Control arrangement for the operation of a motor vehicle locking system

Abstract

The invention relates to a control arrangement for the operation of a motor vehicle locking system (2), wherein the motor vehicle locking system (2) has a drive (3) with an electric drive motor (4), wherein the control arrangement (1) controls the drive (3) in response to an actuating signal from an actuating element (7) of the motor vehicle locking system (2) to provide a motorized closing function for an adjustable closure element (5) of the motor vehicle (6), wherein the control arrangement (1) has an electrical energy store (11) and a boost converter (12) assigned to the energy store (11) for supplying energy to the drive (3) in emergency operation, wherein the boost converter (12) increases an energy store voltage of the energy store (11) to an emergency supply voltage for the drive (3).It is proposed that the control arrangement (1) repeatedly activates the boost converter (12) in a time-controlled manner during emergency operation and checks for the presence of the actuation signal, and that the control arrangement (1) controls the drive (3) by means of the already activated boost converter (12) when the actuation signal is present and deactivates the boost converter (12) again when the actuation signal is absent.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a control arrangement for the operation of a motor vehicle locking system according to the preamble of claim 1, a motor vehicle locking system according to claim 9 and a method for operating a motor vehicle locking system according to the preamble of claim 11.

[0002] The motor vehicle locking system in question is applicable to all types of locking elements of a motor vehicle that are associated with a motor vehicle lock. This includes, in particular, locking elements such as side doors, rear doors, tailgates, trunk lids, hoods, and the like. These locking elements can generally be designed as pivoting or sliding doors.

[0003] The known prior art (DE 10 2020 102 775 A1), from which the invention is based, relates to the operation of a motor vehicle locking system with a motor vehicle lock having a lock latch and a pawl as locking elements. The lock latch can be moved into a closed position, in which it is in holding engagement with a locking part and in which it is fixed by the pawl. The motor vehicle lock is further equipped with a drive with which the pawl can be lifted out, so that the lock latch, releasing the locking part, can be adjusted to its open position. The drive is controlled by a control arrangement of the motor vehicle locking system.

[0004] In order to meet the requirements for the safety of the power supply of such motor vehicle locks, the known control arrangement has an energy storage device, which ensures the electrical power supply of the motor vehicle locking system even in emergency operation, in particular in the event of a failure of the normal supply voltage of the on-board electrical system of the motor vehicle.

[0005] The energy storage of the known control arrangement can operate with a single double-layer capacitor, which, however, has a comparatively low capacitor voltage. A boost converter boosts the capacitor voltage to the required emergency supply voltage for the drive in emergency operation.

[0006] A challenge is that other components of the control arrangement, for example a control unit designed as a microcontroller for processing actuation signals, may also require a higher supply voltage than the capacitor voltage.

[0007] The invention is based on the problem of designing and developing the known control arrangement in such a way that the effectiveness of the energy supply in emergency operation is further increased.

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

[0009] The fundamental idea is to only activate the boost converter for a limited period of time during emergency operation. Activating the boost converter allows power to be supplied to other components of the control unit, which are primarily responsible for checking for the presence of an actuation signal to trigger the motorized closing function. If the actuation signal is present, the drive can be supplied with power from the energy storage device by the already activated boost converter, essentially without delay. After activation, the boost converter can be deactivated again to minimize the quiescent current requirement during emergency operation.

[0010] In detail, it is proposed that the control arrangement activates the boost converter repeatedly in a time-controlled manner during emergency operation and checks for the presence of the actuation signal, and that the control arrangement controls the drive by means of the already activated boost converter when the actuation signal is present and deactivates the boost converter again when the actuation signal is absent.

[0011] The testing of the actuation signal can preferably be implemented according to claim 2 via a control unit such as a microcontroller, which can also be activated and deactivated in time segments.

[0012] When the boost converter is deactivated, other components of the control unit can also be deactivated. In one embodiment according to claim 3, only a timer circuit is operated when the boost converter is deactivated, thereby achieving very low energy consumption.

[0013] When an actuation signal is present, the boost converter can be kept active in a simple manner via a self-holding circuit until the drive is activated, which is the subject of claim 5.

[0014] Particularly preferred is an embodiment of the control arrangement with an auxiliary energy storage device for starting the boost converter according to claim 6. The time-segmented activation of the boost converter can simultaneously be used to charge the auxiliary energy storage device. The auxiliary energy storage device can ensure reliable operation of the boost converter even at a low energy storage voltage, particularly when using only one capacitor according to an embodiment according to claim 7.

[0015] The time-segmental activation of the boost converter can also serve to supply energy to the actuating element, which is equipped, for example, with a sensor, whereby polling of the actuating element is simultaneously implemented via the time control (claim 8).

[0016] According to a further teaching according to claim 9, which has independent significance, a motor vehicle locking system is claimed. The motor vehicle locking system comprises a drive with an electric drive motor for providing a motorized locking function for an adjustable locking element of a motor vehicle and a proposed control arrangement. Reference is made to all statements regarding the proposed control arrangement.

[0017] The preferred embodiment according to claim 10 further relates to a motor vehicle lock for the locking element of the motor vehicle, wherein the drive is provided in particular for the motorized lifting of the locking pawl of the motor vehicle lock. The proposed solution can take into account the special security requirements for motor vehicle locks.

[0018] According to a further teaching according to claim 11, which also has independent significance, a method for operating a motor vehicle locking system is claimed. It is essential that the control arrangement activates the boost converter in a time-controlled manner during emergency operation and checks for the presence of the actuation signal. When the actuation signal is present, the control arrangement controls the drive via the already activated boost converter and deactivates the boost converter again if the actuation signal is absent. Reference is made to all statements regarding the proposed control arrangement and the proposed motor vehicle locking system.

[0019] In the following, the invention is explained in more detail with reference to a drawing which merely represents exemplary embodiments. In the drawing, Fig. 1 a motor vehicle door with a motor vehicle locking system with a proposed control arrangement and a motor vehicle lock in respective perspective representations, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the control arrangement and Fig. 3 a schematic flow diagram of the proposed procedure.

[0020] The exemplary embodiment shown in the figures and preferred in this respect relates to a control arrangement 1 for the operation of a motor vehicle locking system 2. The motor vehicle locking system 2 has a drive 3 with an electric drive motor 4, wherein the control arrangement 1 controls the drive 3 to provide a motorized locking function for an adjustable locking element 5 of the motor vehicle 6.

[0021] The term "drive motor" herein encompasses all types of electric actuators, in particular rotary and linear actuators. Preferably, the drive motor 4 is a rotary electric motor, which is further preferably configured as a brushed DC motor or a brushless DC motor.

[0022] A motorized closing 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 3, and / or that the adjustment element is adjusted, such as opened or closed. Regarding the design of the closure element 5, reference may be made to the introductory statements, whereby in the present case Fig. 1 illustrates the operation of the motor vehicle locking system 2 for a locking element 5 designed as a side door. However, all explanations also apply to all other types of locking elements of the motor vehicle 6.

[0023] The control arrangement 1 is configured to receive an actuation signal from an actuation element 7 and to actuate the drive 3 based on this signal. The actuation element 7 can be a door handle, such as an inside door handle 8 and / or an outside door handle 9. An operator action aimed at triggering the motorized closing function is detected via the actuation element 7. For example, an operator action is specified by touching, manually adjusting the actuation element 7, and / or by a contactless actuation such as the execution of a gesture by the operator of the motor vehicle 6. The actuation element 7 is equipped, for example, with a sensor such as a button, a proximity sensor, a camera, or the like to detect the operator action.When the operator action is detected, the actuating element 7, for example a sensor control of the actuating element 7, transmits the actuating signal to an actuating signal input 10 of the control arrangement 1.

[0024] The drive 3 can be operated in normal operation based on a standard supply voltage of the motor vehicle 6. The standard supply voltage used in normal operation is preferably provided by the vehicle electrical system and in particular by the central battery of the motor vehicle 6. The central battery is preferably the battery that provides the electrical energy required for starting the motor vehicle 6 and / or for driving the motor vehicle 6. Normal operation is accordingly provided when the standard supply voltage is available for operating the drive 3.

[0025] The control arrangement 1 has an electrical energy storage device 11 and a boost converter 12 assigned to the energy storage device 11 for supplying energy to the drive 3 in emergency operation ( Fig. 2). Emergency operation is intended for situations in which the normal supply voltage may not be sufficient to control the drive 3. Examples of this include a failure of the vehicle electrical system, for example due to a significant discharge of the central battery or a failure of electrical lines in the vehicle electrical system, and a crash of the motor vehicle 6. The energy storage device 11 is preferably designed to be rechargeable and can be charged via the normal supply voltage during normal operation. The control arrangement 1 is preferably equipped with a charging circuit 13, for example with a charge controller, for charging the energy storage device 11 during normal operation.

[0026] The boost converter 12 is configured to boost an energy storage voltage of the energy storage device 11 to an emergency supply voltage for the drive 3. The energy storage voltage is applied as an input voltage to a voltage input 14 of the boost converter 12. The boost converter 12 boosts the energy storage voltage to a comparatively higher emergency supply voltage and makes it available at a voltage output 15 of the boost converter 12. The boost converter 12 is preferably configured here as a boost converter. The voltage output 15 of the boost converter 12 can, for example, be connected to a driver unit 16 having an H-bridge for controlling the drive 3. The driver unit 16 can also be used in normal operation to operate the drive 3 based on the normal supply voltage.

[0027] It is now essential that the control arrangement 1 repeatedly activates the boost converter 12 in a time-controlled manner during emergency operation and checks for the presence of the actuation signal, and that the control arrangement 1 controls the drive 3 by means of the already activated boost converter 12 when the actuation signal is present and deactivates the boost converter 12 again when the actuation signal is absent.

[0028] Fig. 3 shows an exemplary sequence implemented by the control arrangement 1. Emergency operation is initiated with action 17, for example upon receipt of a crash signal by the control arrangement 1 and / or upon detection of a drop in the normal supply voltage by the control arrangement 1. Action 18, with which the boost converter 12 is activated, is triggered in a time-controlled manner, here and preferably by applying an enable signal to an enable signal input 19 provided for this purpose on the boost converter 12. "Time-controlled" activation means that a temporal criterion, for example the expiration of a predetermined time period Δt, is used to trigger the activation.

[0029] Action 20 relates to checking the presence of the actuation signal. As already mentioned, the actuation element 7 can be connected to the control arrangement 1 for transmitting the actuation signal to an actuation signal input 10. For example, a certain logic level, such as a low level, at the actuation signal input 10 represents a completed operator action, while another logic level, such as a high level, represents the absence of an operator action. Depending on the signal level at the actuation signal input 10, the actuation signal is considered present or absent. In a preferred embodiment, action 20 occurs simultaneously with or chronologically after action 18. Alternatively, however, action 20 can be performed before action 18.

[0030] If the actuation signal is present, in action 21, the control arrangement 1 preferably checks whether a locking state stored in the control arrangement 1 permits activation. For example, activation is initiated if the locking state is "unlocked." However, if the locking state is "locked," activation is not initiated.

[0031] In action 22, drive 3 is controlled by the already activated boost converter 12. For example, drive 3 is supplied with a specified drive voltage for a specified time to perform the motorized closing function. After the control process is complete, boost converter 12 can be deactivated again with action 23.

[0032] If the activation signal is absent, however, the boost converter 12 is deactivated again in action 23 without any activation being performed. The time-controlled activation in action 18 is triggered repeatedly, which means, for example, that after deactivation in action 23, the system waits for a specified time period to elapse. Deactivation does not necessarily require the boost converter 12 to be completely de-energized. For example, the boost converter 12 can also enter a power-saving mode in which components of the boost converter 12 remain active, but the energy storage voltage is not increased to the emergency supply voltage.

[0033] The sequence can be terminated if, for example, control arrangement 1 receives a reset signal for emergency operation in action 24 or detects that the on-board power supply has been restored. Normal operation can then be resumed.

[0034] In one embodiment, the control arrangement 1 comprises a control unit 25, preferably a microcontroller, which is configured to receive the actuation signal and then control the drive 3. The control unit 25 can here and preferably control the driver unit 16. Likewise, the control unit 25 can perform the closing state check described above in connection with action 21.

[0035] The control unit 25 can monitor the energy storage device 11, in particular the state of charge and / or the energy storage voltage. The control unit 25 can be configured to diagnose the energy storage device 11, for example, to determine a capacitance and / or a resistance value, in particular the ESR, of the energy storage device 11.

[0036] Preferably, the control unit 25 is activated or deactivated in emergency operation with the boost converter 12, so that a time-controlled operation of the control unit 25 is also implemented to provide at least one of the aforementioned functions of the control unit 25. Deactivating the control unit 25 can also be understood as putting the control unit 25 into a power-saving mode or completely shutting down the control unit 25.

[0037] Preferably, the control unit 25 is supplied with electrical energy during emergency operation by means of the boost converter 12. Alternatively, the control unit 25 can be operated using the energy storage voltage, so that boosting the voltage for the control unit 25 is not absolutely necessary.

[0038] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the control arrangement 1 has a timer 26 for the time-controlled activation of the boost converter 12, and preferably that the control arrangement 1 operates only the timer 26 when the boost converter 12 is deactivated in emergency operation. Accordingly, in the phases between the deactivation and the subsequent activation of the boost converter 12, an extremely low power requirement occurs, whereby the energy storage device 11 is only slightly discharged.

[0039] It is particularly preferred that the control arrangement 1 activates the boost converter 12 cyclically in emergency operation, for example in connection with Fig. 3 is kept constant. Preferably, a cycle time of between 0.25 s and 2 s, more preferably between 0.4 s and 0.6 s, is provided. The cycle time is understood to be the time period between the triggering of the activation and the subsequent triggering of the activation of the boost converter 12 in the absence of an actuation signal. The cycle time can also be specified variably and, for example, be specified as a function of the state of charge of the energy storage device 11.

[0040] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that a self-holding circuit 27 is assigned to the boost converter 12, which keeps the activated boost converter 12 active when the actuation signal is present. If the actuation signal is present, the self-holding circuit 27 is triggered. In particular, the self-holding circuit 27 remains deactivated if the actuation signal is absent, so that the boost converter 12, for example, automatically returns to the deactivated state. Preferably, the control arrangement 1 resets the self-holding circuit 27 upon termination of the control of the drive 3, whereby the deactivation can be effected.

[0041] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that an electrical auxiliary energy store 28 is assigned to the boost converter 12, which provides a starting voltage for activating the boost converter 12. The starting voltage can be a minimum electrical voltage required to commission the boost converter 12, in particular to operate a semiconductor switching element of the boost converter 12. The auxiliary energy store 28 is preferably designed to be rechargeable and can have at least one capacitor. The auxiliary energy store 28 can provide the capacitor voltage of the at least one capacitor as the starting voltage. It is also conceivable for the starting voltage to be provided by interconnecting the energy store 11 and the auxiliary energy store 28.

[0042] Preferably, the auxiliary energy storage device 28 is charged based on the emergency supply voltage when the boost converter 12 is activated. Particularly preferably, the period for which the boost converter 12 is activated even in the absence of the actuation signal is selected such that the auxiliary energy storage device 28 is sufficiently charged for a subsequent, renewed activation of the boost converter 12, for example, in the next cycle.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the energy storage device 11 has a capacitor 29 for providing the energy storage voltage. The energy storage voltage is provided here by the capacitor voltage of the at least one capacitor 29. The capacitor 29 is preferably a double-layer capacitor. A double-layer capacitor has an electrochemical double layer, also known as a "Helmholtz layer." Such a double-layer capacitor is also referred to as a "supercapacitor," "supercap," "ultracap," or the like. In addition to the at least one capacitor 29, the energy storage device 11 can have further storage elements, such as primary and / or secondary cells.

[0044] When using multiple capacitors, the capacitors can generally be connected in series and / or parallel. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the energy storage device 11 has precisely one capacitor 29, in particular a single double-layer capacitor. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when using the auxiliary energy storage device 28 as mentioned above. The starting voltage for the boost converter 12 can be provided via the auxiliary energy storage device 28, in particular if the capacitor voltage of the energy storage device 11 is insufficient for this purpose. However, with the boost converter 12 already activated, the capacitor voltage can easily be increased to the emergency supply voltage.

[0045] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the control arrangement 1 supplies the actuating element 7 with energy via the energy storage device 11 in emergency operation, preferably that the control arrangement 1 supplies the actuating element 7 with energy in emergency operation when the boost converter 12 is activated. The actuating element 7 can be supplied with electrical energy to detect the operator action. For example, the sensor of the actuating element 7 is designed as a capacitive sensor, which requires a supply voltage for operation. In emergency operation, a time-controlled query of the actuating element 7 can therefore be implemented with the time-controlled activation of the boost converter 12.

[0046] According to a further teaching, a motor vehicle locking system 2 is proposed, comprising a drive 3 with an electric drive motor 4 for providing a motorized locking function for an adjustable locking element 5 of a motor vehicle 6 and a proposed control arrangement 1 for controlling the drive 3. Reference may be made to all statements relating to the proposed control arrangement 1.

[0047] Particularly preferred and in Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the motor vehicle locking system 2, in which a motor vehicle lock 30 is provided for the locking element 5 of the motor vehicle 6. The motor vehicle lock 30 is equipped with a lock latch 31 for the holding engagement with a locking part and with a pawl 32 associated with the lock latch 31.

[0048] The motor vehicle lock 30 is in Fig. 1 in a partially disassembled perspective view and is designed with a pivoting lock latch 31 for the holding engagement with a locking part (not shown). The locking part can be a striker, a locking bolt, or the like. The lock latch 31 is in Fig. 1 in an open position, in which the locking part can be inserted into a locking part receptacle 33 of the lock latch 31. For example, the motor vehicle lock 30 is arranged on the locking element 5, while the locking part is arranged fixedly to the body of the motor vehicle 6. Particularly preferably, the proposed control arrangement 1 is integrated with the energy storage device 11 in a housing 34 of the motor vehicle lock 30, which also accommodates the lock components.

[0049] The pawl 32 is in particular part of a pawl system with several pawls and can be brought into a locking state (not shown) in which the pawl 32 holds the lock latch 31 in a closed position. In principle, several closed positions can be provided, such as a pre-locking position and a main locking position. The closed positions can be set starting from the open position. Fig. 1 by pivoting the lock latch 31 in a counterclockwise direction, whereby the pawl 32 can reach a main notch 35 (main locking position) or pre-notch 36 (pre-locking position) of the lock latch 31 by falling into locking engagement.

[0050] Preferably, the drive 3 is provided for the motorized lifting of the pawl 32. Here, the pawl 32 can be brought into an open position by means of the electric drive motor 4, whereby the pawl 32 releases the lock latch 31. For this purpose, the drive motor 4 is connected to the pawl 32 via a drive train 37 of the drive 3. In emergency operation, the function of the drive 3 used as an opening drive is ensured by the energy storage device 11.

[0051] As an alternative to the previously mentioned integration of the control arrangement 1 into the motor vehicle lock 30, it is conceivable that the control arrangement 1 is part of a separate control unit 38 for the motor vehicle lock 30. Examples of such a control unit 38 are a flap control unit and a door control unit, which can also perform other electronic functions in the locking element 5. However, a control unit 38 is not necessarily part of the motor vehicle locking system 2.

[0052] In principle, it is conceivable for the drive 3 to perform alternative or additional locking functions of the motor vehicle lock 30, for example unlocking and / or locking a mechanical actuation chain of the motor vehicle lock 30. In addition to or instead of the locking function of the motor vehicle lock 30 explained in more detail here, the motor vehicle locking system 2 can also have a drive arrangement for motor-driven adjustment of an aforementioned locking element 5 of the motor vehicle 6, wherein the drive arrangement serves for motor-driven adjustment, in particular opening and / or closing, of the locking element 5. Further examples of locking functions are motor-driven adjustment of operating elements as well as interior and exterior elements of the motor vehicle 6, such as fan elements, interior mirrors, side mirrors, lighting, or the like.

[0053] According to a further teaching, a method for operating a motor vehicle locking system 2 is proposed, wherein the motor vehicle locking system 2 has a drive 3 with an electric drive motor 4, wherein the drive 3 is controlled by means of a control arrangement 1 in response to an actuation signal from an actuation element 7 of the motor vehicle locking system 2 in order to provide a motorized closing function for an adjustable closure element 5 of the motor vehicle 6, wherein the control arrangement 1 has an electrical energy store 11 and a boost converter 12 assigned to the energy store 11 for supplying energy to the drive 3 in emergency operation, wherein the boost converter 12 increases an energy storage voltage of the energy store 11 to an emergency supply voltage for the drive 3.

[0054] It is provided that, in emergency operation, the control arrangement 1 activates the boost converter 12 in a time-controlled manner and checks for the presence of the actuation signal. When the actuation signal is present, the control arrangement 1 controls the drive 3 using the already activated boost converter 12. If the actuation signal is absent, the control arrangement 1 deactivates the boost converter 12 again. Reference is made to all statements regarding the proposed control arrangement 1 and the proposed motor vehicle locking system 2. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2020 102 775 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Control arrangement for the operation of a motor vehicle locking system (2), wherein the motor vehicle locking system (2) has a drive (3) with an electric drive motor (4), wherein the control arrangement (1) controls the drive (3) in response to an actuating signal from an actuating element (7) of the motor vehicle locking system (2) to provide a motorized locking function for an adjustable locking element (5) of the motor vehicle (6), wherein the control arrangement (1) for supplying energy to the drive (3) in emergency operation comprises an electrical energy store (11) and a boost converter (12) associated with the energy store (11), wherein the boost converter (12) increases an energy storage voltage of the energy store (11) to an emergency supply voltage for the drive (3), characterized by , that the control arrangement (1) repeatedly activates the boost converter (12) in a time-controlled manner in emergency operation and checks the presence of the actuation signal, and that the control arrangement (1) controls the drive (3) by means of the already activated boost converter (12) when the actuation signal is present and deactivates the boost converter (12) again when the actuation signal is absent. [2] Control arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by that the control arrangement (1) has a control unit (25), preferably a microcontroller, which is designed to receive the actuation signal and to control the drive (3) thereon, and that the control unit (25) is activated or deactivated in emergency operation with the boost converter (12), preferably that the control unit (25) is supplied with electrical energy in emergency operation by means of the boost converter (12). [3] Control arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the control arrangement (1) has a timer (26) for the time-controlled activation of the boost converter (12), preferably that the control arrangement (1) only operates the timer (26) when the boost converter (12) is deactivated in emergency operation. [4] Control arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the control arrangement (1) activates the boost converter (12) cyclically in emergency operation, preferably with a cycle time between 0.25 s and 2 s. [5] Control arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the boost converter (12) is assigned a self-holding circuit (27) which keeps the activated boost converter (12) active when the actuation signal is present, preferably that the control arrangement (1) resets the self-holding circuit (27) when the control of the drive (3) is terminated. [6] Control arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the boost converter (12) is assigned an electrical auxiliary energy store (28) which provides a starting voltage for activating the boost converter (12), preferably that the auxiliary energy store (28) is charged on the basis of the emergency supply voltage when the boost converter (12) is activated. [7] Control arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the energy storage device (11) has one, preferably exactly one, capacitor (29) for providing the energy storage voltage. [8] Control arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the control arrangement (1) supplies the actuating element (7) with energy via the energy store (11) in emergency operation, preferably that the control arrangement (1) supplies the actuating element (7) with energy in emergency operation when the boost converter (12) is activated. [9] Motor vehicle locking system comprising a drive (3) with an electric drive motor (4) for providing a motorized locking function for an adjustable locking element (5) of a motor vehicle (6) and a control arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims for controlling the drive (3). [10] Motor vehicle locking system according to claim 9, characterized by that a motor vehicle lock (30) is provided for the locking element (5) of the motor vehicle (6), that the motor vehicle lock (30) is equipped with a lock latch (31) for the holding engagement with a locking part and a pawl (32) assigned to the lock latch (31), and that the drive (3) is provided for the motorized lifting of the pawl (32). [11] Method for operating a motor vehicle locking system (2), wherein the motor vehicle locking system (2) has a drive (3) with an electric drive motor (4), wherein by means of a control arrangement (1) in response to an actuating signal from an actuating element (7) of the motor vehicle locking system (2), the drive (3) is controlled to provide a motorized locking function for an adjustable closure element (5) of the motor vehicle (6), wherein the control arrangement (1) for supplying energy to the drive (3) in emergency operation comprises an electrical energy store (11) and a boost converter (12) associated with the energy store (11), wherein the boost converter (12) increases an energy storage voltage of the energy store (11) to an emergency supply voltage for the drive (3), characterized by , that the control arrangement (1) activates the boost converter (12) in a time-controlled manner in emergency operation and checks for the presence of the actuation signal, and that the control arrangement (1) controls the drive (3) by means of the already activated boost converter (12) when the actuation signal is present and deactivates the boost converter (12) again when the actuation signal is absent.

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