Control assembly for a motor vehicle lock

Abstract

The invention relates to a control arrangement for a motor vehicle lock (2), in which the motor vehicle lock (2) is equipped with a latch (5) for retaining engagement with a closing element (6) and a pawl (9) associated with the latch (5), which pawl locks the opening of the latch (5) in a drop position and releases the latch (5) in a lift position, in normal operation, the latch (5) being locked by the pawl (9). The control arrangement (1) actuates an opening drive (12) for transferring the pawl (9) into the raised position when a normal actuation signal is detected at the signal input (10) for the actuation element (11), and wherein, in an emergency operation, the control arrangement (1) suppresses actuation of the opening drive (12) when the normal actuation signal is detected. According to the invention, for an emergency operation, an emergency actuation signal different from the normal actuation signal is defined, and in the emergency operation, the control assembly (1) actuates the opening of the drive (12) when an emergency actuation signal is detected at the signal input (10).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The motor vehicle lock in question is used in various types of motor vehicle covers. Such covers are, for example, rear covers, rear hatches, rear doors, front hatches, engine covers, side doors, etc. The covers can be designed to be pivotable in the manner of a pivoting door, a pivoting cover, or a pivoting lid, or they can also be designed to be longitudinally movable in the manner of a sliding door.

[0003] A motor vehicle lock has a latch and a pawl as closing elements. The latch can be brought into a closed position, in which it is in retentive engagement with the closing element and secured by the pawl. The motor vehicle lock is also equipped with an electrical opening drive, which raises the pawl and thereby adjusts the latch to its open position, releasing the closing element. To this end, an operator actuates an actuating element (e.g., a door handle), which detects an actuation signal at a signal input of a control unit. Upon detecting the actuation signal, the control unit actuates the drive.

[0004] The use of an opening drive makes it possible to dispense with the mechanical connection between the vehicle lock and the operating element. The realization of the closing states such as "unlocked" and "locked" can be taken over by the control unit by actuating the opening drive according to the current closing state.

[0005] In the prior art (DE 10345185 A1), it is known to prevent the lock from being accidentally opened in the event of a vehicle crash by suppressing any manipulation using a control unit. In this case, neither the detection of internal nor external manipulation results in an effective triggering of the vehicle lock. For anti-crash safety reasons, the vehicle lock is in a closed state ("immobilizer") to a certain extent.

[0006] One challenge here is that the prior art does not fully take into account all safety aspects of motor vehicle locks with an opening drive. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem underlying the present invention is to design and improve a control arrangement for a motor vehicle lock in such a way that a further safety gain is achieved in an emergency situation.

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

[0009] The fundamental consideration is that, while the suppression of actuation during emergency mode by means of a control unit prevents the vehicle locks from being opened accidentally, it also prevents any access to the vehicle for at least a certain period of time. Therefore, in the event of a crash, the occupants must first wait for the emergency mode to be released before they can leave the vehicle. Even if the emergency mode is triggered erroneously, access to the vehicle is temporarily impossible.

[0010] Specifically, it is now proposed that for emergency operation an emergency actuation signal which differs from the normal actuation signal is defined and that in emergency operation the control assembly actuates the opening drive when the emergency actuation signal is detected at the signal input.

[0011] By defining the emergency actuation signal, the operator of the motor vehicle is thus provided with the possibility of activating the opening drive also in emergency operation, while at the same time preventing unintentional triggering due to a crash situation.

[0012] In a particularly preferred embodiment according to claim 2 , a continuous actuation for a minimum duration is provided as the emergency actuation signal, whereby the motor vehicle lock can be opened intuitively even in emergency operation.

[0013] Furthermore, according to claim 3 , further protection against accidental triggering in the event of a crash can be achieved if a subsequent release of the operating element is provided, for example releasing the door handle after continued actuation.

[0014] In a further, likewise preferred embodiment according to claims 4 to 6, an emergency actuation signal having an actuation pattern is provided. A particularly expedient and simple implementation involves multiple, in particular three, actuations within a predetermined maximum duration.

[0015] The embodiments according to claims 7 and 8 involve the use of an electrical energy store to ensure the energy supply of the motor vehicle lock, whereby an emergency operation is possible even in the event of a failure of the motor vehicle's voltage supply.

[0016] According to claim 10, when the emergency operation is terminated, in particular after the emergency operation duration has expired, access to the vehicle after a crash is particularly simple. In particular, the vehicle operator can then use the same operation as provided for normal operation to trigger the opening of the drive.

[0017] In the embodiment according to claim 11, a maintenance mode is also provided, with which the pawl is particularly held in the raised position. Thus, for example, if the voltage supply to the motor vehicle is interrupted during maintenance, the motor vehicle lock can be temporarily held in the unlocked state.

[0018] According to another independent teaching of claim 12, a motor vehicle lock is claimed. The motor vehicle lock is equipped with a catch for retaining engagement with a closure element and a pawl associated with the catch, which in a lowered position blocks opening of the catch and in a raised position releases the catch, wherein an opening drive is provided for transferring the pawl into the raised position and a control assembly according to the proposed method for actuating the opening drive. Reference is made to all embodiments of the proposed control assembly.

[0019] According to another teaching of claim 13, which is also of independent significance, a method for operating a motor vehicle lock is claimed. Essentially, for emergency operation, an emergency actuation signal, which differs from the normal actuation signal, is defined, and during emergency operation, the opening drive is actuated by means of the control assembly upon detection of the emergency actuation signal at the signal input. Reference is made to all embodiments of the proposed control assembly and the proposed motor vehicle lock. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a motor vehicle is shown, and a partially disassembled side view of the proposed motor vehicle lock with the proposed control assembly is shown, and

[0022] Figure 2 Shown are schematic perspective views of an operating element, as well as a) a normal operating signal, b) one embodiment of an emergency operating signal, and c) another embodiment of an emergency operating signal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The exemplary embodiment shown in the figures and preferred in this respect relates to a control assembly 1 for a motor vehicle lock 2. In principle, as in Figure 1 As shown in , the control assembly 1 can be designed as a control device integrated in a motor vehicle lock 2, for example a lock control device. It is also conceivable that the control assembly 1 can be designed as part of a door operator or a central motor vehicle control device, wherein the control assembly 1 can also be provided for operating multiple motor vehicle locks 2. In this case, and preferably, the motor vehicle lock 2 of the motor vehicle 3 preferably has a corresponding integrated control assembly 1, which is designed according to the proposal.

[0024] The motor vehicle lock 2 is equipped with a lock catch 5 which can be pivoted about a lock catch axis 4 and is intended to be in retaining engagement with a closing member 6. The closing member 6 can be a closing frame, a closing bolt, etc. For example, the motor vehicle lock 2 is arranged on a cover 7 of the motor vehicle 3, while the closing member 6 is arranged on the motor vehicle 3 in a manner fixed to the vehicle body. With regard to possible designs of the cover 7, reference is made to the aforementioned embodiments, wherein Figure 1 , a motor vehicle lock 2 associated with a tailgate is shown by way of example.

[0025] Furthermore, a pawl 9 is provided which is associated with the latch 5 and which is pivotable here about a pawl axis 8. Figure 1 In the lowered position shown in FIG, the opening of the lock catch 5 is blocked, and in the raised position not shown, the lock catch 5 is released.

[0026] During normal operation, the control unit 1 actuates the opening drive 12 for transferring the pawl 9 to the raised position when a normal actuation signal is detected at the signal input 10 for the actuating element 11. In this case, and preferably, the actuating element 11 comprises a door handle 13. The actuating element 11 is equipped with a sensor, a button, or the like, which detects an actuation of the door handle 13, for example, manual pulling of the door handle 13 by an operator of the motor vehicle 3, and transmits this actuation via a control connection to the signal input 10 of the control unit 1. The control unit 1 then monitors the signal input 10 to determine whether an actuation signal corresponding to a normal actuation signal has been received. The actuating element 11 may include at least one internal actuating element and / or at least one external actuating element.

[0027] In principle, various types of control signals with specific time dependencies are conceivable for the control signal. It is preferably provided that, when the control element 11 is not actuated, the signal input 10 of the control assembly 1 is maintained at a high logic level. In the event of actuation, the signal input 10 is set to a low logic level, more preferably to ground level.

[0028] exist Figure 2 An example for a normal operation signal is shown in a). As a normal operation signal, a signal edge from a high logic level to a low logic level is detected, so that at the time point t A1 , a normal manipulation signal is considered to be detected. Therefore, by simply pulling the door handle 13, the opening process of the motor vehicle lock 2 can be triggered, so that the user can, for example, manually open the motor vehicle lock 2 and then manually open the cover 7 itself by continuously pulling the door handle 13.

[0029] For electric opening, the pawl 9 can be lifted by means of an electric opening drive 12. For this purpose, the drive motor 14 of the opening drive 12 is preferably connected directly or indirectly to the pawl 9 via a drive cable 15. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the motorized lifting of the pawl 9 is achieved by pivoting the pawl 9 clockwise about the pawl axis 8. In principle, the pawl 9 can also be part of a pawl system composed of two or more pawls arranged in series and associated with the pawl 5. At least one trigger lever can also be provided to lift the pawl 9.

[0030] Particularly preferably, the motor vehicle lock 2 has no mechanical connection to the operating element 11, so that the operation of the motor vehicle lock 2 is primarily electronic and mechanical. The opening drive 12 can be actuated by the control unit 1 depending on the closing state and further depending on whether the actuation is performed at an internal or external operating element. For example, the control unit 1 electronically implements the closing states "unlocked," "locked," "childproof lock," and "anti-theft lock" known from the mechanical motor vehicle lock 2 by, for example, monitoring or not monitoring the corresponding signal input 10, depending on the closing state. While a normal actuation signal can also be detected, for example in the "anti-theft lock" closing state, this does not result in the actuation of the opening drive 12.

[0031] In emergency operation, which differs from normal operation, the control unit 1 is provided to suppress actuation of the opening drive 12 when a normal actuation signal is detected. Emergency operation is a crash situation of the motor vehicle 3 in which inertia-induced movements of the actuating element 11 or false signals at the signal input 10 of the control unit 1 may occur. "Suppress" is to be understood as meaning that, although a signal corresponding to the normal actuation signal is present at the signal input 10 and can be detected by the control unit 1, the opening drive 12 is not actuated by the control unit 1, in particular when, in normal operation, the closed state would actually allow triggering.

[0032] Accordingly, in emergency operation, Figure 2 The signal shown in a) generated by simply pulling the door handle 13 does not result in actuation of the opening drive 12, since such a simple pull could also result from inertia effects in the event of a crash. Thus, unintentional opening of the cover 7 is prevented.

[0033] What is essential is that for the emergency operation an emergency actuation signal is defined which differs from the normal actuation signal and that in the emergency operation the control arrangement 1 actuates the opening drive 12 when the emergency actuation signal is detected at the signal input 10 .

[0034] The emergency actuation signal, which differs from the normal actuation signal, places further demands on the actuation for triggering the electric opening of the vehicle lock 2 . The emergency actuation signal is preferably defined so that it cannot be generated, or only with a very low probability, in a crash situation. However, the operator of the vehicle 3 (e.g., a passenger or rescue personnel) can trigger the emergency actuation signal by manual, targeted actuation. This maintains the possibility of triggering the vehicle lock 2 during emergency operation while achieving a high level of safety against accidental opening of the cover 7 .

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the emergency actuation signal corresponds to a continuous actuation of the actuating element 11 for a predefined minimum duration Δt1 . Figure 2 b) shows, by way of example, the signal for the corresponding actuation, wherein the fulfillment of the minimum duration Δt1 is preferably determined starting from the signal edge from a high logic level to a low logic level. If a high logic level is detected again before the expiration of the minimum duration Δt1, the emergency actuation signal is considered not to have been detected. If a continuous actuation with a continuous low logic level occurs for at least the minimum duration Δt1, the emergency actuation signal is considered to have been detected, and the actuation can be carried out at the time t A2 trigger.

[0036] Preferably, it is provided that the minimum duration is between 2 seconds and 5 seconds, in particular 3 seconds. Thus, a higher safety can be achieved to prevent accidental triggering in a collision situation.

[0037] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the emergency actuation signal corresponds to a continuous actuation of the actuating element 11 for a predefined minimum duration, wherein the actuating element 11 is subsequently released.

[0038] Here, "releasing" the operating element 11 is understood to mean that the operating element 11 returns to the non-operated state. For example, the door handle 13 is adjusted to the extended state from the dropped state by pulling, and is placed in the dropped state again after being released by the operator, for example, by an elastic reset device.

[0039] exist Figure 2 In b), the emergency actuation signal is only considered to be detected if the actuation continues for at least the minimum duration Δt1 and subsequently results in a signal edge from a low logic level to a high logic level (which corresponds to the release of the actuating element 11). A3 The actuation of the opening drive 12 is triggered. By taking the release into account, it is possible to prevent, for example, a faulty signal line from leading to an unintentional triggering.

[0040] In another preferred embodiment, it is provided that the emergency actuation signal corresponds to an actuation pattern with multiple actuations of the actuating element 11 , preferably at least three actuations.

[0041] In this context, an operating pattern is to be understood as a temporal sequence of a plurality of operating modes. For example, three temporally consecutive operating modes can be provided, wherein the operating element 11 is respectively released again in order for the emergency operating signal to be regarded as being detected.

[0042] Figure 2 c) shows the signal at the signal input 10 in such an operating mode. Here, the time segments with a low logic level again correspond to the actuated operating element 11, wherein between the time segments, a high logic level is present due to the release of the operating element 11. For example, at the start of the third actuation (here, at the third signal edge from the high logic level to the low logic level) at the time tA4 In another embodiment, when the control is released after the third actuation (here at the third signal edge from the low logic level to the high logic level) at the time t A5 It was triggered.

[0043] Preferably, a maximum duration Δt2 is predefined for the actuation mode, within which multiple actuations are performed. The maximum duration is preferably between 5 and 10 seconds, more preferably 5 seconds. In particular, a check is performed to determine whether the corresponding signal edge is detected within the maximum duration Δt2. If multiple actuations are performed too slowly, the emergency actuation signal is deemed not to have been detected.

[0044] Typically, for the manipulations in the manipulation mode, corresponding manipulation durations and / or manipulation time intervals between the manipulations can be provided. The manipulation duration is to be understood as the duration from the start to the release of the manipulation, which is Figure 2 c) corresponds to the corresponding duration of the time period with a low logic level. The actuation time interval is also to be understood as the duration between the release and the resumption of the subsequent actuation, which is Figure 2 c) corresponds to the corresponding duration of the central time segment with a high logic level. Thus, the actuation pattern can be freely defined, for example by a specific sequence of actuation durations or actuation time intervals according to the type of code.

[0045] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the control assembly 1 has an electrical energy storage device 16 having at least one storage element for providing an emergency supply voltage for opening the drive 12 in emergency operation. Electrochemical storage elements, such as primary batteries, secondary batteries (e.g., accumulators, and capacitors), can be used as storage elements. In particular, a storage element designed as a double-layer capacitor 17 is provided, in which energy is stored in an electrochemical double layer, also known as a "Helmholtz layer." Double-layer capacitors 17 can provide a high power density for the vehicle's closing system.

[0046] The energy storage device 16 is preferably designed to be rechargeable. In this case and preferably, the control module 1 is designed to be able to charge the energy storage device 16 based on the normal supply voltage U V The energy storage device 16 is charged, wherein the control module 1 and the opening drive 12 are also supplied via the normal supply voltage during normal operation. V The energy is provided here by the power supply grid and, in particular, by the central battery of the motor vehicle 3. The central battery is preferably a battery which provides the electrical energy required for starting the motor vehicle 3 and / or for driving the motor vehicle.

[0047] In emergency operation, in particular, for example, when the charge state of the central battery is insufficient or in the aforementioned crash situation, the central battery of motor vehicle 3 is no longer available to provide a sufficient supply voltage, so that energy storage device 16 is called upon by means of control assembly 1 .

[0048] As in Figure 1 As shown in , the energy storage 16 can have exactly one storage element, preferably exactly one double-layer capacitor 17. The energy storage 16 can be equipped with a step-up converter which is designed to step up the energy storage voltage (here the capacitor voltage of the double-layer capacitor 17) to the emergency supply voltage in emergency operation.

[0049] In another embodiment, the energy storage device 16 includes a plurality of storage elements connected substantially electrically in parallel and / or in series. Preferably, the plurality of storage elements are at least partially connected in series to provide the energy storage voltage. The energy storage device 16 can also include a boost converter, which, for example, boosts the energy storage voltage of two series-connected capacitors to an emergency supply voltage. It is also conceivable to omit the boost converter and preferably use a series connection of the plurality of storage elements.

[0050] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the control arrangement 1 activates the energy storage device 16 , in particular the step-up converter of the energy storage device 16 , when emergency operation is entered and / or when an emergency actuation signal is received.

[0051] The energy storage device 16 can also be activated during the detection of an emergency control signal. Figure 2 c) is activated at the first operation or after the emergency operation signal is detected.

[0052] It is preferably configured that the control component 1 receives a collision signal from the collision sensor and / or detects a normal supply voltage U V Emergency operation is triggered when a fault condition occurs.

[0053] The crash signal can be transmitted to the control unit 1 from, for example, an airbag sensor or the like. The fault state also corresponds to a normal supply voltage U V at least a partial failure of the central battery, such as a voltage drop of the central battery monitored by the control assembly 1 below a preset threshold.

[0054] In another embodiment, it is provided that the control arrangement 1 enables the opening drive 12 to be actuated again upon detection of a normal actuation signal when an abort condition is met, in particular when a predefined emergency operation duration has expired.

[0055] The emergency operating duration preferably corresponds to the maximum conceivable duration of a crash situation, with an additional safety duration. In one embodiment, the emergency operating duration is at least 10 seconds. After the emergency operating duration has expired, it is assumed that inertia-induced actuation of the operating element 11 is no longer possible, thereby initiating simplified actuation for normal operation. Preferably, this is done so that the control assembly 1 can again actuate the opening drive 12 independently of the closed state stored in the control assembly 1. Thus, after a crash situation and after the emergency operating duration has expired, the vehicle lock 2 can be transferred to the "unlocked" closed state, allowing effective actuation from both the inside and the outside. Preferably, the "child safety lock" closed state is released.

[0056] In another equally preferred design, it is provided that the control component 1 triggers a maintenance mode when it detects a maintenance control signal at the signal input 10 and / or detects a control signal at the signal input 10 that lasts while the emergency operation is triggered, in which maintenance mode the control component 1 suppresses the emergency operation and preferably controls the opening drive 12 in such a way that the pawl 9 is adjusted into the raised position and held there.

[0057] The maintenance control signal is again a preset signal that is different from the normal control signal. When triggering the emergency mode, the continuous control signal is caused by continuously pulling the door handle 13, wherein at the same time, for example, the normal supply voltage U is interrupted. V Introducing emergency operation.

[0058] The motor vehicle lock 2 is now switched to the open mode. This prevents the latch 5 from being jammed by the pawl 9 in its closed position if the normal supply voltage is interrupted during repair or maintenance. This prevents the motor vehicle lock 2 from transitioning to the closed state, thereby preventing the cover 7 from being accidentally secured. A pawl sensor 18 connected to the control unit 1 is preferably provided to monitor the occupancy of the raised position.

[0059] According to another teaching of independent significance, a motor vehicle lock 2 is proposed, which is equipped with a catch 5 for retaining engagement with a closure element 6 and a pawl 9 associated with the catch 5, which in a lowered position blocks the opening of the catch 5 and in a raised position releases the catch 5, wherein an opening drive 12 is provided for transferring the pawl 9 into the raised position, and a control assembly 1 according to the proposal is provided for actuating the opening drive 12. Reference is made to all embodiments of the control assembly 1 according to the proposal.

[0060] According to another teaching, which is also of independent significance, a method for operating a motor vehicle lock 2 is proposed, wherein the motor vehicle lock 2 is equipped with a lock catch 5 for retaining engagement with a closing part 6 and a pawl 9 associated with the lock catch 5, which blocks the opening of the lock catch 5 in a dropped position and releases the lock catch 5 in a raised position, wherein, in normal operation, an opening drive 12 for transferring the pawl 9 into the raised position is controlled by means of a control component 1 when a normal operating signal is detected at a signal input end 10 for an operating element 11, wherein, in emergency operation, in particular in the event of a crash, the control component 1 suppresses the control of the opening drive 12 when a normal operating signal is detected.

[0061] It is provided here that for emergency operation an emergency actuation signal which is designed differently from the normal actuation signal is defined and that in emergency operation the opening drive 12 is actuated by means of the control assembly 1 when the emergency actuation signal is detected at the signal input 10 .

[0062] Reference may be made to all embodiments with regard to the proposed control arrangement 1 and the proposed motor vehicle lock 2 .

Claims

1. A control assembly for a motor vehicle lock (2), wherein: The motor vehicle lock (2) is equipped with a lock catch (5) for retaining engagement with a closing member (6) and a pawl (9) associated with the lock catch (5), which blocks the opening of the lock catch (5) in a dropped position and releases the lock catch (5) in a raised position. wherein, during normal operation, the control component (1) actuates an opening drive (12) for transferring the pawl (9) into the raised position when a normal actuation signal is detected at a signal input (10) for an actuating element (11), wherein, in an emergency operation, in particular in the event of a crash, the control component (1) inhibits actuation of the opening drive (12) upon detection of the normal actuation signal, It is characterized by: For the emergency operation, an emergency operation signal different from the normal operation signal is defined, and in the emergency operation, the control component (1) operates the opening drive device (12) when detecting the emergency operation signal at the signal input end (10).

2. The control assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The emergency actuation signal corresponds to a continuous actuation of the actuating element (11) for a predetermined minimum duration, preferably between 2 seconds and 5 seconds.

3. The control assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that The emergency actuation signal corresponds to a continuous actuation of the actuating element (11) for the predetermined minimum duration, wherein the actuating element (11) is subsequently released.

4. A control assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The emergency actuation signal corresponds to an actuation pattern comprising multiple, preferably at least three, actuations of the actuating element (11).

5. The control assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that A maximum duration is preset for the manipulation mode, within which multiple manipulations are performed. Preferably, the maximum duration is between 5 seconds and 10 seconds.

6. The control assembly according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that For the actuation in the actuation mode, corresponding actuation durations and / or actuation time intervals between the actuations are provided.

7. A control assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The control component (1) has an electrical energy storage (16) having at least one storage element, in particular configured as a double-layer capacitor (17), for providing an emergency supply voltage for the opening drive (12) during emergency operation. Preferably, the energy storage (16) has exactly one storage element or a plurality of storage elements electrically connected in series and / or in parallel.

8. The control assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that The control component (1) activates the energy storage (16), in particular the step-up converter of the energy storage (16), when entering the emergency mode and / or receiving the emergency actuation signal.

9. A control assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The control component (1) triggers the emergency operation when receiving a crash signal from a crash sensor and / or detecting a fault state of a normal supply voltage.

10. A control assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The control component (1) again controls the opening drive device (12) when a normal operating signal is detected when a termination condition is met, in particular when a preset emergency operation duration expires. Preferably, the control component (1) again controls the opening drive device (12) independently of the closing state stored in the control component (1).

11. A control assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The control component (1) triggers a maintenance mode when it detects a maintenance control signal at the signal input (10) and / or detects a control signal at the signal input (10) that lasts while the emergency operation is triggered. In the maintenance mode, the control component (1) suppresses the emergency operation and preferably controls the opening drive (12) in such a way that the pawl (9) is adjusted into the raised position and held there.

12. A motor vehicle lock equipped with a lock catch (5) for retaining engagement with a closure member (6) and a pawl (9) associated with the lock catch (5), the pawl blocking the lock catch (5) from opening in a dropped position and releasing the lock catch (5) in a raised position, wherein: An opening drive (12) for transferring the pawl (9) into a raised position and a control assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 for actuating the opening drive (12) are provided.

13. A method for operating a motor vehicle lock (2), wherein: The motor vehicle lock (2) is equipped with a lock catch (5) for retaining engagement with a closing member (6) and a pawl (9) associated with the lock catch (5), which blocks the opening of the lock catch (5) in a dropped position and releases the lock catch (5) in a raised position. wherein, during normal operation, an opening drive (12) for transferring the pawl (9) into the raised position is actuated by means of a control component (1) when a normal actuation signal is detected at a signal input (10) for an actuating element (11), In this case, in an emergency operation, in particular in the event of a crash, the control component (1) is used to suppress the actuation of the opening drive (12) when the normal actuation signal is detected. It is characterized by: For the emergency operation, an emergency operation signal designed to be different from the normal operation signal is defined, and in the emergency operation, the opening drive device (12) is operated when the emergency operation signal is detected at the signal input end (10) by means of the control component (1).

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