DRIVE MODULE FOR A DRIVE ENERGY PROVIDED BY HUMAN MUSCLE POWER AND ELECTROMOTIVELY PROVIDED SINGLE- OR MULTI-LANE VEHICLE, SINGLE- OR MULTI-LANE VEHICLE AND METHOD

Abstract

The invention relates to a drive module for a single- or multi-track vehicle, in particular a pedelec, that can be propelled by human muscle power and electric motor-provided drive energy. The module comprises a housing and an electric motor arranged in an interior space enclosed by the housing. The invention also relates to a single- or multi-track vehicle that can be propelled by human muscle power and electric motor-provided drive energy, in particular a pedelec. Finally, the invention relates to a method for connecting a drive module with an electric motor to the frame of a single- or multi-track vehicle that can be propelled by human muscle power and electric motor-provided drive energy, and to a method for operating a single- or multi-track vehicle that can be propelled by human muscle power and electric motor-provided drive energy.

Description

The invention relates to a drive module for a single- or multi-lane vehicle drivable by drive energy provided by human muscle power and by electric motor, and to a single- or multi-lane vehicle. The invention also relates to a method for connecting a drive module having an electric motor to a vehicle frame of a single-track or multi-track vehicle, in particular Pedelec, which can be driven by drive energy provided by human muscle power and electric motor, and to a method for operating such a vehicle.Single-track or multi-track vehicles of the generic type are, for example, vehicles such as bicycles with an electric motor auxiliary drive, in particular electric bicycles, e-bikes or pedelecs. In particular, vehicles of the generic type are part of the vehicle classes L 1 e, L 2 e, L 3 e, L 4 e, L 5 e, L 6 eand L 7 eaccording to Article 4 of the EU Regulation 2013 / 168 / EU of January 15, 2013. These also include, in particular, vehicles with a design-related maximum speed of up to 6 km / h, vehicles which are exclusively intended for use in sports competition, bicycles with pedal drive with pedaling aid which are equipped in particular with an electromotive auxiliary drive with a maximum rated continuous power of up to 250 W, whose assistance is interrupted when the driver stops pedaling and whose assistance is progressively reduced and interrupted with increasing vehicle speed before the speed of the vehicle reaches 25 km / h, self-balancing vehicles with electromotive drive, sports vehicles with pedal drive, vehicles with pedal drive which do not have at least one seat, and vehicles with pedal drive with an R point (according to ECE-R 17) ≤400 mm. Load wheels also include these.Such single-track or multi-track vehicles often have a front wheel and at least one rear wheel, which are connected to one another via a vehicle frame. Such a vehicle frame can have, for example, a seat tube and / or a head tube and / or a down tube and a rear structure with, for example, one or more struts. However, it is also possible for a plurality of rear wheels, for example two rear wheels, and / or a plurality of front wheels, for example two front wheels, to be present, in particular in any desired combination. These can be arranged, for example, transversely to a forward driving direction next to one another, such as, for example, in a three-wheeler or a vehicle with an auxiliary vehicle, or else one behind the other in the forward driving direction, such as, for example, in a tandem. The front wheel is typically mounted rotatably about a front wheel axis and the rear wheel is mounted rotatably about a rear wheel axis.Vehicles of this type are being equipped with at least one electric motor which is intended to assist the user in driving the vehicle. Typically, they are not driven by this electric motor alone, but rather the electric motor assists the user in driving the vehicle from his own human muscle power, usually by a pedal crank device. The degree of support is usually selectable. In this way, a user can apply exactly as much of his own power during a trip with such a vehicle as he can or would like while still moving at a comfortable speed that can also be used in the everyday life. Such a vehicle is described, for example, in WO2022078730A1 and WO2022229187A1 of the applicant.Single-track or multi-track vehicles of this type usually have a comparatively complicated overall structure on account of the multiplicity of functional units present and, on account of the increasing complexity of these vehicles, manufacturers and users increasingly present challenges.On the basis of this, it is therefore the object of the invention to specify a possibility of simplifying the structure and at the same time also the operation of the vehicle.The object is achieved by a drive module, a single-track or multi-track vehicle, a method for connecting a drive module, and a method for operating a single-track or multi-track vehicle that can be driven by drive energy provided by human muscle power and by electric motor according to the independent claims. Preferred developments are specified in the dependent claims.A first aspect of the invention relates to a drive module for a single-track or multi-track vehicle, in particular Pedelec, drivable by drive energy provided by human muscle power and by electric motor. A drive module is distinguished in that it represents a coherent totality which can be handled separately per se. The drive module thus represents a coherent assembly which is provided and designed as a whole for use as part of a single-track or multi-track vehicle of the generic type and is accordingly provided for installation in such a single-track or multi-track vehicle. The mounting and / or dismantling or the mounting and / or dismantling, in particular in or on a vehicle frame, can therefore take place, when used as intended, in particular as a coherent subassembly. Functionally, the drive module represents a drive interface in the single-track or multi-track vehicle, which is designed, on the one hand, for direct or indirect recording by drive energy provided from human muscle power, for example via a pedal crank drive. On the other hand, the drive module comprises an electric motor, by means of which drive energy provided by electric motor can be generated. The drive module is functionally designed in such a way that it merges, for example adds or subtracts, the drive energy generated from human muscle power and the drive energy generated by electric motor, and passes on the total drive energy resulting therefrom via an output of the drive module, for example into a drive train connected to one or more wheels and / or directly to one or more wheels for drive purposes. How this can be done specifically in technical terms is disclosed, for example, in WO 2022078730A1, which is hereby incorporated by reference.The drive module according to the invention comprises a module housing. The module housing refers to an entity that can form the outer surface of the drive module at least in substantial parts. The module housing can be one or multiple parts, for example, can have a plurality of housing shells or the like. The module housing can be sealed off from the outside, except for connections described in more detail below, for example. Additionally or alternatively, it can also be provided that the module housing comprises a support structure on which components of the drive module are arranged and can be mounted fixed relative to one another. The module housing does not necessarily have to be formed closed towards the outside, but can also have one or more apertures or the like. These perforations can be covered and / or closed with one or more protective caps and / or transparent window elements and / or filled by one or more elements arranged in the interior of the drive module, such as one or more LEDs. Functional components can also form part of the module housing. The module housing can be the supporting structure of the subcomponents encompassed by the drive module.The module housing in its entirety surrounds an interior space which is designed to accommodate at least one electric motor or in which an electric motor is arranged at least partially and in particular completely. This means that the assembly formed by the drive module comprises at least one electric motor which does not itself form the entire outer surface of the drive module.Finally, part of the drive module is also an output that can be driven by the electric motor and by human muscle power. This output therefore denotes that functional region of the drive module at which the drive energy actually provided by the drive module for driving one or more wheels is dissipated from the drive module to a transmission and / or directly to one or more wheels. For this purpose, the output drive can be designed, for example, as an output shaft, as a connecting flange for a transmission, for example a transmission device as disclosed in WO 2022229187A1, or the like.It is now essential for the invention that the drive module comprises at least one input connection for at least one brake signal line and at least one output connection for the at least one brake signal line.The at least one brake signal line is provided in the single-track or multi-track vehicle as part of a brake device. By activating this braking device, it is possible to brake the vehicle. Usually, a friction brake, such as a disk brake, a drum brake or a rim brake, is used for this purpose. These comprise in each case one or more brake elements which can be adjusted between a release position and a braking position, such as for example one or more brake blocks with a suitable brake lining or the like. Such brake devices are known to the person skilled in the art. The release position usually denotes an adjustment range within which the brake device, in particular the brake element or elements, can be adjusted relative to the rest of the vehicle, but no braking effect yet occurs. The braking position, on the other hand, usually denotes an adjustment range within which the braking device, in particular the braking element or elements, can be adjusted relative to the rest of the vehicle and a braking effect is thereby effected. The braking device is frequently designed in such a way that when the braking element is in the braking position, an increased actuating force also causes an increased braking effect. For vehicles of the present type having at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel, there may also be legal regulations, in particular, which demand the presence of both a front wheel brake device and a rear wheel brake device. These can ideally be actuated independently of one another; they thus each have their own actuating element. The respective brake device is actuated by a driver of the vehicle via one or more actuating elements, wherein this can in particular be one or more hand brake levers which can be manually actuated by the operator. By actuating the actuating element or elements, the operator ultimately generates a brake signal which is transmitted directly or indirectly to the brake element via a brake signal line and initiates the adjustment thereof from the release position into the brake position. For this purpose, the brake signal can be transmitted mechanically, for example, specifically by means of a Bowden cable. For the present invention, it is preferred for all aspects of the invention if the brake signal line is designed as a hydraulic line, thus it is a hose line and / or pipe filled with brake or hydraulic fluid. In the case of a hydraulic brake signal line, the brake signal is thus transmitted in the form of a pressure increase within the brake signal line, wherein in this case the hydraulic line can be simultaneously used to drive the adjusting movement of the brake element from the release position into its braking position. The brake signal can always be transmitted from the drive module to the brake element when the actuating element or elements are actuated. However, it can also be provided that the braking effect is achieved on the basis of the braking signal upstream and / or downstream and / or simultaneously for braking with the aid of the braking element additionally or alternatively by means of another braking mechanism, for example by means of regenerative braking, i.e. braking by means of operation of the electric motor as a generator.It is provided for the drive module according to the invention that the drive module comprises at least one input connection for the at least one brake signal line and at least one output connection for the at least one brake signal line. This means in particular that the brake signal line thus runs at least partially through the drive module and a function- and / or signal-transmitting connection exists within the drive module between the input connection and the output connection. The functional spectrum of the drive module is thus no longer limited to only a functional unit converting input and generated drive energy toward an output, but is at least partially also incorporated in the signal transmission of at least one brake signal. In this way, in particular, the assembly of a single-track or multi-track vehicle with the drive module can be considerably facilitated, since a part of the brake device, in particular the brake line, is simultaneously added with the installation of the drive module.The input terminal and / or the output terminal can be designed as a terminal suitable for the connection of a brake signal transmission line. In the case of the use of a hydraulic brake signal transmission line, these can be, for example, connecting pieces for a crimped connection, screw bushes or the like.The functional spectrum of the drive module can be supplemented still further based thereon. It is thus advantageous, for example, if the drive module comprises a control unit arranged in an interior space formed by the module housing, having at least one signal input, at least one signal output and at least one computer device. The drive module can be developed in this way as an information processing unit. For example, one or more sensor and / or control signals can be transmitted to the drive module via the signal input. Starting from the drive module, sensor and / or control signals can likewise be transmitted via the signal output to devices external to the drive module. The computer device, for example a CPU, is designed to execute at least one computer program, for example to generate one or more control commands and / or to process one or more sensor signals. The computer device can be part of a control unit. The computer device can be designed additionally or alternatively for controlling the at least one electric motor and / or for outputting torque at the output of the drive module.It can be advantageous if the interior formed by the module housing for receiving the control unit is an interior separate or separated from the electric motor. According to this advantageous development, the drive module thus comprises at least two interior spaces which are at least substantially separate from one another. These can also each have an access from outside the drive module, for example covered by a removable protective cap, in order to facilitate installation and maintenance work, for example.Part of the drive module can be at least one sensor device which is designed to record at least one operating parameter, in particular the drive module itself. For this purpose, the sensor device can be, for example, a pressure sensor for detecting a hydraulic pressure and / or a current intensity and / or current voltage sensor for detecting a current intensity and / or a current voltage and / or a torque sensor for detecting a torque applied to the output, in particular to a shaft of the output, and / or a torque applied to a drive, in particular a pedal crankshaft, and / or a rotational speed sensor for detecting a rotational speed, in particular a rotational speed of the output shaft, or a manually actuatable drive shaft. The sensor or sensors can each be designed such that the sensor data determined by them are transmitted internally within the drive module to, in particular, the computer device, in particular a control unit. It is also possible to transmit this sensor data out of the drive module, for example via one or more of the signal outputs of the drive module already mentioned above.The drive module can be configured in a particularly compact manner if the sensor device is arranged on a common printed circuit board with the control unit, in particular a control unit designed as a motor controller for controlling the at least one electric motor, in particular at least two electric motors included in the drive module.Even if, in principle, a wide range of technical alternatives can be used with regard to the specific embodiment of the brake device and in particular also of the brake signal line, it is advantageous if the at least one input connection and / or the at least one output connection for the at least one brake signal line are designed as a connection for a hydraulic fluid line. The brake signal line and the transmission of the brake signal then take place in a manner suitable for this drive module in the respective vehicle via one or more hydraulic lines. Such hydraulic lines can be, for example, lines, in particular hoses, made of pressure-resistant plastic and / or so-called steel flex lines. For this purpose, it can be provided that the inlet connection and / or the outlet connection are thus designed for the connection of a pressurized fluid hose, for example via a suitable thread, a part of a crimped connection or the like.Even if it is possible that the input and the output connection on the drive module are not in direct connection to the forwarding of the brake signal from the input connection to the output connection, this is nevertheless preferred. For this purpose, it can be provided that a connecting line is present within the module housing of the drive module, which connecting line connects the input connection to the output connection. For this purpose, the connecting line can be designed in particular as a pipe and / or hose line in order to enable a fluid-conducting connection between the input and the output connection of the drive module in the case of a brake signal transmission by hydraulic means.The connecting line can be a simple connecting line running directly between the input connection and the output connection, for example a hose or a pipeline. In particular, however, the connecting line can also be used to obtain information about the brake signal within the drive module itself. For this purpose, it can be provided that the connecting line is connected to a sensor, in particular a pressure sensor, which is designed to detect the hydraulic pressure inside the connecting line. For this purpose, the connecting line can run through the pressure sensor or be in fluidic connection with the pressure sensor, for example in the form of a pressure measuring cell, via a measuring line branch, for example a stub line.If the drive module is thus designed for connection to hydraulic fluid lines at the input and / or output connection, it is furthermore advantageous if the drive module, in particular the module housing, has a venting device for venting a hydraulic fluid line, in particular the connecting line, running in the drive module and adjoining the input and / or output connection. This venting device can also be used, in particular, during the assembly and / or maintenance process of a single-track or multi-track vehicle to be equipped with the drive module to vent parts of a brake device and their brake signal lines beyond the drive module.In addition to the connections for connecting the drive module to brake signal lines, it is also possible for the drive module to have a connection point, for example a connection socket, which is designed for the connection of at least one, in particular of at least two signal lines. In this way, further information can be supplied to and / or removed from the drive module and transmitted to the periphery of the drive module, for example for control and / or display purposes. For this purpose, it is particularly advantageous if the at least two signal lines are brought together in a common plug and the drive module accordingly has a suitable plug socket which is accessible from outside the drive module and is designed to receive this plug for establishing suitable signal transmission connections.The functionalities made possible by the drive module can be further increased in that the drive module has, for example, at least one display device. This can comprise one or more visually and / or acoustically and / or haptically perceptible display elements. These may be, for example, one or more LEDs, a display screen, a loudspeaker, a vibration device or the like. In the case of at least visually perceptible display elements, these can be arranged in suitable recesses of the module housing and / or covered by at least one transparent protective pane in the drive module in such a way that they can be detected and visually perceived from outside the drive module. Additionally or alternatively, it can also be provided that the drive module comprises a communication device which is designed for, in particular, wireless, reception and / or for transmitting data and / or signals. This can be done unidirectionally or bidirectionally. Specifically, for this purpose, the communication device can comprise, for example, in particular an interface of the Bluetooth, WLAN, RFID, in particular NFC, type or the like.With regard to the specific configuration and / or the scope of function of the communication device comprised by the drive module, there are a wide variety of specific configuration possibilities. Thus, a loudspeaker or sound transducer and / or a visually perceptible or optical display unit may be present, so that signals that can be perceived directly optically and / or acoustically by the driver can be emitted from the drive unit from the drive module. For this purpose, it is not absolutely necessary to connect the drive module to an on-board power supply system of the vehicle. This can also comprise its own power supply as a unit autonomous by the rest of the vehicle.Specifically, it can be provided that the drive module is designed such that, by means of visually perceptible communication means, for example, a battery charge state and / or an electromotive degree of assistance and / or a recuperation mode and / or a speed limit mode and / or an underrun or overrun of a speed threshold, etc., are displayed.By means of the acoustically perceptible communication means, in particular in the form of a sound transducer, in particular a comparatively short-term transmission of acoustic messages is necessary, for example in the manner of an alarm message from the drive unit itself or an acknowledgement or confirmation of any type of driver commands. Quite specifically, this can be, for example, a message such as "battery has reached critical discharge state" and / or "immobilizer activated / deactivated" or the like.The drive module can have a drive connection which is designed for connecting a pedalling device, in particular pedal cranks. Via this connection, the drive energy made available from human muscle power can thus be supplied to the drive module. The drive module can additionally or alternatively have an output connection which is designed in particular for connecting a traction drive or a wheel. This can be, for example, a chain or belt transmission. Finally, the drive module can also comprise a summing device which is designed for combining (adding and / or subtracting) drive energy from two energy sources different from one another, for example from human muscle power and drive energy provided by electric motor, such as, for example, a transmission unit comprising one or more planetary or harmonic drives.For certain operating situations, it may be advantageous if the drive module itself comprises an integrated energy store for storing electrical energy. Thus, the assembly formed by the drive module already has an energy source available, independently of, for example, a comparatively large energy store, which makes it possible to enable functions of the drive module without its integration into the vehicle or without its connection to a type of on-board power supply. These can be, for example, function integrity checks, programming functions or the like. This energy store with a comparatively low storage capacity can be fixedly installed within the drive module or can also be arranged interchangeably in the drive module.In order to make it easier to integrate the drive module into the vehicle possible, it is preferred if the housing comprises at least one detachable connection device or at least one part of such a connection device, via which it can be mounted on a vehicle frame of a vehicle, in particular a pedelec, that can be driven from human muscle power and drive energy provided by electric motor. These can be, for example, a connecting flange, one or more through-bores for receiving a screw connection device, a thread or the like.Part of the drive module can be a connecting device, in particular a part of a plug connection, for connection to an external energy store for storing electrical energy. The connecting device is thus designed for the transmission of electrical energy.Additionally or alternatively, the independent assembly formed by the drive module can also comprise a traction drive or at least a part of a traction drive, such as a chain wheel or belt wheel. Especially when using a belt transmission, it is advantageous if the drive module then already comprises at least one belt transmission stage, in particular two belt transmission stages arranged in series with one another. In this way, an already prestressed belt of the belt transmission can be prefabricated and flanged to the drive module, in particular also in the assembly process as a front-end assembly group / stage.A further aspect of the invention relates to a single-track or multi-track vehicle which can be driven from human muscle power and drive energy provided by electric motor, in particular Pedelec. The vehicle comprises a vehicle frame forming the essential supporting structure, at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel, at least one pedalling device, in particular a pedal crank device, by means of which an operator of the vehicle can make available drive energy for driving the vehicle from human muscle force, at least one electric motor, at least one output drive which can be driven by the electric motor, in particular an output shaft, and at least one energy store for electrical energy for driving the electric motor. Vehicles having these features are known in the prior art, as described, for example, in WO 2022078730A1, and are frequently also referred to as electric bicycle or e-bike. Part of a vehicle of the generic type is furthermore at least one brake device which can be actuated by a driver of the vehicle and has a manually actuatable actuating element and a brake element which can be adjusted between a brake position and a release position, wherein the brake signal generated by a manual actuation of the actuating element can be transmitted to the brake element via a brake signal line and is also transmitted in the case of braking. The brake device is frequently designed to be automatically adjusting towards the release position, for example by a suitable spring loading or an internal pressure. The brake signal line serves for transmitting the braking request signaled by the operator via the actuating element and the initiated braking process to the braking element. For this purpose, the brake signal line can be embodied, for example, purely mechanically, for example, by means of a Bowden cable, but in particular as a hydraulic line. With regard to further possible details regarding the configuration of the brake device and components associated therewith, reference is made in addition to the above explanations.To achieve the object, it is now provided that the vehicle has a drive module according to the invention, wherein the advantageous refinements specified for the drive module according to the invention can likewise also be advantageous for the vehicle. In addition to the drive module, the vehicle comprises a brake signal line which comprises a first brake line section which is connected to the drive module via an input connection of the drive module and connects the input element for signal transmission to the drive module, and a second brake signal line section which is connected to the drive module via an output connection of the drive module and connects the drive module for signal transmission to the brake element. The brake signal line thus runs at least partially through the drive module or is functionally formed passed through the drive module.It is preferred if the brake device comprises a front wheel brake device with a first manually actuatable actuating element for actuating a front wheel brake element via a first brake signal line and a rear wheel brake device with a second manually actuatable actuating element for actuating a rear wheel brake element via a second brake signal line. This allows for increased operational safety of the vehicle. For this further development of the invention, it is now provided that at least the first and / or the second brake signal line are at least partially guided through the drive module. This means that preferably of the front wheel brake device and the rear wheel brake device only a single one of the first and the second brake signal line is at least partially guided through the drive module, in particular the second brake signal line, and that the other brake signal line, in particular the first brake signal line, extends completely outside the drive module.For the brake signal line running completely outside the drive module, it can be advantageous, however, if this is connected to a sensor arranged outside the drive module, in particular for detecting a signal state or the like. Thus, for example, when the brake signal line is designed as a hydraulic line, it can be determined with the aid of the sensor in the form of a pressure sensor whether a brake signal is currently present (comparatively high internal pressure) or not (comparatively low internal pressure). This sensor is preferably connected to a sensor signal transmission connection which is designed to transmit the sensor signal generated by the sensor to the drive module. The sensor signal transmission connection can be cable-less or also cable-bound. The advantage of this solution is that, in the drive module, for controlling drive functions, such as a recuperation device, status information of the brake device arranged completely outside the drive module is taken into account together with status information of the brake device guided through the drive module and can be included in control and regulation processes, in particular of the electric motor arranged in the drive module.The vehicle can be further developed to the effect that it additionally comprises a display and / or input device external to the drive module. These are preferably in a signal transmission connection with the drive module, so that an exchange of information between the display and / or input device and the drive module is made possible, for example for control and / or information purposes. A display device can comprise, for example, a visually perceptible display, such as, for example, one or more indicator lamps and / or a display display, etc., and / or an acoustically perceptible display, such as, for example, a loudspeaker, and / or a haptically perceptible display, such as, for example, a vibration element. As a result, for example, operating information, such as a driving speed and / or an operating mode and / or a state of charge, etc., can be detected with the aid of one or more sensors in the drive module itself, but at the same time can be displayed elsewhere, for example in a region of the vehicle facing the driver. The input device serves to enable a driver to make command inputs by this means, for example with regard to a selection of an operating mode of the vehicle or the like. For this purpose, the input device can be designed, for example, as a switching element or also as a touch-sensitive input element, in particular as a touchscreen. For the information exchange between the drive module and the display and / or input device, a data and / or signal transmission connection for transmitting data and / or signals between the display and / or operator interface or the input device and the drive module with the aid of a data and / or signal transmission device may be provided. This can be configured in a cable-free manner or else in a cable-bound manner. It can also be provided that an energy transmission connection, in particular for transmitting electrical energy from the drive module to the display and / or input device, is present. It is thus in particular also possible to supply the display and / or input device with electrical energy from the drive module if an energy store external to the drive module is not present at this time.In particular, against this background as well, it may be advantageous if the vehicle comprises a first energy store integrated into the drive module for storing electrical energy and a second energy store external to the drive module for storing electrical energy, wherein in particular both the first and the second energy store are connected to the drive module for transmitting electrical energy. It is further preferred in this case if the first energy store is of a significantly smaller design than the second energy store from its maximum total capacity, in particular charging capacity for electrical energy, in particular by at least the factor ten, very particularly by at least the factor fifty. The second energy store external to the drive module thus preferably represents the storage that is significantly larger with regard to its storage capacity and is used in particular to provide the drive energy required for the travel drive of the electric motor during operation of the vehicle. This second energy store is therefore also very particularly preferably designed as an alternating energy store, for example of a design known per se. In particular, the second energy store can also be incorporated into the vehicle in such a way that it is designed in a recuperation mode for absorbing and storing electrical energy generated in the recuperation mode. The first energy store, on the other hand, serves primarily for supplying at least the drive module or parts thereof and / or further components of the vehicle that consume electrical energy, in order to enable, for example, a rest mode ("standby") of the vehicle. In this operating state, for example, a display and / or input device, such as a display light, a display display, a touchscreen or the like, can be supplied with electrical energy from the first energy store, even when the second energy store is removed, and can be operated therewith. The first energy store is thus preferably connected to the drive mode or integrated therein in such a way that the electrical energy stored therein is not currently used or can be used as drive energy for the propulsion movement of the vehicle in particular. It can be advantageous if the first energy store can be supplied with electrical energy from the second energy store and can be charged.The vehicle can preferably comprise a control unit which is designed in such a way that, depending on the extent of the actuation of the manually actuatable actuating element, it controls a braking action via a recuperation process and / or a braking by adjusting the braking element from the release position into the braking position. If the electric motor is operated in recuperation mode, it generates a braking torque in the vehicle. This can be used to execute a braking request initiated by the driver of the vehicle via the braking device. In this way, not only is the brake element of the brake device saved, but also an energy store of the vehicle is charged with electrical energy, whereby the overall range of the vehicle with electromotive driving assistance can be increased and / or, for example, the wear on one or more brake elements can be reduced. In recuperation mode, the electric motor is driven by the driving pulse of the vehicle as a generator. This principle is known per se in the prior art. To control the changeover to the recuperation mode, in particular the brake signal generated via the brake device can be used. If this is forwarded by the actuating element in the brake signal line guided through the drive module, it ideally reaches the drive module directly, so that, for example, in the case that the control unit present for operating the electric motor in recuperation mode is arranged in the drive module, no additional signal line has to be provided and installed, which can detect the braking request.The control unit is preferably designed such that a recuperation process is carried out taking into account at least one further operating parameter, in particular taking into account a current state of charge of an energy store and / or an operating temperature of the energy store. In these cases, storing the electrical energy generated by the electric motor in the generator mode or in the recuperation mode can be disadvantageous, in particular for the service life and operating integrity of the energy store. If the energy store is already fully charged with electrical energy, for example, and / or if the current temperature of the energy store is above a defined temperature threshold, recuperation mode is disadvantageous. In these cases, it is thus advantageous if a braking request of the driver indicated via a brake signal does not trigger the switching of the electric motor into the recuperation mode. The braking should then take place exclusively by way of the adjustment of the brake element into the braking position.Additionally or alternatively, it can also be provided that the control unit is designed in such a way that it initiates braking by adjusting the brake element from the release position into the braking position successively for carrying out the recuperation process, in particular depending on the extent of the actuation of the manually actuatable actuating element. In the case of a comparatively easy actuation of the actuating element of the brake device, braking is thus initially preferably effected by activating the recuperation process. If the intensity of the actuation of the actuating element is further increased starting therefrom, a switching on can take place by adjusting the brake element into the braking position or a complete change from regenerative braking to braking via the brake element adjusted into the braking position. The current braking intensity can be determined, for example, by detecting the current deflection of the actuating element and / or by the pressure present in a brake signal line embodied as a hydraulic line. Quite specifically, in this case, two pressure ranges can thus be defined, wherein braking is carried out in the first pressure range in a regenerative manner and in the second pressure range additionally or alternatively via the brake element located in the braking position. A pressure threshold can also be defined, at which this process is triggered.The control unit can be designed in such a way that, for the changeover from regenerative braking to supplemental or alternative braking with the brake element located in the braking position, it takes into account only the braking signal of the braking signal line led through the drive module. However, it can also be advantageous if the control unit additionally or alternatively also includes the brake signal of a brake signal line which is routed past the drive module. For this purpose, a suitable sensor signal line can be led to the drive module, via which the signal of a sensor, which detects the presence of a brake signal and / or its intensity at this brake signal line, which is completely external to the drive module, is transmitted to the drive module and thus to the control unit arranged in the drive module.In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for connecting a drive module with an electric motor to a vehicle frame of a vehicle, in particular Pedelecs, which can be driven by drive energy provided by human muscle power and electric motor. With regard to structural features of such a vehicle, reference is also made in particular to the preceding explanations. The method is suitable in particular for producing and / or servicing a vehicle according to the invention, in particular with a drive module according to the invention.In a step a), at least one first brake signal line section is connected to an input connection of the drive module. For this purpose, a suitable connection connection can be used, such as a hydraulic line connection, as already explained above. In a step b), at least one second brake signal line section is connected to an output connection of the drive module. The order of steps a) and b) is obviously variable. A further step c) provides for the drive module to be connected to a vehicle frame of the vehicle. The drive module is thus mounted on the vehicle frame. For this purpose, one or more suitable, preferably releasable, connecting devices can be used, for example comprising form-fit elements, such as screw connections or the like. In step d), a connection of an output drive of the drive module to a drive train and / or a wheel of the vehicle is provided. The order of steps a) to d) is variable. It is essential that the drive module designed as a module provides a totality which, in the case of assembly and / or maintenance, can be prefabricated, mounted and / or exchanged as a whole quickly and comparatively easily as a complete module including an electric motor and incorporation into a brake signal line.In the case where the brake device is designed as a brake device with a hydraulic brake signal line, venting of the first and / or second brake signal line section and / or of a connecting line running within the drive module is preferably carried out, for example during assembly and maintenance processes, with the aid of a venting device, for example a venting valve, which is surrounded by the drive module.Additionally or alternatively, in the context of assembly and / or maintenance work, a plug connection can be established between one or more signal lines and the drive module, for example in order to obtain a signal line connection from one or more sensors and / or to or from a display and / or input device. It is advantageous if a plurality of these line connections are made by means of a common plug element for connection to a plug socket on the drive module.A further aspect of the invention finally relates to a method for operating a vehicle, in particular a pedelec, which can be driven by drive energy provided by human muscle power and by electric motor. For the specific possible and preferred embodiment of such a vehicle, reference is made to the preceding details. The method is suitable in particular for operating a vehicle according to the invention, in particular having a drive module according to the invention.For the method according to the invention, it is provided that in a step i) a braking signal is generated by manually operating a manually operable operating element of a braking device, for example by pulling or pressing a brake lever. In step ii), the brake signal is forwarded to a drive module of the vehicle via a first brake signal line section of a brake signal line, in step iii) the brake signal is forwarded through the drive module, and in step iv) the brake signal is forwarded to adjust a brake element from a release position into a brake position. The brake signal thus passes through the drive module or it is possible within the drive module to detect the occurrence / presence of a brake signal in the brake signal line.The brake signal in step iv) can be forwarded directly and unmodified. However, it is also possible for the brake signal to be forwarded in step iv) as a function of a brake signal threshold being exceeded, a change from a first state parameter range to a second state parameter range, for example from a first pressure range within the brake signal line to a second pressure range within the brake signal line, and / or an actual operating state of an energy store, for example a state of charge and / or a temperature.It is possible that recuperation of braking energy takes place with the aid of a recuperation device temporally upstream of step iv) and / or simultaneously with step d). The implementation of the brake signal transmitted by the driver of the vehicle via the actuating device can thus take place in polyphase fashion with recourse to different brake devices, wherein it is preferred that first of all regenerative braking and, in the case of increased brake signal intensity, additionally or alternatively braking takes place via an adjustment of the brake element into the braking position.Vehicles of the present type frequently comprise a further braking device in addition to a braking device. For this further brake device, it can also be provided that its brake signal is passed through the drive module. Due to the usually reduced installation outlay required, however, a brake signal generated by manual actuation of a manually actuatable actuating element is preferably forwarded to this further brake device, bypassing the drive module. However, it can then be provided that a detection of this brake signal takes place by means of a sensor arranged outside the drive module and a forwarding of a sensor brake signal generated by this sensor as a function of the detected brake signal to the drive module takes place via a sensor signal line. In this way, it is possible that a driving and / or operating control, in particular an electric motor control, arranged in the drive module can take account of the brake signals of both brake devices, even though only one of the two brake signals is passed directly through the drive module and is only then detected in the drive module, for example using a suitable sensor, but that other brake signals are transmitted indirectly via the sensor brake signal to the drive module.Preferably, the recuperation of braking energy with the aid of the recuperation device also takes place taking into account the sensor braking signal.The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. They show schematically: FIG. 1 is a side view of a Pedelec vehicle; FIG. 2 shows a top view of a drive module with add-on components; FIG. 3 shows a functional diagram of a first exemplary embodiment of a vehicle; FIG. 4 shows a functional diagram of a second exemplary embodiment of a vehicle; FIG. 5 shows a detail of a hydraulic system; FIG. 6 is a control map of a pressure-dependent brake control; FIG. 7 shows a flow diagram of a method for connecting a drive module having an electric motor to a vehicle frame of a vehicle; and FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a method for operating a vehicle.Identical or identically acting components are denoted by the same reference numerals in the figures. Repeating components are not separately designated in each figure.In FIG. 1, a single-track vehicle 1 of the Pedelec or bicycle type with electromotive driving assistance is shown in a side view. The vehicle 1 can also be multi-lane. The vehicle 1 can be driven from human muscle power and drive energy provided by electric motor during driving operation. An essential element of the vehicle 1 is a vehicle frame 2, which represents the essential supporting structure of the vehicle 1. The vehicle frame 2 can be designed in a variety of ways and for this purpose can have, for example, various connecting and supporting struts, such as, for example, an upper tube, a down tube, a seat tube, a rocker arm, etc. At least one front wheel 3 and at least one rear wheel 4 can be mounted directly or indirectly on the vehicle frame 2. A steering arm 11 may be provided for steering the vehicle 1. The drive energy required for the driving operation is applied on the one hand by muscle power by a driver of the vehicle 1, for example sitting on a seat 9. For this purpose, a pedalling device 5, for example in the form of a pedal crank with pedals, or the like, can be provided. On the other hand, the vehicle 1 comprises at least one electric motor 6, which in the present case is part of a drive module 8 described in more detail below. This can be arranged, for example, in the region of a rear wheel axle, a crank axle or a front wheel axle. In order to supply the electric motor 6 with the electric drive energy required for the operation of the electric motor 6, the vehicle 1 comprises an energy store 7, in particular in the form of an accumulator, very particularly in the form of a quick-change accumulator. For energy transmission, a traction drive 4 can be provided.For triggering a braking process of the vehicle 1 in the traveling movement, a braking device 10 is provided. This can comprise a first actuating element 12, by means of which the driver can trigger a braking process by, for example, manual actuation and the braking intensity can vary. Via a brake signal line 13, the brake signal generated by the driver via the actuating element 12 can be forwarded to a brake element 14, in the present case a brake element acting on the rear wheel 4. The brake element 14 can be adjusted in a manner known per se between a release position and a brake position and can be designed, for example, as a brake shoe or comparable. In the braking position, the braking element is pressed onto a braking surface which is stationary with respect to the rear wheel 4 and triggers the braking process as a result of the friction which occurs in the process. This braking surface can be designed, for example, as a brake disc, a rim or the like. The brake signal line 13 can be designed, for example, as a hydraulic line. By actuating the actuating element 12, a pressure is built up on the hydraulic line, which pressure can be used for adjusting and pressing the brake element 14. At least within an effective range of the brake element 14, the current braking action can therefore be increased by increasing the pressure in the hydraulic line. The brake signal line 13 can have a first brake signal line section 15 which connects a brake signal transmission connection between the actuating element 12 and the drive module 8 (in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the drive module 8 which lies in the axis of rotation of the pedalling device 5) and a second brake signal line section 16 which connects a brake signal transmission connection between this drive module 8 and the brake element 14. The drive module 8 can also be positioned in the region of the rear wheel hub (as alternatively shown in FIG. 1 ) or in the region of the front wheel hub. The profiles of the brake signal line sections 15 and 16 and of the brake signal line 13 can then be adapted accordingly. The brake signal line 13 thus runs through the drive module 8.In addition to the rear wheel brake device shown in FIG. 1, the brake device 10 can also have a front wheel brake device, comprising a second actuating element 17, not shown in FIG. 1, by means of which the driver can generate a further brake signal that can be forwarded to a brake element 14' via a second brake signal line 18 (likewise not shown in FIG. 1 ). The second brake signal line 18 can extend completely outside the drive module 8, but alternatively also, like the first brake signal line 13, can be led through the drive module 8. Both the rear wheel brake device and the front wheel brake device can have a brake signal line which runs through the drive module 8. The front wheel brake device can be actuated in particular independently of the rear wheel brake device and vice versa.FIG. 2 shows a drive module 8, to which pedal cranks 19 and pedals 20 as components of the pedalling device 5 from FIG. 1 are attached in a removable manner. Furthermore, a drive wheel 21 of a traction drive 45 is attached to the drive module 8, which drive wheel can likewise be removed from the drive module 8. The drive wheel 21 does not have to be in direct drive connection with an input axle driven via the pedal cranks 19.The drive module 8 is a coherent assembly with a module housing 22, wherein the module housing can be an essential supporting structure of the drive module 8 and can form the essential outer surface of the drive module 8. The module housing 22 surrounds an interior space 23, in which the at least one electric motor 6 is arranged. It is also possible for a plurality of electric motors 6, in particular coupled to one another, for example having drive and / or CVT functions, to be arranged in this interior 23. The drive module 8 further comprises an input connection 24 and an output connection 25. the input connection 24 is provided, for example, for connecting a transmission line (for example the first brake line section 15) to the first actuating element 12 (or second actuating element) and the output connection is provided for connecting a transmission line (for example the second brake signal section 16) to the brake element 14 (or 14'). The input connection 24 and the output connection 25 can be connected to one another via a connecting line 26 running completely within the drive module in a signal-transmitting, in particular fluid-conducting, connection. It is also possible to form the connection between the two connections 24 and 25 indirectly, for example via one or more mechanical transmission elements, one or more membranes, etc. The directional arrows in FIG. 2 indicate the direction of action of the brake signal (coming from the actuating element toward the brake element).The drive module 8 further comprises an output 27 which can be driven directly or indirectly by the electric motor 6 and via which the total drive energy of the drive module generated by the drive module and / or introduced by muscle force by the driver can be transmitted to one or more of the wheels front wheel 3 and / or rear wheel 4 and / or to a drive transmission, for example a traction drive transmission, connected to the drive module 8 on the output side (in FIG. 2, for example, to the drive wheel 21 as part of such a traction drive transmission).The drive module 8 can have a control unit 28. This can be arranged in the interior 23 of the drive module 8. The drive module 8 can also comprise a further interior 29 in which components of the drive module 8 can be arranged separately from the interior 23 receiving the electric motor 6, such as the control unit 28, for example. the control unit 28 can be designed in particular as a motor controller and for this purpose comprise a suitable computer program in addition to a suitable computer device 48 (FIG. 4 ). It can be arranged with its hardware on a printed circuit board, in particular together with a sensor device 30 described in more detail below.A communication device 31 can be part of the drive module 8. This can be designed for wired communication and / or, in particular, for wireless communication or wireless reception and / or transmission of data and / or signals. The drive module 8 can furthermore have a visually perceptible display device 32, for example in the form of one or more LEDs visually perceptible from outside the drive module and / or a display screen via which, for example, operating and / or status information can be displayed. In addition or as an alternative, the drive module 8 can have an acoustically perceptible display device 33, such as a loudspeaker, for example.Part of the drive module can be a venting device 40, for example in the form of a venting valve. The venting device 40 is provided in the event that the brake signal line 13 is designed as a hydraulic line. After the connection of the respective brake line sections 15 / 16 to the drive module 8, these can thus be vented at or via the drive module, for example also conveniently within the scope of pre-assembly, with the aid of the venting device 40 already surrounded by the drive module 8.The drive module 8 can comprise its own, integrated energy store 44, in particular separately and in addition to the external energy store 7 of the vehicle 1 in which the drive module 8 is installed. With the aid of the electrical energy stored in this integrated energy store 44, an at least partial operation of the drive module is possible independently of an external power supply, such as the external energy store, for example for assembly, programming and / or maintenance purposes.FIG. 3 illustrates, in a highly schematic manner, in a first exemplary embodiment, a possible integration of the drive module 8 into the vehicle 1. Via a fastening device, not shown in detail in FIG. 3, the drive module 8 is mechanically connected to the vehicle frame 2. This can be, for example, a suitable connecting flange or the like. Via the input connection 24 and the output connection 25, the drive module is connected to the first brake line section 15 and the second brake line section 16. It is preferred if the line connection between the first actuating element 12 and the brake element 14 obtained by this interconnection is designed as a hydraulic line. The connecting line section 26 runs in the drive module 8 or spatially within the drive module 8, so that a part of the line connection is passed through the drive module 8. In the region of the connecting line 26, a sensor 34, for example a pressure sensor, is arranged. This is designed to detect the current internal pressure in the hydraulic line or, more specifically, in the connecting line section 26 within the drive module 8. It is thus possible to detect the presence of a brake signal directly within the drive module 8 by means of the sensor 34 and, for example, to transmit it to the control unit 28 for consideration in the control of the electric motor 6 via a suitable signal connection.Specifically, it can be provided for this purpose, for example, that depending on the braking intensity currently predefined via the actuating element 12, different control measures are carried out by the control unit 28 and / or other components, in particular the drive module. As a measure of the braking intensity, for example, a deflection of the actuating element 12 and / or the signal intensity currently present in the brake signal line 13, in the case of a hydraulic brake, for example the pressure, can be used. For example, depending on different deflections I, II and III of the actuating element 12 and / or pressure ranges (for example between I and II on the one hand and between II and III on the other hand) and / or pressure thresholds (for example when the pressure threshold indicated by II is exceeded) resulting from the different deflections of the actuating element 12 in the case of a hydraulic brake can take place. With a comparatively low signal intensity, determined by the sensor 34, for example, the control unit 28 can first perform a regenerative braking by operating the electric motor 6 in a regenerative mode or as a generator, without the brake element 14 being simultaneously adjusted into the braking position. If the braking intensity rises above a pressure threshold, for example, when the lever position II is exceeded in the direction III, in contrast, in addition and / or as an alternative to regenerative braking, mechanical braking can take place by adjusting the brake element 14 into the braking position. To what extent a regenerative braking is basically actually initiated, can additionally depend on further operating and / or state parameters of individual ones or more of the components of the vehicle 1, such as, for example, a current state of charge of an external energy store 7, which is provided for absorbing the electrical energy generated by the electric motor 6 in the recuperation process, and / or its current temperature.The elements 12, 14, 15, 16 and 26 are configured as a whole as a rear wheel brake device in FIG. 3 (but can also be configured as a front wheel brake device). In addition, the vehicle 1 comprises a front wheel brake device with a second actuating element 17 which controls the positioning of a brake element 14' between a braking position and a release position via a brake signal line 13'. The brake signal line 13' can also be designed in particular as a hydraulic line. In contrast to the rear wheel brake device (or the other brake device), the front wheel brake device is designed as a unit which is structurally and functionally completely independent of the drive module and is arranged in the vehicle. An actuation of the brake element 17 thus has no influence on the operation of the drive module 8 in this exemplary embodiment.However, when using two or more actuating elements and two or more braking elements, in particular when using a front wheel braking device and a rear wheel braking device, in a vehicle it is also possible that the operating state of both braking devices can be taken into account by the control unit 28 comprised in the drive module 8, in particular for controlling a recuperation mode of the electric motor 6. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 4, to which substantially possible differences in comparison with the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 3 are explained in more detail below and reference is otherwise made to the details of FIG. 3, a brake signal sensor 36, for example a pressure sensor, is connected to the brake signal line 35. The brake signal sensor 36 is in signal connection with the drive module 8, in particular the control unit 28 arranged in the drive module 8, via a signal line 37 which connects the brake signal sensor 36 to the drive module 8, As a result, the brake signal from that part of the brake device 10 which is led past the drive module 8 with respect to its brake signal line can also be taken into account in the control of the drive module 8, in particular a recuperation process.FIG. 4 further illustrates, as an optional development option (also for the first exemplary embodiment), the possibility of providing one or more connection devices for connecting one or more signal and / or energy supply lines on the drive module 8 or as part of the drive module 8. For example, the drive module 8 can have a plug socket 41 via which a plug, on which the signal line 37 as a sensor connection line and a control signal line 43 of a display and input device 42 are combined, can be inserted in order to achieve a signal transmission connection to the control unit 28 of the drive module 8. The display and input device 42 can have, for example, one or more operating elements for inputting control commands of the driver, for example a driving mode selection, a horn button etc. It can further comprise one or more display devices, such as LEDs or a display, for example, in order to display current operating parameters and operating states. One or more of the signal lines can also be configured wirelessly and exchange data and / or signals with the control unit 28 of the drive module 8, for example via the communication device 31.The control unit 28 may comprise one or more signal inputs 46 and / or one or more signal outputs 47. By way of the signal input or inputs 46, control specifications of a driver, for example input by way of the display and / or input device 42, sensor data, for example of the pressure sensor 34 and / or other sensors, can be transmitted to the control unit 28. By contrast, control specifications of the control unit can be transmitted via the signal output or outputs 47, for example to the electric motor 6 and / or the output 27 and / or the switching device 38 / 38', etc. described in more detail below.FIG. 5 illustrates a control characteristic map as it could be used by the control unit 28 for controlling an electromotive braking process, taking into account the currently present brake signal k 3 or the intensity thereof. In the characteristic diagram shown, the braking intensity b is indicated with respect to the brake pressure p. The control unit 28 of the drive module 8 is designed in such a way that, depending on the pressure range, for example as indicated in FIG. 3 for the actuating element 12, it controls regenerative braking by switching the electric motor 6 into the generator mode and mechanical braking with one of the braking elements 14 / 14'. The characteristic curve k1 indicates the course of the braking action generated by regenerative braking. In the range from 0% to 30%, braking is therefore carried out exclusively in a regenerative manner. When the braking intensity exceeds 30%, mechanical braking is also additionally carried out by adjusting one or both of the brake elements 14 / 14' into the braking position. This represents the characteristic curves k2. The resultant obtained by superposition of these two braking functions (regeneratively and with the aid of one or more of the braking elements) is indicated by characteristic curve k 3.FIG. 5 further illustrates that the profile of the characteristic curves k 1 and k 2 can be shifted as a function of an operating and / or state parameter, for example in such a way that the resulting characteristic curves k 3 are not changed in order to avoid as much as possible changing the braking behavior of the vehicle that can be perceived by the driver.FIG. 5 also illustrates a case in which the electrical energy generated by the electric motor 6 in the recuperation mode could / should no longer be absorbed by the energy store, since it is already fully charged and / or too hot, for example. In this case, the characteristic curve k1 can be shifted to the characteristic curve k1' (i.e. no recuperation takes place at all) and the characteristic curve k3 to k3'. In this case, K3' thus extends identically to characteristic curve k2. Thus, a range, in the present case from p 0% to 30%, is provided in which no braking action at all takes place and the driver thus grasps "empty". Even if this control behavior initially seems to be contraintussive, this is acceptable on the one hand in view of the short actuating paths normally required in practice on the actuating element and also permits a comparatively simple control on the other hand.Alternatively, however, it can also be provided that in the case described above, in which no braking action is available due to recuperation taking place, in this case k2 is shifted to k2', so that k2' runs identically to k3. In this case, however, it is necessary for a controllable pressure valve, in particular a continuously controllable pressure valve, to be available in the manner described in more detail below. Even if the design outlay for this solution is thus higher, the advantageous darin is that the same braking behavior of the vehicle is achieved for the driver both during braking with recuperation and during braking without recuperation. For this purpose, the behavior of the pressure reducing valve must be controllable, for example continuously. In both cases, however, during braking without recuperation, the braking effect is achieved exclusively by mechanical braking with the aid of one or more of the braking elements 14 / 14'.Incidents or other curve profiles are also conceivable, for example, if recuperation is to be carried out, but only comparatively little. Additionally or alternatively, for example, a displacement of the respective characteristic curve can also take place as a function of a driver profile and / or the temperature and / or the state of charge of the energy store or the like. Ideally, however, variations are made in such a way that the resulting braking action according to k 3 is always ensured according to the characteristic curve shown.FIG. 6 illustrates, in a section of a hydraulic circuit diagram, how the switching over and / or switching on of a braking process can be achieved with the aid of one or more of the brake elements 14 / 14' as a function of the intensity of the brake signal. For this purpose, a switching device 38 can be present, in particular likewise comprised by drive module 8 and arranged within module housing 22, which is designed in such a way that it enables the brake signal to be forwarded to brake element or elements 14 / 14' depending on the current intensity of the brake signal and / or the currently applied characteristic curves. The switching device can also be arranged externally to the drive module 8, as denoted 38'. In the case of a hydraulic brake signal line 13 / 13', the switching devices 38 and / or 38' can each comprise, for example, quite specifically a pressure valve 39, in particular a pressure switching or pressure reducing valve. This pressure can be variable with respect to its pressure dependence, for example its pressure reduction and / or pressure switching point, and can be controlled by the control unit 28 for this purpose, as indicated in FIG. 6 with the corresponding arrow to the pressure relief valve 39. Part of the switching device 38 / 38' can be a sensor 34, in particular a pressure sensor, which is designed to detect the hydraulic pressure within the brake signal line. The brake signal detected by the sensor 34, in particular the pressure sensor, can be transmitted to the control unit 28 via a suitable signal transmission line 49. If the switching device 38 / 38' releases the line, hydraulic fluid can be passed on through the switching device 38 / 38' to the respective brake element 14 / 14', for example, and can adjust the brake element 14 / 14' into the respective brake position. FIG. 6 also shows, by way of example, a master hydraulic cylinder actuated by the actuating element 17. This can be set back into the non-braking release position, in particular can be loaded with pressure and / or tension springs. A check valve 50 may also be provided to facilitate the adjustment from the braking position into the release position.FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for connecting a drive module with an electric motor to a vehicle frame of a vehicle, in particular Pedelec, that can be driven by drive energy provided by human muscle power and electric motor. With regard to structural features of such a vehicle, reference is also made in particular to the preceding exemplary embodiments. The method is particularly suitable for producing and / or maintaining a vehicle according to the invention, in particular with a drive module according to the invention, very particularly as explained in the preceding figures.In a step a), at least one first brake signal line section is connected to an input connection of the drive module. For this purpose, a suitable connection connection can be used, such as a hydraulic line connection, as already explained above. In a step b), at least one second brake signal line section is connected to an output connection of the drive module. The order of steps a) and b) is obviously variable. A further step c) provides for the drive module to be connected to a vehicle frame of the vehicle. The drive module is thus mounted on the vehicle frame. For this purpose, one or more suitable, preferably releasable, connecting devices can be used, for example comprising form-fit elements, such as screw connections or the like. In step d), a connection of an output drive of the drive module to a drive train and / or a wheel of the vehicle is provided. The order of steps a) to d) is variable. It is essential that the drive module designed as a module provides a totality which, in the case of assembly and / or maintenance, can be rapidly prefabricated, mounted and / or exchanged as a whole as a complete module including an electric motor and incorporation into a brake signal line.In the case where the brake device is designed as a brake device with a hydraulic brake signal line, venting e) of the first and / or second brake signal line section and / or of a connecting line running within the drive module is preferably carried out, for example during assembly and maintenance processes, with the aid of a venting device which is surrounded by the drive module.Additionally or alternatively, in the context of assembly and / or maintenance work, a plug connection can be established between one or more signal lines and the drive module, for example in order to obtain a signal line connection from one or more sensors and / or to or from a display and / or input device. It is advantageous if a plurality of these line connections are effected by means of a common plug element for connection to a plug socket on the drive module.Finally, FIG. 8 shows a flow diagram of a method for operating a vehicle, in particular a pedelec, that can be driven by drive energy provided by human muscle power and electric motor. For the specific possible and preferred embodiment of such a vehicle, reference is made to the preceding details. The method is suitable in particular for operating a vehicle according to the invention, in particular having a drive module according to the invention.For the method according to the invention, it is provided that in a step i) a braking signal is generated by manually operating a manually operable operating element of a braking device, for example by pulling or pressing a brake lever. In step ii), the brake signal is forwarded to a drive module of the vehicle via a first brake signal line section of a brake signal line, in step iii) the brake signal is forwarded through the drive module, and in step iv) the brake signal is forwarded to adjust a brake element from a release position into a brake position. The brake signal thus passes through the drive module or it is possible within the drive module to detect the occurrence / presence of a brake signal in the brake signal line.The brake signal in step iv) can be forwarded directly and unmodified. However, it is also possible for the brake signal to be forwarded in step iv) as a function of a brake signal threshold being exceeded, a change from a first state parameter range to a second state parameter range, for example from a first pressure range within the brake signal line to a second pressure range within the brake signal line, and / or an actual operating state of an energy store, for example a state of charge and / or a temperature.It is possible that a recuperation v) of braking energy takes place with the aid of a recuperation device temporally upstream of and / or simultaneously with the step iv).References included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Patent Literature citedEP 2013 / 168

[0002] WO 2022078730A1 [0004, 0008, 0034]WO 2022229187A1 [0004, 0011]

Claims

Drive module for a single-track or multi-track vehicle (1), in particular pedelec, which can be driven by drive energy provided by human muscle power and by electric motor, comprising - a module housing (22); - an electric motor (6) arranged in an interior space (23) surrounded by the module housing (22); - an output (27) which can be driven by the electric motor (6) and by human muscle power; characterized in that the drive module (8) comprises - at least one input connection (24) for at least one brake signal line (13) and - at least one output connection (25) for the at least one brake signal line (13).Drive module (8) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the drive module (8) comprises a control unit (28), which is arranged in an interior space (23) formed by the module housing (22) and has at least one signal input (46), at least one signal output (47) and at least one computer device (48).Drive module (8) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the interior formed by the module housing (22) for receiving the control unit (28) is an interior separate from the electric motor (6).Drive module (8) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive module (8) comprises at least one sensor device (30) which is designed to record at least one operating parameter.Drive module according to Claim 4, characterized in that the sensor device (30) has - a pressure sensor (34) for detecting a hydraulic pressure and / or - a current intensity and / or current voltage sensor for detecting a current intensity and / or a current voltage and / or - a torque sensor for detecting a torque present on a shaft and / or - a rotational speed sensor for detecting a rotational speed, in particular a rotational speed of the output shaft, or a manually actuatable drive shaft.Drive module (8) according to either of Claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the sensor device (30) is arranged on a common printed circuit board having a motor controller.Drive module (8) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one input connection (24) and / or the at least one output connection (25) for the at least one brake signal line (13 / 13') are designed as a connection for a hydraulic fluid line.Drive module (8) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a connecting line (26) is present within the module housing (22) of the drive module (8), said connecting line connecting the input connection (24) to the output connection (25).Drive module (8) according to Claim 8, characterized in that the connecting line (26) is connected to a sensor, in particular a pressure sensor (34).Drive module (8) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive module (8), in particular the module housing (22), has a venting device (40) for venting a hydraulic fluid line which runs in the drive module (8) and adjoins the inlet and / or outlet connection (24, 25).Drive module (8) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive module (8) has a connection socket (41) which is designed for the connection of at least two signal lines.Drive module (8) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive module (8) comprises a display and / or a communication device (31) for receiving and / or transmitting data.Drive module (8) according to claim 12, characterised in that the display and / or communication device comprises a loudspeaker and / or a visually perceptible display device.Drive module (8) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive module (8) - has a drive connection which is designed for the connection of a pedalling device (19) and / or - has an output connection which is designed for the connection of a traction drive mechanism (45) or of a wheel (3, 4).Drive module (8) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive module (8) comprises an integrated energy store (44) for storing electrical energy.Drive module (8) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the module housing (22) comprises at least one releasable connection device, by means of which it can be mounted on a vehicle frame of a vehicle, in particular Pedelec, which can be driven from human muscle power and drive energy provided by electric motor.Drive module (8) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive module (8) comprises a connecting device, in particular a part of a plug connection, for connection to an external energy store for storing electrical energy.Drive module (8) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive module (8) comprises a traction drive (45).Single-track or multi-track vehicle (1) which can be driven from human muscle power and drive energy provided by an electric motor, in particular pedelec, - with a vehicle frame (2), - with at least one front wheel (3) and at least one rear wheel (4), - with at least one pedaling device (19), - with at least one electric motor (6), - with at least one output (27) which can be driven by the electric motor (6), - with at least one energy store (7) for electrical energy for driving the electric motor (6) and - with at least one braking device (10) which can be actuated by a driver of the vehicle (1) and has a manually actuatable actuating element (12, 17) and a braking element (13, 14') which can be adjusted between a braking position and a release position, wherein the braking signal generated by a manual actuation of the actuating element (12, 17) is generated via a braking signal line (13, 13), 13') to be transmitted to the braking element (14, 14'), characterized in that it comprises a drive module (8) according to any one of the preceding claims, and in that the brake signal line (13) comprises - a first brake line section (15), which is connected to the drive module (8) via an input connection (24) of the drive module (8) and connects the actuating element (12) to the drive module (8) for signal transmission, and - a second brake signal line section (16), which is connected to the drive module (8) via an output connection (25) of the drive module (8) and connects the drive module (8) to the braking element (14) for signal transmission.Single-track or multi-track vehicle (1) according to Claim 19, characterized in that the braking device (10) comprises - a front-wheel braking device with a first manually actuatable actuating element (12) for actuating a front-wheel braking element via a first brake signal line (13), and - a rear-wheel braking device with a second manually actuatable actuating element (17) for actuating a rear-wheel braking element via a second brake signal line (13'), wherein at least the first and / or the second brake signal line is at least partially guided through the drive module (8).Single-track or multi-track vehicle (1) according to claim 20, characterised in that of the front wheel brake device and the rear wheel brake device only a single one of the first and the second brake signal line is at least partially guided through the drive module (8), in particular the second brake signal line, and that the other brake signal line, in particular the first brake signal line, extends completely outside the drive module (8).Single-track or multi-track vehicle (1) according to claim 21, characterised in that the brake signal line running completely outside the drive module (8) is connected to a sensor arranged outside the drive module (8), and in that a sensor signal transmission connection is present, which is designed for transmitting the sensor signal generated by the sensor to the drive module (8).Single-track or multi-track vehicle (1) according to one of Claims 19 to 22, characterized in that it additionally comprises a display and / or input device external to the drive module (8), and in that a data and / or signal transmission connection for transmitting data and / or signals between the display and / or input device and the drive module (8) by means of a data and / or signal transmission device is present.Single-track or multi-track vehicle (1) according to one of Claims 19 to 23, characterized in that it comprises a first energy store integrated into the drive module (8) for storing electrical energy and a second energy store external to the drive module (8) for storing electrical energy, wherein in particular both the first and the second energy store are connected to the drive module (8) for transmitting electrical energy.Single-track or multi-track vehicle (1) according to one of Claims 19 to 24, characterized in that it comprises a control unit (28) which is designed in such a way that it controls a braking action via a recuperation operation and / or braking by adjusting the braking element from the release position into the braking position as a function of the extent of the actuation of the manually actuatable actuating element.Single-track or multi-track vehicle (1) according to Claim 25, characterized in that the control unit (28) is designed in such a way that a recuperation process is carried out taking into account at least one further operating parameter, in particular taking into account a current state of charge of an energy store and / or an operating temperature of the energy store.Single-track or multi-track vehicle (1) according to one of Claims 25 or 26, characterized in that the control unit (28) is designed in such a way that it initiates braking by adjusting the braking element from the release position into the braking position successively in order to carry out the recuperation process, in particular as a function of the extent of the actuation of the manually actuatable actuating element.Method for connecting a drive module (8) with an electric motor (6) to a vehicle frame of a single-track or multi-track vehicle (1) drivable by drive energy provided by human muscle power and electric motor, in particular Pedelec, comprising the steps of a) connecting at least one first brake signal line section to an input connection (24) of the drive module (8); b) connecting at least one second brake signal line section to an output connection of the drive module (8); c) connecting the drive module (8) to a vehicle frame of the vehicle (1) and d) connecting an output of the drive module (8) to a drive train and / or a wheel of the vehicle (1).Method according to Claim 28, characterized in that venting of the first and / or second brake signal line section and / or of a connecting line running within the drive module (8) takes place with the aid of a venting device which is surrounded by the drive module (8).Method for operating a single-track or multi-track vehicle (1) drivable by drive energy provided by human muscle power and electromotively, in particular pedelec, comprising the steps of: i) generating a brake signal by manually actuating a manually actuatable actuating element of a brake device; ii) forwarding the brake signal to a drive module (8) of the vehicle (1) via a first brake signal line section of a brake signal line; iii) forwarding the brake signal through the drive module (8); iv) forwarding the brake signal for adjusting a brake element from a release position into a brake position.Method according to Claim 30, characterized in that the braking signal is forwarded in step d) as a function of - an exceeding of a braking signal threshold and / or - an actual operating state of an energy store.Method according to one of Claims 30 or 31, characterized in that recuperation of braking energy takes place with the aid of a recuperation device upstream of step d) in time and / or simultaneously with step d).Method according to one of Claims 30 to 32, characterized in that, for a further braking device, - a braking signal generated by manual actuation of a manually actuatable actuating element is forwarded by bypassing the drive module (8)s, - this braking signal is detected by means of a sensor arranged outside the drive module (8)s, and - a sensor braking signal generated by this sensor as a function of the detected braking signal is forwarded via a sensor signal line to the drive module (8).Method according to Claims 32 and 33, characterized in that the recuperation of braking energy is carried out with the aid of the recuperation device taking into account the sensor braking signal.

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