Method for operating a motor vehicle locking system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle locking system (1), wherein the motor vehicle locking system (1) has a drive (2) with an electric drive motor (3) and a control arrangement (4) for controlling the drive (2) in order to provide a motor-driven closing function for an adjustable closure element (5) of the motor vehicle (6), wherein the control arrangement (4) has an electrical, rechargeable energy store (9) with at least one capacitor (10), wherein an electrical emergency supply voltage is made available by means of the energy store (9) in emergency operation, in particular in the event of a failure of a normal supply voltage.It is proposed that a diagnostic routine is carried out by means of the control arrangement (4), in which the capacitor (10) is subjected to discharging and charging from an initial charge state in a time sequence, and that a first electrical characteristic of the capacitor (10) is determined by means of the control arrangement (4) on the basis of the discharging and a second electrical characteristic of the capacitor (10) is determined on the basis of the charging.

Description

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

[0002] The motor vehicle locking system in question is used for all types of motorized locking functions for locking elements of a motor vehicle. 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 swing or sliding doors.

[0003] The motorized locking function particularly relates to a motor vehicle lock associated with the motor vehicle locking system, which has 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 the locking part and in which it is secured by the pawl. The motor vehicle lock is further equipped with an electric drive with which the pawl can be lifted out, so that the lock latch can be adjusted to its open position, releasing the locking part.

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

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

[0006] One challenge is ensuring that the energy storage device remains operational throughout the entire service life of the vehicle locking system in order to meet security requirements. In principle, a diagnostic routine can be provided for the energy storage device, in this case the capacitor, to determine electrical parameters such as the equivalent series resistance (ESR) and the capacitor's capacitance. Unexpected changes in these parameters can indicate deterioration of the capacitor due to aging, damage, or similar factors. To determine these parameters, the capacitor can be deliberately discharged or charged, although this can also impact the operation and availability of the energy storage device.

[0007] The invention is based on the problem of designing and developing the known method in such a way that the reliability of the use of the energy storage device is further improved.

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

[0009] The invention is based on the idea of ​​performing a capacitor diagnosis without any significant change in the charge level for operation. The fundamental idea is that the capacitor is discharged and charged in a temporal sequence, with each discharge and charge being used to determine a characteristic value. Accordingly, the characteristic values ​​can be determined very quickly with high accuracy without significantly affecting the capacitor's charge level.

[0010] In detail, it is proposed that a diagnostic routine is carried out by means of the control arrangement, in which the capacitor is subjected to discharging and charging from an initial charge state in a time sequence, and that a first electrical characteristic of the capacitor is determined by means of the control arrangement on the basis of the discharging and a second electrical characteristic of the capacitor is determined on the basis of the charging.

[0011] The sequence of discharging and charging, variants of which are generally specified in claim 2, can be adapted to further conditions. According to claim 3, an age value of the capacitor is particularly preferably used to distinguish the sequence. A new capacitor has a comparatively high capacitance, so that discharging can be performed first without the stored energy being reduced too much.

[0012] Claim 5 relates to a further variant for selecting the sequence, in which environmental information such as a temperature value is used. At low temperatures, the properties of the capacitor may be less critical with regard to overcharging, so charging is performed first, followed by discharging.

[0013] The determined parameters preferably represent the capacitance and ESR of the capacitor (claim 6), thus achieving optimal characterization of the capacitor. In particular, the aforementioned age value of the capacitor can be determined based on these parameters.

[0014] In the preferred embodiments according to claims 7 and 8, a trigger event for initiating the diagnostic routine is specified, which can also be selected depending on the boundary conditions in order to avoid impairment of the capacitor by charging and discharging.

[0015] In principle, several temporal sequences of discharging and charging can be provided in the diagnostic routine, which is the subject of claim 9. In addition to an improved determination of the characteristic values, the capacitor can thus be tested for the presence of further error conditions.

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

[0017] According to a further teaching according to claim 12, which has independent significance, a control arrangement for operating a motor vehicle locking system is claimed. It is essential that the control arrangement executes a diagnostic routine in which the capacitor is subjected to discharging and charging from an initial charge state in a chronological sequence, and that the control arrangement determines a first electrical characteristic of the capacitor based on the discharging and a second electrical characteristic of the capacitor based on the charging. Reference is made to all explanations of the proposed method.

[0018] According to a further teaching according to claim 13, which also has independent significance, a motor vehicle locking system is claimed comprising a drive with an electric drive motor and comprising a proposed control arrangement for controlling the drive. The motor vehicle locking system can be configured to implement the proposed method. Reference is made to all statements regarding the proposed method and the proposed control arrangement.

[0019] In the preferred embodiment according to claim 14, a motor vehicle lock is provided for the locking element of the motor vehicle, wherein the electric drive is provided 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.

[0020] 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 and a motor vehicle lock in respective perspective representations, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the control arrangement and Fig. 3 a), b) example current and voltage curves in the diagnostic routine.

[0021] The invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle locking system 1. The motor vehicle locking system 1 has a drive 2 with an electric drive motor 3 and a control arrangement 4 for controlling the drive 2, wherein in normal operation the drive 2 is fed in particular by a normal supply voltage in order to provide a motorized locking function for an adjustable locking element 5 of the motor vehicle 6.

[0022] The term "drive motor" herein encompasses all types of electric actuators, in particular rotary and linear actuators. The drive motor 3 is preferably a rotary electric motor, which is further preferably configured as a brushed DC motor or a brushless DC motor. A standard supply voltage used during normal operation is preferably an on-board electrical system voltage Ubat of the motor vehicle 6, which is provided 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.

[0023] 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 2, 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 1 for a locking element 5 configured as a side door. However, all explanations also apply to all other types of locking elements of the motor vehicle 6.

[0024] The control arrangement 4 preferably has control electronics for implementing the control tasks associated with the motorized locking functions and is equipped, for example, with a microcontroller 7. The control arrangement 4 is configured to control the electric drive 2 and further monitors the presence of an operating event, which is transmitted, for example, as an actuation signal from an actuation element such as a door handle 8. Upon receipt of an actuation signal, the control arrangement 4 can trigger the actuation of the drive 2.

[0025] The control arrangement 4 has an electrical, rechargeable energy storage device 9 with at least one capacitor 10. An emergency electrical supply voltage is provided by the energy storage device 9 in emergency operation, particularly in the event of a failure of the normal supply voltage, a crash, or the like. The emergency supply voltage is provided based on the electrical capacitor voltage of the energy storage device 9 and, in emergency operation, can supply electrical energy not only to the drive 2 but also to other parts of the control arrangement 4, such as the microcontroller 7.

[0026] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the energy storage device 9 comprises at least one 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. When using multiple capacitors 10, the capacitors 10 can generally be connected in series and / or parallel. In addition to the at least one capacitor 10, the energy storage device 9 can comprise further storage elements, such as primary and / or secondary cells.

[0027] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the energy storage device 9 has a single capacitor 10, in particular a single double-layer capacitor. The energy storage device 9 can furthermore be connected to the at least one capacitor 10 via a Fig. 2. The boost stage is configured to boost the capacitor voltage of the at least one capacitor 10 to the emergency supply voltage. A voltage output of the boost converter can, for example, be connected to a driver unit 11 having an H-bridge for controlling the drive 2. The driver unit 11 can also be used in normal operation to operate the drive 2 based on the normal supply voltage. The driver unit 11 is operated here and preferably via the microcontroller 7.

[0028] What is essential now is that a diagnostic routine is carried out by means of the control arrangement 4, in which the capacitor 10 is subjected to discharging and charging from an initial charge state in a chronological sequence. The chronological sequence here means that the control arrangement 4 carries out a targeted discharging and targeted charging in a temporal relationship. The discharging and / or charging is carried out, for example, over a predetermined period of time, or a predetermined amount of energy is withdrawn from or supplied to the capacitor 10. Preferably, the discharging and charging take place immediately one after the other, whereby only unavoidable delays, for example due to circuitry, may occur.

[0029] It is also essential that the control arrangement 4 determines a first electrical characteristic of the capacitor 10 based on the discharging and a second electrical characteristic of the capacitor 10 based on the charging. The second characteristic is a different characteristic from the first characteristic.

[0030] Preferably, the first characteristic and / or the second characteristic are determined based on a current measurement and / or voltage measurement during discharging or charging. The current measurement can be used to measure a quantitative measure of the electrical current flowing to the capacitor 10 (charging) or of the electrical current flowing from the capacitor 10 (discharging), wherein Fig. 2 shows an example of a current sensor 12. A quantitative measure of the capacitor voltage can be measured via the voltage measurement, where Fig. 2 shows, by way of example, a voltage sensor 13 connected in parallel with the capacitor 10.

[0031] Here and preferably, the control arrangement 4 has a charging circuit for charging the capacitor 10. The charging circuit can, as in Fig. 2, a charging switching element S1 and a charging resistor R ch through which the capacitor 10 is charged. For example, a charging control can be implemented via the charging circuit, whereby a desired charging current is achieved during charging. Fig. 3 shows exemplary current curves in the diagnostic routine, where a constant charging current I L is brought about (t0 to t1 in Fig. 3a); t1 to t2 in Fig. 3b)).

[0032] Here and preferably, the control arrangement 4 has a discharge circuit for charging the capacitor 10. The discharge circuit can, as in Fig. 2, a discharge switching element S2 and a discharge resistor R dch through which the capacitor 10 is discharged. The discharge can be controlled via the discharge circuit, whereby a desired discharge current is achieved during the discharge. In Fig. 3 is again a constant discharge current I E shown (t1 to t2 in Fig. 3a); t0 to t1 in Fig. 3b)). The resistance of the discharge resistor is preferably at least one order of magnitude higher than the resistance of the charging resistor. Other configurations of the charging circuit are conceivable. For example, for discharging, the drive 2 can be controlled, for example, opposite to a drive direction intended for the motorized closing function, so that the drive motor 3 is in block mode for discharging, for example. Discharging into the on-board electrical system of the motor vehicle 6 is also conceivable.

[0033] The sequence in the diagnostic routine can be specified such that discharging is performed first, followed by charging, or such that charging is performed first, followed by discharging. In addition to a fixed sequence, the sequence can be made dependent on additional conditions in certain embodiments of the method.

[0034] In one embodiment, the sequence of discharging and charging in the temporal sequence is selected depending on an age value of the capacitor 10. The age value is, for example, a measure of the remaining service life or the degradation of the capacitor 10.

[0035] Preferably, if the age value is below a predetermined age threshold, the battery is first discharged and then charged. If the age value is above the age threshold, the battery is first charged and then discharged. With a low age value, the energy stored by capacitor 10 can exceed the requirements of emergency operation, so that an initial discharge is not critical for emergency operation occurring during the diagnostic routine, and the capacitor 10 is protected against overcharging. With a higher age value, however, a brief overcharging of the capacitor 10 can be accepted in order to reliably meet the requirements of emergency operation.

[0036] Particularly preferably, the age value is determined based on a first characteristic value and / or a second characteristic value determined in a previous diagnostic routine. For example, the capacitance and / or the ESR are determined as the characteristic value, which may be characteristic of the aging-related condition of the capacitor 10, in particular. The age value can be determined from reference values, for example for the capacitance. It is also conceivable that the first and / or second characteristic value are used directly as the age value. For example, for the aforementioned test of the age threshold, the determined capacitance is compared with a predetermined capacitance threshold.

[0037] In a further embodiment, the sequence of discharging and charging in the temporal sequence is selected depending on environmental information, preferably a temperature value. The temperature value can be representative of a temperature of the capacitor 10. In this case, the control arrangement 4 can have a temperature sensor for determining the temperature value. It is also conceivable for the control arrangement 4 to receive a temperature value for the environment of the motor vehicle 6, for example, from a central motor vehicle control system. Another example of the environmental information is the operating state of the motor vehicle 6.

[0038] When using the temperature value, it is preferably provided that at a temperature value below a predetermined temperature threshold, charging is performed first, followed by discharging, and at a temperature value above the temperature threshold, discharging is performed first, followed by charging. At low temperatures, the properties of capacitor 10 tend to be less critical to overcharging, so charging is performed first to ensure the availability of the power supply for emergency operation. At higher temperatures, however, discharging can be performed first to protect capacitor 10.

[0039] The aforementioned embodiments can also be combined, wherein the sequence of discharging and charging in the temporal sequence is selected depending on both the age value and the environmental information.

[0040] Preferably, the capacitance of capacitor 10 is determined as the first characteristic value and an equivalent resistance of capacitor 10 is determined as the second characteristic value, or the equivalent resistance of capacitor 10 is determined as the first characteristic value and the capacitance of capacitor 10 is determined as the second characteristic value. Here, and preferably, the equivalent series resistance (ESR) is determined as the equivalent resistance.

[0041] In Fig. 3a) the second characteristic value is the capacitance of the capacitor 10 with a charge, whereby the voltage difference ΔU L at a given charging current I L The determination of the ESR as the first characteristic value is carried out here as an example using the discharge current I E caused voltage drop ΔU ESR .

[0042] In the exemplary sequence of Fig. 3b), the determination of capacitance and ESR can be performed in the same way, with discharging first and then charging. Not shown are embodiments in which the capacitance of capacitor 10 is determined as the first characteristic value (based on discharging) and an equivalent resistance of capacitor 10 as the second characteristic value (based on charging). These embodiments can also be used in different sequences.

[0043] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the diagnostic routine is executed upon the occurrence of a predetermined trigger event. For example, the trigger event can be time-controlled and, in particular, a predetermined time sequence starting from a start event. It is conceivable that the start event is the beginning of driving operation, in particular the starting of the drive of the motor vehicle 6. It is also conceivable that the trigger event occurs cyclically at predetermined time intervals. The trigger event can also occur depending on the charge state of the capacitor 10. For example, the trigger event is defined by a limit voltage for the capacitor voltage.

[0044] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the trigger event is specified depending on a temperature value. For example, conditions from the time control, such as the time interval between cyclic occurrences, are dependent on the temperature value.

[0045] Preferably, the execution of the diagnostic routine is suppressed for temperature values ​​within a predefined low-temperature range and / or within a predefined high-temperature range. In particular, this prevents any adverse effects on capacitor 10 caused by the diagnostic routine.

[0046] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that several temporal sequences of discharging and charging the capacitor 10 are carried out in the diagnostic routine, and that the first electrical characteristic is determined on the basis of the multiple discharging and the second electrical characteristic is determined on the basis of the multiple charging by means of the control arrangement 4. Preferably, the first characteristic and / or the second characteristic is / are determined by averaging the several temporal sequences, for which purpose, known methods for statistically averaging several measured values ​​can be used. Preferably, outliers in the values ​​are identified in the averaging using a significance criterion and excluded from the averaging. In this case, too, reference is made to known methods for statistically evaluating several measured values.

[0047] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that an error routine is triggered if a predetermined deviation from the characteristic values ​​measured in several time sequences is exceeded. For example, if it is observed that current values ​​vary excessively from sequence to sequence and / or a drift in the values ​​is detected, it can be concluded that capacitor 10 is defective.

[0048] At the end of the diagnostic routine, the capacitor 10 can be returned to the initial charge level present at the beginning of the diagnostic routine. Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the capacitor 10 is brought to a desired charge level with the chronological sequence of discharging and charging at the end of the diagnostic routine, preferably that the desired charge level is predetermined depending on a temperature value.

[0049] The diagnostic routine can thus serve in particular to compensate for a self-discharge of the capacitor 10 and can be carried out, for example, instead of a charging routine provided in normal operation.

[0050] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the determined first characteristic value and / or second characteristic value is checked by the control arrangement 4 based on a predetermined error criterion, in particular for exceeding or falling below a predetermined threshold value, and if the error criterion is met, an error routine is triggered. General measures can be taken in the error routine to alert the operator of the motor vehicle 6 to a possible impairment of the capacitor 10.

[0051] Preferably, the first characteristic value and / or the second characteristic value can be classified into one of several error levels based on the error criterion. For example, if a first threshold value is exceeded, error information is stored in an error memory of the motor vehicle 6, so that, for example, maintenance is initiated for the energy storage device 9. If a second threshold value is exceeded, the motor vehicle locking system 1 can be deactivated to prevent a failure in emergency mode.

[0052] The test of the error criterion may include temperature compensation based on the temperature value of the motor vehicle locking system 1 in order to compensate for a temperature dependence of the first characteristic value and / or the second characteristic value. For example, the error criterion, here the at least one threshold value, is specified as temperature-dependent and / or the determined characteristic value is scaled based on the temperature value.

[0053] According to a further teaching, a control arrangement 4 for operating a motor vehicle locking system 1 is proposed, wherein the motor vehicle locking system 1 has a drive 2 with an electric drive motor 3 and the control arrangement 4 is designed to control the drive 2 in order to provide a motorized closing function for an adjustable closure element 5 of the motor vehicle 6, wherein the control arrangement 4 has an electrical, rechargeable energy store 9 with at least one capacitor 10, wherein the energy store 9 provides an electrical emergency supply voltage in an emergency operation, in particular in the event of a failure of a normal supply voltage.

[0054] It is provided that the control arrangement 4 executes a diagnostic routine in which the capacitor 10 is subjected to discharging and charging from an initial charge state in a temporal sequence, and that the control arrangement 4 determines a first electrical characteristic of the capacitor 10 based on the discharging and a second electrical characteristic of the capacitor 10 based on the charging. Reference is made to all explanations of the proposed method.

[0055] According to a further teaching, a motor vehicle locking system 1 is proposed, comprising a drive 2 with an electric drive motor 3 and a proposed control arrangement 4 for controlling the drive 2. The motor vehicle locking system 1 is preferably configured to implement the proposed method. Reference is made to all statements regarding the proposed method and the proposed control arrangement 4.

[0056] Particularly preferred and in Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the motor vehicle locking system 1, in which a motor vehicle lock 14 is provided for the locking element 5 of the motor vehicle 6. The motor vehicle lock 14 is equipped with a lock latch 15 for the holding engagement with a locking part and with a pawl 16 assigned to the lock latch 15. The motor vehicle lock 14 is in Fig. 1 in a partially disassembled perspective view and is designed with a pivoting lock latch 15 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 15 is in Fig. 1 in an open position, in which the locking part can be inserted into a locking part receptacle 17 of the lock latch 15. For example, the motor vehicle lock 14 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 4 is integrated with the energy storage device 9 in a housing 18 of the motor vehicle lock 14, which also accommodates the lock components.

[0057] The pawl 16 is in particular part of a pawl system 16 with several pawls 16 and can be brought into a locking state (not shown) in which the pawl 16 holds the lock latch 15 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 15 counterclockwise, whereby the pawl 16 can reach a main notch 19 (main locking position) or pre-notch 20 (pre-closing position) of the lock latch 15 by falling into locking engagement.

[0058] Preferably, the drive 2 is provided for the motorized lifting of the pawl 16. Here, the pawl 16 can be brought into an open position by means of the electric drive motor 3, whereby the pawl 16 releases the lock latch 15. For this purpose, the drive motor 3 is connected to the pawl 16 via a drive train 21 of the drive 2. In emergency operation, the function of the drive 2, used as an opening drive, is ensured by the energy storage device 9.

[0059] As an alternative to the already mentioned integration of the control arrangement 4 into the motor vehicle lock 14, it is conceivable that the control arrangement 4 is part of a separate control unit 22 for the motor vehicle lock 14.

[0060] Examples of such a control unit 22 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 22 is not necessarily part of the motor vehicle locking system 1.

[0061] In principle, it is conceivable for the drive 2 to perform alternative or additional locking functions of the motor vehicle lock 14, for example unlocking and / or locking a mechanical actuation chain of the motor vehicle lock 14. In addition to or instead of the locking function of the motor vehicle lock 14 explained in more detail here, the motor vehicle locking system 1 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. 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 2014 105 874 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Method for operating a motor vehicle locking system (1), wherein the motor vehicle locking system (1) has a drive (2) with an electric drive motor (3) and a control arrangement (4) for controlling the drive (2) in order to provide a motorized closing function for an adjustable closure element (5) of the motor vehicle (6), wherein the control arrangement (4) has an electrical, rechargeable energy store (9) with at least one capacitor (10), wherein an electrical emergency supply voltage is made available by means of the energy store (9) in an emergency operation, in particular in the event of a failure of a normal supply voltage, characterized bythat a diagnostic routine is carried out by means of the control arrangement (4), in which the capacitor (10) is subjected to discharging and charging from an initial charge state in a time sequence, and that by means of the control arrangement (4) a first electrical characteristic of the capacitor (10) is determined on the basis of the discharging and a second electrical characteristic of the capacitor (10) is determined on the basis of the charging. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that in the chronological sequence the discharging is carried out first and then the charging, or that in the chronological sequence the charging is carried out first and then the discharging. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the order of discharging and charging in the temporal sequence is selected depending on an age value of the capacitor (10), preferably that if the age value is below a predetermined age threshold, discharging is carried out first and then charging, and if the age value is above the age threshold, charging is carried out first and then discharging. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the age value is determined on the basis of a first characteristic value and / or a second characteristic value determined in a previous diagnostic routine. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the order of discharging and charging in the temporal sequence is selected depending on environmental information, preferably a temperature value, further preferably that at a temperature value below a predetermined temperature threshold, charging is carried out first and then discharging, and at a temperature value above the temperature threshold, discharging is carried out first and then charging. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the capacitance of the capacitor (10) is determined as the first characteristic value and an equivalent resistance of the capacitor (10) is determined as the second characteristic value, or that an equivalent resistance of the capacitor (10) is determined as the first characteristic value and the capacitance of the capacitor (10) is determined as the second characteristic value. [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the diagnostic routine is carried out upon the occurrence of a predetermined trigger event, preferably that the trigger event occurs in a time-controlled manner and / or depending on the charge state of the capacitor (10). [8] Method according to claim 7, characterized by that the trigger event is predetermined depending on a temperature value, preferably that the execution of the diagnostic routine is suppressed for temperature values ​​in a predetermined low-temperature range and / or in a predetermined high-temperature range. [9] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat in the diagnostic routine, several temporal sequences of discharging and charging the capacitor (10) are carried out, and that by means of the control arrangement (4) the first electrical characteristic is determined on the basis of the multiple discharging and the second electrical characteristic is determined on the basis of the multiple charging, preferably that the first characteristic and / or the second characteristic is / are determined on the basis of an averaging of the several temporal sequences. [10] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the capacitor (10) is brought to a desired charge state with the temporal sequence of discharging and charging at the end of the diagnostic routine, preferably that the desired charge state is predetermined as a function of a temperature value. [11] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the determined first characteristic value and / or second characteristic value is checked by means of the control arrangement (4) on the basis of a predetermined error criterion, in particular for exceeding or falling below a predetermined threshold value, and if the error criterion is met, an error routine is triggered, preferably that the first characteristic value and / or the second characteristic value is classified into one of several error levels on the basis of the error criterion, and / or that the check of the error criterion includes a temperature compensation via a temperature value of the motor vehicle locking system (1). [12] Control arrangement for operating a motor vehicle locking system (1), wherein the motor vehicle locking system (1) has a drive (2) with an electric drive motor (3) and the control arrangement (4) is designed to control the drive (2) in order to provide a motorized closing function for an adjustable closure element (5) of the motor vehicle (6), wherein the control arrangement (4) has an electrical, rechargeable energy store (9) with at least one capacitor (10), wherein the energy store (9) provides an electrical emergency supply voltage in an emergency operation, in particular in the event of a failure of a normal supply voltage, characterized bythat the control arrangement (4) carries out a diagnostic routine in which the capacitor (10) is subjected to discharging and charging from an initial charge state in a time sequence, and that the control arrangement (4) determines a first electrical characteristic of the capacitor (10) on the basis of the discharging and a second electrical characteristic of the capacitor (10) on the basis of the charging. [13] Motor vehicle locking system comprising a drive (2) with an electric drive motor (3) and a control arrangement (4) according to claim 12 for controlling the drive (2). [14] Motor vehicle locking system according to claim 13, characterized bythat a motor vehicle lock (14) is provided for the locking element (5) of the motor vehicle (6), that the motor vehicle lock (14) is equipped with a lock latch (15) for the holding engagement with a locking part and a pawl (16) assigned to the lock latch (15), and that the electric drive (2) is provided for the motorized lifting of the pawl (16).

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