Control arrangement for a locking element arrangement of a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a control arrangement for a locking element arrangement (2) of a motor vehicle (3), wherein the locking element arrangement (2) has a first locking element (4) and a first drive (5) for adjusting the first locking element (4) as well as a second locking element (6) and a second drive (7) for adjusting the second locking element (6), wherein the first locking element (4) and the second locking element (6) are arranged relative to each other in such a way that adjustment via an adjustment section is only possible in a specific sequence for the first locking element (4) and the second locking element (6), wherein the control arrangement (1) is set up to actuate the first drive (5) and the second drive (7) in a first adjustment routine.It is proposed that the control arrangement (1) in the first adjustment routine only activates the second drive (7) to adjust the second locking element (6) when the control arrangement (1) detects the elapse of a predetermined first time period of activation of the first drive (5).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a control arrangement for a locking element arrangement of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1, a locking element arrangement for a motor vehicle according to claim 15 and a method for operating a locking element arrangement of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 16.

[0002] The locking element arrangement in question is associated with a motor vehicle. The term "locking element" includes, for example, a tailgate, a trunk lid, a hood, a side door (in particular a swing or sliding door), a cargo area hatch, a window pane, a sunroof, or the like of the motor vehicle.

[0003] The locking element arrangement comprises several locking elements, such as an upper and a lower tailgate, or two tailgates that can each pivot about a vertical axis and open to different sides of the vehicle (as might be the case with a pickup truck). The locking element arrangement can also include a rear side door and a front side door as locking elements.

[0004] Such locking element arrangements are known from the prior art (EP 1 710 107 A2), wherein, via an adjustment section, the locking elements can only be adjusted in a specific sequence for a first locking element and a second locking element. The adjustment sequence is determined by a certain projection of the locking elements and / or the components moved with the locking elements. For example, to open the rear trunk, the upper tailgate must first be at least partially opened before the lower tailgate can be opened. Closing the rear trunk requires, for example, that the lower tailgate be completely closed before the upper tailgate can be closed.The required sequence can also be reversed, whereby when opening the lower tailgate is adjusted first, then the upper tailgate, and when closing the tailgate the upper tailgate is adjusted first, then the lower tailgate.

[0005] A challenge lies in equipping suitable locking element assemblies with drives for motorized adjustment of the locking elements, in order to provide automatic opening and / or closing of the locking element assemblies for increased convenience. The sequence of adjustments must be reliably taken into account when controlling the drives. While the use of individual position sensors for the locking elements is conceivable, this necessitates direct coordination of the locking element control via the exchange of position information.

[0006] The invention is based on the problem of designing and further developing a generic control arrangement in such a way that the respective drives can be controlled in a simple manner.

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

[0008] The fundamental principle is to use time information in the initial adjustment routine when activating the drives, which can be sufficient to maintain the correct sequence when adjusting the locking elements. Among other things, this simplifies or even eliminates the need for evaluating and exchanging position information between the drive control units during activation. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for more complex sensors to detect the respective position of the locking elements.

[0009] Specifically, it is proposed that the control arrangement in the first adjustment routine only activates the second drive to adjust the second locking element when the control arrangement detects the elapse of a predetermined first time period of activation of the first drive.

[0010] The specified first time period is particularly preferably representative of the completion of the adjustment of the first locking element according to claim 2, thereby ensuring compliance with the required sequence with a high degree of certainty.

[0011] In addition to the first adjustment routine, a second adjustment routine can be provided according to claims 4 to 6, the adjustment direction of which of the locking elements is, in particular, opposite to the adjustment direction provided for in the first adjustment routine. The first adjustment routine preferably opens the locking element assembly, while the second adjustment routine serves to close the locking element assembly. When closing the locking element assembly, a sensor, which is already provided for in a motor vehicle lock, can be used to detect the completion of the adjustment of the second locking element.

[0012] In a time-based actuation system, prior adjustment of the locking elements before the triggering of the first or second adjustment routine, for example due to disturbances such as a gust of wind or manual adjustment, can lead to an undefined starting position for the actuation. Therefore, in the preferred embodiment according to claim 8, monitoring is provided for when the motor-achieved position is left. If a position change is detected, a subsequent triggering of the motor adjustment can be initially suppressed by entering an error state.

[0013] In the embodiment according to claim 12, it is also possible to monitor, based on a deviation from a control input, whether an unexpected situation occurs during the motorized adjustment, for example, a jamming incident, a collision, or manual intervention in the motorized adjustment. By assuming the fault state, motorized adjustment from an undefined position can, in turn, be prevented.

[0014] As mentioned, the use of a position sensor can be dispensed with for coordinating the control of the drives in the first adjustment routine. If sensor values ​​from a displacement sensor, such as a Hall sensor, are used to control each individual drive, this sensor can be designed particularly simply according to claim 14, since absolute position information for each locking element does not need to be available at all times.

[0015] According to a further teaching as described in claim 15, which has independent significance, a locking element arrangement for a motor vehicle comprising a proposed control arrangement is claimed. Reference may be made to all descriptions of the proposed control arrangement.

[0016] According to a further teaching as described in claim 16, which also has independent significance, a method for operating a locking element assembly of a motor vehicle is claimed. It is essential that the control arrangement in the first adjustment routine only activates the second drive to adjust the second locking element when the control arrangement detects that a predetermined initial duration of activation of the first drive has elapsed. Reference may be made to all descriptions of the proposed control arrangement and the proposed locking element assembly.

[0017] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing that merely illustrates exemplary embodiments. The drawing shows Fig. 1. A perspective view of a motor vehicle with the proposed locking element arrangement, Fig. 2 a) to c) the arrangement of the locking elements in schematic side views in the first adjustment routine, Fig. 3 a) to c) the arrangement of the locking elements in schematic side views in the second adjustment routine and Fig. 4 a) to d) the arrangement of the locking elements in schematic side views in the second adjustment routine starting from a partially closed position of the first locking element.

[0018] The embodiment shown in the figures, which is the preferred embodiment in this respect, relates to a control arrangement 1 for a locking element arrangement 2 of a motor vehicle 3. The locking element arrangement 2 has a first locking element 4 and a first drive 5 for adjusting the first locking element 4, as well as a second locking element 6 and a second drive 7 for adjusting the second locking element 6. The first locking element 4 and the second locking element 6 can be adjustably arranged on the motor vehicle body and can be opened and closed, for example, by pivoting and / or sliding them. For the design of the first locking element 4 and the second locking element 6, reference is made to the introductory descriptions.In the drawing, according to a preferred embodiment, tailgates are provided, with the first locking element 4 here being designed as the upper tailgate and the second locking element 6 as the lower tailgate. Further variants are conceivable as described in the introduction, in particular with tailgates arranged side by side or front and rear side doors.

[0019] The term "control arrangement" encompasses control engineering components used to control the first drive 5 and the second drive 7. The control arrangement 1 can be implemented using centralized or decentralized components. Here, and preferably, a first control unit 8 for controlling the first drive 5 and a second control unit 9 for controlling the second drive 7 are provided, both belonging to the control arrangement 1. The first control unit 8 and the second control unit 9 can each include motor drivers, controllers, sensors such as current and / or voltage sensors, and the like, and in particular, can independently control the first drive 5 and the second drive 7, respectively. The first control unit 8 and the second control unit 9 are preferably connected to a communication network such as a CAN bus or LIN bus of the vehicle 3.It is also conceivable to design the control arrangement 1 with a control unit superior to the first control unit 8 and second control unit 9 or a central control unit for both drives 5, 7.

[0020] The first drive 5 and the second drive 7 each have electric actuators designed for the motorized adjustment of the first locking element 4 and the second locking element 6, respectively. The first drive 5 is mechanically coupled to the first locking element 4, and the second drive 7 is mechanically coupled to the second locking element 6, such that actuation results in adjustment, specifically pivoting and / or shifting, of the respective locking element 4 or 6. In the following, we will refer to a first drive 5 and a second drive 7; however, the locking elements 4 and 6 can be operated as described in the following. Fig. Figure 1 shows several drives, for example on both sides of the respective locking element 4, 6, being assigned, whereby the present explanations also apply accordingly to several drives per locking element 4, 6.

[0021] It is assumed that the first locking element 4 and the second locking element 6 are arranged relative to each other in such a way that adjustment via an adjustment section is only possible in a specific sequence for the first locking element 4 and the second locking element 6. Within the adjustment section, the adjustment of the first locking element 4 and the second locking element 6 is therefore interdependent. Maintaining this sequence is mechanically determined, in particular by a spatial interaction between the first locking element 4 and the second locking element 6 and / or by mechanically coupled components.

[0022] In the drawing and according to one embodiment, the first locking element 4 and the second locking element 6 partially interlock in a closed state of the locking element arrangement 2 ( Fig. 2a) and Fig. 3c)), which results in the necessary sequence. The adjustment section is one of the possible states of the locking element arrangement 2. Here, and preferably, it is such that at the beginning of an adjustment, in particular an opening of the locking element arrangement 2 ( Fig. 2) the sequence must be followed, such that first the first locking element 4 is partially adjusted to allow adjustment of the second locking element 6. To complete the closing of the locking element assembly 2 ( Fig. 3) Here, and preferably furthermore, the following sequence must be observed, such that the second locking element 6 is closed first to allow the first locking element 4 to close completely. In other states of the locking element arrangement 2, however, the locking elements 4 and 6 can be adjusted independently of each other.

[0023] The control arrangement 1 is configured to control the first drive 5 and the second drive 7 in a first adjustment routine. The first adjustment routine serves, and preferably serves, to open the locking element arrangement 2. The control arrangement 1 controls the first drive 5 and the second drive 7 in a coordinated manner within the first adjustment routine, which is implemented in the control arrangement 1 in software and / or hardware and is explained below.

[0024] The intention is that in the first adjustment routine, the control arrangement 1 will only activate the second drive 7 to adjust the second locking element 6 when the control arrangement 1 detects that a predetermined first time period of activation of the first drive 5 has elapsed.

[0025] The activation of the first drive 5 and the second drive 7 is therefore time-based and preferably occurs independently of the detection of a specific position of the first locking element 4 and / or second locking element 6. Accordingly, the activation can be implemented in a particularly simple manner by first activating the first drive 5 and thereby recording a time signal. If the time signal indicates that the predetermined first time period has elapsed, the activation of the second drive 7 is initiated. Preferably, the triggering of the activation of the second drive 7 depends solely on the elapsed time period.

[0026] Particularly preferably, the specified first time period is representative of the completion of the adjustment of the first locking element 4. The first time period is dimensioned such that, under normal operating conditions, the first locking element 4 reliably reaches an end position intended for the first adjustment routine via the actuation of the first drive 5, and the actuation of the second drive 7 only begins simultaneously with or immediately after reaching the end position. The first time period is, for example, at least 2 seconds, and more preferably at least 3 seconds.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the control arrangement 1 prevents simultaneous activation of the first drive 5 and the second drive 7. It can be provided that the activation of the first drive 5 is aborted before or after the first time period has elapsed.

[0028] Fig. Figure 2 shows an example of the movement sequence in the first adjustment routine. Fig. 2a) The first locking element 4 and the second locking element 6 are in a starting position of the first adjustment routine. Upon triggering the adjustment routine, the first locking element 4 is initially moved to an end position of the first locking element 4 by means of the first drive 5 ( Fig. 2b)). The reaching of the end position of the first locking element 4 is preferably not detected by a sensor to trigger the actuation of the second drive 7, but is used, if at all, to terminate the actuation of the first drive 5. Instead, the system waits for the first time period to elapse, which is predetermined such that the first locking element 4 reliably reaches its end position, thus completing the actuation of the first drive 5. Upon elapse of the first time period, the actuation of the second drive 7 is triggered to move the second locking element 6 into its end position ( Fig. 2c)).

[0029] The elapse of the first time period can be a sufficient condition for actuating the second drive 7. It is also conceivable that the elapse of the first time period, in addition to other conditions, is a necessary condition. In one embodiment, it is provided that the control arrangement 1, in the first adjustment routine, only actuates the second drive 7 to adjust the second locking element 6 when the control arrangement 1 detects that the predetermined first time period for actuating the first drive 5 has elapsed and that the actuating of the first drive 5 has ended. The end of the actuating of the first drive 5 can, for example, also be monitored by sensors, such as a displacement sensor, drive current sensor, and / or drive voltage sensor. An additional condition can be that a fault condition, explained below, does not exist.

[0030] The first time period can be related to various events. Preferably, the control arrangement 1 determines the elapsed time of the predetermined first time period from the start of the actuation of the first drive 5. The start of the actuation corresponds to the time of the first electronic power supply to the first drive 5 for adjusting the first locking element 4. It is also conceivable that the first time period is directed to other characteristic times of actuation of the first drive 5. Examples of this are reaching a predetermined drive current and / or a predetermined drive voltage, reaching a predetermined adjustment speed of the first locking element 4, or the like.

[0031] Upon reaching such a point in time, a timer circuit is initiated to detect the elapse of the first time period. This timer circuit can be implemented in various ways using the control arrangement 1. For example, the first control unit 8 and the second control unit 9 both receive a trigger signal directed to the first adjustment routine. The first control unit 8 can begin controlling the first drive 5 upon receiving the trigger signal, while the second control unit 9 first starts the timer circuit and waits for the elapse of the first time period before initiating the control. Alternatively, the first control unit 8 could have a timer circuit that is started upon receiving the trigger signal and transmits another trigger signal to the second control unit 9 upon the elapse of the first time period.Furthermore, it is conceivable that a higher-level control unit has the timer circuit and triggers the activation of the first control unit 8 and the second control unit 9.

[0032] Furthermore, and preferably, the control arrangement 1 is configured here for controlling the first drive 5 and the second drive 7 in a second adjustment routine. The second adjustment routine preferably has an adjustment direction for the first locking element 4 and the second locking element 6 that is opposite to the adjustment direction provided in the first adjustment routine. The required sequence of adjustments via the adjustment section may, compared to the first adjustment routine, impose different requirements on the control of the first drive 5 and the second drive 7.

[0033] In one embodiment, the control arrangement 1 in the second adjustment routine only activates the first drive 5 to adjust the first locking element 4 after a predetermined second duration for activating the second drive 7 has elapsed. The second duration can be equal to or different from the first duration. Preferably, the second duration is representative of the completion of the adjustment of the second locking element 6 and / or the control arrangement 1 determines the elapsed time of the predetermined second duration from the start of activation of the second drive 7. The activation in the second adjustment routine can therefore be time-based, analogous to the first adjustment routine, with a reversed sequence for activating the first drive 5 and the second drive 7.

[0034] In a further embodiment, the completion of the adjustment of the second locking element 6 is sensor-detected in the second adjustment routine. In contrast to the first adjustment routine, a sensor-based position detection is used here to trigger the second actuation process. The first control unit 8 can accordingly receive position information of the second locking element 6.

[0035] As already mentioned, the first adjustment routine can cause the first locking element 4 and the second locking element 6 to be adjusted from a closed position to an open position ( Fig. 2) It is further preferably provided that the second adjustment routine causes the first locking element 4 and the second locking element 6 to be adjusted from the open position to the closed position ( Fig. 3).

[0036] The term "closed" refers in particular to the position that corresponds to a completely closed state of the locking element assembly 2. A body opening of the motor vehicle 3 can thus be completely closed by the locking element assembly 2 ( Fig. 2a), Fig. 3c)). The “open” position refers in particular to the position that corresponds to a fully open state of the locking element arrangement 2. The locking elements are then, for example, pivoted up to a maximum pivot angle in one opening direction ( Fig. 2c), 3a)). Alternatively, the open position can be defined as the position which corresponds to adjusting the locking element 4, 6 to a safety distance in front of an obstacle if the obstacle is located in or on the adjustment range of the locking element arrangement 2.

[0037] It is particularly preferred that the control arrangement 1 detects the completion of the adjustment of the second locking element 6 by means of a lock sensor of a motor vehicle lock 10 of the locking element arrangement 2. The motor vehicle lock 10 secures at least the second locking element 6 in the closed position. The lock sensor detects, for example, directly or indirectly, in a manner known per se, the complete securing of a locking component, such as a locking bolt, captured by the motor vehicle lock 10. Advantageously, this allows the lock sensor, which is already provided in many cases, to be used for control in the second adjustment routine, so that no additional sensors are necessary to detect the positions of the locking elements.

[0038] Fig. Figure 3 shows an example of the movement sequence in the second adjustment routine. Fig. 3a) The first locking element 4 and the second locking element 6 are in a starting position (open position) of the second adjustment routine. Upon triggering the adjustment routine, the second locking element 6 is moved to an end position of the second locking element 6 by means of the second drive 7 ( Fig. 3b)). The reaching of the end position of the second locking element 6 (closed position) can be detected by means of the lock sensor. Upon sensor detection and / or the elapse of the second time period, the activation of the first drive 5 is triggered in order to move the first locking element 4 to its end position (closed position). Fig. 3c)).

[0039] The first drive 5 and the second drive 7 are controlled in the first adjustment routine based on a control command. The control command for the first drive 5 is implemented here, preferably by means of the first control unit 8, and the control command for the second drive 7 by means of the second control unit 9. The control command can, for example, regulate the position, speed, drive current, and / or drive voltage. The regulation can be time-dependent and / or position-dependent, similar to a control curve.

[0040] The control parameter can be used to define the duration(s). Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the specified first duration and / or the second duration is defined depending on an adjustable control parameter for controlling the first drive 5 and / or the second drive 7.

[0041] The control parameters can be set for different vehicle types and / or via operator input, thus allowing, among other things, the speeds in the first and / or second adjustment routines to be varied. The first and / or second duration can therefore be a function of the control parameter setting.

[0042] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the control arrangement 1 monitors whether the first locking element 4 and / or the second locking element 6 leaves the position reached by the actuation after the first drive 5 and / or second drive 7 has been actuated, and that the control arrangement 1 enters an error state when it detects a departure from the position.

[0043] Consequently, after an adjustment routine has been executed, it is monitored whether the first locking element 4 and / or the second locking element 6 remain in their end position. For this purpose, the position can be detected by sensors and / or by the presence of a generator voltage at the first drive 5 and / or the second drive 7. A deviation from the position can be assessed based on a specific minimum deviation, so that, for example, minor disturbances do not lead to a fault condition. However, if the position is left, for example due to a gust of wind or manual adjustment, an undefined starting position may be assumed, thus triggering a fault condition.

[0044] In a fault state, the control arrangement 1 preferably suppresses the triggering of the first adjustment routine and / or the second adjustment routine until the fault state is cleared. This suppression generally prevents adjustment even if a trigger event for actuation occurs. Preferably, the control arrangement 1 also refrains from actuation even if a trigger event occurs.

[0045] However, the corrective actions in the event of a fault can also depend on which of the locking elements 4, 6 leaves its position. For example, if the second locking element 6 is in a closed position, the first and / or second adjustment routine can still be triggered even if the first locking element 4 leaves its position, since the adjustment sequence can still be maintained. Conversely, if the first locking element 6 is in an open position, the second adjustment routine can still be triggered even if the second locking element 4 leaves its position.

[0046] In a further embodiment, the control arrangement 1, upon triggering the second adjustment routine, checks whether the first locking element 4 is in a safe position in the direction of the closed position. The safe position can correspond to a position that has a sufficient distance from possible positions of the first locking element 4 that could lead to a collision between the first locking element 4 and the second locking element 6. Fig. 4a) The first locking element 4 is shown with the solid line in a position behind the safety position. Performing the second adjustment routine could then lead to a collision as shown in the dotted diagram. The first locking element 4 shown with the dashed line, on the other hand, is in front of the safety position.

[0047] If the first locking element 4 is in the forward position, the locking elements 4 and 6 can be closed as described above. The control arrangement 1 only triggers the second adjustment routine if the first locking element 4 is in the forward position. The specified closing sequence is maintained even if the locking element 4 is partially closed.

[0048] Furthermore, when the first locking element 4 is behind the safety position, the control arrangement 1 can actuate the drive to move the first locking element 4 in the direction of the open position and at least to the safety position ( Fig. 4b)). The control arrangement 1 can actuate the drive to move the first locking element 4 towards the open position to the safety position. The control arrangement 1 can further actuate the drive to move the first locking element 4 into the open position.

[0049] Accordingly, the second adjustment routine for closing the locking elements 4 and 6 is not triggered immediately. Instead, the first locking element is adjusted first until the specified sequence is maintained. Then, it may be provided that the control arrangement 1 automatically triggers the second adjustment routine after reaching the safety position or the open position, which further Fig. 4c) and Fig. 4d).

[0050] If the safety position is not reached during the initial actuation, the second adjustment routine can be aborted and an error signal issued. Alternatively, the control arrangement 1 can actuate the drive to adjust the first locking element 4 towards the open position and at least to the safety position, and then wait for the operator to trigger the second adjustment routine again.

[0051] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the control arrangement 1 monitors for deviations from a control setting when controlling the first drive 5 and / or second drive 7, and that the control arrangement 1 modifies the control when it detects a deviation from the control setting and enters an error state in which the control arrangement 1 suppresses triggering the adjustment until the error state is lifted.

[0052] Monitoring deviations from a control setting can preferably be aimed at detecting unexpected influences on the adjustment, such as a jamming event, manual intervention in the adjustment routine, and / or a collision of the first locking element 4 and / or the second locking element 6. The deviation is detected, for example, by means of a control deviation, a blocking current in the drive current, reaching a current limit for the drive current, and / or a speed change threshold.

[0053] By modifying the control method, the adjustment can be slowed down, reversed, and / or stopped in the event of a deviation. This can also result in an undefined position, thus leading to the aforementioned error state.

[0054] Furthermore, and preferably, it is provided that the control arrangement 1 eliminates the fault condition by sensorially detecting a respective predefined position of the first locking element 4 and / or second locking element 6, so that triggering of the first adjustment routine and / or second adjustment routine is subsequently possible.

[0055] The sensor-detected, predefined position is preferably the closed position, particularly for the second locking element 6. In this respect, the aforementioned lock sensor can again be used to clear the fault condition. It is also conceivable that both locking elements 4 and 6 must be closed to clear the fault condition.

[0056] In the event of a fault, the control arrangement 1 can initiate the output of operator information, for example acoustically and / or visually, and in particular by means of the first drive 5 and / or second drive 7, to alert the operator of the motor vehicle 3 to the fault condition. The operator can then manually move the locking element arrangement 2 to the closed position in order to subsequently resume motorized adjustment.

[0057] Furthermore, and preferably, it is provided here that the control arrangement 1 actuates the first drive 5 and / or second drive 7 based on sensor values ​​from a non-directional displacement sensor. The non-directional displacement sensor is, for example, a simple Hall sensor, which detects displacement information and thus allows the determination of an adjustment speed, but does not resolve the direction of adjustment. With the proposed solution, and in particular with the provision for the fault condition, a precise determination of the absolute position is not necessary at all times, even considering the possibility of manual adjustment of the locking elements 4, 6. Therefore, such a cost-effective displacement sensor can be sufficient for the locking element arrangement 2.

[0058] According to a further teaching, a locking element arrangement 2 for a motor vehicle 3 is proposed, comprising a first locking element 4 and a first drive 5 for adjusting the first locking element 4, as well as a second locking element 6 and a second drive 7 for adjusting the second locking element 6, wherein the first locking element 4 and the second locking element 6 are adjustable only dependently on each other over part of an adjustment range of the locking element arrangement 2, further comprising a proposed control arrangement 1.

[0059] According to a further teaching, a method for operating a locking element arrangement 2 of a motor vehicle 3 is proposed, wherein the locking element arrangement 2 has a first locking element 4 and a first drive 5 for adjusting the first locking element 4 as well as a second locking element 6 and a second drive 7 for adjusting the second locking element 6, wherein the first locking element 4 and the second locking element 6 are arranged to each other in such a way that adjustment via an adjustment section is only possible in a specific sequence for the first locking element 4 and the second locking element 6, wherein a control arrangement 1 controls the first drive 5 and the second drive 7 in a first adjustment routine.

[0060] Essentially, according to this further teaching, the control arrangement 1 in the first adjustment routine only activates the second drive 7 to adjust the second locking element 6 when the control arrangement 1 detects the elapse of a predetermined first time period of activation of the first drive 5.

[0061] Preferably, the first adjustment routine and / or the second adjustment routine is triggered by an operator action. The operator action can be performed using a control element, such as a button, on the locking element assembly 2 and / or in the vehicle interior, using a mobile device 11, such as a remote control or a smartphone, and the trigger signal of the control arrangement 1 is generated.

[0062] In the presentation in the Fig. 2 and Fig.3 and in a preferred embodiment, the locking element arrangement 2 has at least one operating element, here and preferably an internal operating element 12 and an external operating element 13, which can be arranged on the first locking element 4. In particular, both the internal operating element 12 and the external operating element 13 can serve to trigger the first adjustment routine and / or the second adjustment routine.

[0063] In an independent teaching, a further method for operating a locking element arrangement 2 of a motor vehicle 3 is disclosed, wherein the locking element arrangement 2 has a first locking element 4 and a first drive 5 for adjusting the first locking element 4 as well as a second locking element 6 and a second drive 7 for adjusting the second locking element 6, wherein the first locking element 4 and the second locking element 6 are arranged to each other in such a way that, via an adjustment section, adjustment is only possible in a specific sequence for the first locking element 4 and the second locking element 6, wherein a control arrangement 1 controls the first drive 5 and the second drive 7 in a first adjustment routine.

[0064] It is essential that the first drive 5 is triggered via a first control element, that a second control element in a concealed state is assigned to the second drive 7, and that when the first locking element 4 is adjusted by the first drive 5, the second control element is released from its concealed state, which triggers the control of the second drive 7.

[0065] Before release, the second control element can be concealed in such a way that operation by the operator is prevented. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the second control element can be concealed by the first locking element 4, which is in the starting position for actuation. Adjusting the first locking element 4 releases the second control element.

[0066] The control arrangement 1 can be configured to control the first drive 5 and the second drive 7 in a second adjustment routine. It is provided that the second control element triggers the control of the second drive 7, that the first control element is deactivated, and that when the second locking element 6 is adjusted by the second drive 7, the first control element is activated, which then triggers the control of the first drive 5. The deactivation of the first control element can be carried out electronically by means of the control arrangement 1. Preferably, the first control element is only activated when the second locking element 6 reaches its end position and / or after a predetermined time period has elapsed. Regarding the teaching of the further method, reference is made to all the above descriptions, insofar as they are applicable to the further method. 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] EP 1 710 107 A2

[0004]

Claims

[1] Control arrangement for a locking element arrangement (2) of a motor vehicle (3), wherein the locking element arrangement (2) comprises a first locking element (4) and a first drive (5) for adjusting the first locking element (4) and a second locking element (6) and a second drive (7) for adjusting the second locking element (6), wherein the first locking element (4) and the second locking element (6) are arranged relative to each other in such a way that adjustment via an adjustment section is only possible in a specific sequence for the first locking element (4) and the second locking element (6), wherein the control arrangement (1) is set up to control the first drive (5) and the second drive (7) in a first adjustment routine, characterized by , that the control arrangement (1) in the first adjustment routine only activates the second drive (7) to adjust the second locking element (6) when the control arrangement (1) detects the elapse of a predetermined first time period of activation of the first drive (5). [2] Tax arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by , that the specified first time duration is representative of the completion of the adjustment of the first locking element (4). [3] Tax arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by , that the control arrangement (1) determines the elapse of the specified first time period from the start of the actuation of the first drive (5). [4] Tax arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by, that the control arrangement (1) for controlling the first drive (5) and the second drive (7) is set up in a second adjustment routine, and that the control arrangement (1) in the second adjustment routine only controls the first drive (5) to adjust the first locking element (4) when a predetermined second time period for controlling the second drive (7) has elapsed and / or the completion of the adjustment of the second locking element (6) has been detected by a sensor. [5] Tax arrangement according to claim 4, characterized by , that the first adjustment routine causes the first locking element (4) and the second locking element (6) to be adjusted from a closed position to an open position, and that the second adjustment routine causes the first locking element (4) and the second locking element (6) to be adjusted from the open position to the closed position. [6] Tax arrangement according to claim 5, characterized by , that the control arrangement (1) detects the completion of the adjustment of the second locking element (6) sensorially by means of a lock sensor of a motor vehicle lock (10) of the locking element arrangement (2). [7] Tax arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by , that the specified first time duration is defined depending on an adjustable control setting for controlling the first drive (5) and / or the second drive (7). [8] Tax arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by , that the control arrangement (1) monitors whether the first locking element (4) and / or the second locking element (6) leaves the position reached by the actuation after the first drive (5) and / or second drive (7), and that the control arrangement (1) enters an error state when it detects a departure from the position. [9] Tax arrangement according to claim 5, characterized by, that the control arrangement (1) checks, upon triggering the second adjustment routine, whether the first locking element (4) is in the direction of the closed position before a safety position, and that the control arrangement (1) only triggers the second adjustment routine if the first locking element (4) is in the safety position. [10] Tax arrangement according to claim 9, characterized by , that the control arrangement (1) when the first locking element (4) is behind the safety position, controls the drive to adjust the first locking element (4) in the direction of the open position and at least to the safety position. [11] Tax arrangement according to claim 10, characterized by , that the control arrangement (1) triggers the second adjustment routine after reaching the safe position or the open position. [12] Tax arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by, that the control arrangement (1) monitors for deviations from a control setting when controlling the first drive (5) and / or second drive (7), and that the control arrangement (1) modifies the control when it detects a deviation from the control setting and enters an error state in which the control arrangement (1) suppresses triggering of the adjustment until the error state is cleared. [13] Tax arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by , that the control arrangement (1) clears the fault condition by sensorially detecting a respective predefined position of the first locking element (4) and / or second locking element (6), so that triggering of the first adjustment routine and / or second adjustment routine is subsequently possible. [14] Tax arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by, that the control arrangement (1) controls the first drive (5) and / or second drive (7) based on sensor values ​​from a non-direction-sensitive displacement sensor. [15] Locking element arrangement for a motor vehicle (3), comprising a first locking element (4) and a first drive (5) for adjusting the first locking element (4) and a second locking element (6) and a second drive (7) for adjusting the second locking element (6), wherein the first locking element (4) and the second locking element (6) are adjustable only dependently on each other over part of an adjustment range of the locking element arrangement (2), further comprising a control arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims. [16] Method for operating a locking element assembly (2) of a motor vehicle (3), wherein the locking element assembly (2) comprises a first locking element (4) and a first drive (5) for adjusting the first locking element (4) and a second locking element (6) and a second drive (7) for adjusting the second locking element (6), wherein the first locking element (4) and the second locking element (6) are arranged relative to each other in such a way that adjustment via an adjustment section is only possible in a specific sequence for the first locking element (4) and the second locking element (6), wherein a control arrangement (1) controls the first drive (5) and the second drive (7) in a first adjustment routine, characterized by . that the control arrangement (1) in the first adjustment routine only activates the second drive (7) to adjust the second locking element (6) when the control arrangement (1) detects the elapse of a predetermined first time period of activation of the first drive (5).

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