BICYCLE COMPONENT WITH AN ADJUSTABLE SEAT POST DEVICE

Abstract

A bicycle component for an at least partially muscle-powered bicycle, including a seat post device adjustable between two positions, with two support members telescopically movable relative to one another in the axial direction namely, a first support member and a second support member. The bicycle component includes an anti-twist protection with a clamping element that non-rotatably couples the support members together, and which is displaceably received in a guiding groove, so that rotational movement of the first support member relative to the second support member can be at least partially blocked. The anti-twist protection includes a spline device with a spline unit that can be pressed against the clamping element in the axial direction. By pressing the clamping element and the spline unit together, the clamping element and/or the spline unit can be moved relative to the guiding groove in the peripheral direction.

Claims

1. A bicycle component for an at least partially muscle-powered bicycle, comprising a seat post device adjustable between at least two positions, comprising at least two support members telescopically movable relative to one another in an axial direction, namely, a first support member and a second support member, and comprising at least one anti-twist protection with at least one clamping element which non-rotatably interlinks the support members and displaceably receives them in a guiding groove, so that rotational movement of the first support member relative to the second support member can be at least partially blocked; and that the anti-twist protection comprises at least one spline device with at least one spline unit that can be urged against the clamping element in the axial direction, and that by pressing the clamping element and the spline unit together, the clamping element and/or the spline unit can be moved relative to the guiding groove in the peripheral direction.

2. The bicycle component according to claim 1, wherein the spline unit is received on one of the two support members, in particular on the second support member.

3. The bicycle component according to claim 2, wherein the guiding groove is also disposed in the support member which accommodates the spline unit.

4. The bicycle component according to claim 2, wherein by pressing the spline unit and the clamping element together, the spline unit is movable in the peripheral direction relative to the support member which receives the spline unit.

5. The bicycle component according to any claim 2, wherein at least one damping component is disposed between the spline unit and the support member receiving the spline unit, and wherein by way of the damping component, the movement of the spline unit can be dampened at least in the peripheral direction.

6. The bicycle component according to claim 5, wherein the damping component comprises, or is configured as, at least one elastic body.

7. The bicycle component according to claim 5, wherein the damping component is suitable and configured to push the spline unit in the direction toward the guiding groove, when the spline unit and the clamping element are no longer pressed to one another.

8. The bicycle component according to claim 5, wherein the damping component can be supported in a form-fit on the support member which receives the spline unit.

9. The bicycle component according to claim 1, wherein the spline unit is fastened to a supporting body.

10. The bicycle component according to claim 9, wherein the supporting body extends annularly around the support member not receiving the spline unit.

11. The bicycle component according to claim 1, wherein the spline unit can only be moved jointly with the guiding groove and a support member.

12. The bicycle component according to claim 1, wherein the clamping element is received on another support member, not on the spline unit, and in particular on the first support member.

13. The bicycle component according to claim 1, wherein the clamping element and the spline unit can be pressed together at least by adjusting the seat post device.

14. The bicycle component according to claim 1, wherein the clamping element and the spline unit are pressed together in one of the positions, preferably in an extended position, of the seat post device.

15. The bicycle component according to claim 1, wherein the pressing together of the clamping element and the spline unit causes the support members to be braced against one another, so that any rotation play between the support members can be blocked in both rotational directions.

16. The bicycle component according to claim 1, wherein the anti-twist protection comprises one guiding groove and/or one clamping element only.

17. The bicycle component according to claim 1, wherein the clamping element is received in the guiding groove with minimum play, so as to ensure controlled displacement and/or tilting of the clamping element in the guiding groove by the spline unit.

18. The bicycle component according to claim 1, wherein in pressing together, the clamping element and the spline unit can be supported on one support member each.

19. The bicycle component according to claim 1, wherein by pressing the clamping element and the spline unit together, the clamping element can be displaced and/or tilted sideways and in this way at least one longitudinal face can be pressed at least in sections to at least one longitudinal wall of the guiding groove.

20. The bicycle component according to claim 1, wherein in adjusting the seat post device, the clamping element is displaceable in the guiding groove in the axial direction.

21. The bicycle component according to claim 1, wherein the guiding groove and the spline unit (412) are disposed on one shared support member, and wherein the clamping element is fastened to a different support member than are the guiding groove and the spline unit.

22. The bicycle component according to claim 1, wherein the spline unit and the guiding groove are disposed on a radially inside surface of the second support member, and/or wherein the clamping element is fastened to a radially outside surface of the first support member.

23. The bicycle component according to claim 21, wherein the support member shows an increased wall thickness in the region of the guiding groove, so as to result in particular in a non-round outer cross-sectional contour.

24. The bicycle component according to claim 1, wherein the clamping element is partially recessed in at least one receiving space of the first support member, and partially protrudes beyond an outer circumference of the first support member, projecting into the guiding groove of the second support member.

25. The bicycle component according to claim 1, wherein by pressing the clamping element and the spline unit together, the first support member is rotatable relative to the second support member.

26. The bicycle component according to claim 1, wherein the clamping element is disposed on an upper end portion of the first support member, and wherein the spline unit is disposed on a lower end portion of the second support member.

27. The bicycle component according to claim 1, wherein the spline unit comprises at least one spline section extending into the guiding groove, and at least one linking section at least partially recessed in the second support member external of the guiding groove, and wherein the fit of the linking section with the second support member shows a narrower tolerance than does the fit of the spline section with the second support member.

28. The bicycle component according to claim 1, comprising at least one locking device for locking the seat post device in at least one of the positions, wherein the locking device is suitable and configured to fix the clamping element and the spline unit in a state of being pressed together.

29. The bicycle component according to claim 28, wherein the clamping element and/or the spline unit are at least partially disposed above a bolt member of the locking device.

30. The bicycle component according to claim 1, comprising at least one energy storage device, which is suitable and configured to be at least partially loaded by retracting the seat post device, and to be at least partially unloaded by extending the seat post device, so that the seat post device can be extended at least partially automatically, and wherein the energy storage device is suitable and configured to press the clamping element and the spline unit together.

31. The bicycle component according to claim 1, wherein the spline unit comprises at least one spline profile canted at least in sections, and wherein the clamping element comprises at least one clamping profile interacting with the spline profile, and wherein the clamping profile is preferably rounded.

32. The bicycle component according to claim 1, wherein the anti-twist protection provides an axial guide in adjusting the seat post device.

33. The bicycle component according to claim 1, wherein the second support member serves to receive a saddle.

34. The bicycle component according to claim 1, wherein the first support member is disposed inside of the second support member at least in sections, and wherein for telescoping the seat post device, the second support member can be moved over the first support member at least in sections.

35. The bicycle component according to claim 1, wherein by pressing the clamping element and the spline unit together, the clamping element can be centrally aligned in the guiding groove.

36. A bicycle that is at least partially muscle-powered, comprising at least one bicycle component according to claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0070] Further advantages and features of the present invention can be taken from the description of the exemplary embodiments which will be discussed below with reference to the enclosed figures.

[0071] The figures show in:

[0072] FIG. 1 a simplistic illustration of a bicycle with an inventive bicycle component;

[0073] FIG. 2 a schematic illustration of an inventive bicycle component in a side view;

[0074] FIG. 3 the bicycle component in an illustration sectioned along the line A-A in FIG. 2 in a side view;

[0075] FIG. 4 a sectional detail illustration of the bicycle component in FIG. 3;

[0076] FIG. 5 the bicycle component in an illustration sectioned along the line B-B in FIG. 2 in a bottom view;

[0077] FIG. 6 a partial cutaway detail illustration of the bicycle component in FIG. 2;

[0078] FIG. 7 a partial cutaway detail illustration of a configuration of the bicycle component in FIG. 2;

[0079] FIGS. 8-10 simplistic detail illustrations of anti-twist protections of the bicycle component in various configurations;

[0080] FIG. 11 a schematic illustration of another configuration of the bicycle component according to the invention in a side view;

[0081] FIG. 12 the bicycle component in an illustration sectioned along the line A-A in FIG. 11, in a side view;

[0082] FIG. 13 a sectional detail illustration of the bicycle component of FIG. 12;

[0083] FIG. 14 the bicycle component in a sectional illustration along the line B-B in FIG. 11, in a bottom view;

[0084] FIG. 15 a partial cutaway detail illustration of the bicycle component in FIG. 11;

[0085] FIG. 16 a schematic detail illustration of another configuration of the bicycle component according to the invention in a partially cutaway side view;

[0086] FIG. 17 a cross sectional illustration of the bicycle component of FIG. 16 in a bottom view; and

[0087] FIG. 18 a detail illustration of the bicycle component of FIG. 16 in a perspective view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0088] FIG. 1 shows a bicycle 100 configured as a mountain bike with a bicycle component 1 according to the invention. The bicycle 100 may also be configured as a partially muscle-powered two-wheeled vehicle and for example an E-bike.

[0089] The bicycle 100 comprises two wheels 105, each equipped with a hub and a rim 106. The bicycle 100 is a full suspension bicycle. The fork 109 is configured as a suspension fork 110, and the frame 107 comprises a rear wheel damper 111.

[0090] Furthermore the bicycle 100 comprises a saddle 103, a frame 107, a handlebar 108 and other bicycle components. This bicycle 100 comprises a derailleur 113 forming part of a pedal drive 112. Moreover the bicycle 100 includes a brake device not shown in detail.

[0091] The bicycle component 1 comprises an adjustable seat post device 2 which is accommodated in a frame structure 102 configured as a seat tube 104. The seat post device 2 is fastened in the seat tube 104 by means of a seat tube clamp 101.

[0092] The seat post device 2 is configured adjustable so that the saddle 103 can be fixed in various positions or saddle heights respectively. To this end the seat post device 2 comprises two support members 12, 22 provided for telescopic extending and pushing into one another.

[0093] The illustration shows the seat post device 2 in a first position 10 extended to the maximum. A lower saddle height may also be set. Thus, the seat post device 2 is pushed together and put in a second position 20 retracted to the maximum, not shown in detail. One configuration provides for the seat post device to be adjusted to one or more intermediate positions.

[0094] For locking a set saddle position, the bicycle component 1 comprises a locking device 3 disposed in the interior of the seat post device 2, not visible here. For releasing or actuating the locking, an actuating device 6 is provided with a control 16 attached to the handlebar 108.

[0095] The actuating device 6 comprises a cable control 7 with a control cable 17. The cable control 7 may comprise various components for guiding the control cable 17, for example pulleys or the like. This control cable 17 extends from the control 16 into the frame 107 and through the seat tube 104 up to the seat post device 2, and preferably indirectly, or directly, to the locking device 3. A supporting device 27 serves to receive and support a control cable sleeve, not shown in detail.

[0096] The control cable 17 is for example tensioned by way of the control 16 to release the locking device 3. Then the rider can either urge the saddle downwardly or upwardly when sitting down or lifting his weight, supported by an energy storage device 9, not shown. Then the seat post device 2 locks in the current position 10, 20. It is also possible to provide continuous adjustment, so that e.g. the saddle 103 remains in position as the control 16 is released.

[0097] The FIGS. 2 to 6 show various illustrations of a bicycle component 1 according to the invention. The bicycle component 1 will now be described in detail with reference to the FIGS. 2 to 6.

[0098] The bicycle component 1 comprises a seat post device 2 having a first or bottom support member 12 and a second or top support member 22. The two support members 12, 22 are telescopic.

[0099] The top support member 22 is equipped with a saddle accommodation 11 for mounting a saddle to the seat post device 2. The second support member 22 may be a separate part, or it may alternately be configured integrally with the frame structure of the bicycle, or alternately fixed or provided to be fixed thereto.

[0100] A seal 31 or O-ring is disposed at the end of the top support member 22 opposite the saddle accommodation 11. The top support member 22 shows a collar to receive the seal 31. A mud guard 21 is disposed at the end of the support member 22 opposite the saddle accommodation 11. This serves to wipe off dirt in retracting.

[0101] The FIGS. 3 and 4 clearly show the interior components of the bicycle component 1. The locking device 3 is disposed substantially inside the first support member 12. The locking device 3 comprises a plurality of bolt members 4, only one of which is visible. The bolt members 4 are configured as spheres 14.

[0102] The bolt members 4 extend through a wall 121 of the first support member 12. The wall 121 shows a through hole 303 therefor. The bolt member 4 extends further into a part of a wall 221 of the second support member 22. A recess 222 is configured for the bolt member 4. The recess 222 is circumferential respectively circular. Alternately, a configuration is conceivable where a recess 222 is provided for each of the bolt members 4.

[0103] The bolt members 4 are pressed into the recess 222 by way of a piston member 5 or a cone 51 of the piston member 5 respectively. In this position the bolt members 4 prevent the second or top support member 22 from lowering further. The saddle height respectively the positions of the two support members 12, 22 to one another is/are thus locked. The piston member 5 and the bolt members 4 are in a locked or blocked position. The top position 10 of the bicycle component 1 or of the seat post or seat post device 2 is illustrated here. The bolt members 4 are locked in the bottom recesses 222 of the second support member 22.

[0104] The piston member 5 is pulled downwardly in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the support members 12, 22 to release the locking device 3 and retract the seat post device 2. Then the piston member 5 is transferred to a release position. In the release position, pressure on the saddle, for example by the rider's weight, allows to lower the saddle height.

[0105] This piston member 5 is conical, tapering toward the top end. When the piston member 5 is pressed downwardly, the bolt members 4 cease to be urged into the recess 222 (via the cone 51). Thus the top support member 22 can be pushed over the bottom support member 12.

[0106] For locking the saddle height in the retracted, lower position 20 the locking device 3 comprises an additional recess 222 further upwardly. The piston member 5 can force the bolt members 4 in so as to lock the seat post device 2 in this position.

[0107] The bicycle component 1 comprises an energy storage device 9 configured as a spring 19 which is biased as the seat post device 2 is retracted. To this end the spring 19 is configured as a compression spring. While the seat post device 2 is locked in the bottom position 20 and the piston member 5 is transferred to the release position, the top support member 22 is automatically moving upwardly together with the saddle due to the force of the biased spring 19.

[0108] To reliably retain the piston member 5 in the locked position, the locking device 3 is provided with a biasing device 8. The biasing device 8 comprises a spring 18 which automatically urges the piston member 5 to the locked position.

[0109] The piston member 5 is moved between the release position and the locked position by means of an actuating device 6 having a cable control 7. To release the lock the piston member 5 is pulled downwardly by means of a control cable 17 of the cable control 7. While the control cable 17 is tensioned, the piston member 5 remains in the release position and the bolt members 4 are not urged into the recess 222. As the control cable 17 is released, the biasing device 8 urges the piston unit 5 back into the locked position.

[0110] Actuating the cable control 7 is provided for example by means of a control 16 as it was described with reference to the FIG. 1. The cable control 7 comprises a coupling member 37, which extends between, and is linked to, the control cable 17 and the piston member 5. This offers many advantages as regards mounting and servicing, and also offers reliable protection for the internal components.

[0111] Advantageously the coupling member 37 is a wire, and for example a spoke wire or a spoke respectively spoke section. Other wires or rods or the like are also possible. The coupling member 37 may be provided as another control cable. Alternately, a continuous control cable 17 may be provided. FIG. 4 clearly shows a (conical) (spoke) head of the coupling member 37, which is accommodated in the piston member 5.

[0112] The coupling member 37 extends through the lower support member 12 which it exits at one end 122, which can be accommodated in the saddle tube 104 of the bicycle 100. The coupling member 37 exits from the support member 12 on an axial front face 123. The supporting device 27 also supports on this axial front face 123, a control cable sleeve for the control cable 17, not shown in detail. The operating force is transmitted from the supporting device 27 to the piston member 5 via the coupling member 37. The control cable 17 extends from the supporting device 27 up to the control 16 fastened to the handlebar 108.

[0113] The control cable 17 extends through the bottom support member 12 which it exits at an end 122 that can be received in the seat tube 104 of the bicycle 100. The control cable 17 is received in a protecting tube 37. The control cable 17 exits from the support member on an axial front face 123. The supporting device 27 also supports on this axial front face 123 a control cable sleeve, not shown in detail.

[0114] The first support member 12 is built of two tubular support sections 301, 302 joined together in a connecting area 300. The support sections 301, 302 are disposed to overlap in the connecting area 300. The support section 301, which in the operational state is on top, shows a wall thickness greater than that of the bottom support section 302. The top support section 301 comprises the through hole 303 for the bolt members 4. Moreover the piston member 5 is guided in the top support section 301.

[0115] The first support member 12 comprises an outside surface 120 matched to the inside surface 220 of the second support member. The outside surface 120 of the first support member 12 is provided by the two support sections 301 and 302. Thus the top support member 22 can be readily pushed over the connecting area 300 without jamming.

[0116] An end position damping 23 is provided in the region of the top end of the second support member 22. An end position damping may also be provided at the bottom end.

[0117] The control cable 17 may be coupled with a cable tensioner, not shown in detail, to convey to the user a defined functioning feel in any position of the actuating device. In preferred configurations, a cable tensioner is neither necessary nor provided. This will provide the user with a defined, tactile feedback at any time when touching or moving the actuating device. The cable tensioner comprises a biasing unit and a slider component that is axially guided inside the piston member. The slider component is urged to a biased state by means of the biasing unit, retaining the cable tensioned at all times.

[0118] The bicycle component 1 is equipped with an anti-twist protection 400, which blocks any twisting of the second support member 22 together with the saddle 103 relative to the first support member 12. To this end, a guiding groove 403 is incorporated in the second support member 12. The guiding groove 403 displaceably accommodates a clamping element 401, which is fastened to the first support member 12. In this way the support members 12, 22 are non-rotatably interlinked.

[0119] For compensating rotation play, resulting e.g. from play of the clamping element 401 in the guiding groove 403, the anti-twist protection 400 is provided with a spline device 402. The spline device 402 comprises a spline unit 412, which is urged against the clamping element 401 in the extended position 10. By way of the clamping element 401 and the spline unit 412 being pressed together, the clamping element 401 is displaced sideways in the guiding groove 403, transverse to the axial direction relative to the guiding groove 403. Since the clamping element 401 is fastened to the bicycle 100 through the support member 12, it is not the clamping element 401 that moves but the guiding groove 403, together with the second support member 22.

[0120] By way of this displacement, the clamping element 401 is urged to a longitudinal wall 413 of the guiding groove 403 by way of the longitudinal face 411. This causes the support members 12, 22 to be braced against one another and the rotation play, to be compensated in both rotational directions. Thus, the saddle 103 is fixed in the extended position 10 without any irritating rotation play.

[0121] The clamping element 401 is provided with a bore 441. This is where a tool can be applied for removing the clamping element 401 for servicing.

[0122] In the embodiment shown, the clamping element 401 and the spline unit 412 are disposed above the bolt members 4.

[0123] The compensation of the rotation play according to the invention does not require particularly narrow tolerances for the clamping element 401 and the guiding groove 403, so that extensive fitting can be omitted. The invention introduced even advantageously allows to accommodate the clamping element 401 in the guiding groove 403 at large tolerances respectively at minimum play. Thus, the spline unit 412 has sufficient space for moving the clamping element 401 in the guiding groove 403. Another advantage is that the larger tolerance considerably simplifies manufacturing the guiding groove 403 and also the clamping element 401. Moreover, guiding the clamping element 401 in the guiding groove 403 can be considerably simpler.

[0124] FIG. 5 particularly clearly shows the arrangement of the clamping element 401 in the guiding groove 403 between the support members 12, 22. With the arrangement shown, the anti-twist protection 400 also offers an axial guide for the support members 12, 22. It can also be clearly seen that the second support member 22 shows an increased wall thickness in the region of the guiding groove 403, and thus a non-round outer cross-sectional contour. The clamping element 401 is recessed in a receiving space 421 in the first support member 12, from which it projects into the guiding groove 403 of the second support member 22. Moreover, a direction arrow 410 is inserted to better illustrate the peripheral direction.

[0125] The anti-twist protection 400 presented can operate with one single guiding groove 403 and with one single clamping element 401 only. This allows considerably saving weight and manufacturing expenses.

[0126] When adjusting the seat post device 2, the clamping element 401 glides through the guiding groove 403 in the axial direction. In the arrangement of the support members 12, 22 shown, the clamping element 401 together with the first support member 12 remain stationary on the frame structure 102, while the second support member 22 moves up and down with the guiding groove 403. Accordingly, pressing the clamping element 401 and the spline unit 412 together causes the second support member 22 to rotate relative to the first support member 12 and its clamping element 401.

[0127] In order to compensate the rotation play in the extended position 10, the clamping element 401 is disposed on an upper end portion of the first support member 12 and the spline unit, on a lower end portion of the second support member 22.

[0128] When the spline unit 412 and the clamping element 401 are pressed together and the clamping element 401 bears against the longitudinal wall 413, this state can be fixed by the locking device 3. Thus, compensation of the rotation play coincides with locking the seat post device 2 in the extended position 10. When the locking device 3 is actuated, the lock is released, and the extended position 10 is left, the spline unit 412 moves away from the clamping element 401.

[0129] In the anti-twist protection 400 shown, the energy storage device 9 presses the clamping element 401 and the spline unit 412 together. Thus, the rotation play is automatically compensated by extending the seat post device 2. As the extended position 10 is reached, this state is fixed.

[0130] FIG. 6 shows particularly clearly that the spline unit 412 comprises a spline section which extends into the guiding groove 403. The spline unit 412 moreover comprises a linking section 432. The linking section 432 is recessed into the second support member 22 outside of the guiding groove 403 and serves for aligning the spline unit 412. The fit of the linking section 432 shows a narrower tolerance than does the fit of the spline section 422. Thus, the spline section 422 is received in the guiding groove 403 with play. A retaining member 452 secures respectively fastens the spline unit 412 in the guiding groove 403. The retaining member 452 may serve as a mechanical stopper for limiting the travel when extending the support members 12, 22.

[0131] The spline section 422 is exemplarily configured with a slanted spline profile 442. The clamping element 401 exemplarily shows a rounded clamping profile 431.

[0132] FIG. 7 shows the bicycle component 1 in the illustration according to FIG. 6 with an alternative configuration of the spline unit 412. The spline unit 412 is provided by the spline section 422 only, and is completely accommodated in the guiding groove 403. The linking section 432 has been omitted. The retaining member 452 secures respectively fastens the spline unit 412 in the guiding groove 403.

[0133] FIGS. 8 to 10 each show a spline profile 442 of a spline unit 412 with a corresponding clamping profile 431 of a clamping element 401. The spline profile 442 shown in the FIG. 8 is partially slanted and partially flat, and the clamping profile is rounded or pitch-circular.

[0134] The spline profile 442 shown in the FIG. 9 is U-shaped. The clamping profile 431 interacting therewith is pointed.

[0135] The spline profile 442 shown in the FIG. 10 is V-shaped, and the clamping profile 431 interacting therewith is rounded respectively pitch-circular. These profiles 442, 431 cause the clamping element 401 to be centered in the guiding groove when it is urged against the spline unit 412.

[0136] FIGS. 11 to 15 show, in analogy to the FIGS. 2 to 6, the bicycle component 1 in an alternative configuration. In the embodiment shown, among other things the clamping element 401 is disposed above the bolt members 4, while the spline unit 412 is disposed overlapping with the bolt members 4.

[0137] The cable control 7 here comprises a continuous control cable 17. The control cable 17 extends from the piston member 5 through the lower support member 12, which it exits at one end 122, which can be received in the saddle tube 104 of the bicycle 100. The control cable 17 exits from the support member on an axial front face 123. A control cable sleeve, not shown in detail, can be supported on this axial front face 123.

[0138] The FIGS. 16 to 18 show in analogy to the FIGS. 2 to 6, the bicycle component 1 according to the invention in an advantageous design. In this case, the spline unit 412 moves in the peripheral direction 410 relative to the guiding groove 403 and also relative to the second support member 22. To this end, the second support member 22 is provided with a spline takeup space 424. The spline takeup space 424 shows an intended oversize relative to the spline unit 412, so that the spline unit 412 can move therein in the peripheral direction. When the clamping element 401 and the spline unit 412 are pressed to one another in the axial direction, the spline unit 412 is thus pushed into the spline takeup space 424.

[0139] A damping component 404 is presently disposed between the spline unit 412 and the support member 22. This damping component 404 is configured as an elastic body 414, and for example of a rubber material. As can clearly be seen in FIG. 17, one of the ends of the damping component 404 form-fittingly bears against the second support member 22. The opposite end of the damping component 404 bears against the spline unit 412. In this way the damping component 404 can control the damping of movement of the spline unit in the peripheral direction.

[0140] The damping component 4 can also be employed for pushing the spline unit 412 back in the direction of the guiding groove 403, when the spline unit 412 and the clamping element 401 are no longer pressed to one another.

[0141] In order to ensure a permanently reliable, easy-glide movability of the spline unit 412 and at the same time, a stable attachment to the support member 22, the spline unit 412 is received on an annular supporting body 462. The supporting body 462 and the damping component 404 are illustrated in the FIG. 18 in operational alignment to one another (the remaining components are not shown).

[0142] This configuration allows an uncomplicated while effective damping of the movement of the spline unit 412. This allows effective prevention of an undesired, hard abutment, and also undesired noises such as metallic “clicks”.

[0143] In an exemplary operating sequence, the second support member 22 is moved e.g. to a top saddle position. Then the spring 19 urges the clamping element 401 onto the spline unit 412. Due to the beveled spline profile 442 and the clamping profile 431, also beveled in analogy, movement of the spline unit 412 in the peripheral direction is generated. The movement of the spline unit 412 generates a force acting on the damping component 404. The damping component 404 transfers the force to the second support member 22. In this way, the second support member 22 rotates in the peripheral direction, and the clamping element 401 is pressed to the longitudinal wall 413 of the guiding groove 403, and rotational play is blocked.

[0144] While a particular embodiment of the present bicycle component with an adjustable seat post device has been described herein, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the invention in its broader aspects and as set forth in the following claims.

TABLE-US-00001 List of reference numerals:  1 bicycle component  2 seat post device  3 locking device  4 bolt member  5 piston member  6 actuating device  7 cable control  8 biasing device  9 energy storage device  10 position  11 saddle accommodation  12 first support member  14 sphere  16 control  17 control cable  18 spring  19 spring  20 position  21 mud guard  22 second support member  23 end position damper  27 supporting device  31 seal  37 coupling member  51 cone 100 bicycle 101 seat tube clamp 102 frame structure 103 saddle 104 seat tube 105 wheel 106 rim 107 frame 108 handlebar 109 fork 110 suspension fork 111 damper 112 pedal drive 113 derailleur 120 outside surface 121 wall 122 end 123 front face 220 inside surface 221 wall 222 recess 223 projection 300 connecting area 301 support section 302 support section 303 through hole 400 anti-twist protection 401 clamping element 402 spline device 403 guiding groove 404 damping component 410 direction arrow 411 longitudinal face 412 spline unit 413 longitudinal wall 414 body 421 takeup space 422 spline section 424 spline takeup space 431 clamping profile 432 linking section 441 bore 442 spline profile 452 retaining member 462 supporting body