Automatic heel unit with heel support structure

Abstract

The invention relates to an automatic heel unit (1) for a ski binding, comprising a base (7) for fitting the automatic heel unit (1) on a ski and a heel downholder (3) for holding down a ski boot in a heel region of the ski boot. The heel downholder (3) is mounted so as to be movable in relation to the base (7). The automatic heel unit (1) has a holding configuration in which the heel downholder (3) is located in a holding position and may interact with the heel region of the ski boot that is held in the ski binding in such a manner that the heel region of the ski boot is held down in a lowered position. Furthermore, the automatic heel unit (1) has a step-in configuration in which the heel downholder (3) is located in a step-in position and the heel region of the ski boot is released by the heel downholder (3). The automatic heel unit (1) comprises a heel support structure (6), which is configured separately from the heel downholder (3), for supporting, in a direction that is horizontally transverse to the ski, the heel region of the ski boot that is held in the ski binding in the holding configuration of the automatic heel unit (1).

Claims

1. Automatic heel unit for a ski binding, in particular a touring ski binding, comprising a base for fitting the automatic heel unit on a ski and a heel downholder having a heel downholding structure for holding down a ski boot that is held in the ski binding in a heel region of the ski boot, wherein the heel downholder is mounted so as to be movable in relation to the base, and wherein a) the automatic heel unit has a holding configuration in which the heel downholder is located in a holding position and the heel downholding structure may interact with the heel region of the ski boot that is held in the ski binding in such a manner that the heel region of the ski boot is held down in a lowered position, and wherein b) the automatic heel unit has a step-in configuration in which the heel downholder is located in a step-in position and the heel region of the ski boot is released by the heel downholding structure, wherein the automatic heel unit comprises a forwardly overhanging heel support structure, which is configured separately from the heel downholding structure, for supporting the heel region of the ski boot that is held in the ski binding in the holding configuration of the automatic heel unit only in one direction that is horizontally transverse to the ski, or only both in a direction that is horizontally transverse to the ski as well as in a direction that is downward toward the ski, wherein a cross section that runs horizontally through the forwardly overhanging heel support structure has two forward pointing brackets that are disposed beside one another.

2. Automatic heel unit according to claim 1, wherein the heel support structure is shaped such that the heel support structure in the holding configuration of the automatic heel unit in a direction that is horizontally transverse to the ski always interacts with the heel region of the ski boot in a form-fitting manner on both sides.

3. Automatic heel unit according to claim 1, wherein the heel support structure is configured, in the holding configuration of the automatic heel unit, for holding the heel region of the ski boot that is held in the ski binding in a direction that is horizontally transverse to the ski in relation to the heel downholding structure.

4. Automatic heel unit according to claim 1, wherein the heel support structure is configured, in the holding configuration of the automatic heel unit, for allowing movement of the heel region of the ski boot that is held in the ski binding in a direction that is horizontally transverse to the ski within a limited region in relation to the heel downholding structure.

5. Automatic heel unit according to claim 1, wherein the heel support structure is disposed on the heel downholder.

6. Automatic heel unit according to claim 1, wherein the heel support structure is configured separately from the heel downholder.

7. Automatic heel unit according to claim 1, wherein the heel downholding structure is fixedly disposed in relation to the heel support structure.

8. Automatic heel unit according to claim 1, wherein the heel downholding structure is movable in relation to the heel support structure.

9. Automatic heel unit according to claim 1, wherein a cross section that runs horizontally through the forwardly overhanging heel support structure has a forward pointing bracket.

10. Automatic heel unit according to claim 1, wherein the automatic heel unit comprises a support unit by way of which the heel support structure is formed.

11. Automatic heel unit according to claim 10, wherein the support unit comprises at least one support element, wherein the heel support structure is formed by the at least one support element.

12. Automatic heel unit according to claim 11, wherein the at least one support element is mounted so as to be movable along an adjustment path in relation to the base.

13. Automatic heel unit according to claim 12, wherein the support unit comprises an elastic element by way of which the at least one support element is upwardly biased.

14. Automatic heel unit according to claim 1, wherein the automatic heel unit enables safety triggering.

15. Automatic heel unit according to claim 1, wherein a cross section that in the region of the horizontal cross section forward pointing brackets runs vertically in the transverse direction of the ski through the forwardly overhanging heel support structure and has at least two downwardly converging portions that are disposed beside one another.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In the drawings used for explaining the exemplary embodiment:

(2) FIG. 1 shows an oblique view of an automatic heel unit according to the invention, in a step-in configuration in which the heel downholder is located in the step-in position thereof;

(3) FIG. 2a shows a side view of the automatic heel unit according to the invention, in the step-in configuration with a heel region of a ski boot;

(4) FIG. 2b shows a view of a vertically aligned cross section running in the longitudinal direction of the ski through the automatic heel unit in a holding configuration in which the heel downholder is located in the holding position thereof, together with the heel region of the ski boot;

(5) FIG. 3a shows an oblique view of a further embodiment of an automatic heel unit according to the invention, in the step-in configuration;

(6) FIG. 3b shows a side view of the further automatic heel unit in the step-in configuration, with the heel region of the ski boot;

(7) FIG. 3c shows a side view of the automatic heel unit in the holding configuration, with the heel region of the ski boot; and

(8) FIG. 3d shows a view of a vertically aligned cross section that runs in the transverse direction of the ski through a heel support structure of the further automatic heel unit in the holding configuration, with the heel region of the ski boot.

(9) In principle, same parts are provided with the same reference sign in the figures.

(10) Ways of Implementing the Invention

(11) FIG. 1 shows an oblique view of an automatic heel unit 1 according to the invention, in a step-in configuration. A line that runs horizontally in the longitudinal direction from the front to the rear through the automatic heel unit 1 runs from the left lower to the right upper side in the figure. This line runs parallel with the longitudinal direction of a ski (not shown here) to which the automatic heel unit 1 may be fitted. Herein, the left lower side in the figure corresponds to front of the automatic heel unit 1. Top and bottom in the figure furthermore also correspond to the top and the bottom in the case of the automatic heel unit 1.

(12) The automatic heel unit 1 is part of a ski binding which, apart from the automatic heel unit 1, also comprises an automatic front unit (not shown here) and in which a ski boot may be held. Herein the ski boot may be held both in the toe region thereof in the automatic front unit, as well as by way of the heel region thereof in the automatic heel unit 1, or else, depending on the construction of the automatic front unit, only by way of the toe region thereof in the automatic front unit.

(13) The automatic heel unit 1 comprises a base plate 7 which serves as a base for fastening or fitting the automatic heel unit 1 to a ski, respectively. Furthermore, the automatic heel unit 1 comprises a slide 2, a heel downholder 3 having a heel downholding structure 4 for holding down a ski boot (not shown here) that is held in the ski binding in the heel region of the ski boot, a heel support structure 6 for supporting the heel region of the ski boot that is held in the ski binding in a direction that is horizontally transverse to the ski, and an opening lever 5. The slide 2 is mounted on the base plate 7 so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the ski, and when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the ski may be fixed to the base plate 7 in various positions so as to adapt the automatic heel unit 1 to ski boots of various sizes. The heel downholder 3 is mounted on the slide 2 so as to be pivotable on the slide 2 inter alia about an axle 8 that is horizontally aligned in the transverse direction of the ski. A heel-block carrier 15 for supporting in a downward manner toward the ski the heel region of the ski boot that is held in the ski binding is disposed in the front region of the slide 2.

(14) In the step-in configuration of the automatic heel unit 1 the heel downholder 3, as is shown in FIG. 1, is located in a step-in position. Moreover, the opening lever 5 herein is located in a step-in position. Apart from this step-in configuration, the automatic heel unit 1 however also has a holding configuration. In this holding configuration of the automatic heel unit 1, the heel downholder 3 is located in a holding position which is different from the step-in position. Moreover, the opening lever 5 herein is located in a holding position. In the holding position, the heel downholder 3 by way of the heel downholding structure 4 may hold down the heel region 50 of a ski boot that is held in the ski binding in a lowered position, as is shown in FIG. 2b, and by way of the heel support structure 6 may support said heel region 50 in a direction that is horizontally transverse to the ski. By movement of the opening lever 5 from the holding position thereof to the step-in position thereof and back, the heel downholder 3 in relation to the slide 2 may be moved from the holding position thereof to the step-in position thereof and back. On account thereof, the automatic heel unit 1 may be adjusted from the holding configuration to the step-in configuration and back.

(15) As can be seen in FIG. 1, the mounting of the heel downholder 3 by way of the axle 8 is located in a lower region of the heel downholder 3. It can moreover be seen in FIG. 1 that the heel downholding structure 4 is disposed in a front upper region of the heel downholder 3. The heel downholding structure 4 has the shape of a forwardly protruding segment. Herein, the segment is aligned in a horizontal plane and forms part of a circle of which the center lies in front of the heel downholder 3. In the holding position of the heel downholder 3, when a ski boot is held in the automatic heel unit 1, the segment-shaped heel downholding structure 4 bears on top of a rearwardly projecting sole region in the heel region of the ski boot. Herein, a round heel region of the ski boot is partially enclosed from behind by the heel downholding structure 4, so as to laterally reach somewhat to the front. However, the heel downholding structure 4 does not necessarily have to be segment-shaped. Said heel downholding structure 4 may also be rectilinearly shaped, for example, and be horizontally aligned in the transverse direction of the ski and thus encompass the heel region of the ski boot so as not to reach laterally to the front. Independently of the shaping thereof, the heel downholding structure 4 holds down the heel region of the ski boot in that the former pushes down the rearwardly projecting sole region. The heel downholding structure 4 thus prevents the heel region of the ski boot from moving in a vertically upward direction.

(16) The heel downholder 3 on an adjustment path in relation to the slide 2 as well as in relation to the base plate 7 is movable from the holding position thereof to the step-in position thereof and back. The heel downholder 3 herein in a first region of the adjustment path is movably vertically upward. In this first region of the adjustment path, the heel downholder 3 is biased by a vertically downward pushing spring (not shown here) toward the holding position of the former. As soon as the heel downholder 3, starting from the holding position thereof, has been moved upward sufficiently far along this first region of the adjustment path, counter to the spring force, the heel downholder 3 may be pivoted rearward about the axle 8 along a second region of the adjustment path, such that the heel region 50 of the ski boot is released by the heel downholder 3.

(17) This motion sequence of the heel downholder 3 is performed both when adjusting the automatic heel unit 1 from the holding configuration to the step-in configuration, as well as in the case of safety triggering in the forward direction that is enabled by the automatic heel unit 1. Herein, the energy that in the case of a shock acting on the ski boot, the ski binding, or the ski, may be absorbed by the automatic heel unit 1 prior to safety triggering in the forward direction arising, depends on the force of the spring as well as on the length of the first region of the adjustment path.

(18) The forwardly overhanging heel support structure 6 is located in a front lower region of the heel downholder 3. The heel support structure 6 is configured separately from the heel downholding structure 4, wherein the former, like the heel downholding structure 4, however is disposed on the heel downholder 3. By contrast to the heel downholding structure 4, the heel support structure 6 is configured for supporting the heel region of the ski boot only in a direction that is horizontally transverse to the ski. To this end, the heel support structure 6 comprises two forwardly projecting overhangs 10.1, 10.2 which when viewed in the vertical direction are elongate. These overhangs 10.1, 10.2 in a cross section that runs horizontally through the overhangs 10.1, 10.2 form two forward pointing brackets which are disposed beside one another. The heel support structure 6 furthermore comprises a horizontal tread spur 11. The tread spur 11 herein is disposed on a lower end of the overhangs 10.1, 10.2. The overhangs 10.1, 10.2, and the tread spur 11, in the embodiment of the automatic heel unit 1 shown in FIG. 1 are fixedly connected to the heel downholder 3. The overhangs 10.1, 10.2 are disposed so as to be mutually spaced apart when measured horizontally in the transverse direction of the ski. Moreover, said overhangs 10.1, 10.2 in a cross section that runs vertically in the transverse direction of the ski through the overhangs 10.1, 10.2 form two downwardly converging portions.

(19) FIG. 2a shows a side view of the automatic heel unit 1 in the step-in configuration. Moreover, the heel region 50 of a ski boot that is to be held in the automatic heel unit 1 is illustrated in FIG. 2a. The ski boot in the heel region 50 thereof has a mating structure 51 having clearances and a structure element 53. Herein, the structure element 53 in relation to a width of the ski boot is located in the center, while one clearance is disposed on each of the two sides of the structure element 53. The overhangs 10.1, 10.2 of the heel support structure 6 are configured for engaging in the clearances of the mating structure 51 in the heel region 50 of the ski boot that is held in the ski binding in the holding configuration of the automatic heel unit 1, so as to support the heel region 50 only in a direction that is horizontally transverse to the ski. In the step-in configuration of the automatic heel unit 1, shown in FIG. 2a, the heel downholder 3 is located in the step-in position thereof. This means that the heel downholder 3 is located in an upper, rearwardly inclined position. The opening lever 5 herein is located in the step-in position in which the former is located in a lower, almost horizontal position. Positioning of the heel region 50 of the ski boot in the automatic heel unit 1 for stepping in is facilitated by the rearwardly inclined heel downholder 3.

(20) The position of the heel region 50 of the ski boot as is shown in FIG. 2a corresponds to the position of the heel region 50 shortly prior to stepping into the automatic heel unit 1. For stepping in, the heel region 50 of the ski boot is moved under the segment-shaped heel downholding structure 4 and above the tread spur 11 such that the overhangs 10.1, 10.2 of the heel support structure 6 protrude into the clearances of the mating structure 51 of the heel region 50.

(21) If and when the ski boot is positioned in the automatic heel unit 1, that is to say that the heel region 50 of the ski boot is located under the segment-shaped heel downholding structure 4 and on the tread spur 11, the tread spur 11 may be pushed downward by the ski boot. On account thereof, the heel downholder 3 is first pivoted along the third region of the adjustment path about the axle 8 to be front, so as to be thereafter moved along the second and the first region of the adjustment path downward, on account of which the heel downholding structure 4, as has already been described, pushes the rearwardly projecting sole region 52 in the heel region 50 of the ski boot downward and, on account thereof, holds said sole region in a lowered position.

(22) Apart from this step-in with the ski boot, by depressing the tread spur 11, the automatic heel units 1 may also be adjusted from the step-in configuration to the holding configuration and back in that the opening lever 5 is pivoted from the step-in position thereof upward to the holding position thereof and back, as has already been mentioned. Herein, stepping in or stepping out of the automatic heel unit 1 by way of a ski boot may be simultaneously performed.

(23) FIG. 2b shows a side view of a section running in the longitudinal direction of the ski through the automatic heel unit 1 in the holding configuration. The opening lever 5 is located in the holding position thereof, and the heel downholder 3 is located in the holding position.

(24) The axle 8 which is aligned horizontally in the transverse direction of the ski can be identified in the lower region of the heel downholder 3 in FIG. 2b. The heel downholder 3 by way of this axle 8 is movably mounted on the slide 2. To this end, the axle 8 is aligned horizontally in the transverse direction of the ski and runs through a slot 12 in the slide 2. The slot 12 is vertically aligned and forms a positive guide for the axle 8.

(25) Apart from the axle 8, a rearward pointing stop element 9 which is disposed in the interior of the heel downholder 3 in an upper region of the heel downholder 3 can be identified in FIG. 2b. The heel downholder 3 is movably mounted on the slide 2 also by way of this stop element 9. By contrast to the axle 8 that is guided in the slot 12, the stop element 9 however is supported on a forward pointing face of the slide 2 that is aligned so as to be substantially vertical. This face forms a substantially vertical positive guide for the stop element 9. By contrast to the slot 12 which is delimited at the bottom and the top and thus enables movement of the axle 8 only within a limited region, the forward pointing face of the slide 2 delimits movement of the stop element 9 only toward the rear. Therefore, the movement of the heel downholder 3 along the first region of the adjustment path is determined both by the guiding of the axle 8 in the slot 12, as well as by the positive guiding of the stop element 9 on the forward pointing face of the slide 2. Herein, however, the downward and upward freedom of movement of the heel downholder 3 is delimited by the guide of the axle 8 about the slot 12. Thus, the heel downholder 3 can only be raised upward so far until the stop element 9 has been raised just above the forward pointing face of the slide 2 and may be moved rearwardly downward along a rearwardly downwardly inclined face of the slide 2 that adjoins the upper periphery of the face. The heel downholder 3 herein is rearwardly pivoted about the axle 8. By way of an elastic element in the form of a spring (not shown here), the heel downholder 3 is biased toward the holding position thereof, in that the spring pushes the axles 8 downward in the slot 12. This means that the heel downholder 3 for adjusting from the holding position thereof to the step-in position thereof first has to be moved upward, counter to the force generated by the biased spring, along the first region of the adjustment path. The heel downholder 3 may be rearwardly pivoted along the second region of the adjustment path only once the stop element 9 at the top has been raised above the forward pointing face of the slide 2.

(26) By virtue of these kinematics, the heel downholder 3 cannot be unintentionally released from the holding position. Moreover, the automatic heel unit 1 by way of the biased spring enables safety triggering in the forward direction. In the case of a fall, should the energy that acts on the ski boot, the ski, or the ski binding be greater than the force of the biased spring multiplied by the length of the first two regions of the adjustment path, safety triggering arises in that the heel downholder 3 is moved from the holding position thereof to the step-in position thereof. On account thereof, the heel region 50 of the ski boot is released by the automatic heel unit 1. For example, such safety triggering of a heel downholder having similar kinematics is also described in WO 96/23559 A1 (Fritschi AG Apparatebau).

(27) It can be further seen in FIG. 2b that the segment-shaped heel downholding structure 4 in the holding position of the heel downholder 3 bears at the top on the rearwardly projecting sole region 52 in the heel region 50 of the ski boot. On account thereof, the heel downholding structure 4 prevents the heel region 50 from moving in a vertically upward direction away from the ski, and holds down the heel region 50 of the ski boot.

(28) By contrast to the heel downholding structure 4, the overhangs 10.1, 10.2 of the heel support structure 6 are configured in such a manner that the former in the holding configuration of the automatic heel unit 1 support the heel region 50 of the ski boot that is held in the ski binding only in a direction that is horizontally transverse to the ski. Herein, the overhangs 10.1, 10.2 of the heel support structure 6 on both sides of the ski interact in a completely form-fitting manner with the clearances and the structure element 53 of the mating structure 51 of the heel region 50. On account thereof, the overhangs 10.1, 10.2 prevent the heel region 50 from freely moving in a lateral manner, this is to say from freely moving in a direction that is horizontally transverse to the ski.

(29) Depending on the embodiment of the automatic heel unit 1, the heel region 50 of the ski boot in the holding configuration of the automatic heel unit 1 may be movable in a limited region of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, for example, in a direction that is horizontally transverse to the ski in relation to the heel downholding structure 4. In the present case this means that the spacing measured in the transverse direction of the ski between the overhangs 10.1, 10.2 may be slightly larger than the width of the structure element 53 that is disposed between the clearances in the heel region 50 and that in the holding position of the heel downholder 3 lies between the overhangs 10.1, 10.2. Depending on the embodiment of the automatic heel unit 1, the heel region 50 in the holding configuration of the automatic heel unit 1 may also only be movable in relation to the heel downholding structure 4 within a region that results from the production tolerances of the heel support structure 6 as well as of the heel downholding structure 3. The overhangs 10.1, 10.2 thus block free movement of the heel region 50 of the ski boot that is held in the ski bindings in a direction that is horizontally transverse to the ski. Independently of the embodiments mentioned herein, the ski boot in any case is introducible in between the overhangs 10.1, 10.2, on account of which the function of the heel support structure 6 is guaranteed.

(30) Apart from the heel downholding structure 4 and the heel support structure 6, the automatic heel unit 1, as has already been mentioned, also has a tread spur 11 which is disposed on the heel downholder 3. This tread spur 11 serves for moving the automatic heel unit 1 from the step-in configuration thereof to the holding configuration thereof, as has been described above. The tread spur 11 may moreover serves as a vertical stop when stepping into the automatic heel unit 1, so as to be able to more readily position the ski boot in the automatic heel unit 1. Should the heel downholder 3 be moved to the holding position thereof, the tread spur 11 together with the heel downholder 3 pivots forward or downward, respectively, since the tread spur 11 is immovable in relation to the heel downholder 3. However, the tread spur 11 does not touch the heel region 50 of the ski boot in the holding position of the heel downholder 3, because the heel region 50 of the ski boot is supported on the heel-block carrier 15.

(31) FIGS. 3a to 3d show a further embodiment of an automatic heel unit 101 according to the invention, wherein the base plate of the automatic heel unit 101 that serves as the base is not shown, however. This automatic heel unit 101 comprises substantially the same elements as the automatic heel unit 1 shown in FIGS. 1, 2a, and 2b. By contrast to the automatic heel unit 1, however, the automatic heel unit 101 comprises a support unit 113 that is separate from the heel downholder 103 and that comprises a support element on which the heel support structure 6 is configured.

(32) FIG. 3a shows an oblique view of the automatic heel unit 101 in the step-in configuration. In an analogous manner to the oblique view in FIG. 1, bottom left in FIG. 3a corresponds to the front of the automatic heel unit 101. Top and bottom in FIG. 3a also correspond to the top and the bottom of the automatic heel unit 101.

(33) It can be seen in FIG. 3a that the support element of the support unit 113 is not fixedly connected to the heel downholder 103, but is movably mounted on the slide 102. Herein, the support element is movable in the vertical direction along a rectilinear adjustment path in relation to the base, to the heel downholder 103, and to the slide 102. The heel support structure 6 in this embodiment shown, as has already been mentioned, is disposed on the support element of the support unit 113. Said heel support structure 6, when viewed in the vertical direction, has two elongate overhangs 110.1, 110.2 which overhang to the front of the support element. These overhangs 110.1, 110.2 serve, in the holding configuration of the automatic heel unit 101, for supporting the heel region 50 of the ski boot that is held in the ski binding in a direction that is horizontally transverse to the ski.

(34) As opposed to the automatic heel unit 1 that has been previously described, the tread spur 111 in the case of the present automatic heel unit 101 is not connected to the overhangs 110.1, 110.2, but is disposed on the heel downholder 103. This means that the tread spur 111 in this embodiment is movable in relation to the overhangs 110.1, 110.2. As in the case of the automatic heel unit 1, the tread spur 111 serves for moving the automatic heel unit 101 from the step-in configuration thereof to the holding configuration thereof. Moreover, said tread spur 111 may serve as a vertical stop when positioning the ski boot downward toward the ski. If and when the heel downholder 103 is moved to the holding position thereof, the tread spur 111 together with the heel downholder 103 pivots forward or downward, respectively, because the tread spur 111 is immovable in relation to the heel downholder 103. The tread spur 111 in the holding position of the heel downholder 103 however does not touch the heel region 50 of the ski boot, because the heel region 50 of the ski boot is supported on the heel-block carrier 115.

(35) Apart from the support element, the support unit 113 also comprises an elastic element in the form of a spring 114. By way of this spring 114 the support unit is upwardly biased away from the ski. Since the overhangs 110.1, 110.2 of the support unit 113, as is the case with the embodiment of the automatic heel unit 1 that has been previously described, in a cross section that runs vertically through the overhangs 110.1, 110.2 in a transverse direction of the ski form downwardly converging portions, said overhangs 110.1, 110.2 in downward manner toward the ski also serve as a bearing face for the heel region 50 of the ski boot. Thus, when the heel region 50 of the ski boot in the step-in configuration of the automatic heel unit 101 is introduced into the automatic heel unit 101, and the automatic heel unit 101 is adjusted to the holding configuration, the heel region 50 of the ski boot bears on the overhangs 110.1, 110.2 and pushes the support element somewhat downward, counter to the bias of the spring 114. However, by virtue of the spring 114 the support element is held in the topmost highest position thereof. On account thereof it is ensured that the overhangs 110.1, 110.2 and thus the heel support structure 103 always interacts with the heel region 50 of the ski boot in a form-fitting manner on both sides of the said heel region in a direction that is horizontally transverse to the ski.

(36) As has already been mentioned, the heel region 50 of the ski boot that in the holding configuration is held in the automatic heel unit 101 in the case of the automatic heel unit 101 is downwardly supported toward the ski by the heel-block carrier 115. However, there is also the possibility for the heel region 50 of the ski boot that in the holding configuration is held in the automatic heel unit to be downwardly supportable toward the ski by overhangs of the heel support structure instead of by a heel-block carrier. Should the overhangs, as is the case in the two above described automatic heel units 1, 101, in a cross section that runs vertically in the transverse direction of the ski through the overhangs form downwardly converging portions, the heel region 50 of the ski boot in the holding configuration may also be supported by these overhangs, for example.

(37) FIG. 3b shows a side view of the automatic heel unit 101 in the step-in configuration, together with the heel region 50 of the ski boot. The shown position of the heel region 50 corresponds to the position of the heel region 50 shortly before the ski boot is introduced into the automatic heel unit 101.

(38) By way of the upward bias, the support element of the support unit 113 in the step-in position is located at an upper end of the vertical displacement path thereof. Likewise, the axle 108 of the heel downholder 103 is located at an upper end of the slot 112. On account thereof, the heel downholder 103 in the step-in position is likewise located in an upper position.

(39) FIG. 3c shows the automatic heel unit 101 in the holding configuration. The heel downholder 103 in the holding position thereof is pivoted to the front, and the axle 108 is located in the lower first region of the adjustment path. Moreover, the support element of the support unit 113 is also moved somewhat downward. By way of the bias of the spring 114, the support element of the support unit 113 is however pushed from below upward against the mating structure 51 of the heel region 50 of the ski boot that is held in the ski binding. On account thereof, it is ensured that the overhangs 110.1, 110.2 are at all times in contact from below and on both sides with the clearances of the mating structure 51. On account thereof, the mating structure 51 during the entire time in which the automatic heel unit 101 is located in the holding configuration, and in which the ski boot is held in the automatic heel unit 101, interacts horizontally on both sides in a form-fitting manner with the heel support structure 106. It can moreover be seen in FIG. 3c that the heel region 50 of the ski boot in a direction downward toward the ski is supported by the heel-block carrier 115.

(40) FIG. 3d shows a view from the rear to the front onto a vertically aligned section that runs in the transverse direction of the ski through the automatic heel unit 101 in the holding configuration, with a ski boot that is held in the ski binding. The section herein runs through a front region of the automatic heel unit 101, such that said section runs through the forwardly projecting heel downholding structure 104 and through the overhangs 110.1, 110.2 of the heel support structure.

(41) It can be seen in FIG. 3d that the circular heel downholding structure 104 spans the rearwardly projecting sole region 52 in the heel region 50 of the ski boot, and thus holds down the heel region 50. Moreover, it can be identified that the mating structure 51 of the heel region 50 of the ski boot between the clearances has a V-shaped structure element 53 having two lateral faces. In a cross section that runs vertically in the transverse direction of the ski through the structure element 53, the lateral faces of the structure element 53 converge from the top to the bottom. The V-shaped structure element 53 in the holding position of the heel downholder 103 by way of the lateral faces of the former bears in a form-fitting manner on internal faces of the overhangs 110.1, 110.2 of the heel support structure 106. The internal face of the overhangs 110.1, 110.2 in relation to the vertical is at the same angle as the lateral faces of the structure element 53. In the holding position of the heel downholder 103, both lateral faces of the structure element 53 are in contact with the internal faces of the overhangs 110.1, 110.2. On account thereof, the heel region 50 is held in a form-fitting manner on both sides in a direction that is horizontally transverse to the ski. The heel-block carrier 115 of the slide 102 supports the heel region 50 in a direction downward toward the ski.

(42) The V-shaped structure element 53 of the mating structure 51 in an upper region has clearances. On account thereof it is ensured that the structure element 53 by way of the faces thereof in the holding position of the heel downholder 103 completely bears on the internal faces of the overhangs 110.1, 110.2 Reliable holding of the heel region 50 of the ski boot in the automatic heel unit 1 is thus guaranteed.

(43) The heel region 50 of the ski boot by way of the structure element 53 of the mating structure 51 and by the overhangs 110.1, 110.2 of the heel support structure 106 is thus supported only in a direction that is horizontally transverse to the ski, and by the heel-block carrier 115 of the slide 102 in a direction downward toward the ski. Moreover, the heel region 50 of the ski boot by way of the rearwardly projecting sole region 52 in the heel region 50 of the ski boot is held down by the segment-shaped heel downholding structure 104.

(44) The invention is not limited to the two automatic heel units 1, 101 as have been described above. For example, it is not necessary for the automatic heel unit as described above to comprise a slide which is displaceable on the base. Also, it is not required that the heel downholder is mounted directly on the optionally existing slide. For employment in a touring ski binding of the first type mentioned at the outset, the heel downholder may for example also not be disposed directly on the ski, but as has been described in WO 96/23559 A1 (Fritschi AG Apparatebau) on a sole carrier which in a front region thereof is mounted on the ski so as to be pivotable about an axle that is aligned horizontally in the transverse direction of the ski.

(45) Besides being employed in touring ski bindings, Telemark or cross-country ski bindings, an automatic heel unit according to the invention may also be employed in other ski bindings such as downhill bindings, for example.

(46) Independently of the type of ski binding in which the automatic heel unit is employed, there is also the possibility for the heel downholder together with the heel downholding structure and the slide to be able to be integrally configured as one element. The heel support structure may be configured so as to be movable or fixed in relation to this integral element. There is thus the possibility for the heel support structure to be disposed directly on the slide. Alternatively, the heel support structure may not be disposed on the heel downholder but form a discrete element of the automatic heel unit.

(47) However, the invention may be embodied so as to deviate from the above-described automatic heel unit 1, 101 in other ways. For example, the heel support structure does not mandatorily have to comprise a tread spurt. Furthermore, there is the possibility for the heel support structure to not comprise two but only one or more than two overhangs.

(48) Should the heel support structure comprise two overhangs, the latter need not be disposed so as to be downwardly converging, as has been described. The overhangs may also be mutually parallel or at any other arbitrary angle. The heel support structure may for example also comprise only two individual pegs which forwardly overhang from the heel downholder. Moreover, there is the possibility for the heel support structure to displaceable in relation to the base plate 7 together with the ski boot that is held in the ski binding in a limited region in a direction that is horizontally transverse to the ski.

(49) Independently thereof, the heel support structure does not have to interact in a form-fitting manner with the mating structure of the heel region of the ski boot, as has been described above. The connection between the automatic heel unit and the ski boot may also be performed in a force-fitting or a form-fitting and force-fitting manner. Moreover, the heel region of the ski boot does not have to have a mating structure. The heel support structure may also be configured such that the former interacts directly with a rear end of the heel region of the ski boot.

(50) Should the heel support structure be movable and capable of being biased, another elastic element than the spring 114 may also be employed. Moreover, there is also the possibility for the heel support structure to not be biased in an upward direction but in another alignment.

(51) Furthermore, the described adjustment path of the support element of the support unit may also not be aligned in the vertical but in an oblique or horizontal direction, for example. Moreover, the adjustment path may also be configured so as to be curved.

(52) In summary, it may be stated that an automatic heel unit which is of light construction and nevertheless allows a sporty skiing style of the skier is provided.