Method for operating a motor vehicle locking system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle closure system (1), the motor vehicle closure system (1) having a drive (2) with an electric drive motor (3) and a control assembly (4) for actuating the drive (2) in order to provide an electric closure function for an adjustable closure element (5) of a motor vehicle (6), the control assembly (4) has a rechargeable electrical energy store (9) with at least one capacitor (10), the emergency supply voltage being provided by means of the energy store (9) during emergency operation, in particular in the event of a failure of the normal supply voltage. According to the invention, a diagnostic program is carried out by means of a control component (4), in which the capacitor (10) is subjected to a discharge and a charge from an initial state of charge in a chronological order, and a first electrical characteristic parameter of the capacitor (10) is determined on the basis of the discharge and a second electrical characteristic parameter of the capacitor (10) is determined on the basis of the charge by means of the control component (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle locking system according to the preamble of claim 1 , a control assembly for operating a motor vehicle locking system according to the preamble of claim 12 , and a motor vehicle locking system according to claim 13 . Background Art

[0002] The motor vehicle locking system in question is used for all types of electric locking functions of closing elements of a motor vehicle. These include, in particular, closing elements such as side doors, rear doors, tailgates, tailgates, hoods, etc. In principle, these closing elements can be designed as swing doors or sliding doors.

[0003] The electric locking function particularly relates to a motor vehicle lock associated with a motor vehicle locking system, which has a locking pin and a pawl as locking elements. The locking pin can be moved into a locked position, in which it remains engaged with the locking element and is secured by the pawl. Furthermore, the motor vehicle lock is equipped with an electric drive, which can be used to disengage the pawl so that the locking pin can be adjusted into its open position, releasing the locking element.

[0004] In order to meet the requirements for a safe voltage supply to such motor vehicle locks, a chargeable energy store can be provided, whereby the electrical energy supply to the motor vehicle locking system is ensured via the emergency supply voltage even in emergency operation, in particular in the event of failure of the normal supply voltage.

[0005] The prior art (DE 10 2014 105 874 A1), from which the present invention is based, relates to a method for operating a vehicle locking system with a vehicle lock, wherein the energy storage device associated with the vehicle lock can include a double-layer capacitor. The use of double-layer capacitors enables a high power output for emergency operation of the vehicle lock.

[0006] The challenge here is that, to meet safety requirements, the energy storage device must remain usable throughout the entire service life of the vehicle locking system. In principle, diagnostic programs can be provided for the energy storage device (here, the capacitor) to determine its electrical characteristic values, such as the equivalent series resistance (ESR) and the capacitance. Unexpected changes in these characteristic values ​​can indicate that the capacitor is affected by aging, damage, etc. To determine these characteristic values, the capacitor can be discharged or charged in a targeted manner, which can, however, also affect the operation and usability of the energy storage device. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem underlying the present invention is to design and improve the known method in such a way that the reliability of the use of the energy storage device is further improved.

[0008] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1 .

[0009] The present invention is based on the concept of performing capacitor diagnosis without undergoing changes in the state of charge that significantly affect operation. The fundamental concept is to discharge and charge the capacitor in a chronological sequence, using the discharge and charge phases to determine characteristic values. Consequently, characteristic values ​​can be determined very quickly and with high accuracy without significantly affecting the capacitor's state of charge.

[0010] Specifically, it is proposed that a diagnostic routine be performed by means of a control component, in which a capacitor is subjected to a chronological discharge and charge cycle from an initial state of charge, and a first electrical characteristic parameter of the capacitor is determined by means of the control component based on the discharge and a second electrical characteristic parameter of the capacitor is determined based on the charge.

[0011] The sequence of discharging and charging (variations of which are primarily described in claim 2) can be adapted to other conditions. Particularly preferably, according to claim 3, the aging value of the capacitors is used to differentiate between the sequences. Capacitors that are like new have a relatively high capacity, so that they can be discharged first without significantly reducing the stored energy.

[0012] Claim 5 relates to another variant for sequential selection, in which environmental information, such as a temperature value, is used. At low temperatures, overcharging is less critical for the capacitor properties, so that charging takes place first and discharging takes place next.

[0013] The determined characteristic values ​​preferably represent the capacitance and ESR of the capacitor (claim 6), thereby achieving an optimal characterization of the capacitor. In particular, the aforementioned aging value of the capacitor can be determined based on these characteristic values.

[0014] In the preferred embodiments according to claims 7 and 8 , a triggering event is specified for triggering the diagnostic program, which can also be selected depending on boundary conditions in order to prevent the capacitor from being subjected to charging and discharging influences.

[0015] In principle, multiple time sequences of discharging and charging can be provided in the diagnostic program, which is the subject of claim 9. In addition to the improved determination of the characteristic value, the capacitor can be checked for further fault states.

[0016] Preferably, according to claim 10, a diagnostic program is used to achieve a theoretical state of charge of the capacitor.

[0017] According to another independently significant teaching of claim 12, a control assembly for operating a motor vehicle locking system is claimed. Essentially, the control assembly executes a diagnostic routine in which a capacitor is discharged and charged in a chronological sequence from an initial state of charge, and determines a first electrical characteristic parameter of the capacitor based on the discharge and a second electrical characteristic parameter of the capacitor based on the charge. Reference is made to all embodiments of the proposed method.

[0018] According to another teaching, also independently significant, according to claim 13, protection is claimed for a motor vehicle locking system having a drive with an electric drive motor and having the proposed control assembly for actuating the drive. The motor vehicle locking system can be configured to carry out the proposed method. Reference is made to all embodiments of the proposed method and the proposed control assembly.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment according to claim 14, a motor vehicle lock is provided for a closure element of a motor vehicle, wherein the electric drive is provided for electrically releasing a locking pawl of the motor vehicle lock. The proposed solution can thus meet the special safety requirements of motor vehicle locks. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate only exemplary embodiments.

[0021] Figure 1 A motor vehicle door with a motor vehicle locking system and a motor vehicle lock are shown in corresponding perspective views.

[0022] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the control components, and

[0023] Figure 3 a) and b) show exemplary current and voltage curves during a diagnostic program. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The present invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle locking system 1. The motor vehicle locking system 1 comprises a drive 2 with an electric drive motor 3 and a control assembly 4 for actuating the drive 2. In normal operation, the drive 2 is supplied with power, in particular, from a normal supply voltage in order to provide an electric locking function for an adjustable closure element 5 of a motor vehicle 6.

[0025] As used herein, the term "drive motor" encompasses all types of electric actuators, in particular rotary and linear actuators. Drive motor 3 is preferably a rotary electric machine, further preferably designed as a brushed or brushless DC motor. The normal supply voltage used during normal operation is preferably the onboard power supply voltage Ubat of motor vehicle 6, which is provided by the central battery of motor vehicle 6. The central battery is preferably a battery that provides the electrical energy necessary for starting motor vehicle 6 and / or for driving operation of motor vehicle 6.

[0026] The electric locking function is understood to mean that the adjustable closure element 5 of the motor vehicle 6 is fixed or released, such as locked or unlocked, directly or indirectly by a movement generated by the electric drive 2, and / or the closure element is adjusted, such as opened or closed. For the design of the closure element 5, reference can be made to the embodiments explained at the beginning, wherein in the present Figure 1 1 shows the mode of operation of a motor vehicle locking system 1 for a closure element 5 designed as a side door. However, all embodiments are equally applicable to all other types of closure elements of a motor vehicle 6.

[0027] The control assembly 4 preferably has control electronics for performing the control tasks associated with the electric locking function and is equipped, for example, with a microcontroller 7. The control assembly 4 is configured to control the electric drive 2 and, in particular, monitors the presence of an operating event, for example, as an operating signal transmitted by an operating element (such as a door handle 8). Upon receipt of the operating signal, the control assembly 4 can trigger the operation of the drive 2.

[0028] The control assembly 4 has a chargeable electrical energy storage device 9 with at least one capacitor 10, wherein an emergency supply voltage is provided by means of the energy storage device 9 during emergency operation, in particular in the event of failure of the normal supply voltage, a crash, etc. The emergency supply voltage is provided as a function of the capacitor voltage of the energy storage device 9 and, during emergency operation, can also supply electrical energy to further components of the control assembly 4 (such as the microcontroller 7) in addition to the drive 2.

[0029] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the energy storage device 9 comprises at least one double-layer capacitor. Double-layer capacitors have an electrochemical double layer, also known as a "Helmholtz layer." Such double-layer capacitors are also referred to as "supercapacitors," "ultracapacitors," "supercapacitors," etc. When multiple capacitors 10 are used, they can generally be connected in series and / or in parallel. In addition to the at least one capacitor 10, the energy storage device 9 can include further storage elements, such as primary and / or secondary batteries.

[0030] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the energy storage device 9 has a single capacitor 10, in particular a single double-layer capacitor. In addition, the energy storage device 9 can have a capacitor connected downstream of the at least one capacitor 10. Figure 2 The boost stage (not shown) is designed to boost the capacitor voltage of the at least one capacitor 10 to the emergency supply voltage. The voltage output of the booster can be connected, for example, to a driver unit 11 having an H-bridge for controlling the driver 2. The driver unit 11 can also be used during normal operation to operate the driver 2 based on the normal supply voltage. In this case, the driver unit 11 is preferably operated via the microcontroller 7.

[0031] It is now important to execute a diagnostic routine with the aid of control unit 4 , in which capacitor 10 is discharged and charged in a chronological sequence from an initial state of charge. In this context, chronological sequence should be understood to mean that control unit 4 performs targeted discharging and charging in a timed manner. For example, discharging and / or charging occurs over a predetermined time period, or a predetermined amount of energy is withdrawn from or supplied to capacitor 10 . Discharging and charging preferably occur directly in chronological succession, with only unavoidable delays, such as those caused by circuit technology, possibly occurring.

[0032] It is also important that a first electrical characteristic parameter of capacitor 10 is determined based on the discharge and a second electrical characteristic parameter of capacitor 10 is determined based on the charge by means of control assembly 4. The second characteristic parameter is a characteristic parameter different from the first characteristic parameter.

[0033] Preferably, the first characteristic parameter and / or the second characteristic parameter are determined based on current measurement and / or voltage measurement during discharge or charge. Regarding current measurement, the current flowing into the capacitor 10 (charging) or the current flowing out of the capacitor 10 (discharging) can be quantitatively measured, wherein: Figure 2 The current sensor 12 is shown as an example. Regarding the voltage measurement, the capacitor voltage can be measured quantitatively, wherein Figure 2 A voltage sensor 13 connected in parallel with the capacitor 10 is shown by way of example.

[0034] Here and preferably, the control assembly 4 has a charging circuit for charging the capacitor 10. Figure 2 As shown in FIG, the charging circuit may include a charging switch element S1 and a charging resistor R ch , via which the capacitor 10 is charged. For example, a charge regulation can be implemented via the charging circuit, wherein, for example, a target charging current is generated during charging. Figure 3 An exemplary current curve in a diagnostic program is shown in FIG. 1 , wherein a constant charging current I is generated during charging. L (exist Figure 3 a) from t0 to t1; Figure 3 b) t1 to t2).

[0035] Here and preferably, the control module 4 has a discharge circuit for charging the capacitor 10. Figure 2 As shown in FIG, the discharge circuit may include a discharge switch element S2 and a discharge resistor R dch , via which the capacitor 10 is discharged. The discharge can be regulated via the discharge circuit, wherein, for example, a target discharge current is generated during the discharge. Figure 3 The constant discharge current I is shown in FIG. E (exist Figure 3 a) from t1 to t2; Figure 3 b) (t0 to t1). Preferably, the resistance of the discharge resistor is at least one order of magnitude higher than the resistance of the charging resistor. Other designs of the charging circuit are also conceivable. For example, for discharging, the drive 2 can be actuated, for example, in the opposite direction to that provided for the electric locking function, so that the drive motor 3 is, for example, in blocking mode for discharging. Discharging to the onboard electrical system of the motor vehicle 6 is also conceivable.

[0036] The sequence in the diagnostic program can be preset so that discharge is first performed and then charging is performed in chronological order, or charging is first performed and then discharging is performed in chronological order. In addition to the fixed preset sequence, the sequence can also be formulated depending on other conditions in the design of the method.

[0037] In one embodiment, it is provided that the chronological sequence of discharging and charging is selected as a function of an aging value of the capacitor 10. The aging value is, for example, a measure of the remaining service life or degradation of the capacitor 10.

[0038] Preferably, if the aging value is below a predefined aging threshold, discharging is first performed and then charging, while if the aging value is above the aging threshold, charging is first performed and then discharging. At low aging values, the energy stored in capacitor 10 may exceed the requirements for emergency operation, so that discharging first has little effect on emergency operation during diagnostic procedures and protects capacitor 10 from overcharging. Conversely, at high aging values, a brief overcharging of capacitor 10 may be acceptable in order to reliably meet the requirements for emergency operation.

[0039] It is particularly preferred to determine the aging value based on the first and / or second characteristic values ​​determined in a previous diagnostic procedure. For example, capacitance and / or ESR are determined as characteristic values, which can characterize the state of capacitor 10, particularly with respect to aging. The aging value can be determined, for example, from a reference value for capacitance. It is also conceivable to use the first and / or second characteristic values ​​directly as aging values. For example, for the aforementioned aging threshold check, the determined capacitance can be compared with a predefined capacitance threshold value.

[0040] In another embodiment, the chronological discharging and charging sequence is selected based on environmental information, preferably a temperature value. The temperature value may represent the temperature of capacitor 10 . Control unit 4 may include a temperature sensor for determining the temperature value. It is also conceivable for control unit 4 to receive a temperature value for the environment of vehicle 6 , for example, from a central vehicle control unit. Another example of environmental information is the operating state of vehicle 6 .

[0041] When using temperature values, it is preferably configured so that when the temperature value is below a preset temperature threshold, charging is first performed and then discharging, while when the temperature value is above the temperature threshold, discharging is first performed and then charging. At low temperatures, the effect of overcharging on the characteristics of capacitor 10 tends to be less pronounced, so charging is performed first to ensure the availability of energy supply for emergency operation. Conversely, at higher temperatures, discharging may be performed first to protect capacitor 10.

[0042] Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined, wherein the chronological sequence of discharging and charging is selected not only as a function of the aging value but also as a function of environmental information.

[0043] Preferably, the capacitance of capacitor 10 is measured as the first characteristic value and the equivalent resistance of capacitor 10 is measured as the second characteristic value, or the equivalent resistance of capacitor 10 is measured as the first characteristic value and the capacitance of capacitor 10 is measured as the second characteristic value. Here, preferably, the equivalent series resistance (ESR) is measured as the equivalent resistance.

[0044] exist Figure 3 In a), as the second characteristic value, the capacity of the capacitor 10 is determined by charging, wherein the given charging current I L For the voltage difference ΔU L Here, for example, the discharge current I E The voltage drop ΔU caused ESR To determine the ESR as the first characteristic value.

[0045] exist Figure 3 In the exemplary sequence of b), the capacity and ESR can be determined in the same manner, with discharge first and then charging. Not shown are configurations in which the capacity of capacitor 10 is determined as a first characteristic value (based on discharge) and the equivalent resistance of capacitor 10 is determined as a second characteristic value (based on charging). Different sequences can also be used for these configurations.

[0046] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the diagnostic routine is executed upon the occurrence of a predetermined triggering event. The triggering event can, for example, be time-controlled and, in particular, a predetermined time progression starting from a starting event. It is conceivable that the starting event is the start of a driving operation, in particular, the activation of the travel drive of motor vehicle 6 . It is also conceivable that the triggering event occurs periodically at predetermined time intervals. Similarly, the triggering event can be dependent on the state of charge of capacitor 10 . For example, the triggering event is defined by a limit voltage of the capacitor voltage.

[0047] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the triggering event is preset according to the temperature value. For example, the conditions in the time control, such as the periodic time interval, depend on the temperature value.

[0048] Preferably, the execution of the diagnostic program is prevented for temperature values ​​in a predetermined low temperature range and / or in a predetermined high temperature range, thereby preventing the capacitor 10 from being affected by the diagnostic program.

[0049] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that, during the diagnostic procedure, multiple time sequences of discharging and charging capacitor 10 are performed, and a first electrical characteristic parameter is determined based on the multiple discharges and a second electrical characteristic parameter is determined based on the multiple charges by means of control unit 4. Preferably, the first characteristic parameter and / or the second characteristic parameter is determined based on an average of the multiple time sequences. For this purpose, known methods for statistical averaging of multiple measured values ​​can be used. Preferably, during the averaging, outliers are identified among the values ​​based on a significance criterion and excluded from the averaging. Reference is also made to known methods for statistically evaluating multiple measured values.

[0050] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the error program is triggered if a predetermined deviation of the characteristic values ​​measured in a plurality of time sequences is exceeded. For example, if excessive variations in the current values ​​between different sequences are observed and / or value drifts are detected, a fault in the capacitor 10 can be inferred.

[0051] At the end of the diagnostic procedure, the capacitor 10 can be returned to the initial state of charge present at the start of the diagnostic procedure. Furthermore, however, it is preferably provided that the capacitor 10 reaches a target state of charge at the end of the diagnostic procedure in a chronological sequence of discharge and charging, the target state of charge preferably being predefined as a function of a temperature value.

[0052] The diagnostic program can thus be used in particular to compensate for the self-discharge of capacitor 10 and, for example, be performed instead of a charging program provided during normal operation.

[0053] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the determined first characteristic value and / or second characteristic value is checked by means of the control unit 4 according to a predefined error criterion, in particular whether it exceeds or falls below a predefined threshold value, and that an error program is triggered if the error criterion is met. In the error program, measures can usually be taken to alert the operator of the motor vehicle 6 to a possible damage to the capacitor 10.

[0054] Preferably, the first characteristic value and / or the second characteristic value can be assigned to one of several error classes depending on the error criteria. For example, if a first threshold value is exceeded, an error message can be stored in an error memory of the motor vehicle 6, prompting, for example, maintenance of the energy storage device 9. If a second threshold value is exceeded, the motor vehicle locking system 1 can be deactivated to prevent failure during emergency operation.

[0055] The error criterion check may include temperature compensation with respect to a temperature value of the vehicle locking system 1 in order to compensate for the temperature dependency of the first characteristic value and / or the second characteristic value. For example, the error criterion, here the at least one threshold value, may be specified as a function of temperature and / or the determined characteristic value may be scaled as a function of the temperature value.

[0056] According to another teaching, a control component 4 for operating a motor vehicle locking system 1 is proposed, wherein the motor vehicle locking system 1 has a drive 2 with an electric drive motor 3 and the control component 4 for actuating the drive 2 is set up to provide an electric locking function for an adjustable closing element 5 of a motor vehicle 6, wherein the control component 4 has a chargeable electrical energy storage device 9 with at least one capacitor 10, wherein the energy storage device 9 provides an emergency supply voltage in emergency operation, in particular in the event of failure of the normal supply voltage.

[0057] Here, it is provided that the control unit 4 executes a diagnostic program in which the capacitor 10 is discharged and charged in a chronological order from an initial state of charge, and the control unit 4 determines a first electrical characteristic parameter of the capacitor 10 based on the discharge and a second electrical characteristic parameter of the capacitor 10 based on the charge. Reference is made to all embodiments of the proposed method.

[0058] According to another teaching, a motor vehicle locking system 1 is provided, which has a drive 2 with an electric drive motor 3 and a control assembly 4 for controlling the drive 2. The motor vehicle locking system 1 is preferably configured to carry out the method provided. Reference is made to all embodiments of the method provided and the control assembly 4 provided.

[0059] Particularly preferably and in Figure 1 1 shows a design of a motor vehicle locking system 1, in which a motor vehicle lock 14 is provided for a closure element 5 of a motor vehicle 6. The motor vehicle lock 14 is equipped with a locking pin 15 for maintaining engagement with the closure member and a locking pawl 16 associated with the locking pin 15. The motor vehicle lock 14 is Figure 1 It is shown in a partially disassembled perspective view and is designed with a swingable locking pin 15 for maintaining engagement with a locking member not shown. The locking member can be a locking clip, a locking bolt, etc. Figure 1 , the locking pin 15 is shown in the open position, in which the closure element can be inserted into the closure element receptacle 17 of the locking pin 15. For example, the motor vehicle lock 14 is arranged on the closure element 5, while the closure element is arranged on the motor vehicle 6 in a manner fixed to the vehicle body. Particularly preferably, the proposed control assembly 4 with the energy storage device 9 is integrated into a housing 18 of the motor vehicle lock 14, which also accommodates the lock component.

[0060] The locking pawl 16 is in particular part of a locking pawl system 16 with a plurality of locking pawls 16 and can be brought into a locked state (not shown) in which the locking pawl 16 holds the locking pin 15 in the locked position. In principle, a plurality of locked positions can be provided, for example a pre-locking position and a main locking position. Figure 1 Starting from the open position in the embodiment, the locked position can be reached by pivoting the locking pin 15 in the counterclockwise direction, whereby the locking pawl 16 can be locked and engaged with the main locking portion 19 (main locking position) or the pre-locking portion 20 (pre-locking position) of the locking pin 15 by falling into it.

[0061] The drive 2 is preferably configured to electrically release the locking pawl 16. The locking pawl 16 can be brought into the open position by means of the electric drive motor 3, thereby releasing the locking pin 15. For this purpose, the drive motor 3 is connected to the locking pawl 16 via the drive train 21 of the drive 2. In emergency operation, the function of the drive 2 as an opening drive is ensured by means of the energy storage device 9.

[0062] As an alternative to the aforementioned integration of the control assembly 4 into the motor vehicle lock 14, it is conceivable that the control assembly 4 is part of a separate control 22 for the motor vehicle lock 14. Examples of such a control 22 are flap controls and door controls, which can also perform further electronic functions in the closure element 5. However, the control 22 does not necessarily have to be part of the motor vehicle locking system 1.

[0063] In principle, it is conceivable that the drive 2 performs an alternative or additional locking function of the vehicle lock 14, such as unlocking and / or locking the mechanical operating chain of the vehicle lock 14. In addition to or instead of the locking function of the vehicle lock 14 described in more detail here, the vehicle locking system 1 can also have a drive assembly for electrically adjusting the aforementioned closure element 5 of the vehicle 6, wherein the drive assembly is used to electrically adjust, in particular, open and / or close, the closure element 5. Other examples of locking functions are electrically adjusting operating elements and interior and exterior elements of the vehicle 6, such as ventilator elements, interior mirrors, side mirrors, lighting, etc.

Claims

1. A method for operating a motor vehicle locking system (1), wherein: The motor vehicle locking system (1) comprises a drive (2) with an electric drive motor (3) and a control unit (4) for actuating the drive (2) in order to provide an electric locking function for an adjustable closure element (5) of a motor vehicle (6), wherein the control unit (4) comprises a chargeable electrical energy storage device (9) with at least one capacitor (10), wherein an emergency supply voltage is provided by means of the energy storage device (9) in emergency operation, in particular in the event of failure of the normal supply voltage. It is characterized by: A diagnostic program is executed by means of the control component (4), in which the capacitor (10) is subjected to discharge and charging in chronological order from an initial state of charge, and a first electrical characteristic parameter of the capacitor (10) is determined based on the discharge and a second electrical characteristic parameter of the capacitor (10) is determined based on the charging by means of the control component (4).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Discharging is performed first and then charging is performed in chronological order, or charging is performed first and then discharging is performed in chronological order.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The order of discharging and charging in chronological order is selected according to the aging value of the capacitor (10), preferably, first discharging and then charging when the aging value is below a preset aging threshold, and first charging and then discharging when the aging value is above the aging threshold.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The aging value is determined as a function of the first characteristic value and / or the second characteristic value determined in a preceding diagnostic procedure.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The order of discharging and charging in chronological order is selected according to environmental information, preferably temperature value. Further preferably, charging is first performed and then discharging when the temperature value is below a preset temperature threshold, and discharging is first performed and then charging when the temperature value is above the temperature threshold.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The capacitance of the capacitor (10) is measured as a first characteristic value and the equivalent resistance of the capacitor (10) is measured as a second characteristic value, or the equivalent resistance of the capacitor (10) is measured as a first characteristic value and the capacitance of the capacitor (10) is measured as a second characteristic value.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The diagnostic program is executed upon the occurrence of a predefined triggering event, preferably the triggering event occurring in a time-controlled manner and / or depending on the state of charge of the capacitor (10).

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The trigger event is predefined as a function of a temperature value; preferably, execution of the diagnostic routine is prevented for temperature values ​​in a predefined low temperature range and / or in a predefined high temperature range.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that In the diagnostic program, multiple time sequences of discharging and charging the capacitor (10) are performed, and the first electrical characteristic parameter is determined based on multiple discharges and the second electrical characteristic parameter is determined based on multiple charges by means of the control component (4), preferably, the first characteristic parameter and / or the second characteristic parameter is determined based on an average of the multiple time sequences.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that At the end of the diagnostic procedure, the capacitor (10) is brought to a theoretical state of charge in a time sequence of discharge and charge, preferably the theoretical state of charge being preset according to a temperature value.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that By means of the control component (4), the determined first characteristic value and / or second characteristic value is checked according to a preset error criterion, in particular whether it exceeds or falls below a preset threshold value, and an error program is triggered when the error criterion is met. Preferably, the first characteristic value and / or the second characteristic value is classified into one of a plurality of error levels according to the error criterion, and / or the checking of the error criterion includes temperature compensation with respect to a temperature value of the motor vehicle locking system (1).

12. A control unit for operating a locking system (1) of a motor vehicle, wherein: The motor vehicle locking system (1) comprises a drive (2) with an electric drive motor (3), and the control component (4) for actuating the drive (2) is configured to provide an electric locking function for an adjustable closing element (5) of the motor vehicle (6), wherein the control component (4) comprises a chargeable electrical energy storage device (9) with at least one capacitor (10), wherein the energy storage device (9) provides an emergency supply voltage in emergency operation, in particular in the event of failure of the normal supply voltage. It is characterized by: The control component (4) executes a diagnostic program in which the capacitor (10) is subjected to discharge and charge in chronological order from an initial state of charge, and the control component (4) measures a first electrical characteristic parameter of the capacitor (10) based on the discharge and measures a second electrical characteristic parameter of the capacitor (10) based on the charge.

13. A motor vehicle locking system comprising a drive (2) with an electric drive motor (3) and a control module (4) according to claim 12 for actuating the drive (2).

14. The vehicle locking system according to claim 13, characterized in that: A motor vehicle lock (14) is provided for the closing element (5) of the motor vehicle (6), the motor vehicle lock (14) being equipped with a locking pin (15) for maintaining engagement with the locking member and a locking pawl (16) associated with the locking pin (15), and the electric drive (2) being provided for electrically lifting the locking pawl (16).

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