Control assembly for operating motor vehicle closure system

Abstract

The invention relates to a control assembly for operating a motor vehicle closure system (2), the control assembly (1) being arranged to actuate an electric drive (3) of the motor vehicle closure system (2) upon detection of an operating event in order to provide an electric closure function for an adjustable closure element (4) of a motor vehicle (5), the control assembly (1) having a power supply path (9), the drive (3) can be operated in a normal operation on the basis of a normal supply voltage from an on-board electrical system (10) of the motor vehicle (5), and wherein the control assembly (1) has an emergency power supply (11) with an energy store (12), which provides an emergency supply voltage for the drive (3) in an emergency operation. According to the invention, the energy store (12) is connected to the power supply path (9) via a decoupling circuit (13), which has a first semiconductor element (14), by means of which a current flow from the power supply path (9) to the energy store (12) can be blocked, and a second switchable semiconductor element (15), by means of which a current flow from the energy store (12) to the power supply path (9) can be blocked.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a control assembly for operating a motor vehicle closing system according to claim 1, a motor vehicle closing system according to claim 10, and a method for operating a motor vehicle closing system according to claim 12.

[0002] The motor vehicle closing system discussed here refers to all types of motor-operated closing functions for the closing elements of a motor vehicle. These specifically include closing elements such as side doors, rear doors, tailgates, tailgates, engine hoods, etc. These closing elements can, in principle, be designed as pivot doors or sliding doors. The motor-operated closing function specifically relates to the motor vehicle lock assigned to the motor vehicle closing system. A further example of a related closing system for a motor vehicle is a drive assembly that provides motor adjustment for the aforementioned closing elements.

[0003] The prior art upon which this invention is based (DE 10 2020 102 775 A1) relates to the operation of a motor vehicle closing system having a latch and a pawl as closing elements. The latch can be brought to a closed position, in which the latch remains engaged with the closing portion, and in which the latch is secured by the pawl. The motor vehicle lock is also equipped with an electric actuator that can lift the pawl, allowing the latch, releasing the closing portion, to be adjusted to its open position.

[0004] To address the safety requirements of the power supply for such vehicle locks, known control devices have an emergency power supply with an energy storage device. As a result, even in emergency operations, especially in the event of a failure in the vehicle's electrical system, the power supply to the vehicle shutdown system is ensured by the emergency power supply voltage.

[0005] In this context, ensuring adequate charge of the energy storage device under various operating conditions is a challenge. Premature discharge of the energy storage device must be avoided, especially in the event of long-term failure of the vehicle's electrical system or failure of electronic components, such as in the event of a potential collision.

[0006] The present invention is based on the problem of designing and improving known control components in such a way that further optimizations can be achieved regarding the aforementioned challenges.

[0007] The above problem is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0008] The basic consideration is to design the energy storage device to be completely decoupled from other components, in this case, from the power path. In this case, two blocking semiconductor elements are used between the energy storage device and the power path, with their blocking directions opposite to each other. Therefore, current flow is only possible through the switching of at least one semiconductor element, thus allowing for targeted flow when using the energy storage device.

[0009] Specifically, an energy storage device is proposed to be connected to a power path via a decoupling circuit, having a first semiconductor element that can block the flow of current from the power path to the energy storage device, and a second switchable semiconductor element that can block the flow of current from the energy storage device to the power path.

[0010] The second semiconductor element is preferably configured as a switchable MOSFET according to claim 2, wherein the body diode corresponds to a decoupling alignment. In this case, switching of the second semiconductor element results in an emergency power supply (claim 3).

[0011] Preferably, the first semiconductor element is also switchable (claim 5). When used for special pulse charging of the energy storage device, the first switchable semiconductor element can provide dual functionality in addition to the decoupling according to claim 6.

[0012] The design using two switchable semiconductor elements also allows for switching the turn-on sequence according to claim 7, wherein the emergency power supply voltage can initially still be provided via the body diode of the first semiconductor element. It is particularly advantageous to verify the rationality of the emergency operation before the first semiconductor element is switched according to claim 8, thereby allowing the detection of fault conditions that could otherwise lead to the discharge of the energy storage device before the decoupling is completely removed.

[0013] When a boost converter is used in an emergency power supply according to claim 9, the first semiconductor element can also be used again by the boost converter for a dual function, boosting the capacitor voltage.

[0014] According to another teaching of claim 10, which has independent significance, a motor vehicle shut-off system is claimed, the system comprising an electric drive having an electrically driven motor and a control unit according to the invention. See all embodiments relating to the control components proposed in this invention.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment according to claim 11, a motor vehicle lock for a locking element of a motor vehicle is also provided, wherein an electric actuator serves as an opening actuator for lifting the pawl of the motor vehicle lock. In this case, the proposed solution can take into account the special security requirements of the motor vehicle lock.

[0016] According to another teaching of claim 12, which is also of independent significance, a method for operating a motor vehicle shut-off system is claimed. Importantly, an energy storage device is connected to a power path via a decoupling circuit having a first semiconductor element by which current flow from the power path to the energy storage device is blocked, and a second switchable semiconductor element by which current flow from the energy storage device to the power path is blocked. Reference can be made to all embodiments of the proposed control components and the proposed motor vehicle shut-off system.

[0017] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments only. In the drawings:

[0018] Figure 1 A vehicle door with a vehicle closing system according to the invention is shown in a corresponding perspective view. The vehicle closing system includes a vehicle lock, and

[0019] Figure 2 The control component according to the invention is illustrated in schematic diagram, wherein the decoupling circuit has different design schemes from a) to c).

[0020] The present invention relates to a control component 1 for operating a motor vehicle closing system 2, wherein the control component 1 is configured to manipulate an electric drive 3 of the motor vehicle closing system 2 when an operation event is detected, so as to provide an electric closing function for an adjustable closing element 4 of a motor vehicle 5.

[0021] In this configuration, the driver 3 may include all types of electric actuators, particularly rotary and linear actuators. The drive motor 6 of the driver 3 is preferably a rotary electric motor, and more preferably configured as a brushed DC motor or a brushless DC motor.

[0022] The electric locking function should be understood as the adjustable closure element 4 of the motor vehicle 5 being directly or indirectly fixed and / or released, adjusted, opened or closed, and / or locked or unlocked by movement generated by the electric actuator 3. Regarding the design of the closure element 4, please refer to the introductory description, in which case... Figure 1 The operating mode of the motor vehicle closing system 2 for use as a closing element 4 configured as a side door is shown. However, all embodiments are equally applicable to all other types of closing elements of the motor vehicle 5.

[0023] In this configuration, the control component 1 preferably has a control unit 7, which is specifically configured as a microcontroller and / or integrated circuit for performing control tasks of the actuator 3 associated with the electric closing function. In this configuration, the control component 1 also monitors for the presence of operational events, which can be provided, for example, by an actuation action such as the actuation of the door handle 8. The presence of operational events can be transmitted to the control component 1, for example, by operational signals from sensors, buttons, etc., disposed on the door handle 8.

[0024] Control component 1 has a power path 9 for drive 3. In normal operation, drive 3 can operate based on the normal power supply voltage from the on-board electrical system 10 of vehicle 5. The normal power supply voltage used in normal operation is preferably provided by the central battery of vehicle 5. The central battery is preferably a battery that provides the electrical energy required to start vehicle 5 and / or drive vehicle 5. Normal operation is provided accordingly when the normal power supply voltage is available for the operation of drive 3.

[0025] from Figure 2 It can be roughly seen that the control component 1 has an emergency power supply 11 with an energy storage device 12. The emergency power supply 11 provides an emergency power supply voltage to the drive 3 during emergency operation. Emergency operation is provided for situations where the normal power supply voltage is insufficient to operate the drive 3 or at least where the normal power supply voltage is threatened by failure. Examples of this are failures in the vehicle electrical system 10, such as due to excessive discharge of the central battery or wiring faults in the vehicle electrical system 10, and collisions involving the motor vehicle 5.

[0026] Emergency power voltage is provided based on the voltage of energy storage 12, thereby connecting energy storage 12 to power path 9, for example, to control unit 7. Therefore, essentially, charging and discharging of energy storage 12 can occur via power path 9.

[0027] Importantly, the energy storage device 12 is connected to the power path 9 via a decoupling circuit 13, which has a first semiconductor element 14 that can block the flow of current from the power path 9 to the energy storage device 12, and a second switchable semiconductor element 15 that can block the flow of current from the energy storage device 12 to the power path 9.

[0028] The semiconductor elements 14 and 15 used here are semiconductor elements with a through direction and a blocking direction. However, at least in the case of the second semiconductor element 15, the blocking effect can be eliminated by the switchable characteristic. The blocking directions of the first semiconductor element 14 and the second semiconductor element 15 point to each other, such that when the semiconductor elements 14 and 15 are connected in a blocking manner, the energy storage device 12 is here, and preferably in both current directions, completely decoupled from the power supply path 9.

[0029] A sequence of first semiconductor element 14 and second semiconductor element 15 can be provided as needed. Figure 2 In this example—viewed from the energy storage 12 in the direction of the power path 9—a first semiconductor element 14 is provided first, followed by a second semiconductor element 15.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, the second semiconductor element 15 can be configured as a MOSFET, wherein the blocking direction of the body diode of the MOSFET is opposite to the current flow from the energy storage 12 to the power supply path 9. Therefore, the described decoupling can be achieved by proper alignment of the body diode.

[0031] In this case, the emergency power supply 11 is preferably configured to switch the second semiconductor element 15 to provide the emergency power supply voltage.

[0032] Preferably, semiconductor elements 14 and 15 are aligned to a blocking characteristic during normal operation, thereby decoupling the energy storage device 12. For example, the initiation of an emergency operation is detected by control component 1, such as by receiving a collision signal from the central vehicle controller and / or by detecting a voltage drop in the power path 9. Subsequently, the second semiconductor element 15 can switch to provide an emergency power supply voltage by placing the MOSFET in a low-resistance state.

[0033] The shifting of the second semiconductor element 15 can occur at the start of an emergency operation, such that, preferably, the control unit 7 remains supplied with voltage. However, in the preferred design shown, the shifting of the second semiconductor element 15 occurs upon detection of an operational event, here by receiving an operational signal from the door handle 8.

[0034] exist Figure 2 In the particularly simple design of a), the first semiconductor element 14 is configured as a diode. Here, a diode is understood as a semiconductor element with permanent blocking characteristics in the blocking direction. Accordingly, the current flow from the power path 9 along the direction of the energy storage 12 is always suppressed.

[0035] In an alternative, equally preferred design, the first semiconductor element 14 is configured as a first switching semiconductor element 14. The first switching semiconductor element 14 is preferably configured as a MOSFET, which... Figure 2 Further illustrated in b) and c). In this case, the blocking direction of the MOSFET's body diode is opposite to the current flow from power path 9 to energy storage 12.

[0036] Semiconductor elements 14 and 15 can be configured as P-type or N-type MOSFETs in any desired combination.

[0037] Therefore, if needed, the first switching semiconductor element 14 can allow current to flow from the power path 9 to the energy storage 12. This function is preferably used for charging the energy storage 12. Figure 2 As shown in b), the emergency power supply 11 can be configured to switch the first switching semiconductor element 14 to charge the energy storage device 12. Here, and preferably, the emergency power supply 11 has a charging controller 16 that controls the first switching semiconductor element 14 to perform charging. The second semiconductor element 15 is also preferably switched for charging.

[0038] Preferably, the emergency power supply 11 uses a pulse-mode switching semiconductor element 14 for charging. Specifically, the charging of the energy storage device 12 is thus converted to an effective charging voltage compared to the normal power supply voltage. The second semiconductor element 15 also preferably uses a pulse-mode switching for charging.

[0039] Furthermore, and preferably provided herein, the emergency power supply 11 is configured to first switch to the second semiconductor element 15 for providing the emergency power supply voltage in the turn-on sequence for emergency operation, and to hold the first semiconductor element 14 in a blocking manner. Thus, preferably, the emergency power supply voltage is first provided via the body diode of the first semiconductor element 14, thereby powering, for example, the control unit 7; however, the decoupling of the energy storage 12 for avoiding fault conditions is not completely eliminated.

[0040] Only after this is the first semiconductor element 14 shifted. In this case, preferably, the control component 1 performs a rationale verification of the emergency operation before the first semiconductor element 14 shifts, and only after a successful rationale verification is the first semiconductor element 14 shifted.

[0041] For example, control unit 7 checks whether the conditions for emergency operation actually exist through rationality verification. Similarly, for example, it can check whether the current flowing between energy storage 12 and power path 9 is higher than a predetermined threshold, which can indicate a defect in the circuit or other components connected to power path 9 (e.g., door control device 17). If there is no erroneous triggering of emergency operation or an erroneous state determined by control unit 7, the rationality verification is considered successful.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown in c), the emergency power supply 11 is further and preferably provided to have at least one capacitor as an energy storage device 12. It is conceivable to use multiple capacitors in the emergency power supply 11, which may be connected in series and / or parallel. However, the emergency power supply 11 preferably has only a single capacitor, particularly a single double-layer capacitor. Such double-layer capacitors are also referred to as "supercapacitors," "supercapacitors," "ultra-large capacitors," etc. Double-layer capacitors can provide high power density for the vehicle shut-off system 2.

[0043] In this configuration, the emergency power supply 11 has a boost converter 18 connected downstream of the capacitor, configured to boost the voltage of the capacitor. The boost converter 18 is preferably configured to boost the capacitor voltage to an emergency power supply voltage corresponding to or slightly below the normal power supply voltage. Therefore, even based on the relatively low capacitor voltage, the driver 3 can operate reliably in emergency operations via the boost converter 18. Preferably, the input of the boost converter 18 is directly connected to or can be connected to the capacitor, without arranging other electrical components between the capacitor and the boost converter 18 that significantly alter the voltage at the input of the boost converter 18.

[0044] In this configuration, the boost converter 18 is particularly preferred to include a first semiconductor element 14. Therefore, the first semiconductor element 14 can be used to increase the capacitor voltage. Specifically, the boost converter 18 is an integrated component including the first semiconductor element 14.

[0045] According to another teaching, a motor vehicle shut-off system 2 is proposed, which includes an electric actuator 3 having an electric drive motor 6 and a control unit 7 according to the invention. Reference can be made to all embodiments relating to the proposed control component 1.

[0046] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the motor vehicle closing system 2 includes a motor vehicle lock 19 having a latch 20 and at least one pawl 21, and when operated by the control unit 7, the actuator 3 is configured to adjust at least one pawl 21 to an open state, wherein at least one pawl 21 releases the latch 20.

[0047] Motor vehicle lock 19 Figure 1 The diagram is shown in a partially disassembled perspective view and is equipped with a pivotable latch 20 for engaging with the closing portion 22 shown in dashed lines and at least one pawl 21 associated with the latch 20. The closing portion 22 may be a closing bracket, a closing bolt, etc. For example, a vehicle lock 19 is arranged on a closing element 4, while the closing portion 22 is fixedly arranged on the vehicle 5.

[0048] At least one pawl 21 forms a pawl system and can enter a locked state (not shown), in which the pawl system holds the latch 20 in the closed position. Furthermore, the pawl system can be driven to an open state by a motor via an electric actuator 3, thereby releasing the latch 20. For this purpose, the drive motor 6 is connected to the pawl system via the transmission 23 of the actuator 3.

[0049] In addition to, or in lieu of, the closing function of the vehicle lock 19 as explained in more detail herein, the vehicle closing system 2 may also have a drive assembly for motor adjustment of the aforementioned closing element 4 of the vehicle 5, wherein the drive assembly is used for motor adjustment of the closing element 4, particularly for opening and / or closing. Further examples of the closing function include the motor adjustment of operating elements and internal and external components of the vehicle 5, such as fan elements, interior rearview mirrors, side rearview mirrors 24, lighting, etc.

[0050] According to another teaching, a method for operating a vehicle closing system 2 is proposed, wherein, upon detection of an operational event, a control component 1 manipulates an electric actuator 3 of the vehicle closing system 2 to provide an electric closing function for an adjustable closing element 4 of the vehicle 5, wherein the control component 1 has a power path 9, and the actuator 3 operates in normal operation via a normal power supply voltage based on the on-board electrical system 10 of the vehicle 5, wherein the control component 1 has an emergency power supply 11 with an energy storage device 12, which provides an emergency power supply voltage to the actuator 3 in emergency operation.

[0051] In this configuration, the energy storage device 12 is connected to the power path 9 via a decoupling circuit 13, which has a first semiconductor element 14 that blocks the flow of current from the power path 9 to the energy storage device 12, and a second switchable semiconductor element 15 that blocks the flow of current from the energy storage device 12 to the power path 9. Reference can be made to all embodiments relating to the control component 1 according to the invention and the motor vehicle shut-off system 2 according to the invention.

Claims

1. A control component for operating a motor vehicle closing system (2), wherein, The control component (1) is configured to operate the electric drive (3) of the vehicle shut-off system (2) upon detecting an operational event, so as to provide an electric shut-off function for the adjustable sealing element (4) of the vehicle (5). The control component (1) has a power path (9), wherein the driver (3) can operate in normal operation based on the normal power supply voltage from the on-board electrical system (10) of the motor vehicle (5), and wherein the control component (1) has an emergency power supply (11) with an energy storage device (12) that provides an emergency power supply voltage to the driver (3) in emergency operation. Its features are, The energy storage device (12) is connected to the power path (9) via a decoupling circuit (13), which has a first semiconductor element (14) that can block the flow of current from the power path (9) to the energy storage device (12) and a second switchable semiconductor element (15) that can block the flow of current from the energy storage device (12) to the power path (9).

2. The control component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second semiconductor element (15) is configured as a MOSFET, wherein the blocking direction of the body diode of the MOSFET is opposite to the current flow from the energy storage (12) to the power path (9).

3. The control component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The emergency power supply (11) is configured to switch the second semiconductor element (15) to provide the emergency power supply voltage.

4. The control component according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first semiconductor element (14) is configured as a diode.

5. The control component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first semiconductor element (14) is configured as a first switching semiconductor element, preferably, the first switching semiconductor element (14) is configured as a MOSFET, wherein the blocking direction of the body diode of the MOSFET is opposite to the current flow from the power path (9) to the energy storage (12).

6. The control component according to claim 5, characterized in that, The emergency power supply (11) is configured to switch the first switching semiconductor element (14), and in particular the second semiconductor element (15), for charging the energy storage device (12). Preferably, the emergency power supply (11) switches the first switching semiconductor element (14) for charging in a pulse manner.

7. The control component according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The emergency power supply (11) is configured to first switch the second semiconductor element (15) to provide the emergency power supply voltage in the turn-on sequence for emergency operation, and to hold the first semiconductor element (14) in a blocking manner, wherein the emergency power supply voltage is preferably provided via the body diode of the first semiconductor element (14), and the first semiconductor element (14) is switched only subsequently.

8. The control component according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control component (1) performs a rationality verification of the emergency operation before shifting the first semiconductor element (14), and only shifts the first semiconductor element (14) after a successful rationality verification.

9. The control component according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The emergency power supply (11) has at least one capacitor as an energy storage device (12) and a boost converter (18) connected downstream of the capacitor, which is configured to boost the voltage of the capacitor to provide the emergency power supply voltage. Preferably, the boost converter (18) has the first semiconductor element (14).

10. A vehicle shut-off system comprising an electric drive (3) having an electric drive motor (6) and a control unit (7) according to any of the preceding claims.

11. The vehicle closing system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The vehicle closing system (2) includes a vehicle lock (19) having a latch (20) and at least one pawl (21), and when operated by the control unit (7), the actuator (3) is configured to adjust the at least one pawl (21) to an open state, wherein the at least one pawl (21) releases the latch (20).

12. A method for operating a motor vehicle closing system (2), wherein, Upon detection of an operational event, the electric actuator (3) of the vehicle closing system (2) is operated by means of the control component (1) to provide an electric closing function for the adjustable closing element (4) of the vehicle (5). The control component (1) has a power path (9), wherein the driver (3) operates in normal operation based on the normal power supply voltage from the on-board electrical system (10) of the motor vehicle (5), and wherein the control component (1) has an emergency power supply (11) with an energy storage device (12) that provides an emergency power supply voltage to the driver (3) in emergency operation. Its features are, The energy storage device (12) is connected to the power path (9) via a decoupling circuit (13), which has a first semiconductor element (14) that can block the flow of current from the power path (9) to the energy storage device (12) and a second switchable semiconductor element (15) that can block the flow of current from the energy storage device (12) to the power path (9).

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