Control device, motor vehicle locking system and method for operating a motor vehicle locking system by means of a control device

Abstract

The invention relates to a control device for operating a motor vehicle closure system, wherein the motor vehicle closure system has an electric drive with an electric drive motor, wherein in normal operation the electric drive is fed with a normal supply voltage in order to provide an electrically powered closure function for an adjustable closure element of the motor vehicle, wherein the control device has an energy storage device with at least one energy store designed as a capacitor, wherein the energy storage device provides an electrical emergency supply voltage for the electric drive in an emergency operation, wherein the energy storage device has at least one voltage step-up stage which is connected downstream of the energy store in order to generate the emergency supply voltage, wherein the voltage step-up stage steps up an electrical input voltage at an input of the voltage step-up stage to an electrical output voltage at an output of the voltage step-up stage. It is proposed that the energy storage device has, in order to generate the emergency supply voltage, a first voltage step-up stage which is connected downstream of the energy store in order to generate the emergency supply voltage and a second voltage step-up stage which is connected downstream of the first voltage step-up stage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device for operating a motor vehicle locking system, a motor vehicle locking system having such a control device, and a method for operating a motor vehicle locking system. Background Technology

[0002] The aforementioned vehicle locking system applies to all types of electrically operated locking functions for the locking elements of a motor vehicle. This includes, in particular, locking elements such as side doors, rear doors, trunk lids, rear covers, and hoods. These locking elements can, in principle, be designed as swing doors or sliding doors. Electrical locking functions specifically relate to the vehicle locks associated with the vehicle locking system. Another example of a related locking function for a motor vehicle is a drive mechanism that provides motorized adjustment of the aforementioned locking elements.

[0003] The present invention is based on a known control device (US 2015 / 0330116 A1), relating to the operation of a vehicle locking system with a vehicle lock, the vehicle lock having a locking pin and a ratchet as locking elements. The locking pin can be engaged in a locked position, in which the locking pin is retained in a locking position and is secured by the ratchet. The vehicle lock is also equipped with an electric actuator that can lift the ratchet, thereby releasing the locking pin and adjusting it into its open position.

[0004] To meet the safety requirements of the voltage supply for such vehicle locks, known control devices have rechargeable energy storage devices, which can ensure the power supply to the vehicle locking system through an emergency supply voltage during emergency operation, especially when the normal supply voltage fails.

[0005] Known control devices utilize energy storage units formed by capacitors. Because individual capacitors are limited in the voltage they provide, multiple capacitors are connected in series for emergency voltage supply. Furthermore, known control devices include a boost stage for the energy storage unit to achieve the required emergency supply voltage.

[0006] However, the problem here is that series capacitors negatively impact both the structural space requirements and the manufacturing cost of the control device. Furthermore, series capacitors typically require compensation circuitry to ensure uniform charging, which also leads to a more complex control device structure. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The objective of this invention is to design and extend known control devices for operating motor vehicle locking systems in such a way that emergency power supply voltage can be provided in a particularly simple manner.

[0008] The above-mentioned task is solved in the control device according to the invention by the following feature: the energy storage device has a first boost stage connected downstream of the energy storage unit to generate an emergency supply voltage and a second boost stage connected downstream of the first boost stage in order to generate an emergency supply voltage.

[0009] The proposed control device is configured to operate a vehicle locking system, wherein the vehicle locking system has an electric actuator with an electric drive motor, wherein, during normal operation, the electric actuator is fed with a normal supply voltage to provide an electric locking function to the adjustable locking elements of the vehicle. The term "drive motor" currently encompasses all types of electrical actuators, particularly rotary and linear actuators. The drive motor preferably relates to a rotary electric motor, which is further preferably designed as a brushed DC motor or a brushless DC motor.

[0010] The control device has an energy storage device, which has at least one, preferably exactly one, energy storage unit designed as a capacitor, wherein the energy storage device provides an emergency electrical supply voltage to the electric drive during emergency operation, especially when the normal supply voltage fails.

[0011] The energy storage device has at least one boost stage connected downstream of the energy storage device to generate an emergency supply voltage, wherein the boost stage boosts the electrical input voltage at the input terminal of the boost stage to the electrical output voltage at the output terminal of the boost stage.

[0012] The proposed solution departs from the design known in the prior art, where the energy storage device is forcibly equipped with multiple capacitors connected in series. The proposed solution is based on the consideration of extending the design of the boost stage of the control device to replace the regulating energy storage unit.

[0013] Specifically, it is suggested that the energy storage device for generating emergency supply voltage has a first boost stage connected downstream of the energy storage unit for generating emergency supply voltage and a second boost stage connected downstream of the first boost stage.

[0014] By using at least two boost stages, the capacitor voltage of a single capacitor may be sufficient to provide emergency supply voltage. Conversely, compared to using a single boost stage with a high boost factor, efficiency can be improved during voltage boosting through circuitry between at least two boost stages. This also allows for the use of simple and cost-effective boost stages.

[0015] In a preferred and particularly simple design according to the invention, the first boost stage is identical to the second boost stage, particularly in terms of boost factor. If there are more than two boost stages, then all boost stages can be constructed identically. The first boost stage can be alternatively chosen to differ from the second boost stage, particularly in terms of boost factor, thereby further improving efficiency.

[0016] According to the present invention, it is particularly preferred that the capacitor be designed as a double-layer capacitor in order to achieve high power density. The structural limitations on the maximum capacitor voltage present in double-layer capacitors are not a problem with the proposed solution due to the design of the boost stage.

[0017] As already mentioned, the proposed control device allows the use of an energy storage device with only one capacitor, particularly a single double-layer capacitor, which represents a preferred design according to the invention.

[0018] In another preferred alternative design according to the invention, the energy storage device has at least two capacitors, particularly at least two double-layer capacitors, connected in parallel with each other. The usable capacity can be increased by connecting the capacitors in parallel; therefore, in another design according to the invention, the capacitors are permanently connected in parallel with each other.

[0019] Furthermore, redundancy for energy storage devices can be created using multiple capacitors, particularly those connected in parallel, which can also provide an emergency voltage supply in the event of a capacitor failure. According to the invention, a switching device is provided that can switch between two capacitors in the energy storage device to generate an emergency supply voltage.

[0020] This invention relates to a preferred design of an energy storage device with a step-down stage connected upstream of the energy storage unit for charging the energy storage unit with a normal supply voltage. In this invention, a previously proposed solution for emergency supply voltage is also used for the step-down stage, wherein the energy storage device has a first step-down stage connected upstream of the energy storage unit for charging the energy storage unit and a second step-down stage connected downstream of the first step-down stage.

[0021] According to further teachings of the present invention which are of independent significance, a motor vehicle locking system itself is claimed, which has an electric actuator with an electrically driven motor and a control device as suggested.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a vehicle lock for a motor vehicle's sealing element is further provided, wherein the electric actuator is provided with ratchet for electrically raising the vehicle lock. The proposed solution here satisfies the specific security requirements of the vehicle lock.

[0023] Based on the further teachings of this invention, which are equally independent, a method for operating a motor vehicle locking system by means of the proposed control device is claimed. In this regard, all discussions concerning the proposed control device should also be referred to. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The invention will now be explained in more detail with the aid of the accompanying drawings, which illustrate only one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a motor vehicle equipped with a proposed motor vehicle locking system is shown, the system including a motor vehicle lock, and the lock is shown in a partially disassembled side view; and

[0026] Figure 2 It is a) a schematic diagram of the control device according to the first design scheme and b) a schematic diagram of the control device according to the second design scheme. Detailed Implementation

[0027] According to the first teaching, the present invention relates to a control device 1 for operating a motor vehicle locking system 2. The motor vehicle locking system 2 has an electric actuator 3 with an electrically driven motor 4, wherein, in normal operation, the electric actuator 3 is fed with a normal supply voltage to provide an electric locking function for an adjustable locking element 5 of the motor vehicle 6.

[0028] The normal supply voltage used in normal operation is here the supply voltage of the vehicle's onboard electrical network 6, which is preferably provided by the central battery of the vehicle 6. The central battery preferably relates to a battery that provides the electrical energy required to start the vehicle 6 and / or to drive the vehicle 6.

[0029] The electric locking function refers to the adjustable locking element 5 of the motor vehicle 6 that is adjusted, opened or closed and / or locked or unlocked by movement generated by the electric actuator 2, directly or indirectly.

[0030] Regarding the design scheme of closed element 5, the discussion in the introduction should be referred to, in which, in the current context... Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the operation of a vehicle locking system 2 used for a closure element 5 designed as a luggage compartment cover. However, all of this discussion applies equally to other types of closure elements 5 in a vehicle 6.

[0031] Figure 2 a) and b) show diagrams of control device 1, wherein, for simplicity, only the portion used to provide the emergency supply voltage U as explained below is reproduced. N The components. Furthermore, the control device 1 preferably has control electronics (not shown) for performing control tasks combining electric locking functions. The control device 1 is particularly equipped here for driving the electric actuator 3.

[0032] As by Figure 2 Therefore, the control device 1 has an energy storage device 7 with at least one energy storage unit designed as a capacitor 8, wherein the energy storage device 7 provides an emergency electrical supply voltage U to the electric drive 3 during emergency operation, especially when the normal supply voltage fails. NEmergency power supply U N Here, the capacitor voltage U of at least one capacitor 8 is used. K Provided, as will be explained below.

[0033] The electric drive 3 typically matches the normal supply voltage, and particularly the voltage of the central battery of the vehicle 6, in terms of the required drive voltage. The capacitor voltage U of capacitor 8... K This voltage is lower than the normal supply voltage. The energy storage device 7 has at least one boost stage 9, 10, connected downstream of the energy storage device to generate an emergency supply voltage U. N The boost stages 9 and 10 boost the electrical input voltage at the input terminals of the boost stages 9 and 10 to the electrical output voltage at the output terminals of the boost stages 9 and 10, thus the output voltage is higher than the electrical input voltage.

[0034] The important thing now is to use the emergency supply voltage U N The energy storage device 7 has an emergency supply voltage U connected downstream of the energy storage unit. N The first boost stage 9 and the second boost stage 10 downstream of the first boost stage 9.

[0035] The first and second boost stages 9 and 10 are preferably connected in such a sequence that the boost factors of the first and second boost stages 9 and 10 are multiplied together. The boost factor refers to the ratio between the electrical output voltage and the electrical input voltage of the boost stages 9 and 10. Because it is recommended to have at least two boost stages 9 and 10 based on the capacitor voltage U... K This generates an emergency supply voltage, thus eliminating the voltage drop across the capacitor U. K and the required emergency supply voltage U N The large voltage difference between them. On the other hand, it places lower requirements on the corresponding design schemes of boost stages 9 and 10.

[0036] In principle, more than two boost stages 9 and 10 can also be connected sequentially. For example, a third boost stage can be connected downstream of the second boost stage 10 to generate an emergency supply voltage U. N But according to Figure 2 The preferred design shown in the figure has exactly two boost stages 9 and 10.

[0037] The boost stages 9 and 10 can be designed as electrical structural elements independently of each other, but they are interconnected in the control unit 1. This design is advantageous because it allows the use of existing electrical structural elements in the control unit 1 and the addition of separate boost stages 9 and 10. Alternatively, boost stages 9 and 10 can be integrated into a single electrical structural element, such as an integrated circuit.

[0038] The first boost stage 9 is preferably identical to the second boost stage 10, particularly in terms of boost ratio, thereby resulting in a particularly simple structure for the control device 1. The boost stages 9 and 10 are respectively composed of electrical components that are identical in terms of their electrical ratings, and these components are interconnected in the same manner to form the respective boost stages 9 and 10.

[0039] The first boost stage 9 can be different from the second boost stage 10, particularly in terms of boost ratio. The boost efficiency can be improved by selecting different combinations of boost stages 9 and 10 accordingly. Furthermore, a startup voltage can be set for the respective boost stages 9 and 10, where the startup voltage refers to the minimum electrical voltage required for the normal operation of the boost stages 9 and 10. Preferably, in the case where the boost stages 9 and 10 are designed differently, the first boost stage 9 has a lower startup voltage than the second boost stage 10. The startup voltage of the second boost stage 10 can, for example, be at least twice the startup voltage of the first boost stage 9.

[0040] Boost stages 9 and 10 can be constructed in different ways known per se. At least one of the boost stages 9 and 10 is preferably designed as a boost converter. Boost stages 9 and 10 can also be designed as charge pumps. It is also conceivable to design boost stages 9 and 10 with discrete boosting based on AC voltage, where, for example, a Delon circuit and / or a Villardian circuit may be provided. In the case of discrete boosting, the corresponding boost stages 9 and 10 have means for generating AC voltage from the input voltage, such as a chopper. In the above variations with first and second boost stages 9 and 10 of different designs, different types of boost stages 9 and 10 can be connected sequentially, for example, one boost stage 9 or 10 is a boost converter and the other boost stage 9 or 10 is a charge pump or performs discrete boosting.

[0041] In a particularly preferred design, capacitor 8 is designed as a double-layer capacitor. The double-layer capacitor involves an electrochemical energy storage device. Energy storage occurs within the electrochemical double layer, also known as a "Helmholtz layer" (Encyclopedia: Current Terminology of Information and Communication Technologies, 9th Edition, 2007, VDF Hochschulverlag GmbH, p. 86). This double-layer capacitor is also called a "supercapacitor," "Supercap," "Ultracap," etc. The double-layer capacitor can provide high power density for the vehicle locking system 2.

[0042] The voltage U supplied by the capacitor K The maximum voltage is 3V, and the maximum is 2.7V. Emergency supply voltage UN It can be especially compared to the capacitor voltage U K The maximum voltage is an order of magnitude higher. The emergency supply voltage is at least 10V. The total boost factor of the sequentially connected boost stages 9 and 10 is preferably at least 2, and more preferably at least 5.

[0043] according to Figure 2 As shown in a) and particularly preferred in this regard, the energy storage device 7 has a single capacitor 8. Specifically, a single double-layer capacitor. As already mentioned, even with a correspondingly small capacitor voltage U, the proposed solution can be used via step-up stages 9 and 10. K Emergency power supply voltage U is also guaranteed. N .

[0044] exist Figure 2 In the alternative and equally preferred design shown in b), the energy storage device 7 has at least two capacitors 8 connected in parallel with each other, particularly at least two double-layer capacitors. Therefore, a higher capacity is provided compared to a single capacitor 8.

[0045] In another particularly simple design, the capacitors 8 are permanently connected in parallel with each other, thus always providing full capacity during emergency operation.

[0046] But a particularly preferred option is... Figure 2 b) A switching device 11 is provided as shown in the diagram, which allows switching between the two capacitors 8 of the energy storage device 7 to generate an emergency supply voltage U. N The switching device 11 can switch capacitor 8, in particular, by means of the charging state of capacitor 8, and for example, turn on capacitor 8 with a higher charging state to generate an emergency supply voltage U. N Similarly, it is conceivable that when the first capacitor 8's charge state falls below the minimum value, the second capacitor 8 is switched on to generate an emergency supply voltage U. N .

[0047] In another design, control device 1 is configured to charge the energy storage device. For example, in... Figure 2 As shown in b), the energy storage device 7 preferably has at least one step-down stage 12, 13 connected upstream of the energy storage device to charge the energy storage device with a normal supply voltage, which is... Figure 2 b) indicates the charging voltage U L The step-down stages 12 and 13 will step down the electrical input voltage at the input terminals of the step-down stages 12 and 13 to the electrical output voltage at the output terminals of the step-down stages 12 and 13.

[0048] Particularly preferred herein is that the energy storage device 7 has a first step-down stage 12 connected upstream of the energy storage device to charge the energy storage device and a second step-down stage 13 connected downstream of the first step-down stage 12. The step-down stages 12 and 13 may, for example, be constructed identically or differently. Referring to the above discussion of the step-up stages 9 and 10, the discussion also applies accordingly to the step-down stages 12 and 13.

[0049] Following further teachings of independent significance, protection is claimed for the aforementioned motor vehicle locking system 2 itself, which has an electric actuator 3 with an electrically driven motor 4 and a control device as suggested. All the above discussion should be referenced in this regard.

[0050] Here, and according to a particularly preferred design of the vehicle locking system 2, a vehicle lock 14 is provided for the locking element 5 of the vehicle 6, wherein the vehicle lock 14 is in Figure 1 The partial disassembly is shown in the side view. The vehicle lock 14 is equipped with a locking pin 15 pivotable about a locking pin axis 15a for retaining engagement with the locking portion 16 and a ratchet 17 associated with the locking pin 15 and pivotable about a ratchet axis 17a. The locking portion 16 may involve a locking bow, a locking bolt, or the like. The vehicle lock 14 is arranged, for example, at the sealing element 5, while the locking portion 16 is fixedly arranged with the vehicle body at the vehicle 6.

[0051] Ratchet 17 can enter Figure 1 In the recessed position shown, the ratchet holds the locking pin 15 in the locked position by means of the ratchet spindle 18. Furthermore, the ratchet 17 can be electrically lifted by means of the electric actuator 3. For this purpose, the drive motor 4 is preferably connected to the ratchet 17 by a drive section 19. The electric lifting of the ratchet 17... Figure 1 The ratchet 17 pivots clockwise around the ratchet axis 17a. In principle, the ratchet 17 can also be a component of a ratchet system belonging to the locking pin 15, consisting of two or more ratchets arranged in sequence.

[0052] The electric lifting of the ratchet 17 is triggered, for example, by manipulating the door handle 20. For this purpose, the door handle 20 is equipped with a sensor or similar device that detects manipulation of the door handle 20 and transmits the detection to the control device 1 via a control technology connection, which in turn causes the drive electric actuator 3 to move.

[0053] In addition to or replacing the locking function of the vehicle lock 14, which is explained in more detail here, the vehicle locking system 2 may also have a drive mechanism for electrically adjusting the aforementioned locking element 5 of the vehicle, wherein the drive mechanism is used for electrically adjusting, in particular opening and / or closing, the locking element 5. Other examples of locking functions include electrically adjusting operating elements such as levers, door handles, and interior and exterior space elements of the vehicle such as ventilation elements, rearview mirrors, side mirrors, lighting devices, or the like.

[0054] Following further teachings of equal independent significance, protection is claimed for a method itself for operating a motor vehicle locking system 2 using the proposed control device 1. Reference should be made to all discussions concerning the proposed control device 1 and the proposed motor vehicle locking system 2. Importantly, the energy storage device 7 has a first boost stage 9 and a second boost stage 10 and an emergency supply voltage U. N By connecting downstream of the energy storage device to generate an emergency supply voltage U N The first boost stage 9 and the second boost stage 10 downstream of the first boost stage 9 are generated.

Claims

1. Control device for operating a motor vehicle locking system (2), wherein Motor vehicle closure system (2) having an electric drive (3) with an electric drive motor (4), wherein, in normal operation, the electric drive (3) is fed with a normal supply voltage in order to provide an electrically powered closure function for an adjustable closure element (5) of a motor vehicle (6), In which the control device has an energy storage device (7) with at least one energy store designed as a capacitor (8), wherein the energy storage device (7) provides an electrical emergency supply voltage (U N ) for the electric drive (3) in the emergency mode. wherein the energy storage device (7) has at least one voltage step-up stage (9, 10) connected downstream of the energy store to generate an emergency supply voltage (U N ), wherein the voltage step-up stage (9, 10) steps up an electrical input voltage at an input of the voltage step-up stage (9, 10) to an electrical output voltage at an output of the voltage step-up stage (9, 10), characterized in that The energy storage device (7) for generating an emergency supply voltage (U N ) has a first voltage step-up stage (9) connected downstream of the energy store for generating an emergency supply voltage (U N ) and a second voltage step-up stage (10) connected downstream of the first voltage step-up stage (9).

2. The control device according to claim 1, characterized by the first voltage step-up stage (9) is identical to the second voltage step-up stage (10) or the first voltage step-up stage (9) is different from the second voltage step-up stage (10).

3. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by The capacitor (8) is designed as a double-layer capacitor.

4. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by The energy store (7) has only one capacitor (8).

5. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by The energy store (7) has at least two capacitors (8) connected in parallel to one another.

6. The control device according to claim 5, characterized in that The capacitors (8) are permanently connected in parallel to one another.

7. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by The switching device (11) is provided, by means of which the two capacitors (8) of the energy storage device (7) can be switched between one another in order to generate the emergency supply voltage (U N ).

8. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by The energy store (7) has at least one voltage step-down stage (12, 13) connected upstream of the energy store in order to charge the energy store with a normal supply voltage and which steps down an electrical input voltage at the input of the voltage step-down stage (12, 13) to an electrical output voltage at the output of the voltage step-down stage (12, 13).

9. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by The energy store (7) has a first voltage step-down stage (12) connected upstream of the energy store in order to charge the energy store and a second voltage step-down stage (13) connected downstream of the first voltage step-down stage (12).

10. The control device according to claim 1, characterized by The energy storage device (7) provides an electrical emergency supply voltage (U N ) for the electric drive (3) in the event of failure of the normal supply voltage.

11. The control device according to claim 2, characterized by The first voltage step-up stage (9) is identical to the second voltage step-up stage (10) in terms of the voltage step-up factor or the first voltage step-up stage (9) is different from the second voltage step-up stage (10) in terms of the voltage step-up factor.

12. The control device according to claim 2, characterized by The first voltage step-up stage (9) has a lower starting voltage than the second voltage step-up stage (10).

13. The control device according to claim 4, characterized by The energy store (7) has only one double-layer capacitor.

14. The control device according to claim 5, characterized by The energy store (7) has at least two double-layer capacitors connected in parallel to one another.

15. Motor vehicle closure system having an electric drive (3) with an electric drive motor (4) and a control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

16. A motor vehicle locking system as claimed in claim 15, characterised in that Motor vehicle lock (14) for a closure element (5) of a motor vehicle (6) is provided, which is equipped with a lock pin (15) for retaining engagement with a closure part (16) and a ratchet (17) assigned to the lock pin (15), and the electric drive (3) is provided for electrically lifting the ratchet (17).

17. Method for operating a motor vehicle locking system (2) by means of a control device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein Motor vehicle closure system (2) having an electric drive (3) with an electric drive motor (4), wherein, in normal operation, the electric drive (3) is fed with a normal supply voltage in order to provide an electrically powered closure function for an adjustable closure element (5) of a motor vehicle (6), In which the control device (1) has an energy storage device (7) with at least one energy store designed as a capacitor (8), in which the electrical emergency supply voltage (U N ) for the electric drive (3) is provided in the emergency operation by means of the energy storage device (7). wherein the energy storage device (7) has at least one voltage step-up stage (9, 10) connected downstream of the energy store to generate an emergency supply voltage (U N ), wherein the electrical input voltage at the input of the voltage step-up stage (9, 10) is stepped up by means of the voltage step-up stage (9, 10) to an electrical output voltage at the output of the voltage step-up stage (9, 10), characterized in that The energy storage device (7) has a first voltage step-up stage (9) and a second voltage step-up stage (10), and the emergency supply voltage (U N ) is generated by the first voltage step-up stage (9) connected downstream of the energy store to generate the emergency supply voltage (U N ) and the second voltage step-up stage (10) connected downstream of the first voltage step-up stage (9).

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, By means of the energy storage device (7) an electrical emergency supply voltage (U N ) is provided for the electric drive (3) in the event of failure of the normal supply voltage.

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