Height-adjustable seatposts for bicycles

Abstract

Height-adjustable seatpost (200) for a bicycle (100), wherein the height-adjustable seatpost (200) comprises: an upper tube (204) and a lower tube (202) arranged telescopically along an axis (206), wherein the lower tube (202) is to be coupled to a frame (102) of the bicycle (100) and the upper tube (204) is to be coupled to a seat (110); an internal valve system to selectively lock the upper tube (204) relative to the lower tube (202); a control module (222) containing electronic components for receiving control signals to operate the internal valve system, wherein the control module (222) is coupled to an outer surface (223) of the lower tube (202); a battery (404) attached to the control module (222) to supply power to the internal valve system via the control module (222), wherein a height dimension of the battery (404) in a first direction parallel to the axis (206) is smaller than a width dimension of the battery (404) in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

Description

AREA OF REVELATION

[0001] This disclosure generally concerns bicycle components and in particular height-adjustable seatposts for bicycles. BACKGROUND

[0002] Bicycles are, as is well known, equipped with a seat or saddle that keeps the rider in a seated position. The seat is usually connected to the bicycle frame via a seatpost. On most bicycles, the seatpost can be manually adjusted to raise or lower the seat height, thus adapting it to riders of different heights. The height can also be adjusted to suit different riding conditions. Normally, the seatpost is mechanically clamped to a tube of the bicycle frame. When the clamp is released, the seat and seatpost can be moved up and down relative to the frame tube to adjust the seat height. On some newer, higher-end bicycles, the seatpost height can be adjusted while riding using a type of hydraulic assist mechanism.For example, manually operated hydraulically height-adjustable seatposts or "dropper" seatposts can utilize a hydraulic pressure differential within the post, and the seatpost height is adjusted manually. Some products can utilize ANT+ wireless communication technology, allowing the rider to adjust the seat height wirelessly. GENERAL DESCRIPTION

[0003] An exemplary height-adjustable seatpost for a bicycle disclosed herein comprises an upper tube and a lower tube arranged telescopically. The lower tube is to be coupled to a bicycle frame, and the upper tube is to be coupled to a seat. The height-adjustable seatpost further comprises a shaft coupled to the lower tube and extending into the upper tube, and a piston assembly coupled to the shaft and located within the upper tube. The piston assembly includes a piston that divides the upper tube into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first and second chambers are filled with fluid. A valve is operable between a closed state, in which the fluid is prevented from flowing between the first and second chambers, and an open state, in which the fluid can flow between the first and second chambers.The height-adjustable seatpost also includes a magnet for controlling the valve.

[0004] An exemplary height-adjustable seatpost for a bicycle disclosed herein comprises an upper tube and a lower tube arranged telescopically. The lower tube is to be coupled to a bicycle frame, and the upper tube is to be coupled to a seat. The height-adjustable seatpost includes an end cap coupled to a lower end of the lower tube, a shaft coupled to the lower tube and extending into the upper tube, and a piston assembly coupled to the shaft and located within the upper tube. The piston assembly divides the upper tube into a first chamber and a second chamber. The piston assembly includes a magnet. The height-adjustable seatpost further includes a control module for activating the magnet. Internal lines are arranged within the shaft and extend between the end cap and the magnet.One or more electrical connectors in the end cap electrically couple the internal wires to the control module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a side view of an exemplary bicycle which may be fitted with one of the exemplary height-adjustable seatposts disclosed herein. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of an example height-adjustable seatpost in a fully extended position. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the exemplary height-adjustable seatpost from Fig. 2 in a partially retracted position. Fig. Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the section of Fig. 2 and shows an example control module that can be used on the example height-adjustable seat post. Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary height-adjustable seatpost from Fig. 2 in the fully extended position. Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary height-adjustable seatpost from Fig. 2 in the partially retracted position. Fig. Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the upper section of Fig. 5 and shows an exemplary valve for adding pneumatic gas to the exemplary height-adjustable seatpost. Fig. Figure 8 is an exploded view of an example end cap of the example height-adjustable seatpost from Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 9 is an enlarged view of the lower section of Fig. 5 and shows the exemplary end cap in a mounted state. Fig. Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the central section of Fig. 5 and shows an exemplary piston arrangement with an exemplary pilot valve that can be used in the exemplary height-adjustable seatpost. Fig. Figure 11 is a top view of the exemplary piston arrangement of Fig. 10. Fig. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary piston arrangement along line AA of Fig. 11. Fig. Figure 12 shows the exemplary pilot valve in the closed state. Fig. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary piston arrangement along line BB of Fig. 11. Fig. Figure 13 shows the exemplary pilot valve in the closed state. Fig. 14 is the same cross-sectional view as Fig. 12 and shows the exemplary pilot valve in an initially open state. Fig. 15 is the same cross-sectional view as Fig. Figure 13 shows the exemplary pilot valve in its initially open state. Fig. 16 is the same cross-sectional view as Fig. 12 and Fig. Figure 14 shows the exemplary pilot valve in a fully open state. Fig. 17 is the same cross-sectional view as Fig. 13 and Fig. 15 and shows the exemplary pilot valve in the fully open state. Fig. 18A and Fig. Section 18B contains example diagrams illustrating a digital and analog actuation cycle that may be implemented for the operation of one of the exemplary valves disclosed herein. Fig. Figure 19 is a top view of an exemplary piston arrangement with an exemplary seat valve, which is used in the exemplary height-adjustable seatpost of Fig. 2 can be used. Fig. Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary piston arrangement along line CC of Fig. 19. Fig. Figure 20 shows the exemplary seat valve in the closed state. Fig. Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary piston arrangement along line DD of Fig. 19. Fig. Figure 21 shows the exemplary seat valve in the closed state. Fig. 22 is the same cross-sectional view as Fig. 20 and shows the exemplary seat valve in the open state. Fig. 23 is the same cross-sectional view as Fig. 21 and shows the exemplary seat valve in the open state. Fig. Figure 24 is a top view of an exemplary piston arrangement with an exemplary slide valve, which is used in the exemplary height-adjustable seatpost of Fig. 2 can be used. Fig. Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary piston arrangement along line EE of Fig. 24. Fig. Figure 25 shows the exemplary slide valve in the closed state. Fig. Figure 26 is an enlarged view of the section of Fig. 25 and shows the slide valve in the closed position. Fig. Figure 27 shows the slide valve of Fig. 26 when open. Fig. Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary piston arrangement with an exemplary pull valve, which is used in the exemplary height-adjustable seatpost of Fig. 2 can be used. Fig. Figure 28 shows the exemplary pull valve in the closed state. Fig. 29 is the same cross-sectional view as Fig. 28 and shows the exemplary pull valve in the open state. Fig. Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary piston arrangement with an exemplary push-button valve, which is used in the exemplary height-adjustable seatpost of Fig. 2 can be used. Fig. Figure 30 shows the exemplary push-button valve in the closed state. Fig. 31 is the same cross-sectional view as Fig. 30 and shows the exemplary push-button valve in the open state. Fig. Figure 32 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary seatpost of Fig. 2 with an exemplary magnet arranged at a lower end of an exemplary lower tube. Fig. Figure 32 shows the exemplary height-adjustable seat post in a fully extended position. Fig. Figure 33 shows the exemplary seatpost from Fig. 32 in a partially retracted position. Fig. Figure 34 is an enlarged view of the lower section of Fig. 32 and shows the example magnet. Fig. Figure 35 is an enlarged view of the upper section of Fig. 32 and shows an exemplary piston arrangement with an exemplary tappet valve that can be used in the exemplary height-adjustable seatpost. Fig. Figure 35 shows the exemplary plunger valve in the closed state. Fig. 36 is the same cross-sectional view as Fig. 35 and shows the exemplary plunger valve in the open state.

[0005] The figures are not to scale. The thickness of layers or areas in the drawings may instead be shown enlarged. Generally, the same reference symbols are used in the drawing(s) and the accompanying written description to refer to identical or similar parts.

[0006] The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used herein to designate multiple elements or components that may be referred to separately. Unless otherwise specified or evident from the context, these designations do not imply any priority or chronological order but serve merely to identify multiple elements or components for the sake of clarity in the disclosed examples. According to some embodiments, the term "first" may be used to refer to an element in the detailed description, while a different designation, such as "second" or "third," may be used for the same element in a claim. In such cases, these designations are used simply for the sake of simplicity to refer to multiple elements or components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] Some modern bicycles are equipped with a height-adjustable seatpost, sometimes called a dropper seatpost, which allows the rider to change the seat height while riding. For example, the rider can press a button on the handlebars and push the seat down (e.g., with their buttocks), causing the seatpost to retract and lower the seat height. Releasing the button leaves the seatpost in the retracted position. To raise the seat, the rider can press the button again, causing the seatpost to extend and return the seat to its original height. This lowering capability can be advantageous when descending steep slopes. For instance, riders often lower the seat when descending so they can stand up and lean back without the seat touching their buttocks.This lowering feature can also be used to lower the seat before the rider reaches an incline where they would normally stand up and pedal. Adjustable seatposts can also be used in other scenarios.

[0008] In conventional dropper seatposts, the height is adjusted using hydraulic fluid and / or pneumatic pressure controlled by a mechanically or hydraulically actuated valve. More recently, battery-powered motors have been used in dropper seatposts, controlled by an electrical signal to actuate the valve. These motor systems require complex gear systems to generate the linear motion needed to actuate the valve. Furthermore, these systems require motor position sensors and monitoring systems to ensure proper valve actuation. Therefore, such conventional motor systems are typically complex to manufacture and potentially quite expensive.

[0009] Disclosed herein are height-adjustable seatposts that use an electric magnet to directly actuate the valve, allowing the seatpost to extend or retract. Specifically, the magnet can be activated to open the valve and allow the seatpost to extend or retract, or it can be deactivated to close the valve and lock the seatpost in a specific position (corresponding to a specific seat height). The exemplary magnet-controlled valves disclosed herein are advantageous because they do not require position monitoring, as is necessary with known dropper seatposts. This makes manufacturing significantly less complex and costly. Furthermore, the exemplary magnets disclosed herein perform only small, linear movements. This reduces the space required for the actuating components within the seatpost.

[0010] An exemplary height-adjustable seatpost disclosed herein comprises an upper tube and a lower tube arranged telescopically. The lower tube is coupled to or attached to the bicycle frame, and the seat is coupled to the upper tube. The upper tube can be moved relative to the lower tube to adjust the seat height. The upper tube is sealed at both ends and forms a pneumatic chamber filled with a pressurized gas (e.g., air, nitrogen). The seatpost includes a shaft coupled to the lower tube and extending into the upper tube. The seatpost includes a piston assembly located within the upper tube and coupled to the shaft. The piston assembly includes a piston that divides the pneumatic chamber into an upper pneumatic chamber and a lower pneumatic chamber.The piston assembly is generally located in an overlapping area between the upper and lower tubes. The piston assembly includes a valve that controls the gas flow between the upper and lower pneumatic chambers. Various exemplary valves are disclosed herein, including a pilot valve, a poppet valve, a slide valve, a pull valve, and a push-button valve. The seat post further includes a solenoid that controls the valve between a closed and an open state. When the valve is closed, it blocks or prevents the gas flow between the two chambers. The pressure in the upper pneumatic chamber is sufficient to support the rider's weight. To raise or lower the seat, the solenoid is activated to open the valve. When the valve is open, gas can flow via the piston between the upper and lower pneumatic chambers.This allows the rider to move the upper tube up or down relative to the lower tube, thus increasing or decreasing the seat height. Once the desired seating position is reached, the magnet is deactivated and the valve is switched back to the closed position, locking the seatpost in its current position.

[0011] In some examples disclosed herein, the magnet is located in the piston within the upper tube. The magnet is positioned in the overlapping area between the upper and lower tubes. In some examples, the seatpost includes a control module with a power supply (e.g., a battery) for actuating (e.g., activating or deactivating) the magnet. In some examples, the control module is coupled to an outer surface of the lower tube, e.g., at or near the clamping ring at the upper end of the lower tube. In some examples disclosed herein, the seatpost includes a network for wires and / or electrical connectors that electrically connect the control module located outside the tubes to the magnet located inside the tubes.

[0012] Furthermore, configurations are disclosed herein in which the magnet is coupled to a lower end of the lower tube. In these examples, the seatpost includes a pushrod that extends through the shaft between the magnet and the valve in the piston assembly. The magnet can be activated to move the pushrod and control the state of the valve. In some cases, this position of the magnet is advantageous because it allows it to be physically larger (e.g., with a larger diameter), which reduces the magnet's power consumption.

[0013] Furthermore, the exemplary solenoid-operated valves consume relatively little energy compared to conventional dropper seatposts. In some examples, the solenoid is activated with an initial electrical current, and once the valve is open, this current can be reduced to a second (lower) current to keep the valve open. This lowers the solenoid's power consumption and also allows for a control module with a smaller capacity.

[0014] Regarding the characters: Fig. Figure 1 shows an example of a human-powered vehicle in which the exemplary seatposts disclosed herein can be used. In this example, the vehicle is a possible type of bicycle 100, e.g., a mountain bike. In the illustrated example, the bicycle 100 comprises a frame 102, a front wheel 104, and a rear wheel 106, which are rotatably coupled to the frame 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the front wheel 104 is coupled to the front end of the frame 102 via a front fork 108. A forward-facing direction of travel or orientation of the bicycle 100 is indicated by the direction of arrow A in Figure 1. Fig. 1 is displayed. A forward direction of movement for bicycle 100 is therefore indicated by the direction of arrow A.

[0015] In the example shown from Fig. In Figure 1, the bicycle 100 comprises a seat 110 (sometimes also referred to as a saddle) which is coupled to the frame 102 (e.g., near the rear end of the frame 102 relative to the forward direction A) via a seat post 112. Specifically, the seat post 112 is coupled to a seat tube 114 of the frame 102. In some examples, the seat post 112 is coupled to the seat tube 114 via a clamp 116. In some examples, the seat post 112 is height-adjustable to raise or lower the seat 110. Exemplary height-adjustable seat posts are disclosed in detail herein. The bicycle 100 further comprises a handlebar 118, which is coupled to the frame 102 and the front fork 108 (e.g., near a front end of the frame 102 relative to the forward direction A) so that the bicycle 100 can be steered. The bicycle 100 is shown on a riding surface 120. The riding surface 120 can be any type of riding surface, e.g.,the ground (e.g., an unpaved path, a sidewalk, a road, etc.), an artificial structure above the ground (e.g., a wooden ramp), and / or any other surface.

[0016] In the illustrated example, the bicycle 100 has a drivetrain 122 comprising a crank assembly 124. The crank assembly 124 is functionally coupled via a chain 126 to a chainring assembly 128 attached to a hub 130 of the rear wheel 106. The crank assembly 124 comprises at least one, typically two, crank arms 132 and pedals 134, as well as at least one front chainring or chain guide 136. A rear gear-shifting device 138, e.g., a derailleur, is arranged on the rear wheel 106 to move the chain 126 between different chainrings of the chainring assembly 128. Additionally or alternatively, the bicycle 100 can have a plurality of front chain guides and a front gear-shifting device to move the chain 126 between the plurality of chain guides.

[0017] The exemplary bicycle 100 can include a suspension system with one or more suspension components. In the illustrated example, the bicycle 100 includes a rear suspension component 140. In this example, the suspension component 140 is designed as a shock absorber or includes one, referred to herein as the shock absorber 140. In some examples, the front fork 108 is also designed as a front suspension component. For example, a spring may be integrated into one leg and a damper into the other leg. The front fork 108 and the shock absorber 140 therefore absorb shocks and vibrations while riding the bicycle 100 (e.g., when riding on rough terrain). In other examples, the front fork 108 and / or the shock absorber 140 may be integrated into the bicycle 100 in other configurations or arrangements.

[0018] Although the in Fig. Although the exemplary bicycle shown in Figure 100 is a mountain bike, the exemplary seatposts disclosed herein can also be used on other types of bicycles. For example, the exemplary seatposts disclosed herein can be used on racing bicycles as well as bicycles with mechanical (e.g., cable, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc.) and non-mechanical (e.g., wired, wireless) drive systems. The exemplary seatposts disclosed herein can also be used on other types of human-powered two-, three-, and four-wheeled vehicles. Furthermore, the exemplary seatposts disclosed herein can be used on other types of vehicles, e.g., motor vehicles (e.g., motorcycles).

[0019] Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary height-adjustable seatpost 200, which is used as seatpost 112 on the bicycle 100. Fig. 1 can be used. The 200 seatpost can also be referred to as a dropper seatpost or seatpost assembly. The length or height of the example 200 seatpost is adjustable so that the seat height 110 ( Fig. 1) can be enlarged or reduced. In the example shown, the seatpost 200 comprises a first tube 202, referred to herein as the lower tube 202, and a second tube 204, referred to herein as the upper tube 204. The lower and upper tubes 202, 204 may also be referred to as seatpost sections or segments. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the lower and upper tubes 202, 204 are arranged coaxially and aligned along an axis 206. The lower tube 202 comprises a first end 208, hereinafter referred to as the upper end 208, and a second end 210, hereinafter referred to as the lower end 210, arranged opposite to the upper end 208. The upper tube 204 also comprises a first end 212, hereinafter referred to as the upper end 212, and a second end 500 (in Figure 2) arranged opposite to the upper end 212. Fig. 5 and Fig. (Figure 6), hereafter referred to as the lower end 500. The upper tube 204 extends into an opening 213 in the upper end 208 of the lower tube 202. The upper tube 204 is thus at least partially arranged within the lower tube 202. The upper tube 204 can be pushed into and out of the opening 213 in the lower tube 202. Therefore, the upper tube 204 and the lower tube 202 are arranged telescopically. In further examples, the tubes 202, 204 can be configured such that the lower tube 202 extends into the lower end 500 of the upper tube 204.

[0020] In the example shown, the seatpost 200 includes a seat clamp 214, which is coupled (e.g., welded, bolted, etc.) to the upper end 212 of the upper tube 204. The seat clamp 214 is used to secure the seat 110 ( Fig. 1) to couple with the seatpost 200. In this example, the seat clamp 214 comprises two threaded fasteners 216, 218 (e.g., bolts) that can be tightened to secure the seat 110 to the upper tube 204. In other examples, the seatpost 200 may have other mechanisms for attaching to the seat 110. In the example shown, the seatpost 200 comprises an end cap 220 that is coupled to the lower end 210 of the lower tube 202. The end cap 220 is disclosed in detail herein.

[0021] Is the seatpost 200 on the bicycle 100 ( Fig. 1) installed, the lower tube 202 is connected to the frame 102 ( Fig. 1) coupled. For example, the lower tube 202 can be inserted into the seat tube 114 ( Fig. 1) inserted and through terminal 116 ( Fig. 1) be attached. The upper tube 204 extends upwards from the lower tube 202 and holds the seat 110 ( Fig. 1) As detailed herein, the seatpost 200 has an internal valve system that allows the upper tube 204 to move downwards (e.g., slide) relative to the lower tube 202 and provides a recoil force to move the upper tube 204 upwards relative to the lower tube 202. This allows a rider to easily lower the seat height 110. The seatpost 200 is adjustable between a fully extended position (sometimes referred to as the upper end position), as shown in Fig. Figure 2 shows the seat post 200 in two positions: one fully extended and the other fully retracted, in which the upper tube 204 is moved into the lower tube 202 until a stop or limit is reached. The seat post 200 can also be extended / retracted and locked in any position between the fully extended and fully retracted positions. Fig. Figure 3 shows, for example, an instance where the upper tube 204 was partially moved into the lower tube 202. This would result in the seat 110 ( Fig. 1) be lowered or brought closer to the ground.

[0022] In the example shown from Fig. Figure 2 of the seatpost 200 includes a control module 222. The control module 222 includes a power supply (e.g., a battery) and a circuit (e.g., a processor circuit, a logic circuit, etc.) for operating the internal valve system. In this example, the control module 222 is coupled to an outer surface 223 of the lower tube 202 at or near the upper end 208 of the lower tube 202. In some known dropper posts, the control module is located at the seat clamp. However, this location can overlap with the rear tire clearance. Therefore, it can be advantageous to position the control module 222 at the upper end of the lower tube 202, adjacent to the overlap area, to improve rear wheel clearance. This location also helps to maintain a minimal drop-to-overall-length ratio.

[0023] If a driver wants to use seat 110 ( Fig. 1) lowering, for example, he presses a button to activate the seat post on the handlebar 118 ( Fig. 1) The control module 222 receives a signal (e.g., a wireless signal) from the seatpost activation button and activates the internal valve system to open an internal valve in the pneumatic chamber in the upper tube 204, as detailed herein. While the internal valve is open, the rider can push down on the seat 110, thereby pushing the upper tube 204 into the lower tube 202, as shown in the position of Fig. Figure 3 illustrates this. In some examples, the rider can apply this force by sitting on the seat 110 and applying downward force with their buttocks. Once the seat 110 has reached the desired height, the rider can release the button on the handlebar 118. The control module 222 closes the internal valve, locking the upper tube 204 relative to the lower tube 202. If the rider wishes to raise the seat 110, they can press the seatpost activation button. The control module 222 receives the signal and opens the internal valve. If no or only a slight downward force is applied to the seat 110, the internal pneumatic system pushes the upper tube 204 upward away from the lower tube 202, thus raising the seat 110. Once the desired position is reached, the rider can release the seatpost activation button to close the internal valve and hold the seatpost 200 in its current position.

[0024] In some examples, the rider presses and holds the seatpost activation button to activate the internal valve system. While the seatpost activation button is pressed, the valve is held open, allowing the upper tube 204 to slide up or down relative to the lower tube 202. When the rider releases the seatpost activation button, the internal valve closes, locking the upper tube 204 in place. In other examples, however, the system may be configured so that the rider can press and release the button to open the valve and then press the button a second time to close it.

[0025] Fig. Figure 4 is an enlarged view of section 224 of Fig. Figure 2 shows the control module 222. In the example shown, the control module 222 comprises a clamping ring 400, a control housing 402 coupled to the clamping ring 400, and a power supply, in this example a battery 404 coupled to the control housing 402. The clamping ring 400 surrounds the lower tube 202 and serves to couple the control module 222 to the lower tube 202. In this example, the clamping ring 400 comprises a first section 406a and a second section 406b, which are coupled to each other and thus clamped around the lower tube 202. In some examples, the first and second sections 402a, 402b are coupled by a snap lock and / or threaded fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.). The control housing 402 contains electronic components for receiving control signals and for operating the internal valve system (e.g. opening the valve, closing the valve, etc.). Fig. Figure 4 shows, for example, a block diagram of the control housing 402. The control housing 402 comprises a wireless receiver 408 and a processor circuit 410. The wireless receiver 408 can receive wireless control / command signals from the seatpost actuation button. In response to receiving a command, the processor circuit 410 activates a magnet by applying current or voltage to it. In some examples, the processor circuit 410 activates the magnet as long as the seatpost actuation button is pressed. When the seatpost actuation button is released, no control / command signals are received, and the processor circuit 410 either deactivates or cuts off the power supply to the magnet.The term “processor circuit” as used herein includes (i) one or more special electrical circuits structured to perform specific operations and comprising one or more semiconductor-based logic devices (e.g., electrical hardware implemented by one or more transistors), and / or (ii) one or more general semiconductor-based electrical circuits that can be programmed with instructions to perform specific operations and comprising one or more semiconductor-based logic devices (e.g., electrical hardware implemented by one or more transistors).Examples of processor circuits include programmable microprocessors, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) capable of instantiating instructions, central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), XPUs or microcontrollers, and integrated circuits such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). An XPU, for example, can be implemented by a heterogeneous computer system containing several types of processor circuits (e.g., one or more FPGAs, one or more CPUs, one or more GPUs, one or more DSPs, etc.).and / or a combination thereof) and application programming interface(s) (API(s)) that can assign a computational task(s) to the one of the several types of processor circuits that is / are best suited to perform the computational task(s).

[0026] In the Fig. In the example shown, the electronic components of the control housing 402 are powered by the battery 404. The battery 404 supplied power to a magnet 522 ( Fig. 5) to excite or activate. In some examples, the battery 404 is removable. For example, the battery 404 can be removed, charged, and reattached to the control housing 402. In other examples, the battery 404 can be charged while it is attached to the control housing 402. Therefore, in this example, the power supply for the magnet 522 is attached to the clamping ring 400 at the upper end 208 of the lower tube 202. The battery 404 is fixed relative to the lower tube 202 (via the clamping ring 400) and relative to the lower tube 202 when it is mounted on the bicycle 100 ( Fig. 1).

[0027] Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the 200 seatpost in the fully extended position according to Fig. 2, and Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the 200 seatpost in a partially retracted position accordingly. Fig. 3. Fig. 5 and Fig. Six are described together. As in Fig. 5 and Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the upper tube 204 has a lower end 500. The lower end 500 is located in the lower tube 202. The lower and upper tubes 202, 204 overlap in an overlap region or area. Fig. 5 The lower and upper tubes 202, 204 overlap by a length L1, and in Fig. 6. The lower and upper tubes 202, 204 overlap by a length L2, which is greater than L1. Thus, the height or length of the seatpost 200 is Fig. 6 less than the height or length of the seatpost 200 in Fig. 5.

[0028] As in Fig. 5 and Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the upper tube 204 defines a chamber 502. The chamber 502 is filled with fluid (e.g., pneumatic gas), as further described herein. The seatpost 200 comprises an upper plug 504 (e.g., a seal) coupled to the upper tube 204 and located within the upper tube 204 at or near its upper end 212. The seatpost 200 further comprises a lower plug 506 (e.g., a seal) coupled to the upper tube 204 and located within the upper tube 204 at or near its lower end 500. The upper and lower plugs 504 and 506 seal the ends of the upper tube 204 to retain the fluid in the chamber 502.

[0029] In the Fig. 5 and Fig. In the example shown in Figure 6, the seatpost 200 comprises a shaft 508, which can be referred to as a piston shaft or rod. The shaft 508 is arranged in the lower tube 202 and coupled to the lower tube 202 such that the shaft 508 is fixed relative to the lower tube 202. In this example, the shaft 508 is coupled to the end cap 220, which is coupled to the lower end 210 of the lower tube 202. In other examples, however, the shaft 508 can be coupled to the lower tube 202 via a bracket or other structure. The shaft 508 extends upwards through the lower tube 202 into the chamber 502 of the upper tube 204. In particular, the shaft 508 extends through the lower plug 506 and into the upper tube 204. The lower plug 506 is movable up and down along the shaft 508 when the seatpost 200 extends or retracts.

[0030] In the Fig. 5 and Fig. In the example shown in Figure 6, the seatpost 200 comprises a piston assembly 510 arranged in the upper tube 204. The piston assembly 510 can also be referred to as a valve assembly or flow control element. The piston assembly 510 is located in the chamber 502 of the upper tube 204 and is coupled to the shaft 508. When the seat tube 200 extends or retracts, the piston assembly 510 is positioned further away from or closer to the upper end of the upper tube 204, respectively. The piston assembly 510 comprises a piston 512, which is sealed against an inner surface 514 of the upper tube 204. The inner surface 514 of the upper tube 204 is slidable up and down along the piston 512 when the seatpost 200 extends or retracts. The piston arrangement 510, in particular the piston 512, divides the chamber 502 of the upper tube 204 into a first chamber 516 (between the piston 512 and the upper plug 504) and a second chamber 518 (between the piston 512 and the lower plug 506).The first and second chambers 516, 518 can also be referred to as the upper and lower chambers, respectively. The volumes of the first and second chambers 516, 518 change as the upper tube 204 moves up and down relative to the piston assembly. The first and second chambers 516, 518 are filled with a fluid. In this example, the seatpost 200 is based on a pneumatic platform. The first and second chambers 516, 518 are filled with a pressurized gas, such as nitrogen or air. According to other examples, the first and second chambers 516, 518 can be filled with a different compressible gas. The piston assembly 510 controls the gas flow through the piston 512 and between the first and second chambers 516, 518. In this example, a valve 520 is arranged in the piston assembly, which is actuated by a solenoid 522. The valve 520 and the magnet 522 are located in the upper tube 204 and at least partially in an overlap area (e.g.L1 or L2) is arranged between the upper tube 204 and the lower tube 202. Exemplary valves and magnets are disclosed in detail herein. The valve 520 can be actuated (e.g., opened or closed) to control the gas flow over the piston 512 between the first and second chambers 516, 518. In particular, the valve 520 is actuated between a closed state, in which the fluid (e.g., pressurized gas) is prevented from flowing over the piston 512 between the first and second chambers 516, 518, thereby locking the lower and upper tubes 202, 204, and an open state, in which the fluid can flow over the piston 512 between the first and second chambers 516, 518, thereby allowing the upper tube 204 to move relative to the lower tube 202 to adjust the height of the seat 110. The magnet 522 controls the state of the valve 520, as detailed herein.

[0031] Briefly Fig. 7: Fig. Figure 7 is an enlarged view of section 524 of Fig. Figure 5 shows the upper plug 504. The upper plug 504 includes a valve 700, which allows a user to supply or withdraw pneumatic fluid from the chamber 502 in the upper tube 204. The valve 700 is located in an opening 702 through the upper plug 504. In this example, the valve 700 is a Schrader valve. In other examples, however, the valve 700 may be a different type of valve, such as a Presta valve. The valve 700 comprises a valve body 704 (sometimes called a stem) and a core 706 (e.g., a poppet valve) that controls the fluid flow through the valve body 704. A user can remove the saddle clamp 214 and access the valve 700 to supply or withdraw pneumatic fluid from the chamber 502.

[0032] Back to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6: In this example, the first chamber 516 is a positive pressure chamber and the second chamber 518 is a negative pressure chamber. Both the first chamber 516 and the second chamber 518 are pressure-tight chambers. The lower tube 202 defines a third chamber 526 between the lower plug 506 and the end cap 220. The third chamber 526 is considered a pressure-regulating chamber. The volume of the third chamber 526 changes depending on the actuation position. In some examples, the third chamber 526 contains atmospheric air, which is released into the atmosphere. However, in other examples, the third chamber 526 is also a pressure-tight chamber (e.g., containing compressed air or nitrogen). In this example, the air in the third chamber 526 can be compressed when the upper tube 204 is moved downwards. This compressed air can generate a preload force to return the seatpost 200 to the fully extended position.In other examples, the third chamber 526 can have other mechanisms for compensating for volume changes, such as a floating piston or a deformable bladder. The first chamber 516, the second chamber 518, and the third chamber 526 can have any number of shapes and / or sizes. For example, the first chamber 516, the second chamber 518, and the third chamber 526 can be cylindrical (e.g., with outer diameters between 27 mm and 35 mm) and dimensioned for a specific maximum support setting (e.g., 150 mm).

[0033] As in Fig. 5 and Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the piston 512 has a first side 528 facing the upper plug 504 and a second side 530 opposite the first side 528 and facing the lower plug 506. An axial surface area (seen along the axis 206) of the first side 528 of the piston 512 is larger than an axial surface area of ​​the second side 530 of the piston 512. This is because a section of the axial surface area of ​​the second side 530 is reduced by the cross-sectional area of ​​the shaft 508. When the valve 520 is in the closed position and the seat post 200 is in the fully extended position ( Fig. 5), the first chamber 516 acts as a spring and is configured to preload the upper tube 204 towards the fully extended position of the seatpost 200. The first side 528 and the second side 530 of the piston 512 are dimensioned and shaped, and the first chamber 516 and the second chamber 518 are pressurized accordingly, when the seatpost 200 is in the fully extended position, such that the gas in the first chamber 516 supports the rider's weight. In some examples, the seat 110 lowers by less than 10 mm due to the rider's weight on the seat 110 when the seatpost 200 is in the fully extended position. The seatpost 200 is effective because the axial surface of the first side 528 of the piston 512 against a pneumatic pressure ratio between the first chamber 516 and the second chamber 518 keeps the rider upright on the basis of the force calculation.This also depends on the volume of the second chamber 518 in the fully extended position of the seatpost 200. In the in . Fig. In the example shown, the volume of the first chamber 516 is larger than the volume of the second chamber 518 when the seatpost 200 is in the fully extended position. In some examples, the volume of the second chamber 518 cannot exceed twenty percent of the volume of the first chamber 516 when the seatpost 200 is in the fully extended position. In other examples, the first and second chambers 516, 518 can have different volume ratios when fully extended. For example, the volume of the second chamber 518 cannot exceed ten percent, five percent, or three percent of the volume of the first chamber 516 when the seatpost 200 is in the fully extended position. This makes the seatpost 200 act like a pre-tensioned pneumatic spring without a vacuum. This is the principle that keeps the rider upright and provides a feeling of stability.When the seatpost 200 is in the fully extended position, the seat 110 may move slightly, but this movement is usually not noticeable to the rider.

[0034] For example, it is assumed that the seatpost 200 is located in the Fig. 5 shown fully extended position and the driver is in seat 110 ( Fig. 1) wants to lower it. The rider presses a button to operate the seat post (e.g. on the handlebars 118, Fig. 1), and the control module 222 activates the solenoid 522 to open the valve 520. In some examples, the control module 222 activates the solenoid 522 by applying direct current to the coil. As long as the valve 520 is open, a downward force can be exerted on the seat 110. For example, the driver can sit (or partially sit) on the seat 110 to exert downward pressure with their buttocks. This downward pressure forces the gas to flow from the first chamber 516 through the valve 520 (and via the piston assembly 510) into the second chamber 518. This allows the upper tube 204 to move downward relative to the upper tube 204, thus lowering the seat 110. As the upper tube 204 moves downward, the volume of the first chamber 516 decreases and the volume of the second chamber 518 increases.The driver can move seat 110 to any position between the fully extended and fully retracted positions (e.g., lower it). Fig. Figure 6 shows the 200 seatpost in an intermediate position between the fully extended and fully retracted positions.

[0035] If seat 110 is in a desired position, e.g., the one in Fig. In the position shown in Figure 6, the rider can release the button to operate the seatpost. The control module 222 deactivates the magnet 522, which causes the valve 520 to close. When the valve 520 is closed, gas is prevented from flowing through the piston assembly 510 between the first chamber 516 and the second chamber 518. This restricts or prevents further relative movement of the upper tube 204 relative to the lower tube 202. When the valve 520 is closed, there is a force equilibrium in the system such that the axial compressive force acting on the first side 528 of the piston 512 is approximately equal to the axial compressive force acting on the second side 530 of the piston 512. Therefore, when the rider is seated on the seat 110, the seatpost 200 can support the rider's weight.If the seatpost 200 is in an intermediate position (between the fully extended and fully retracted positions), the seat 110 may, in some cases, lower slightly due to the rider's weight (e.g., 40 mm or less). When the seatpost 200 is moved into the fully retracted position, the seat clamp 214 contacts the upper end 208 of the lower tube 202 and / or the lower plug 506 contacts the end cap 220. This creates a hard stop that prevents further movement. With the seatpost 200 in the fully retracted position, the seat 110 cannot lower further due to this hard stop.

[0036] To raise the seatpost 200 back to its fully extended position, the rider presses the seatpost actuation button, and the control module 222 activates the magnet 522 to open the valve 520. Without any external downward force acting on the seat 110 ( Fig. 1) When the pressure in the first chamber 516 of the upper tube 204 acts, it causes the upper tube 204 to move upwards relative to the lower tube 202 back into the fully extended position. This is because the axial surface area of ​​the first side 528 of the piston 512 is larger than the axial surface area on the second side 530. Therefore, the pressure force in the first chamber 516 acting on the first side 528 of the piston 512 is greater than the pressure force in the second chamber 518 acting on the second side 530 of the piston 512. As a result, the upper tube 204 is pushed upwards into the fully extended position. As the upper tube 204 moves upwards, fluid flows through the valve 520 from the second chamber 518 into the first chamber 516. Due to the axial pressure force imbalance, the seat post 200 is therefore pre-tensioned towards the fully extended position.This allows the seatpost 200 to automatically return to its fully extended position. Once the seatpost 200 is fully extended, the rider can release the button to operate the seatpost, which closes the valve and locks the seatpost 200 in the fully extended position.

[0037] As revealed above, in some examples the third chamber 526 is vented to the atmosphere. Therefore, the third chamber 526 exerts only a minimal preload force, if any, on the upper tube 204. In other examples, however, the third chamber 526 may be sealed and pressurized. In such an example, when the upper tube 204 is moved downwards, the volume of the third chamber 526 decreases, thereby increasing the pressure within the third chamber 526. This pressure acts upwards on the lower plug 506 and helps to preload the upper tube 204 into the fully extended position.

[0038] As revealed above, the control module 222 includes a processor circuit to control and operate the magnet 522. In the Fig. 5 and Fig. In the example shown in Figure 6, the control module 222 is arranged on the outer surface 223 of the lower tube 202, while the magnet 522 is arranged in the piston assembly 510 in the chamber 502 of the upper tube 204. The seat post 200 can include one or more leads and / or electrical connections to form an electrical path between the control module 222 and the magnet 522. This enables the transmission of current and / or command signals between the control module 222 and the magnet 522. As shown in Figure 6, the control module 222 is arranged on the outer surface 223 of the lower tube 202, while the magnet 522 is arranged in the piston assembly 510 in the chamber 502 of the upper tube 204. The seat post 200 can include one or more leads and / or electrical connections to form an electrical path between the control module 222 and the magnet 522. Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the seatpost 200, for example, comprises a first and a second outer line 532, 534, which are arranged in the lower tube 202. In some examples, the first and second outer lines 532, 534 are positive and negative lines. The first and second outer lines 532, 534 are electrically coupled to the control module 222. The first and second outer lines 532, 534 extend through the lower tube 202 to the end cap 220. In other words, in this example, the first and second outer lines 532, 534 run between the upper end 208 and the lower end 210 of the lower tube 202. In the illustrated example, the first and second outer lines 532, 534 are arranged along an inner surface 536 of the lower tube 202. In some examples, the first and second outer conduits 532, 534 are equipped with corresponding channels along the inner surface 536 of the lower tube 202. In some examples, the channels are made of the same material (e.g.,The channels are formed from aluminum, such as the lower tube 202. In other examples, the channels can extend through the wall of the lower tube 202. In the example shown, the first and second outer conductors 532, 534 are arranged on opposite sides of the lower tube 202. This can be advantageous to achieve separation between the positive and negative conductors. In other examples, however, the first and second outer conductors 532, 534 can also be arranged side by side. In some examples, each outer conductor 532, 534 has an insulated sheath. In other examples, the outer conductors 532, 534 can be sheathed together.

[0039] In the illustrated example, the seatpost 200 further comprises a first and a second inner conductor 538, 540. The first and second inner conductors 538, 540 are arranged in the shaft 508 and extend between the magnet 522 and the end cap 220. In some examples, each inner conductor 538, 540 has an insulated sheath. In other examples, the inner conductors 538, 540 may be sheathed together as a multi-conductor cable. The end cap 220 comprises one or more electrical connectors or conductor bridges for electrically coupling the outer conductors 532, 534 and the corresponding inner conductors 538, 540. The outer and inner conductors 532, 534, 538, 540 may be soldered or crimped to the electrical connectors in the end cap 220. Therefore, the outer lines 532, 534, the inner lines 538, 540 and the electrical connectors form an electrical path between the control module 222 and the magnet 522.Positive and negative electrical connections are thus formed between the control module 222 and the magnet 522. The control module 222 can activate the magnet 522 by applying current via these electrical connections.

[0040] Fig. Figure 8 is an exploded view of the end cap 220. Fig. Figure 8 shows the first and second outer lines 532, 534, extending from the lower end 210 of the lower tube 202. A first outer line contact 800 is coupled to the first outer line 532, and a second outer line contact 802 is coupled to the second outer line 534. In the illustrated example, the end cap 220 comprises a top plate 804, a first retaining ring 806, a seal 808, a body 810, a first and second threaded transverse pin 812, 814, a second retaining ring 816, a guide 818, a first and second inner line contact 820, 822 (e.g., electrical connectors), a bottom plate 824, and a cover 826. Fig. Figure 8 further shows an internal line connection 828, which is coupled to one end of the shaft 508.

[0041] In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 8, the body 810 has a central opening 830 and first and second threaded openings 832, 834. During assembly of the end cap 220, the shaft 508 is inserted into the central opening 830, and the first and second threaded transverse pins 812, 814 are screwed into the corresponding threaded openings 832, 834. The shaft 508 has grooves 836 (of which in Fig. (only one is shown) on opposite sides of the shaft 508. The first and second threaded transverse pins 812, 814 extend through the grooves 836. This prevents the shaft 508 from moving and / or rotating linearly relative to the body 510. The shaft 508 is thus coupled to the end cap 220.

[0042] Fig. Figure 9 is an enlarged view of section 542 of Fig. 5 and shows the assembled end cap 220. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the body 810 is partially arranged within the lower tube 202 and extends outwards from the lower end 210 of the lower tube 202. The cover 826 is screwed to the body 810. The retaining rings 806, 816 are arranged in corresponding recesses 900, 902 formed on the inner surface 536 of the lower tube 202 and secure the body 810 within the lower tube 202. The upper plate 804 is arranged above the body 810. The seal 808 is arranged between the body 810 and the upper plate 804. The upper plate 804 is clamped between the body 810 and a disc 910 in the lower tube 202. As mentioned previously, the first and second outer lines 532, 534 are coupled to the corresponding first and second outer line contacts 800, 802. The first and second outer line contacts 800, 802 are arranged on a top surface 904 of the upper plate 804.

[0043] In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 9, the lower plate 824 and the guide 818 are arranged in the body 810. In some examples, the lower plate 824 and the guide 818 are held in the body 810 by friction fit. The first inner conductor contact 820 extends upward through the guide 818 and through the upper plate 804 and is in contact with the first outer conductor contact 800. Similarly, the second inner conductor contact 822 extends upward through the guide 818 and through the upper plate 804 and is in contact with the second outer conductor contact 802. The inner conductor terminal 828 has a first and a second pin 906, 908 (e.g., electrical connectors). The first and second inner conductors 538, 540 are coupled (e.g., soldered) to the first and second pins 906, 908. The first and second internal line contacts 820, 822 are in contact with the first and second pins 906, 908 respectively.The first outer conductor contact 800, the first inner conductor contact 820, and the first pin 906 form an electrical path between the first outer conductor 532 and the first inner conductor 538. Similarly, the second outer conductor contact 802, the second inner conductor contact 822, and the second pin 908 form an electrical path between the second outer conductor 534 and the second inner conductor 540. In the illustrated example, the first and second inner conductor contacts 820 and 822 have several bends or curves, which allow them to bend and maintain proper contact during installation and assembly. Therefore, the end cap 220 includes one or more electrical connectors that electrically couple the outer leads 532, 534 and the inner leads 538, 540 in such a way that an electrical path is formed between the control module 222 and the magnet 522.

[0044] Fig. Figure 10 is an enlarged view of section 544 of Fig. 5 and shows the piston arrangement 510 in the upper tube 204. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the lower plug 506 is threaded to the lower end 500 of the upper tube 204, thus sealing the lower end 500 of the upper tube 204. The seatpost 200 includes a shaft seal 1000 between the lower plug 506 and the shaft 508 to prevent leakage in the lower plug 506. The shaft seal 1000 allows the lower plug 506 to slide smoothly up and down along the shaft 508 as the seatpost 200 extends and retracts. The seatpost 200 comprises a first outer seal 1002 between the lower plug 506 and the inner surface 514 of the upper tube 204 and a second outer seal 1004 between the lower plug 506 and the inner surface 536 of the lower tube 202. The seatpost 200 further comprises a first and a second seal 1006, 1008 between an outer surface 1010 of the upper tube 204 and the inner surface 536 of the lower tube 202.In other examples, the seatpost may include 200 more or fewer seals and / or the seals may be arranged in other configurations.

[0045] In the Fig. In the position shown in Figure 10, the seat post 200 is fully extended. In this position, the piston 512 engages with a seat 1012 at the upper end of the lower plug 506. This forms a limit or stop that prevents the upper tube 204 from moving further upwards relative to the lower tube 202. In some examples, the seat 1012 is coupled to the upper end of the lower plug 506.

[0046] In the illustrated example, the piston 512 has a head section 1014. The piston assembly 510 includes a seal 1016 (which can be referred to as a chamber seal) around the head section 1014 for sealing against the inner surface 514 of the upper tube 204. Thus, the first chamber 516 is located above the head section 1014 and the second chamber 518 is located below the head section 1014. The piston 512 has a bore 1018 that forms part of a passage through the piston head 1014, fluidically connecting the first chamber 516 and the second chamber 518, as disclosed in detail herein.

[0047] As disclosed above, the piston assembly 510 comprises the valve 520. In the illustrated example, the valve 520 is arranged in the piston 512 and / or at least partially formed from it. In this example, the valve 520 is a pilot valve, which is hereafter referred to as the pilot valve 520. Details of the pilot valve 520 are disclosed herein in detail. In other examples, the piston assembly 510 may comprise valves of other types, examples of which are also disclosed herein in detail. In the example shown in Fig. In the example shown in Figure 10, the pilot valve 520 comprises a valve body 1020 arranged in the bore 1018 of the piston 512. The piston assembly 510 includes a support 1022 coupled to the piston 512 and arranged above the valve body 1020 to hold the valve body 1020 in the piston 512. The valve body 1020 comprises one or more passages (disclosed in detail herein) that allow fluid flow through the bore 1018 and the piston head 1014 between the first chamber 516 and the second chamber 518. The pilot valve 520 can be actuated between an open position or an open state to allow fluid flow through the passages and between the first and second chambers 516, 518, and a closed state or a closed position to block or prevent fluid flow through the passages and between the first and second chambers 516, 518.

[0048] Fig. Figure 11 is a top view of the piston assembly 510. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the bracket 1022 has a first and a second bore 1100, 1102. The bracket 1022 has a central opening 1104. The valve body 1020 has a first and a second channel 1106, 1108, which are disclosed in detail herein. Fig. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the piston assembly 510 along line AA of Fig. 11, and Fig. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the piston assembly 510 along line BB of Fig. 11.

[0049] According to Fig. In Figure 12, the piston 512 has a first side 1200 and a second side 1202 opposite the first side 1200. The bore 1018 extends into the first side 1200 of the piston 512. In this example, the pilot valve 520 and the solenoid 522 are located in the bore 1018 and thus within the piston 512. The bracket 1022 is threaded to the piston 512 at or near the first side 1200, clamping the pilot valve 520 and the solenoid 522 between the bracket 1022 and a shoulder 1204 in the piston 512. The pilot valve 520 and the solenoid 522 are thus secured within the piston 512. The shaft 508 extends into an opening 1206 in the second side 1202 of the piston 512 and is coupled to the piston 512 (e.g. by friction fit, via a threaded connection, etc.).

[0050] In the illustrated example, the magnet 522 comprises a core 1208, a coil 1210 (e.g., copper windings) wound around the core 1208, and an armature 1212. In this example, the core 1208 defines a central passage or channel 1214. The armature 1212 is slidably arranged in the central channel 1214 of the core 1208. In this example, the armature 1212 acts as a plug or plunger of the pilot valve 520. Therefore, the armature 1212 can be referred to here as the plunger 1212 of the pilot valve 520. The magnet 522 includes a spring retainer 1216 arranged in the channel 1214. The magnet 522 further includes a spring 1218 arranged between the plunger 1212 and the spring retainer 1216. The spring 1218 tensions the plunger 1212 in Fig. 12 upwards, which corresponds to the closed state of the pilot valve 520.

[0051] In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 12, the piston 512 has two radial openings 1220, 1222 which extend through the piston 512 and fluidically connect the bore 1018 and the outside of the piston 512, forming the second chamber 518 ( Fig. 5) corresponds. While the piston 512 in this example has two radial openings, the piston 512 in other examples may have only one radial opening or more than two radial openings.

[0052] In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 12, the valve body 1020 has a first side 1224 and a second side 1226 opposite the first side 1224. The piston assembly 510 includes a seal 1228 between the valve body 1020 and the inner surface 1230 of the piston 512. The channels 1106, 1108 are formed by the valve body between the first side 1224 and the second side 1226. The channels 1106, 1108 are in fluid communication with the fluid in the first chamber 516.

[0053] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the valve body 1020 has a bore 1232 that extends upwards from the second side 1226, but does not reach the first side 1224. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the valve body 1020 has a transverse channel 1300 extending through the valve body 1020 and intersecting the bore 1232. In this example, the lower section of the valve body 1020 has a smaller diameter than the inner surface 1230 of the piston 512, so that an annular channel 1234 is formed between the valve body 1020 and the inner surface 1230 of the piston 512. The radial openings 1220, 1222, the channel 1234, the transverse channel 1300, and the bore 1232 are in fluid communication with the fluid in the second chamber 518 ( Fig. 10).

[0054] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the pilot valve 520 has a first seal 1236 and a second seal 1238. The first seal 1236 is arranged along the second side 1226 of the valve body 1020. In the Fig. In the position shown in Figure 12, the first seal 1236 is in contact with the second side 1226. The first seal 1236 has an opening 1240 (e.g., a vent opening), which is referred to as the pilot opening 1240 and is aligned with the bore 1232. The second seal 1238 is coupled to the plunger 1212. Fig. 12 and Fig. At position 13, the pilot valve 520 is in the closed position. This is the case when the solenoid 522 is not activated or energized. If the solenoid 522 is not activated, the plunger 1212 is biased upwards and into the first seal 1236 by the spring 1218. Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 The plunger 1212 is in a first position. In this position, the second seal 1238 engages with the first seal 1236 and blocks the pilot opening 1240. This force also presses the first seal 1236 against the second side 1226 of the valve body 1020. As a result, the first seal 1236 blocks or prevents fluid from passing between the bore 1232 and the first and second channels 1106, 1108, and thus between the first chamber 516 ( Fig. 10) and the second chamber 518 ( Fig. 10) flows. When the pilot valve 520 is in the closed state, the pilot valve 520 blocks the fluid connection between the first and second chambers 516, 518 (the overpressure and underpressure chambers) in order to lock the upper tube 204 and the lower tube 202 relative to each other.

[0055] Fig. 14 and Fig. Figure 15 shows cross-sectional views of the piston assembly 510 along the planes of Fig. 12 or 13. Fig. 14 and Fig. Figure 15 shows the state of valve 520 after solenoid 522 has first been activated or switched on. The control module 222 ( Fig. 2) Activates the magnet 522 by applying current to the coil 1210. The core 1208 can be made of an iron-containing material (e.g., iron). The current in the coil 1210 induces a magnetic field around the core 1208. The plunger 1212 (the armature) is made of a metallic material (e.g., iron). Therefore, the magnetic field pulls the plunger 1212 (the armature) downwards into a second position, as shown in Fig. 14 and Fig. Figure 15 shows that, as a result, the second seal 1238 on the plunger 1212 is spaced apart from the first seal 1236. This opens the pilot opening 1240. As can be seen from the fluid flow lines 1400, fluid flows out of the bore 1232 (which is under the same pressure as the second chamber 518 ( Fig. 10)) through the pilot opening 1240 into an area below the first seal 1236. This essentially equalizes or balances the pressure on the upper and lower surfaces of the first seal 1236. The first seal 1236 can therefore open with less force.

[0056] Fig. 16 and Fig. Figure 17 shows cross-sectional views of the piston assembly 510 along the planes of Fig. Figures 12 and 13 show the state of valve 520 after activation of solenoid 522 for a specific period (e.g., 10 milliseconds (ms), one second, etc.). Once the pressure at the first seal 1236 is essentially equalized, the first seal 1236 opens by moving away from the second side 1226 of the valve body 1020. This occurs due to the higher pressure in the first and second channels 1106, 1108, which acts downwards on the first seal 1236. Consequently, as shown by the fluid flow lines 1600, fluid can flow between the first and second channels 1106, 1108 (which are in fluid communication with the first chamber 516 ( Fig. 10) stand) and bore 1232 (which is in fluid communication with the second chamber 518 ( Fig. 10) stands) flow. This allows the upper pipe 204 ( Fig. 2) relative to the lower pipe 202 ( Fig. 2) move to adjust the seat height 110 ( Fig. 1) to adjust. If the first seal 1236 is open, the volume flow is greater than when in Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 initial opening process shown.

[0057] To close the pilot valve 520, the solenoid 522 is deactivated or switched off. Without the magnetic field, the spring 1218 biases the plunger 1212 upwards and into the first seal 1236, thereby closing the pilot orifice 1240 and pressing the first seal 1236 into the second side 1226 of the valve body 1020. Therefore, in this example, when the solenoid 522 is activated, the plunger 1212 (the armature) is moved in a first direction (e.g., downwards) to open the pilot valve 520, and when the solenoid 522 is deactivated, the plunger 1212 (the armature) is moved in a second direction (e.g., upwards) to close the pilot valve 520. In this example, the plunger 1212 (the armature) is biased in the second direction by the spring 1218. Additionally or alternatively, the valve can be configured such that the pneumatic pressure biases the plunger 1212 (the armature) in the second direction, examples of which are disclosed in detail herein.

[0058] As described above, the second seal 1238 is in contact with the first seal 1236 and blocks the pilot orifice 1240, and the first seal 1236 is in contact with the valve body 1020 and blocks the bore 1232 when the pilot valve 520 is closed. Back to Fig. 12: The second seal 1238 and the pilot orifice 1240 on the underside of the first seal 1236 form or define a first sealed orifice with a first seal diameter D1, and the first seal 1236 and the bore 1232 on the second side 1226 of the valve body 1020 form or define a second sealed orifice with a second seal diameter D2. In this example, the first seal diameter D1 is smaller than the second seal diameter D2. Therefore, less force is required to open the first sealed orifice than to open the second sealed orifice. If the pilot orifice 1240 (the first sealed orifice) is opened first to essentially equalize the pressure across the first seal 1236, the first seal 1236 (the second sealed orifice) can be opened with less force. This also reduces the electrical power required to open the pilot valve 520.In some examples, when the magnet 522 is activated, the control module 222 initially applies a higher current to the coil 1210 to move the plunger 1212 (the armature) downwards, and then reduces the current to a lower level. Once the plunger 1212 is moved downwards, or closer to the core 1208, less magnetic force is required to hold the plunger 1212 in the second position. Therefore, less current is needed to generate a magnetic field sufficient to hold the plunger 1212 in position. Consequently, the control module 222 reduces the current as soon as the plunger 1212 is moved into the second position, thus reducing the overall current consumption of the magnet 522.

[0059] Fig. 18A and Fig. Figure 18B contains example diagrams showing the applied current (in mA) as a function of time, which the example control module 222 can generate to open and close the pilot valve 520. The control module 222 can activate the solenoid 522 with a digital or analog control voltage. Fig. Figure 18A shows an exemplary digital valve actuation cycle, and Fig. Figure 18B shows an exemplary analog actuation cycle. Between 0 and 1000 ms, no current is applied, so the pilot valve 520 remains closed by the preload of spring 1218. At 1000 ms, the control module 222 applies an initial current (e.g., 400 milliamperes (mA)) to the coil 1210 to move the plunger 1212 downwards and overcome the preload of spring 1218. This opens the pilot orifice 1240, as shown in Fig. 14 and Fig. Figure 15 shows that fluid can flow through the pilot orifice 1240, essentially compensating for the first seal 1236. After a relatively short time (e.g., 100 ms), the applied current can then be reduced to a second current (e.g., 100 mA). As described above, the attraction between the core 1208 and the plunger 1212 is stronger once the plunger 1212 is near the core 1208, so a lower magnetic field can be used to hold the plunger 1212 in position. By reducing the current, less energy is required to operate the exemplary magnet 522. Thus, the exemplary magnet 522 is more energy-efficient than known magnets that use the same high current during activation. The pilot valve 520 can be held in this open state for any length of time.To close the pilot valve 520, the control module 222 deactivates or switches off the power supply to the solenoid 522 by reducing the current back to 0 mA. The spring 1218 biases the plunger 1212 into the first seal 1236, thereby closing the pilot orifice 1240 and pressing the first seal 1236 into the second side 1226 of the valve body 1020. Therefore, the solenoid 522 can be in a no-current state when the valve is closed, a current-energized state when the valve is actuated, and a current-energized state when the valve is held open. These current levels and durations can be optimized to reduce overall energy consumption, thereby increasing (e.g., maximizing) battery life and reducing (e.g., minimizing) battery size. The example current levels shown are based on a nominal voltage of 7.4 volts. However, in other examples, the supply voltage may be higher or lower.In some examples, the supply voltage can be up to 36 volts or more. As in the digital and analog actuation cycle of . Fig. As shown in Figures 18A and 18B, the current profiles can exhibit smooth transitions and / or ramps. Current levels can change rapidly or slowly during transitions to different states to reduce accelerations and decelerations at the valve components, seals, fluids, and springs. Current levels within specific states can vary to optimize performance, energy consumption, and valve speed.

[0060] Fig. 19, Fig. 20 and Fig. Figure 21 illustrates further exemplary piston arrangements 1900 that can be used in the seatpost 200. In this example, the piston arrangement 1900 includes an exemplary seat valve, which is disclosed in detail herein. Fig. Figure 19 is a top view of the exemplary piston arrangement 1900, and Fig. 20 and Fig. Figure 21 shows cross-sectional views of the exemplary piston arrangement 1900 along line CC and line DD, respectively. Fig. 19.

[0061] According to Fig. 20, the piston assembly 1900 can be coupled to the shaft 508 (e.g., threaded). In the example shown, the piston assembly 1900 comprises a piston 2000 formed from a first body 2002, a second body 2004, and a third body 2006. The first and third bodies 2002 and 2006 are coupled to opposite ends of the second body 2004 (e.g., threaded). The second body 2004 defines an inner cavity or chamber 2008. The piston assembly 1900 includes a seal 2010 around the first body 2002 for sealing against the inner surface 514 ( Fig. 5) of the upper tube 204 ( Fig. 2) The first body 2002 forms the piston head section of the piston 2000. The seal 2010 separates the first chamber 516 (above the seal 2010) and the second chamber 518 (below the seal 2010).

[0062] In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 20, the piston arrangement 1900 comprises a poppet valve 2012 and a solenoid 2014 for actuating the poppet valve 2012. The poppet valve 2012 is formed at least partially by one or more channels or passages in the piston 2000, as disclosed in detail herein. Fig. 20 and Fig. 21 The seat valve 2012 is in a closed state or position. The solenoid 2014 can be activated to open the seat valve 2012. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 20, the magnet 2014 is arranged in the cavity 2008 of the piston 2000. The inner lines 538, 540, which connect to the control module 222 ( Fig. 2) enabling the activation or deactivation of magnet 2014 are connected to magnet 2014. Magnet 2014 comprises a core with a coil 2015, an armature 2016 (which can also be called a plunger), and a spring 2018 that moves the armature 2016 into Fig. 20 and Fig. 21 is biased upwards. If the magnet is activated in 2014, the armature will be in 2016. Fig. moved 20 downwards, as detailed herein.

[0063] In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 20, the seat valve 2012 includes a plug 2020 coupled to the armature 2016. As in Fig. 19 and Fig. As shown in Figure 20, the first body 2002 has a central channel 2022 that extends between a first side 2024 and a second side 2026 of the first body 2002. The plug 2020 is slidably arranged in the central channel 2022. In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 20, the plug 2020 has a first sealing section 2028, a second sealing section 2030, and a shaft section 2032 between the first and second sealing sections 2028 and 2030. The first and second sealing sections 2028 and 2030 can also be referred to as plates.

[0064] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 20, the seat valve 2012 comprises a first seal 2034 in the central channel 2022, which engages with the first sealing section 2028 of the plug 2020. This prevents fluid from flowing past the first sealing section 2028 through the central channel 2022. In the illustrated example, the first body 2002 has a transverse channel 2036 that intersects the central channel 2022 and extends to an outer surface 2038 of the piston 2000. Thus, the transverse channel 2036 and a section of the central channel 2022 (below the first sealing section 2028) are in fluid communication with the fluid in the second chamber 518 ( Fig. 5).

[0065] As in Fig. 19 and Fig. As shown in Figure 21, the first body in 2002 has a plurality of channels 2100 (one of which is in Fig. 19) which extend between the first side 2024 and the second side 2026 of the first body 2002. The channels 2100 run parallel to and separate from the central channel 2022. The channels 2100 and the cavity 2008 in the second body 2004 are in fluid communication with the fluid in the first chamber 516 ( Fig. 5) In this example, the first body 2002 has eight channels 2100. The channels 2100 are arranged at equal intervals around the central channel 2022. In other examples, the first body 2002 may have more or fewer channels and / or the channels may be arranged in other configurations.

[0066] As in Fig. 20 and Fig. As shown in Figure 21, the seat valve 2012 comprises a second seal 2040, which is coupled to the first body 2002 and arranged in the central channel 2022 below the transverse channel 2036. When the solenoid 2014 is not activated, the armature 2016 is biased upwards by the spring 2018 such that the second sealing section 2030 of the plug 2020 engages with the second seal 2040. This prevents or blocks the flow of fluid between the central channel 2022 (which is in fluid communication with the second chamber 518) and the cavity 2008 (which is in fluid communication with the first chamber 516). When the seat valve 2012 is in the closed position, the seat valve 2012 blocks the connection between the first and second chambers 516, 518 (the overpressure and underpressure chambers) in order to lock the upper tube 204 and the lower tube 202 relative to each other.

[0067] Fig. 22 and Fig. Figure 23 shows cross-sectional views of the piston arrangement 1900 along the same planes as Fig. 20 or 21. Fig. 22 and Fig. Figure 23 shows the seat valve 2012 in an open state or position after the solenoid 2014 has been activated. To open the seat valve 2012, the control module 222 activates or switches ( Fig. 2) The magnet 2014 is activated by applying current to the magnet 2014. The magnetic field generated by the magnet 2014 causes the armature 2016 to move downwards, thereby pulling the plug 2020 downwards. This moves the second sealing section 2030 of the plug 2020 away from the second seal 2040. As shown by the fluid flow lines 2200, fluid can pass through the second seal 2040 and thus between the channels 2100 (which are in fluid communication with the first chamber 516 ( Fig. 5) stand) and the transverse channel 2036 (which is in fluid communication with the second chamber 518 ( Fig. 5) stands) flow. The seat valve 2012 is open and allows fluid flow between the first and second chambers 516, 518 (the overpressure and underpressure chambers). This allows the upper tube 204 ( Fig. 2) relative to the lower pipe 202 ( Fig. 2) move to adjust the seat height 110 ( Fig. 1) to adjust. Therefore, when the solenoid 2014 is activated, the armature 2016 is moved in a first direction (e.g., downwards) to open the seat valve 2012, and when the solenoid 2014 is deactivated, the armature 2016 is moved in a second direction (e.g., upwards) to close the seat valve 2012. In this example, the spring 2018 biases the armature 2016 and the plug 2020 in the second direction. In some examples, the plug 2020 is additionally biased in the second direction by the air pressure differential at the plug 2020.

[0068] Back to Fig. 20: When the seat valve 2012 is closed, the first sealing section 2028 and the first seal 2034 form or define a first sealing diameter D1, and the second sealing section 2030 and the second seal 2040 form or define a second sealing diameter D2. In this example, the first sealing diameter D1 is smaller than the second sealing diameter D2. This difference generates a preload force under fluid or gas pressure, which reduces the energy required by the magnet 2014 to move the plug 2020 and / or to hold the plug 2020 in the various states. For example, when the plug 2020 is in the closed position, a first preload force acts on the plug 2020 in an upward direction, and when the plug 2020 is in the open position, a second preload force acts on the plug 2020 in an upward direction, which is less than the first preload force.In other words, the first preload force at plug 2020, when the poppet valve 2012 is in the closed state, is higher than the second preload force at plug 2020, when the poppet valve 2012 is in the open state. Therefore, in some examples, similar to the pilot valve 520 disclosed above, the poppet valve 2012 can be opened by applying a first (higher) electrical power to the solenoid 2014 to initially open the poppet valve 2012, and then reducing the electrical power to a second electrical power to hold the poppet valve 2012 in the open position. As shown in the diagrams in [reference missing]. Fig. 18A and Fig. As shown in Figure 18B, the first electrical power is applied for a shorter period than the second. Therefore, less energy is required to keep the seat valve 2012 open. This reduces the power consumption of the solenoid 2014.

[0069] Fig. 24 and Fig. Figure 25 illustrates further exemplary piston arrangements 2400 that can be used in the seatpost 200. In this example, the piston arrangement 2400 includes an exemplary slide valve, which is disclosed in detail herein. Fig. Figure 24 is a top view of the exemplary piston arrangement 2400, and Fig. Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary piston arrangement 2400 along line EE of Fig. 24.

[0070] According to Fig. 25, the piston assembly 2400 can be coupled to the shaft 508 (e.g., threaded). In the illustrated example, the piston assembly 2400 comprises a piston 2500 formed from a first body 2502, a second body 2504, and a third body 2506. The first and third bodies 2502, 2506 are coupled to opposite ends of the second body 2504 (e.g., threaded). The second body 2504 defines an inner cavity or chamber 2508. The piston assembly 2400 includes a seal 2510 around the first body 2502 for sealing against the inner surface 514 ( Fig. 5) of the upper tube 204 ( Fig. 2) The first body 2502 forms the piston head section of the piston 2500. The seal 2510 separates the first chamber 516 (above the seal 2510) and the second chamber 518 (below the seal 2510).

[0071] In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 25, the piston arrangement 2400 comprises a slide valve 2512 and a solenoid 2514 for actuating the slide valve 2512. The slide valve 2512 is formed at least partially by one or more channels or passages in the piston 2500, as disclosed in detail herein. Fig. At position 25, the slide valve 2512 is in a closed state or a closed position. The solenoid 2514 can be activated to open the slide valve 2512. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 25, the magnet 2514 is arranged in the cavity 2508 of the second body 2504. The inner lines 538, 540, which connect to the control module 222 ( Fig. 2) The components that enable the magnet 2514 to be activated or deactivated are connected to the magnet 2514. The magnet 2514 comprises a core with a coil 2515, an armature 2516 (which can also be called a plunger), and a spring 2518 that moves the armature 2516 into Fig. 25 is biased upwards. If magnet 2514 is activated, the armature 2516 is in Fig. moved 25 downwards, as detailed herein.

[0072] Fig. 26 is an enlarged view of section 2520 of Fig. Figure 25 shows the slide valve 2512 in the closed state. The first body 2502 has a first side 2600 and a second side 2602 opposite the first side 2600. The first side 2600 has a recess 2604. A section 2606 of the first body 2502 extends upwards from the recess 2604. The first body 2502 has a central channel 2608 extending from the second side 2602 into the section 2606. The first body 2502 has a first transverse channel 2610 extending through the section 2606 and intersecting the central channel 2608. The recess 2604, the first transverse channel 2610, and the upper section of the central channel 2608 are in fluid communication with the fluid in the first chamber 516 ( Fig. 10).

[0073] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 26, the slide valve 2512 comprises a shuttle 2612 (which may also be referred to as a plug) coupled to the armature 2516. The shuttle 2612 is slidably arranged in the central channel 2608. The shuttle 2612 has a first slide 2614 and a second slide 2616 (sometimes also referred to as clamping rings or seals). The first slide 2614 is arranged in the section 2606 of the first body 2502. The slide valve 2512 comprises a first seal 2618 arranged around the first slide 2614 to seal between the first slide 2614 and the section 2606 of the first body 2502 above the first transverse channel 2610. The slide valve 2512 comprises a second seal 2620 around the second slide 2616. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 26, the first body 2502 has a second transverse channel 2622 that intersects the central channel 2608 and extends to an outer surface 2624 of the piston 2500. Thus, the second transverse channel 2622 and a section of the central channel 2608 (below the second slide 2616) are in fluid communication with the fluid in the second chamber 518 ( Fig. 5).

[0074] If the magnet 2514 is not activated, the armature 2516 is held in place by the spring 2518 ( Fig. 25) is pre-tensioned upwards. This seals the second slide 2616 (via the second seal 2620) against an inner surface 2626 (e.g., a seat) of the central channel 2608 between the first transverse channel 2610 and the second transverse channel 2622. This prevents or blocks fluid flow between the first transverse channel 2610 and the second transverse channel 2622, and thus between the first and second chambers 516, 518. When the slide valve 2512 is in the closed position, the shuttle 2612 blocks the connection between the first and second chambers 516, 518 (the overpressure and underpressure chambers) to lock the upper tube 204 and the lower tube 202 relative to each other.

[0075] Fig. Figure 27 shows the slide valve 2512 in an open state or an open position. To open the slide valve 2512, the control module 222 activates or switches ( Fig. 2) the magnet 2514 is activated by applying current to the magnet 2514. The magnetic field generated by the magnet 2514 causes the plunger 2516 to move downwards, thereby moving the shuttle 2612 downwards. The second slide 2616 is thus not sealed against the inner surface 2626 of the central channel 2608. As shown by the fluid flow line 2700, fluid can pass through the central channel 2608 between the first transverse channel 2610 (which is in fluid communication with the first chamber 516 ( Fig. 5) stands) and the second transverse channel 2622 (which is in fluid communication with the second chamber 518 ( Fig. 5) stands) flow. The slide valve 2512 is open and allows fluid flow between the first and second chambers 516, 518 (the overpressure and underpressure chambers). This allows the upper tube 204 ( Fig. 2) relative to the lower pipe 202 ( Fig. 2) move to adjust the seat height 110 ( Fig. 1) to adjust. To close the slide valve 2512, the solenoid 2514 is deactivated, and the spring 2518 ( Fig. 25) moves Shuttle 2612 back to the in Fig. Position 26 shown. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 27, the shuttle 2612 has a through-hole 2700 to equalize the pressure in section 2606 of the first body 2502. This reduces or prevents the volume (between section 2606 and the first slide 2614) from generating an unpredictable preload force on the shuttle 2612.

[0076] Back to Fig. 26: The first seal 2618 and the section 2606 of the first body 2502 form or define a first seal diameter D1, and the second seal 2620 and the inner surface 2626 of the central channel 2608 form or define a second seal diameter D2. The second seal diameter D2 is equal to or smaller than the first seal diameter D1. This difference generates a preload force under fluid or gas pressure, which reduces the energy required by the magnet 2014 to move the plug 2020 and / or to hold the plug 2020 in the various states.In some examples, similar to the pilot valve 520 disclosed above, the slide valve 2512 can be opened by applying an initial (higher) electrical power to the solenoid 2514 to initially open the slide valve 2512, and then reducing the electrical power to a second (lower) electrical power to hold the slide valve 2512 in the open position. The initial electrical power can be applied for a shorter duration than the second electrical power. This reduces the current consumption of the solenoid 2514.

[0077] Fig. 28 and Fig. Figure 29 shows a schematic representation of another exemplary piston arrangement 2800 that can be used in the seatpost 200. In this example, the piston arrangement 2800 includes an exemplary pull valve, which is disclosed in detail herein. Fig. Figure 28 shows the exemplary valve in a closed state or closed position, and Fig. Figure 29 shows the exemplary valve in an open state or position.

[0078] In Fig. Figure 28 shows the piston assembly 2800 in the overlap area between the lower and upper tubes 202, 204. The piston assembly 2800 comprises a piston 2802 which is coupled (e.g., threaded) to the shaft 508. The piston assembly 2800 includes a seal 2804 around the piston 2802, which forms a seal between the piston 2802 and the inner surface 514 of the upper tube 204. The seal 2804 separates the first chamber 516 (above the seal 2804) and the second chamber 518 (below the seal 2804).

[0079] In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 28, the piston arrangement 2800 comprises a pull valve 2806 and a magnet 2808 for actuating the pull valve 2806. The pull valve 2806 is formed at least partially by one or more channels or passages in the piston 2802, as disclosed in detail herein. Fig. 28, the pull valve 2806 is in a closed state or position. The solenoid 2808 can be activated to open the pull valve 2806, as detailed herein. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 28, the magnet 2808 is arranged in the piston 2802. The inner lines 538, 540, which connect to the control module 222 ( Fig. 2) The devices that enable or disable the magnet 2808 are connected to the magnet 2808. The magnet 2808 comprises a core with a coil 2810, an armature 2812 (which can also be called a plunger), and a spring 2814. In this example, the spring 2814 tensions the armature 2812. Fig. 28 upwards. If magnet 2808 is activated, the armature 2812 is moved into Fig. Moved down 28.

[0080] In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 28, the piston 2802 has a first side 2816, a second side 2818 opposite the first side 2816, and an outer side surface 2820. The piston 2802 has a passage or channel 2822 formed by the piston 2802 between the first side 2816, which is in fluid communication with the first chamber 516, and the outer side surface 2820 below the seal 2804, which is in fluid communication with the second chamber 518.

[0081] In the illustrated example, the pull valve 2806 comprises a plug 2824, which is slidably arranged in the passage 2822 in the piston 2802. The plug 2824 is coupled to the armature 2812 of the magnet 2808. The plug 2824 has a first sealing section 2826, a second sealing section 2828, and a shaft section 2830 between the first and second sealing sections 2826, 2828. The pull valve 2806 comprises a first seal 2832 between the first sealing section 2826 and the piston 2802. The pull valve 2806 further comprises a second seal 2834 in the passage 2822. Fig. In position 28, the magnet 2808 is deactivated. The spring 2814 biases the armature 2812 upwards. This causes the second sealing section 2828 of the plug 2824 to engage with the second seal 2834. This prevents or blocks fluid from flowing through the passage 2822 and over the piston 2802 between the first and second chambers 516, 518. When the pull valve 2806 is in the closed position, it blocks the fluid connection between the first and second chambers 516, 518 (the overpressure and underpressure chambers) to lock the upper tube 204 and the lower tube 202 relative to each other.

[0082] Fig. Figure 29 shows the pull valve 2806 in an open state or an open position. To open the pull valve 2806, the control module 222 activates or switches ( Fig. 2) The magnet 2808 is activated by applying current to the magnet 2808. The magnetic field generated by the magnet 2808 causes the armature 2812 to move downwards, thereby pulling the plug 2824 downwards or away from the second seal 2834. As shown by the fluid flow line 2900, fluid can flow through the passage 2822 between the first chamber 516 and the second chamber 518. This allows the upper tube 204 to move relative to the lower tube 202 to adjust the height of the seat 110 ( Fig. 1) to adjust. To close the pull valve 2806, the solenoid 2808 is deactivated, and the spring 2814 moves the armature 2812 and the plug 2824 back into the position in Fig. Position 28 shown.

[0083] Back to Fig. 28: The second sealing section 2828 and the second seal 2834 form or define a first sealing diameter D1, and the first sealing section 2826 and the first seal 2832 form or define a second sealing diameter D2. In this example, the second sealing diameter D2 is smaller than the first sealing diameter D1. This difference creates a preload force under fluid or gas pressure, which reduces the energy required by the magnet 2808 to move the plug 2824 and / or to hold the plug 2824 in the various states. In other examples, the first and second sealing diameters D1, D2 may be equal, or the second sealing diameter D2 may be larger than the first sealing diameter D1.The valve's sealing diameters can be adjusted to optimize the valve's open and closed states, thereby reducing energy consumption, power requirements, and / or valve actuation speed. In some examples, similar to the pilot valve 520 disclosed above, the pull valve 2806 can be opened by applying an initial (higher) electrical power to the solenoid 2808 to initially open the pull valve 2806, and then reducing the electrical power to a second (lower) electrical power to hold the pull valve 2806 in the open position. The initial electrical power can be applied for a shorter duration than the second electrical power. This reduces the current consumption of the solenoid 2808.

[0084] Fig. 30 and Fig. Figure 31 shows a schematic representation of another exemplary piston arrangement 3000 that can be used in the seatpost 200. In this example, the piston arrangement 3000 includes an exemplary push-button valve, which is disclosed in detail herein. Fig. Figure 30 shows the exemplary valve in a closed state or closed position, and Fig. Figure 31 shows the exemplary valve in an open state or open position.

[0085] In Fig. Figure 30 shows the piston assembly 3000 in the overlap area between the lower and upper tubes 202, 204. The piston assembly 3000 comprises a piston 3002, which is coupled (e.g., threaded) to the shaft 508. The piston assembly 3000 includes a seal 3004 around the piston 3002, which forms a seal between the piston 3002 and the inner surface 514 of the upper tube 204. The seal 3004 separates the first chamber 516 (above the seal 3004) and the second chamber 518 (below the seal 3004).

[0086] In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 30, the piston arrangement 3000 comprises a push-button valve 3006 and a solenoid 3008 for actuating the push-button valve 3006. The push-button valve 3006 is formed at least partially by one or more channels or passages in the piston 3002, as disclosed in detail herein. Fig. At position 30, the push-button valve 3006 is in a closed state or a closed position. The solenoid 3008 can be activated to open the push-button valve 3006. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 30, the magnet 3008 is arranged in the piston 3002. The inner lines 538, 540, which connect to the control module 222 ( Fig. 2) The devices that enable or disable magnet 3008 are connected to magnet 3008. Magnet 3008 comprises a core with a coil 3010 and an armature 3012 (which can also be called a plunger). When magnet 3008 is activated, the armature 3012 is, in this example, Fig. The solenoid 3008 is moved upwards (in the first direction) to open the push-button valve 3006. In this example, the solenoid 3008 is not equipped with a return spring. When the solenoid 3008 is deactivated, the air pressure differential at the plug 3024 biases the plug 3024 and the armature 3012 downwards (in the second direction). Thus, when the solenoid 3008 is deactivated, the plug 3024 is moved downwards and the push-button valve 3006 is closed.

[0087] In the illustrated example, the piston 3002 has a first side 3016, a second side 3018 opposite the first side 3016, and an outer side surface 3020. In this example, the piston 3002 has a passage or channel 3022 formed by the piston 3002 between the first side 3016, which is in fluid communication with the first chamber 516, and the outer side surface 3020 below the seal 3004, which is in fluid communication with the second chamber 518.

[0088] In the illustrated example, the push-button valve 3006 comprises a plug 3024, which is slidably arranged in the piston 3002. The plug 3024 is coupled to the armature 3012 of the solenoid 3008. The plug 3024 has a first sealing section 3026, a second sealing section 3028, and a shaft section 3030 between the first and second sealing sections 3026, 3028. The push-button valve 3006 comprises a first seal 3032 between the second sealing section 3028 and the piston 3002. The push-button valve 3006 further comprises a second seal 3034 in the passage 3022. Fig. At position 30, the magnet 3008 is deactivated. The pressure differential across the first sealing section 3026 biases the plug 3024 downwards in such a way that the first sealing section 3026 remains engaged with the second seal 3034. This prevents or blocks fluid from flowing through the passage 3022 and over the piston 3002 between the first and second chambers 516, 518. When the push-button valve 3006 is in the closed position, it blocks the connection between the first and second chambers 516, 518 (the overpressure and underpressure chambers) to lock the upper tube 204 and the lower tube 202 relative to each other.

[0089] Fig. Figure 31 shows the push-button valve 3006 in an open state or an open position. To open the push-button valve 3006, the control module 222 is activated or switched ( Fig. 2) the magnet 3008 by applying current to the magnet 3008. In this example, the magnetic field generated by the magnet 3008 causes the armature 3012 to move upwards, thereby pushing the plug 3024 upwards and moving the first sealing section 3026 away from the second seal 3034. As shown by the fluid flow line 3100, fluid can flow through the passage 3022 between the first chamber 516 and the second chamber 518. This allows the upper tube 204 to move relative to the lower tube 202 to the height of the seat 110 ( Fig. 1) To adjust. To close the push-button valve 3006, the solenoid 3008 is deactivated. As mentioned earlier, the solenoid 3008 does not include a spring in this example. When the solenoid 3008 is deactivated, the pressure differential at the plug 3024 causes the plug 3024 to move downwards into the closed position and remain there.

[0090] Back to Fig. 30: The first sealing section 3026 and the second seal 3034 form or define a first sealing diameter D1, and the second sealing section 3028 and the first seal 3032 form or define a second sealing diameter D2. In this example, the second sealing diameter D2 is smaller than the first sealing diameter D1. This difference creates a preload force under fluid or gas pressure, which reduces the energy required by the magnet 3008 to move the plug 3024 and / or to hold the plug 3024 in the various states. In other examples, the first and second sealing diameters D1, D2 may be equal, or the second sealing diameter D2 may be larger than the first sealing diameter D1.The valve's sealing diameters can be adjusted to optimize the valve's open and closed states, thereby reducing energy consumption, power requirements, and / or valve actuation speed. In some examples, similar to the pilot valve 520 disclosed above, the push-button valve 3006 can be opened by applying an initial (higher) electrical power to the solenoid 3008 to initially open the valve, and then reducing the electrical power to a second (lower) power to hold the valve in the open position. The initial electrical power can be applied for a shorter duration than the second power. This reduces the current consumption of the solenoid 3008.

[0091] Fig. 32 and Fig. Figure 33 illustrates another exemplary valve arrangement and magnet configuration that can be used in the 200 seatpost. Fig. 32 and Fig. Figure 33 are cross-sectional views and show the lower tube 202 and the upper tube 204 of the seat post 200. Fig. Figure 32 shows the 200 seatpost in the fully extended position, and Fig. Figure 33 shows the 200 seatpost in a partially retracted position.

[0092] In the Fig. 32 and Fig. In the example shown in Figure 33, the seatpost 200 comprises a piston assembly 3200 coupled to the shaft 508 and arranged in the upper tube 204. An exemplary plunger valve 3202 is arranged together with the piston assembly and is operable between an open and a closed state to block or allow fluid flow through the piston assembly 3200 and between the first and second chambers 516, 518. An exemplary plunger valve 3202 is arranged in conjunction with Fig. 35 and Fig. 36 shown in detail.

[0093] The plunger valve 3202 is actuated by a solenoid 3204. In this example, the solenoid 3204 is coupled to the lower end 210 of the lower tube 202. In some examples, the solenoid 3204 may be located in the end cap 220 and / or otherwise coupled to it. The seat post 200 includes a pushrod 3208, which is slidably arranged in the shaft 508. The pushrod 3208 is coupled between the plunger valve 3202 and the solenoid 3204 such that the activation of the solenoid 3204 causes a movement of the pushrod 3208 to change the state of the plunger valve 3202. For example, the solenoid 3204 can be activated to move the pushrod 3208 to open the plunger valve 3202 in the piston assembly 3200. Depending on the distance between the plunger valve 3202 and the solenoid 3204, the pushrod 3208 can be of any length (e.g., 100 millimeters). The solenoid 3204 is powered by a direct current supply.In some examples, the magnet 3204 is powered by the control module 222, which is located on the outside of the lower tube 202. As in connection with . Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 reveals that the seatpost can accommodate 200 outer lines 532, 534 (in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 shown) comprise, which are guided through the lower tube 202 between the control module 222 and the lower end 210 of the lower tube 202.

[0094] Fig. Figure 34 is an enlarged view of section 3210 of Fig. Figure 32 shows the magnet 3204. The magnet 3204 comprises a coil 3400 and an armature 3402 (which can also be called a plunger). The plunger rod 3208 is coupled to the armature 3402. When the magnet 3204 is activated, the magnetic field causes, in this example, Fig. 34 causes the armature 3402 to move upwards, which in turn moves the pushrod 3208 upwards. In this example, the solenoid 3204 is not equipped with a return spring. If the solenoid 3204 is deactivated, the differential pressure actuator on the plunger valve 3202 (in Fig. 35 and Fig. (as shown in 36) the pushrod 3208 moves downwards, causing the anchor 3402 to move back downwards into the Fig. The position shown in Figure 34 is moved. Since the magnet 3204 is not located in the upper tube 204, the seatpost 200 does not have internal leads running upwards along the shaft 508. Instead, the external leads 532, 534 extend through the lower tube 202 and are electrically coupled directly to the magnet 3204 at the lower end 210 of the lower tube 202. Furthermore, since the magnet is not located in the upper tube 204, the magnet 3204 can have a larger diameter. Larger diameter magnets require less current to generate the same force. This configuration can therefore reduce the current requirement of the magnet 3204, which can decrease the battery size and the power required to operate the magnet 3204.

[0095] Fig. Figure 35 is an enlarged view of section 3212 of Fig. Figure 32 shows the piston assembly 3200. This piston assembly 3200 comprises a piston 3500 and a seal 3502 around the piston 3500. The piston assembly 3200 further comprises the tappet valve 3202. The tappet valve 3202 is essentially the same as that described in connection with Fig. 30 and Fig. 31 disclosed push-button valve 3006. Thus, any example aspect disclosed in connection with the push-button valve 3006 can also apply to the plunger valve 3202.

[0096] In the illustrated example, the piston 3500 defines a passage 3504 between a first side 3506 of the piston 3500 (which is in fluid communication with the first chamber 516) and an outer side surface 3508 of the piston 3500 (which is in fluid communication with the second chamber 518). The plunger valve 3202 comprises a plug 3510 coupled to the plunger rod 3208. The plug 3510 has a first sealing section 3512, a second sealing section 3514, and a shaft section 3516 between the first and second sealing sections 3512 and 3514. The plunger valve 3202 has a first seal 3518 and a second seal 3520. Fig. 35 the plunger valve 3202 is in the closed state or in the closed position, and the magnet 3204 ( Fig. 32) is deactivated or switched off. The pressure differential across the first sealing section 3512 biases the plug 3510 downwards in such a way that the first sealing section 3512 remains engaged with the second seal 3520. This prevents or blocks fluid from flowing through the passage 3504 and over the piston 3500 between the first and second chambers 516, 518. When the plunger valve 3202 is in the closed position, the plunger valve 3202 blocks the connection between the first and second chambers 516, 518 (the overpressure and underpressure chambers) in order to lock the upper tube 204 and the lower tube 202 relative to each other.

[0097] Fig. Figure 36 shows the plunger valve 3202 in an open state or an open position. To open the plunger valve 3202, the control module 222 is activated or switched ( Fig. 32) the magnet 3204 ( Fig. 32) by applying current to magnet 3204. In this example, the magnetic field generated by magnet 3204 causes the armature 3402 ( Fig. 34) to move upwards, thereby pushing the pushrod 3208 and the plug 3510 upwards and moving the first sealing section 3512 away from the second seal 3520. As shown by the fluid flow line 3600, fluid can flow through the passage 3504 between the first chamber 516 and the second chamber 518. This allows the upper tube 204 to move relative to the lower tube 202 to the height of the seat 110 ( Fig. 1) to adjust. To close the plunger valve 3202, the solenoid 3204 is deactivated. As mentioned earlier, the solenoid 3204 does not include a spring in this example. When the solenoid 3204 is deactivated, the pressure differential at the plug 3510 causes the plug 3510 to move downwards into the closed position and remain there.

[0098] Back to Fig.35: The first sealing section 3512 and the second seal 3520 form or define a first sealing diameter D1, and the second sealing section 3514 and the first seal 3518 form or define a second sealing diameter D2. In this example, the second sealing diameter D2 is smaller than the first sealing diameter D1. This difference creates a preload force under fluid or gas pressure, which reduces the energy required by the magnet 3204 to move the plug 3510 and / or to hold the plug 3510 in the various states. In other examples, the first and second sealing diameters D1, D2 may be equal, or the second sealing diameter D2 may be larger than the first sealing diameter D1.The valve's sealing diameters can be adjusted to optimize the valve's open and closed states, thereby reducing energy consumption, power requirements, and / or valve actuation speed. In some examples, similar to the pilot valve 520 disclosed above, the plunger valve 3202 can be opened by applying an initial (higher) electrical power to the solenoid 3204 to initially open the plunger valve 3202, and then reducing the electrical power to a second (lower) electrical power to hold the plunger valve 3202 in the open position. The initial electrical power can be applied for a shorter duration than the second electrical power. This reduces the current consumption of the solenoid 3204.

[0099] As can be seen, the exemplary magnetically controlled valves disclosed herein do not require gears or position sensors such as those found in known actuation systems for dropper seatposts. The examples disclosed herein thus reduce complexity and cost. While the exemplary valves and magnets disclosed herein are described in conjunction with seatposts with pneumatic platforms, the examples disclosed herein can also be used in conjunction with hydraulic platforms. For example, instead of pneumatic chambers filled with compressed gas, the chambers can be filled with hydraulic fluid, e.g., oil. While in the examples disclosed herein a battery in the control module is used as the power supply for activating the magnet, in other examples the magnet can be activated by a different power supply, e.g.,from a battery of an electric bicycle or from another battery attached to the bicycle.

[0100] Exemplary systems, devices, and articles of manufacture for bicycles (and / or other vehicles) are disclosed herein. Examples and combinations of examples disclosed herein include the following:

[0101] Example 1 is a height-adjustable seatpost for a bicycle. The height-adjustable seatpost comprises an upper tube and a lower tube, which are arranged telescopically. A lower end of the lower tube is designed to connect to a bicycle frame, and the upper tube is designed to connect to a seat. The height-adjustable seatpost includes a shaft that is connected to the lower tube and extends into the upper tube, and a piston assembly that is connected to the shaft and located within the upper tube. The piston assembly includes a piston that divides the upper tube into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first and second chambers are filled with fluid. A valve is operable between a closed state, in which fluid is prevented from flowing between the first and second chambers, and an open state, in which fluid can flow between the first and second chambers.The height-adjustable seatpost also includes a magnet for controlling the valve.

[0102] Example 2 includes the height-adjustable seatpost from Example 1, where the fluid is pressurized gas.

[0103] Example 3 includes the height-adjustable seatpost from Examples 1 and 2, wherein the magnet is arranged in the piston.

[0104] Example 4 comprises the height-adjustable seatpost of one of Examples 1-3, wherein the magnet is arranged in an overlap area between the upper tube and the lower tube.

[0105] Example 5 includes the height-adjustable seatpost of Example 1 or 2, wherein the magnet is coupled to a lower end of the lower tube.

[0106] Example 6 comprises the height-adjustable seatpost of Example 5, which further includes a pushrod slidably arranged in the shaft. The pushrod is coupled between the valve and the magnet in such a way that the activation of the magnet causes the pushrod to change the state of the valve.

[0107] Example 7 comprises the height-adjustable seatpost of Examples 5 and 7, which further includes a control module for activating the magnet. The control module is coupled to an outer surface of the lower tube at or near an upper end of the lower tube. External wires are arranged within the lower tube. The external wires are electrically coupled to the control module. The external electrical wires extend through the lower tube to the magnet.

[0108] Example 8 comprises the height-adjustable seatpost of any of Examples 1-7, wherein the magnet has an armature which, when the magnet is activated, is moved in a first direction to open the valve, and which, when the magnet is deactivated, is moved in a second direction to close the valve.

[0109] Example 9 includes the height-adjustable seatpost from Example 8, wherein the magnet includes a spring that biases the armature in the second direction.

[0110] Example 10 comprises the height-adjustable seatpost of Example 8 or 9, wherein the valve has a plug coupled to the anchor and wherein the plug and the anchor are biased in the second direction by an air pressure difference at the plug.

[0111] Example 11 comprises the height-adjustable seatpost of Example 10, wherein a first preload force on the plug, when the valve is in the closed state, is higher than a second preload force on the plug, when the valve is in the open state.

[0112] Example 12 comprises the height-adjustable seatpost of Example 3, which further includes an end cap coupled to the lower end of the lower tube. Internal conductors are arranged within the shaft and extend between the end cap and the magnet. One or more electrical connectors in the end cap electrically couple the internal conductors to a control module to activate the magnet.

[0113] Example 13 comprises the height-adjustable seatpost of Example 12, which further comprises external leads within the lower tube. The external leads are electrically coupled to the control module. The external leads extend through the lower tube to the end cap. The control module is coupled to an outer surface of the lower tube at or near an upper end of the lower tube. One or more electrical connectors electrically couple the internal leads and the external leads such that an electrical path is formed between the control module and the magnet.

[0114] Example 14 is a height-adjustable seatpost for a bicycle. The height-adjustable seatpost comprises an upper tube and a lower tube, which are arranged telescopically. The lower tube is to be coupled to a bicycle frame, and the upper tube is to be coupled to a seat. The height-adjustable seatpost includes an end cap coupled to the lower end of the lower tube, a shaft coupled to the lower tube and extending into the upper tube, and a piston assembly coupled to the shaft and located within the upper tube. The piston assembly divides the upper tube into a first chamber and a second chamber. The piston assembly includes a magnet. The height-adjustable seatpost includes a control module for activating the magnet. Internal lines are arranged within the shaft and extend between the end cap and the magnet.One or more electrical connectors in the end cap electrically couple the internal wires to the control module.

[0115] Example 15 comprises the height-adjustable seatpost of Example 14, which further comprises external leads in the lower tube. The external leads are electrically coupled to the control module. The external leads extend through the lower tube to the end cap. The height-adjustable seatpost further comprises internal leads in the shaft, extending between the end cap and the magnet, and one or more electrical connectors in the end cap to electrically couple the external leads and the internal leads such that an electrical path is formed between the control module and the magnet.

[0116] Example 16 comprises the height-adjustable seatpost of one of Examples 14-15, wherein the control module is coupled to the lower tube at or near an upper end of the lower tube.

[0117] Example 17 comprises the height-adjustable seatpost from one of Examples 14-16, wherein the control module includes a clamping ring coupled to the lower tube and a power supply coupled to the clamping ring, such that the power supply is fixed relative to the lower tube. The power supply provides current to excite the magnet.

[0118] Example 18 comprises the height-adjustable seatpost of one of Examples 11-17, wherein the magnet is arranged in an overlap area between the upper tube and the lower tube.

[0119] Example 19 comprises the height-adjustable seatpost of one of Examples 14-18, wherein the first and second chambers are filled with pressurized gas.

[0120] The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations do not constitute a complete description of all elements and features of devices and systems that utilize the structures described herein. Many other embodiments are obvious to the person skilled in the art upon review of the disclosure. Further embodiments can be used and derived from the disclosure, so that structural and logical substitutions and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, the illustrations are merely representative and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions in the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be reduced. Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures should be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting.

[0121] Although this description contains many details, these should not be understood as limitations on the scope of the invention or the claimed subject matter, but rather as descriptions of features specific to certain embodiments of the invention. Certain features described in this description in connection with individual embodiments can also be realized in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in connection with a single embodiment can also be implemented separately in several embodiments or in any suitable subcombination.Furthermore, where features are described above as acting in certain combinations and are even originally claimed as such, in some cases one or more features from a claimed combination may be removed from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0122] Although certain embodiments are presented and described herein, any arrangement that serves the same or a similar purpose may replace the embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover all subsequent adaptations or variations of the various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments and other embodiments not specifically described herein are obvious to a person skilled in the art upon review of the description.

[0123] The summary of disclosure is provided in accordance with 37 CFR 8 1.72(b) and is filed with the stipulation that it shall not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the preceding detailed description, various features may be summarized or described in a single embodiment to simplify the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be understood as requiring the claimed embodiments to have more features than are expressly stated in the individual claims. Rather, as can be seen from the following claims, the subject matter of the invention may be directed to fewer than all the features of any one of the disclosed embodiments. Therefore, the following claims are included in the detailed description, each claim being independent and defining the claimed subject matter separately.

[0124] The foregoing detailed description is intended to be explanatory rather than limiting, and the following claims, including all equivalents, are intended to define the scope of the invention. The claims are not to be understood as limiting themselves to the described sequence or elements unless explicitly stated. Therefore, all embodiments that fall within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents and are within the scope of protection of these claims are claimed as part of the invention. Aspects of the invention

[0125] The following is a brief summary of some aspects of the invention described herein: Aspect 1. Height-adjustable seatpost for a bicycle, wherein the height-adjustable seatpost comprises: an upper tube and a lower tube arranged telescopically, wherein a lower end of the lower tube is to be coupled to a frame of the bicycle and the upper tube is to be coupled to a seat; a shaft coupled to the lower tube and extending into the upper tube; a piston assembly coupled to the shaft and arranged in the upper tube, the piston assembly comprising a piston that divides the upper tube into a first chamber and a second chamber, the first and second chambers being filled with fluid; a valve that can be operated between a closed state, in which the fluid is prevented from flowing between the first and second chambers, and an open state, in which the fluid can flow between the first and second chambers; and a magnet to control the valve. Aspect 2. Height-adjustable seatpost according to aspect 1, where the fluid is pressurized gas. Aspect 3. Height-adjustable seatpost according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the magnet is arranged in the piston. Aspect 4. Height-adjustable seatpost according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the magnet is located in an overlap area between the upper tube and the lower tube. Aspect 5. Height-adjustable seatpost according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the magnet is coupled to a lower end of the lower tube. Aspect 6. Height-adjustable seat post according to aspect 5, which further comprises a pushrod slidably arranged in the shaft, wherein the pushrod is coupled between the valve and the magnet in such a way that the activation of the magnet causes the pushrod to change the state of the valve. Aspect 7. Height-adjustable seatpost according to aspect 5 or 6, which further includes: a control module for activating the magnet, wherein the control module is coupled to an outer surface of the lower tube at or near an upper end of the lower tube; and external electrical leads arranged in the lower tube, wherein the external electrical leads are electrically coupled to the control module and extend through the lower tube to the magnet. Aspect 8. Height-adjustable seatpost according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the magnet has an armature which, when the magnet is activated, is moved in a first direction to open the valve, and which, when the magnet is deactivated, is moved in a second direction to close the valve. Aspect 9. Height-adjustable seatpost according to aspect 8, wherein the magnet includes a spring that biases the anchor in the second direction. Aspect 10. Height-adjustable seatpost according to aspect 8 or 9, wherein the valve has a plug coupled to the anchor and wherein the plug and the anchor are pre-tensioned in the second direction via an air pressure difference at the plug. Aspect 11. Height-adjustable seatpost according to aspect 10, wherein a first preload force on the plug, when the valve is in the closed state, is higher than a second preload force on the plug, when the valve is in the open state. Aspect 12. Height-adjustable seatpost according to aspect 3 and one of the preceding aspects, which further includes: an end cap that is coupled to the lower end of the lower tube; internal conductors arranged in the shaft and extending between the end cap and the magnet; and one or more electrical connectors in the end cap to electrically couple the internal wires to a control module to activate the magnet. Aspect 13. Height-adjustable seatpost according to Aspect 12, further comprising external lines in the lower tube, wherein the external lines are electrically coupled to the control module, the external lines extending through the lower tube to the end cap, the control module being coupled to an outer surface of the lower tube at or near an upper end of the lower tube, the one or more electrical connectors electrically coupling the inner lines and the outer lines such that an electrical path is formed between the control module and the magnet. Aspect 14. Height-adjustable seatpost for a bicycle, wherein the height-adjustable seatpost comprises: an upper tube and a lower tube arranged telescopically, wherein the lower tube is to be coupled to a frame of the bicycle and the upper tube is to be coupled to a seat; an end cap that is coupled to a lower end of the lower tube; a shaft coupled to the lower tube and extending into the upper tube; a piston assembly coupled to the shaft and arranged in the upper tube, the piston assembly dividing the upper tube into a first chamber and a second chamber, the piston assembly comprising a magnet; a control module for activating the magnet; internal conductors arranged in the shaft and extending between the end cap and the magnet; and one or more electrical connectors in the end cap to electrically couple the internal wires to the control module. Aspect 15. Height-adjustable seatpost according to aspect 14, which further comprises external lines in the lower tube, wherein the external lines are electrically coupled to the control module, the external lines extending through the lower tube to the end cap, the control module being coupled to an outer surface of the lower tube, the one or more electrical connectors in the end cap electrically coupling the external lines and the internal lines such that an electrical path is formed between the control module and the magnet. Aspect 16. Height-adjustable seatpost according to aspect 14 or 15, wherein the control module is coupled to the lower tube at or near an upper end of the lower tube. Aspect 17. Height-adjustable seatpost according to any of the preceding Aspects 14 to 16, wherein the control module comprises a clamping ring coupled to the lower tube and a power supply coupled to the clamping ring, such that the power supply is fixed relative to the lower tube, the power supply providing current to excite the magnet. Aspect 18. Height-adjustable seatpost according to one of the preceding aspects 14 to 17, wherein the magnet is arranged in an overlap area between the upper tube and the lower tube. Aspect 19. Height-adjustable seatpost according to one of the preceding aspects 14 to 18, wherein the first and second chambers are filled with pressurized gas.

Claims

[1] Height-adjustable seat post (200) for a bicycle (100), wherein the height-adjustable seat post (200) comprises: an upper tube (204) and a lower tube (202) arranged telescopically along an axis (206), wherein the lower tube (202) is to be coupled to a frame (102) of the bicycle (100) and the upper tube (204) is to be coupled to a seat (110); an internal valve system to selectively lock the upper tube (204) relative to the lower tube (202); a control module (222) containing electronic components for receiving control signals to operate the internal valve system, wherein the control module (222) is coupled to an outer surface (223) of the lower tube (202); a battery (404) attached to the control module (222) to supply power to the internal valve system via the control module (222), wherein a height dimension of the battery (404) in a first direction parallel to the axis (206) is smaller than a width dimension of the battery (404) in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. [2] Height-adjustable seat post (200) according to claim 1, wherein the second direction generally runs along a forward direction (A) of the bicycle (100). [3] Height-adjustable seat post (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a length dimension of the battery (404) in a third direction is greater than the height dimension of the battery (404), wherein the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the second direction. [4] Height-adjustable seat post (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control module (222) comprises: a control housing (402) and a clamping ring (400) at an upper end (208) of the lower tube (202), wherein the clamping ring (400) couples the control housing (402) to an upper end (208) of the lower tube (202). [5] Height-adjustable seat post (200) according to claim 4, wherein the battery (404) is spaced apart from the clamping ring (400) in an installed state. [6] Height-adjustable seat post (200) according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the clamping ring (400) is wrapped around the upper end (208) of the lower tube (202). [7] Height-adjustable seatpost (200) according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the clamping ring (400) comprises a first section (406a) and a second section (406b) which are clamped around the lower tube (202). [8] Height-adjustable seat post (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the battery (404) is removablely attached to the control module (222). [9] Height-adjustable seat post (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the battery (404) forms part of an outer profile of the seat post (200). [10] Height-adjustable seat post (200) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a wireless communication device arranged in the control module (222) for receiving the control signals for the operation of the internal valve system. [11] Height-adjustable seat post (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the battery (404) is arranged in an overlap area between the upper and lower tube (204, 202). [12] Height-adjustable seat post (200) for a bicycle (100), wherein the height-adjustable seat post (200) comprises: an upper tube (204) and a lower tube (202) arranged telescopically along an axis (206), wherein the lower tube is to be coupled to a frame (102) of the bicycle (100) and the upper tube (204) is to be coupled to a seat (110); a control housing (402) containing electronic components for receiving control signals to selectively lock the upper tube (204) relative to the lower tube (202), wherein the control housing (402) is arranged in an overlapping area between the upper and lower tubes (204, 202); and a battery (404) which is removablely attached to the control housing (402) in the overlap area. [13] Height-adjustable seat post (200) according to claim 12, wherein the battery (404) is completely removable in the overlap area attached to the control housing (402). [14] Height-adjustable seat post (200) according to one of claims 12 or 13, wherein the overlap area is defined by a first length (L1) in a fully extended position and by a second length (L2) in a fully retracted position, wherein the first length (L1) is shorter than the second length (L2), and wherein the battery (404) is arranged completely within the first length (L1). [15] Height-adjustable seat post (200) according to one of claims 12 or 13, wherein the overlap area is defined by a first length (L1) in a fully extended position and by a second length (L2) in a partially retracted position, wherein the first length (L1) is shorter than the second length (L2), and wherein the battery (404) is arranged completely within the first length (L1). [16] Height-adjustable seat post (200) according to one of claims 12 to 15, which further comprises an internal valve system to selectively lock the upper tube (204) relative to the lower tube (202) upon receiving the control signals, wherein the battery (404) supplies power to the internal valve system via the control housing (402). [17] Height-adjustable seat post (200) according to one of claims 12 to 16, which further comprises a clamping ring (400) coupled to an outer surface (223) of the lower tube (202), wherein the control housing (402) and the battery (404) are fixed relative to the lower tube (202) via the clamping ring (400). [18] Height-adjustable seat post (200) according to one of claims 12 to 17, wherein a height dimension of the battery (404) in a first direction parallel to the axis (206) is smaller than a width dimension of the battery (404) in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. [19] Height-adjustable seatpost (200) according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein a maximum extension of the head housing (402) is greater than an outer diameter of the lower tube (202). [20] Height-adjustable seat post (200) according to claim 19, wherein a maximum extension of the battery (404) in an installed state overlaps a large part of the maximum extension of the control housing (402). [21] Height-adjustable seat post (200) according to one of claims 19 or 20, wherein the maximum extension of the head housing (402) is defined in a plane perpendicular to the axis (206).

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