Parking brake device for bicycles and motorcycles, especially for electric bicycles.

Abstract

A parking brake device for a hydraulic brake system for bicycles and motorcycles, particularly electric bicycles, comprises a valve unit (200) having a valve body (201) having an inlet (204) for receiving pressurized fluid coming from a master cylinder associated with a brake lever and an outlet (205) for sending pressurized fluid to a cylinder for operating a brake device (181). A valve member (203) is movable within the valve body (201) between an open position where the inlet (204) communicates with the outlet (205) and a closed position where communication between the inlet (204) and the outlet (205) is blocked. The movable member (203) of the valve unit (200) is actuated not by fluid pressure but by an electric actuator device (206) for both displacement from the open position to the closed position and displacement from the closed position to the open position, both of which are stable positions where the movable member (203) remains when the electric actuator device (206) is deactivated. (Figure 3)

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a parking brake device for a hydraulic brake system for bicycles and motorcycles, particularly for electric bicycles, wherein the brake system comprises: - a brake device associated with a wheel of the vehicle; - a hydraulic cylinder for operating the brake device, associated with the brake device; and - a master hydraulic cylinder associated with a brake lever, configured to supply pressurized fluid to a hydraulic cylinder for operating the brake device via a connection line following the actuation of the brake lever and having wherein the parking brake device comprises a valve unit interposed in a connection line between the master hydraulic cylinder and the cylinder for operating the brake; wherein the valve unit comprises: - a valve body having an inlet for receiving pressurized fluid from the master cylinder and an outlet for sending pressurized fluid to the cylinder for operating the brake device; and - a valve member movable within the valve body between an open position where the inlet communicates with the outlet and a closed position where the communication between the inlet and the outlet is blocked and relates to a parking brake device of the type having.

[0002] Prior Art A parking brake device of the type mentioned above is described, for example, in document FR3 013 307 B1. In this known solution, the movable member of the valve unit is manually movable between its open and closed positions by a locking device operable by the use of a key.

[0003] Furthermore, known from document US2020 / 398802A1 is an ABS device for a hydraulic brake system for electric bicycles, which includes an electrically operated valve for opening or closing the hydraulic connection between the master cylinder associated with the brake lever and the actuator cylinder associated with the disc brake caliper. This solution does not take into account the parking brake.

[0004] Object of the invention The object of the present invention is to provide an improved type of parking brake device that enables automated operation of the parking brake device without consuming a large amount of energy.

[0005] A further object of the present invention is to provide a parking brake device of the type described above that is extremely reliable and efficient, while also being simple and inexpensive.

[0006] A further object of the present invention is to provide a parking brake device that can be operated by the user in an extremely simple and functional manner. [Overview of the project]

[0007] For the purpose of achieving one or more of the above objectives, the subject of the present invention is a parking brake device having the features mentioned at the beginning of this specification, further characterized in that the movable member of the valve unit is actuated not by fluid pressure but by an electric actuator device for both displacement from an open position to a closed position and displacement from a closed position to an open position, and both the open position and the closed position are stable positions in which the movable member remains when the electric actuator device is deactivated.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the parking brake device according to the present invention is - A sensor associated with the above valve unit and configured to detect the position of a movable member; and - An electronic controller for controlling the electric actuator device, configured to receive a signal indicating the position of the movable member from the above sensor, and to control the displacement of the movable member from the open position to the closed position or from the closed position to the open position following a control signal provided by the user. It is further characterized by having the following features.

[0009] Preferably, the electronic controller is configured to detect the operating conditions of the brake device and to allow the displacement of the movable member from the open position to the closed position only when the brake device is operating.

[0010] When in use, to activate the parking brake, the user stops the vehicle (e.g., an electric bicycle), activates the brake via the brake lever, and under these conditions, commands the electronic controller to displace the movable member of the valve unit from the open position to the closed position. Under these conditions, the hydraulic line on the cylinder side that activates the brake is isolated from the hydraulic line on the brake lever side. As a result, the brake (e.g., a disc brake caliper) remains blocked (locked) under braking conditions.

[0011] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the electronic controller is configured to actuate the electric actuator device in response to a control signal sent to the electronic controller by the user via a remote server accessible by the user through a dedicated application on a smartphone, tablet, or other portable electronic device.

[0012] To activate the parking brake, the user simply needs to operate the brake lever and, while maintaining this condition, control the application of the parking brake using their portable electronic device.

[0013] However, the possibility of providing a human-machine interface device associated with the valve unit that allows the user to control the displacement of the movable members of the valve unit is not ruled out, nor is the possibility of providing a mechanical actuator that can be operated, for example, using a key, which can function as a backup in the event of a failure of the electric actuator device.

[0014] It may be assumed that the system includes a pressure sensor associated with the brake device, and that the electronic controller is configured to receive a signal from the pressure sensor to detect the operating or non-operating conditions of the brake device. Alternatively to or in addition to this feature, it may be assumed that the system includes a sensor for detecting the angular velocity of the wheel to which the brake device is associated, and that the electronic controller is configured to allow the displacement of the movable member of the valve unit from the open position to the closed position only when the stationary condition of the wheel is detected.

[0015] In addition, according to further preferred features, the system may include a sensor for detecting the vehicle's position, such as a GPS sensor, and the electronic controller may be configured to receive signals from the vehicle position sensor.

[0016] Preferably, the electronic controller is associated with a communication module for communicating with a remote server. In this way, the system's electronic controller can communicate the operating / deoperating conditions of the brake device and the vehicle's location to the remote server, thereby enabling the user to remotely control the vehicle's conditions and location after leaving the vehicle parked with the parking brake device engaged.

[0017] The system may also be designed to activate an audible alarm signal if the electronic controller detects abnormal conditions that are likely signs of theft, such as a drop in pressure in the cylinders that actuate the brake calipers, or movement of the vehicle or rotation of the wheels. In the case of remote control via a portable electronic device such as a smartphone or tablet, the alarm signal can be activated on the remote control device.

[0018] In a further modification, in the case of application to a power-assist bicycle, if the above abnormal situation is detected as a sign of a high probability of theft, the electronic controller may be expected to disable the power-assist function provided by the bicycle's electric motor.

[0019] The system may be configured for a vehicle that includes a hydraulic ABS actuator unit installed between a master cylinder associated with the brake lever and a cylinder for operating the brake system. In this case, the valve unit of the parking brake system is installed between the ABS system and the cylinder for operating the brake system (typically a disc brake caliper). The system's electronic controller may be a dedicated standalone electronic controller, or otherwise, if an ABS actuator unit with its own electronic control unit is used, it may be the latter.

[0020] In a specific embodiment, the movable member of the valve unit of the parking brake device is a slide valve that holds at least one seal ring and is mounted within the cylindrical cavity of the valve unit body. This seal ring engages with the wall of the cavity so as to isolate the outlet of the valve unit from its inlet in the closed position without changing the volume in the line communicating with the cylinder for operating the brake device at all. Thereby, the displacement of the movable member from the open position to the closed position is not hindered by any pressure increase, minimizing the energy required to effect the movement of the slide spool. Any other suitable configuration that enables minimizing the force required to displace the valve's movable member may equally be envisioned.

[0021] In the above example of the embodiment, the spool is associated with further elastically deformable seal rings configured to selectively cooperate with two different seats provided in the open and closed positions respectively within the cavity of the valve unit body so as to stabilize the position of the spool after each operation, whether the spool is in the open or closed position.

[0022] The position sensor may be, for example, a capacitive sensor having an annular body provided within the cavity of the valve unit body and designed to receive a part of the spool therein when it moves to its closed position.

[0023] The electric actuator device that effects the displacement of the spool may be, for example, an electric motor that controls the movement of the spool by means of a screw and nut system, or else it may include a first solenoid and a second solenoid configured and arranged to effect the displacement of the spool in one direction from the open position to the closed position and in the opposite direction from the closed position to the open position respectively. Also, a single solenoid combined with a mechanism that enables the displacement of the movable member in one or the other direction during each new operation of the solenoid (such as the mechanism provided in a retractable ballpoint pen) may be envisioned.

[0024] The present invention is generally applicable to bicycles and motorcycles, and is of particular interest with respect to electric bicycles, and more particularly to cargo-type electric bicycles where the relatively heavy weight, especially when the bicycle is left on a slope, makes the use of a parking brake device particularly advantageous.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, which refers to the accompanying drawings provided purely as non-limiting examples. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view showing an example of an electric cargo bicycle to which the system according to the present invention may be applied. [Figure 2] FIG. 15 is a detailed perspective view of the electric cargo bicycle of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 18 is a schematic representation of the valve unit of the system according to the present invention in the open condition. [Figure 4] FIG. 21 is a schematic representation of the valve unit of the system according to the present invention in the closed condition. [Figure 5] FIG. 24 shows an example of an electric actuator device that can be used in the system according to the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 27 is a schematic illustration of an example of an embodiment of the system according to the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] By way of pure example, FIG. 1 shows a cargo-type electric bicycle 1 to which the system according to the present invention may be applied. However, it is clear that the system according to the present invention is generally applicable and, in particular, may be applied to any type of electric bicycle or also to motorcycles and scooters. In the present specification and in the following claims, the expression "electric bicycles" is considered in particular with respect to electric assist bicycles.

[0027] In Figure 1, reference numeral 1 indicates an example of a cargo bicycle of the type that, as a whole, is the subject of patent application WO2022 / 097054A1 filed in the name of the present applicant. In this example, the bicycle 1 includes, for example, a bicycle frame 2 composed of tubular elements welded together. The frame 2 includes a head tube 3 that rotatably supports the steering shaft 5 of the handlebars 6 around a shaft 4. According to the prior art, the frame 2 further includes a seat tube 7 into which a seat post for supporting a saddle 8 is rigidly blocked; a rear fork 9 that rotatably supports a rear wheel unit 11; and a crankshaft 12 connected to crank levers that hold the respective pedals 13. Again according to the prior art, the crankshaft 12 holds a front crank wheel 14 connected to a rear sprocket associated with a pin on the rear wheel 11 by a chain transmission. Of course, the cargo bicycle 1 may also be provided with any known type of gear shifting device for selectively engaging a transmission chain with one of a series of rear sprockets and / or one of a series of front sprockets.

[0028] In a typical configuration of this type of cargo bicycle, the frame 2 further includes a front frame extension, indicated collectively by reference numeral 15, which includes a front fork tube 16 into which a column or shaft 17 of a front fork 18 is rotatably mounted, rotatably supporting a front wheel unit 180, which may be either a single wheel or a double wheel. The axis of rotation 19 of the column 17 of the front fork 18 is positioned a considerable distance forward from the axis of rotation 4 of the handlebar 6. The front extension 15 of the frame is used to support a cargo or luggage rack or carrier 20. Finally, a steering linkage mechanism 21 connects the shaft 5 of the handlebar 6 to the front fork 18 in order to transmit the rotation of the handlebar to the front fork 18.

[0029] See also Figure 2, the cargo bicycle shown herein is provided with a front hydraulic brake system having a front disc brake 22, which includes a disc 220 associated with the front wheel and a disc brake caliper 221 held by an arm 181 of the fork 18 and cooperating with the disc 220. In a manner essentially known, the disc brake caliper 221 includes a hydraulic actuator cylinder (not shown) that can be actuated by a front brake lever 60 associated with the handlebar 6, in the example shown in Figure 2. Again, in a manner essentially known, a master hydraulic cylinder (not shown) is associated with the brake lever 60, which is hydraulically connected to the brake caliper 221 by flexible tubing. Structural details of the disc brake 22, the brake lever 60, the master cylinder associated with the brake lever, and the cylinder for acting the disc brake are not described or illustrated herein to the extent that they can be obtained in any known way.

[0030] In the example illustrated in Figure 2, an ABS actuator device, indicated as A in Figure 2, is installed between the master cylinder associated with the brake lever 60 and the cylinder for operating the brake caliper 221. An electronic control unit E is associated with the hydraulic ABS actuator device A, which can control the operation of device A when the condition for initial blocking of the front wheel is detected during braking. For this purpose, the bicycle is provided with one or more sensors designed to detect the condition for initial blocking of the front wheel during braking. In a manner that is essentially known, the sensors may include, for example, a sensor for detecting the rotational speed of the front wheel and / or a sensor for detecting the vertical load of the rear wheel, for example, which works in cooperation with a phonic wheel 182 held by a fork arm 181 and associated with the front wheel, the latter being designed to detect when this load falls below a threshold that indicates the bicycle is prone to bouncing up and tipping over around the front wheel axle.

[0031] When the electronic unit E detects a dangerous condition during braking based on signals transmitted by one or more of the sensors described above, the electronic unit E activates the ABS actuator device A, thereby reducing the pressure of the fluid supplied to the brake caliper. Details of the configuration of the actuator device A are not described or illustrated herein to the extent that they can be obtained by any known means. It should also be considered that the present invention may be applicable even when an ABS actuator device is not assumed.

[0032] Now, moving on to the parking brake device which is the subject of the present invention, the device includes a valve unit 200 (see Figures 3 and 4), which is interposed in the connection line between the master cylinder associated with the brake lever and the cylinder for operating the brake device (in the illustrated example, the cylinder for operating the disc brake caliper). The valve unit 200 has a body 201, which in the illustrated example has a cylindrical cavity 202, inside which a movable member 203 configured like a spool of a slide valve is slidably mounted. Figures 3 and 4 refer to the case in which an ABS actuator device A is provided. In this case, the valve unit 200 is hydraulically provided in the line connecting the ABS actuator device A and the cylinder for operating the brake caliper. The body 201 defines an inlet 204 for receiving pressurized fluid coming from the brake lever via the ABS actuator device A, and defines an outlet 205 for supplying pressurized fluid to the cylinder for operating the brake caliper.

[0033] When the ABS actuator device A is not provided, the inlet 204 directly receives pressurized fluid from the master cylinder associated with the brake lever.

[0034] The movable member 203 of the valve unit 200 is movable via an electric actuator device 206 between an open position (Figure 3) in which the inlet 204 communicates with the outlet 205 and a closed position (Figure 4) in which the outlet 205 is isolated from the inlet 204.

[0035] In the illustrated example, the movable member 203 has a cylindrical body that holds the rubber seal ring 207, which is elastically deformable and, in the open position shown in Figure 3, is positioned at a certain distance from the enlarged portion 202A of the cavity 202, so as to allow free communication between the inlet 204 and the outlet 205. In the closed position, instead, the seal ring 207 isolates the outlet 205 from the inlet 204 by engaging with the smaller diameter portion of the cavity 202.

[0036] In the illustrated example, when the seal ring 207 is in an undeformed state, its outer diameter is greater than the diameter of the smaller diameter portion of the cavity 202. In this way, in the closed position shown in Figure 4, the seal ring 207 is compressed radially, thereby ensuring a seal contact between the ring 207 and the walls of the cavity 202.

[0037] As shown in the drawing, the seal ring 207 is housed and blocked within the circumferential groove 203A of the movable member 203.

[0038] The movable member 203 is also provided with a further seal ring 208, which is made of rubber and is elastically deformable in the radial direction. The seal ring 208 is housed in the circumferential groove 203B of the movable member 203.

[0039] The seal ring 208 is configured to selectively cooperate with the two seats 209 and 210 of the cavity 202 in the closed and open positions, respectively, thereby stabilizing each of these positions. To displace the movable member 203 from any of these positions, it is sufficient to apply only the minimum force necessary to deform the seal ring 208 radially and detach it from each seat.

[0040] Adjacent to the end of the movable member 203 located on the opposite side of the electric actuator device 206, the movable member holds a further rubber seal ring 211, which is also blocked within the circumferential groove 203C of the movable member 203. The seal ring 211 serves to isolate the environment through which the brake caliper working fluid passes from one end of the cavity 202 where a position sensor 212 is installed, which is a capacitive position sensor having a tubular body designed to accommodate its end when the movable member 203 is in the closed position. The sensor 212 is configured to detect the position of the movable member 203 and communicate it to an electronic controller E, which may be the same electronic controller as that of the ABS actuator device A, if one is provided, or alternatively, a dedicated electronic controller (see Figure 6).

[0041] Referring again to Figure 3, when the valve unit 200 is in the open position shown therein, the inlet 204 of the valve unit 200 communicates with the outlet 205, thereby allowing the bicycle's brake system to be used in the normal manner; during use of the bicycle, the operation of the brake lever 60 supplies pressurized fluid through the valve unit 200 to the cylinder that actsuates the brake caliper.

[0042] If a user wishes to activate the parking brake after parking their bicycle, they must first activate the brake lever 60 to control the operation of the brake caliper. Under these conditions, the displacement of the movable member of the valve unit 200 must be controlled from the open position to the closed position shown in Figure 4. Under these conditions, the outlet 205 and, together with it, the entire hydraulic line on the brake caliper side are isolated from the inlet 204, which communicates with the brake lever side. As a result, under these conditions, the brake caliper is blocked in a closed state.

[0043] As is clear from Figures 3 and 4, the displacement of the movable member 203 from the open position to the closed position does not cause any change in the volume within the line on the brake caliper side. Therefore, this displacement occurs without having to overcome any hydraulic pressure, which in turn leads to minimal energy consumption.

[0044] According to the present invention, the actuator device 206 of the movable member 203 is an electric actuator device that can operate the movable member 203 not by fluid pressure, but by the direct action of the actuator device 206.

[0045] Referring to Figure 5, the actuator device 206 may be, for example, an electric motor 206A, which causes axial displacement of the movable member 203 by a screw and nut system including a screw 206B that is engaged through a screw hole 203D formed in a portion of the movable member 203 which is rotationally driven by the motor and guided within the cavity 202 so as to prevent rotation around its own axis.

[0046] Alternatively, the actuator device 206 may include, for example, two solenoids (not shown), each configured to control the axial displacement of the movable member 203 in one direction and the other. Alternatively, again, a single solenoid may be provided in combination with a mechanism that allows displacement of the movable member in one or the other direction for each new actuation of the solenoid.

[0047] The structural details of each of the above solutions are not shown herein to the extent that they can be obtained in any known way.

[0048] Referring to Figure 6, in one example of the embodiment, the electronic controller E is associated with a communication module T configured to communicate with a remote server C. To activate the parking brake device, the user can use a dedicated application on a portable electronic device, such as a smartphone S configured to communicate with the remote server C, which communicates with the transmission module T associated with the electronic controller E. When the bicycle is parked, the user needs to activate the brake caliper by operating the brake lever 60, and in this condition, the user can activate the parking brake device via the dedicated application on their smartphone S. Commands received by the remote server C are sent by the remote server to the electronic controller E, which results in the intervention of the electric actuator device 206. Conversely, if the parking brake device needs to be released, the user can again use the application on their smartphone S to control the deactivation of the parking brake device.

[0049] Referring again to Figure 6, Controller E controls the pressure p associated with the brake caliper. B If it is detected that the brake caliper is not blocked (via a sensor to detect the rotational speed ω of the wheel to which the brake device is associated), W The system may be configured to prevent the parking brake from activating when it detects that the wheel is moving (by a sensor for detecting this).

[0050] The system may be equipped with, for example, a GPS-type sensor for detecting the vehicle's position, which can communicate the vehicle's position to a remote server C.

[0051] Due to the above features, once the bicycle is parked and the parking brake is engaged, the user can remotely control the status and position of the bicycle using their portable electronic device at any time.

[0052] If a vehicle is parked for an extended period with the brakes engaged, a drop in pressure on the brake caliper side may occur due to fluid leakage through the seal ring. Following detection of this pressure drop, indicated by a pressure sensor associated with the brake caliper, the electronic controller may be configured to generate a notification to a remote server via a communication module. As a result, the remote server generates information to the user regarding the imminent risk of the brakes applied to the wheels being released, resulting in the loss of both the anti-theft and parking brake functions. It may also be conceivable that the user be notified to deactivate the parking brake after a predetermined time, and that this be done.

[0053] If the parking brake remains engaged for an extended period, this risks degrading the vehicle's electric battery charge, potentially making it impossible to deactivate the parking brake (unless, as already mentioned above, a manual brake release device controlled by a key is provided). To overcome this drawback, it may be assumed that the electronic controller is configured to inform the user that the parking brake can be electronically deactivated within a limited period and / or that the system can automatically deactivate the anti-parking / anti-theft function after a predetermined time interval. For the same reason, in the absence of a manual brake release device, it may be assumed that the parking brake can only be activated if the battery charge is sufficient to ensure that the device can be deactivated after a minimum pre-set time.

[0054] Of course, without affecting the principles of the present invention, the details of the configuration and embodiments may differ significantly from those described and illustrated herein merely as examples, without departing from the scope of the invention. (Other possible items) (Item 1) A parking brake device for a hydraulic brake system for bicycles and motorcycles, particularly for electric bicycles, The aforementioned hydraulic brake system: - Brake device (181) associated with the wheel (180) of the vehicle, - A brake device operating hydraulic cylinder associated with the brake device (181) for operating the brake device, - A master hydraulic cylinder associated with the brake lever (60), configured to supply pressurized fluid to the brake device operating hydraulic cylinder via a connecting line following the operation of the brake lever (60). It has, Here, the parking brake device includes a valve unit (200) interposed in the connection line between the master hydraulic cylinder and the brake device operating cylinder (181), Here, the valve unit (200) is: - A valve body (201) having an inlet (204) for receiving pressurized fluid directly or indirectly from the master cylinder and an outlet (205) for supplying pressurized fluid directly or indirectly to the brake device operating cylinder (181), - A valve member (203) within the valve body (201) that is movable between an open position in which the inlet (204) is in communication with the outlet (205) and a closed position in which the communication between the inlet (204) and the outlet (205) is blocked. Includes, The system is such that the movement of the movable member (203) of the valve unit (200) from the open position to the closed position and from the closed position to the open position is driven not by fluid pressure but by an electric actuator device (206), and both the closed position and the open position are stable positions in which the movable member (203) remains when the electric actuator device (206) is deactivated. Parking brake device. (Item 2) - A sensor (212) associated with the valve unit (200) and configured to detect the position of the movable member (203), and - An electronic controller (E) for controlling the electric actuator device (206), configured to receive a signal from the sensor (212) indicating the position of the movable member (203) and to control the displacement of the movable member (203) from the open position to the closed position and from the closed position to the open position as a result of a control signal provided by the user. The apparatus described in item 1, further comprising the above. (Item 3) The apparatus according to item 2, wherein the electronic controller (E) is configured to detect the operating conditions of the brake device (181), and to allow the movable member (203) to be displaced from the open position to the closed position only when the brake device is in operating condition and preferably when the vehicle is stationary. (Item 4) Pressure sensor (p) associated with the brake device (181) B The apparatus according to item 3, comprising, wherein the electronic controller (E) is configured to receive a signal from the pressure sensor to detect the operating or non-operating conditions of the brake device (181). (Item 5) The apparatus according to item 3, comprising a sensor for detecting the vehicle position, wherein the electronic controller (E) is configured to receive a signal of the vehicle position from the sensor. (Item 6) A sensor (ω) for detecting the angular velocity of the wheel associated with the aforementioned brake device. W The apparatus according to item 3, further comprising, and wherein the electronic controller (E) is configured to allow the displacement of the movable member (203) from the open position to the closed position only when the stationary condition of the wheel is detected. (Item 7) The apparatus according to item 3, wherein the electronic controller (E) is associated with a communication module (T) for communicating with a remote server (C), and the electronic controller is configured to communicate the activation / deactivation conditions of the brake device and / or the position of the vehicle to the remote server. (Item 8) The apparatus according to item 2, wherein the electronic controller (E) is configured to actuate the electric actuator device (206) as a result of command signals given to the electronic controller (E) by the user via a remote server (C) which can be accessed by the user via a dedicated application on a smartphone, tablet, or other portable electronic device (S). (Item 9) The apparatus according to item 1, wherein the movable member (203) is a spool that is slidable within the cylindrical cavity (202) of the body (201) of the valve unit (200) and supports at least one seal ring (207), the at least one seal ring (207) engaging with the wall of the cavity in the closed position to isolate the outlet (205) of the valve unit (200) from the inlet (204) of the valve unit without causing any change in the volume in the line communicating with the operating cylinder of the brake device, and the displacement of the movable member (203) from the open position to the closed position is not offset by any increase in pressure. (Item 10) The apparatus according to item 9, wherein the movable member (203) holds an additional seal ring (208) configured to selectively cooperate with two sheets (209, 210) of the movable member (203) in the open and closed positions to stably maintain the movable member in each of the respective positions. (Item 11) The apparatus according to item 1, configured for a vehicle including a hydraulic ABS actuator device (A) interposed between the master cylinder of the brake lever and the operating cylinder of the brake device, wherein the valve unit (200) is positioned to be interposed between the ABS actuator device (A) and the brake device. (Item 12) The apparatus according to item 11, wherein the electronic controller (E) is either an electronic controller associated with the ABS actuator device (A) or a standalone electronic controller. (Item 13) The apparatus according to item 1, wherein the electric actuator device (206) includes an electric motor operably connected to the movable member (203) by a screw and nut system. (Item 14) The apparatus according to item 1, wherein the electric actuator device (206) includes a first solenoid and a second solenoid, respectively, configured to cause axial displacement of the movable member (203) in one direction from the open position to the closed position and in the opposite direction from the closed position to the open position. (Item 15) The apparatus according to item 2, wherein the position sensor (212), configured to detect the position of the movable member (203), is a capacitive sensor having an annular body disposed within the cavity (202) of the valve body (201), which is configured to allow the movable member (203) to move internally and to accept a portion of the movable member (203) internally when the movable member is at its end position.

Claims

1. A parking brake device for a hydraulic brake system for bicycles and motorcycles, particularly for electric bicycles, The aforementioned hydraulic brake system: - Brake devices associated with the wheels of a vehicle, - A brake device operating hydraulic cylinder associated with the brake device for operating the brake device, - A master hydraulic cylinder associated with the brake lever, configured to supply pressurized fluid to the brake device operating hydraulic cylinder via a connecting line following the operation of the brake lever. It has, Here, the parking brake device includes a valve unit interposed in the connection line between the master hydraulic cylinder and the brake device operating hydraulic cylinder. Here, the valve unit is: - A valve body having an inlet for receiving pressurized fluid directly or indirectly from the master hydraulic cylinder and an outlet for supplying pressurized fluid directly or indirectly to the brake device operating hydraulic cylinder, - A movable member within the valve body that can move between an open position in which the inlet is in communication with the outlet and a closed position in which the communication between the inlet and the outlet is blocked. Includes, The hydraulic brake system is such that the movement of the movable member of the valve unit from the open position to the closed position and from the closed position to the open position is driven not by fluid pressure but by an electric actuator, and both the closed and open positions are stable positions in which the movable member remains when the electric actuator is deactivated. Parking brake device.

2. - A sensor associated with the valve unit, configured to detect the position of the movable member, and - An electronic controller for controlling the electric actuator device, configured to receive a signal from the sensor indicating the position of the movable member and to control the displacement of the movable member from the open position to the closed position and from the closed position to the open position as a result of a control signal provided by the user. The parking brake device according to claim 1, further comprising the above.

3. The parking brake device according to claim 2, wherein the electronic controller is configured to detect the operating conditions of the brake device, and to allow the movable member to be displaced from the open position to the closed position only when the brake device is in operation and preferably when the vehicle is stationary.

4. The parking brake device according to claim 3, further comprising a pressure sensor associated with the brake device, wherein the electronic controller is configured to receive a signal from the pressure sensor to detect the operating or non-operating condition of the brake device.

5. The parking brake device according to claim 3, comprising a sensor for detecting the position of a vehicle, wherein the electronic controller is configured to receive a signal of the vehicle position from the sensor.

6. The parking brake device according to claim 3, wherein the brake device is equipped with a sensor for detecting the angular velocity of the wheel to which it is associated, and the electronic controller is configured to allow the displacement of the movable member from the open position to the closed position only when the stationary condition of the wheel is detected.

7. The parking brake device according to claim 3, wherein the electronic controller is associated with a communication module for communicating with a remote server, and the electronic controller is configured to communicate the activation / deactivation conditions of the brake device and / or the position of the vehicle to the remote server.

8. The parking brake device according to claim 2, wherein the electronic controller is configured to actuate the electric actuator device as a result of command signals given to the electronic controller by the user via a remote server that can be accessed by the user via a dedicated application on a smartphone, tablet, or other portable electronic device.

9. The parking brake device according to claim 1, wherein the movable member is a spool that is slidable within the cylindrical cavity of the valve body of the valve unit and supports at least one seal ring, the at least one seal ring engages with the wall of the cylindrical cavity in the closed position to isolate the outlet of the valve unit from the inlet of the valve unit without causing any change in the volume in the line communicating with the brake device operating hydraulic cylinder, and the displacement of the movable member from the open position to the closed position is not offset by any pressure increase.

10. The parking brake device according to claim 9, wherein the movable member holds an additional seal ring configured to selectively cooperate with two seats of the movable member in the open and closed positions to stably maintain the movable member in each of the respective positions.

11. The parking brake device according to claim 1, configured for a vehicle including a hydraulic ABS actuator device interposed between the master hydraulic cylinder and the brake device operating hydraulic cylinder of the brake lever, wherein the valve unit is positioned to be interposed between the hydraulic ABS actuator device and the brake device.

12. The parking brake device according to claim 11, wherein the electronic controller is either an electronic controller associated with the hydraulic ABS actuator device or a standalone electronic controller.

13. The parking brake device according to claim 1, wherein the electric actuator device includes an electric motor operably connected to the movable member by a screw and nut system.

14. The parking brake device according to claim 1, wherein the electric actuator device includes a first solenoid and a second solenoid, respectively, configured to cause axial displacement of the movable member in one direction from the open position to the closed position and in the opposite direction from the closed position to the open position.

15. Parking brake device according to any one of claims 2 to 14, wherein the position sensor configured to detect the position of the movable member is a capacitive sensor having an annular body disposed within a cylindrical cavity of the valve body, which is configured to allow the movable member to move inside and to accept a part of the movable member inside when the movable member is at its end position.

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