Control arrangement for operating a motor vehicle locking system

Abstract

The invention relates to a control arrangement (1) for operating a motor vehicle locking system (2) comprising an electric drive (3), wherein: during normal operation, the electric drive (3) is fed by a normal supply voltage in order to provide a motorised locking function for an adjustable closure element (5); the control arrangement (1) has an energy storage arrangement (8) having at least one energy store (10) designed as a capacitor (9); the energy storage arrangement (8) provides an energy storage voltage (10) during emergency operation; a main boost stage (11) is connected downstream of the energy store (10); and the energy storage voltage (10) is applied to an input of the main boost stage (11) during emergency operation and the main boost stage (11) boosts the energy storage voltage (10) to the emergency supply voltage. According to the invention, an auxiliary boost stage (12) is also connected downstream of the energy store (10) and can be connected upstream of the main boost stage (11) in such a way that the auxiliary boost stage (12) boosts the energy storage voltage (10) to at least a threshold voltage of the main boost stage (11) provided to start up the main boost stage (11).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a control arrangement for the operation of a motor vehicle locking system according to the preamble of claim 1, a motor vehicle locking system according to claim 8 and a method for the operation of a motor vehicle locking system according to the preamble of claim 10.

[0002] The 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 be designed as either swing or sliding doors. The motorized locking function specifically concerns a vehicle lock associated with the vehicle locking system. Further examples of the relevant locking functions of a motor vehicle are drive systems that provide motorized adjustment of the aforementioned locking elements.

[0003] EP 2 837 757 A2 relates to a device for a door for the electrical supply of an electrical component, wherein in the event of a failure of an electrical voltage the electrical component can be operated electrically by means of an energy storage device.

[0004] The known control arrangement (US 2015 / 0330116 A1), from which the invention is based, relates to the operation of a motor vehicle locking system with a motor vehicle lock comprising a latch and a pawl as locking elements. The latch can be moved into a closed position in which it is engaged with the locking part and secured by the pawl. The motor vehicle lock is further equipped with an electric drive with which the pawl can be lifted, so that the latch, releasing the locking part, can be moved into its open position.

[0005] In order to meet the requirements for the safety of the power supply of such motor vehicle locks, the known control arrangement has a rechargeable energy storage arrangement, which ensures the electrical power supply of the motor vehicle locking system via an emergency supply voltage even in an emergency operation, in particular in the event of a failure of the normal supply voltage.

[0006] The energy storage arrangement of the known control system is formed by capacitors. Since individual capacitors have a limited voltage capability, several capacitors are connected in series for emergency power supply. Furthermore, the known control system includes a boost stage for the energy storage system to generate the required emergency supply voltage from the energy storage voltage.

[0007] However, the problem here is that the series-connected capacitors negatively impact both the space requirements and the manufacturing costs of the control circuit. Furthermore, series-connected capacitors typically require a balancing circuit to ensure even charging of the capacitors, which also leads to a more complex design of the control circuit.

[0008] The invention is based on the problem of designing and further developing the known control arrangement in such a way that further optimization is achieved with regard to the aforementioned challenge.

[0009] The above problem is solved in a control arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1 by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1.

[0010] In this case, a main boost stage is connected downstream of the energy storage device, wherein the energy storage voltage is applied to one input of the main boost stage in emergency operation and the main boost stage boosts the energy storage voltage to the emergency supply voltage.

[0011] The proposed solution represents a departure from the prior art concept of mandatorily equipping the energy storage arrangement with multiple capacitors connected in series. The proposed solution is based on the consideration of optimizing the boosting of the energy storage voltage instead of adapting the energy storage system with respect to the emergency supply voltage.

[0012] By using a suitable main boost stage with a comparatively high boost factor, the voltage drop of a single capacitor can be sufficient to provide the emergency supply voltage. The key consideration is that while the relatively high threshold voltage required to start the main boost stage might not be directly supplied by the energy storage device, a secondary boost stage, specifically designed to provide this threshold voltage, is used instead.

[0013] Specifically, it is proposed that a secondary boosting stage be connected downstream of the energy storage device and upstream of the main boosting stage in such a way that the secondary boosting stage increases the energy storage voltage to at least a threshold voltage of the main boosting stage intended for starting the main boosting stage.

[0014] The intended use of the main boosting stage can increase the efficiency of boosting the energy storage voltage. While this places higher demands on the main boosting stage, the secondary boosting stage can be designed to be particularly simple and cost-effective.

[0015] This is further expressed in the preferred embodiments according to claims 2 and 3, in which the secondary boost stage is designed differently from the main boost stage, particularly with regard to the boost factor and / or the threshold voltage. The coordination of the boost stages thus also allows for a reduction in the manufacturing costs of the control arrangement.

[0016] Particularly interesting is the embodiment according to claim 4, wherein the secondary boost stage is used in a dual function for supplying power to a drive control unit. The secondary boost stage can also take over the power supply to the drive control unit upon receiving an operating signal, thereby activating the drive control unit as required.

[0017] In a further, also preferred embodiment according to claim 5, the operation of the main boosting stage can also be initiated selectively when the operating event occurs by providing the threshold voltage via the secondary boosting stage.

[0018] It is particularly preferred according to claim 6 that the capacitor is designed as a double-layer capacitor in order to achieve a high electrical power density. The design-related limitation of the maximum capacitor voltage that occurs with double-layer capacitors is not a problem with the proposed solution due to the design of the boost stages.

[0019] As already mentioned, the proposed control arrangement allows the use of an energy storage arrangement with only a single capacitor. However, in the equally preferred alternative embodiment according to claim 7, the energy storage arrangement comprises at least two capacitors connected in parallel. Connecting the capacitors in parallel increases the available capacitance, and the capacitor to be used can also be selected with a switching device for redundancy of the energy storage arrangement.

[0020] According to a further teaching as described in claim 8, which has independent significance, a motor vehicle locking system comprising an electric drive with an electric drive motor and a proposed control arrangement is claimed as such. Reference may be made to all descriptions of the proposed control arrangement.

[0021] In the preferred embodiment according to claim 9, a motor vehicle lock is further 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.

[0022] According to a further teaching as claimed in claim 10, which also has independent significance, a method for operating a motor vehicle locking system as such is claimed. In this respect, reference may also be made to all explanations regarding the proposed control arrangement.

[0023] 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 schematic, perspective view of a motor vehicle with a proposed motor vehicle locking system, which includes a motor vehicle lock and the motor vehicle lock with a proposed control arrangement in a partially disassembled side view, and Fig. 2 a schematic view of the proposed control arrangement a) according to a first embodiment and b) according to a second embodiment.

[0024] According to a first teaching, the invention relates to aFig. 1 The illustrated control arrangement 1 is for the operation of a motor vehicle locking system 2. The motor vehicle locking system 2 has an electric drive 3 with an electric drive motor 4, wherein in normal operation the electric drive 3 is supplied by a normal supply voltage to provide a motorized locking function for an adjustable locking element 5 of the motor vehicle 6.

[0025] The term "drive motor" encompasses all types of electric actuators, particularly rotary and linear actuators. Preferably, the drive motor 4 is a rotary electric motor, which is further preferably designed as a brushed DC motor or a brushless DC motor. The normal supply voltage used during normal operation is a supply voltage from the vehicle's electrical system 7 6, which is preferably provided by the vehicle's central battery 6. The central battery is preferably the battery that provides the electrical energy required for starting the vehicle 6 and / or for driving the vehicle 6.

[0026] A motorized locking function means that the adjustable locking element 5 of the motor vehicle 6 is adjusted, opened, or closed, and / or locked or unlocked, directly or indirectly, by a movement generated by the electric drive 3. Regarding the design of the locking element 5, reference may be made to the introductory descriptions, whereby in the present case... Fig. 1 The operating principle of the motor vehicle locking system 2 is illustrated for a locking element 5 designed as a tailgate. However, all descriptions also apply to all other types of locking elements 5 of the motor vehicle 6.

[0027] Figuren 2a Figures ) and b) show further representations of the control arrangement 1, whereby, for the sake of simplicity, only components for the provision of an emergency supply voltage, as explained below, are shown. The control arrangement 1 preferably includes control electronics for implementing the control tasks arising in connection with the motorized closing functions. In particular, the control arrangement 1 is configured here for controlling the electric drive 3.

[0028] As from Fig. 2 As can be seen, the control arrangement 1 has an energy storage arrangement 8 with at least one energy storage device 10 configured as a capacitor 9, wherein the energy storage arrangement 8 provides an electrical energy storage voltage in emergency operation, particularly in the event of a failure of the normal supply voltage, to provide an emergency electrical supply voltage for the electric drive 3. The emergency supply voltage is provided here, and preferably, by means of the capacitor voltage 9 of the at least one capacitor 9, as will be explained below.

[0029] The electric drive 3 is typically matched to the normal supply voltage, and in particular to the voltage of the central battery of the vehicle 6, with respect to the required drive voltage. The energy storage voltage is lower than the normal supply voltage. A main boost stage 11 is connected downstream of the energy storage device 10. In emergency operation, the energy storage voltage 10 is present at one input of the main boost stage 11. The main boost stage 11 is configured to boost the energy storage voltage 10 to the emergency supply voltage. Preferably, the input of the main boost stage 11 is directly connected or connectable to the energy storage device 10, without any further electrical components being arranged between the energy storage device 10 and the main boost stage 11 that would significantly alter the electrical voltage at the input of the main boost stage 11.

[0030] It is essential that a secondary boosting stage 12 is connected downstream of the energy storage 10 and can be connected upstream of the main boosting stage 11 in such a way that the secondary boosting stage 12 increases the energy storage voltage 10 to at least a threshold voltage of the main boosting stage 11 intended for starting the main boosting stage 11.

[0031] The auxiliary boosting stage 12, which can be connected upstream of the main boosting stage 11, can therefore be used additionally and specifically during the start-up of the main boosting stage 11 to ensure its operation. However, the actual boosting of the energy storage voltage to the emergency supply voltage is carried out here, preferably exclusively, via the main boosting stage 11.

[0032] Fig. 2a Figure 1 schematically shows the embodiment of the control arrangement 1 according to the invention, wherein the main boosting stage 11 is connected downstream of the energy storage device 10 via a main line 13. The secondary boosting stage 12 can be connected upstream of the main boosting stage 11 by means of a secondary line 14 provided in parallel to the main line 13 to provide the threshold voltage.

[0033] The start-up threshold voltage is understood to be a minimum electrical voltage required for the normal operation of the main boost-up stage 11. This start-up threshold voltage is specifically intended for the operation of a switching element (not shown), such as a MOSFET, within the main boost-up stage 11. After the main boost-up stage 11 has started up, the secondary boost-up stage 12 is often no longer required for its operation. Here, and preferably, a power supply circuit 15 is provided for the main boost-up stage 11, enabling its own power supply after start-up.

[0034] The secondary boost stage 12 and the main boost stage 11 can each be constructed in various, known ways. Preferably, the secondary boost stage 12 and the main boost stage 11 are designed as boost converters.

[0035] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the secondary boosting stage 12 is designed differently from the main boosting stage 11, particularly with regard to the boost factor. In particular, the secondary boosting stage 12 can be of a particularly simple and cost-effective design, since the secondary boosting stage 12 only needs to provide a lower boost factor with the threshold voltage of the main boosting stage 11.

[0036] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the secondary boost stage 12 has a lower threshold voltage intended for starting up than the main boost stage 11, and that the threshold voltage of the secondary boost stage 12 is less than or equal to a predetermined energy storage voltage 10.

[0037] The specified energy storage voltage 10 refers in particular to a minimum voltage of the energy storage device 10, which is required for the operation of the control arrangement 1. Specifically, the specified energy storage voltage 10 corresponds to a state of charge of the energy storage device 10 at which at least one execution of the motorized closing function is still possible. The auxiliary boost stage 12 can thus be adapted to the respective requirements of the energy storage device 10.

[0038] As in Fig. 2b ) shown, it is here and preferably provided that the control arrangement 1 controls the drive 3 by means of a drive control unit 16 and that the auxiliary boost stage 12 provides an electrical supply voltage to the drive control unit 16 in emergency operation, preferably upon receipt of an operating signal representative of an operating event.

[0039] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the control arrangement 1, preferably the drive control unit 16, monitors the occurrence of the operating event and, when the operating event occurs, connects the secondary boosting stage 12 upstream of the main boosting stage 11 to provide the threshold voltage of the main boosting stage 11.

[0040] The drive control unit 16 includes, in particular, control logic that triggers the activation of the drive 3 when an operating event occurs, such as when predefined operating criteria are met. The drive control unit 16 is preferably designed as a microcontroller. For example, upon receiving an operating signal, the drive control unit 16 checks whether the current closed state permits the activation of the motorized closing function. Here, a door handle 17 is equipped with a sensor or the like, which detects actuation of the door handle 17 and transmits this detection as an actuation signal to the control arrangement 1 via a control connection. However, the motorized closing function is only triggered, for example, if the vehicle locking system 2 is in the "unlocked" closed state.

[0041] By supplying the drive control unit 16 via the auxiliary boost stage 12, the energy consumption in emergency operation can be reduced, since the main boost stage 11 is not necessarily used to supply the drive control unit 16.

[0042] The secondary boost stage 12 is activated here by receiving the operating signal. A self-holding circuit 18 is preferably provided for the secondary boost stage 12, which can further preferably be deactivated by the drive control 3, for example if the check for the presence of the operating event is negative.

[0043] Furthermore, and preferably, the capacitor 9 is designed as a double-layer capacitor. A double-layer capacitor is an electrochemical energy storage device 10. The energy is stored in 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 similar. A double-layer capacitor can provide a high power density for the vehicle locking system 2.

[0044] The maximum voltage provided by capacitor 9 for the capacitor voltage is, in particular, a maximum of 3 V, and more specifically, a maximum of 2.7 V. The emergency supply voltage can, in particular, be one order of magnitude higher than the maximum voltage for the capacitor voltage. In particular, the emergency supply voltage is at least 10 V. The boost factor of the main boost stage 11 is preferably at least 2, and more preferably at least 5.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment, the energy storage arrangement 8 comprises a single capacitor 9, in particular a single double-layer capacitor. As already mentioned, the proposed solution ensures the provision of the emergency supply voltage via the main boost stage 11, even at the correspondingly low capacitor voltage.

[0046] Alternatively, it is provided that the energy storage arrangement 8 has at least two capacitors 9 connected in parallel to each other, preferably that a switching device is provided by which it is possible to switch between two capacitors 9 of the energy storage arrangement 8 to generate the emergency supply voltage.

[0047] Consequently, compared to a single capacitor 9, an increased capacitance can be provided. In a further, particularly simple embodiment, the capacitors 9 are permanently connected in parallel to each other, so that the full capacitance is always available in emergency operation.

[0048] A switching device (not shown) may also be provided, which switches between two capacitors 9 of the energy storage arrangement 8. In particular, the switching device can switch the capacitors 9 based on their state of charge and, for example, select the capacitor 9 with the higher state of charge. It is also conceivable that a second capacitor 9 is selected when the state of charge of a first capacitor 9 falls below a minimum value.

[0049] According to a further embodiment, not shown, the control arrangement 1 is configured for charging the energy storage device 10. Here, the energy storage arrangement 8 preferably has at least one step-down converter connected upstream of the energy storage device 10 for charging it via the normal supply voltage. The step-down converter reduces an electrical input voltage at an input of the step-down converter to an electrical output voltage at an output of the step-down converter. It is conceivable that the energy storage arrangement 8 has a first step-down converter connected upstream of the energy storage device 10 for charging it and a second step-down converter connected downstream of the first step-down converter. The step-down converters can, for example, be identical or different.

[0050] Furthermore, according to a separate teaching, which has independent significance, a motor vehicle locking system 2 is claimed which comprises an electric drive 3 with an electric drive motor 4 and a control arrangement 1 according to one of the preceding claims. Reference may be made to all the above statements in this respect.

[0051] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that a motor vehicle lock 19 is provided for the locking element 5 of the motor vehicle 6. The motor vehicle lock 19 is in Fig. 1 The lock is shown in a partially disassembled side view and is equipped with a latch 20 pivotable about a latch axis 20 for holding engagement with a locking element 21 and a locking pawl 22 associated with the latch 20 and pivotable about a pawl axis 22. The locking element 21 can be a locking bolt, a locking pin, or the like. For example, the vehicle lock 19 is arranged on a locking element 5, while the locking element 21 is fixed to the vehicle body 6.

[0052] The locking pawl 22 can be moved into a Fig. 1 The pawl 22 can be brought into the depicted, inverted position, in which it holds the latch 20 in the depicted closed position. Furthermore, the pawl 22 can be lifted by means of the electric drive 3. For this purpose, the drive motor 4 is preferably connected to the pawl 22 by a drive cable 23. The motorized lifting of the pawl 22 is described in Fig. 1 The locking pawl 22 pivots clockwise around its axis. The locking pawl 22 can also be part of a locking pawl system 22, consisting of two or more sequentially arranged locking pawls 22 and associated with the latch 20. The motorized release of the locking pawl 22 is triggered, for example, by actuating the door handle 17.

[0053] In addition to or instead of the locking function of the vehicle lock 19 described in more detail here, the vehicle locking system 2 can also have a drive arrangement 3 for the motorized adjustment of a aforementioned locking element 5 of the vehicle 6, wherein the drive arrangement 3 serves to motorize the adjustment, in particular the opening and / or closing, of the locking element 5. Further examples of locking functions are the motorized adjustment of operating elements such as operating levers, door handles 17, as well as interior and exterior elements of the vehicle 6 such as ventilation elements, interior mirrors, side mirrors, lighting, or the like.

[0054] Furthermore, according to another teaching, which has independent significance, a method for operating a motor vehicle locking system 2 is claimed, wherein the motor vehicle locking system 2 has an electric drive 3 with an electric drive motor 4, wherein in normal operation the electric drive 3 is supplied by a normal supply voltage in order to provide a motorized closing function for an adjustable locking element 5 of the motor vehicle 6 in response to an operating event, wherein a control arrangement 1 has an energy storage arrangement 8 with at least one energy storage device 10 designed as a capacitor 9, wherein in an emergency operation, in particular in the event of a failure of the normal supply voltage, an electrical energy storage voltage 10 is provided by means of the energy storage arrangement 8 to provide an electrical emergency supply voltage of the electric drive 3,wherein a main boosting stage 11 is connected downstream of the energy storage device 10, wherein the energy storage voltage 10 is applied to an input of the main boosting stage 11 in emergency operation and the energy storage voltage 10 is boosted to the emergency supply voltage by means of the main boosting stage 11.

[0055] It is essential that a secondary boosting stage 12 is connected downstream of the energy storage device 10 and upstream of the main boosting stage 11 in such a way that the secondary boosting stage 12 increases the energy storage voltage 10 to at least a threshold voltage intended for starting the main boosting stage 11. Reference is also made to all explanations of the further teachings regarding the proposed procedure.

Claims

1. A control arrangement for operating a motor vehicle locking system (2), wherein the motor vehicle locking system (2) has an electric drive (3) having an electric drive motor (4), wherein during normal operation the electric drive (3) is fed by a normal supply voltage in order to provide a motorized locking function for an adjustable closing element (5) of the motor vehicle (6) in response to an operator control event, wherein the control arrangement (1) has an energy storage arrangement (8) having at least one energy store (10) in the form of a capacitor (9), wherein in an emergency operating mode, in particular in the event of failure of the normal supply voltage, the energy storage arrangement (8) makes available an electrical energy storage voltage (10) in order to provide an electrical emergency supply voltage to the electric drive (3), wherein a main boost stage (11) is connected downstream of the energy store (10), wherein the energy storage voltage (10) is applied to an input of the main boost stage (11) in the emergency operating mode and the main boost stage (11) boosts the energy storage voltage (10) to the emergency supply voltage, wherein an auxiliary boost stage (12) is also connected downstream of the energy store (10) and is able to be connected upstream of the main boost stage (11) in such a way that the auxiliary boost stage (12) boosts the energy storage voltage (10) to at least a threshold voltage of the main boost stage (11), which threshold voltage is intended to start up the main boost stage (11), characterized in that the main boost stage (11) is connected downstream of the energy store (10) by a main line (13), and in that in order to provide the threshold voltage, the auxiliary boost stage (12) is able to be connected upstream of the main boost stage (11) by means of an auxiliary line (14) provided in parallel with the main line (13).

2. The control arrangement as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the auxiliary boost stage (12) is configured differently to the main boost stage (11), in particular with regard to the boost factor.

3. The control arrangement as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the auxiliary boost stage (12) has a lower threshold voltage, intended for start-up, than the main boost stage (11), and in that the threshold voltage of the auxiliary boost stage (12) is less than or equal to a predefined energy storage voltage (10).

4. The control arrangement as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control arrangement (1) actuates the drive (3) by means of a drive control unit (16) and in that the auxiliary boost stage (12) in the emergency operating mode, preferably upon receiving an operator control signal representative of an operator control event, provides an electrical supply voltage to the drive control unit (16).

5. The control arrangement as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control arrangement (1), preferably the drive control unit (16), monitors the presence of the operator control event and if the operator control event is present connects the auxiliary boost stage (12) upstream of the main boost stage (11) in order to provide the threshold voltage of the main boost stage (11).

6. The control arrangement as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the capacitor (9) is in the form of a double-layer capacitor.

7. The control arrangement as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy storage arrangement (8) has a single capacitor (9) or at least two capacitors (9) connected in parallel with each other, preferably in that provision is made for a switching apparatus which can be used to switch between two capacitors (9) of the energy storage arrangement (8) for generating the emergency supply voltage.

8. A motor vehicle locking system which has an electric drive (3), having an electric drive motor (4), and a control arrangement (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims.

9. The motor vehicle locking system as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that provision is made for a motor vehicle lock (19) for the closing element (5) of the motor vehicle (6), in that the motor vehicle lock (19) is equipped with a lock latch (20) for holding engagement with a locking part (21), and a pawl (22) assigned to the lock latch (20), and in that the electric drive (3) is intended for the motorized lifting of the pawl (22).

10. A method for operating a motor vehicle locking system (2), wherein the motor vehicle locking system (2) has an electric drive (3) having an electric drive motor (4), wherein during normal operation the electric drive (3) is fed by a normal supply voltage in order to provide a motorized locking function for an adjustable closing element (5) of the motor vehicle (6) in response to an operator control event, wherein a control arrangement (1) has an energy storage arrangement (8) having at least one energy store (10) in the form of a capacitor (9), wherein in an emergency operating mode, in particular in the event of failure of the normal supply voltage, an electrical energy storage voltage (10) is made available by the energy storage arrangement (8) in order to provide an electrical emergency supply voltage to the electric drive (3), wherein a main boost stage (11) is connected downstream of the energy store (10), wherein the energy storage voltage (10) is applied to an input of the main boost stage (11) in the emergency operating mode and the energy storage voltage (10) is boosted by the main boost stage (11) to the emergency supply voltage, wherein an auxiliary boost stage (12) is also connected downstream of the energy store (10) and is able to be connected upstream of the main boost stage (11) in such a way that the energy storage voltage (10) is boosted by the auxiliary boost stage (12) to at least a threshold voltage of the main boost stage (11), which threshold voltage is intended to start up the main boost stage (11), characterized in that the main boost stage (11) is connected downstream of the energy store (10) by a main line (13), and in that in order to provide the threshold voltage, the auxiliary boost stage (12) is able to be connected upstream of the main boost stage (11) by means of an auxiliary line (14) provided in parallel with the main line (13).

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