EP2281615B1 - Climbing aid, tour ski binding and ski equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a touring ski binding of a ski.

In ski touring specialized ski bindings are used, which are adjustable at least between two operating conditions: a state of ascent in which the ski boot or a shoe plate carrying the ski boot is pivotally connected to the ski only in the area of the toe, while the ski boot can lift off the ski in the heel area , as well as a departure state, in which the ski boot or a shoe plate carrying the ski boot is fixed to the ski both in the area of the toe and in the heel area of the ski boot. For use in more steep terrain touring ski bindings have proven with a climbing aid, which has a bearing surface for the heel portion of the ski boot or for the cleat, wherein the support surface is arranged at a certain distance above the ski, so that the skier in the heel area can support the support surface of the climbing aid.

In known touring ski bindings, a binding portion disposed in the heel region is slidable or rotatable between a first position in which the ski boot is fixed to the ski (downhill condition), a second position in which the ski boot is released in the heel area (ascent condition for flat terrain) and a third position Position in which the binding member is shifted to a position below the heel portion of the ski boot or cleat to provide a climbing aid (ascent condition for steeper terrain). As an example of such a climbing aid can on the EP 0 724 899 A2 to get expelled.

A disadvantage of the known climbing aids lies in the fact that the height of the climbing aid is limited to a few different construction levels and given different levels. Furthermore, an adjustment of the climbing aid or the height of the climbing aid is relatively cumbersome and requires a stop of the skier and a relatively uncomfortable movement of the skier to reach the arranged in the heel area mechanism and operate. This can be dangerous in difficult terrain and lead to unwanted loss of time.

As a suggestion to solve this problem, the WO 2007/079604 A1 an automatic climbing aid provided with means for detecting an angle of inclination between the ski and a horizontal, and a control mechanism which automatically adjusts the height of the climbing aid to the detected slope. In this way, although a loss of time and an uncomfortable movement for the adjustment of the height of the climbing aid can be avoided, however, the constant automatic change in the height of the climbing aid for the skier is often unexpected and can cause a sense of insecurity. Furthermore, there is a desire, in particular for advanced skiers, to define a defined climbing height, possibly deviating from the horizontal setting, in a particular situation during the climb, in particular to ensure reliable engagement of crampons, and in unexpectedly occurring situations to achieve a defined and reliable adjustment of the crampons To leave ski touring binding.

From the WO 2004/035153 A2 a ski-mountable binding is known in which a heel distance between the binding and the ski is manually adjustable by means of a suitable tool to assist by a tilt adjustment of the shoe sole against the ski a skier in it to keep the balance.

From the US 2005/0167950 A1 a ski binding is known, which has a wireless fernbetätigbares electric actuator which is able to trigger the ski binding when needed (for example in case of danger) by a front binding member or a rear binding member by means of the electric actuator is moved away from the other binding member ,

Object of the present invention is to provide a touring ski binding, which allows the skier to adjust the touring ski binding easier and safer to a specific terrain slope or driving situation. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a climbing aid with adjustable height, which on the one hand can be adjusted easily and comfortably and on the other hand reliably according to the will of the skier.

This object is achieved by a touring ski binding with the features of claim 1, namely by a touring ski binding of a ski, which is connected between a ski boot in which a ski boot or a shoe shoe carrying the boot only in the area of a toe pivotally connected to the ski the ski boot or the cleat carrying the ski boot can lift off the ski in the heel section and a downhill state in which the ski boot or cleat carrying the ski boot is fixed to the ski both in the area of the toe and in the heel section of the ski boot or the cleat carrying the ski boot , is adjustable, wherein the touring ski binding has a climbing aid, comprising a support portion which has a support surface facing away from the ski for the heel portion of the ski boot or cleat, an electric, pneumatic or hydraulic actuator with a ski or on the Skibindu ng to be fastened base part and a relatively movable moving part, and a motion conversion assembly, which converts the movement of the moving part of the actuating element into a movement of the support portion, so that the height of the support surface on the ski changes, and / or a locking arrangement, which converts the movement of the moving part of the adjusting element into a lock or Dearretierung the climbing aid, so that a set height of the support surface is locked or dearretiert above the ski.

The actuator allows a particularly comfortable adjustment of the height of the climbing aid, without the skier having to deal with the concrete mechanics of the climbing aid. The electric, pneumatic or hydraulic control elements can be driven externally in a simple manner and thus, e.g. be conveniently operated by the user by a push button.

The terms "base part" and "moving part" for the components of the actuating element are functional designations which merely state that the base part is fastened to the ski or to the ski binding and the movement part is movable relative to the base part. Most actuators can be mounted in at least two kinematic equivalent positions under this understanding. Thus, a hydraulic or pneumatic piston-cylinder arrangement of a cylinder and a piston displaceably guided therein on the one hand connected to the ski or on the ski binding cylinder and motion coupled to the motion conversion part or, alternatively, coupled to the ski or on the ski binding piston and used on the motion conversion assembly coupled cylinder.

In addition, the movement conversion arrangement according to the invention allows the conversion of the movement of the adjusting element in an up and down movement of the support surface, so that the electric or hydraulic actuator does not have to protrude upwards from the ski, but can be arranged in a suitable space saving on the ski. This results in a special freedom for the construction and arrangement of the actuating element.

Alternatively or in addition to the motion conversion arrangement, the touring ski binding according to the invention comprises the locking arrangement, which locks or desires the height adjustability of the climbing aid based on the movement of the adjusting element (the detent releases, so that the height is adjustable). The locking arrangement is similar to the motion conversion arrangement such that an up and down movement of the support surface is made possible without the actuator from the ski must protrude upwards, but instead can be arranged in a suitable space saving on the ski. The actual adjustment of the height of the climbing aid is either manually, assisted by a biasing means, or using the electric, pneumatic or hydraulic actuator (especially in combination with the motion conversion assembly).

Motion conversion assembly and locking assembly are thus connected by the common inventive concept that they are functionally arranged between the actuator and the support portion, so that eliminates the need to construct the actuator and arrange to move the support portion directly to the desired position.

Preferably, the actuating element is a linear actuator, wherein the direction of the linear movement of the moving member substantially parallel to the screed, preferably substantially parallel to the ski longitudinal direction runs. In this way, the actuator can be arranged relatively inconspicuous and with sufficient movement stroke on the ski so that it protrudes distracting from the ski in any of its movement positions in any direction. In particular, the motion conversion device according to the invention also allows the support surface can be lowered very far down to the ski to provide a suitable climbing height even for flat terrain, as the actuator especially between the support surface and ski must be arranged.

The operating comfort for the skier is further increased if the touring ski binding further comprises an actuatable by a skier actuator for actuating the actuating element, wherein at a predetermined actuation of the actuating element by the skier, the actuating element causes a predetermined movement of the moving member. In addition, a reliable operation of the climbing aid is achieved and surprises or unexpected Verstelloperationen the climbing aid are avoided if the climbing aid is further arranged such that the height of the support surface above the ski upon actuation of the actuator by the skier changes substantially without delay , The skier is then possible in a particular situation, especially under time pressure in a ski touring race, to operate the actuator in a certain way and achieved in this way essentially immediately a desired and defined adjustment of the climbing aid to the expected height. This reliability increases safety and saves time for the adjustment process.

A climbing aid according to the invention with adjusting element can be advantageously provided by the actuator in a downhill position in which the ski boot or cleat is securely held in the lowest position on the ski, so that a downhill is possible. Preferably, then, when the skier enters the ski binding, the control element can automatically switch to the downhill position, e.g. after wearing the skis on the back or on the shoulder at a steep section immediately to allow the subsequent downhill run.

In one embodiment of the touring ski binding according to the invention it is provided that the adjusting element is an electrical threaded spindle arrangement, wherein the threaded spindle arrangement comprises: a threaded spindle, a nut, which with the threaded spindle in Thread engagement is, a drive which rotatably drives the threaded spindle or the nut, and an energy storage, which supplies the drive with energy. A threaded spindle allows simple and therefore cost-effective and weight-reduced means a linearly moving actuator which is easily adjustable by rotary motion on the one hand and on the other hand initiates the forces in the thread upon application of a counterforce from the ski boot without the threaded spindle moves again.

As energy storage, a battery could be used. Alternatively, however, the energy storage could also be formed by a torsion spring, which can be mechanically tensioned (eg by the depression of the climbing aid by the skier) and thus loaded and emits its energy to the threaded spindle or the nut on actuation of an actuating element to the actuator to to adjust to a desired height of the climbing aid.

Instead of a threaded spindle is provided in an alternative embodiment, that the actuating element is a hydraulic or gas-operated piston-cylinder assembly, wherein the piston-cylinder assembly comprises: at least one cylinder, a piston which is inserted into the cylinder, so it divides an inner space of the cylinder into two chambers, a connecting line which connects the two chambers, and a valve which is arranged in the connecting line to block or allow the passage of fluid through the connecting line. With such a piston-cylinder arrangement, a linear actuator can also be provided with technically simple means, on the one hand relatively comfortable adjustable in the linear direction and on the other hand by actuation of the valve provides an easy way to block the linear displacement and high counter-forces, as they For example, act from the ski boot ago, safely resist.

In a hydraulic piston-cylinder arrangement, a suitable hydraulic fluid, e.g. an oil used as a fluid that moves between the chambers of the cylinder. The piston-cylider arrangement may alternatively be a gas spring, in particular an air spring, in which the fluid contained in the chambers of the cylinder is a gas, in particular air. A gas spring offers the advantage of lower weight and lower acquisition and maintenance costs, since technical means for avoiding loss of hydraulic fluid and the provision of a reservoir or hydraulic fluid reservoir can be saved.

In the case of the use of a piston-cylinder arrangement, an actuating element to be operated by the user will advantageously actuate the valve. Thus, when the valve is actuated, the height of the climbing aid can be adjusted to the desired value, while the valve is blocked by the valve when the valve is unactuated, so that an adjustment of the height of the climbing aid is no longer possible and the bearing surface of the pressure force of the ski boot to withstand can.

If, in the aforementioned embodiment with a piston-cylinder arrangement, a spring is also provided which biases the piston in the retraction direction or in the extension direction, then the climbing aid can be set up in a simple manner such that when the valve is actuated, the height of the climbing aid can be reduced by the exercise of a compressive force with the ski boot on the climbing aid and can be increased by lifting the ski boot of the climbing aid due to the action of the spring. After setting the desired height of the climbing aid can then be closed by releasing the actuator, the valve.

The touring ski binding according to the invention can be arranged in a simple variant to allow an adjustment of the height of the climbing aid in both directions in a dearretier position, ie in a direction of increasing the height of the climbing aid and in one direction Reduce the height of the climbing aid. Such a climbing aid can make do with only a single actuator button, with which it is brought into the Dearretieranstellung, the climbing aid after releasing the button or after a predetermined time after pressing the button returns to the locked position.

In a particularly comfortable variant, however, provided that the climbing aid is biased by a spring means in the direction of increasing the support surface, and that the adjusting element or the Arretieranordriung is adjustable between a locking position in which an adjustment of the height of the climbing aid is blocked, and at least a directed Dearretierstellung in which a change in the height of the climbing aid is either released only in the direction of increasing the height of the climbing aid or only in a direction of reducing the height of the climbing aid and is blocked in the other direction. Such directional dearing increases the reliability and safety of the setting process, since the skier, for example, if he activates an operation to increase the height of the climbing aid, can rely on the fact that the height of the climbing aid does not decrease, in any case, even if he is supported by his weight on the climbing aid. In the other case, the skier could request a reduction in the height of the climbing aid by means of a corresponding actuating element, whereupon the climbing aid switches into the correspondingly directed locking position, which allows the skier to press down the climbing aid by exerting a compressive force, while unintentionally moving upwards Relief of the climbing aid is prevented. Using a correspondingly comfortable actuator (e.g., by a wireless remote controller to be described later), a quick and secure adjustment of the height of the climbing aid can then be achieved, for example. even while running out of motion.

It should be noted that in embodiments of the invention which include a locking assembly actuated by the actuator, the aforementioned Locking, Dearretierung or directed Dearretierung can be realized by appropriate adjusting movement of the locking assembly. Alternatively or additionally to the operation of the locking arrangement (in particular in embodiments without a separate locking arrangement), the adjusting element itself may have a functionality for locking, dearreturning or directional dearretierung, ie the adjusting element itself can be lockable, dearretierbar or directed dearretierbar.

In a simple and reliable mechanical variant, a directed dearretierung the climbing aid can be realized in that the climbing aid comprises a locking teeth with two locking elements which slide in one direction to each other while they are blocked in the other direction by the latching engagement with each other. It is particularly thought of the use of pawls, which are pivotally arranged in the vicinity of a locking recesses provided with locking rod (eg a rack), wherein a movement of the locking bar corresponds to a movement of the support surface of the climbing aid and wherein the mutually engaged flanks of a tooth the latch and the recesses of the locking bar are aligned so that the locking rod can slide in a direction of movement of the latch, while a movement in the other direction is blocked by the engagement with the latch.

If a piston-and-cylinder arrangement is used as the actuating element, to enable a directed dearretier position, the two chambers could be connected by a valve system which can be switched between a blocking state in which fluid communication between the chambers is blocked. and at least one directional flow condition in which a flow of fluid from only one of the two chambers into the other chamber is released while flow in the opposite direction is blocked.

The touring ski binding according to the invention can also be further developed by an emergency release, which unlocks a coupling between actuator and support section by manual intervention in case of malfunction of the actuator, so that the support section is manually adjustable. Such emergency release also allows in the event of a malfunction of the control element, the adjustment of the height of the climbing aid, so that even in case of failure, the ski tour can be continued, albeit with loss of comfort.

In principle, the touring ski binding invention allows a continuous adjustment of the height of the climbing aid by adjusting the first and second support member and / or by appropriate adjustment of the control element and the motion conversion device, so that the height of the climbing aid can be optimally adapted to a particular situation. In practical use, however, it has proven to be particularly advantageous if the height of the support surface is adjustable in several stages. A gradual adjustment of the height of the climbing aid allows the skier faster to find a defined setting of the climbing aid and in particular for both the left and for the right foot to adjust the climbing aid to the same height. Two to ten stages are particularly preferably used, since the height adjustment of the climbing aid is dispensed with for only one stage, and for more than ten stages the steps are more difficult for the skier to detect and the adjustment approaches a continuous adjustment. Particularly preferred is an adjustment in about four to five stages. These values have proven in practical tests to be the best balance between an individual adjustability and a clear level setting for the skier.

In a further embodiment, the touring ski binding according to the invention is further developed by a tilt detection element, which detects an inclination of the ski or a ski binding part relative to the horizontal, wherein the climbing aid the height of the support surface is adjusted based on a detection state of the tilt detection element. The setting of the climbing aid based on the detection state can either mean a fully automatic setting of the climbing aid without any intervention by the skier, or support the attitude instructed by the skier, for example in the form of a suggestion for the height to be adjusted, which then ultimately instructed by the skier becomes.

In the case of a fully automatic adjustment of the height of the climbing aid is proposed that the inclination detection element is part of an automatic adjustment, which adjusts the height of the support surface based on a detection state of the inclination detection element such that with respect to the horizontal resting on the climbing aid ski boot or on the Climbing aid supported cleat is held at different angles of inclination of the ski in substantially the same orientation.

In a further embodiment, the touring ski binding comprises a front binding member for coupling to a toe portion of a ski boot or a front portion of a cleat, and a rear binding member for coupling to a heel portion of a ski boot or a rear portion of a cleat, the rear binding portion comprising a climbing aid according to Invention.

If such a touring ski binding comprises an actuating element of the type described above for an adjusting element of the climbing aid, then in a preferred embodiment the actuating element can be provided on the front binding part, in particular at a position in front of the front binding part. Thus, the skier can operate the actuator and thus change the height of the climbing aid, without having to turn in uncomfortable and verrenkender movement of the climbing aid itself, which is arranged on the rear binding part. To An arranged on the front binding part actuator for the skier is better visible.

The actuating element could then be connected by means of a suitable connecting element (an electrical line, a mechanical coupling, a fluid line, a wireless connection or the like) with the actuating element of the climbing aid. Furthermore, the actuating element could extend between the front binding part and the rear binding part, so that the actuating element can be arranged directly on the adjusting element and at the same time on the front binding part and a transfer of the actuating information to the rear binding part can be dispensed with.

In another embodiment, the touring ski binding includes a first support member pivotally supported on a hinge portion, the hinge portion being adapted for attachment to the ski or a ski binding member, a second support member having a support portion for engaging a mating support portion of the climbing aid or the ski, a linkage unit pivotally interconnecting the first support member and the second support member, and a support portion having a ski facing support surface for the heel portion of a ski boot or cleat, the support portion on the first support member on the second support member or is provided on the connection joint unit.

According to this embodiment, the functionally essential portion of the climbing aid is formed by two pivotally coupled together support elements, of which a support member is pivotally coupled to the ski and the other support member is supported on a mating support portion. The mating support portion may be an abutment surface of a non-skid binding element, or may thereby have any other coupling allowing the initiation of support forces (eg, another pivot bearing, a moving element of an actuator, etc.) or through the surface ski or ski binding. It is only essential that the support element can be supported relative to the ski so that in the ascent state, the second support member can receive a compressive force acting on the ski boot together with the first support member.

In this way, a triangle of forces between the connecting joint unit, the hinge portion of the first support member and the support portion of the second support member is provided, which stably initiates the force acting on the climbing aid forces in the ski binding and the ski, wherein the force triangle by corresponding pivotal movement of the two support elements is adjustable in a simple manner to easily adjust the height of the climbing aid in several states.

According to the invention, the movement conversion arrangement can for example comprise only a single support element, which is held pivotally on the ski or a ski binding element on the one hand and on the other hand has a support section for the shoe or the cleat, or by a joint arrangement with more than two support elements or more than three points of articulation be formed. In the case of a combination of various embodiments of the invention, the motion conversion assembly could also include the first and second support members.

Preferably, a substantially inverted Y-shaped or substantially inverted V-shaped lever arrangement is formed by the first and the second support member, so that the forces from the ski boot stable and secured against tilting forward or backward by the two angle to each other extending support elements into the ski binding or the ski can be initiated.

In order to allow the greatest possible maximum height of the climbing aid, but at the same time the size of the two support elements It is further proposed that the articulated section is arranged on a ski-facing end of the first support element, the support section is arranged on an end of the first support element facing away from the ski and the connection joint unit between these two ends is arranged. By appropriate choice of the position of the connection joint unit between the two ends of the first support member, the size of the force triangle can then be chosen independently of the position of the support portion.

To adjust the height of the climbing aid, the angle enclosed between the first support element and the second support element is preferably adjustable. Such adjustment can be done manually or by means of a suitable drive. Alternatively or additionally, it is also thought to make the length of the first and / or the second support member adjustable, such as by a manually operated spindle or by another linear motion actuator, so that the effective distance between the hinge points of the support elements is changeable.

In order to increase the stability of the climbing aid against tilting in a direction orthogonal to the ski longitudinal direction, it is proposed in a further preferred embodiment that the connection joint unit has a connection axis extending substantially orthogonal to the ski longitudinal direction and parallel to the ski plane, and that one of the two support elements is forked and receives the other support member between its fork sections.

Furthermore, the arrangement of the actuating element is envisaged at a handle portion of a ski pole, which also allows a comfortable operation of the actuator without the skier has to loosen his hands from the ski pole. The skier can maintain a secure grip of the ski pole especially during running and at the same time, for example with a finger, operate the actuator to adjust the ski binding, in particular to adjust the height of the climbing aid.

Figur 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Skiausrüstung nach einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;

Figur 2

eine Funktionsansicht einer Steighilfe der in Figur 1 dargestellten Skiausrüstung;

Figuren 3a bis 3c

Seitenansichten der in Figur 2 dargestellten Steighilfe;

Figur 4

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Griffabschnitts eines Skistocks der in Figur 1 dargestellten Skiausrüstung;

Figur 5

eine Längsschnittansicht des in Figur 4 dargestellten Griffabschnitts;

Figur 6

eine Längsschnittansicht entsprechend Figur 5, jedoch für ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;

nicht erforderlich ist.The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

FIG. 1

a perspective view of a ski equipment according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2

a functional view of a climbing aid in FIG. 1 presented ski equipment;

FIGS. 3a to 3c

Side views of in FIG. 2 illustrated climbing aid;

FIG. 4

a perspective view of a handle portion of a ski pole of the FIG. 1 presented ski equipment;

FIG. 5

a longitudinal sectional view of in FIG. 4 illustrated handle portion;

FIG. 6

a longitudinal sectional view corresponding FIG. 5 but for a second embodiment of the invention;

is not required.

In particular, the arrangement of the actuating element and / or the display element on a handle portion of the ski pole is envisaged, which also allows a comfortable operation of the actuating element or good visibility of the display element without the skier has to loosen his hands from the ski pole. The skier can maintain a secure grip of the ski pole, in particular while running, and at the same time, for example with a finger, actuate the actuating element in order to adjust the ski binding, in particular to adjust the height of the climbing aid.

Figur 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Skiausrüstung nach einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;

Figur 2

eine Funktionsansicht einer Steighilfe der in Figur 1 dargestellten Skiausrüstung;

Figuren 3a bis 3c

Seitenansichten der in Figur 2 dargestellten Steighilfe;

Figur 4

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Griffabschnitts eines Skistocks der in Figur 1 dargestellten Skiausrüstung;

Figur 5

eine Längsschnittansicht des in Figur 4 dargestellten Griffabschnitts;

Figur 6

eine Längsschnittansicht entsprechend Figur 5, jedoch für ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;

Figuren 7a bis 7c

Seitenansichten einer Steighilfe nach einem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;

Figur 8

eine schematische Seitenansicht eines Tourenskis mit Skibindung gemäß einem vierten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;

Figuren 9 und 10

Funktionsansichten einer Steighilfe nach einem fünften Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung für zwei verschiedene Verstellstufen; und

Figuren 11 und 12

Funktionsansichten weiterer Steighilfen nach einem sechsten bzw. siebten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

FIG. 1

a perspective view of a ski equipment according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2

a functional view of a climbing aid in FIG. 1 presented ski equipment;

FIGS. 3a to 3c

Side views of in FIG. 2 illustrated climbing aid;

FIG. 4

a perspective view of a handle portion of a ski pole of the FIG. 1 presented ski equipment;

FIG. 5

a longitudinal sectional view of in FIG. 4 illustrated handle portion;

FIG. 6

a longitudinal sectional view corresponding FIG. 5 but for a second embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 7a to 7c

Side views of a climbing aid according to a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8

a schematic side view of a touring skis with ski binding according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 9 and 10

Functional views of a climbing aid according to a fifth embodiment of the invention for two different Verstellstufen; and

FIGS. 11 and 12

Functional views of other climbing aids according to a sixth or seventh embodiment of the invention.

An in FIG. 1 Ski equipment generally designated by 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention comprises a climbing aid 12 and a ski pole 14. The climbing aid 12 is an element of a rear binding part of a touring ski binding mounted on a ski 16. For illustrative reasons, in FIG. 1 only a portion of the ski 16 is shown, with an in FIG. 1 right end of the section faces the ski tip, while a in FIG. 1 left end of the section facing the ski end. However, the climbing aid 12 could equally be mounted in the opposite direction on the ski, so that respect FIG. 1 the ski tip is located on the left and the ski end on the right. Preferably, however, the configuration with ski tip right in FIG. 1 in particular in order to keep torque loads of the lever elements of the climbing aid small at small gradients.

The climbing aid 12 of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG FIGS. 1 to 3 explained in more detail. A first support member 18 has at its upper end a support surface 20 for the heel portion of a ski boot or a ski boot holding support plate, and is on opposite lower end on a parallel to the surface 22 of the ski 16 and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the ski 16 extending pivot axis 24 pivotally mounted. The support member 18 is forked formed with an upper plate portion 26 and two lower spaced from each other in parallel from the plate portion 26 extending from webs 28, which are respectively pivotally coupled to end portions of the pivot axis 24 with this.

A second support element 30 comprises two parallel webs 32, 32, which are coupled at their upper ends to the respective ends of a connecting shaft 34. At the connection axis 34, the second support member 30 is pivotally connected to the first support member 18. The connection axis 34 is arranged in a middle transition section of the first support element 18, in which the plate section 26 merges into the two parallel webs 28. In this way, the first support member 18 and the second support member 30 together form an inverted Y-shaped lever arrangement (see also FIGS. 3a to 3c ).

Due to the length of the upper plate portion 26, a fixed distance between the connecting shaft 34 and the support surface 20 can be structurally predetermined without this having any influence on the relative position of the hinge points of the support elements 18, 30 to each other. In a variant, the upper plate section 26 could also be completely dispensed with, so that the support surface 20 is arranged in the region of the connection axis 34. The first support member 18 and the second support member 30 then form together an inverted V-shaped lever arrangement.

At the opposite end to the connecting axis 34, the webs 32, 32 are connected to each other via a transverse web 36, so that the second support member 30 is formed substantially U-shaped. The crossbar 36 is orthogonal to the ski longitudinal direction L and parallel to the ski longitudinal surface 22. With the transverse web 36 and with the lower ends of the webs 32, 32, the second support member 30 is supported on a Counter support section 38 of a ski 16 attached to the plate 40 from.

The connection axis 34, the pivot axis 24 and the counter support section 38 or the transverse web 36 describe a force triangle, via which a compressive force acting on the support surface 20 is stably introduced into the ski 16 by a ski boot or cleat. By the force triangle the climbing aid is secured against tilting along the ski longitudinal direction L, wherein by the transverse web 36 of the second support member 30 and the spaced webs 28, 28 of the first support member 18, a stable grip against tilting is ensured perpendicular to the ski longitudinal direction L.

As in FIGS. 3a to 3c is good, can the height h of the support surface 20 above the surface 22 of the ski 16 and thus the height h of the climbing aid 12 per se by changing the distance between the pivot axis 24 and the crossbar 36, more precisely by a movement of the crossbar 36 effect on the skifest positioned pivot axis 24 to or from this away. In this way, the angle α between the first support member 18 and the second support member 30 changes, so that the first support member 18 and with this the support surface 20 applies to the ski 16 or stands out from it. In the exemplary embodiment, in this way the height of the climbing aid can be adjusted from a minimum value of approximately 14 mm to a maximum value of approximately 76 mm.

For the adjustment of the height of the climbing aid, a hydraulic actuator 42 is used, which hereinafter with reference to the Figures 1 to 3c is explained in more detail. The hydraulic actuator 42 has a housing 43, the upper half in the Figures 1 to 3b for illustrative purposes, so that the interior of the actuator 42 is visible. Only in Figure 3c is indicated by dashed line the course of the complete housing.

The hydraulic actuator 42 includes a piston-and-cylinder arrangement 44 having a cylinder 46 formed as a cavity in the housing 43 and a piston 46 inserted into the cylinder 46. The piston 48 is held on a piston rod 50, which at the opposite, out of the cylinder 46 exiting end is connected to the transverse web 36 of the second support member 30. Since the housing 43 in Figures 1 to 3b is shown cut along a plane containing the piston rod 50 and the upper half of the housing is not shown is in the Figures 1 to 3b Also, the upper half of the cylinder can not be seen, so that the piston 48 and the piston rod 50 are exposed.

By the piston 48, an inner space of the cylinder 46 is divided into a first hydraulic chamber 52 and a second hydraulic chamber 54. The hydraulic chambers 52, 54 are connected to each other via hydraulic lines 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d, 56e, wherein in this connection (in the exemplary embodiment in hydraulic line 56c) a valve 58 is arranged, which can block or connect the hydraulic line 56c in hydraulic communication connection.

The interior of the cylinder 46 and the hydraulic lines 56a ... 56e is filled with hydraulic fluid. When the valve 58 is open, hydraulic fluid can flow from one hydraulic chamber into the other hydraulic chamber via the hydraulic lines 56a... 56e and the valve 58 during a movement of the piston 48 in the cylinder 46, so that the piston 48 and thus the crosspiece 36 for adjusting the Height of the climbing aid 12 can move. In the locked state of the valve 58, the connection between the hydraulic chambers 52, 54 is interrupted and due to the incompressibility of the hydraulic fluid and the liquid-tight contact of the piston 48 on the inner wall of the cylinder 46, a displacement of the piston 48 and thus a movement of the crosspiece 36 is blocked, so that the height of the climbing aid 12 can not be changed even when pressure is applied by the ski boot or the cleat on the contact surface 20 and remains stable.

In order to compensate for the volume of liquid inside the cylinder 46 occupied by the piston rod 50, the second hydraulic chamber 54 is further connected via a hydraulic line 56f to a surge tank 60 which receives a variable supply of hydraulic fluid. To compensate for the variable volume of the surge tank 60 a biased by a spring 61 piston 62 is provided.

Inside the cylinder 46, a coil spring 64 is arranged, which is wound around the piston rod 50, and on the one hand on the piston 48 and on the other hand on the transverse web 36 facing inner end of the cylinder 46 is supported. The spring 64 biases the piston 48 in the retraction direction, i. in the direction of a shortening of a distance between the transverse web 36 and axis 24 and thus in the direction of increasing the support surface 20 of the climbing aid 12. The spring 64 and the spring 61 are coordinated so that the spring 61 of the surge tank 60 is not the force of the spring 64th overcomes and moves the piston 48 in the extension direction.

Since the housing 43 in Figures 1 to 3b is shown cut along a plane containing the piston rod 50 and the piston 62 and the upper half of the housing is not shown (only in Figure 3c indicated) lie in the Figures 1 to 3b also the coil spring 64 and the spring-biased piston 62 free.

In principle, the valve 58 could be operated directly. In the embodiment, however, the valve 58 is connected as a solenoid valve via a control line 66 to a control electronics 68, which is located in a housing adjacent to the actuator 42. The control electronics 68 comprises an in FIG. 2 only schematically indicated wireless receiver 70, which is in wireless communication with a built-in ski pole 14 wireless transmitter 72 to the wireless transmitter 72 to wireless information about a triggering adjustment to receive. Based on the received wireless information, the wireless receiver 70 sets a control signal, which is transmitted via the control line 66 to the valve 58 to switch the valve 58. The control electronics 68 also includes the necessary for the operation of the wireless receiver 70 power supply, in particular a battery and associated electronics.

In FIG. 2 Furthermore, four position sensors 71 can be seen, which are arranged along the displacement path of the piston 48 spaced apart on the cylinder 46. The position sensors 71 detect a position of the piston 48 within the cylinder 46 and register at least a passing of the piston 48 on one of the position sensors 71. The position sensors 71 transmit a position signal to the control electronics 68.

The adjusting element 42 has an emergency unlocking device, which comprises a bridging valve 63 and hydraulic lines 56g, 56h, 56i. The hydraulic lines 56g, 56h, 56i form a bypass for bypassing the valve 58. In the event of a malfunction of the valve 58 or of the control electronics 68 actuating it and a blockage of the valve 58 caused thereby, the bypass valve 63, e.g. by a manually operable switch to open a connection between first and second hydraulic chambers 52, 54. The climbing aid 12 can then be manually moved to the desired position.

An alternative emergency release could be provided in that the first support member 18 or the second support member 30 at one of the three points of Kräftedreickecks, ie on the mating support portion 38, on the pivot axis 24, or on the connection axis 34, can be posted so that the climbing aid 12 can be folded at least in the lowest position in case of malfunction of the actuating element, or the electronics 68.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 a handle portion of the ski pole 14 of the equipment 10 of the first embodiment will be explained in more detail below.

The already mentioned wireless transmitter 72 is integrated together with a battery 74 for powering the wireless transmitter 72 inside the handle 73, so that it is well protected against cold and moisture. The wireless transmitter 72 includes a wireless end circuit 75, a rocker switch 76, and a display 77. The rocker switch 76 is disposed on an upper ski-facing portion of the handle 73 so that it is easily accessible and operable by a skier's thumb. The rocker switch 76 has an upper switching section 78, with which an increase in the climbing aid 12 is instructed by one step, and has a lower switching section 80, with which a lowering of the climbing aid 12 is instructed by one step. The rocker switch 76 is connected to the wireless end circuit 75 to set a corresponding wireless signal in response to an operation of the rocker switch 76.

The display device 77 includes four light emitting diodes 82 arranged on an upper front portion of the handle 73 in a row on an imaginary continuation line through the lower switching section 80 and the upper switching section 78. The LEDs 82 are powered by the battery 74 with energy and operated by an electronic unit, not shown in accordance with the currently set height of the climbing aid 12. In particular, the four light emitting diodes each indicate one of four stages in which the height of the climbing aid 12 can be changed by respective actuation of the rocker switch 76.

In operation of the ski equipment 10, the skier operates to change the height of the climbing aid 12 the rocker switch 76. By pressing the upper switching section 78 of the wireless transmitter 72 sets a wireless signal to the wireless receiver 70 of the climbing aid 12 from which then a corresponding control signal is transmitted to the valve 58. Further, the corresponding light emitting diode 82, which corresponds to the level now to be set, is turned on. Upon receipt of the control signal 10, the valve 58 opens, so that a hydraulic connection between the first and second hydraulic chamber 52, 54 is made (actuator 42 dearretiert). By the force of the spring 64, the piston 48 is then pushed further into the cylinder 46, so that the transverse web 36 continues to move toward the pivot axis 24, thereby hiring the first support element 18 and increasing the height of the support surface 20.

In order to achieve an increase of the climbing aid 12 by (one) step only, the valve 58 can be opened either only for a certain time via a timing mechanism or the position of the piston 48 is detected via the position sensors 71, so that as soon as the piston 48 is detected by the next position sensor 71, the control electronics 68, the valve 58 again switches to the blocking state (actuator 42 locked), whereupon the adjusting operation is completed.

In a corresponding manner, upon actuation of the lower switch section 80, a wireless signal for reducing the height of the climbing aid 12 is lowered by one step and the light-emitting diode display 82 is switched over accordingly. After receiving the wireless signal by the wireless receiver 70, the control electronics 68 switches the valve 58 in the open state, so that a displacement of the piston 48 and thus an adjustment of the climbing aid 12 is made possible (actuator 42 dearretiert). The displacement of the piston 48 must be done to reduce the height of the climbing aid 12, however, against the action of the spring 64. For this purpose, it is necessary that the skier exerts slight pressure on the support surface 20 or stands with his full weight on the climbing aid 12. When the piston 48 reaches the detection range of the next position sensor 71, the control electronics 68 switches the valve 58 back to the blocking state, so that the lowering of the climbing aid 12 is completed by one stage. In another embodiment can be thought that the climbing aid is always pushed down by the force of the skier in the downward direction to the position with minimum height and then after relief of the climbing aid 12, a gradual increase in the climbing aid 12 is possible.

In a variant of the first exemplary embodiment, both wireless receivers 70 and wireless transmitters 72 are designed as wireless transceivers, so that both elements can both transmit and receive wireless signals in order to enable wireless communication also in the direction from the climbing aid to the ski pole. This can be exploited to transmit a successful adjustment of the climbing aid or another operating state of the climbing aid to the wireless end receiver of the ski pole to reliably display the set height of the climbing aid or the operating state of the climbing aid on the display device.

FIG. 6 shows a grip portion of a ski pole 14 'of equipment according to a second embodiment of the invention. The ski pole 14 'of the second embodiment differs from the ski pole 14 of the first embodiment only in construction and operation of the operation switch 76' and the display direction 82 '. The actuating switch 76 'is designed as a rotary switch and comprises an actuating lever 84' which is mounted about an axis 86 'pivotally mounted on the ski pole 14'. The operating lever 84 'may be adjusted by the skier to various angular positions corresponding to respective adjustment stages of the associated climbing aid (not shown). The skier can thus quickly adjust the actuating lever 84 'over several stages away in the desired level, and thus immediately instruct the desired change in the height of the climbing aid and run. In particular, in order to change the height of the climbing aid by more than one step, it does not have to actuate the actuating device 76 'several times, as was necessary in the first embodiment by the use of the rocker switch 76.

The actuating lever 84 'is connected to a circular segment-shaped display element 88' which extends from the actuating lever 84 'upwards and forwards into the region of a display window 90', so that a section of the display element 88 'in the window 90' to recognize is. The display element 88 'carries the adjustment steps of the climbing aid corresponding markings, so that at the corresponding setting angles of the actuating lever 84' of the set levels corresponding marking of the display element 88 'through the window 90' is displayed. In this way, a simple mechanical display capability is realized and an electronic display can be dispensed with.

The wireless transmitter 72 'of the second embodiment is adapted to convert a signal corresponding to a certain angular position of the actuating lever 84' into a corresponding wireless signal to cause the climbing aid to adjust the corresponding height. For this purpose, the wireless transmitter 72 'can either settle the necessary number of Einzeldrahtlossignalen to increase or decrease the climbing aid by exactly one level or can settle a signal for adjusting the climbing aid by a certain number of levels or can provide a signal for setting the climbing aid in a predetermined level send.

The wireless receiver 70 'and the wireless transmitter 72' can each be designed as a wireless transceiver for bidirectional communication between the two elements, so that a set level of climbing or other operating condition can be suitably signaled to the skier.

In both the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the wireless transmitter 72; 72 'be provided as a retrofit element, with which a conventional ski pole with wireless end functionality according to the invention retrofitted to actuate a wireless communication adjustable ski binding of the invention. For example, the retrofittable wireless transmitter could include a suitable universal retention means for temporary or permanent mounting to the handle portion of a ski pole.

The wireless transmitter, which may also function as a receiver, could however also be accommodated on the skier's clothing or other equipment, such as e.g. in the chest area on the carrying strap of a backpack or on the ski or on the ski binding in front of the ski binding for operation by means of the ski pole tip.

In the first and second embodiments, the wireless communication was realized by radio communication. The wireless transmitter 72; 72 'and the wireless receiver 70; 70 'were therefore set up to transmit and receive radio signals. As an alternative option for wireless communication, infrared signals or ultrasonic signals could be exchanged between transmitter and receiver.

With reference to FIGS. 7a to 7c will be explained below a climbing aid according to a third embodiment of the invention.

The climbing aid of the third exemplary embodiment differs in principle from the climbing aid of the first exemplary embodiment in the use of an electrically operated threaded spindle arrangement 42 "as an adjusting element instead of the hydraulic piston-cylinder arrangement of the first exemplary embodiment as output member a threaded spindle 50 "rotatably drives. Electric motor 46 "and threaded spindle 50" extend parallel to the ski longitudinal axis L. The electric motor 46 "is attached to the ski 16.

On the threaded spindle 50 "and in threaded engagement with the thread of the same runs a nut 51" (eg a ball nut). The nut 51 "is received between the webs 32 of the second support member 30 and pivotally connected to the lower ends of the webs 32 on an axle 53. In this way, the threaded spindle assembly 42 "with its elements electric motor 46", threaded spindle 50 "and nut 51" forms a counter support section fixed to the ski 16, on which the second support member 30 with the axis 53 "is supported.

The electric motor 46 "communicates with control electronics 68" which inter alia include a wireless receiver (not shown) for receiving wireless signals from an associated wireless transmitter (not shown, for example, integrated in the ski pole) and sending appropriate control signals to the electric motor 46 ". Control electronics 68 "and electric motor 46" are powered by a battery 92 "with energy. A change in a height h of the support surface over the surface of the ski 16 takes place after receiving a corresponding wireless signal by controlling the electric motor 46 ", which puts the threaded spindle 50" in rotation. Accordingly, the nut 51 "of the second support member 30 moves in a linear direction along the ski longitudinal axis L on the electric motor 46" to or from this away, so that applies the climbing aid or sets up.

FIG. 8 shows a fourth embodiment of the invention in a schematic cross-sectional view. A touring ski binding, generally designated 100, includes a front binding member 102 and a rear binding member 104 fixedly mounted on a ski 16. The front binding part has a pivot bearing 106 on which a toe section 108 of a ski boot 110 is held so that the ski boot 110 can pivot about a pivot axis formed by the pivot bearing 106, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and parallel to the surface 22 of the ski 16 extending pivot axis.

The rear binding part comprises a climbing aid 12, for example a climbing aid according to one of the exemplary embodiments explained above, as well as a heel mount 112. The heel mount 112 is in the longitudinal direction L of the ski displaceable in order to engage in a known manner a heel-side projection 114 of the ski boot 110 to hold the ski boot 110 in the event of a downhill in the heel section of the ski. For a climb, especially if at the bottom 115 of the ski 16 a in FIG. 8 not shown riser is glued, the heel holder 112 is moved backwards and releases the heel projection 114 free. The ski boot 110 can then lift upwards and is supported in the downward direction on the support surface 20 of the climbing aid 12.

According to the invention, the height of the climbing aid 12 is adjustable by means of an adjusting element (for example with the piston-cylinder arrangement 42 of the first exemplary embodiment or the threaded spindle arrangement 42 of the second exemplary embodiment.) Alternatively or in addition to the above-described wireless actuation of the actuating element, the ski binding 110 comprises of the fourth embodiment, an actuating button 116, which is provided on the front binding portion 102. More specifically, the actuating button 116 is located between the pivot bearing 106 and a ski tip 118. The actuating button 116 is therefore easy to reach for the skier and can, for example by means of a ski pole, If a display device is located at a comparable location, then this is also clearly visible to the skier.

Between actuation button 116 and the adjusting element of the climbing aid 12 is an in FIG. 8 not shown connection to transmit an operating instruction from the actuating button 116 to the actuator. Actuation of the actuation button 116 may also affect other binding or binding adjustment, eg, movement of the rear heel holder 112. Equally contemplated is a signal transmitted by a wireless transmitter (eg, the wireless dock integrated in the first and second embodiments) receive a wireless receiver of the ski binding 100 and an adjustment of the climbing aid 12 or another binding setting or Perform binding adjustment, such as a movement of the rear heel holder 112th

In a further alternative variant of the fourth embodiment, the pivot axis 24 of the first support member 18 could coincide with the pivot axis of the pivot bracket 106, so that the first support member 18 in the manner of a pivoting cleat supports the ski boot 110 substantially over its entire sole length. The ski boot 110 could then also be fixedly mounted on the first support element 18, held.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show a fifth embodiment of the present invention, which is a further modification of the first embodiment, so that in the following only the elements and functions deviating from the first embodiment will be described and otherwise expressly to the detailed description of the first embodiment with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 is referenced. Also in FIGS. 9 and 10 For example, an upper half of a housing 202 is cut off for illustrative purposes, so that the interior of a locking mechanism 204 is visible.

The locking mechanism 204 comprises a locking rod 206, which is coupled at one end to the transverse web 36 of the second support member 30 and slidably inserted with the other end in a cylindrical guide 208. The cylindrical guide 208 is formed in the housing 202 so that an upper half of the cylindrical guide 208 in FIG FIGS. 9 and 10 not shown. In the cylindrical guide 208, the locking rod 206 can move in the longitudinal direction L to move the crosspiece 36 of the second support member 30 to the axis 24 of the first support member 18 to or away.

At the end inserted into the cylindrical guide 208, the locking rod 206 has a spring stop 210, in the exemplary embodiment a orthogonal to the ski longitudinal axis L extending strut. Between the spring stop 210 and the housing 202 acts at least one spring 212 to bias the locking rod 206 in the retraction in the cylindrical guide 208, so that the climbing aid sets up. In the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10 two springs 212 are held on both sides of the cylindrical guide 208 in pot-like spring guides 214, so that they are supported on the floor 216 of the spring guides 214 on the one hand and on the spring stop 210 on the other hand and held in the compressed state.

The locking rod 206 has a plurality of locking grooves 218, which are arranged with respect to the ski longitudinal axis L at intervals from each other. In the exemplary embodiment, the latching grooves 218 are designed as annular grooves. In the locking grooves engages a locking projection 220, which is part of an actuating element 221. The adjusting element 221 is adjustable between a locking position in which the locking projection 220 is engaged with one of the locking grooves 218 and thus a displacement of the locking rod 206 is blocked in the cylindrical guide 208 (change in the height of the climbing aid blocked), and a dearretierposition, in which retracts the locking projection 220 and is not engaged with any of the locking grooves 218 so that the locking bar 206 can move in the cylindrical guide 208 (change in the height of the climbing aid released).

Specifically, the actuator 221 includes a piston 222 and a cylinder 224, in which the piston 222 is slidably inserted. At a front end of the piston 222, the locking projection 220 is formed and protrudes from the cylinder 224. A spring 226 acting between the cylinder 224 and the piston 222 biases the piston 222 toward the locking rod 206, so that the locking projection 220 is pressed into the engagement position with a latching groove 218.

At the end remote from the piston 222 of the cylinder 224, an electromagnet 228 is arranged, which upon excitation the piston 222 attracts and retracts against the force of the spring 226 from the latching engagement. As long as the solenoid 228 is energized, the detent projection 220 is held in the retracted position and the actuator 221 remains in the dearlock position.

In the de-energized state of the electromagnet 228, however, the locking projection 220 is pressed by the force of the spring 226 in the direction of the locking rod 206 and passes or remains in engagement with a arranged at the same position locking groove 218 of the locking rod 206. The solenoid 228 is connected via a control line 230 of the control electronics 68 supplied, so that the control electronics 68, the control element 221, eg switch between the lock position and the dearretier position based on a wireless signal received from a wireless receiver 70.

To adjust the height of the climbing aid, the skier actuates the adjusting element 221 by a suitable actuating means, in particular by wireless operation of the ski pole 14 via the wireless receiver 70 and the control electronics 68, so that the control 221 switches to the dearretierposition. The movement of the locking rod 206 in the cylindrical guide 208 is now released, so that the height of the climbing aid is variable. An upward movement of the climbing aid can be done by reducing the pressure force by the skier on the climbing aid, so that the springs 212 can move the locking rod 206 in the retraction and erects the climbing aid. A reduction in the height of the climbing aid can be done by increasing the pressure of the skier on the climbing aid, so that the force of the springs 212 is overcome and the climbing aid is depressed.

If the skier has set in this way a desired height of the climbing aid, the actuator 221 is switched from the Dearretierposition in the locking position (de-energizing the electromagnet 228), so that the locking projection 220 is pressed to the locking rod 206 back. If the locking projection 220 just hits a latching groove 218, the climbing aid becomes instantaneous locked and another height adjustment is blocked. If the latching projection 220 is located precisely between two latching grooves 218, the latching piston 206 will either move in the retraction direction or in the extension direction depending on the pressure force of the skier, the latching projection 220 sliding on the latching piston 206 until a next latching groove 218 the latching projection 220 is opposite and the latching projection 220 engages in the latching groove 218. The adjustment of the climbing aid is then completed.

If desired, the fifth embodiment may include a position detecting means which detects the position of the detent rod 206 in the cylindrical guide 208 or which detects in which of the detent grooves 218 of the detent projection 220 is engaged to on the basis of this detection result, the setting level of the climbing aid to the skier signal.

Hereinafter, a sixth embodiment of the invention with reference to FIG. 11 explained. The sixth embodiment can be considered as a development of the fifth embodiment, so that the following description is limited to the differences from the fifth embodiment. For the detailed description of the same or corresponding elements, which are compared to the elements of the fifth embodiment with increased by 100 reference numerals, reference is expressly made to the description of the fifth embodiment.

In contrast to the fifth exemplary embodiment, a dearretier mechanism 304 of the sixth exemplary embodiment has two actuating elements 321a, 312b, which are each independently controllable by the control electronics 68 through respective control lines 330a, 330b. Like the adjusting element 221 of the fifth embodiment, the adjusting elements 321 a and 321 b are each equipped with a piston 322a or 322b biased in the direction of a locking bar 306, which each have a latching projection 320a or 320b.

However, the latching projections 320a, 320b of the sixth embodiment have one-sided run-off slopes 323a, 323b, which respectively allow the displacement of the latching rod in one direction displacing the piston 322a or 322b, while blocking a displacement of the latching rod 306 in the opposite direction. The drainage slopes 322a, 322b of the two control elements 321 a, 321 b are directed opposite to each other, so that when both control elements 321 a, 321 b in the engaged position (in the direction of the locking rod 306 shifted, electromagnets 328 a, 328 b off) of the locking bar 306 is blocked in both directions.

Is in FIG. 11 only the first actuator 321 a in the illustrated engagement position, while the second actuator 321 b is held in the retracted position by energization of the electromagnet 328 b, so the rod 306 in FIG. 11 move to the right, ie in a direction of a list of climbing aid and an increase in the height of the climbing aid by the groove wall of the locking groove 318 on the drain slope 323a of the locking projection 320 slides, and thereby pushes the piston 322a from the engaged position a little way towards the retracted position so that the locking bar 306 can slide on the piston 322a. In the opposite direction, this slipping can not take place and the projection 320a blocked in the engaged position, the displacement of the locking rod 306th

In the reverse case occurs when energizing the electromagnet 328 a and de-energizing the electromagnet 328 b blocking the movement of the locking bar 306 by the locking projection 320 b of the second actuator 321 b in the direction of increasing the climbing aid, while in the direction of lowering the climbing aid of the locking bar 306 can slide on the drain slope 323b of the second control element 321 b and thus the climbing aid is lowered.

During operation of the climbing aid of the sixth exemplary embodiment, the skier, for example, actuates an actuating switch in the sense of a downward movement of the climbing aid (for example a downwards switch on the ski pole) to lower the climbing aid by one latching position. Thereafter, the control electronics 68 energize the solenoid 328a of the first actuator 321a while the solenoid 328b of the second actuator 321b remains de-energized.

If the force exerted by the skier on the climbing force is less than the spring force of the return springs 312 so the climbing aid remains in the previously set height, since the second actuator 321 b prevents movement of the locking rod 306 in the sense of an outward movement of the climbing aid. If the skier applies sufficient pressure to the climbing aid, i. a pressure exceeding the force of the springs 312, so the locking bar 306 slips over the drainage slope 323b of the second control element 321 b, so that the height of the climbing aid is reduced. This movement continues until the solenoid 328a of the first actuator 321a is de-energized, e.g. upon reaching the desired next detent step, so that then an adjustment of the climbing aid is blocked again in both directions.

In the reversed case is in an actuation of an actuating element in the sense of an upward movement of the climbing aid (eg pressing an upward switch on the ski pole) of in FIG. 11 shown mapped state in which the electromagnet 328 a of the first control element 321 a remains de-energized and only the solenoid 328 b of the second control element 321 b is energized. The height of the climbing aid can then be adjusted only in one direction, namely in the desired upward direction of the climbing aid and unintentional depression of the climbing aid by the weight of the skier can be avoided.

In the fifth and sixth embodiments, in each case at least one locking piston was used, the locking projection with a corresponding Groove a locking rod can engage. As a cost-effective and weight-saving alternative to this, a catch is also envisaged, which is pivotally mounted in the vicinity of the locking rod, so that a locking tooth of the latch can pivot into engagement and out of engagement with a locking groove of the locking rod. The pivoting movement of the latch can be controlled by an electromagnet, which in this case the additional advantage that can be created by the pivotal mounting of the latch a lever assembly with different lengths levers, of which a longer lever provides the locking tooth and a shorter lever from the electromagnet is tightened or released, so that a relatively high travel of the locking tooth between the engaged position and disengaged position is possible with only small Anteuerungsweg of attracted by the electromagnet or released second lever.

FIG. 12 shows a climbing aid according to a seventh embodiment of the invention. The seventh embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment which has been described above in detail with reference to FIG FIG. 2 have been described. In FIG. 12 are the same or corresponding elements as designated in the first embodiment with reference numerals increased by 400 and their re-description is omitted. It is expressly made in this regard to the detailed description of the first embodiment.

Also in the seventh embodiment, the already mentioned in the sixth embodiment effect is achieved that an adjustment for the climbing aid can be specified by the skier, with an unintentional adjustment is prevented in the non-directed direction.

For this purpose, in contrast to the first embodiment, the first hydraulic chamber 452 and the second hydraulic chamber 454 by two hydraulic branches 457a and 457b connected in parallel with each other connected. The first hydraulic branch 457a has a series connection of a one-way valve 459a and a switchable valve 458a. The second hydraulic branch 457b has a series connection of a one-way valve 459b and a switching valve 458b. The one-way valve 459a of the first hydraulic branch 457a is directed to allow fluid flow from the second hydraulic chamber 454 to the first hydraulic chamber 452 but to block fluid flow in the opposite direction. The one-way valve 459b of the second hydraulic branch 457b is opposite to the first one-way valve 459a, ie, it allows fluid flow from the first hydraulic chamber 452 to the second hydraulic chamber 454 and blocks an opposing fluid flow.

In operation, when the skier instructs a downward movement of the climbing aid, the switching valve 458a of the first hydraulic branch 457a is closed by appropriate signals of the control electronics 68 and the switching valve 458b of the second hydraulic branch 457b is opened. Hydraulic fluid may then flow between the first hydraulic chamber 452 and the second hydraulic chamber 454 only via the second hydraulic branch 457b which, due to the one-way valve 459b, allows only flow from the first hydraulic chamber 452 into the second hydraulic chamber 454 but blocks reverse flow. Accordingly, in this switch position, the piston 448 can only be moved in the extension direction, i. The climbing aid can only be pushed downwards and will not move upwards in an undesired manner when it is relieved.

Conversely, when the skier instructs upward movement of the climbing aid, the switching valve 458a of the first hydraulic branch 457a is opened, and the switching valve 458b of the second hydraulic branch 457b is closed so that hydraulic fluid from only the second hydraulic chamber 454 into the first hydraulic chamber due to the one-way valve 459a 452 can flow and thus the piston 448 is displaceable only in the retraction direction. The climbing aid can then be moved upwards with relief, but even under heavy load Pressing down the climbing aid is avoided.

If a desired height of the climbing aid is reached, then both switching valve 458a, 458b are closed so that any replacement of hydraulic fluid between the two hydraulic chambers 452 and 454 is prevented and the set height of the climbing aid is locked for the normal use of the climbing aid.

The features of the aforementioned embodiments can be combined or expanded with one another within the scope of the skilled craftsman's skill. Thus, the locking rod 206 of the fifth embodiment may be formed by a piston rod of a piston-cylinder assembly on the model of the first embodiment, so that such a variant comprises a total of two control elements, one for changing the height of the climbing aid and a second for locking or Dearretierung the height adjustment.

In the embodiments of the Figures 2 and 12 Actuators were used with hydraulic piston-cylinder arrangement. Alternatively, a gas spring could be used, which would provide additional benefits of lighter weight and less component count. In particular, due to the compressivity of gas on the spring 64 and / or on the surge tank 60 could be omitted. Also, a gas spring can be effectively blocked or released by means of a valve and thus allows easy control.

Furthermore, in the embodiments of the Figures 2 and 12 the connection between the two hydraulic chambers produced by extending outside of the hydraulic cylinder hydraulic lines or hydraulic branches. However, a connecting line between the chambers of a piston-cylinder arrangement can alternatively also be arranged within the piston separating the chambers from one another, in which case also the valve for releasing or blocking the connecting line within the piston Piston is arranged. In particular, in the case of a gas spring, an arrangement of this kind is known per se, for example for gas spring elements of height-adjustable chairs in the prior art and could be advantageously used in a climbing aid according to the invention due to its particularly compact design.

Claims (15)

1. Touring ski binding (100) of a ski (16) which can be adjusted between a climbing condition, where a ski boot (110) or a boot plate carrying the ski boot (110) is connected to the ski in a pivotable way only in the region of a tip of a boot, while the ski boot (110) or the boot plate carrying the ski boot (110) can be lifted from the ski (16) at the heel portion, and a skiing condition where the ski boot (110) or the boot plate carrying the ski boot (110) is fixed at the ski (16) in the region of the tip of the boot and at the heel portion of the ski boot (110) or the boot plate carrying the ski boot (110), the touring ski binding (100) having a climbing aid (12), comprising

   - a contact portion (26) comprising a contact surface (20) facing away from the ski for the heel portion of the ski boot (110) or the boot plate,

   - an electric, pneumatic or hydraulic adjusting element (42; 42"; 221; 321 a, 321b; 442) with a base part (46; 46"; 224) to be fixed at the ski or at the ski binding and a movement part (48; 51"; 220; 320a, 320b; 448) which can be moved in relation to the latter, and

   - a movement conversion arrangement (18, 30) which converts the movement of the movement part (48; 51"; 448) of the adjusting element (42; 42"; 442) into a movement of the contact portion (26) so that the height of the contact surface (20) above the ski (16) changes, or/and a locking arrangement (204; 304) converting the movement of the movement part (220; 320a, 320b) of the adjusting element (221; 321 a, 321 b) into locking or releasing the climbing aid so that an adjusted height of the contact surface (20) above the ski (16) is locked or released.
2. Touring ski binding (100) according to claim 1, characterized by the adjusting element (42; 42"; 221; 321 a, 321b; 442) being a linear adjusting element, the direction of the linear movement of the movement part (48; 51"; 220; 320a, 320b; 448) being substantially parallel to the ski plane (22), preferably substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction (L) of the ski.
3. Touring ski binding (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, further characterized by an actuating element (76; 76'; 116) to be actuated by a skier for actuating the adjusting element (42; 42"; 221; 321 a, 321b; 442), the adjusting element (42; 42"; 221; 321 a, 321b; 442) causing a predetermined movement of the movement part (48; 51"; 220; 320a, 320b; 448) for a predetermined actuation of the actuating element (76; 76'; 116) by the skier.
4. Touring ski binding (100) according to claim 3, characterized by the height of the contact surface (70) above the ski (16) or/and the movement condition of the adjusting element (42; 42"; 221; 321 a, 321b; 442) changing substantially without any time delay when the actuating element (76; 76"; 116) is actuated by the skier.
5. Touring ski binding (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the adjusting element (42") being an electric threaded spindle arrangement, the threaded spindle arrangement comprising:

   - a threaded spindle (50"),

   - a nut (51") which is in threaded engagement with the threaded spindle (50"),

   - a drive (46") rotationally driving the threaded spindle (50") or the nut, and

   - an energy storage (92") providing the drive (46") with energy.
6. Touring ski binding (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the adjusting element (42; 442) being a piston-cylinder-arrangement, said piston-cylinder-arrangement comprising:

   - at least one cylinder (46; 446),

   - a piston (48; 448) which is inserted into the cylinder (46; 446) so that it divides the interior of the cylinder into two chambers (52, 54; 452; 454),

   - a connecting line (56a... 56e; 457a, 457b) connecting the two chambers (52, 54; 452; 454),

   - and a valve (58; 458a, 458b) which is arranged in the connecting line (56a... 56e; 457a, 457b) for blocking or allowing the passage of fluid through the connecting line.
7. Touring ski binding (100) according to claim 6, characterized by said piston-cylinder arrangement further comprising a spring means (64; 412) biasing the piston (48; 412) in the advance or the retract direction.
8. Touring ski binding (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the climbing aid being biased by a spring means (64; 212; 312; 412) in the direction of an elevation of the contact surface (20) and by the adjusting element (42; 442) or the locking arrangement (204; 304) being adjustable between a locking position, where an adjustment of the height of the climbing aid (12) is blocked, and at least one directed release position where a change of the height of the climbing aid (12) is released either only in the direction of an increase in the height of the climbing aid or only in a direction of a decrease in the height of the climbing aid and is blocked in the respective other direction.
9. Touring ski binding (100) according to claim 8, characterized by the adjusting element or the locking arrangement (304) comprising a latching tooth connection with two latching elements (320a/320b, 306) which slide past each other in one direction while they are blocked at each other in the other direction by the latching engagement.
10. Touring ski binding (100) according to claim 6 and claim 8, characterized by the two chambers (452, 454) being connected by a valve system (457a, 457b) which can be switched between a locking condition where a fluid communication between the chambers (452, 454) is blocked and at least one directed flow condition where a fluid flow is released only from one of the two chambers (452, 454) into the other chamber (452, 454) while a flow in the opposite direction is blocked.
11. Touring ski binding (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising

    - a first support element (18) which is retained pivotally at a joint section (24), the joint section (24) being adapted for being mounted at a ski (16) or at a skibound binding element,

    - a second support element (30) comprising a support portion (36; 51 ") for being supported at a counter support portion (40; 46") of the climbing aid or the ski (16),

    - a connecting joint unit (34) pivotally connecting the first support element (18) and the second support element (30), and

    - a contact portion (26) comprising a contact surface (20) facing away from the ski for the heel portion of a ski boot or a boot plate, the contact portion (26) being provided at the first support element (18), at the second support element (30) or at the connecting joint unit (34).
12. Touring ski binding (100) according to claim 11, characterized by the first and the second support element (18, 30) substantially forming an inverse Y-shaped or inverse V-shaped lever arrangement.
13. Touring ski binding (100) according to claim 11 or claim 12, characterized by the joint section (24) being arranged at an end of the first support element (18) facing the ski, the contact portion (26) being arranged at an end of the first support element (18) facing away from the ski and the connecting joint unit (34) being arranged between these two ends.
14. Touring ski binding (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further characterized by an inclination detection element, detecting an inclination of the ski or a part of the ski binding in relation to the horizontal, the inclination detection element being part of an automatic adjustment mechanism adjusting the height of the contact surface based on a detection condition of the inclination detection element in such a way that in relation to the horizontal, a ski boot contacting the climbing aid or a boot plate supported at the climbing aid is substantially retained in the same orientation for different inclination angles of the ski.
15. Touring ski binding (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a front binding part (102) for coupling with a tip of the foot portion (108) of the ski boot (110) or a front part of the boot plate, and a rear binding part (104) for coupling with a heel portion of the ski boot or a rear part of the boot plate, the rear binding part comprising the climbing aid (12) and/or an actuating element (116) to be actuated by the skier for actuating the adjusting element (42; 42"; 221; 321a, 321b; 442) at the front binding part (102).

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