Adjustable seat post

Abstract

Seat post assembly for a bicycle, the seat post assembly comprising: a first tube having a first distal end; a second tube having a second distal end, the first tube and the second tube being movable relative to each other to create a distance between the first distal end and the second distal end along a tube axis; a first pressure chamber; a second pressure chamber; a flow path connecting the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber; a valve disposed along the flow path and configured to move between a closed position closing the flow path and an open position opening the flow path; a drive component to operate the valve between the open position and the closed position; a stop configured to contact the valve, wherein the drive component is configured to stop moving when the stop contacts the valve; a height adjustment system for adjusting the distance between the first distal end and the second distal end; a cover to cover the height adjustment system; and a battery pack comprising a battery and a battery cover, the battery pack providing power to operate the height adjustment system, the battery pack being removably attached to the cover.

Description

BACKGROUND OF REVELATION

[0001] The present application relates generally to bicycle seats and, more particularly, to an adjustable seat post assembly for a bicycle seat. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED PRIOR ART

[0002] Bicycles are known to include a seat or saddle to support a rider in a sitting position. The position of the saddle is also adjustable in some way on most bicycles. The saddle may be adjustable so that a given bicycle can be configured to accommodate different riders of different sizes. The saddle may also be adjustable to allow a given rider to fix or reset the saddle position on a specific bicycle to suit different riding conditions.

[0003] In one example, a bicycle may include a height-adjustable seatpost assembly. Thus, the height of the seat can be selectively adjusted relative to a frame of the bicycle. The typical bicycle includes a saddle mounted to a post that is mechanically clamped to a tube of the bicycle frame. When the clamping device is released, the saddle and post can be slid up and down to adjust the height of the saddle. However, on more modern and high-end bicycles, the seatpost may be height-adjustable while the bicycle is being ridden using some type of hydraulic assist mechanism. For example, the assignee of the present disclosure has developed a line of manually actuated hydraulic height-adjustable, or "dropper," seatposts. These products are known as RockShox® Reverb™ and Reverb Stealth™ by SRAM LLC.RockShox® seatposts use a hydraulic pressure differential within the post and require manual operation to adjust the seatpost height.

[0004] Others have also developed various versions of dropper-type posts. One product may use ANT+ wireless communication technology to allow the rider to adjust the saddle height wirelessly. Currently available products have a very slow response time, due at least in part to the design of their internal fluid flow components. Furthermore, the batteries are not very robust and require frequent recharging, partly due to the relatively high force required to open and close a valve on the flow components.

[0005] Furthermore, some bicycle seatposts are also known that include mechanisms at the top of the seatpost that allow for adjustment of the fore-and-aft position and / or allow the angle of the saddle or seat to be adjusted. Bicycle seat clamps that use a single cross-bolt to clamp a bicycle seat to the seatpost are known in the industry. However, these types of clamps typically rely on friction to hold the seat in the selected position. Thus, this type of design is known to cause the seat to slip under heavy loads, resulting in a loss of the selected or desired saddle position. SUMMARY

[0006] In one example according to the teachings of the present disclosure, a seatpost assembly for a bicycle includes a first tube having a first distal end and a second tube having a second distal end. The first tube and the second tube are movable relative to each other to create a spacing between the first distal end and the second distal end along a tube axis. A first pressure chamber has a load pressure proportional to a load applied along the tube axis. A second pressure chamber has a second pressure not proportional to the load. A flow path connects the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber.A valve includes an isolator disposed along the flow path and configured to move between a closed position closing the flow path and an open position opening the flow path between the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber. The isolator is configured to cancel any resulting force generated by the load pressure of the first pressure chamber acting on the isolator.

[0007] In one example, the isolator can move between the closed position and the open position along an isolator axis.

[0008] In one example, the second pressure may be a preset pressure. An isolating force may be generated by the preset pressure in the second pressure chamber, allowing the isolating force to act on a distal end of the isolator.

[0009] In one example, the isolator may be biased in the closed position against a valve seat by the isolating force, which may be generated by the preset pressure in the second pressure chamber acting on the isolator.

[0010] In one example, a load force, which may be generated by the load pressure in the first pressure chamber, may act on an intermediate portion of the isolator.

[0011] In one example, the intermediate portion of the insulator may include opposing surface areas in a direction along an axis of the insulator.

[0012] In one example, a load force, which may be generated by the load pressure in the first pressure chamber, may act on the isolator such that the load force may be balanced along an isolator axis.

[0013] In one example, a load force may be generated by the load pressure in the first pressure chamber, whereby the load force may be balanced by opposing surface areas on the insulator along an insulation axis.

[0014] In one example, an actuating axis of the isolator may not be parallel to the pipe axis.

[0015] In one example, the actuation axis may be perpendicular to the tube axis.

[0016] In one example, an actuating force may be required to actuate the valve under a larger load applied to the second distal end of the second tube. The actuating force may be less than the actuating force required to actuate the valve under a smaller load applied to the second distal end of the second tube.

[0017] In one example, the isolator may be biased closed in the closed position by a fluid closing force acting on the isolator and generated by the second pressure. The fluid closing force may be greater than a fluid opening force acting on the isolator and generated by the load pressure, thereby maintaining the distance between the first distal end and the second distal end. In the open position, the isolator may be opened against the fluid closing force by a combination of the fluid opening force and an actuating force acting on the isolator, thereby allowing fluid to be exchanged between the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber via the flow path and thereby adjusting the distance between the first distal end and the second distal end.

[0018] In one example, the first tube may have an inner diameter and the second tube may have an outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter, such that the second tube is telescopically displaceable along the tube axis to extend and retract the second tube relative to the first tube to adjust the distance between the second distal end and the first distal end.

[0019] In one example, the seat post assembly may include a first fluid reservoir including the first pressure chamber, the second pressure chamber, and the flow path.

[0020] In one example, the isolator may be configured with opposing surfaces such that a fluid opening force acting on one of the opposing surfaces is balanced by a fluid closing force acting on another of the opposing surfaces that is opposite the one surface. The fluid opening force and the fluid closing force may act along an axis of the isolator.

[0021] In one example according to the teachings of the present disclosure, a seat post for a bicycle includes a first tube having a first distal end and a second tube having a second distal end. The first tube and the second tube are movable relative to each other along a tube axis to provide a height of a mounting portion of a seat post for mounting a bicycle saddle. The mounting portion is supported on the second distal end. A battery pack includes a battery and a battery housing. The battery housing is configured for releasable attachment to the mounting portion and configured to provide power for operating a height adjustment system of the seat post.

[0022] In one example, the height adjustment system may include a valve operable between an open position and a closed position to selectively permit and prevent adjustment of the height of the seat post, respectively.

[0023] In one example, the height adjustment system may include a wireless actuator that may be positioned remotely from the valve and the battery pack. The wireless actuator may be operable to selectively operate the valve.

[0024] In one example, the height adjustment system may include a vent that can selectively open to a fluid pressure chamber.

[0025] In one example, the height adjustment system may include a motor that may be operably coupled to the battery pack and may be located at a first radial distance from a tube axis of the seatpost. The first radial distance may be greater than a second radial distance from the tube axis to an outer wall of the second tube of the seatpost.

[0026] In one example, the height adjustment system may include a valve, which may include an isolator disposed along a flow path and configured to move between a closed state closing the flow path and an open state opening the flow path between a load pressure chamber and a preset pressure chamber. The system may further include a drive device, which may have an eccentric bearing surface configured to contact a distal end of the isolator to actuate the valve.

[0027] In one example, the height adjustment system may include a valve drive assembly, which may include a bearing attached to an eccentric bearing surface. The bearing may include an inner race in contact with the eccentric bearing surface and an outer race in contact with the insulator.

[0028] In one example, the height adjustment system may include a valve drive assembly, which may include a bearing mounted on an eccentric bearing surface. The bearing may be a ball bearing and include an inner race in contact with the eccentric bearing surface and an outer race in contact with the insulator.

[0029] In one example, the height adjustment system may include a wireless actuator positioned remotely from a valve, a motor, and a circuit board that may be configured to operate the motor in response to signals received from the wireless actuator.

[0030] In one example, the height adjustment system may include a motor that may be positioned at the second distal end of the second tube.

[0031] In one example, the height adjustment system may include a motor that may be carried on or in the mounting portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which: Fig. 1 shows a side view of an example of a bicycle that may be equipped with a seat post assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. Fig. 2 shows a side view of a seat post assembly with a saddle installed thereon, constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. Fig. 3A the seat post arrangement of Fig. 2 in a fully raised or extended position. Fig. 3B the seat post arrangement of Fig. 2 in a fully lowered or lowered position. Fig. 4A is a vertical cross-sectional view of the seat post assembly of Fig. 3A shows. Fig. 4B is a vertical cross-sectional view of the seat post assembly of Fig. 3B shows. Fig. 5A a vertical cross-sectional view as in Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B, but with the seat post assembly in an intermediate or partially extended position. Fig. 5B is an enlarged detail view of a central portion of the seat post as shown in the middle of Fig. 5A shows. Fig. 6A shows an enlarged detail view in cross section of an electronic module which is mounted on the upper end of the seat post assembly of Fig. 4A and Fig. 5A is arranged. Fig. 6B the electronic module of Fig. 6A and illustrates several cross-sectional lines used for additional views. Fig. 7A an enlarged detailed view of the electronic module of Fig. 4A and illustrates a cam and valve assembly in a closed position. Fig. 7B the electronic module of Fig. 7A, but shows the cam and valve assembly in an open position. Fig. 8 shows a valve body or valve cone of the valve assembly which in Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B is shown. Fig. 9A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of the electronic module of Fig. 6B and shows the cam and valve assembly in the closed position of Fig. 7A shows. Fig. 9B the electronic module of Fig. 9A, but with the cam and valve assembly in the open position of Fig. 7B shows. Fig. 10 a rear perspective view of the electronic module Fig. 6A with the cover and battery removed. Fig. 11A-C show different views of the cam and a photo-interrupter of the electronic module, which is Fig. 7A and Fig. 9A is shown. Fig. 12A-C show different views of a gear motor of the electronic module, which is shown in Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B is shown. Fig. 13A and Fig. 13B is a perspective view and a top view of a motor retaining bracket of the electronics module as shown in Fig. 6A. Fig. 14 a cross-sectional view along line 14-14 of the electronic module Fig. 6B and the motor retaining clip from Fig. 13A and Fig. 13B shows. Fig. 15 a cross-sectional view along line 15-15 of the electronic module Fig. 6B and shows an ON / OFF button and an LED. Fig. 16 a cross-sectional view along line 16-16 of the electronic module of Fig. 6B and pogo pins thereof. Fig. 17 a rear perspective view of the electronic module from Fig. 6A with one battery removed. Fig. 18A an enlarged detail cross-sectional view of the electronic module in Fig. 4A and illustrates an installed battery and a battery lock in a locked position. Fig. 18B the electronic module of Fig. 18A, but showing the battery lock in an unlocked position and the battery partially removed. Fig. 18C the electronic module of Fig. 18B, but with the battery completely removed as in Fig. 17. Fig. 19 is a front view of the upper end of the seat post assembly, showing the mounting screws for the battery cover of the electronics module Fig. 6A. Fig. 20 is a perspective view of an alternative example of a cam for the seat post assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. Fig. 21 is a perspective view of an alternative example of a cam bearing housing for the seat post assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. Fig. 22A-22C show a cross-sectional view through a seat post head similar to that shown in Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B, but modified to remove the cam from Fig. 20 and the bearing housing from Fig. 21 includes. Fig. 23 is a partially exploded view of the head of the seat post assembly of Fig. 2 and is constructed according to the teachings of this revelation. Fig. 24 a cross-sectional view along line 24-24 of the seat post head from Fig. 2 shows. Fig. 25 a cross-sectional view along line 25-25 of the seat post head from Fig. 6B and illustrates the saddle mounting and tilt adjustment hardware. Fig. 26A-26C are partial cross-sectional views along line 26-26 of the seat post head of Fig. 25, but which further show the upper section of the seat post assembly and the Fig. 2 and show the saddle in different positions of inclination adjustment. Fig. 27A-27C are enlarged detailed views of the seat post head from Fig. Show 26A-26C. Fig. 28 shows a side view of another example of a portion of a seat post assembly with a saddle installed thereon, constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. Fig. 29 a vertical cross-sectional view of the seat post assembly of Fig. 28 shows. Fig. 30 shows another embodiment of a seat post assembly. Fig. 31 shows another embodiment of a seat post assembly. Fig. 32 shows a block diagram of the electronics section of the seat post assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] The disclosed seatpost assembly solves or improves the above-mentioned and / or other problems and disadvantages with existing and prior known seatpost assemblies. The disclosed seatpost assembly provides a seatpost that is electrically height adjustable. The disclosed seatpost assembly includes an electronics module supported under the seat or saddle. The disclosed seatpost assembly includes an easily accessible and replaceable power supply, such as a battery or battery pack, which is also located under the saddle. The disclosed seatpost assembly is configured such that only minimal energy and / or force is required to open and close a valve of the assembly, thereby reducing the energy and / or force required to adjust the saddle height.Both the valve opening force and the valve closing force and the battery charge required to operate the assembly are significantly reduced.

[0034] The disclosed seatpost assembly further solves or ameliorates the problem of being able to maintain a selected saddle tilt angle. The disclosed seatpost assembly includes the addition of additional structural elements that positively hold the seat or saddle clamp device in a position to prevent slippage. The disclosed seatpost assembly further has the added benefit of providing a convenient mechanism and procedure for a user to fine-tune the fore-aft and angular position or tilt angle of the saddle during installation. These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure.

[0035] Now referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 shows an example of a human-powered vehicle on which the disclosed seatpost assembly may be implemented. In this example, the vehicle is a possible type of bicycle 50, for example, a mountain bike. The bicycle 50 includes a frame 52, handlebars 54 near a front end of the frame, and a seat or saddle 56 for supporting a rider above an upper end of the frame. The bicycle 50 further includes a first, or front, wheel 58 carried by a front fork 60 of the frame 52 and supporting the front end of the frame. The bicycle 50 further includes a second, or rear, wheel 62 supporting a rear end of the frame 52. The rear end of the frame 52 may be supported by a rear suspension component 67.The bicycle 50 further includes a drivetrain 64 with a crank assembly 66 operably coupled via a chain 68 to a rear cassette 70 proximate an axis of rotation of the rear wheel 62. In this example, the seat 56 is supported on a seatpost assembly 80 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0036] While the bicycle 50, which is in Fig. 1 is a mountain bike, the seatpost assembly 80, including the specific embodiments and examples disclosed herein, as well as alternative embodiments and examples, may also be implemented on other types of bicycles. For example, the disclosed seatpost assembly 80 may be used on road bicycles, as well as bicycles with mechanical (e.g., cable, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc.) and non-mechanical (e.g., wired and wireless) drive systems. The disclosed seatpost assembly 80 may also be implemented on other types of two-, three-, and four-wheeled human-powered vehicles.

[0037] Against this background and with reference to Fig. 2, the saddle 56 is attached and supported at the upper end of the seat post assembly 80. Referring to Fig. 2, Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B, the disclosed seatpost assembly 80 includes a first or lower post segment, i.e., a lower tube 82, and a second or upper post segment, i.e., an upper tube 84. The two tubes 82, 84 are movable relative to each other to establish a height of the saddle 56 relative to the frame 52. In this example, the lower tube 82 has a first distal end 86 that defines a lower end of the seatpost assembly. The upper tube 84 has a second or upper distal end 88 that defines an upper end of the seatpost assembly 80. In one example, the lower distal end 86 may be received and clamped or otherwise retained within a frame tube 89 (see Fig. 1) of the frame 52 in a conventional manner. Thus, the lower tube 82 may be fixed relative to the frame 52 during use, and the upper tube 84 may be slidably and telescopically received within the lower tube 82. The upper tube 84 may telescopically slide along a tube axis T relative to the lower tube 82 to correspondingly create a spacing between the second distal end 88 and the first distal end 86. Fig. Figure 3A illustrates the upper tube 84.

[0038] As in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B, a head 90 is further fixed to the upper end of the seatpost assembly, i.e., to the second distal end 88 of the upper tube 84. In the disclosed example, the head 90 provides three distinct functions. First, the head 90 is configured to include an electronics module 92 that provides important functions for the seat height adjustment feature of the disclosed seatpost assembly 80, as described below. Second, the saddle 56 is mounted to and supported by the head 90 to secure the saddle to the seatpost assembly 80. Third, the head 90 is configured to provide a saddle clamp mechanism 94 that provides the saddle fore-aft and angle adjustment features, also described below.

[0039] Referring to Fig. 3A and Fig. 4A, the seatpost assembly 80 may be positioned in a fully extended position with the upper tube 84 extended upwardly to its full extent relative to the lower tube 82. Referring to Fig. 3B and Fig. 4B, the seatpost assembly 80 may equally be in a fully retracted or contracted position, with the upper tube 84 fully retracted into the lower tube 82. Raising or lowering the upper tube 84 relative to the lower tube 82 raises or lowers the seat or saddle 56 relative to the frame 52. The seatpost assembly 80 may further be in any number of intermediate positions, such as Fig. 5A, can be positioned between the fully extended and fully contracted positions according to the driver's preference.

[0040] How the height of the seatpost assembly 80 is adjusted will now be described. For the purpose of describing the construction and operation of the seatpost assembly 80, it is helpful to describe the seatpost assembly in terms of two distinct sections: a hydraulic section and an electronics section. Hydraulic section

[0041] In general, the hydraulic portion of the seat post assembly 80 has two pressure systems, including a hydraulic system and a pneumatic system. Referring to Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B, Fig. 5A, Fig. 5B, Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B, an incompressible fluid such as mineral oil is contained within the hydraulic system, which includes two hydraulic volumes or pressure chambers. These volumes include a first pressure chamber 100 and a second pressure chamber 102 defined within the head 90 and the upper tube 84. To fully understand and comprehend the two pressure chambers 100 and 102, specific details of the head 90 and the upper tube 84 will now be described.

[0042] The head 90 includes a hydraulic fluid chamber, which is defined in more detail below, and a bore 104 communicating between the exterior of the head and the hydraulic fluid chamber. An insert 106 is threadably inserted into the bore 104 of the head 90. The insert 106 defines a vent opening 107 between the hydraulic fluid chamber and the exterior of the head 90 through the insert. A seal or O-ring 108 is contained in a groove 110 formed in a wall of the head 90.

[0043] The O-ring 108 creates a seal between the insert 106 and the wall of the bore 104 in the head 90. A vent screw 112 is threadably received in the vent opening 107 of the insert 106. Another O-ring 114 is contained in a seat 115 formed between the vent screw 112 and the insert 106. The O-ring 114 seals the vent opening 107 when the vent screw is tightened. The vent opening 107 can be opened when necessary by loosening the vent screw 112.

[0044] How best in Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B, the second distal end 88 of the upper tube is threaded to a boss 116 that projects from the bottom of the head 90. Another O-ring 118 is contained within a groove 120 formed about the circumference of the boss 116. The O-ring 118 creates a seal between the boss 116 and the upper tube 84. A stepped, smaller diameter second boss 122 projects from the free end of the boss 116 and is located within the upper tube 84. A piston cylinder 124 is attached to the second boss 122. Another O-ring 126 is contained within a groove 128 formed about the circumference of the second boss 122 to create a seal between the second boss and the piston cylinder 124. The piston cylinder 124 is arranged concentrically within the upper tube 84 and its upper end rests on the surface of the projection 116.The piston cylinder 124 may be threaded onto the second projection 122 or simply press-fitted onto the second projection and held thereon by friction and by the arranged structure of the seat post assembly 80.

[0045] Referring to Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B, a floating piston 130 is located in the circumferential space between an inner surface of the upper tube 84 and an outer surface of the piston cylinder 124. The floating piston 130 is annular and creates a movable seal between the outer surface of the piston cylinder 124 and the inner surface of the upper tube 84. Further, a piston 132 is housed within the interior of the piston cylinder 124 and has a piston head 134 at an upper end. An O-ring 136 is inserted into a groove 138 about the circumference of the piston head 134. The O-ring 136 is sandwiched between a pair of retaining O-rings 140, which are also received in the groove 138. The O-ring 136 and the retaining O-rings 140 create a seal between the piston head 134 and the inner surface of the piston cylinder 124. A piston shaft 142 is threadably connected to a spindle 144 which projects from the piston head 134 at the lower end of the piston 132.Another O-ring 146 is contained within a seat 148 formed between the spindle 144 of the piston 132 and the inner surface of the piston shaft 142.

[0046] Referring to Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B, a closure ring 150 is further threaded and secured to the lower end of the upper tube 84. An O-ring 152 is positioned in a groove 154 circumferentially around the closure ring 150, forming a seal between the closure ring and the upper tube 84. The lower end of the piston cylinder 124 is received within a bore 156 formed axially through the closure ring 150 and seating against a thrust ring 158 captured within the bore. An O-ring 160 is seated in an internal groove 162 in the bore 156, creating a seal between the bore 156 of the closure ring 150 and the outer surface of the piston skirt 142 extending through the closure ring. A guide sleeve 164 is captured in a seat 166 about the circumference of the end ring below the O-ring 152 and is disposed between the outer surface of the end ring 150 and the inner surface of the lower tube 82.

[0047] Referring to Fig. 5A, an end cap 170 is threaded into the lower end of the piston shaft 142. An O-ring 172 is contained within a groove 174 circumferentially of the end cap 170 to form a seal between the end cap and the inner surface of the piston shaft 142. The end cap 170 is received in a larger diameter bore 176 in the lower end of the lower tube 82. The bore 176 terminates at a step or shoulder 178, and the end cap 170 abuts the shoulder. The end cap 170 is captured between the shoulder 178 and a retaining ring 180 within the lower end of the lower tube 82, which secures the end cap therein. A valve 179, for example, a Schrader valve or an American style valve, is threadably attached to the bottom end of the end cap 170.

[0048] Referring to Fig. 5B, a sleeve 182 is threadably connected to the upper end of the lower tube 82, closely surrounding the upper tube 84. An O-ring 192 is inserted into a groove in the inner surface of the sleeve 182 and provides a seal between the sleeve and the upper end of the lower tube 82. A wiper or wiper seal 184, such as an elastomeric wiper, is press-fitted into a bore 186 at the upper end of the sleeve 182. Wiping surfaces of the wiper 184 contact the outer surface of the upper tube 84. An upper guide sleeve 188 is contained within a seat 190 around an inner surface of the sleeve 182 above the threaded connection to the lower tube 82. The upper guide sleeve 188 bears against the outer surface of the upper tube 84.

[0049] Further referring to Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B, the lower tube 82, the collar 182, the piston 132, the piston shaft 142, and the end cap 170 are substantially fixed relative to one another and therefore constrained not to move relative to one another. Because the lower tube 82 is clamped into the frame tube 89 of the bicycle frame 52, these components will always be in the same fixed position relative to the bicycle frame. On the other hand, the head 90, the electronics module 92, the upper tube 84, the piston cylinder 124, and the end ring 150 are fixed to one another and therefore constrained to always move together as a unit. These parts translate vertically within the lower tube 82 and relative to it along the tube axis T. In one example, an anti-rotation system (not shown) of splines and keyways may be employed to prevent or inhibit rotation of the head 90 relative to the lower tube 82.In one example, the anti-rotation system may include three wedges spaced 120° apart around the seatpost assembly 80. The three wedges may be provided in and protrude from corresponding recesses in the outer surface of the upper tube 84 and may engage corresponding keyways provided along the inner surface of the lower tube 82. These keyways in the lower tube 82 may be configured to extend longitudinally in the direction of the tube axis T and extend over much or even most of the length.

[0050] The first pressure chamber 100 is a hydraulic volume in the form of a substantially cylindrical volume within the piston cylinder 124. The first pressure chamber 100 is bounded at one end by the head 90, i.e., by the exposed end of the second projection 122, and the other end by the piston 132. The second pressure chamber 102 is also a hydraulic volume in the form of a substantially annular space between the outer surface of the piston cylinder 124 and the inner surface of the upper tube 84. The second pressure chamber is bounded at one end by the floating piston 130 and at its other end by the head 90, i.e., by an exposed step on the projection 116.

[0051] Referring to Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B and Fig. 5A, a compressible fluid or gas, such as air, is contained within the pneumatic system, which includes a plurality of pneumatic chambers. Referring again to Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B, the pneumatic system in this example is pressurized with air via the valve 179 in the end cap 170 in the lower end of the lower tube 82. In one example, the pneumatic system may initially be pressurized to a preset or fixed pressure, e.g., 250 pounds per square inch (psi), with the seat post assembly 80 in the fully extended position, which in Fig. 3A and Fig. 4A. The pressurized medium, such as air, is contained within the plurality of pneumatic volumes, which in this example include volumes 200, 202, 204, and 206. The pressurized medium may be added to the pneumatic system such that the first through fourth pneumatic volumes 200, 202, 204, 206 are pressurized to a predetermined or preset pressure. As mentioned below, this preset pressure may then be applied to a portion of the hydraulic system through the interaction between the hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

[0052] With reference to Fig. 5B, a first pneumatic volume 200 comprises the volume within the piston shaft 142 and within a communicating longitudinal bore 208 and a transverse bore 210 provided within the spindle 144 and the head 134 of the piston 132, respectively. A second pneumatic volume 202 comprises the substantially annular volume created by an annular recess 212 formed circumferentially around the piston head 134 and defined between the piston head and the inner surface of the piston cylinder 124. The volume 202 is also located on the piston head 134 between the O-ring 136 and the upper end of the piston shaft 142. A third pneumatic volume 204 comprises the substantially annular volume between the outer surface of the piston shaft 142 and the inner surface of the piston cylinder 124.The third volume 204 is defined by the bottom of the piston head 134 at the upper end of the piston shaft 142 and by the upper end of the thrust ring 158 on the end ring 150 at the lower end of the piston cylinder 124. A fourth pneumatic volume 206 comprises the substantially annular volume between the outer surface of the piston cylinder 124 and the inner surface of the upper tube 84. The fourth volume 206 is defined by the floating piston 130 (see . Fig. 5A) and the upper end of the end ring 150.

[0053] A cross-bore or hole 214 through and near the lower end of the piston cylinder 124 allows air in the third pneumatic volume 204 to communicate freely with air in the fourth pneumatic volume 206. Since no seals are provided to separate them, particularly below the groove 138, the pneumatic volumes 200, 202, 204, and 206 are all in unobstructed communication with each other at all times.

[0054] Referring to Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B, the head 90 and the electronics module 92 together define a valve 220 that encompasses the hydraulic fluid space within the head. The hydraulic fluid space, in this example, is defined in part by the bore 104 formed transversely through the head 90. One end of the bore 104 is selectively closed off by the above-described insert 106 and the bleed screw 112. A valve body or valve plug, i.e., an isolator 222, is received within the bore 104 in the head 90, and a portion of the isolator 222 extends through the opposite end of the bore. A sleeve 224 is inserted into the opposite end of the bore 104 and secured by a retaining ring 226. An O-ring 228 is contained within the bore 104 between the retaining ring 226 and a stepped shoulder 230 formed in the bore.

[0055] Referring to Fig. 7A, the head 90 in this example includes a first fluid channel or passage 232 extending through the projection 116 and opening at one end into the bore 104 and at its other end into the first pressure chamber 100 at the end of the second projection 122. The first passage 232 provides fluid communication between the bore 104 and the first pressure chamber 100 within the piston cylinder 124, which is connected to the projection 116. The head 90 further includes a second fluid channel or passage 234 extending through the projection 116 adjacent to the first passage 232. The second passage 234 opens at one end into the bore 104 and at the other end into the second pressure chamber 102 at the end of the projection 116, but laterally of the second projection 122.The second passage 234 provides fluid communication between the bore 104 and the second pressure chamber 102 in the space between the upper tube 84 and the piston cylinder 124. A flow path 236 is defined at a central, smaller diameter region within the bore 104. The portion of the bore 104 on one side (left side in . Fig. 7A) of the flow path 236 is part of the first pressure chamber 100. The part of the bore 104 on the other side (right side in Fig. 7A), the flow path 236 is part of the second pressure chamber 102. A frustoconical or conically shaped surface, i.e., a valve seat 238, is formed in the head material within the bore 104 and adjacent to the flow path 236. The valve seat 238 faces the second pressure chamber 102 side of the bore 104. The flow path allows fluid communication between the first pressure chamber 100 and the second pressure chamber 102.

[0056] Fig. 7A, Fig. 7B and Fig. 8 shows details of the isolator 222 for the valve 220. The isolator 222 is configured to selectively isolate the fluid in the first pressure chamber 100 from the fluid in the second pressure chamber 102. The isolator 222 is configured to cancel any resultant force created by the load pressure of the first pressure chamber acting on the isolator. The isolator 222 is essentially a cylinder having a first portion 240 having a first diameter and defining a first end 242 of the isolator. The isolator 222 has a second portion 244 coupled to the first portion 240, the second portion having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter. The insulator 222 further includes a closure 246 at an end of the second portion 244 opposite the first end 242, whereby the closure defines a second end 248 of the insulator. As shown in Fig. 8, the insulator 222 has a valve longitudinal axis V along a length of the insulator between the first end 242 and the second end 248. The closure 246 has a diameter that is greater than the second diameter of the second portion 244 and that may be greater than, equal to, or less than the first diameter of the first portion 240. A frustoconical or angled first surface 250 forms the transition between the larger diameter first portion 240 and the smaller diameter second portion 244. A frustoconical or angled second surface, or closure surface 252 forms the transition between the smaller diameter second portion 244 and the larger diameter closure 246.

[0057] In this example, the first end 242 has a flat surface or surface that is located outside of the head 90 and faces outwardly therefrom. The second end 248 also has a flat surface or surface that is exposed to the second pressure chamber 102. As shown in Fig. 7A, the second surface 252 of the closure 246 is pressed against the valve seat 238 adjacent the flow path 236 when the isolator 222 is in a closed position. This closes the flow path 236 and isolates the first pressure chamber 100 and the second pressure chamber 102 from each other. The shape and / or angle of the valve seat 238 and the shape and / or angle of the second surface 252 should complement each other to ensure a sufficient, fluid-tight seal in the closed position. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 7B, the closure 246, and thus the second surface 252, is spaced from the valve seat 238 when the isolator 222 is in an open position. This opens the flow path 236, which allows fluid communication between the first pressure chamber 100 and the second pressure chamber 102.

[0058] The upper tube 84, the piston cylinder 124 and the end ring 150 (see Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B) are fixed relative to each other and thus constrained to move together as a unit. Hydraulic system pressure acts on these parts, exerting a net upward force on the parts. Thus, the head 90, the upper tube 84, the piston cylinder 124, and the lock ring 124 are all biased upward. However, because the hydraulic fluid in the first pressure chamber 100 is incompressible, a downward force on the head 90 pressurizes the fluid, but the head is unable to move downward toward the piston 132. Furthermore, a force resulting from the weight of the rider is transmitted downward through the saddle to the head 90 when the rider is seated on the saddle 56. However, because the hydraulic fluid in the first pressure chamber 100 is incompressible, the head 90 pressurizes the fluid, but the head is unable to move downward toward the piston 132.Thus, the incompressible fluid in the first pressure chamber 100 supports the weight of the rider and reacts against the forces generated by the weight of the rider sitting on the saddle 56, thereby holding the head 90 and thus the saddle in position. In other words, one could say that the first pressure chamber 100 has a load pressure, i.e., under load from the saddle 56 and the fluid pressure itself, which is proportional to a load applied along the tube axis T.

[0059] Fluid in the first pressure chamber 100 communicates with the isolator 222 via the first passage 232 in the head 90. Fluid in the first pressure chamber 100 is pressurized either by the weight of the rider on the saddle 56, as described below, or by a preset pressure, such as a pneumatic preset pressure, as also described below, or by both. Referring to Fig. 7A and Fig. 8, a fluid pressure from the first pressure chamber 100 acts on the first surface 250 and the outer surface of the second portion 244 as well as on a portion of the outer surface of the first portion 240 and a portion of the second surface 252 when the isolator 222 is in the closed position Fig. 7A is located.

[0060] The isolator 222 and the bore 104 are configured such that hydraulic fluid contacts the outer surfaces over the entire circumference of the first and second portions 240, 244. Thus, a net force exerted by the hydraulic fluid pressure on the outer surface of the first portion 240 is nearly or equal to zero. Likewise, a net force on the outer surface of the second portion 244 is nearly or equal to zero. The exposed surface area of ​​the first surface 250, the entirety of which is subjected to the pressure of the fluid in the first pressure chamber 100, is nearly equal to the surface area of ​​the exposed portion (i.e., not in contact with the valve seat 238) of the second surface 252, which is subjected to the pressure of the fluid in the first pressure chamber 100. Thus, the force exerted on the opposing first and second surfaces 250, 252 by the fluid pressure in the first pressure chamber 100 is balanced.The forces exerted on these two surfaces 250, 252 are opposite to each other, thus creating a net neutral force of nearly zero on the isolator 222. This results in the fluid pressure in the first pressure chamber 100 having a net force equal to or nearly zero on the isolator, even though the fluid pressure in the first pressure chamber 100 is acting on the isolator 222. An important implication of this is that, although the fluid pressure in the first pressure chamber 100 will fluctuate directly according to the rider's weight applied to the saddle 56 and the downward force the rider's body exerts on the saddle during riding, the net forces acting on the isolator 222 are essentially independent of these factors.Thus, the energy and / or forces required to open valve 220 are largely, if not entirely, independent of rider weight / load.

[0061] Referring to Fig. 5A, a fluid, ie, air pressure in the pneumatic system within the fourth pneumatic volume 206, acts with an upward force through the floating piston 130 to pressurize the hydraulic fluid in the second pressure chamber 102. Referring to Fig. 7A, hydraulic fluid in the second pressure chamber 102 communicates with the isolator 222 via the second passage 234 in the head 90. Referring to Fig. 7A and Fig. 8, a fluid pressure from the first pressure chamber 100 acts on the circumference or an outer circumference of the closure 246 and on the second end 248. The net force on the outer circumferential surface of the closure 246 is zero. The net force on the second end 248 of the insulator 222 biases the insulator into contact with the valve seat 238, ie, to the left in Fig. 7A, forming a fluid-tight seal. The position of the insulator 222 in Fig. 7A is again referred to as an isolated or closed position because the isolator isolates the first and second pressure chambers 100, 102 from each other. In other words, the isolator 222 in the closed position blocks fluid flow through the flow path 236 between the first and second passages 232, 234 and thus between the first and second pressure chambers 100, 102. When the isolator 222 is in the isolation position or the closed position Fig. 7A, valve 220 is closed.

[0062] When no rider is sitting on the saddle 56, the force balance in the system is such that the fluid pressure in the second pressure chamber 102 is greater than the fluid pressure in the first pressure chamber 100. When the rider actuates the valve 220 (as described below), a portion of the electronics module 92 (also described below) pushes the isolator 222 from the isolation or closed position. Fig. 7A to the open or actuated position Fig. 7B. With reference to Fig. 7B, the isolator 222 is positioned such that fluid can flow through the flow path 236 between the first and second passages 232, 234 and thus between the first and second pressure chambers 100, 102. Since the fluid pressure in the second pressure chamber 102 is greater than the fluid pressure in the first pressure chamber 100, fluid also flows from the second pressure chamber via the second passage 234 through the flow path 236 to the first pressure chamber 100 via the first passage 232. As hydraulic fluid is forced into the first pressure chamber 100, the head 90 and the upper tube 84, along with all the parts fixed to these parts, are pushed upward to accommodate the resulting increase in fluid volume in the first pressure chamber 100. When the head 90 rises, the saddle 56 rises. The rider can choose to raise the saddle 56 and the upper support 84 to the fully extended position. Fig. 3A and Fig. 4A, or adjust the saddle to a lower intermediate height if desired.

[0063] If the insulator 222 is as in Fig. 7B, the valve 220 is open. The balance of forces (i.e., fluid pressures) acting on the isolator 222 will tend to bias the isolator toward the valve seat 238. However, if the electronics module 92 is still operated to open the valve 220, as described below, the isolator 222 will be held in the open position. However, if the electronics module 92 is appropriately operated, a portion of the module will release the isolator 222. The balance of fluid forces within the head 90 will then urge the isolator 222 toward the valve seat 238 until the isolator 222 is again, as shown in Fig. 7A, is positioned in the closed position against the valve seat. When the valve 220 is closed, hydraulic fluid is again prevented from flowing through the flow path 236 between the first and second pressure chambers 100, 102. Thus, the head 90 and the saddle 56 will remain in the vertical height position the moment the valve 220 is closed.

[0064] When a rider sits on the saddle 56, the rider's weight is supported by the incompressible fluid in the first pressure chamber 100, as described above. The fluid in the first pressure chamber 100 is therefore pressurized by the rider's weight and exceeds the fluid pressure in the second pressure chamber 102. However, the zero or near-zero net force on the isolator 222 of the valve 220 maintains the isolator in the closed position, as described above. When the rider operates the electronics module 92 to actuate the isolator 222, as described in detail below, the isolator will move from the closed position Fig. 7A to the open position Fig. 7B. The isolator 222 will move in this manner against the fluid pressure in the second pressure chamber 102 through the operation of the electronics portion of the valve 220, described below. Hydraulic fluid will then flow from the first pressure chamber 100 via the first passage 232, through the flow path 236, and into the second pressure chamber 102 via the second passage 234. With less fluid in the first pressure chamber 100, the head 90 and upper tube 84, and thus the saddle 56, can move downward toward the piston 132, lowering the height of the saddle. The rider can choose to have the saddle and upper post 84 move to the fully retracted position. Fig. 3B and Fig. 4B, or select a larger intermediate height. If the driver operates the electronic module 92 accordingly, the isolator 222 can be released again. The balance of forces on the isolator 222 will force the isolator into the closed position, with the closure 246 on the valve seat 238, as shown in Fig. 7A. When the isolator 222 is again in the isolation or closed position, hydraulic fluid is prevented from flowing between the first and second pressure chambers 100, 102. The head 90 and the upper tube 84 will thus remain in the vertical position, which is achieved at the moment the valve 220 is closed. Electronics section

[0065] The electronics section of the seat post assembly 80 includes the electronics module 92, as shown in Fig. 6A, Fig. 6B, Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B, which is installed as part of the head 90 and the valve 220. The electronics module 92 is configured to receive wireless signals from a wireless actuator 260 mounted on the handlebar 54 (see Fig. 1). The wireless actuator 260 is configured to operate the electronics module 92 to open or close the valve 220. For this purpose, a transmission signal is initiated by a driver using an actuator of any type, for example, a lever or a button, on the wireless actuator.

[0066] Referring to Fig. 6A, Fig. 7A, Fig. 9A, Fig. 9B and Fig. 10 and in particular Fig. 9A, the electronics module 92 includes a bearing housing 262 mounted on the head 90. The bearing housing 262 includes a rearward projecting boss 264 received within a corresponding bore 266 in the head. In this manner, the bearing housing 262 is precisely positioned relative to the head 90. The bearing housing 262 may be fixed to the head 90, for example, using machine screws 268 or the like. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 7A, a lower ball bearing 270 and an upper ball bearing 272 are press-fitted into corresponding bores in the bearing housing 262. A rotary cam 274 is supported within the bearing housing 262 by the bearings 270, 272.

[0067] Referring to Fig. 11A-11C, the rotary cam 274 includes first and second sections 276, 278, respectively, which are cylinders coaxial with each other and with the cam and which define a cam rotational axis C. The cam 274 further includes third and fourth sections 280, which are also cylinders, but are eccentric and positioned between the first and second sections 276, 278 along a length of the cam. The eccentric sections 280, 282 are coaxial with each other, but not coaxial with the coaxial sections 276, 278. Thus, the third and fourth sections 280, 282 rotate in an eccentric manner about and relative to the axis C as the cam 274 rotates about the rotational axis C, which is shared by the first and second coaxial sections 276, 278. Referring to Fig. 7A, the bottom or second coaxial portion 278 of the cam 274 is received in the inner race of the lower bearing 270. The other or first portion 276 of the cam 274 is received in the inner race of the upper bearing 272. A third ball bearing 284 is press-fitted onto the eccentric fourth portion 282 of the cam 274.

[0068] Referring to Fig. 12A-12C, the electronics module 92 further includes a gearmotor 290, which includes an electric motor 292 and a gearhead 294. In one embodiment, the electric motor 292 is a direct current (DC) motor. The gearmotor 290 further includes an output shaft 296 extending from the gearhead 294. The gearhead 294 and the output shaft 296 are configured and arranged such that the output shaft rotates more slowly, but with more torque, than a motor output shaft (not shown) of the motor 292. In one example, the gearmotor 292 may be an off-the-shelf unit, for example, a POLOLU ELECTRONICS micro-metal 6-volt gearmotor (Pololu part number 998). Similar gearmotors are also available from PRECISION MICRODRIVES (London, England) and other manufacturers.

[0069] Referring to Fig. 11A, 11C, and 12A-12C, the output shaft 296 of the gear motor 290 may have a D-shaped or other non-circular cross-section. Similarly, the cam 274 may have a correspondingly shaped hole 298 at the top of the cam. The output shaft 296 is received in the hole 298 such that rotation of the shaft rotates the cam 274 in correspondence therewith.

[0070] Referring to Fig. 6A, Fig. 10, Fig. 13A, Fig. 13B and Fig. 14, as shown, a motor retaining bracket 300 is screwed or otherwise secured to the head 90, for example by machine screws 302. Optionally, the motor retaining bracket 300 can be precisely positioned relative to the head 90 by a guide pin 304, as in Fig. 16. Referring to Fig. 13B, the motor retaining bracket 300 may have a "double-D" or non-circular shaped internal opening comprising opposing cylindrical surface segments 306 and opposing planar surface segments or planes 308. The motor 292 may include a body or housing 288 (see Fig. 12A) having a complementary double-D shape or other shape to fit tightly within the opening of the motor support bracket 300, as in Fig. 14. A small but important clearance may be provided between the double-D surfaces of the housing 288 of the motor 292 and the double-D surfaces 306 and the planes 308 of the motor support bracket 300. The constrained location of the motor 292 within the opening of the motor support bracket 300 allows the motor support bracket 300 to react against a counter-torque of the gearmotor 290 when the gearmotor applies torque through the output shaft 296.

[0071] Referring to Fig. 6A, Fig. 10 and Fig. 14, the electronics module 92 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) 310. In one example, the PCB 310 may be secured to the motor mounting bracket 300 by the same screws 302 that attach the motor mounting bracket to the head 90. Optionally, the PCB 310 may be precisely positioned relative to the motor mounting bracket 300 by a guide pin 312, as shown in Fig. 16. The PCB 310 may also be secured to the bearing housing 262 by a screw 314 (see Fig. 10). Wires or other conductive elements 316 may electrically connect the motor 292 to the PCB 310.

[0072] The electronic module 92 may further include an optical position indicator. For example, with reference to Fig. 7A, an optical switch 320, which may be of a known type in the field of electronics, such as an OMRON switch (part number EE-SX1131). The optical switch 320 may be a component of the PCB 310. Referring to Fig. 7A and 11A-11C, a photointerrupter 322 may be provided as part of the cam 274. In this example, the photointerrupter 322 is a disk at the uppermost end of the cam 274, the disk being perforated with a series of optical openings or windows 324 spaced around and through the disk. The photointerrupter 322 may be integrally formed as part of the cam 274 or a separate item attached thereto. In one example, the photointerrupter 322 is integrally formed as a one-piece unitary structure with the portions 276, 278, 280, 282 of the cam 274. The photo-interrupter 322 is positioned to selectively interrupt light rays emitted by the optical switch 320 depending on the rotational or angular position of the cam 274 about the cam axis C.

[0073] Referring to Fig. 10 and Fig. 16, electrical contacts 326, such as pogo pins, may be spring-loaded electrical contacts that are biased outward from the PCB 310 and the motor 292. The pogo pins 326 may be electrically connected to the PCB 310. A seal 328, such as an elastomeric seal, may be provided around the base of the pogo pins 326.

[0074] Referring to Fig. 10, Fig. 15 and Fig. 17, the PCB 310 may include a push-button switch 330. The push-button switch 330 may be a mass-produced electrical component, such as a momentary-type electrical switch with a push-button actuation. A button 332 protrudes from a bore 333 in a cover 334 of the electronics module 92 and is retained by a retaining ring 336. An O-ring 338 is contained within a gland 340 formed by the outer surface of the button 332, the cover 334, and a thrust washer 342 surrounding the button 332. The thrust washer 342 captures the O-ring 338 against a stepped surface 344 within the bore 333. A biasing member, such as a compression spring 346, biases the button 332 outward from the cover 334 (to the left in Fig. 15). The button 332 and its associated parts are configured and arranged such that when the driver presses the button, a distal or inner end 348 of the button contacts and actuates the push-button switch 330. Furthermore, the spring 346 biases the button out of contact with the push-button switch 330 when the driver releases the button 332, causing the push-button switch to turn off.

[0075] Referring to Fig. 15 and Fig. 17, the PCB 310 may include a light-emitting diode or LED 350. An optically transparent or translucent lens 352 may be fixed to a corresponding hole 354 in the cover 334, overlying the LED 350. The lens 352 is configured and arranged such that when the LED 350 emits light, the emitted light passes through the lens and is visible to the driver. The purpose of the LED 350 is described below.

[0076] Referring to Fig. 6A and Fig. 10, a weather-resistant seal 356 may be contained within a groove in the head 90 and surround the internals of the electronics module 92. Referring to Fig. 6A and Fig. 17, the cover 334 is positioned relative to the head 90 over the gear motor 290, the PCB 310, and the cam 274. The cover 334 may be secured to the head 90 in a suitable manner, for example, with four thread-forming screws 358, which are shown in Fig. 19. The seal 356 is dimensioned to deform or compress when the cover 334 is secured to the head 90 with screws 358, forming a fluid-tight, weather-resistant seal between the head and the cover. The sealed cover 334 protects the internal components of the electronics module 92 from the elements during use. Referring to Fig. 16, the seals 328 adjacent to the electrical contacts or pogo pins 326 may be dimensioned such that they are also deformed or compressed when the cover 334 is secured to the head 90 with the screws 358. The seals 328 form a fluid-tight, weather-resistant seal against the cover 334 and the PCB 310. The seals 328 and 356 prevent water and other foreign matter from entering the interior volume of the electronics module 92.

[0077] Referring to Fig. 17 and 18A-C, the electronics module 92 further includes a power supply, such as a battery 360 or battery pack, attachable to the cover 334 to provide power to the module. Another seal, such as an elastomeric seal 362, may be inserted into a groove 364 in an outer surface 366 of the cover 334. A locking shaft or pin 370 may have a knurled end (not shown) and be press-fitted into a hole in the cover 334, e.g., at the top of the cover. The locking pin 370 is also passed through a bore transverse to a locking lever 372 so that the locking lever is rotatable about the locking pin. At least one battery 360 may be provided and sufficient to provide power to components of the PCB 310, the electric motor 292, and other parts of the electronics module 92 when needed.The battery 360 may be a rechargeable battery, for example, a lithium polymer type battery capable of producing a fully charged voltage of approximately 7.5 volts. The battery 360 may include a shell or housing 374 with a foot or protrusion 376 protruding near a bottom edge of the shell. The protrusion 376 may engage a corresponding gap 378 in the cover 334.

[0078] The battery 360 may further include a lock 380 at an upper end of the shell or housing 374. The locking lever 372 may include a corresponding detent 382 configured to engage the lock 380. The seal 362 in the surface of the cover 334 may be dimensioned and configured such that when the battery 360 is positioned as shown in Fig. 18A, the seal is compressed. This forms the watertight seal between the mating surfaces of the battery case 374 and the cover 334. The compressive force in the seal 362 biases the battery 360 away from the surface 366 of the cover 334 (to the left in Fig. 18A). This presses the foot or projection 376 firmly against a surface of the gap 378 to ensure a tight or secure connection between the detent 382 of the locking lever 372 and the catch on the casing 374 of the battery 360. When the battery 360 is Fig. 18A is attached to the cover 334, the electrical contacts or pogo pins 326 of the PCB 310 touch electrical contacts 309 on the battery (see Fig. 16). Thus, when the battery 360 is attached to the cover 334, electrical contact is established and maintained between the battery and the PCB 310.

[0079] In the disclosed example, the battery 360 or battery pack is positioned adjacent to the saddle 56. The arrow A in Fig. 1 illustrates a normal direction of travel or forward movement of the bicycle 50. In one embodiment, the battery 360 or battery pack is also disposed on the rear side of the seat post assembly 80, on the rear side of the head 90, behind the top tube 84 relative to the forward direction A of the bicycle 50. By positioning the battery 360 or battery pack in this manner and location, the battery is protected vertically by the seat 56 and horizontally by the top post 84 and the head 90. The battery 360 or battery pack is further disposed in an aerodynamically advantageous position that minimizes air resistance while the bicycle moves in the forward direction R. However, other mounting positions for the battery 360 or battery pack are also possible. In one example, such as that shown in Fig. 30, the battery or battery pack may be positioned at the front or forward side of the seatpost assembly 80 or head 90 and / or positioned in another vertical position on the seatpost assembly. Such placement may have additional or alternative advantages; for example, such forward placement may protect the battery 360 from contact by external objects, such as undergrowth, or from contact with the rear wheel of a bicycle with rear suspension. As shown in Fig. 30, at least a portion of the battery 360 may be arranged vertically above the axis R of the rails 454. Alternatively, the battery may be arranged as shown in Fig. 2, may be arranged partially or entirely below the axis R of the rails 454.

[0080] Fig. 18B and Fig. 18C illustrate a procedure for removing the battery 360 from the seatpost assembly 80 and vice versa for attaching the battery. Referring to Fig. 18B, a driver can use a finger to lift the free end of the locking lever 372, thereby pivoting the locking lever upward about the locking pin 370. This disengages the detent 382 of the locking lever 372 from the locking portion or catch 380 of the battery cover 374. The driver can then pivot the battery 360 forward about the projection or foot 376 and then lift the battery upward and away from the cover 334. Fig. 17 and Fig. 18C show the seatpost assembly 80 with the battery 360 removed. To install the battery 360, the rider simply reverses the battery removal procedure. The locking lever 372 can be moved to the downward position shown in Fig. 18A and Fig. 18C. The locking pin may include a torsion spring (not shown) to accomplish this feature. The locking lever 372 may then automatically engage a position that secures the battery 360 to the cover when the battery is installed.

[0081] Upon installation of the battery 360, the electronics module 92 may be configured to initiate a homing process. A microprocessor (not shown) on the PCB 310 may send a signal to a motor controller (not shown) on the PCB, which in turn allows the motor 292 to draw power from the battery 360. The motor 292, when actuated or instructed, may convert electrical energy from the battery 360 into rotational mechanical energy. Upon actuation, the motor 292 may then run and transmit power through the gear head 294 to the output shaft 296. As described above, the D-shaped output shaft 296 of the gear motor 290 mates with the corresponding D-shaped hole 298 of the cam 273. Thus, the output shaft 296, when driven by the motor 292, drives the cam 274 to rotate about the cam axis C. Referring to Fig. 7A and 11A-11C, the windows 324 and the bars 325 between the windows of the photointerrupter 322 alternately interrupt a light beam(s) from the optical switch 320 as the cam 274 rotates about its rotational axis C. This allows the microprocessor to detect and determine the resulting electrical pulses generated by the photointerrupter 322 as the cam 274 rotates.

[0082] One rod 390 of the photointerrupter 322 may be much wider than the other rods 325 separating the windows 324. The wider rod 390 may be positioned at a known angle or rotational position relative to one of the eccentric sections, for example, at the lowest eccentric or the fourth section 282 on the cam 274. The wider rod 390 may be used by the electronics module 92 to detect or determine the exact position of the cam 274 to properly control the operation of the valve 220. As the cam 274 rotates, the electrical pulse associated with the wider rod 390 will have a significantly longer duration than the electrical pulses associated with the other rods 325.In this way, the microprocessor can detect when the wider bar 390 interrupts the light beam(s) of the optical switch 320, and thereby further "know" the precise rotational or angular position of the eccentric cam portion 282 at that time. After that, in one example, the microprocessor only needs to count up to a predetermined additional number of pulses before driving the gear motor 290 and the cam 274 in the direction shown in FIG. Fig. 7A and Fig. 8A. In this position, there is a clearance between the ball bearing (24) located on the eccentric portion 282 of the cam 274 and the first end 242 of the isolator 222. The valve 220 and its associated parts are thus in the closed position or the isolation position as described above. Fig. 7A. This position of cam 274 may be referred to as the home position or an unactuated position.

[0083] The wireless actuator 260, which in this example is mounted on the handlebar 54, is configured to send wireless signals to the seat post assembly 80 and in particular to the electronics module 92. In order for the wireless actuator 260 and the seat post assembly 80 to clearly identify each other, ie, to pair with each other, the following sequence of actions can be performed. Referring to Fig. 17, a rider first presses and holds button 332. LED 350, visible through lens 352, will then begin flashing slowly, indicating to the rider that the system is in pairing mode. The rider then releases button 332 and presses and holds a pairing button (not shown) on wireless actuator 260. Once seatpost assembly 80 and wireless actuator 260 have been successfully paired, LED 350 may begin flashing rapidly, indicating to the rider that pairing was successful. The rider may then release the button on wireless actuator 260, at which time electronics module 92 and wireless actuator 260 will exit pairing mode. Furthermore, other alternative rider interface schemes and / or pairing sequences are possible.Once paired, the wireless actuator 260 can be used by a rider to manipulate and adjust the seatpost assembly 80.

[0084] During travel with the saddle 56 positioned at a certain vertical position or height, the cam 274 is positioned in the home position and the valve 220 is closed, as shown in Fig. 7A and Fig. 9A. When the rider wishes to adjust the vertical position of the saddle 56, the rider can press and hold an actuator or button on the wireless actuator 260 mounted on the handlebar 54 of the bicycle. As long as the actuator or button is pressed and held by the rider, a wireless signal to open the valve 220 can be repeatedly transmitted by the wireless actuator 260 and repeatedly received by a receiver, such as an antenna of a radio chip and / or a wireless antenna (not shown) on the PCB 310. A signal is transmitted from the radio chip to the microprocessor of the PCB 310, and the microprocessor sends a signal to the motor controller of the PCB 310. The motor controller then allows the motor 292 to draw power from the battery 360.The motor 292 converts electrical power from the battery 360 into rotational mechanical power, which is transmitted from the motor 292 through the gearhead 294 to be output as rotation of the output shaft 296. As described above, the D-shaped output shaft 296 of the gearmotor 290 is mated with a corresponding D-shaped hole 298 of the cam 274. Consequently, rotation of the output shaft 296 drives the cam 274 to rotate about the axis C.

[0085] As the cam 274 rotates, the photointerrupter 322 on the cam 274 also rotates, alternately interrupting the light beam(s) emitted by the optical switch 320. The microprocessor of the PCB 310 can count the resulting electrical pulses generated by the optical switch 320. In this manner, the PCB 310 and the microprocessor can determine and / or maintain data representing the rotational position of the cam 274. Because the eccentric surface, i.e., the fourth portion 282 of the cam 274, and the third bearing 284 supported thereby, along with the ball bearing 284, are positioned eccentrically relative to the rotational axis C of the cam 274, rotation of the cam 274 causes the ball bearing 284 to rotate about the rotational axis C and translate relative thereto. As the cam 274 rotates, the bearing 284 will come into contact with the first end 242 of the insulator 222.As the cam 274 continues to rotate, the ball bearing 284 will move the isolator 222 from the closed or isolating position shown in . Fig. 7A and Fig. 9A, into the open position, which is shown in Fig. 7B and Fig. 9B. In this example, sliding between the outer race of the ball bearing and the first end 242 of the isolator is limited while the ball bearing 284 presses on the isolator 222. In this example, minimal sliding also occurs between the inner race of the ball bearing 284 and the cam 274. The lack of sliding caused by the bearing carried on the cam 274 and positioned at the point of contact with the isolator 222 essentially eliminates most, if not all, of the sliding friction that would result. This component arrangement significantly reduces the amount of power required by the battery 360 and the gear motor 290 to open the valve 220.

[0086] Furthermore, because the microprocessor of PCB 310 can count pulses from optical switch 320, the microprocessor can detect when valve 220 is nearly fully open (by observing the rotational position of cam 274). The microprocessor can be programmed to manage the power flow or output to motor 292, for example, using a proportional-integral-derivative or PID algorithm. This can result in motor 292 stopping when valve 220 is fully open. Once valve 220 is open, the rider can vertically position saddle 56 in the manner described above, either by applying weight to lower it or by removing weight to allow the saddle to rise. Once saddle 56 is in the desired position, the rider can release the actuator or button on wireless actuator 260 on handlebar 54.This sends a wireless signal to the PCB 310 to close the valve 220 and move the isolator 222 to the closed position. The wireless signal is received by the radio chip on the PCB 310, processed by the microprocessor, and then the motor 292 is controlled to rotate the cam 274 to move the ball bearing 284 away from and out of contact with the first end 242 of the isolator 222. This will allow the system fluid pressure described above to force the isolator 222 to move from the position shown in FIG. Fig. 7B and Fig. 9B shown open position to the closed position Fig. 7A and Fig. 9A. As the cam 274 rotates and approaches the home position described above, the microprocessor can count electrical pulses from the optical switch 320. The microprocessor can then manage the power flow or output to the motor 292 using a PID control algorithm such that the motor stops when the cam 274 is in the home position where the valve 220 is closed. The saddle 56 will then remain in the position it maintains at the time the valve 220 is closed.

[0087] A block diagram illustrating the components of the electronics section or electronic device 710 is shown in Fig. 32. The PCB 310 includes a processor 20, a memory 10, and a communications interface 730. The PCB 310 may further include or be communicatively coupled to a growth sensor 87, a user interface 720, a position indicator interface, and / or a geared motor interface 790. The processor 20 is also referred to as the microprocessor as described herein and may include a general processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an analog circuit, a digital circuit, combinations thereof, or other processor now known or later developed. The processor 20 may be a single device or a combination of devices, such as through joint or parallel processing.

[0088] The memory 10 may be volatile memory or non-volatile memory. The memory 10 may include one or more of read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, electronically erasable program read-only memory (EEPROM), or other types of memory. The memory 10 may be detachable from the device 710, such as a Secure Digital (SD) memory card. In one particular non-limiting embodiment, a computer-readable medium may include solid-state memory, such as a memory card or other package that incorporates one or more non-volatile read-only memories. Further, the computer-readable medium may be random access memory or other volatile, rewritable memory.Additionally, the computer-readable medium may include a magneto-optical or optical medium, such as a disk, tape, or other storage device. Accordingly, the disclosure is to be considered to encompass one or more of a computer-readable medium and other equivalents and successor media on which data or instructions may be stored. Memory is used to store instructions for processor 20.

[0089] The memory 10 is a non-transitory computer-readable medium and is described as a single medium. However, the term "computer-readable medium" encompasses a single medium or multiple media, such as centralized or distributed storage structures and / or associated caches, operable to store one or more sets of instructions and other data. The term "computer-readable medium" is also intended to encompass any medium capable of storing, encoding, or transporting a set of instructions to be executed by a processor or to cause a computer system to perform one or more of the methods or acts disclosed herein.

[0090] In an alternative embodiment, dedicated hardware implementations, such as application-specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays, and other hardware devices, may be constructed to implement one or more of the methods described herein. Applications comprising the devices and systems of various embodiments may generally include a variety of electronic and computer systems. One or more of the embodiments described herein may implement functions using two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with associated control and data signals that may be communicated between and through the modules or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Accordingly, the present system includes software, firmware, and hardware implementations.

[0091] The power supply 360 is a portable power supply, such as the battery described as part of embodiments described herein. The power supply may include the generation of electrical power, for example, using a mechanical power generator, a fuel cell device, photovoltaic cells, or other power generating devices. The power supply may include a battery, such as a device consisting of two or more electrochemical cells that convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy. The power supply 360 may include one battery or a combination of multiple batteries or other power-providing devices. Specially equipped or configured battery types or standard battery types such as CR 2012, CR 2016, and / or CR 2032 may be used.

[0092] The communication interface 730 provides data and / or signal communication from the device 710 to another component of the bicycle, such as one or more wireless actuators, or to an external device, such as a mobile phone or other computing device. The communication interface 730 communicates the data using an operable connection. An operable connection may be one in which signals, physical communication, and / or logical communication can be sent and / or received. An operable connection may include a physical interface, an electrical interface, and / or a data interface. The communication interface 730 is configured to communicate wirelessly and therefore includes one or more antennas or radios.The communication interface 730 provides wireless communication in a known or later developed format. Although the present description describes components and functions that may be implemented in certain embodiments with reference to particular standards and protocols, the invention is not limited to such standards and protocols. For example, Internet standards and other packet-switched network transmissions (e.g., TCP / IP, UDP / IP, HTML, HTTP, HTTPS) represent examples of the prior art. Such standards are periodically replaced by faster or more efficient protocols having substantially the same functions. Additionally or alternatively, standards such as Bluetooth®, ANT+™, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, and / or AIREA™ may be used. Accordingly, replacement standards and protocols that have substantially the same or similar functions as those disclosed herein are considered equivalents thereof.In one embodiment, communication interface 730 may be configured to transmit a signal indicating a determined and / or detected pedaling state of a bicycle drivetrain. Furthermore, the determined pedaling state may be transmitted wirelessly.

[0093] The gear motor interface 790 provides data and / or signal communication from the gear motor 290 to the circuitry of the PCB 310. The interface 790 communicates using wired techniques. For example, the interface 790 communicates with the gear motor 290 using a system bus or other communication technique. The interface 790 may include additional electrical and / or electronic components, such as an additional processor and / or memory, for sensing, communicating, and / or otherwise processing signals from the gear motor 290.In one embodiment, instead of using a dedicated and separate gear motor interface 790, the processor 20 may be configured to control / regulate, read and / or process the gear motor signals, whereby the gear motor interface 790 is integrated in whole or in part into the processor 20.

[0094] The device 710 may further include a position indicator 752 of the geared motor 290 or a gear coupled thereto, such as the optical switch 320 described herein. The position indicator interface 752 provides data and / or signal communication from the position indicator 752 to the circuitry of the PCB 310. The interface 750 communicates using wired techniques. For example, the interface 750 communicates with the position indicator 752 using a system bus or other communication technique. The interface 750 may include additional electrical and / or electronic components, such as an additional processor and / or memory, for sensing, communicating, and / or otherwise processing signals from the position indicator 752.In one embodiment, rather than using a dedicated and separate position indicator interface 750, the processor 20 may be configured to control, read, and / or process the gear motor signals, thereby integrating the position indicator interface 750 in whole or in part into the processor 20.

[0095] The user interface 720 may be one or more buttons, lights, or other devices or components for communicating data between a user and the device 710. The user interface 720 may include a liquid crystal display ("LCD") panel, a light-emitting diode ("LED"), an LED screen, a thin-film transistor screen, or another type of display or light-emitting device. The user interface 720 may further include audio resources or speakers.

[0096] In one embodiment, user interface 720 may include an LED indicator, such as LED 350 described herein. The LED indicator illuminates to indicate receipt of commands or other activity of device 710.

[0097] In one embodiment, the device 710 and / or the PCB 310 may include a growth sensor 87, which may further be used to conserve power supply 360. The growth sensor 87 may be configured to detect motion and provide power to the processor 20 and / or other components once motion is detected. An example of the growth sensor may include a ball-in-cage-type switch, where movement of the ball within a conductive cage causes the ball to contact the cage and complete a circuit. In another example, the growth sensor may be an inclination sensor. It is further contemplated that other growth sensors, such as single-axis or multi-axis accelerometers, may be used.In an embodiment using an accelerometer as a growth sensor, a threshold value indicating bicycle usage from the accelerometer may be used to determine whether to provide power to components of device 710.

[0098] In this way, the processor 20 may consume very little or no power unless the device 710 detects movement, and the antenna may consume no power unless the device 710 determines that movement corresponds to pedaling as opposed to some other cause.

[0099] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, methods described herein may be implemented with software programs that may be executed by a computer system, such as the circuitry included on PCB 310. Further, in one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, implementations may include distributed processing, component / object distributed processing, and parallel processing. Alternatively, virtual computer system processing may be constructed to implement one or more of the methods or functionalities described herein.

[0100] A computer program (also known as a program, software application, script, or code) may be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and may be provided in any form, including a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file in a file system. A program may be stored in a section of a file containing other programs or data (for example, one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multi-coordinated files (for example, files storing one or more modules, subroutines, or pieces of code).A computer program may be provided to run on one or more computers located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and connected by a communications network.

[0101] The processes and logic flows described in this specification may be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating an output. The processes and logic flows may also be performed by, and a device may be implemented as, a specialized logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

[0102] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" or "circuitry" refers to all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry), and (b) combinations of circuitry and software (and / or firmware), such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of a processor(s) or (ii) portions of a processor(s) / software (including a digital signal processor(s), software, and memory(s) that cooperate to cause a device, such as a mobile phone or a server, to perform (a) different function(s), and (c) circuits, such as one or more microprocessors, a portion of a microprocessor(s) that require software or firmware for operation,even if the software or firmware is not physically present.

[0103] This definition of "circuitry" refers to all uses of that term in this application, including all claims. As another example, the term "circuitry" as used in this application would also cover an implementation of a processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a processor and its (or their) associated software and / or firmware, as well as other electronic components. The term "circuitry" would further cover, by way of example and when applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit, an application processor integrated circuit for a mobile computing device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other network device.

[0104] Processors suitable for executing a computer program include, for example, both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors and one or more processors of all types of digital computers. In general, a processor receives instructions and data from read-only memory or random access memory, or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more storage devices for storing instructions and data. Furthermore, a computer generally includes, or is operatively connected to, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, for example, magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks, for receiving or transmitting data therefrom. However, a computer is not necessarily required to include such devices.Furthermore, a computer may be embedded in another device, for example, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile audio player, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, or a device 710, to name a few. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and storage devices, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices, for example, EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, for example, internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks, and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and memory may be supplemented by or integrated with specialized logic circuitry.

[0105] Other examples of the rider interface, pairing method, wireless signal transmission and reception, and the like are possible within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In the example described above, the rider presses and holds an actuator or button on a wireless actuator to adjust the saddle position and releases the actuator or button to achieve and maintain the selected position. In an alternative example, the rider may press and release an actuator or button to adjust the vertical position of the saddle and may press and release the same actuator or button again to then maintain a selected saddle position.In another example, the rider may press and release a first actuator to adjust the saddle position and then press and release a second, different actuator to hold and maintain the selected saddle position.

[0106] Other aspects, features, and components of the disclosed seatpost assembly 80 may be further modified within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In one example, the electronics module may include hard stops on one or more of the parts to limit rotational movement of the cam and / or the motor. In one example, both the motor support bracket and the cam may include a hard stop element.

[0107] As in Fig. 20, a cam 400 is illustrated which is substantially the same as the previously described cam 274. In this example, when comparing the two cams, like reference numerals designate like parts. The cam 400 may include a stop projection 402 having opposing stop surfaces 404, 406. The stop surfaces 404, 406 may be configured to face in opposite circumferential directions. In this example, the stop projection 402 protrudes radially relative to a first coaxial portion 276 and protrudes axially from a bottom of the disc-shaped photointerrupter 322.

[0108] As in Fig. 21, a bearing housing 410 is illustrated which is substantially similar to the bearing housing 262 described above. In this example, when comparing the two motor support brackets, like reference numerals designate like parts. The bearing housing 410 may include an upper portion 412 modified to include a shoulder 414 surrounding a central opening 416 through the housing and which would receive the cam 400 and associated bearings 270, 272, and 284 described above. The shoulder 414 may be configured such that the stop projection 402 on the cam 400 can ride along the shoulder 414 as the cam rotates. The bearing housing 410 further includes two guide walls 418 projecting upwardly adjacent the shoulder 414 and disposed opposite one another across the housing.A pair of stops 420 are closely spaced apart on one side of the shoulder 414 and the guide walls 418. The two stops 420 project upwardly from the shoulder 414 and are positioned to contact a corresponding one of the stop surfaces 404, 406 as the stop projection rotates around the shoulder, depending on the rotational position of the cam 400.

[0109] Fig. 22A-22C illustrate cross-sectional views of a head 430 modified to include the cam 400 and the bearing housing 410. Fig. Figure 22A shows the cam in a home position, in which the cam is rotated so that the insulator (not shown) is closed and not in contact with any portion of the cam. In this position, the stop surface 404 of the stop projection 402 on the cam 400 contacts one of the stops 420 on the shoulder 414. Fig. Figure 22B shows the cam 400 and the stop projection 402 in an intermediate position rotated away from the initial position. Fig. Figure 22C shows the cam 400 fully rotated to a valve opening position, whereby the stop surface 406 of the stop projection 402 abuts the other stop 420 which projects upwardly from the shoulder 414. Hard stops, such as those shown in Fig. 20, 21, and 22A-22C may be incorporated as a backup or fail-safe mode for the above-described example of the operating method of the electronics module 92. Alternatively, such hard stops may be incorporated to simplify the assembly of the module and the programming of the microprocessor on the PCB 310. The hard stops may be used to stop the unidirectional motor 292 instead of, or in addition to, the optical switch 320.

[0110] The addition of hard stops to the electronics module 92 is only one of many possible modifications that can be made to the configuration, construction, and operation of the seatpost assembly 80. Other changes to the operating methods and components may also be made within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0111] Referring to Fig. 2 and Fig. 23, the saddle 56 is fixedly attached to the head 90. In one example, the head 90 may be constructed to allow a rider further adjustment of the saddle position, not just the saddle height relative to the bicycle frame 52 as described above. In this example, and with reference to Fig. 23-25, the head 90 is configured to include the aforementioned saddle clamp mechanism 94. In this example, the head 90 includes a relatively large through-bore 440 extending transversely through the head and forward of the electronics module 92. A bearing surface 442 leading into the through-bore 440 on each side of the head 90 is frustoconical or conical in shape. Each bearing surface 442 of the through-bore 440 gradually tapers to a smaller diameter from the exterior of the head 90 to the interior of the head. A first or right side cap 444 and a second or left side cap 446 are each configured to fit on and cover or close off a respective side of the through-bore 440 on the head 90.Each cap 444, 446 has a male conical or frusto-conical surface 448 which is shaped or contoured to engage the associated bearing surface 442 on the corresponding side of the through bore 440.

[0112] Further referring to Fig. 2 and Fig. 23, a first or right side clamping device 450 and a second or left side clamping device 452 are arranged immediately outside the respective first and second clamping devices 450, 452. The saddle 56 has a pair of rails 454 extending longitudinally along and below the saddle. The rails 454 are spaced apart widthwise, as shown in Fig. 23 and Fig. 24, and each includes a substantially linear segment 456 as shown in Fig. 2. One of the rails 454 is caught between the first clamping device 450 and the first cap 444 on the right side of the head 90, and the other of the rails is caught between the second clamping device 452 and the second cap 446 on the left side of the head. As shown in Fig. 23 and Fig. As shown in Figure 24, each of the clamping devices 450, 452 includes a linear groove 458 with a semicircular cross-sectional shape. Each of the caps 444, 446 includes a corresponding linear groove 460 with a semicircular cross-section. When the clamping devices are installed as described below, each linear segment 456 of each of the rails 454 is located within one of the pairs of grooves 458, 460 and is thereby clamped.

[0113] Referring to Fig. 23-25, a seat clamp nut 462 is received through aligned holes 464, 466 in the second cap 446 and the second clamp 452, respectively. A seat clamp bolt 468 is similarly received through aligned holes 464, 466 in the first cap 444 and the first clamp 450, respectively. The seat clamp bolt 468 has an external thread that engages the seat clamp nut 462 like an internal thread. The bolt 468 and the nut 462 can be loosely secured to hold the components, i.e., the clamps 450, 452 and the caps 444, 446, to the head 90 and to hold the rails 454 between the clamps and caps. While these are loosely connected, the rider can adjust the fore-aft and / or tilt positions of the saddle 56.

[0114] The saddle 56 can be adjusted in a linear front-to-back direction along an axis R of the rails 454. The rider can merely push or pull the saddle in the direction of the rail axes and adjust the saddle to a desired front-to-back position in the direction of the arrows S in Fig. 26A. In addition, the saddle 56 and the rails 454, together with the first and second clamping devices 450, 452 and the first and second caps 444, 446, can be rotated as a unit about a transverse axis B defined by the through-bore 440 through the head 90. The frustoconical surfaces 448 on the caps 444, 446 can rotate relative to the bearing surfaces 442 on the head 90 within the through-bore. This allows the rider to adjust the forward or backward angle or the tilt angle of the saddle, such as to a horizontal position ( Fig. 26A and Fig. 27A), a backward-inclined position ( Fig. 26B and Fig. 27B), a forward-leaning position ( Fig. 26C and Fig. 27C) or to any number of intermediate positions. The manner in which the rider can rotate the caps to adjust the angle of inclination of the saddle 56 is described in more detail below. Once the rider has adjusted both the axial or fore-aft position and the rotational or tilt position of the saddle 56 to the desired position(s), the rider can tighten the seat clamp bolt 468. The combination of the bolt 468 and the seat clamp nut 462 can exert a high compressive force across the head 90. This force can seat the caps 44, 446 fully into the bearing surfaces 442, the clamps 450, 452 across the caps, and the rails 454 within the grooves 458, 460, thereby fixing the saddle 56 in place relative to the head 90.

[0115] The seat clamp nut 462 may have a rectangular cross-section 470, for example, immediately adjacent to a nut head 472, as in Fig. 23. The rectangular cross-section 470 may be inserted into a similarly rectangular-shaped receiving portion 474 in the hole in the clamping device 452. The respective shapes of the cross-section 470 and the portion 474 may be combined to prevent the nut from rotating while the seat clamping bolt 468 is tightened.

[0116] The head 90 further includes a mechanism for assisting in adjusting the angle of inclination of the saddle 56. As in Fig. 23, 24, and 27A-27C, the head 90 may further include a cross dowel 480. A body 482 of the cross dowel 480 is cylinder-like, but has a non-circular cross-section. In one example, the body 482 may be a cylinder near the center, but may have a double-D shape with flats or other non-circular shape at each of its two ends 484. The center portion includes a threaded adjustment hole 486 oriented perpendicular to the length of the body 482. A first of the ends 484 of the cross dowel 480 engages a hole 488 in the first cap 444. A second of the ends 484 of the cross dowel 580 engages a hole 488 in the second cap 446.

[0117] An adjusting bolt 490 is received through an installation hole 492 in a front part of the head 90, as shown in Fig. 23 and Fig. 27A. The adjustment bolt 490 is screwed into the adjustment hole 486 in the cross dowel 480. The installation hole 492 is also threaded, but has a sufficiently large diameter to allow the adjustment bolt 490, including the bolt head 494, to pass loosely into the head 90. Instead, a retainer 496 is screwed into the installation hole 492, as shown in Fig. 27A. For the adjustment mechanism to function properly, the retainer 496 is mounted at a depth, that is, installed so that it only almost touches or only almost "runs out" of the bolt head 494 of the adjustment bolt 490. For example, during assembly, the retainer 496 may be screwed into the installation hole 492 so that it touches the bolt head 494, but then slightly turned back or "reset" so that the retainer no longer touches the bolt head. In one example, the retainer 496 may be installed and held in place with a commercially available thread locking compound, such as LOCTITE "Threadblocker Blue 242" adhesive. The cross dowel 480, the adjustment bolt 490, and the retainer 496 may be pre-installed into the head 90, preferably at the factory.Unlike other parts in the assembly of the head 90, the cross dowel 480, the adjustment bolt 490 and the retainer 496 may not be intended to be removed from the head 90 by the user during normal use.

[0118] The operation of the tilt adjustment mechanism is as follows. The operator can also loosely install the caps 444, 446 and the clamps 450, 452 on the head 90, as described above. This will engage the hole 488 in each clamp 450, 452 with the corresponding exposed end 484 on the cross dowel 480. The holes 488 in the clamps 450, 452 and the ends 484 on the cross dowel 480 should be cooperatively configured to allow some clearance, both translational and rotational, between the ends and the holes. However, the amount of clearance should still maintain the general lateral position and rotational orientation of the cross dowel, which has the adjustment bolt 490 and adjustment hole 486 loosely centered within the head 90 and generally directed forward and backward.Such increased clearance between the cross dowel ends 484 and the holes 488 can help prevent excessive inhibition or binding of the cross dowel 480.

[0119] If the seat clamp bolt 468 is still slightly loose, the user can then use a suitable tool to rotate the adjustment bolt 490. Within the head 90, the bolt head 494 is loosely clamped or trapped in its axial direction between a step or shoulder 498 within the installation hole 492 and the retainer 496. Thus, the adjustment bolt 490 can essentially only rotate. Therefore, as the adjustment bolt 490 is rotated, depending on the direction of rotation, the bolt either pulls the cross dowel 480 toward the bolt head 494 or pushes the cross dowel away from the bolt head. Since the ends 484 of the cross dowel 480 engage the holes 488 in the first and second caps 444, 446 and since the caps are constrained to rotate only about the through-hole axis B, the caps will rotate about the axis B as the cross dowel moves via rotation of the adjusting bolt.In particular, the first and second caps 444, 446 and thus the saddle 56 can be in . Fig. 26A-27C clockwise when the rider turns the adjustment bolt 490 clockwise (looking directly at the bolt head 494 from the right side in the figures). The caps 444, 446 and the saddle 56 can rotate counterclockwise when the rider turns the adjustment bolt 490 counterclockwise (looking directly at the bolt head 494 from the right side in the figures). Because the cross dowel 480 is forced to move in a curved path along with the first and second caps 444, 446, the adjustment bolt 490 will pivot slightly on its head. The bolt head 494 should be allowed to do this because the retainer 496, as described above, is not tightly screwed against the bolt head.Furthermore, since the saddle 56, the first and second clamping devices 450, 452, the seat clamp nut 462, and the seat clamp bolt 468 are all still loosely held by the caps 444, 446, these parts will also rotate as the caps rotate. The rider can adjust the angle of the saddle 56 to the desired orientation simply by turning the adjustment bolt 490. Once the desired angle is achieved and the rider has positioned the saddle 56 axially along the rails 454 as described above, the rider can tighten the seat clamp bolt 468, for example, to a specified or desired torque. The saddle 56 is then adjusted to the rider's preferences and ready for use.

[0120] An alternative example of a seat post assembly 500 is shown in Fig. 28 and Fig. 29. In this example, the seat post assembly 500 does not include any of the height adjustable components described above with reference to Fig. 1-22C. While the seat post assembly 80 included a wireless, electric, height-adjustable seat post, the seat post assembly 500 comprises a simple seat post with a fixed length or a tube 502 with a fixed length that can be moved up and down directly within a frame tube 89 of a bicycle frame 52 to adjust a seat height. The parts of the head 504 used in this example to adjust the seat tilt angle are identical to the parts used in the previous example described with reference to Fig. 23-27C, except that the head 504 may be integrally formed with the main body of the seatpost or tube 502 and does not include any features for receiving an electronics module 92, a valve 220, or the like. Alternatively, the head 504 may be a separate part that is fixedly attached to the upper portion of the seatpost or tube 502. The construction, arrangement, and installation of the seat clamp mechanisms are identical to those of the Fig. 23-27C. This aspect of the adjustable seatpost assembly therefore neither relies on nor requires the presence of electronics or a height-adjustable seatpost to function.

[0121] Another alternative example of a seat post assembly 680 is shown in Fig.31. This embodiment integrates an automatic seat angle adjustment system 602. In the illustrated embodiment, the automatic seat angle adjustment system includes a linkage 604. The linkage 604 includes at least an upper link 606 and a lower link 608. The lower link 608 is attached to the collar 182 of the lower tube 82 at a first joint 609. The upper link 606 is attached to the seat clamp mechanism 94 at a second joint 607. The upper link 606 is attached to the lower link 608 at a third joint 610. The first and third joints 609, 610 include friction reduction features 611, 612 to facilitate relative rotational movement between the attached components, such as bearings or bushings.The second joint 607 includes a non-rotatable connection to the seat clamp mechanism 94, but the seat clamp mechanism is rotatable relative to the head or housing 90. Therefore, the seat 56 can be rotatable through an angle θ from a first angular position P1 to a second angular position P2, as correlated by the seat angle adjustment system 602 to the height of the seat along the tube axis T. For example, when the height-adjustable seat post assembly 680 is in a fully retracted position or at its lowest height, the linkage 604 causes the seat to be configured in the second angular position P2. When the height-adjustable seat post assembly 680 is in a fully extended position or at its highest height, the linkage 604 causes the seat to be configured in the first angular position P1.The automatic seat angle adjustment system 602 enables the saddle 56 to be automatically positioned in one of the preferred angular positions P1, P2 for the extended orientation and the retracted orientation, and in any angular position therebetween depending on an extended height because the seat angle is coupled to the seat post height via the automatic seat angle adjustment system 602.

[0122] Although embodiments have been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications, additions, and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure as disclosed in the appended claims. Therefore, it is intended that the foregoing description be considered illustrative and not restrictive, and it is understood that all equivalents and / or combinations of embodiments and examples are intended to be included within this description.

[0123] It is to be understood that the elements and features recited in the appended claims may be combined in various ways to formulate new claims equally within the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, while the dependent claims appended below depend on only a single independent or dependent claim, it is to be understood that these dependent claims may alternatively be made dependent on a preceding or following claim, whether independent or dependent, and that such new combinations are to be understood as forming part of the present description.

[0124] Although certain parts, components, features, and methods of operation and use of an adjustable seatpost assembly have been described herein in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the scope of coverage of this utility model is not so limited. On the contrary, this utility model covers all embodiments of the teachings of the disclosure that reasonably fall within the scope of permissible equivalents.

[0125] A seat post assembly for a bicycle includes a first tube having a first distal end and a second tube having a second distal end. The first tube and the second tube are movable relative to each other to create a spacing between the first and second distal ends. A first pressure chamber has a load pressure proportional to a load applied along the tube axis. A second pressure chamber has a second pressure not proportional to the load. A flow path connects the first and second pressure chambers. A valve is disposed along the flow path and configured to move between a closed position closing the flow path and an open position opening the flow path between the first and second pressure chambers.An isolator of the valve is configured to cancel any resultant force generated by the load pressure of the first pressure chamber acting on the isolator. Aspects of the invention

[0126] Aspect 1: Seat post assembly for a bicycle, the seat post assembly comprising: a first tube having a first distal end; a second tube having a second distal end, the first tube and the second tube being movable relative to each other to provide a spacing between the first distal end and the second distal end along a tube axis; a first pressure chamber having a load pressure proportional to a load applied along the tube axis; a second pressure chamber having a second pressure which is not proportional to the load; a flow path connecting the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber; and a valve having an isolator disposed along the flow path and configured to move between a closed position closing the flow path and an open position opening the flow path between the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber, wherein the insulator is arranged to cancel any resulting force, which is generated by the load pressure of the first pressure chamber acting on the isolator.

[0127] Aspect 2: The seat post assembly of aspect 1, wherein the isolator moves between the closed position and the open position along an isolating axis.

[0128] Aspect 3: The seat post assembly according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the second pressure is a preset pressure and wherein an isolating force generated by the preset pressure in the second pressure chamber acts on a distal end of the isolator.

[0129] Aspect 4: The seat post assembly of aspect 3, wherein the isolator is biased in the closed position against a valve seat by the isolating force generated by the preset pressure in the second pressure chamber acting on the isolator.

[0130] Aspect 5: A seat post assembly according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the isolator is biased in the closed position against a valve seat by an isolating force generated by a preset pressure in the second pressure chamber acting on a portion of the isolator.

[0131] Aspect 6: A seat post assembly according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein a load force generated by the load pressure in the first pressure chamber acts on an intermediate portion of the isolator.

[0132] Aspect 7: The seat post assembly of aspect 6, wherein the intermediate portion of the insulator includes opposing surface areas in a direction along an axis of the insulator.

[0133] Aspect 8: A seat post assembly according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein a load force generated by the load pressure in the first pressure chamber and acting on the isolator is balanced along an isolator axis.

[0134] Aspect 9: The seat post assembly of aspect 8, wherein the load force is balanced by opposing surface areas on the isolator along the isolator axis.

[0135] Aspect 10: Seat post assembly according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein an actuation axis of the isolator is not parallel to the tube axis.

[0136] Aspect 11: Seat post assembly according to aspect 10, wherein an actuation axis is perpendicular to the tube axis.

[0137] Aspect 12: The seat post assembly of any preceding aspect, wherein an actuating force required to actuate the valve under a larger load applied to the second distal end of the second tube is less than the actuating force required to actuate the valve under a smaller load applied to the second distal end of the second tube.

[0138] Aspect 13: Seatpost assembly according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the isolator is biased closed in the closed position by a fluid closing force acting on the isolator and generated by the second pressure, wherein the fluid closing force is greater than a fluid opening force acting on the isolator and generated by the load pressure, thereby maintaining the distance between the first distal end and the second distal end, and wherein the isolator is opened in the open position against the fluid closing force by a combination of the fluid opening force and an actuating force acting on the isolator, whereby fluid can be exchanged between the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber via the flow path and whereby the distance between the first distal end and the second distal end can be adjusted.

[0139] Aspect 14: The seat post assembly of any preceding aspect, wherein the first tube has an inner diameter and the second tube has an outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter, such that the second tube is telescopically displaceable along the tube axis to extend and retract the second tube relative to the first tube to adjust the distance between the second distal end and the first distal end.

[0140] Aspect 15: Seat post assembly according to any one of the preceding aspects, further comprising: a first fluid reservoir comprising the first pressure chamber, the second pressure chamber and the flow path.

[0141] Aspect 16: The seat post assembly of any preceding aspect, wherein the isolator is configured with opposing surfaces such that a fluid opening force acting on one surface of the opposing surfaces is balanced by a fluid closing force acting on another surface of the opposing surfaces opposite the one surface, the fluid opening force and the fluid closing force acting along an axis of the isolator.

[0142] Aspect 17: Seat post for a bicycle, the seat post comprising: a first tube having a first distal end; a second tube having a second distal end, wherein the first tube and the second tube are movable relative to each other along a tube axis to provide a height of a mounting portion of a seatpost head for mounting a bicycle saddle, the mounting portion being supported on the second distal end; and a battery pack comprising a battery and a battery housing, the battery housing being configured to releasably attach the battery pack to the mounting portion and being configured to provide power for operating a height adjustment system of the seatpost.

[0143] Aspect 18:Seat post according to aspect 17, wherein the height adjustment system comprises: a valve operable between an open position and a closed position to selectively permit and prevent adjustment of the height of the mounting portion.

[0144] Aspect 19:Seat post according to aspect 18, further comprising: a wireless actuator positioned remotely from the valve and the battery pack, the wireless actuator operable to selectively operate the valve.

[0145] Aspect 20: The seatpost of any one of aspects 17 to 19, wherein the height adjustment system includes a vent port that selectively opens to a fluid pressure chamber.

[0146] Aspect 21: Seat post according to any one of aspects 17 to 20, wherein the height adjustment system comprises: a motor operably coupled to the battery pack and disposed at a first radial distance from a tube axis of the seat post, the first radial distance being greater than a second radial distance from the tube axis to an outer wall of the second tube of the seat post.

[0147] Aspect 22: Seat post according to any one of aspects 17 to 20, wherein the height adjustment system further comprises: an isolator arranged along a flow path and configured to move between a closed state closing the flow path and an open state opening the flow path between a load pressure chamber and a preset pressure chamber; and a drive device having an eccentric bearing surface configured to contact a distal end of the insulator to actuate a valve comprising the insulator.

[0148] Aspect 23: The seat post of aspect 22, wherein the drive device comprises a bearing secured to the eccentric bearing surface, the bearing having an inner race in contact with the eccentric bearing surface and an outer race in contact with the insulator.

[0149] Aspect 24: Seat post according to aspect 23, wherein the bearing is a ball bearing.

[0150] Aspect 25: Seat post according to any one of aspects 17 to 24, wherein the height adjustment system comprises: a wireless actuator positioned remotely from the battery pack; a motor; and a circuit board configured to operate the motor in response to signals received from the wireless actuator.

[0151] Aspect 26: The seat post of aspect 25, wherein the motor is positioned at the second distal end of the second tube.

[0152] Aspect 27: Seatpost according to aspect 26, wherein the motor is carried on or in the mounting portion.

Claims

[1] Seatpost assembly for a bicycle, the seatpost assembly comprising: a first tube which has a first distal end; a second tube having a second distal end, wherein the first tube and the second tube are movable relative to each other in order to create a distance between the first distal end and the second distal end along a tube axis; a first pressure chamber; a second pressure chamber; a flow path connecting the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber; a valve arranged along the flow path and configured to move between a closed position, which closes off the flow path, and an open position, which opens the flow path; a drive component to actuate the valve between the open position and the closed position; a stop designed to touch the valve, wherein the drive component is designed to stop moving when the stop touches the valve; a height adjustment system for adjusting the distance between the first distal end and the second distal end; a cover to conceal the height adjustment system; and a battery pack comprising a battery and a battery cover, wherein the battery pack provides power to operate the height adjustment system, wherein the battery pack is detachably attached to the cover. [2] Seatpost arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the drive component comprises a motor. [3] Seatpost arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the motor stops rotating when the stop touches the valve. [4] Seatpost arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the stop comprises a first stop configured to touch the valve to indicate the open position of the valve and a second stop configured to indicate the closed position of the valve. [5] Seatpost arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the drive component is a motor and the motor stops rotating in a first direction when the first stop touches the valve, and the motor stops rotating in a second direction when the second stop touches the valve. [6] Seatpost arrangement according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the valve comprises: a housing with a shoulder surrounding a central opening, wherein the first and second stops are spaced apart along the shoulder; and a cam which is rotatable by the motor and received through the central opening, the cam having a stop projection which is arranged to be displaced along the shoulder when the cam is rotated by the motor to contact the first and second stops. [7] Seatpost arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a communication interface for receiving a wireless signal from a wireless actuator mounted on the handlebars of the bicycle to actuate the valve between the open position and the closed position; a processor for controlling power to the drive component based on the wireless signal; and a power supply designed to provide power for the communication interface, the processor and the drive component. [8] Seatpost arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the power supply is arranged on a rear side of the seatpost arrangement relative to a forward direction of the bicycle. [9] Seatpost arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the power supply is arranged on a front side of the seatpost arrangement relative to a forward direction of the bicycle. [10] Seatpost arrangement according to one of claims 7-9, wherein the power supply is detachably attached to the seatpost arrangement. [11] Seatpost arrangement according to one of claims 7-10, wherein the power supply is located near the drive component, the processor and the communication interface. [12] Seatpost arrangement according to one of claims 7-11, wherein the power supply is arranged at a different vertical location on the seatpost than a vertical location of the drive component, the processor and the communication interface. [13] Seatpost arrangement according to one of claims 7-12, wherein the power supply is arranged at a different vertical location than a vertical location of a head attached to the first distal end of the first tube. [14] Seatpost assembly according to one of claims 7-13, which further comprises a saddle clamping mechanism for attaching a saddle to the seatpost assembly, wherein the power supply to the seatpost assembly is arranged in front of the saddle clamping mechanism. [15] Seatpost arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a processor for controlling power for the drive component, wherein the drive component comprises a geared motor, wherein the geared motor transmits geared motor signals to the processor, wherein the geared motor signals indicate a position of the geared motor. [16] Seatpost assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first pressure chamber is an inner fluid chamber which is pressurized by the weight applied to a saddle by a rider, and the second pressure chamber is an outer fluid chamber with an annular area around the first pressure chamber, wherein the second pressure chamber is pressurized via an internal floating piston when the seatpost assembly is extended. [17] Seatpost arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve comprises an insulator arranged along the flow path and configured to move between the closed position and the open position, wherein the insulator is configured to cancel any resultant force generated by the load pressure of the first pressure chamber acting on the insulator. [18] Seatpost arrangement according to one of claims 2-17, wherein the valve comprises: an insulator arranged along the flow path and configured to move between the closed position and the open position, a rotary cam connected to an output shaft of the motor, wherein the rotary cam has a cam axis and is rotatable about the cam axis to touch the insulator and move the insulator into the open position. [19] Seatpost arrangement according to claim 18, wherein the rotating cam comprises: a first section that is rotatable around the cam axis, and a second section that can be rotated eccentrically around the cam axis, a valve comprising a bearing housing for supporting the rotary cam and a ball bearing, wherein the ball bearing is received on the second section of the cam such that, when the second section is rotated, the ball bearing touches the insulator to move the insulator into the open position. [20] Seatpost arrangement according to claim 19, wherein the rotating cam comprises a third section which is coaxial with the first section and rotatable about the cam axis, and a fourth section which is coaxial with the second section and rotatable eccentrically about the cam axis, wherein the second and fourth sections are arranged between the first and third sections. [21] Seatpost arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the height adjustment system comprises a plurality of electrical contacts to contact a plurality of corresponding electrical contacts of the battery pack when the battery pack is detachably attached to the cover. [22] Seatpost arrangement according to claim 21, wherein the majority of electrical contacts of the height adjustment system are spring-loaded electrical contacts which are biased outwards from the height adjustment system through the cover. [23] Seatpost arrangement according to claim 21 or 22, further comprising a seal surrounding the plurality of electrical contacts of the height adjustment system. [24] Seatpost arrangement according to claim 23, wherein the cover has an outer surface with a groove which is dimensioned and shaped to accommodate the seal. [25] Seatpost arrangement according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the seal is dimensioned and arranged such that it is compressed when the battery pack is detachably attached to the cover. [26] Seatpost arrangement according to claim 25, wherein the seal preloads the battery pack away from the outer surface of the cover. [27] Seatpost arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a locking lever rotatable relative to the cover to engage with the battery casing. [28] Seatpost arrangement according to claim 27, which further comprises a locking axis or a locking pin which is pressed into a hole in the cover, wherein the locking axis or the locking pin also passes through a bore in the locking lever such that the locking lever is rotatable about the locking axis or the locking pin. [29] Seatpost arrangement according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the battery casing has a locking mechanism and wherein the locking lever has a corresponding detent designed to engage with the locking mechanism. [30] Seatpost arrangement according to claim 29, wherein the battery casing has an engagement feature opposite the locking mechanism, wherein the engagement feature is arranged such that it engages with a corresponding engagement feature in the cover. [31] Seatpost arrangement according to claim 30, wherein the battery casing is rotatable about the engagement feature when it engages with the corresponding engagement feature in the cover. [32] Seatpost arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a light-emitting diode and an optically transparent or translucent lens, wherein the optically transparent or translucent lens is fixed to a corresponding hole in the cover and is arranged such that the light emitted by the light-emitting diode passes through the lens and is visible.

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