Device and method for controlling a window pane drive

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (14) for controlling a window pane drive (14a) for a window pane (12) of a vehicle (10) that can be moved between a closed position and an open position, comprising - a window pane drive (14a) and a window pane drive control unit (14b) as well as - a vehicle locking control unit (14c) and / or an immobilizer control unit (14d), wherein the window drive control unit (14b) is configured to process at least one signal (16) from the vehicle locking control unit (14c) and / or the immobilizer control unit (14d), and - in the event that at least one processed signal (16) is recognized as indicating the end of a driving operation of the vehicle (10), to make a control signal (18) output to effect a movement of the window pane (12) in the direction of the closing position to the window pane drive (14a), and - in the event that at least one processed signal (16) is recognized as indicating the start of a driving operation of the vehicle (10), a control signal (18) to effect a movement of the window pane (12) in the direction of the opening position to the window pane drive (14a) can be output.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for controlling a window drive of a vehicle.

[0002] When driving a vehicle, retractable windows are often opened to allow more airflow into the passenger compartment. This can be done for better ventilation or to enhance the driving experience.

[0003] With the enjoyment of the exhilarating wind in your hair, convertibles, often simply called cabriolets, are becoming increasingly popular. As is generally known, these are vehicles with a convertible top that can be either fully open or fully closed. When closed, the convertible top effectively forms a closed roof, isolating the passenger compartment from the outside world. Conversely, when open, the top is folded down at the rear of the vehicle, leaving the passenger compartment open to the sky. Convertible tops can be made of fabric or rigid, segmented plastic or metal.When the convertible top is open, the side windows of the convertible are lowered in their maximum opening position to allow passengers the best possible experience of the passing wind, but they can also be partially or completely closed manually from this automatically assumed position.

[0004] Open side windows on parked vehicles naturally pose a safety problem, as they allow access to the passenger compartment. This is particularly problematic with convertibles, as the side windows are in the lowered and therefore open position when the vehicle is parked with the top down, unless they have been manually moved to a different position beforehand.

[0005] However, convertibles with lowered side windows make it particularly easy for unauthorized persons to gain access to the passenger area.

[0006] Prior art has already been developed to automatically control the closed state of vehicle windows. For example, German patent application DE 10 2015 223 613 A1 describes window control via signals from other control units of the vehicle, depending on a detected situation. However, these signals are generated in situations such as operating a machine or making a payment, for instance, when the vehicle approaches a parking garage barrier. An opening of a vehicle window is initiated, for example, when the necessary operation of a payment machine is required without having to manually operate the vehicle's window regulator.

[0007] However, this technical solution is not sufficiently helpful for the problem described above when parking a convertible.

[0008] One object of the invention is to provide solutions that automatically provide better protection for the passenger area of ​​a vehicle, in particular a convertible, from unauthorized persons when the vehicle is parked.

[0009] The invention is defined by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments and embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] The problem is solved in a first aspect by a device for controlling a window drive for a window pane of a vehicle that can be moved between a closed position and an open position, comprising a window drive and a window drive control unit, and further comprising a vehicle locking control unit and / or an immobilizer control unit, wherein the window drive control unit is configured to process at least one signal from the vehicle locking control unit and / or the immobilizer control unit.In the event that at least one processed signal is recognized as a signal indicating the end of a vehicle's driving operation, a control signal to effect a movement of the window pane towards the closed position is made output to the window pane drive, and in the event that at least one processed signal is recognized as indicating the beginning of a vehicle's driving operation, a control signal to effect a movement of the window pane towards the open position is made output to the window pane drive.Causing a window pane to move towards the closed position includes both the possibility that the window pane moves completely to the closed position, and the possibility that the window pane moves from a current position towards the closed position but stops before reaching it, thus being more closed than in its initial current position. The same applies to a movement of the window pane starting from a current position and progressing towards the open position, where the open position can be reached, but alternatively, the movement can also be stopped before reaching the open position, in which case the window pane is more open than in its initial current position.When reference is made herein to the making of a control signal output, this means, according to one interpretation, that the signal is actually output, and according to another interpretation, that the signal is not output and, consequently, the window pane drive is not activated according to the specifications of the control signal, but the control signal is prepared for possible future output. An actually output control signal causes the window pane to move via the window pane drive.

[0011] In a further development, it is provided that the device for controlling a window pane drive not only concerns the window pane drive of one window pane, but also the window pane drive of at least one additional window pane.

[0012] Insofar as reference is made herein to at least one signal to be processed from the vehicle locking control unit and / or the immobilizer control unit, this also implies that corresponding signals must be processed repeatedly during the course of the vehicle's operation or the use of the device. Accordingly, it also implies that a control signal to effect movement of the window pane is not necessarily only output once, but that this can occur multiple times.

[0013] Examples of corresponding vehicle locking control units include control units that determine the locked state of mechanical door locks, or receivers of signals from electronic door cards, the latter also commonly referred to as keycards, which operate, for example, via RFID or radio systems and in turn determine the locked state of mechanical door locks. Examples of immobilizer control units include parking brakes, whose actuation state can be detected by corresponding sensors, or selector levers of automatic transmissions, where the corresponding position of the selector lever to engage the park position is also detected by corresponding sensors.

[0014] The device advantageously enables or causes the window pane to move towards the closed position, whereby, upon movement, the window pane either actually reaches the closed position or at least assumes a position in which it is more tightly closed than before. While the window pane was correspondingly more open during operation, for example, to allow passengers to fully enjoy the breeze, after moving towards the closed position it advantageously offers better protection against unauthorized access to the passenger compartment, since, given the more completely closed window, they would have to overcome a greater mechanical barrier to enter the passenger compartment.Furthermore, the use of alarm systems for monitoring the passenger area is made more efficient when the passenger area is better shielded from the outside world due to the fully closed window pane. For example, this reduces the risk of malfunctions in alarm systems based on motion sensors, as the fully closed window pane reduces potential drafts in the passenger area that could cause objects to move and thus trigger an alarm.

[0015] If the processed signal is recognized as indicating the start of vehicle operation, the window is enabled or triggered to move towards the open position. If the movement is triggered, the window is actually opened, or at least a position is reached where it is more open than before. This has the advantage of allowing the passenger compartment, which was better protected from unauthorized access after the end of operation by the more completely closed window, to be more exposed to the airflow, thus enabling passengers to enjoy the breeze while the vehicle is in motion.

[0016] According to the training, the vehicle is a convertible, and the window drive control unit is designed to determine whether the convertible top is open or closed. If the convertible top is open and at least one processed signal is recognized as indicating the end of the vehicle's driving operation, the window drive control unit is designed to output a control signal to the window drive to initiate movement of the window towards the closed position. Advantageously, in this case, when the convertible is driven with the top open, the movement of the window to the closed position is automatically triggered.According to a further development, if the convertible top is closed and at least one processed signal is recognized as indicating the end of the vehicle's driving operation, the window drive control unit is configured to output a control signal to the window drive to effect a movement of the window towards the closed position. Advantageously, the resulting movement of the window towards the closed position further hinders access to the passenger compartment. According to an alternative development, if the convertible top is closed and at least one processed signal is recognized as indicating the end of the vehicle's driving operation, the window drive control unit is configured not to output a control signal to the window drive to effect a movement of the window towards the closed position.Accordingly, the window remains in the position it was in when driving with the convertible top closed. This can be advantageous if ventilation of the passenger compartment is desired through the window remaining in its unchanged position, while simultaneously assuming that the closed convertible top already provides sufficient protection for the passenger compartment.

[0017] According to the training, the movable window pane of the vehicle is a side window. Accordingly, the device advantageously refers to a window pane that optimally allows airflow into the passenger compartment. If the vehicle is not a convertible but has a fixed roof, it is optionally provided that the window pane is a roof window pane that can be moved between an open and a closed position.

[0018] According to the training, the window drive control unit is designed to store information about the current position of the window pane before the pane is moved towards the closed or open position. Furthermore, the control unit is designed to output a control signal to the window drive, initiating a movement of the window pane towards the closed position, upon receiving a processed signal that is recognized as indicating the end of a movement.Provided the control signal is actually issued and the window actuator subsequently moves the window towards the closed position, the control unit is also designed to initiate movement of the window to the stored position by means of another control signal if a further processed signal is recognized as indicating the start of vehicle operation. This advantageously saves the window position selected by a vehicle user during operation. After the journey has ended, the control unit can initiate the movement of the window towards the closed position to better protect the passenger compartment from external access.As soon as another processed signal is recognized as indicating the start of vehicle operation, the stored position of the window can then be resumed without the vehicle user having to initiate this themselves, thus advantageously increasing driving comfort for the vehicle user.

[0019] According to training, at least one signal is a signal from the vehicle locking control unit indicating the vehicle locking status. If the vehicle locking status is recognized as locked based on the signal, this signal is interpreted as indicating the end of the vehicle's driving operation. Accordingly, a control signal to move the window towards the closed position can be output to the window actuator if the vehicle is locked by a user.Alternatively or additionally, the signal is generated by at least one sensor to detect when an authorized user approaches or moves away from the vehicle. An authorized user is defined as any person permitted to use the vehicle, for example, for operation, being present in it, or loading or unloading it. Common examples of authorized users are drivers, passengers, owners, or business users of the vehicle. A person moving away from the vehicle is recognized as indicating the end of the vehicle's operation. Conversely, a person approaching the vehicle is recognized as indicating the beginning of the vehicle's operation.A suitable sensor could be an image recognition sensor, which, for example, captures the face of an authorized user and compares it with authorized users stored in a corresponding database. Alternatively or additionally, at least one signal can be generated upon detection of proof of authorization. Examples of stored proof of authorization include optically readable documents such as driver's licenses or access tickets with barcodes or authorization codes that can be read via appropriate optical sensors, or keycards that can be read via RFID technology or other wireless data connections. Alternatively or additionally, the signal can be generated by touching a person in possession of authorization.Insofar as this text refers generally to a vehicle user, it is assumed that the person in question is authorized to use the vehicle.

[0020] The window drive control unit, vehicle locking control unit, and immobilizer control unit used in connection with the device can be designed as structurally separate control units. According to one embodiment, the window drive control unit and / or the vehicle locking control unit and / or the immobilizer control unit are combined in a common control unit. Accordingly, two or all three of the aforementioned control units are implemented in a common control unit, which acquires signals generated in connection with locking processes and / or immobilizer measures and outputs control signals to effect movement of the window. According to a further embodiment, the common control unit is implemented as an electronic circuit board with corresponding electronic hardware for control or as a vehicle central computer with corresponding control software.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the window drive control unit is designed to recognize whether a given operating mode is activated or deactivated. The operating mode determines whether the device can output a control signal or not. Depending on the detected operating mode, the control signal is output in the case of an activated operating mode, or it is not output in the case of a deactivated operating mode. This advantageously allows a vehicle user to choose, by specifying an activated or deactivated operating mode, whether or not to actually use the window drive to move a window towards a closed or open position, depending on the processed signal.

[0022] If the operating mode is detected as activated and the processed signal is recognized as indicating the end of vehicle operation, the window drive control unit is configured to send the control signal to the window drive to move the window towards the closed position. Consequently, the window is more completely closed after this movement, and the passenger compartment is better protected from unauthorized access. However, if the processed signal is recognized as indicating the start of vehicle operation, the window drive control unit is configured to send the control signal to the window drive to move the window towards the open position.Accordingly, the window pane moves into a more open position, allowing the vehicle user to better enjoy the wind while driving.

[0023] If, however, the operating mode is detected as deactivated and the processed signal is also recognized as indicating the end of a movement, the window drive control unit is configured not to output the control signal to the window drive to initiate movement of the window towards the closed position. Accordingly, given the deactivated operating mode, the window does not move. Similarly, if the operating mode is detected as deactivated and the processed signal is also recognized as indicating the start of a movement, the window drive control unit is configured not to output the control signal to the window drive to initiate movement of the window towards the open position. In this case as well, given the deactivated operating mode, the window does not move.

[0024] According to initial training, the operating mode is activated or deactivated depending on the closed state of the vehicle's convertible top. Further training indicates that the operating mode is activated when the vehicle's convertible top is open. Consequently, when driving is stopped and the convertible top is open, the window moves towards the closed position without requiring any action from the vehicle occupant. Therefore, when driving is stopped, the convertible is automatically and advantageously placed in a state that makes unauthorized access to the passenger compartment more difficult and reduces the risk of triggering an alarm system monitoring the passenger compartment, as alarm-triggering effects such as leaves or objects blowing into the passenger compartment are less likely.

[0025] According to another aspect, the problem is solved by a vehicle, in particular a convertible, which includes a device as described herein.

[0026] In another aspect, the problem is solved by a method for controlling a device as described herein, wherein the method comprises the following steps: processing at least one signal from a vehicle locking control unit and / or an immobilizer control unit of the vehicle by a window drive control unit, In the event that at least one processed signal is recognized as indicating the end of a vehicle's driving operation, a control signal is provided to the window drive with which a movement of the window in the direction of the closed position can be effected, and in the event that at least one processed signal is recognized as indicating the beginning of a vehicle's driving operation, a control signal is provided to the window drive with which a movement of the window in the direction of the open position can be effected.

[0027] According to training, the provided control signal actually causes the window to move towards the closed position if it is recognized that at least one processed signal indicates the end of the vehicle's driving operation.

[0028] According to further training, the procedure includes a check by the window pane drive control unit to determine whether a given operating mode is activated or deactivated. If the operating mode is detected as activated, the procedure involves sending a control signal to the window pane drive to cause the window pane to move towards the closed position. Accordingly, upon receiving the control signal, the window pane is moved by the window pane drive towards the closed position or until it reaches the closed position. If the operating mode is detected as deactivated, the procedure does not include sending a control signal to the window pane drive to cause the window pane to move towards the closed position, and consequently, the window pane is not moved towards the closed position or until it reaches the closed position by the window pane drive.

[0029] According to one embodiment, before the window pane moves towards the closed or open position, the window pane control unit stores information about the current position of the window pane. Furthermore, upon receiving a processed signal that is recognized as indicating the end of vehicle operation, a control signal is output to the window pane drive to initiate movement of the window pane towards the closed position. If the window pane subsequently moves towards the closed position, a further control signal is used to initiate movement to the stored position of the window pane, provided that another processed signal is recognized as indicating the beginning of vehicle operation.

[0030] According to training, the procedure includes checking whether the vehicle's convertible top is open or closed. If the convertible top is open, the procedure is carried out with the following steps already described above: processing of at least one signal from a vehicle locking control unit and / or an immobilizer control unit by a window drive control unit. In the event that at least one processed signal is recognized as indicating the end of a vehicle's driving operation, a control signal is provided to the window drive, enabling movement of the window towards the closed position, and In the event that at least one processed signal is recognized as indicating the start of vehicle operation, a control signal is provided to the window drive, which can effect a movement of the window in the direction of the opening position.

[0031] If a functional mode is provided, the aforementioned steps will be carried out if the functional mode is recognized as activated by the window drive control unit.

[0032] The training and further education courses described herein can be combined as desired. All disclosures made herein regarding the device simultaneously constitute disclosures for the vehicle and the method described herein, just as disclosures for the method described herein constitute disclosures for the device.

[0033] Further advantages, features, and details will become apparent from the following description, in which – possibly with reference to the drawings – at least one embodiment is described in detail. Identical, similar, and / or functionally equivalent parts are identified by the same reference numerals.

[0034] This shows: Fig. 1: a schematic top view of a vehicle with a device, Fig. 2: a schematic procedure Fig. 3 an extended schematic procedure.

[0035] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of a vehicle (10) which includes a device (14) for controlling a window drive (14a). For better orientation, two vehicle seats and a steering wheel are represented by two ovals, which are not labeled by reference numerals. The vehicle (10) includes two window panes 12, and the device (14) is explained with reference to the window pane (12) shown on the left. The device (14) includes a window drive (14a) by which the window pane (12) can be moved between a closed position and an open position, and a window drive control unit (14b). Furthermore, the device (14) includes a vehicle locking control unit (14c), which is schematically represented as a locking device for a vehicle door, which is not shown in detail.Furthermore, the device (14) includes an immobilizer control unit (14d), which is schematically represented as a parking brake not shown in further detail. The vehicle window drive control unit (14b) receives signals (16) from the vehicle locking control unit (14c) and / or from the immobilizer control unit (14d) via data connections symbolized by dotted lines. The window drive control unit (14b) of the device (14) is, in turn, able to output control signals (18) to the window drive (14a) via a data connection symbolized by a dashed line. These control signals, when output to the window drive (14a), cause the window pane (12) to move.Provided that there is no obstacle to the output of the control signals, such as a deactivated operating mode, the control signals (18) are indeed output to the window pane drive (14a).

[0036] For example, if the window pane (12) is in an open position and a signal (16) is sent from the vehicle locking control unit (14c) to the window pane drive control unit (14b), whereupon, after processing by the vehicle locking control unit (14b), it is recognized that the signal (16) indicates the end of a driving operation of the vehicle (10) because the vehicle locking control unit (14c) has been activated and the vehicle (10) has accordingly been locked, then a control signal (18) is made available to the window pane drive (14a) by the window pane drive control unit (14b) and is also output if no function mode is provided, or output if a function mode is present, provided that the function mode is activated.When the control signal (18) is output to the window drive (14a), the window (12) is moved towards the closing position by the window drive (14a) when a signal (16) indicates the end of a driving operation of the vehicle (10) is received.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally, if, for example, the window pane (12) is in an open position and a signal (16) is sent from the immobilizer control unit (14d) to the window pane drive control unit (14b), whereupon, after processing by the vehicle locking control unit (14b), it is recognized that the signal (16) indicates the end of a driving operation of the vehicle (10) because an immobilizer has been activated via the immobilizer control unit (14d), for example, a parking brake has been activated, then a control signal (18) is made available to the window pane drive (14a) by the window pane drive control unit (14b) and is also output if no function mode is provided, or output if a function mode is present, provided that the function mode is activated.When the control signal (18) is output to the window drive (14a), the window (12) is moved towards the closing position by the window drive (14a) at this signal (16), which indicates the end of a driving operation of the vehicle (10).

[0038] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic sequence of a method for controlling a window drive (14a) of a device (14). In step (120), at least one signal (16) from a vehicle locking control unit (14c) and / or an immobilizer control unit (14d) of the vehicle (10) is processed by a window drive control unit (14b). If, as a result of the processing, the at least one processed signal (16) is recognized as indicating the end of a driving operation of the vehicle (10), a control signal (18) is provided to a window drive (14a) in step (140), with which a movement of a window pane (12) in the direction of a closed position can be effected.If, as a result of the processing, at least one processed signal (16) is recognized as indicating the start of vehicle operation (10), a control signal (18) is provided to a window drive (14a) in step (140), which can effect a movement of a window pane (12) towards an open position. Unless it is provided that the device (14), whose window drive (14a) is controlled by the method, can be activated or deactivated according to a functional mode, the respective control signal (18) provided for effecting a movement of the window pane (12) into the closed or open position is actually output to the window drive (14a) and the movement is thereby effected.

[0039] Fig.Figure 3 shows a schematic extended sequence of the procedure in which such a functional mode is provided. Accordingly, in step (100), the window drive control unit (14b) first checks whether a functional mode is activated or deactivated. If the functional mode is detected as activated, in step (120) at least one signal (16) from a vehicle locking control unit (14c) and / or an immobilizer control unit (14d) of the vehicle (10) is processed by a window drive control unit (14b). If, as a result of the processing, the at least one processed signal (16) is detected as indicating the end of a driving operation of the vehicle (10), in step (140a) a control signal (18) is output to a window drive (14a), which causes a window pane (12) to move towards a closed position.

[0040] Although the invention has been further illustrated and explained in detail by means of preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived from them by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the invention. It is therefore clear that a multitude of possible variations exist. It is also clear that the embodiments mentioned as examples are truly only examples and are not to be understood in any way as limiting, for example, the scope of protection, the possible applications, or the configuration of the invention.Rather, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable the person skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments in concrete terms, whereby the person skilled in the art, with knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example with regard to the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without leaving the scope of protection defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanations in the description. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 10 2015 223 613 A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Device (14) for controlling a window pane drive (14a) for a window pane (12) of a vehicle (10) that can be moved between a closed position and an open position, comprising - a window pane drive (14a) and a window pane drive control unit (14b) as well as - a vehicle locking control unit (14c) and / or an immobilizer control unit (14d), wherein the window drive control unit (14b) is configured to process at least one signal (16) from the vehicle locking control unit (14c) and / or the immobilizer control unit (14d), and - in the event that at least one processed signal (16) is recognized as indicating the end of a driving operation of the vehicle (10), to make a control signal (18) output to effect a movement of the window pane (12) in the direction of the closing position to the window pane drive (14a), and - in the event that at least one processed signal (16) is recognized as indicating the start of a driving operation of the vehicle (10), a control signal (18) to effect a movement of the window pane (12) in the direction of the opening position to the window pane drive (14a) can be output. [2] Device (14) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the movable window pane (12) of the vehicle (10) is a window pane (12) of a side window of the vehicle (10). [3] Device (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the window pane drive control unit (14b) is designed to, - to store information about the current position of the window pane (12) before moving it towards the closing position or towards the opening position, - when a processed signal (16) is recognized as indicating the end of a driving operation of the vehicle (10), a control signal (18) to effect a movement of the window pane (12) in the direction of the closing position can be output to the window pane drive (14a), - in the event of a subsequent movement of the window pane (12) towards the closing position, a movement into the stored position of the window pane (12) can be effected by means of a further control signal (18), if a further processed signal (16) is recognized as indicating the start of a driving operation of the vehicle (10). [4] Device (14) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one signal (16) - a signal (16) from the vehicle locking control unit (14c) indicating a vehicle locking status, and / or - can be generated by at least one sensor for detecting an approach of an authorized user to the vehicle (10) or a departure of an authorized user from the vehicle (10), and / or - is generated upon detection of proof of use, and / or - can be produced by contact with the vehicle (10) by a person in possession of a right of use. [5] Device (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the window drive control unit (14b) and / or the vehicle locking control unit (14c) and / or the immobilizer control unit (14d) are combined in a common control unit. [6] Device (14) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the window disc drive control unit (14b) is designed to detect an existing operating mode as activated or deactivated and - if the operating mode is recognized as activated, in the event that the processed signal (16) is recognized as indicating the end of a driving operation of the vehicle (10), the window drive control unit (14b) is further configured to output the control signal (18) to effect a movement of the window (12) towards the closed position to the window drive (14a), and in the event that the processed signal (16) is recognized as indicating the beginning of a driving operation of a vehicle (10), the window drive control unit (14b) is configured to output the control signal (18) to effect a movement of the window (12) towards the open position to the window drive (14a), and - if the operating mode is recognized as deactivated, in the event that the processed signal (16) is recognized as indicating the end of a driving operation of the vehicle (10), the window drive control unit (14b) is designed not to output the control signal (18) to effect a movement of the window (12) in the direction of the closing position to the window drive (14a), and in the event that the processed signal (16) is recognized as indicating the beginning of the driving operation of a vehicle (10), the window drive control unit (14b) is designed not to output the control signal (18) to effect a movement of the window (12) in the direction of the opening position to the window drive (14a). [7] Device (14) according to claim 6, characterized by , that the operating mode is activated or deactivated depending on the closing state of a convertible top of the vehicle (10). [8] Vehicle (10) comprising a device (14) according to any of the preceding claims. [9] Method for controlling a window pane drive (14a) of a device (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the following steps: - Processing (120) of at least one signal (16) from a vehicle locking control unit (14c) and / or an immobilizer control unit (14d) of the vehicle (10) by a window drive control unit (14b), - in the event that at least one processed signal (16) is recognized as indicating the end of a driving operation of the vehicle (10), providing (140) a control signal (18) to the window pane drive (14a), with which a movement of the window pane (12) in the direction of the closed position can be effected, and - in the event that at least one processed signal (16) is recognized as indicating the start of a driving operation of the vehicle (10), providing (160) a control signal (18) to the window pane drive (14a) with which a movement of the window pane (12) in the direction of the opening position can be effected. [10] The method of claim 9, comprising - a check (100) by the window glass drive control unit (14b) to see whether an existing operating mode is activated or deactivated, and in the event that the operating mode is detected as activated, - in the event that the processed signal (16) is recognized as indicating the end of a driving operation of the vehicle (10), an output (140a) of the control signal (18) to the window glass drive (14a) to effect a movement of the window glass (12) in the direction of the closing position if the function mode is recognized as activated, and no output of the control signal (18) to the window glass drive (14a) to effect a movement of the window glass (12) in the direction of the closing position if the function mode is recognized as deactivated.

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