding surface. The longitudinal axis of the gliding board thus also corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the base.

[0020] The binding body can be rotated in at least two rotational positions about the vertical axis. Various rotational positions, preferably two, three or four defined rotational positions, are preferably possible. A defined rotational position can be defined by a locking position of the binding body. A first position PI corresponds to the downhill position. The holding means point in the direction of the front unit of the ski touring binding. The downhill position preferably does not correspond to a touring position. In a touring position, the base body of the heel unit can be in different positions P2, P3, P4. In a position P2, the binding body is rotated counterclockwise by approximately 90° about the vertical axis relative to the downhill position. In a position P4, the binding body is rotated clockwise by approximately 90° about the vertical axis relative to the downhill position.In positions P2 and P4, the binding body can be pivoted about the vertical axis by 60°-120°, preferably by 70°-110°, particularly preferably by 80°-100° relative to the downhill position. In one embodiment, the binding body is rotated about the vertical axis by 93° relative to the downhill position. In a further position P3, the binding body is rotated about the vertical axis by approximately 180° relative to the downhill position. This means that the binding body is pivoted about the vertical axis by 150°-210°, preferably by 160°-200°, particularly preferably by 170°-190° relative to the downhill position.

[0021] For the purposes of this application, a vertical axis is understood to be an axis that is approximately perpendicular to the gliding board plane. The vertical axis can deviate from the vertical by up to 20°, preferably less than 10°, and particularly preferably less than 5°.

[0022] Depending on the rotational position of the binding body and the position of the climbing aid, the climbing aid can support the heel unit of the boot in a touring position at at least two predetermined heights. These heights can be the same or different.

[0023] In a touring position, the climbing aid can be in an active or a passive position, depending on its position and the position of the binding body. In the passive position(s), the climbing aid cannot support the heel section of the boot. The climbing aid is in a non-functional position. The boot is supported in a zero position, i.e., on the gliding board, the base, or the brake assembly, or alternatively, on an extension of the binding body. The zero position corresponds to the most neutral boot position possible. In the active position(s) of the climbing aid, the climbing aid can support the heel section of the boot at a predetermined height. Positions of the binding body are conceivable in which the climbing aid cannot have an active position, regardless of its position.

[0024] In the downhill position, the climbing aid of the present disclosure is always in a passive position. The climbing aid can be in either position S1 or position S2. The two positions of a single climbing aid allow adaptation to different terrain gradients with two support heights using a single component. Material, manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance costs for the climbing aid are saved while maintaining the same function, and the weight is reduced. Furthermore, operating errors can be reduced because the wrong climbing aid is not accidentally activated. Comfort is increased.

[0025] If the pivot axis is positioned at approximately 48° relative to the gliding board's longitudinal axis (L), the climbing aid according to the invention can support the boot at four different heights with only two (locking) positions. A pivot axis of approximately 0° relative to the gliding board's longitudinal axis (L) requires three locking positions to support the boot at four different heights.

[0026] It is possible that the gliding board binding also has two or more climbing aids in order to be able to adjust further predetermined heights.

[0027] The climbing aid is preferably designed with one arm, but it is also conceivable that the climbing aid has two or three arm sections.

[0028] It is conceivable that the climbing aid has a position that is inactive in all binding positions. The binding can be tapered in a plane parallel to the gliding board plane.

[0029] In particular, the area of ​​a closing cover and an upper area of ​​a housing of the binding body can be tapered. When the binding body is in the downhill position, the cover can widen toward the front unit in a plane parallel to the gliding board plane. The degree of tapering is defined by the design of the climbing aid in conjunction with the angle of the pivot axis.

[0030] It is therefore also conceivable that the binding body tapers towards the front unit in a plane parallel to the gliding board plane.

[0031] The advantage of the tapered design is that it saves material. This reduces the cost and weight of the binding. Furthermore, it prevents the heel area of ​​the boot from colliding with the binding body when walking in a touring position. The boot can be supported in a neutral position.

[0032] Due to the tapered design, the binding body, in the preferred embodiment, pivots 93° around the vertical axis from the downhill position to a touring position. Accordingly, the climbing aid pivot axis preferably has an angle of 48° relative to the base plate's longitudinal axis.

[0033] The pivoting climbing aid can be constructed in one piece.

[0034] The advantages of a one-piece design of the climbing aid are the less complex manufacturing process and the reduction in inventory. Furthermore, the strength and durability of the molded part are improved.

[0035] However, a climbing aid consisting of two or more parts is also conceivable.

[0036] The binding body can be rotated 360 ° around the vertical axis of rotation in both directions .

[0037] The ability to rotate in both directions increases user comfort. Depending on the desired boot support height, the desired rotation position of the binding body can be directly adjusted. Furthermore, the shortest rotation movement can be selected when changing from the touring position to the downhill position.

[0038] The climbing aid may be inoperative in all positions of the binding body in the downhill position.

[0039] The heel section of the boot cannot come into contact with the climbing aid. The downhill position therefore cannot correspond to a touring position. This also means that the climbing aid can already be in a position in the downhill position that, by rotating the binding body, can support the boot at a predetermined height.

[0040] The advantage of this type of design is that the climbing aid can be moved into its active position simply by turning the binding body, meaning the boot can be supported at a predetermined height depending on the position of the climbing aid. This saves the user the hassle of swiveling tiny binding parts, particularly in extreme conditions. With a single climbing aid, two active positions can be used to set two predetermined heights for supporting the boot. This avoids the need for additional binding components and saves weight. The manufacturing process for the climbing aid is also simplified. User comfort is increased because there is no risk of confusion between two predetermined heights using separate climbing aids, and the risk of accidentally misadjusting the height is reduced.

[0041] Depending on the position of the binding body and the position of the climbing aid, the heel unit can support the boot at four different predetermined heights as follows:

[0042] - Height hl: approximately 90°, particularly preferably 93°. Rotation of the binding body around the vertical axis of rotation clockwise (or counterclockwise), so that the boot can be supported in a zero position of the gliding board. In position P2, the climbing aid is in position S1 or S2. In position P4, the climbing aid must be in position S2, so that it is folded away from the boot space and no longer serves any function.

[0043] - Height h2 : approximately 180 ° rotation of the binding body around the vertical axis of rotation, whereby the boot can be supported on an extension 29 of the binding body 23. In position 2, the climbing aid is in position S 1, so that it is folded away from the space for the boot and has no function.

[0044] - Height h3 : approximately 90 ° , particularly preferably 93 ° rotation of the binding body around the vertical axis of rotation clockwise into position P2 or position P4 and pivoting of the climbing aid into position S l , the boot being able to be supported on the climbing aid in position S l .

[0045] - Height h4 : approximately 180 ° rotation of the binding body around the vertical axis of rotation to position P3 and pivoting of the climbing aid and position S2 , with the boot on the

[0046] Climbing aid can be supported in position S2.

[0047] The height is defined from the gliding board plane to the support height along an axis vertical to the gliding board plane.

[0048] The angle of rotation of the binding body is 0° relative to the downhill position. Because the binding body is pivoted around the vertical axis of rotation by at least approximately 90° relative to the downhill position in a touring position, the heel section of the boot is not accidentally engaged in a touring position.

[0049] Four different, predefined heights can be achieved depending on the position of the binding body and the position of the climbing aid. The additional height compared to conventional ski touring bindings increases walking comfort, especially on steep terrain. A fine-grained adjustment is possible depending on the terrain gradient and the user's physical condition.

[0050] Walking and operating comfort is further increased by the fact that the four different heights can be achieved using just two positions: a touring position, a climbing aid, and two climbing aid positions. The climbing aid and its mechanics are subjected to less strain and therefore have a longer service life. In addition, the user's fine motor skills can be restricted by low temperatures and gloves. The ratio of the support heights to the positions of the rotating body and the climbing aid positions is optimal, thus reducing design and manufacturing costs. Additional positions are conceivable for multi-arm or multiple climbing aids.

[0051] Positions S1 and S2 of the climbing aid can have different heights. Position S1 can be higher or lower than position S2. Height h2 is preferably lower than heights h3 and / or h4. However, it is also conceivable that heights h2 - h4 have a different order.

[0052] The predetermined steps of the climbing aid can be located at a height above the base level as follows:

[0053] Height hl: between 0 mm and 25 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 20 mm, particularly preferably between 10 mm and 15 mm, height h2: between 15 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 25 mm and 45 mm, particularly preferably between 30 mm and 40 mm, height h3: between 20 mm and 60 mm, preferably between 30 mm and 55 mm, particularly preferably between 40 mm and 50 mm, height h4: between 30 mm and 80 mm, preferably between 40 mm and 70 mm, particularly preferably between 50 mm and 60 mm.

[0054] The climbing aid can have an elastic pre-tensioning element, wherein overcoming the pre-tension is necessary to pivot the climbing aid about the pivot axis.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the climbing aid can be preloaded into the first position and / or the second position by an elastic preload element. The climbing aid can pass through a dead center when adjusting between the two positions, so that it is always preloaded in one or the other position.

[0056] The force of the preload should be so great that the

[0057] The climbing aid can be pivoted from a first position to a second position, for example, using a sliding board pole. However, it is intended to prevent the climbing aid from being accidentally pivoted from position S1 to position S2 or vice versa. The position is thus defined.

[0058] The elastic preload element can be a leaf spring.

[0059] The elastic preload element can also be a leg, compression, or tension spring. It is advantageous to select a spring that is lightweight, requires as little space as possible, and is functional even in extreme weather conditions such as cold and wet conditions.

[0060] Another object of the present invention relates to a heel unit for a gliding board binding, preferably as described above. The heel unit is adjustable between a downhill position and at least one touring position. In the downhill position, a heel section of a boot is held, whereas in the touring position the heel section of the boot is released so that the boot can lift off from the heel unit. The heel unit comprises a base with a fastening arrangement for attachment to a gliding board. It further comprises a binding body which has holding means for engaging the heel section of the boot. The binding body is mounted on the base so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation. In the downhill position, the holding means point parallel to a gliding board longitudinal axis in the direction of a front unit of the gliding board binding in order to engage the heel section of the boot.In the touring position(s), the holding means point approximately parallel to a gliding board transverse axis or in the opposite direction of the front unit. The heel section of the boot is released. The heel unit further comprises a brake assembly, which includes at least one brake assembly plate and at least one brake arm. The binding body has a link with an end face. The end face interacts with the brake assembly as a counter element such that rotation of the binding body from a downhill position is blocked when the brake assembly is in the active position.

[0061] In the active position of the brake assembly, the brake arms are positioned on a vertical axis lower than the sliding surface of the gliding board. This prevents the free gliding board from sliding downwards.

[0062] The guide can extend substantially circumferentially around the binding body. The guide can be a one-piece, radial projection of the binding body that can be pivoted over the brake assembly plate and press it down. A groove is also conceivable. However, a separate part is also conceivable, which can be arranged on the binding body. It is conceivable for the guide to be interrupted.

[0063] The backdrop can have at least one beginning and one end, wherein the beginning and / or the end comprises the end face which serves as a stop.

[0064] The front surface of the link prevents the binding body from being rotated into a touring position when the brake assembly is in the active position. Furthermore, the link can be used to secure the brake assembly plate, so that the brake assembly does not impede the gliding board's movement across the surface when in a touring position. The brake assembly is locked in a non-operating position in all touring positions by fixing the brake assembly plate at approximately the height of the base plane using the link.

[0065] The backdrop can extend over a maximum of 355 ° , preferably a maximum of 300 ° , particularly preferably a maximum of 240 ° of the circumference of the binding body .

[0066] Another aspect of the present invention is a gliding board comprising a heel unit as described above.

[0067] The climbing aid is preferably made of metal. A light metal such as aluminum or aluminum alloy is advantageous. Steel and magnesium, as well as their alloys, as well as plastics, carbon fiber-reinforced plastics, and other plastic-based materials are also conceivable.

[0068] The weight of the gliding board binding can be a maximum of 300 g, preferably a maximum of 250 g, particularly preferably a maximum of 220 g. The heel unit, comprising four different predetermined support heights, has a maximum weight of 200 g, preferably 160 g, particularly preferably 130 g.

[0069] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to figures which merely represent exemplary embodiments. They show:

[0070] Figure 1: a side view of a gliding board with a gliding board binding comprising a front unit and a heel unit, Figure 2: a frontal view of the heel unit with rotatable binding body according to Figure 1,

[0071] Figure 3: a top view of the heel unit according to Figure 2 of a gliding board binding with brake arrangement and pivoting climbing aid,

[0072] Figure 4: a perspective view of the heel unit according to Figure 3,

[0073] Figure 5: a side view of the heel unit according to Figure 3

[0074] Figure 6a: a schematic representation of a top view of the binding body according to Figure 2 in a downhill position and position PI as well as the climbing aid in position Sl,

[0075] Figure 6b: a schematic representation of a top view of the binding body according to Figure 2 in a touring position and position P2 as well as the climbing aid in position S1,

[0076] Figure 6c: a schematic representation of a top view of the binding body according to Figure 2 in a touring position and position PI as well as the climbing aid in position S2,

[0077] Figure 6d: a schematic representation of a top view of the binding body according to Figure 2 in a touring position and position P3 as well as the climbing aid in position Sl,

[0078] Figure 6e: a schematic representation of a plan view of the binding body according to Figure 2 in a touring position and position P4 as well as the climbing aid in position S1, and Figure 6f: a schematic representation of a plan view of the binding body according to Figure 2 in a touring position and

[0079] Position P3 and the climbing aid in position S2.

[0080] Figure 1 shows a side view of a gliding board 1 with a gliding board binding 2, which has a front unit 10 and a heel unit 20. The gliding board binding 2 is particularly suitable as a binding for ski touring skis. The gliding board binding 2 is in a downhill position. The front unit 10 and the heel unit 20 are fastened along a gliding board longitudinal axis L on the ski touring ski 1. A base 11 of the front unit 10 and a base 21 of the heel unit 20 are arranged on the gliding board 1 and serve to mount the binding units. The base 11 has a base plane E and the base 21 has a base plane F. The front unit 10 and the heel unit 20 are mounted on the opposite side of the gliding surface G of the ski touring ski 1. A gliding board plane H coincides with the base planes E, F.

[0081] Figure 2 shows a frontal view of the heel unit 20 according to Figure 1. The heel unit 20 is attached to a base 21 on a gliding board 1. The heel unit 20 comprises a binding body 23, which can be adjusted by rotation about an axis VI perpendicular to the base plane F into at least two positions: a downhill position and a touring position (exemplarily according to Figure 3). Figure 2 shows the binding body 23 in the downhill position.

[0082] The heel unit 20 comprises two retaining means 24, which, in a downhill position, can engage a counter-bearing element of a heel portion 51 of a shoe 50 (see Figure 3). The heel unit 20 comprises a climbing aid 30, which is mounted on the binding body 23 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis S.

[0083] The pivot axis is aligned at an angle of 48° to the gliding board longitudinal axis L and parallel to the base plane F. The illustrated embodiment of the climbing aid 30 has a pivot arm and can be adjusted into two positions with different predetermined heights by overcoming a pre-tensioning force, depending on the position of the binding body 23. In Figure 2, the climbing aid 30 is in a position S1. In a illustrated position P1 of the binding body 23, in the downhill position, the climbing aid 30 has no function regardless of its position. Accordingly, the climbing aid 30 cannot support a boot at a predetermined height in this position.

[0084] Furthermore, the illustrated embodiment of the heel unit 20 has a brake assembly 70 comprising a U-shaped bracket 71 and two brake arms 73. The binding body 23 has a link 76 with an end face 77 which, by interacting with a brake assembly plate 72, blocks rotation of the binding body 23 from the downhill position into the touring position when the brake assembly 70 is in the active position. The end face 77 serves as a stop. The stop prevents rotation of the binding body 23 when the brake assembly plate 72 is at least slightly lifted from the base plane F. The end face 77 simultaneously forms a beginning and an end of the link 76. In the embodiment shown, the link 76 of the binding body 23 is a partially circumferential projection 76 around the binding body 23, which extends over approximately 65% ​​of the radial circumference of the binding body 23.The projection 76 presses the brake assembly plate 72 against the base plane F in all touring positions. The brake assembly 70 thus remains fixed substantially at the height of the gliding board 1, at least above the sliding surface G (see Figure 1), relative to an axis vertical to the base plane F.

[0085] Figure 3 shows a plan view of the heel unit 20 according to Figure 2 with the brake assembly 70 and pivoting climbing aid 30. The heel unit 20 is in a touring position in the illustrated position P2 of the binding body 23. The holding means 24 point in the direction of a gliding board transverse axis Q. The heel section 51 of a shoe 50 (shown schematically) is released and can lift off.

[0086] The climbing aid 30 is in position S 1 and is pre-tensioned. The binding body 23 is pivoted by 93 ° in a counter-clockwise direction with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the gliding board. In this position P 2 of the binding body 23, the climbing aid 30 has no function regardless of its position. In the touring position shown, the boot 50 is supported on the gliding board 1 or the brake arrangement plate 72 in a zero position. Depending on the rotational position and position of the binding body 23 and the position of the climbing aid 30, in addition to the zero position, there are three further heights at which the boot 50 can be supported to adapt to the gradient of the terrain. One height is obtained by rotating the binding body 93 ° clockwise with respect to the downhill position and the climbing aid in position S 1, whereby the boot can be supported on the climbing aid.Two further heights result from a rotation of the binding body by 180° relative to the downhill position, whereby the boot can be supported either on an extension 29 of the binding body 23, provided the climbing aid 30 is in position S1, or on the climbing aid 30 in position S2. In an alternative embodiment, the pivot axis S is mirrored parallel to the gliding board longitudinal axis L (not shown). In this case, the climbing aid 30 in position S1 could support the boot 50 at a predetermined height in the illustrated position P2 of the binding body 23.

[0087] The brake arms 73 are fixed at a height above the sliding surface G (see Figure 1), relative to an axis vertical to the base plane F, by the interaction of the link 76 of the binding body 23 with the brake assembly plate 72. The link 76 presses the brake assembly plate 72 against the base plane F, whereby the brake arms 73 are pivoted approximately to the height of the base plane F.

[0088] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the heel unit 20 with the binding body 23 comprising a link 76 for securing the brake assembly 70 according to Figure 3. In the present embodiment, the brake assembly plate 72 has a head 78 that interacts with the stop or link 76 (see Figure 2) and its end face 77.

[0089] The heel unit 20 is shown in a downhill position with the brake assembly plate 72 pressed down against the base plane F. The brake assembly plate 72 can be pressed down by a boot during downhill skiing or manually and by rotation of the binding body 23. The brake arms 73 are positioned at a height above the sliding surface G (according to Figure 1) with respect to an axis vertical to the sliding surface G, approximately at the height of the base plane F (see Figure 3).

[0090] From this configuration, the binding body 23 can be rotated into a touring position without the head 78 interacting with the stop and preventing rotation. By rotating the binding body 23, the brake assembly plate 72 is pressed against the base plane F by the projection 76 throughout all touring positions. The brake arms 73 remain fixed at the height of the gliding board 1, and the ski touring ski can glide over the snow without any braking effect.

[0091] Figure 5 shows a side view of the heel unit 20 according to Figure 3. Different heights hl-h4 are shown, at which the heel portion 51 of the shoe 50 (see Figure 3) can be supported. The heights hl, h2, h3, h4 are measured from the base plane F, on an axis vertical to the base plane F, to a support surface (see Figures 6a-6f) of the shoe.

[0092] Height hl corresponds to a zero position. Height hl is achieved when the binding body 23 is rotated 93° around the vertical axis VI to position P2 and the climbing aid 30 is in a non-functional position S1 or S2. When the binding body 23 is rotated 93° counterclockwise around the vertical axis VI, i.e., to position P2, both positions S1 and S2 of the climbing aid 30 are non-functional. When the binding body 23 is rotated 93° clockwise around the vertical axis VI to position P4, the climbing aid 30 must be in position S2 so that the boot 50 is supported in a zero position. The boot 50 is supported at the height of the brake assembly plate 72. At height h2, the shoe 50 is supported when the binding body 23 is pivoted 180° around the vertical axis VI in position P3 and the shoe 50 is positioned on an extension 29 of the binding body 23. At height h3, the shoe 50 is supported on the climbing aid 30 in position S1.For this purpose, the binding body 23 must be rotated 93° clockwise around the vertical axis VI in position P4. A height h4 is shown schematically. At height h4, the boot 50 is supported by a rotation of the binding body 23 around the vertical axis VI by 180° in position P3 and a climbing aid 30 in position S2.

[0093] Figure 6a shows a schematic representation of a top view of the binding body 23 according to Figure 2 in a downhill position and position PI and the climbing aid 30 in a position S1. The holding means 24 point parallel to the ski's longitudinal axis L in the direction of the front unit 10 (according to Figure 1). The boot 50 is engaged by the holding means 24. Not shown is that the climbing aid 30 is also in a non-functional position in a position S2.

[0094] Figure 6b is a schematic representation of a top view of the binding body 23 according to Figure 2 in a touring position and position P2, as well as the climbing aid 30 in position S1. The binding body 23 is rotated 93° counterclockwise around the vertical axis VI in a position P2. The holding means 24 point parallel to the ski transverse axis Q. The boot 50 is supported in a zero position at height H1 (according to Figure 5). The climbing aid 30 is in a non-functional position. The support surface is shown hatched.

[0095] Figure 6c shows a schematic top view of the binding body 23 according to Figure 2 in a touring position and position P2 (according to Figure 6b) as well as a climbing aid 30 in position S2. The climbing aid 30 is in a non-functional position. The boot 50 is supported at a height h1 (according to Figure 5). The support surface is shown hatched.

[0096] Figure 6d shows a schematic representation of a top view of the binding body 23 according to Figure 2 in a touring position and position P3, as well as the climbing aid 30 in position S1. The binding body 23 is rotated 180° around the vertical axis VI relative to the downhill position. The holding means 24 point in the opposite direction of the front unit 10, parallel to the gliding board's longitudinal axis L. The boot 50 is supported on the extension 29 of the binding body 23 at a height h2 (according to Figure 5). The climbing aid 30 is in a non-functional position. The support surface is shown hatched.

[0097] Figure 6e is a schematic representation of a top view of the binding body 23 according to Figure 2 in a touring position and position P4, as well as the climbing aid 30 in position S1. The binding body 23 is rotated clockwise around the vertical axis VI by 93° relative to the downhill position. The holding means 24 are aligned parallel to the ski transverse axis Q. The boot 50 is supported on the climbing aid 30 at a height h3 (according to Figure 5). The support surface is shown hatched.

[0098] Figure 6f shows a schematic representation of a top view of the binding body 23 according to Figure 2 in a touring position and position P3 (according to Figure 6d) as well as the climbing aid 30 in position S2. The boot 50 is supported on the climbing aid 30 at a height h4 (according to Figure 5). The support surface is shown hatched.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Heel unit (20) for a gliding board binding (2), in particular a ski touring binding, wherein the heel unit (20) is adjustable between a downhill position in which it holds a heel portion (51) of a boot (50) and at least one touring position in which it releases the heel portion (51) of the boot (50) so that the boot (50) can lift off the heel unit (20), wherein the heel unit (20) comprises: a base (21) with a fastening arrangement (22) for fastening to a gliding board (1), a binding body (23) which has holding means (24) for engaging the heel portion (51) of the boot (50) and is mounted on the base (21) so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation (VI), so that in the downhill position the holding means (24) are parallel to a gliding board longitudinal axis (L) in the direction of a front unit (10) of the gliding board binding (2),to engage the heel portion (51) of the shoe (50) and in the touring position(s) point approximately parallel to a gliding board transverse axis (Q) or in the opposite direction of the front unit (10) so that the heel portion (51) of the shoe (50) is released, a climbing aid (30) which can be positioned in at least one active position and one passive position, wherein in a touring position the climbing aid (30) in an active position can support the heel portion (51) of the shoe (50) at at least one predetermined height (h1, h2, h3, h4) above a base plane (E), characterized in that the climbing aid (30) is pivotable about a pivot axis (S) which is at an angle of 0° to 80°, preferably 35° to 65°, particularly preferably approximately 42° or, approximately 48° relative to the gliding board longitudinal axis (L), wherein the pivot axis (S) lies in a plane parallel to the gliding board plane (H), wherein the climbing aid (30) is designed such that by pivoting the climbing aid (30) about the pivot axis (S), the climbing aid (30) is movable between at least two positions (S1, S2) which have a different predetermined height (h1, h2, h3, h4) for adaptation to different terrain gradients.

2. Heel unit (20) according to claim 1, wherein the binding body (23) is tapered in the region of a closing cover (62).

3. Heel unit (20) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pivotable climbing aid (30) is formed in one piece.

4. Heel unit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the binding body (23) is rotatable 360° about the vertical axis of rotation (VI) in both directions.

5. Heel unit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the climbing aid (30) is in an active position without function in the downhill position of the binding body (23).

6. Heel unit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the heel unit (20) supports the shoe (50) at four different predetermined heights (h1, h2, h3, h4) depending on the position of the binding body (23) and the position of the climbing aid (30) as follows: Height hl: preferably approximately 90° rotation of the binding body (23) around the vertical axis of rotation (VI) in a (counter-)clockwise direction, so that the shoe (50) is on the base plane (E) of the sliding board (1), wherein the climbing aid (30) is in a position P2 and in a position S2 or in a position P4 and in a position S1 or S2, so that it is folded away from the space for the shoe (50) and does not perform any function. Height h2: preferably approximately 180° rotation of the binding body (23) about the vertical axis of rotation (VI), wherein the shoe (50) can be supported on an extension 29 of the binding body 23, wherein the climbing aid (30) is in the position P3 and the position S1, so that it is folded away from the space for the shoe (50) and does not perform any function. Height h3 : preferably approximately 90° rotation of the binding body (23) about the vertical axis of rotation (VI) into the position P2 or the position P4 and pivoting of the climbing aid (30) into the position S1, wherein the boot (50) can be supported on the climbing aid (30). Height h4 : preferably approximately 180° rotation of the binding body (23) about the vertical axis of rotation (V) and pivoting of the climbing aid (30) into the position P3 and the position S2, wherein the boot (50) can be supported on the climbing aid (30) in the position S2.

7. Heel unit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the predetermined steps of the climbing aid (30) are located at a height (hl, h2, h3, h4) above the base plane (E) as follows: Height hl: between 0 and 25 mm, preferably between 5 and 20 mm, Height h2: between 10 and 40 mm, preferably between 20 and 35 mm, Height h3 : between 20 and 60 mm, preferably between 40 and 50 mm, Height h4 : between 30 and 80 mm, preferably between 45 and 65 mm. Heel unit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the climbing aid (30) has an elastic pre-tensioning element (31), wherein overcoming the pre-tension is necessary for pivoting the climbing aid (30) about the pivot axis (S).

9. Heel unit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic biasing element (31) is a leaf spring.

10. Heel unit (20) for a gliding board binding (2), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the heel unit (20) is adjustable between a downhill position in which it holds a heel portion (51) of a shoe (50) and at least one touring position in which it releases the heel portion (51) of the shoe (50) so that the shoe (50) can lift off the heel unit (20), wherein the heel unit (20) comprises: a base (21) with a fastening arrangement (22) for fastening to a gliding board (1), a binding body (23) which has holding means (24) for engaging the heel portion (51) of the shoe (50) and is mounted on the base (21) so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation (VI), so that in the downhill position the holding means (24) are parallel to a gliding board longitudinal axis (L) in the direction of a Show the front unit (10) of the gliding board binding (2),to engage the heel portion (51) of the shoe (50) and in the touring position(s) approximately parallel to a gliding board transverse axis (Q) or in the opposite, Direction of the front unit (10) so that the heel portion (51) of the shoe (50) is released, a brake assembly (70) which comprises at least one brake assembly plate (72) and at least one brake arm (73), characterized in that the binding body (23) has a link (76) with an end face (77), wherein the end face (77) cooperates as a counter element with the brake assembly (70) in such a way that a rotation of the binding body (23) from a downhill position with the active position of the Brake arrangement (70) is blocked.

11. Sliding board (1), characterized in that the sliding board (1) comprises a heel unit (20) according to one of the preceding claims.

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