EP3266504A1 - Ski binding - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a ski binding, in particular a touring ski binding, for mounting on a top of a ski, comprising a front automatic machine (1) for holding a ski boot in a toe area of the ski boot and an automatic heel counter (100) for holding the ski boot in a heel area of the ski boot. The heel counter (100) includes a heel retention means for holding the ski boot in the heel area of the ski boot. The heel counter (100) has a downhill configuration in which the heel-holding means may cooperate with the ski boot such that the heel region of the ski boot is locked in a lowered position towards the ski. In addition, the heel counter (100) in the downhill configuration, with the ski boot held in the heel counter (100), provides a safety release in the forward direction and a lateral safety release to release the ski boot from the heel counter. The front automatic (1) comprises two toe holding means (4.1, 4.2) for holding the ski boot in the toe area of the ski boot. Next, the front automatic (1) on a holding configuration in which the two toe holding means (4.1, 4.2) are in a first stop position and in the holding position with the ski boot can cooperate such that the ski boot about a horizontally oriented in the ski direction axis pivoting on Front automatic (1) is held. In addition, the front automatic transmission (1) has a prestressable elastic element (20), by means of the prestressing of which the two toe holding means (4.1, 4.2) in the first holding configuration of the front automatic machine (1) are biased towards their holding position with a holding force. The bias of the elastic element (20) is adjustable and thus the holding force is adjustable.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a ski binding, in particular a touring ski binding, for mounting on a top of a ski, comprising a front automatic machine for holding a ski boot in a toe area of the ski boot and a heel counter for holding the ski boot in a heel area of the ski boot. The automatic heel comprises a heel holding means for holding the ski boot in the heel area of the ski boot. The heel counter has a downhill configuration in which the heel-holding means may cooperate with the ski boot such that the heel region of the ski boot is locked in a lowered position towards the ski. In addition, the heel unit in the downshift configuration allows a safety release in the forward direction and a side safety release to release the ski boot from the heel unit when the ski boot is held in the heel counter. The front automatic comprises two toe holding means for holding the ski boot in the toe area of the ski boot. Furthermore, the front-end automatic machine has a first holding configuration in which the two toe-holding means are in a holding position and can interact with the ski boot in the holding position such that the ski boot is held pivotably on the front automatic machine about an axis oriented horizontally in the ski direction. In addition, the front automatic machine has a prestressable elastic element, by means of the prestressing of which the two toe holding means in the first holding configuration of the front automatic machine are pretensioned with their holding force towards their holding position.

State of the art

In terms of their function, ski bindings are subdivided into piste bindings, which are used only for downhill skiing and downhill skiing, and touring bindings, which are also used for walking on skis, in particular for ascending with the help of climbing skins attached to the skis. While the former only have to ensure a reliable fixation of the ski boot on the ski in a so-called downhill position, the latter must be brought to ascend additionally from the downhill to a climbing position in which the ski boot is pivotable about an axis in Skiquerrichtung pivotally in the heel area of the ski to allow for joint movement between the ski boot and the ski to go.

Touring ski bindings, in turn, can be divided into two types. One type comprises a ski boot carrier which can be pivoted relative to the ski and to which the ski boot is held by binding jaws. A representative member of this type of touring ski bindings is, for example, in EP 0 754 079 B1 (Fritschi AG ). The second type of touring ski bindings does not include such a ski boot carrier. In this type, the ski boot is pivotally mounted in a toe area on the sole in a ski-mounted front automat. In this case, the automatic heel unit is also fixedly mounted in a distance from the front automaton on the ski adapted to a ski boot sole length and locks the shoe in the heel area in the downhill position. In the ascent position, the heel of the heel is released from the heel counter, so that the heel of the heel can be lifted off the ski and swiveled around the bearing on the front automat. For this type of binding suitable ski boots this typically have in the toe area two lateral recesses for pivotal mounting in the front vending machine. In the heel area, recesses which are open at the rear are formed on the shoe sole into which holding means of the heel unit can engage. In addition, such ski boots on a stiff or only slightly bendable sole. In the latter case, the ski boots can be formed bendable, for example, in the ball area of the foot.

For the description of such binding systems, a (fictitious) ski is often used as the reference system, assuming that the binding is mounted on this ski. This habit is taken over in the present text. Thus, the term "ski longitudinal direction" means along the orientation of the longitudinal axis of the ski. Similarly, "skiparallel" means aligned for an elongate object along the longitudinal axis of the ski. For a flat object, however, the term "ski-parallel" means aligned parallel to the sliding surface of the ski. Further, the term "ski direction" means a direction transverse to the ski longitudinal direction, which, however, need not be oriented exactly at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the ski. Their orientation may also be slightly different from a right angle. The term "ski center", in turn, means a center of the ski in the ski direction, while the term "ski manifest" does not mean that it can move in relation to the ski. It should also be noted that terms that do not contain the word "ski" refer to the reference system of (fictitious) skis. Thus, the terms "front", "rear", "top", "bottom" and "side" refer to "front", "rear", "top", "bottom" and "side" of the ski. Likewise, terms such as "horizontal" and "vertical" refer to the ski, with "horizontal" lying in a ski-parallel plane and "vertical" oriented perpendicular to this plane.

A touring ski binding of the above introduced second type is in the EP 0 199 098 A2 (Barthel ) and sold under the trademark Dynafit. The binding front part of this system comprises two toggle levers, which are arranged opposite each other in the cross-machine direction and each are pivotally mounted about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the ski. The two toggle each have an upwardly directed and a sideways aligned arm, which are arranged at right angles to each other. The upwardly oriented arms each comprise a center of the truncated cone or a hemispherical pin, which can engage in recesses provided in the toe area of a ski boot. The sideways aligned arms of the toggle point as the pins towards the ski center, but are connected via a spring device with each other in operative connection. Since the two toggle levers are spring-loaded with each other via the laterally oriented arms by the spring device, they can by overcoming a dead center position in which the two sideways arms are aligned in a linear extension to each other, downwards and upwards snap. When the sideward arms are snapped down, the upwardly directed arms are pivoted together. On the other hand, when the sideways-aligned arms are snapped upwards, the upwardly directed arms are swung apart. Accordingly, the pins for holding a ski boot are closer to each other in the first case and further apart in the second case. In the first case can be held by the pins a ski boot between the two toggle levers, or pivotally mounted. Therefore, this position of the binding front part is a holding configuration. In the holding configuration, the pins are biased toward their holding position with a holding force. In the second case, however, the holding means are sufficiently far apart so that the ski boot is released. This position also serves to enter the binding front with the ski boot. Accordingly, this position of the binding front part is an entry-level configuration.

To bring the binding front part of the holding configuration in the initial configuration and back, this includes in the EP 0 199 098 A2 (Barthel ) described binding front part of an opening lever which is pivotable about an axis oriented in the ski direction and which surrounds the connection of the two laterally aligned arms of the toggle lever top and bottom. By operating this opening lever, the laterally oriented arms of the toggle lever can be pushed upwards, where they snap in the entry position. By reverse operation of the opening lever, the laterally aligned arms of the toggle but can also be pressed down, where they snap in the holding position.

In the event of a fall, the ski boot can be detached from the ski binding system even without actuating the opening lever. For this purpose, the ski boot is first released from the heel counter and then from the binding front part. If it is a frontal fall, the ski boot is released by a safety release from the heel counter up and tilted forward in the binding front. If the forward or upward force on the ski boot is sufficiently large, then the ski boot can also be torn out of the binding front part by overcoming the force acting on the two angle levers. If the ski boot is kept in the binding front is pivoted sufficiently far forward, so he pushes with his toe on the opening lever, so that the toggle lever and thus the pins from the holding position are slightly pivoted apart until the ski boot is detached from the binding front part. However, if it is a side fall, the ski boot is released by a lateral safety release of the heel unit in the lateral direction and rotated about a lying in the toe area of the ski boot vertical axis. In this case, the ski boot is rotationally released from the binding front part by the holding force acting on the toggle lever is overcome.

The EP 0 199 098 A2 (Barthel ) also describes a toe binding machine for a touring ski binding comprising a ski base and a heel holder. At the heel holder as a holding means for holding a ski boot a bracket made of resilient material, so that the two free ends of the bracket protrude in the longitudinal direction of the ski. These free ends may engage corresponding recesses in a heel area of a ski boot to hold the ski boot. The heel holder is mounted rotatably on the base about a vertical axis of rotation perpendicular to the ski surface. About a bias by a spring, the heel holder is biased to a central position in which point the two free ends of the bracket in the ski longitudinal direction to the front.

As used herein, the term "safety release" means the controlled release of a ski boot held in the ski binding when the magnitude of a force applied externally to the ski boot, ski binding or ski exceeds a predetermined limit. If the term is used in relation to an element of the ski binding, such as, for example, the automatic heel unit or the front automatic machine, then the release refers to a release of the ski boot previously held in this element of the ski binding from this element. For example, the automatic heel unit can enable a safety release, whereby the ski boot can be released from the heel counter. If nothing else is mentioned, it is irrelevant whether the ski boot is still held by the automatic front end machine after such a safety release by the automatic heel unit or not.

In order to enable such a safety release, a force is usually provided with a prestressed elastic element which must be overcome for releasing the ski boot from the respective element of the ski binding or from the ski binding. Often this can be set by adjusting the bias of the elastic element of the limit, which must be exceeded by the force acting on the outside of the ski boot, the ski binding or the ski force for a safety trip. Therefore, the phrase "setting the safety release" below means the setting of the limit, which must be exceeded at a corresponding safety release of the external force for release of the ski boot.

When in the EP 0 199 098 A2 (Barthel ), the automatic heel unit allows a safety release in the forward direction and a lateral safety release. In a safety release in the forward direction, the two free ends of the bracket are elastically bent apart until the heel portion of the ski boot is released from the free ends of the bracket and can be removed upwards from the heel unit. The limit of the necessary force on the ski boot upwards or on the ski binding or the ski downwards is determined by the elastic bendability of the strap. This limit depends on the geometry, mounting and material of the bracket. He can thus be adjusted only by the choice of the bracket.

In the event of a lateral safety release, the heel area of the ski boot is released laterally from the heel unit if a lateral force on the ski boot, the ski binding or the ski exceeds a limit value. The heel holder is pivoted by the lateral force from the heel of the ski boot on the bracket from its central position away against the bias of the spring about its axis of rotation to the side until the strap releases the heel area of the ski boot. This lateral safety release limit is determined by the bias of the spring biasing the heel holder toward its central position. The limit value can be set by adjusting the preload of the spring by means of an adjusting screw.

In contrast to the heel piece, the binding front part allows for in the EP 0 199 098 A2 (Barthel ) described ski binding no safety release in the sense of the present text. Although the two pins are biased by a holding force in their holding position. Also, this holding force is overcome to release the ski boot from the binding front part. Depending on the situation when skiing, however, a different force on the ski boot, the ski binding or the ski is necessary to release the ski boot from the binding front part. This is essentially due to the pins being moved away from each other to move them away from their holding position. As a result, depending on the direction of the force action, the ski boot can be released from the binding front part, in particular by twisting in relation to the binding front part in the case of pins spaced apart from one another. Accordingly, the binding front part neither allows a controlled release of the ski boot nor exists a predetermined limit which is to be overcome by the force acting on the ski boot, the ski binding or the ski for releasing the ski boot from the binding front part.

The in the EP 0 199 098 A2 (Barthel ) described ski binding has the disadvantage that the safety release can be set only limited. The reason for this is on the one hand that the limit value for a safety release in the forward direction can only be set by exchanging the bracket. On the other hand, the reason is that in the lateral safety release of the heel holder is pivoted about the vertical axis of rotation and that thereby the free ends of the bracket are pivoted away from the ski boot to the rear. As a result, the heel of the ski boot is well guided by the heel holder only a short distance in Skiquerrichtung at a lateral safety release, because the free ends of the strap slip out of the recesses in the ski shoe heel. Accordingly, a precise adjustment of the lateral safety release to be exceeded by the force limit threshold is difficult.

The EP 2 384 764 B1 (Salewa ) discloses an automatic heel unit which also provides a safety release in the forward direction and a lateral safety release. The heel counter includes a base and a heel holder that around a perpendicular to the ski surface aligned, vertical axis of rotation, is rotatably mounted on the base. The heel holder comprises two pins, which are biased by a spring on each other to a holding position and hold the heel area of the ski boot. About the same spring and the heel holder is biased to a central position, in which the pins point in the ski longitudinal direction to the front. The spring thus assumes a double function. In the case of a safety release in the forward direction, when a force from the heel area of the ski boot on the heel unit in the upward direction of the ski exceeds a first limit, the pins are moved against their bias to the outside of the ski center away, so that the heel area of the in the Ski binding held ski boot is released to the top. In the case of a lateral safety release, when a force exerted by the heel area of the ski boot in the lateral direction on the heel unit exceeds a second limit, the heel holder is pivoted against its bias about the vertical axis of rotation. The heel area of the ski boot is thereby released from the pins and can move away from the ski in a lateral direction.

This automatic heel also has the disadvantage that the safety release in the forward direction as well as the lateral safety release is limited adjustable. The fact that the spring in the heel holder is used both for biasing in the heel holder rotational position and for biasing the pins to their holding position also limits the forward and side safety release limits. This additionally limits the adjustability of the two safety releases.

Thus, with safety bindings known from the prior art, the safety releases of the ski binding can only be adjusted to a limited extent. This has a negative impact on the safety of the skier.

Presentation of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide a ski binding associated with the aforementioned technical field, which increases the safety for the skier.

The solution of the problem is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the bias of the elastic element of the front automatic is adjustable and thus the holding force is adjustable. It means "adjustable" preferably that the holding force can be changed by hand without tools or by hand with tools and adjusted so that without one or more elements of the ski binding removed, additionally mounted or replaced.

The advantage of the invention is that with the adjustment of the holding force in the front vending machine and the limit, which must be exceeded by a force on the ski boot, the ski binding or the ski for a lateral safety release by the heel counter can be adjusted. The reason for this is that in case of a lateral safety release by the heel counter, the heel of the ski boot is moved in the ski direction until the ski boot is released from the heel counter. At the same time, however, the ski boot is held in the front automatic by the two pins engage in the recesses provided in the toe area of the ski boot. Therefore, the ski boot is rotated about a vertically oriented axis during the lateral safety release. As a result, the depressions in the ski boot are pivoted about the vertically oriented axis relative to the pins until the ski boot is also detached from the front automatic machine. Since the pins are moved against the holding force, in addition to the lateral safety release and the holding force to overcome. Thus, the limit to be overcome for a lateral safety release by the heel counter can be adjusted by adjusting the holding power of the front automat. As a result, the safety release of the entire ski binding can be better adjusted, which means that a controlled release of the ski boot held in the ski binding is made possible with a safety release. The mode of release of the ski binding during a safety release can be better adapted to the skier. This increases the safety for the skier. Another advantage of the invention is that can be adjusted independently of the heel unit by adjusting the holding force, how much a ski boot can be kept in the front vending machine. Therefore, by appropriate adjustment of the holding force, the safety for the skier can be additionally increased.

Preferably, the automatic heel unit on a prestressable elastic security element, by the bias of a force can be generated, which is to be overcome in the automatic heel held ski boot both in the safety release in the forward direction and in the lateral safety release to release the ski boot heel.

This allows both a controlled safety release in the forward direction and a lateral safety release. In addition, the bias is easily adjustable by the choice of the elastic security element. As a result, for example, a limit of the force is adjustable, which is to be overcome in the automatic heel held ski boot both in the safety release in the forward direction and in the lateral safety release. This allows the characteristic of the safety release in the forward direction and the lateral safety release to be tailored to the skier.

In combination with the fact that the bias of the elastic element is adjustable in the front automatic and thus the holding power of the front automatic is adjustable, the ratio of the limit value of the safety release in the forward direction to the limit of the lateral safety release of the heel unit can also by adjusting the bias of the elastic element of the front automatic be set. This allows the safety release in the forward direction and the lateral safety release to be better adjusted to the respective requirements in order to minimize the likelihood of false triggering. This further increases safety for the skier.

Preferably, the prestressable elastic security element is a spring. A spring is inexpensive and easy to manufacture. The elastic security element may also comprise a plurality of elastic elements, such as a plurality of springs.

Alternatively, there is also the possibility that the automatic heel unit has no prestressed elastic security element.

Preferably, the automatic heel unit comprises a force transmission unit for transmitting the force generated by the bias of the elastic security element from the elastic security element to the heel holding means.

This offers the advantage that the force generated by the bias of the elastic security element is securely transferable to the heel holding means.

Preferably, the force transfer unit transmits a magnitude of the force generated by the bias of the resilient security member translatable to the heel retention means such that a magnitude of the force applied by the ski boot to the heel retention means for the forward safety release must exceed a first limit and the magnitude the force exerted by the ski boot on the heel holding means for the lateral safety release must exceed a second limit different from the first limit value.

The translation or reduction of the force generated by the bias of the elastic security element makes it possible to use this force efficiently.

Preferably, the first threshold is greater than the second threshold by a factor in the range of three to four. Particularly preferably, the first limit value is greater by a factor of about 3.5 than the second limit value.

In an alternative to this, the automatic heel unit comprises a first pretensionable elastic security element, by the bias of which a first force can be generated which must be overcome in the safety release in the forward direction when the ski boot is held in the heel counter, in order to release the ski boot from the heel counter, wherein the heel automat also a second biasable elastic security element, by the bias of a second force can be generated, which is to be overcome in the automatic heel held ski boot in the lateral safety release to release the ski boot from the heel unit.

This offers the advantage that the limits for the safety release in the forward direction and for the lateral safety release by the choice of the respective elastic security element or by adjusting the bias of each elastic security element can be set separately. In addition, the two elastic security elements are individually interchangeable.

Preferably, a magnitude of the force applied by the ski boot to the heel hold means for the safety release in the forward direction must exceed a first limit and exceed a second limit different from the first limit for the lateral safety release, the first limit being greater by a factor in the range of three to four second limit is. As a result, the limit values are optimally set for the safety release in the forward direction as well as for the lateral safety release. Particularly preferably, the first limit value is greater by a factor of about 3.5 than the second limit value.

Preferably, the automatic heel unit has an ascent configuration in which the heel area of the ski boot is released from the heel-holding means, so that the ski boot, when held by the front-end machine, is pivotable about the axis oriented horizontally in the cross-machine direction.

This allows walking on skis. Therefore, the skier does not have to release the skis from his ski boots during ascent, but can simply adjust the heel counter into the ascent configuration. In a variant of this, the automatic heel unit may have one or more further ascending configurations.

Alternatively, there is also the possibility that the heel piece has no ascent configuration.

The invention further relates to a front automatic for a ski binding described above, with two toe holding means for holding the ski boot in the toe area of the ski boot. In this case, the front-end automatic machine has at least one holding configuration in which the two toe-holding means are in a holding position and can interact with the ski boot in the holding position such that the ski boot is held pivotably on the automatic front-end machine about an axis oriented horizontally in the ski direction. Next, the front of a front biasing elastic element by the bias of the two toe holding means are biased in the first holding configuration of the front vending machine with a holding force to its holding position, the bias of the elastic member is adjustable.

Through the toe holding means, the ski boot can be securely held in the toe area of the ski boot in the first holding configuration of the front automatic machine. By the bias generated by the elastic element, with which the two toe holding means are biased in the first holding configuration of the front vending machine with a holding force to its holding position, is adjustable, the lateral safety release can be adjusted not only on the heel counter, but also on the front vending machine , As a result, a more controlled release of the ski boot held in the ski binding is made possible with a lateral safety release. This increases the safety for the skier.

In addition, can be adjusted by the adjustability of the holding force of the front vending machine, the ratio of a triggering force for the safety release in the forward direction to a triggering force for the lateral safety release of the heel unit.

The following features described as advantageous for the automatic vending machine are also advantageous in the case of a front automatic machine belonging to the abovementioned ski binding and correspondingly in a ski binding according to the invention.

The front automatic machine preferably comprises two toggle levers, which each have an upwardly pointing arm and an arm pointing towards the center of the ski, one of the two toe holding means being arranged on each of the toggle levers on the upwardly pointing arm. Thanks to the knee levers, the ski boot can be securely held in the first holding configuration of the front automatic.

Preferably, a first of the two toggle arms is pivotally mounted about a first axis disposed between its upwardly pointing arm and its arm facing the ski center. In addition, a second of the two toggle levers is preferably mounted so as to be pivotable about a second axis arranged between its upwardly pointing arm and its arm pointing towards the center of the ski. The pivoting toggle levers mounted around axles offer the advantage that the front-end automat can be constructed in a compact manner. In a variant of this, the knee levers can also be mounted differently movably on the front automat.

Preferably, the first axis about which the first toggle lever is pivotable and the second axis about which the second toggle lever is pivotally substantially in Ski longitudinal direction aligned. This allows a compact design of the front automate. This facilitates the handling of the skis. In a variant of this, there is also the possibility that the axles are not arranged in the longitudinal direction of the ski but, for example, at an angle to the ski longitudinal direction.

Alternatively, there is also the possibility that the front panel has no toggle. The toe-holding means can then be arranged on another element of the front-end vending machine.

Preferably, the holding means are formed as pins, which point with their free ends away from the respective upwardly pointing arm to the ski center. This offers the advantage that in the first holding configuration of the front automatic machine, when the toe-holding means are in their holding position, the ski boot used in the front automatic machine can be held in a particularly simple and secure manner about the axis oriented horizontally in the cross-machine direction. The pens are also easy to produce and have a small mass. In a variant of this, the holding means may, for example, also be designed as a clamp, jaw or otherwise.

Preferably, the elastic element is aligned in the longitudinal direction of the ski. This allows a compact design of the front automate. Alternatively, there is also the possibility that the elastic element is aligned in a different direction. For example, the elastic element can also be aligned transversely to the ski longitudinal direction. In this case, the elastic element may be oriented, for example, horizontally, vertically or otherwise.

The front automatic machine preferably has a piston on which in the first holding configuration of the front automatic machine the pretensioned elastic element acts to bias the two toe holding means with the holding force towards their holding position. With the piston, the force generated by the prestressed elastic element can be easily and securely transmitted from the elastic element to the toe-holding means.

Alternatively, there is also the possibility that the front automat has no piston. The prestressed elastic element may in this case, for example, act directly on the toe-holding means.

The front automatic machine preferably has an entry-level configuration in which the two toe-holding means are in an entry position, wherein the two toe-holding means are at a greater distance from one another in the entry position than in the downhill position. The entry-level configuration is preferably used to position the toe area of the ski boot in the front-end vending machine in order to be able to enter the heel counter. Advantageously, the skier can also get out of the heel counter in the entry-level configuration of the front automat. The entry-level configuration, in which the toe-holding means are at a greater distance from each other in their entry position than in the downhill position, allows the skier to easily enter the toe area of the ski boot in the front-end machine or the toe area of the ski boot previously held in the front-end machine to solve.

Preferably, in the entry-level configuration, the distance between the toe-holding means is sufficiently large so that the toe area of the ski boot is released from the toe-holding means. As a result, getting in and out with the toe area of the ski boot in and out of the front vending machine are further simplified. In a variant of this, the front-end machine can also have further configurations.

Alternatively, there is also the possibility that the front automatic has no entry-level configuration and the toe-holding means have no entry position. In this case, the entry to the toe area of the ski boot in the front vending machine and the exit in any configuration of the front vending machine and in any position of the toe holding means can be done.

The front automatic machine preferably has an adjustable opening lever for adjusting the front automatic machine from the first holding configuration to the entry-level configuration. With the opening lever, the front automatic can be adjusted in a simple manner, for example, manually from the first holding configuration in the initial configuration and back.

Preferably, the opening lever in the first holding configuration of the front automatic machine is in a holding position and in the starter configuration of the Front automatic in a different from the holding position entry position, wherein the opening lever along a displacement of the holding position in the entry position and back is adjustable. This offers the advantage that the opening lever is adjustable in a certain way. As a result, the operation is simplified by the skier.

Preferably, the opening lever is pivotally mounted about an opening lever axis and pivotally adjustable by a pivoting movement about the opening lever axis from its holding position to its entry position. This has the advantage that the opening lever is stably stored. Alternatively, the opening lever but also be stored differently.

Particularly preferably, the opening lever is biased by the prestressed elastic element and the possibly existing piston in the holding position when the opening lever is in a holding position containing region of the adjustment. This further facilitates the operation for the skier.

In a preferred variant thereof, the two toe holding means in the first holding configuration of the front automatic machine are also biased into its holding position by the pretensioning of the opening lever caused by the pretensioned elastic element. Accordingly, in the first holding configuration of the front automaton, the elastic member biases the opening lever to its holding position, whereby the opening lever biases the two toe holding means into its holding position.

This has the advantage that, in the first holding configuration of the front automatic, the opening lever is held in its holding position and the toe-holding means in its holding position. This increases the safety for the skier because the risk of unwanted loosening of the ski boot is reduced by the front automat.

Preferably, the elastic element is arranged below the opening lever. This allows a compact design of the front automate.

In a variant, the opening lever or the toe-holding means or both the opening lever and the toe-holding means may be biased in a different direction or they may not be biased at all.

Alternatively, there is also the possibility that the front panel does not include such an opening lever.

The front automatic machine preferably comprises a ski boot release actuating element which has an activated position in which the ski boot release actuating element can be actuated in the first holding configuration of the front automatic machine, in particular by pivoting the ski boot held in the front automatic machine, about the two toe holding means at least temporarily away from their holding position and away from one another to move and thereby release a possibly held in the vending machine ski, and a deactivated position, in which, when the front panel is in a second holding configuration, an operation of the ski boot release operation member for moving the two toe-holding means is blocked away from each other. Advantageously, the two toe-holding means are also in the holding position in the second holding configuration of the front automatic machine and can interact in the holding position with the ski boot such that the ski boot is held pivotably on the front automatic machine about an axis oriented horizontally in the ski direction. Alternatively, however, there is also the possibility that the two toe holding means are not in the holding position in the second holding configuration of the front automatic. For example, the two toe holding means in the second holding configuration of the front vending machine can be in a clamping position in which they are located at a smaller distance from one another than in the holding position and cooperate with the ski boot such that the ski boot is pivotable about an axis oriented horizontally in the crosswise direction held on the front vending machine. Regardless of the two toe holding means are preferably biased in the second holding configuration of the front vending machine with the holding force to its holding position. Alternatively, however, there is also the possibility that the two toe-holding means are not biased in the second holding configuration of the front automat with the holding force to its holding position.

A ski binding front binding machine, in particular touring ski binding, and for holding a ski boot in a toe area of the ski boot, the front automatic machine comprising two toe holding means for holding the ski boot in the toe area of the ski boot and a first holding configuration, in which the two toe-holding means are in a holding position and in the holding position with the ski boot can cooperate such that the ski boot is held about a horizontally oriented in Skiquerrichtung axis pivotally on the front vending machine, can also without the other previously and be mentioned below features of a front automatic with such a Skischuhfreigabebetätigungselement be realized. However, such a front automatic machine can optionally have one or more of the further features mentioned below with regard to the ski boot release actuating element as well as the further features mentioned above and below with regard to the front automatic machines.

The active position of the ski boot release actuating element has the advantage that the toe retaining means can be easily moved by the ski boot held in the front automatic machine by actuating the ski boot release actuating element. When the ski boot release actuator is in its activated position with a safety release in the forward direction of the heel unit, the ski boot can be quickly and safely released from the ski binding by first loosening the ski boot from the heel unit by the safety release in the forward direction and holding it horizontally in the front automat Axis oriented in the direction of the ski is pivoted forwards until the ski boot presses on the ski boot release actuating element and is thereby released by the front automatic machine. This increases the safety for the skier. The deactivated position of the ski boot release actuating element, on the other hand, has the advantage that the toe-holding means can not be moved by the ski boot in an inadvertent manner and thus the ski boot held in the front automatic device is not unintentionally released. Especially when the front automatic is used in a touring ski binding and the touring ski binding has a climbing position, this deactivated position is advantageous because in the ascent position inadvertent release of the ski boot can be prevented by the front automatic by adjusting the front automatic in the second holding configuration and thus the Skischuhfreigabebetätigungselement is brought into the deactivated position.

In a variant of this, the ski boot release actuating element can also have only one activated position or, in addition to the activated and deactivated position, also further positions. If, in addition to the first and the second holding configuration, the front-end machine also has further configurations, the ski boot release actuating element can also have one or more positions in these other configurations, which differ from the first and the second holding configurations.

Alternatively, there is also the possibility that the front-end machine does not include a ski boot release operating element. In this case, the toe-holding means can be operated, for example, directly with the ski boot or with the ski boot via the possibly existing opening lever.

Vorzugseise the Skischuhfreigabebetätigungselement is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis and adjustable by a pivoting movement about the pivot axis between its activated position and its deactivated position. This allows stable storage of the ski boot release actuating element as well as quick and easy operation of the ski boot release actuating element with the ski boot held in the front automatic machine.

Preferably, the Skischuhfreigabebetätigungselement is designed as a lever which is pivotally mounted about the pivot axis. This allows a further simplified operation of the ski boot release actuating element. In a particularly preferred variant thereof, the ski boot release actuating element is designed as a one-armed lever, wherein the pivot axis is arranged in an end region of the lever. This allows a simple construction of the ski boot release actuator. In a variant of this, however, the ski boot release actuating element can also be designed as a two-armed or multi-armed lever. If the front automatic has an opening lever and if the opening lever is pivotally mounted about an opening lever axis, the opening lever axis preferably also forms the pivot axis about which the ski boot release actuating element is preferably mounted pivotably. This allows a simple construction.

In a variant of this, the pivot axis about which the ski boot release actuating element is pivotable may be formed separately from the possibly existing opening lever axis. This has the advantage that the Skischuhfreigabebetätigungselement can be arranged in the ski longitudinal direction to the front of possibly existing in the ski binding ski boot, the ski boot release actuator but still be actuated by the ski boot held in the front automate.

As an alternative to these variants, there is also the possibility that the ski boot release actuating element can be actuated in a different manner, for example by shifting.

In the first holding configuration of the front automatic machine, when the ski boot release operating element is in its activated position, the opening lever can be actuated by actuation of the ski boot release operating element, in particular by pivoting the ski boot possibly held in the front automatic machine, in order to at least temporarily remove the front automatic machine from its first holding configuration to adjust and to move the two toe-holding means at least temporarily away from their holding position and away from each other and thereby release a possibly held in the vending machine ski boot.

This allows a simplified release of the ski boot from the front vending machine.

Alternatively, there is also the possibility that the opening lever is not on the ski boot release operation element, but in another way, such as directly with the ski boot or via another element of the front vending machine, can be actuated.

Preferably, the ski boot release actuator is adjustable from its activated position to its deactivated position and back by an actuation of the opening lever or a component of the opening lever. This facilitates the adjustment of the ski boot release actuator from its activated position to its deactivated position and back.

Alternatively, there is also the possibility that the ski boot release actuator may also be displaced from its activated position to its deactivated position and back by another element or otherwise.

Advantageously, the front panel comprises a housing which has an interior. As a result, a simple storage of the movable elements of the front automate is made possible on the housing. In addition, with the housing possibly existing sensitive elements of the front automate, for example, be protected from knocks and abrasion, if they are arranged in the interior of the housing. This reduces the risk of failure of these elements.

Preferably, the elastic element and the possibly present piston are arranged in the interior of the housing. As a result, these elements are protected from external influences.

Preferably, the housing has in its lower region a water outlet through which water can flow out of the interior of the housing to outside the housing. This has the advantage that no water can accumulate in the interior and thus ice can form, which could affect the functionalities of the front vending machine.

Alternatively, there is also the possibility that the front panel does not include a housing.

Preferably, the housing has a leading from outside the housing to the interior of the housing opening in which at least parts of the toggle lever are arranged and thereby close the opening snow-tight, to prevent ingress of snow into the interior of the housing. This avoids that snow in the interior, especially under the toggle levers, accumulate and thereby affect the mobility of the toggle. In a variant of this, other elements can close off the opening of the housing of the front automatic machine.

Alternatively, there is also the possibility that the front panel does not include a housing, which is closed snowproof.

A front binding machine for a ski binding, in particular a touring ski binding, and for holding a ski boot in a toe area of the ski boot, the front automatic machine comprising two toe holding means for holding the ski boot in the toe area of the ski boot and having a holding configuration in which the two toe holding means are in a hold position and in the holding position with the ski boot can cooperate such that the ski boot is pivotally supported about a horizontally aligned in Skiquerrichtung axis on the front vending machine, wherein the front automaton comprises two toggle lever, each having an upwardly pointing arm and an arm pointing to the ski center, said each of the two toe levers on the upwardly facing arm one of the two toe holding means is arranged and wherein a first of the two toggle lever is pivotally mounted about an upwardly pointing arm and his arm pointing to the ski center, the first axis is pivotally mounted and a second d he two toggle about a between his upwardly pointing arm and his arm pointing to the ski center arranged, second axis is pivotally mounted, may include without the other previously and subsequently mentioned features of a front automatic a housing, which from outside the housing to the interior of the Housing leading opening, in which at least parts of the toggle lever are arranged to close the opening snow-tight, to prevent ingress of snow into the interior of the housing. However, such an automatic front-end can optionally have one or more of the further features mentioned above and below with regard to the front-end automaton.

From the following detailed description and the totality of the claims, further advantageous embodiments and feature combinations of the invention result.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1

eine Schrägansicht eines Frontautomaten für eine erfindungsgemässe Skibindung, welcher sich in einer Einstiegskonfiguration befindet, in welcher sich zwei Zehenhaltemittel zum Halten des Skischuhs im Zehenbereich eines Skischuhs in einer Einstiegsstellung befinden,

Fig. 2a

eine Explosionsdarstellung eines Fersenautomaten;

Fig. 2b

eine Seitenansicht eines vertikal ausgerichteten, in Skilängsrichtung verlaufenden Schnitts durch den Fersenautomaten in der Abfahrtskonfiguration, wobei der Schnitt in Skiquerrichtung gesehen mittig durch den Fersenautomaten verläuft,

Fig. 3a

eine Seitenansicht eines vertikal ausgerichteten, in Skilängsrichtung verlaufenden Schnitts durch den Frontautomaten in der Einstiegskonfiguration, wobei der Schnitt in Skiquerrichtung gesehen mittig durch den Frontautomaten verläuft,

Fig. 3b

eine Ansicht eines vertikal ausgerichteten, in Skiquerrichtung verlaufenden Schnitts durch den Frontautomaten in der Einstiegskonfiguration, wobei der Schnitt in Skilängsrichtung gesehen mittig durch die Zehenhaltemittel verläuft,

Fig. 4a

eine Seitenansicht eines vertikal ausgerichteten, in Skilängsrichtung verlaufenden Schnitts durch den Frontautomaten in einer ersten Haltekonfiguration in der Abfahrtsstellung, wobei der Schnitt in Skiquerrichtung gesehen mittig durch den Frontautomaten verläuft,

Fig. 4b

eine Ansicht eines vertikal ausgerichteten, in Skiquerrichtung verlaufenden Schnitts durch den Frontautomaten in der ersten Haltekonfiguration in der Abfahrtsstellung, wobei der Schnitt in Skilängsrichtung gesehen mittig durch die Zehenhaltemittel verläuft,

Fig. 5a

eine Seitenansicht eines vertikal ausgerichteten, in Skilängsrichtung verlaufenden Schnitts durch den Frontautomaten in einer zweiten Haltekonfiguration, wobei der Schnitt in Skiquerrichtung gesehen mittig durch den Frontautomaten verläuft, und

Fig. 5b

eine Ansicht eines vertikal ausgerichteten, in Skiquerrichtung verlaufenden Schnitts durch den Frontautomaten in der zweiten Haltekonfiguration, wobei der Schnitt in Skilängsrichtung gesehen mittig durch die Zehenhaltemittel verläuft.

The drawings used to explain the embodiment show:

Fig. 1

an oblique view of a front automatic machine for a ski binding according to the invention, which is in an entry-level configuration, in which are two toe-holding means for holding the ski boot in the toe area of a ski boot in an entry position,

Fig. 2a

an exploded view of a heel counter;

Fig. 2b

a side view of a vertically oriented, running in the longitudinal direction section through the heel unit in the downhill configuration, the cross-section being in the center of the heel box as viewed in the cross-machine direction,

Fig. 3a

a side view of a vertically oriented, running in the longitudinal direction of the cut through the front vending machine in the entry-level configuration, the section being in the center of the front-end machine as viewed in the direction of the ski,

Fig. 3b

a view of a vertically oriented, running in the direction of the cross section through the front vending machine in the entry-level configuration, wherein the section seen in the longitudinal direction runs centrally through the toe-holding means,

Fig. 4a

a side view of a vertically oriented, running in the longitudinal direction of the cut through the front vending machine in a first holding configuration in the downhill position, the section runs in the center of the machine as seen in Skiquerrichtung,

Fig. 4b

a view of a vertically oriented, running in the direction of the cross-section through the front vending machine in the first holding configuration in the downhill position, wherein the section seen in the longitudinal direction runs centrally through the toe-holding means,

Fig. 5a

a side view of a vertically oriented, running in the longitudinal direction of the cut through the front vending machine in a second holding configuration, wherein the section seen in Skiquerrichtung runs centrally through the front vending machine, and

Fig. 5b

a view of a vertically oriented, running in the direction of the cross-section through the front vending machine in the second holding configuration, wherein the section seen in the ski longitudinal direction runs centrally through the toe-holding means.

Basically, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures.

Ways to carry out the invention

FIG. 1 shows an oblique view of a front automatic machine 1 for a ski binding according to the invention, which is located in an entry-level configuration. A front-to-rear horizontal line extending in the longitudinal direction through the front vending machine 1 runs in the FIG. 1 from top left to bottom right. This line runs parallel to the ski longitudinal direction of a ski, not shown here, on which the front automatic 1 can be mounted. In the figure on the top left corresponds to the front automatic 1 front. Next correspond in the figure above and below and the front vending machine 1 above and below.

The front automatic machine 1 belongs to a ski binding according to the invention which, in addition to the front automatic machine 1, also comprises an automatic heel unit in which a ski boot (not shown here) can be held. Such a heel machine is for example in the WO 2012/024809 A1 (Fritschi AG ). The FIGS. 2a and 2b show this heel machine.

The entry-level configuration of the front vending machine 1 serves for boarding with a toe area of the ski boot in the front vending machine 1 or for getting off with the toe area of the ski boot from the front vending machine 1. The front vending machine 1 has, in addition to the FIG. 1 shown entry configuration further on a first holding configuration and a second holding configuration. In the first holding configuration and the second holding configuration, the front automatic machine 1 interacts with the ski boot such that the toe region of the ski boot is held pivotably on the front automatic machine 1 about an axis oriented horizontally in the ski direction. The first holding configuration is for Hold the toe area of the ski boot on a descent. The second holding configuration, on the other hand, serves to hold the toe area of the ski boot during ascent.

The heel counter of the ski binding comprises a heel holding means for holding the ski boot in the heel area of the ski boot. In this case, the automatic heel unit has a departure configuration in which the heel-holding means can interact with the ski boot such that the heel region of the ski boot is locked in a position lowered toward the ski. Since the ski binding in the present embodiment is a touring ski binding of the above-mentioned second type, the heel machine further has a climbing configuration in which the heel area of the ski boot is released from the heel-holding means, so that the ski boot, when held in the front-end machine, moves horizontally in the ski direction aligned axis is pivotable.

For the departure, the front automatic 1 is preferably in the first holding configuration and the heel counter in the departure configuration. As a result, the heel area of the ski boot is locked by the automatic heel counter in a lowered position towards the ski. For the ascent, however, the front automatic 1 is preferably in the second holding configuration and the heel counter in the ascent configuration. As a result, the heel area of the ski boot is released from the heel unit during the ascent, and the toe area of the ski boot is held pivotably in the front automatic machine 1 about the axis oriented horizontally in the ski direction.

The front automatic machine 1 comprises a base element 2, which serves for mounting the front automatic machine 1 on an upper side of the ski. Further, the front automatic 1 comprises two toggle levers 3.1, 3.2 with toe-holding means 4.1, 4.2 for holding the ski boot in the toe area of the ski boot. In addition, the front panel 1 includes a ski boot release operation element 9, an adjustable opening lever 7 for adjusting the front automatic 1 of the first holding configuration in the boarding configuration and back and a locking lever 7 belonging to the blocking element 8. This opening lever 7 is along a displacement of its entry position to its holding position and adjustable back to move the front panel 1 from the entry-level configuration to the first-stop configuration and back.

The base element 2 comprises four bores 10 oriented vertically. Through these bores 10. 1 - 10. 4 fastening screws, not shown here, can be guided, with which the base element 2 can be fastened on an upper side of the ski. In this case, two first of the four bores 10.3, 10.4 are arranged in a front region of the base element 2 and offset in the transverse direction at a first distance from the center of the ski. The two second of the four holes 10.1, 10.2 are arranged in a rear region of the base element 2 and arranged offset in the ski direction each in a second distance different from the first distance from the ski center.

The base member 2 also forms a housing 11 which has an interior. Seen in the ski longitudinal direction, the housing 11 between the first two and the second two of the four holes 10.1 - 10.4 on from outside the housing 11 to the interior of the housing 11 leading opening. In this opening, the toggle 3.1, 3.2 are arranged. These close the opening snowproof to prevent ingress of snow into the interior of the housing 11. The toggle 3.1.3.2 each have an upwardly pointing arm 14.1, 14.2 and a pointing to the ski center arm 15.1, 15.2. In this case, the first toggle lever 3.1 is mounted pivotably on the housing 11 about a first axis 13.1 aligned between its upwardly pointing arm 14.1 and its arm 15.1 pointing in the ski longitudinal direction in the longitudinal direction of the ski. The second toggle lever 3.2 is pivotally mounted on the housing 11 about a between his upwardly facing arm 14.2 and his pointing to the ski center arm 15.2 in the ski longitudinal direction, second axis 13.2.

In both toggle levers 3.1, 3.2 each one of the two toe holding means 4.1, 4.2 is arranged on the upwardly pointing arm 14.1, 14.2. The toe-holding means 4.1, 4.2 are in each case attached to an inner side of the upwardly pointing arms 14.1, 14.2 pointing to the center of the ski. The toe-holding means 4.1, 4.2 are formed as pins, which point with their free ends from the respective upward-pointing arm 14.1, 14.2 away to the ski center.

In a region between the first two of the four holes 10.1 - 10.4, the base member 2 on the housing 11 in a Skiquerrichtung extending web 12. Furthermore, the housing 11 comprises in its lower region a water outlet, through the water from the interior of the housing 11 to the outside of the housing 11 can flow.

In a central region of the base member 2 is seen in the ski longitudinal direction in front of the toggle levers 3.1, 3.2 and before the first two of the four holes 10.3, 10.4 aligned in Skiquerrichtung opening lever axis 16 about which the adjustable opening lever 7 is pivotally mounted on the base member 2. The opening lever 7 has an elongated shape and is mounted in a central region at a bearing point on the opening lever axis 16. Hereinafter, the area of the opening lever 7 located in front of the opening lever shaft 16 will be referred to as the front portion of the opening lever 7. The front free end of the opening lever thereby forms a front end of the front portion of the opening lever 7. The area of the opening lever 7, which is located behind the opening lever axis 16 is referred to as the rear portion of the opening lever 7. The rear free end of the opening lever 7 forms the conclusion of the rear portion of the opening lever 7. The opening lever 7 acts with its rear portion with a here in FIG. 1 unrecognizable, displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the ski guided on the base member 2 together, which in turn cooperates with a spring not shown here as an elastic element. This spring is aligned in the longitudinal direction of the ski and is located in the housing 11 in front of the first two of the four holes 10.2, 10.4 and below the front portion of the opening lever 7. In addition, the rear portion of the opening lever 7 acts with the two pointing to the ski center arms 15.1, 15.2 of Knee levers 3.1.3.2 together.

In the front region of the opening lever 7, the blocking element 8 is arranged. This comprises a long arm and a short arm, which are arranged so that the blocking element 8 viewed from the side has an L-shaped configuration. The long arm has in its longitudinal section the shape of a bracket. The two legs of the bracket enclose the opening lever 7 on both sides in its front area. The short arm of the blocking element 8 is located at the end of the legs of the long arm and is at an angle of slightly more than 90 ° to the long arm of the blocking element 8. In a transition region between the long arm and the short arm, the blocking element 8 is one Skicherrichtung aligned axis 17 in the front of the Opening lever 7 pivotally mounted on the opening lever 7. The blocking element 8 is thereby movable relative to the opening lever 7 as well as relative to the base element 2.

As already mentioned, the opening lever 7 is mounted about the opening lever axis 16 about the opening lever 7 pivotally mounted on the base member 2. This opening lever axis 16 at the same time also forms the pivot axis about which the ski boot release actuating element 9 is pivotably mounted on the base element 2. The Skischuhfreigabebetätigungselement 9 is adjustable by a pivoting movement about the opening lever axis 16 and pivot axis between an activated position and a deactivated position. The ski boot release actuating element 9 is designed as a one-armed lever in the form of a bow, wherein the ski boot release actuating element 9 is mounted on the two free ends of the bow on the opening lever axis 16 or the pivot axis. As a result, the ski boot release actuating element 9 is pivotable relative to the opening lever 7 as well as relative to the base element 2. In a variant of this, there is also the possibility that the ski boot release actuating element 9 is mounted pivotably on the base element 2 about a separate pivot axis separated from the opening lever axis 16 about which the opening lever 7 is pivotably mounted.

As already mentioned, the front panel 1 as in FIG. 1 presented an entry-level configuration. In this entry-level configuration, the opening lever 7 is in an entry position. In addition, the opening lever 7 is biased by a bias generated by the spring to its entry position.

In the entry-level configuration of the front automatic machine 1, the toggle levers 3.1, 3.2 are pivoted laterally outwards away from one another. As a result, the toe holding means 4.1, 4.2 pivoted away from each other and are in an entry position, in which the two toe holding means 4.1, 4.2 are at a greater distance to each other than when the front automatic 1 is in the first or the second holding configuration. In the entry position of the toe-holding means 4.1, 4.2, the distance between the toe-holding means 4.1, 4.2 is sufficiently large so that the toe area of a ski boot is released from the toe-holding means 4.1, 4.2 and the toe area of the ski boot is guided between the toe-holding means 4.1, 4.2 and the toe area Toe holding means can be moved away. In the entry position, the toe-holding means 4.1, 4.2 are also biased by the bias generated by the spring to its entry position.

As already mentioned, the base element 2 has a web 12 extending in the transverse direction. This can serve as a longitudinal positioning stop when entering the toe area of the ski boot in the front automatic machine 1 in order to be able to position the toe area of the ski boot more easily in the ski longitudinal direction relative to the front automatic machine 1, so that recesses in the toe area of the ski boot seen in the ski longitudinal direction for entry into the front automatic machine 1 correctly aligned with the toe-holding means 4.1, 4.2.

In the first holding configuration of the front vending machine 1, the toe holding means 4.1, 4.2 is in a holding position, while the opening lever 7 is in a holding position. The opening lever 7 is biased by the prestressed spring and the piston in the direction holding position when the opening lever 7 is in a holding position containing region of the adjustment. Since the opening lever 7 is biased to its holding position, it also biases the two toe holding means 4.1, 4.2 to their holding position ago. As a result, the two toe holding means 4.1, 4.2 are biased towards their holding position with a holding force.

For a ski binding according to the invention, as already mentioned, the front automatic machine 1 can be used, for example, in combination with one in the WO 2012/024809 (Fritschi AG ) described heel machines are used.

In the FIGS. 2a and 2b is an embodiment of an automatic heel 100 as in the WO 2012/024809 (Fritschi AG ). It shows FIG. 2a an exploded view of the heel unit 100. The view shows the heel counter 100 seen from obliquely seen from the front. A line extending horizontally in the longitudinal direction from front to back through the automatic heel 100 runs in the FIG. 2a from bottom left to top right. This line runs parallel to the ski longitudinal direction of a ski, not shown here, on which the automatic heel unit 100 can be mounted. In the figure bottom left corresponds to the heel 100 front. Further Correspond in the figure above and below also in the heel 100 above and below.

FIG. 2b shows a cross section through the heel unit 100. In this cross-section is a vertically oriented longitudinal cross-section, which runs in a center of the automatic heel 100 seen in the cross-machine direction.

In both FIGS. 2a and 2b the heel counter 100 is shown in the downhill configuration.

As in the FIGS. 2a and 2b As can be seen, the heel unit 100 has heel retention means in the form of pins 101.1, 102. These pins 101.1, 102 are arranged in an upper region of a heel holder 104 and are each mounted pivotably on the heel holder 104 about a vertical pivot axis. The pins 101.1, 102 have with their free end in the longitudinal direction of the ski forward. In the downhill configuration of the heel unit 100, the pins 101.1, 102 cooperate with the heel region of the ski boot such that the heel region of the ski boot is locked in a position lowered toward the ski. In this case, the pins 101.1, 102 are biased towards each other by means of a first prestressable elastic security element. The first elastic security element is realized as a spring 102.

The heel unit 100 further comprises a base 105 about which the heel holder 104 is pivotally mounted about a vertical pivot axis. In addition, the automatic heel unit 100 comprises a second prestressable elastic security element, which is formed by a spring 103.1 and a spring 103.2. By a bias of these springs 103.1, 103.2 of the heel holder 104 is biased toward a central position, in which the two free ends of the pins 101.1, 101.2 point in the ski longitudinal direction to the front.

The heel unit 100 provides a forward safety release and side safety release to release the heel area of the ski boot from the heel unit 100. In a safety release in the forward direction are pressed by a force from the heel of the ski boot on the pins 101.1, 101.2, the pins 101.1, 101.2 against their bias ever away from the ski center horizontally outward away from each other. When the force is a exceeds predetermined first limit, the heel area of the ski boot is released by the heel unit 100 and it comes to a safety release in the forward direction. In this case, the first limit value for the safety release in the forward direction by adjusting the bias of the spring 102 is adjustable.

In a lateral safety release is pivoted by a lateral force from the heel of the ski boot on the pins 101.1, 101.2 of the heel holder 104 about the vertical pivot axis from its central position against its bias to the side. If the force exceeds a predetermined, different from the first limit second threshold, the heel area of the ski boot is released laterally from the heel unit 100 and there is a lateral safety release. The second limit for the lateral safety release is adjustable by adjusting the bias of the springs 103.1, 103.2.

The automatic heel unit 100 comprises a first power transmission unit for transmitting the force generated by the bias of the spring 102 on the pins 101.1, 101.2 and a second power transmission unit for transmitting the force generated by the bias of the springs 103.1, 103.2 force on the heel holder 104. From the second power transmission unit is a strength of the force generated by the bias of the springs 103.1, 103.2 so translated or stocked transferable to the heel holder 104 that a magnitude of the lateral force from the ski boot on the pins 101.1, 101.2 for the lateral safety release exceed the second limit different from the first limit got to. The first limit value is greater by a factor of about 3.5 than the second limit value. Thus, a magnitude of the force applied by the ski boot to the pins 101.1, 101.2 for the safety release in the forward direction must exceed the first limit and for a lateral safety release exceed the second limit different from the first limit, the first limit being greater by a factor of about 3.5 second limit is.

Of the first power transmission unit, a strength of the force generated by the bias of the spring 102 translated or underpinned transferable to the pins 101.1, 101.2. By adjusting the bias of the spring 102 can thus be the first Set limit. By contrast, a strength of the second power transmission unit translated from the bias of the springs 103.1, 103.2 or stocked on the heel holder 104 and thus on the pins 101.1, 101.2 transferable. However, the second limit, which must exceed the force exerted by the ski boot on the pins 101.1, 101.2 for the lateral safety release, is not determined solely by the force generated by the bias of the springs 103.1, 103.2 force. The holding force with which the two toe holding means 4.1, 4.2 of the front automatic machine 1 in the first and the second holding configuration of the front automatic machine 1 are biased toward its holding position also determine the second limit value. Therefore, the second limit value can be adjusted by adjusting the bias of the spring 102 and by adjusting the bias of the spring 10 of the front automatic machine 1. Thus, the lateral safety release can be adjusted not only on the heel unit 100, but also on the front automatic 1. In addition, can be adjusted by the adjustability of the holding force of the front vending machine 1, the ratio of the first limit value for the safety release in the forward direction to the second limit value for the lateral safety release of the heel unit 100. This is particularly advantageous if the ski binding comprises an automatic heel unit in which the release force for a safety release in the forward direction and the triggering force for a lateral safety release are set via the same spring and thus the ratio of the two limits without adjustable front automata would be fixed. Such a heel machine is for example in the EP 0 199 098 A2 (Barthel ).

As mentioned, the ascent machine 1 is in the second holding configuration and the heel machine is in a climbing configuration in which the heel area of the ski boot is released from the heel holding means of the heel counter so that the ski boot in frontal machine 1 is pivotable about an axis oriented horizontally in the ski direction ,

The opening lever 7 is in its holding position in the second holding configuration as in the first holding configuration. Likewise, the toe holding means 4.1, 4.2 are in their holding position in the second holding configuration. In contrast to the first holding configuration of the front vending machine 1, however, is the Skischuhfreigabebetätigungselement 9 in the second holding configuration of the front vending machine 1 in the activated position in which the Skischuhfreigabebetätigungselement 9 is actuated by pivoting the held in the Vending machine 1 ski boot to move the two toe holding means 4.1, 4.2 at least temporarily away from their holding position and away from each other and thereby release a possibly held in the front vending machine 1 ski boot. The Skischuhfreigabebetätigungselement 9 is adjustable by an actuation of the blocking element 8 of the opening lever 7 from the activated position to the deactivated position and back.

The FIGS. 3a and 3b show the front vending machine 1 in the entry-level configuration in a sectional view. FIG. 3a shows a side view of a vertically aligned in the ski longitudinal section through the front vending machine 1. In FIG. 3b the section runs vertically in the direction of the center of the ski through the toggle levers 3.1, 3.2.

As in FIG. 3a can be seen, the opening lever 7 is aligned approximately horizontally in its entry position. Moreover, in FIG. 3a can be seen that below the opening lever 7 in the front region of the housing 11 in the longitudinal direction aligned spring 20 is arranged. The spring 20 is in Skiquerrichtung seen in the ski center. With its rear end, the spring 20 bears against a vertical wall of the housing 11 and with its front end, the spring 20 is supported on a threaded pin 21 aligned in the longitudinal direction of the ski. This threaded pin 21 is in turn screwed into a thread in the front end of the piston 22. The spring 20 is slightly compressed and thereby generates a bias of the piston 22 in the ski longitudinal direction forward.

In FIG. 3a It can be seen that the displaceable in the ski longitudinal direction in the base member 2 guided piston 22 extends in the longitudinal direction of the ski from the front end of the spring 20 under the spring 20 and under the opening lever 7 in a rear portion of the housing 11. Thus, a rear portion of the piston 22, which is located behind the rear free end of the opening lever 7, from rear to front with the rear free end of the opening lever 7 together. For this purpose, the rear portion of the piston 22 on a forward facing tip 24, from behind to a rearwardly directed curved surface 23 of the rear free end of the opening lever 7 acts. In the in FIG. 3a shown sectional view that the curved surface 23 in the middle with respect to the height of the opening lever 7 projects furthest to the rear. Since the piston 22 is biased forward by the spring 20, the tip 24 of the piston 22 presses on a lower portion of the curved surface 23 of the opening lever 7. When the opening lever 7 is moved from its entry position, due to the shape of the curved surface 23, the piston 23 over the tip 24 against the bias slightly shifted backwards. This causes the opening lever 7 is biased by the bias of the spring 20 to its entry position.

As mentioned above, the front portion of the opening lever 7 has an axis 17 oriented in the direction of the ski about which the blocking element 8 of the opening lever 7 is pivotally mounted on the opening lever 7. In the entry position of the opening lever 7, the long arm of the blocking element 8 is aligned horizontally and rests with a front end 28 of the bracket of the blocking element 8 at the front free end of the opening lever 7. The short arm of the blocking element 8 has in this position of the blocking element 8 upwards. As in FIG. 3a can be seen in the entry-level configuration of the front vending machine 1, the Skischuhfreigabebetätigungselement 9 is pivoted with its upper end to the opening lever axis 16 and pivot axis forward. The Skischuhfreigabebetätigungselement 9 rests with an upper connecting web 29 of the bracket at the upwardly facing free end of the short arm of the blocking element 8. The opening lever 7 rests on an upwardly projecting cam 27 of the housing 11, which is arranged under the opening lever 7 on. As a result, the ski boot release actuating element 9 can not be pivoted forwardly with its upper end and also the opening lever 7 can not be further pivoted forwardly with its front free end.

In FIG. 3b It can be seen that the rear portion of the opening lever 7 cooperates with the toggle levers 3.1, 3.2. For this purpose, the rear portion of the opening lever 7 on both sides recesses 25.1, 25.2. In each one of these recesses 25.1, 25.2 protrudes each one pointing to the ski center arm 15.1, 15.2 of the toggle 3.1, 3.2. As a result, the toggle levers 3.1, 3.2 are coupled to a movement of the opening lever 7. The Cooperation of the opening lever 7 with the toggle levers 3.1, 3.2 is below in the FIGS. 4a and 4b described in detail.

The FIGS. 4a and 4b show the front vending machine 1 in the first holding configuration. FIG. 4a shows a side view of a vertically aligned in the ski longitudinal section through the front vending machine 1. In FIG. 4b the section runs vertically in the direction of the center of the ski through the toggle levers 3.1, 3.2.

In the holding position of the opening lever 7, the front portion of the opening lever 7 obliquely forward above. Accordingly, the rear portion of the opening lever 7 obliquely back down, as seen in FIG FIG. 4a , In this case, the forward-facing tip 24 of the biased by the spring 20 rearwardly biasing piston 22 22 presses on an upper portion of the curved surface 24 of the opening lever 7. When adjusting the opening lever 7 away from its holding position, due to the shape of the curved surface 23, the piston 23 slightly displaced backwards over the tip 24 against the bias. As a result, opening lever 7 is biased to its holding position.

The blocking element 8 is located as in the entry-level configuration of the heel unit 1 with its front end 28 of the bracket of the blocking element 8 at the front free end of the opening lever 7. The short arm of the blocking element 8 faces upwards. As in the entry position of the opening lever 7 is also in the holding position of the opening lever 7 Skischuhfreigabebetätigungselement 9 with an upper connecting web 29 at the free end of the short arm of the blocking element 8, so that the ski boot release actuator 9 can not be pivoted forward with its upper end ,

To the heel unit 1 of the initial configuration in the in the FIGS. 4a and 4b Adjust shown first holding configuration, the opening lever 7 can be adjusted from its entry position to its holding position. For this purpose, the free end of the opening lever 7, for example, by hand or with a ski pole to the opening lever axis 16 are pivoted upward. However, the opening lever 7 can also by depressing the rear portion of the opening lever 7, for example with a ski boot, are moved from the entry position to its holding position, thereby to adjust the front panel 1 of the initial configuration in the first holding configuration. In both cases, the bias generated by the spring 20 must be overcome for the pivotal movement of the opening lever 7.

When adjusting the opening lever 7 from its entry position to its holding position, the rear free end of the opening lever 7 is pivoted about the opening lever axis 16 down. In this movement, due to the shape of the curved surface 23 of the opening lever 7, the cooperating with the lower portion of the curved surface 23 tip 24 and thus the back biased piston 22 against the bias slightly shifted backwards. By adjusting the opening lever 7, the prestressed piston 22 is displaced against the bias until the tip 24 of the piston 22 has reached a vertex of the curvature of the curved surface 23 of the opening lever 7. When the tip 24 of the piston 22 has overcome this vertex of the arcuate surface 23, the piston 22 can easily move forward again. Due to the bias of the tip 24 of the piston now presses on the upper portion of the curved surface 23 of the opening lever 7. Due to the shape of the curved surface 23 thereby the rear free end of the opening lever 7 is pressed down. Thereby, the opening lever 7, when the tip 24 of the piston 22 has overcome the apex of the curved surface 23, biased to its holding position.

By the above-described adjustment of the opening lever 7 from its entry position to its holding position, pivots, as mentioned, the rear portion of the opening lever 7 from a horizontal orientation about the opening lever axis 16 down to the ski out. As a result, the arms 15.1, 15.2 of the knee levers 3.1, 3.2 pointing to the center of the ski are also moved downwards, since the arms 15.1, 15.2 are located in the recesses 25.1, 25.2 of the rear area of the opening lever. Thus, the toggle 3.1, 3.2 each pivot about their toggle axes 13.1, 13.2 and the upwardly facing arms 14.1, 14.2 of the toggle 3.1, 3.2 are pivoted from the outside inwards. The toe-holding means 4.1, 4.2 are thereby adjusted from their entry position into their holding position. If the opening lever 7 of his Adjusted holding position in its entry position, the rear portion of the opening lever 7 pivots about the opening lever axis 16 from bottom to top in the horizontal orientation. According to the ski center pointing arms 15.1, 15.2 of the toggle lever 3.1, 3.2 are moved upward and the upwardly facing arms 14.1, 14.2 of the toggle 3.1, 3.2 pivot from the inside to the outside. The toe-holding means 4.1, 4.2 are thereby adjusted from their holding position to their entry position.

If a ski boot not shown here is positioned between the toe holding means 4.1, 4.2 in the entry-level configuration of the front-end machine and the opening lever 7 is moved from the entry position to the stop position in order to move the front-end machine 1 from the entry-level configuration into the first holding configuration, the toe-holding means 4.1 move , 4.2 from both sides against the ski boot and can engage in corresponding recesses in the ski boot and thus pivotally mount the ski boot about an axis oriented in the horizontal direction of the ski.

FIG. 4b shows the toe-holding means 4.1, 4.2 in their holding position. In the first and the second holding position, the toe holding means 4.1, 4.2 can interact with the ski boot in such a way that the ski boot is held pivotably on the front automatic machine 1 about an axis oriented horizontally in the ski direction. Furthermore, in the first and in the second holding configuration of the front automatic machine 1, the toe holding means 4.1, 4.2 are biased by the bias generated by the spring 20 with the holding force to its holding position. The bias of the spring 20 is adjustable and thus the holding force of the toe holding means 4.1, 4.2 adjustable. For this purpose, the threaded pin 21, can be seen in FIG. 4a For example, be screwed with a screwdriver from the front into the thread in the piston 22 in the front end of the piston 22. This reduces the distance between the front bearing surface of the spring on the threaded pin 21 and the rear bearing surface of the spring on the vertical wall of the housing 11. Thus, the spring 20 is compressed more and the bias and thus the holding force of the toe holding means 4.1, 4.2 increases. If the threaded pin 21 is unscrewed from the front something from the thread in the piston 22, the compression of the spring 20 is reduced. The bias and the holding force of the toe holding means 4.1, 4.2 are reduced accordingly.

As mentioned above, in the first holding configuration of the front automatic machine 1, the blocking element 8 has its front end 28 on the front free end of the opening lever 7. The Skischuhfreigabebetätigungselement 9 is thereby in the activated position in which the Skischuhfreigabebetätigungselement 9 by pivoting the held in the automatic vending machine 1, is operable to move the two toe holding means 4.1, 4.2 at least temporarily away from their holding position and away from each other and thereby a optionally release the ski boot held in the front vending machine 1.

Such a release of the ski boot can be done, for example, in the event of a safety release in the forward direction of the heel unit. The heel area of the ski boot held in the ski binding is first released by the heel counter. Thereafter, the ski boot swings forward with its heel area around an axis oriented horizontally in the ski direction. From a certain pivot position of the ski boot, a front end of the toe area of the ski boot contacts a rearwardly facing side of the ski boot release actuator 9. As the ski boot continues to pivot forward, the front end of the toe area of the ski boot presses on the ski boot release actuation element 9. As the ski boot release actuator 9 translates the opening lever shaft 16 is pivotally mounted on the base member 2, pivots the upper free end of Skischuhfreigabebetätigungselement 9 by the force of the ski boot forward and thereby pushes the short arm of the blocking element 8 forward down and thus the opening lever 7 with its front free end down. By this pressure, the opening lever 7 is pressed with its front free end to the opening lever axis 16 forward and down from its holding position. Accordingly, the rear portion of the opening lever 7 moves about the pivot axis 16 upwards and the toggle levers 3.1, 3.2 are at least temporarily moved outward from the center of the ski. Thus, the toe-holding means 4.1, 4.2 are also at least temporarily moved away from their holding position and away from each other. As a result, the toe area of the ski boot is released from the front automatic machine 1.

The FIGS. 5a and 5b show the front vending machine 1 in the second holding configuration. FIG. 5a shows a side view of a vertically aligned in the ski longitudinal section through the front vending machine 1. In FIG. 5b the section runs vertically in the direction of the center of the ski through the toggle levers 3.1, 3.2.

As already mentioned, the heel area of the ski boot is released by the heel holding means of the heel unit and the front automatic machine 1 is in the second holding configuration, so that the toe holding means 4.1, 4.2 can cooperate with the toe area of the ski boot such that the ski boot can move around a horizontally in Skiquerrichtung aligned axis is pivotally held on the front vending machine 1. This allows walking on skis.

As in FIG. 5a can be seen, located in the second holding configuration of the front vending machine 1, the opening lever 7 in its holding position. In FIG. 5b It can also be seen that the toe-holding means 4.1, 4.2 are also in their holding position in the second holding configuration. In FIG. 5a It can be seen that, in contrast to the first holding configuration of the front automatic machine 1 but the free end of the long arm of the blocking element 8 is pivoted about the opening lever axis 16 and pivot axis upwards, so that the long arm of the blocking element 8 has substantially vertically upwards. The short arm of the blocking element 8 points in this position of the blocking element 8 to the rear. Next is in FIG. 5a It can be seen that the blocking element 8 is engaged with a located between the long and the short arm groove 28 via the cam 27 of the housing 11. As a result, the blocking element 8 is in a stable position in this position. Since the blocking element 8 is mounted in the front region of the opening lever 7, the blocking element 8 supports the front region of the opening lever 7 downwards. As a result, the front free end of the opening lever 7 is not pivotable about the pivot axis 16 forwards and downwards. The Skischuhfreigabebetätigungselement 9 is in the deactivated position, since the Skischuhfreigabebetätigungselement 9 in this position of the blocking element 8, the opening lever 7 can not adjust. An actuation of the ski boot release operating element 9 for moving the two toe holding means 4.1, 4.2 away from each other is thus blocked. The ski boot release operation member 9 is through Actuation of the blocking element 8 from its activated to its deactivated position and back adjustable. When the free end of the long arm of the blocking element 8 is pivoted forwards about the axis 17, the upper end of the ski boot release actuating element 9 is pivoted by the short arm of the blocking element 8 about the pivot axis 16 to the rear. The ski boot release actuator 9 is thereby adjusted from its activated to its deactivated position. To adjust the Skischuhfreigabebetätigungselement 9 from its activated to its deactivated position, the free end of the long arm of the blocking element 8 is pivoted about the axis 17 from bottom to top. As a result, the upper end of the ski boot release actuating element 9 is pivoted rearwardly about the opening lever axis 16 or pivot axis until the ski boot release actuating element 9 is in its deactivated position.

The invention is not limited to ski bindings with the above-described front automatic machine 1 and the two mentioned heel machines. Both the front and the heel machine can be designed differently. For example, it is not necessary for the front automatic to have two toggles, a ski boot release actuator or an opening lever as described above.

However, the invention may otherwise be carried out deviating from the front automatic 1 described above. The front automatic does not necessarily have a first and a second holding configuration. For example, the front-end machine can also have only one holding configuration or, in addition to the first and second holding configuration, also one or more further configurations which differ from the described holding configurations and the entry-level configuration.

Furthermore, the described elements of the front automate can also be designed differently. For example, if the front panel has an opening lever, the opening lever need not include a blocking element. If a blocking element is present, this can also be arranged separately from the opening lever as a separate element. In addition, the ski boot release actuator may also only have an activated position or in addition to the activated and deactivated position have further positions. If, in addition to the first and the second holding configuration, the front-end machine also has further configurations, the ski boot release actuating element can also have one or more positions in these other configurations, which are different from the holding configurations. In addition, a different elastic element than the spring 20 can be used in the front vending machine. Also, the power transmission from the elastic member may be configured differently to the toe holding means as a piston, an opening lever and toggle. In addition, the front automat can have other holding means than the described toe holding means.

In addition to the use in touring ski bindings, telemark or cross-country ski bindings, a front automatic according to the invention can also be used for other ski bindings such as, for example, downhill bindings.

In summary, it should be noted that a front automatic is provided, which increases the safety for the skier.

Claims (15)

Ski binding, in particular touring ski binding, for mounting on a top of a ski, comprising a front automatic machine (1) for holding a ski boot in a toe area of the ski boot and an automatic heel counter (100) for holding the ski boot in a heel area of the ski boot, a) wherein the heel counter (100) comprises a heel holding means for holding the ski boot in the heel area of the ski boot and has a downhill configuration in which the heel holding means can cooperate with the ski boot such that the heel area of the ski boot is locked in a lowered position towards the ski wherein the heel counter (100) in the downhill configuration with the ski boot held in the heel counter enables a safety release in the forward direction and a lateral safety release to release the ski boot from the heel counter (100), and b) wherein the front automatic (1) comprises two toe holding means (4.1, 4.2) for holding the ski boot in the toe area of the ski boot and has a first holding configuration in which the two toe holding means (4.1, 4.2) are in a holding position and in the holding position the ski boot can interact in such a way that the ski boot is held pivotably on the front automatic machine (1) about an axis oriented horizontally in the ski direction, wherein the front automatic machine (1) has a prestressable elastic element (20), by the bias of which the two toe holding means (4.1, 4.2) in the first holding configuration of the front automatic machine (1) are biased towards their holding position with a holding force, characterized in that Bias of the elastic element (20) is adjustable and thus the holding force is adjustable. Ski binding according to claim 1, characterized in that the automatic heel unit (100) comprises a prestressable elastic safety element, by the bias of which a force can be generated, which in the automatic heel unit (100) held ski boot both in the safety release in the forward direction as also in the lateral safety release is overcome to solve the ski boot of the heel counter (100). A ski binding according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the automatic heel unit (100) has a climbing configuration in which the heel area of the ski boot is released from the heel-holding means so that the ski boot, when held by the front-end machine (100), is around the horizontal in the ski direction aligned axis is pivotable. Front ski binding machine (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, comprising two toe-holding means (4.1, 4.2) for holding the ski boot in the toe region of the ski boot, which has at least one holding configuration in which the two toe-holding means (4.1, 4.2) a stop position and can cooperate in the holding position with the ski boot such that the ski boot is pivotally supported about a horizontally aligned in Skiquerrichtung axis on the front vending machine (1), wherein the front automatic (1) comprises a prestressable elastic element (1) through which Bias the two toe-holding means (4.1, 4.2) are biased in the holding configuration of the front automatic machine (1) with a holding force to its holding position, wherein the bias of the elastic element (20) is adjustable. Front automatic (1) according to claim 4, characterized by two toggle levers (3.1, 3.2) which each have an upwardly pointing arm (14.1, 14.2) and an arm (15.1, 15.2) pointing towards the center of the ski, with both toggle levers (3.1, 3.2) on the upwardly pointing arm (14.1, 14.2) each one of the two toe holding means (4.1, 4.2) is arranged and wherein a first of the two toggle levers (3.1, 3.2) to one between its upwardly pointing arm (14.1, 14.2) and its to the ski center pointing arm (15.1, 15.2) arranged, first axis (13.1) is pivotally mounted and a second of the two toggle levers (3.1, 3.2) to one between its upwardly pointing arm (14.1, 14.2) and its pointing to the ski center arm (15.1, 15.2) arranged second axis (13.2) is pivotally mounted. Front automatic (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the elastic element (20) is aligned in the ski longitudinal direction. Front automatic machine (1) according to one of Claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the front automatic machine (1) has a piston (22) on which the pretensioned elastic element (20) acts in the first holding configuration of the front automatic machine (1) both toe-holding means (4.1, 4.2) to bias with the holding force to its holding position. Front automatic (1) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the front automatic machine (1) has an entry-level configuration in which the two toe-holding means (4.1, 4.2) are in an entry position, wherein the two toe-holding means (4.1, 4.2 ) are located in the entry position at a greater distance from each other than in the downhill position. Front automatic (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the front automatic (1) has an adjustable opening lever (7) for adjusting the front automatic machine (1) of the first holding configuration in the entry-level configuration. Front automatic (1) according to one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the front automatic machine (1) comprises a ski boot release actuating element (9), which a) has an activated position in which the Skischuhfreigabebetätigungselement (9) in the first holding configuration of the automatic vending machine (1), in particular by pivoting the in the automatic vending machine (1) held ski, is operable to the two toe holding means (4.1, 4.2) at least temporarily move away from their holding position and away from each other and thereby release a possibly in the front vending machine (1) held ski boot, and b) has a deactivated position in which, when the front automatic machine (1) is in a second holding configuration, actuation of the Skischuhfreigabebetätigungselements (9) for movement of the two toe holding means (4.1, 4.2) is blocked away from each other. Front automatic (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the Skischuhfreigabebetätigungselement (9) about a pivot axis (16) is pivotally mounted and by a pivoting movement about the pivot axis (16) between its activated position and its deactivated position is adjustable. Front automatic (1) according to claim 9 and claim 10 or 11, characterized in that in the first holding configuration of the front automatic machine (1), when the ski boot release actuating element (9) is in its activated position, by an operation of the ski boot release actuating element (9), in particular by a pivoting of the ski boot held in the automatic vending machine (1), the opening lever (7) is operable to at least temporarily displace the front automatic machine (1) away from its first holding configuration and at least temporarily to the two toe holding means (4.1, 4.2) from its holding position away and away from each other and thereby release an optionally in the front vending machine (1) held ski boot. Front automatic (1) according to claim 9 and any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the ski boot release actuating element (9) by an operation of the opening lever (7) or a part of the opening lever (7) from its activated position to its deactivated position and is adjustable back. Front automatic (1) according to one of claims 4 to 13, characterized in that the front automatic (1) comprises a housing (11) having an interior space. Front automatic (1) according to Claims 5 and 14, characterized in that the housing (11) has an opening leading from the outside of the housing (11) to the interior of the housing (11), in which at least parts of the toggle levers (3.1, 3.2) are arranged to close the opening snow-tight, to prevent ingress of snow into the interior of the housing (11).

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