Control arrangement for a motor vehicle lock

Abstract

The invention relates to a control arrangement for a motor vehicle lock (2), the motor vehicle lock (2) having a lock catch (5) for retentive engagement with a closing part (6), and having a pawl (9) which is assigned to the lock catch (5) and which in the engaged position blocks an opening of the lock catch (5) and in a disengaged position releases the lock catch (5), wherein the control arrangement (1), during normal operation and when a normal actuation signal is received at a signal input (10) for an actuation element (11), actuates an opening drive (12) in order to transfer the pawl (9) into the disengaged position, and wherein the control arrangement (1), during emergency operation, suppresses an actuation of the opening drive (12) when the normal actuation signal is received. It is proposed that, for emergency operation, an emergency actuation signal is defined which differs from the normal actuation signal, and that the control arrangement (1), during emergency operation, actuates the opening drive (12) when the emergency actuation signal is received at the signal input (10).

Description

[0001] Control arrangement for a motor vehicle lock

[0002] The present invention relates to a control arrangement for a motor vehicle lock according to the preamble of claim 1, a motor vehicle lock according to claim 12 and a method for operating a motor vehicle lock according to the preamble of claim 13.

[0003] The motor vehicle lock in question is applicable to all types of motor vehicle flaps. Such a flap could be, for example, a tailgate, a trunk lid, a rear door, a bonnet, a hood, a side door, or the like. The flap can be pivotable like a pivoting door, a pivoting flap, or a pivoting lid, or it can be longitudinally displaceable like a sliding door.

[0004] The motor vehicle lock has a lock latch and a pawl as locking elements. The lock latch can be moved into a closed position, in which it is in holding engagement with the locking part and in which it is secured by the pawl. The motor vehicle lock is also equipped with an electric opening drive with which the pawl can be lifted, allowing the lock latch to be adjusted to its open position, releasing the locking part. To do this, the operator actuates an actuating element, such as a door handle, which detects an actuation signal at a signal input of the control arrangement. Upon detection of the actuation signal, the control arrangement activates the drive.

[0005] The use of an opening drive makes it possible to eliminate the need for mechanical connections between the vehicle lock and the operating elements. The implementation of locking states such as "unlocked" and "locked" can be handled by the control system, with the opening drive being controlled depending on the current locking state.

[0006] For a prior art motor vehicle lock (DE 103 45 185 A1), it is known to prevent unintentional opening of the vehicle lock in the event of a crash by suppressing any possible actuation by means of the control arrangement. In this case, neither the detection of an internal nor an external actuation leads to an effective release of the vehicle lock. To protect against a crash, the vehicle lock assumes a "theft-proof" locking state.

[0007] It is a challenge that the current state of the art does not fully take into account all security aspects of motor vehicle locks with opening drives.

[0008] The invention is based on the problem of designing and developing a control arrangement for a motor vehicle lock in such a way that a further increase in safety is achieved in emergency situations.

[0009] The above problem is solved by the features of the characterising part of claim 1.

[0010] The fundamental consideration is that the suppression of activation in emergency mode, implemented by the control arrangement, prevents the vehicle lock from being accidentally opened, but also prevents any access to the vehicle, at least for a certain period of time. In the event of a crash, the occupants must therefore first wait for the emergency mode to be canceled before leaving the vehicle. Even if emergency mode is triggered incorrectly, access to the vehicle is temporarily impossible.

[0011] In detail, it is now proposed that an emergency actuation signal be defined for emergency operation which deviates from the normal actuation signal, and that the control arrangement in emergency operation controls the opening drive upon detection of the emergency actuation signal at the signal input.

[0012] By defining the emergency activation signal, a possibility is created for the motor vehicle operator to activate the opening drive even in emergency mode, while simultaneously preventing unintentional activation due to a crash. In the particularly preferred embodiment according to claim 2, continuous activation for a minimum period is provided as the emergency activation signal, allowing the motor vehicle lock to be opened intuitively even in emergency mode.

[0013] If, furthermore, according to claim 3, a subsequent release of the actuating element is provided, for example a release of the door handle after continuous actuation, further protection against unintentional triggering in the event of a crash can be achieved.

[0014] In the further, likewise preferred embodiments according to claims 4 to 6, an emergency actuation signal with an actuation pattern is provided. A particularly expedient and simple implementation involves multiple, in particular triple, actuations within a predetermined maximum time period.

[0015] The embodiments according to claims 7 and 8 relate to the use of an electrical energy storage device to ensure the power supply of the motor vehicle lock, whereby emergency operation can be implemented even in the event of a power supply failure of the motor vehicle.

[0016] By interrupting emergency operation, particularly after the expiration of an emergency operation period, according to claim 10, particularly easy access to the motor vehicle is achieved after a crash. In particular, an operator of the motor vehicle can then again use an actuation intended for normal operation to trigger the opening drive.

[0017] In the embodiment according to claim 11, a maintenance mode is further provided, with which the locking pawl is held, in particular, in the raised position. Accordingly, if, for example, the power supply to the motor vehicle is interrupted during maintenance, the motor vehicle lock can temporarily remain in a released state.

[0018] According to a further teaching according to claim 12, which has independent significance, a motor vehicle lock as such is claimed. The motor vehicle lock is equipped with a lock latch for holding engagement with a locking part, and with a pawl associated with the lock latch, which prevents the lock latch from opening in the retracted position and releases the lock latch in a raised position. An opening drive for transferring the pawl into the raised position and a proposed control arrangement for controlling the opening drive are provided. Reference is made to all explanations regarding the proposed control arrangement.

[0019] According to a further teaching according to claim 13, which also has independent significance, a method for operating a motor vehicle lock is claimed. It is essential that an emergency actuation signal is defined for emergency operation, which differs from the normal actuation signal, and that in emergency operation, the opening drive is controlled by the control arrangement upon detection of the emergency actuation signal at the signal input. Reference is made to all statements regarding the proposed control arrangement and the proposed motor vehicle lock.

[0020] In the following, the invention is explained in more detail with reference to a drawing which merely represents exemplary embodiments. In the drawing,

[0021] Fig. 1 is a schematic, perspective view of a motor vehicle and a proposed motor vehicle lock with a proposed control arrangement in a partially disassembled side view and

[0022] Fig. 2 is a schematic, perspective view of an actuating element and a) a normal actuating signal, b) an embodiment of an emergency actuating signal and c) a further embodiment of an emergency actuating signal.

[0023] The exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figures and thus preferred relates to a control arrangement 1 for a motor vehicle lock 2. In principle, the control arrangement 1, as shown in Fig. 1, can be designed as a control integrated in the motor vehicle lock 2, for example as a lock control. It is also conceivable for the control arrangement 1 to be designed as a door control unit or part of a central motor vehicle control system, wherein the control arrangement 1 can also be provided for operating several motor vehicle locks 2. Here and preferably, the motor vehicle locks 2 of the motor vehicle 3 have respective integrated control arrangements 1, which are designed as proposed.

[0024] The motor vehicle lock 2 is equipped with a lock latch 5, which can be pivoted about a lock latch axis 4, for the holding engagement with a locking part 6. The locking part 6 can be a striker, a locking bolt, or the like. For example, the motor vehicle lock 2 is arranged on a flap 7 of the motor vehicle 3, while the locking part 6 is fixed to the body of the motor vehicle 3. For possible configurations of the flap 7, reference is made to the introductory statements, with Fig. 1 showing, by way of example, the motor vehicle lock 2 assigned to the tailgate.

[0025] Furthermore, a locking pawl 9 is provided which is associated with the lock latch 5 and can be pivoted about a locking pawl axis 8, which prevents the lock latch 5 from opening in the retracted position shown in Fig. 1 and releases the lock latch 5 in a raised position (not shown).

[0026] In normal operation, upon detection of a normal actuation signal at a signal input 10 for an actuation element 11, the control arrangement 1 controls an opening drive 12 to move the locking pawl 9 into the raised position. Here, and preferably, the actuation element 11 comprises a door handle 13. The actuation element 11 is equipped with a sensor, button, or the like that detects an actuation of the door handle 13, such as a manual pulling of the door handle 13 by an operator of the motor vehicle 3, and transmits it to the signal input 10 of the control arrangement 1 via a control connection. The control arrangement 1 monitors the signal input 10 to determine whether an actuation signal corresponding to the normal actuation signal is received. At least one internal actuation element and / or at least one external actuation element can be provided as the actuation element 11.For the actuation signal, various types of control signals are conceivable, each with a specific time dependency. Here, and preferably, it is provided that the signal input 10 of the control arrangement 1 is maintained at a high logic level if the actuation element 11 is not actuated. Upon actuation, the signal input 10 is set to a low logic level, more preferably to ground.

[0027] An example of the normal actuation signal is shown in Fig. 2a). As a normal actuation signal, the signal edge from a high logic level to a low logic level is monitored, so that at time tAi, the normal actuation signal is considered detected. Accordingly, simply pulling the door handle 13 triggers the opening process of the motor vehicle lock 2, so that the user can, for example, manually open the motor vehicle lock 2 and then the lid 7 itself by continuously pulling the door handle 13.

[0028] For electric motorized opening, the pawl 9 can be lifted by means of the electric opening drive 12. For this purpose, a drive motor 14 of the opening drive 12 is preferably connected directly or indirectly to the pawl 9 via a drive cable 15. The motorized lifting of the pawl 9 in Fig. 1 involves pivoting the pawl 9 clockwise about the pawl axis 8. In principle, the pawl 9 can also be part of a pawl system consisting of two or more sequentially arranged pawls assigned to the lock latch 5. At least one release lever can also be provided for lifting the pawl 9.

[0029] Particularly preferably, the motor vehicle lock 2 is free of mechanical connections to the actuating element 11, so that the operation of the motor vehicle lock 2 is implemented primarily electronically and by means of an electric motor. The activation of the opening drive 12 can be made dependent on a locking state by the control arrangement 1 and further depend on whether the actuation occurs on an internal actuating element or an external actuating element. For example, the control arrangement 1 electronically implements the locking states "unlocked," "locked," "child-resistant," and "theft-proof" known to mechanical motor vehicle locksmiths 2, for example by monitoring or not monitoring the respective signal input 10 depending on the locking state. Furthermore, detection of the normal actuation signal can occur, for example, in the "theft-proof" locking state, but this does not lead to activation of the opening drive 12.

[0030] In an emergency mode deviating from normal operation, the control arrangement 1 suppresses activation of the opening drive 12 upon detection of the normal actuation signal. This emergency mode particularly involves a crash of the motor vehicle 3, in which an inertial movement of the actuation element 11 or a faulty signal may occur at the signal input 10 of the control arrangement 1. "Suppression" here means that although a signal corresponding to the normal actuation signal may be present at the signal input 10 and can be detected by the control arrangement 1, the control arrangement 1 does not activate the opening drive 12, in particular even if the closed state would actually allow triggering in normal operation.

[0031] In emergency operation, the signal shown in Fig. 2a, resulting from a simple pull of the door handle 13, does not trigger the opening drive 12, since such a simple pull can also be due to inertial effects in the event of a crash. Unintentional opening of the lid 7 is thus prevented.

[0032] It is now essential that an emergency actuation signal is defined for emergency operation, which deviates from the normal actuation signal, and that the control arrangement 1 controls the opening drive 12 in emergency operation upon detection of the emergency actuation signal at the signal input 10.

[0033] The emergency actuation signal, which differs from the normal actuation signal, places additional demands on the actuation for triggering the electric motorized opening of the vehicle lock 2. The emergency actuation signal is preferably defined in such a way that it cannot be generated, or only with very low probability, by a crash. However, an operator of the vehicle 3, such as a passenger or a rescue worker, can trigger the emergency actuation signal with a manual, targeted actuation. Accordingly, in emergency operation, a possibility remains for triggering the vehicle lock 2 while simultaneously ensuring a high level of security against unintentional opening of the lid 7.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the emergency actuation signal corresponds to a continuous actuation of the actuating element 11 for a predetermined minimum time period Ati. Fig. 2b) shows an example of a signal from a corresponding actuation, wherein the fulfillment of the minimum time period Ati is preferably determined from the signal edge from the high logic level to the low logic level. If a high logic level is detected again before the minimum time period Ati has elapsed, the emergency actuation signal is considered not to have been detected. If continuous actuation with a continuous low logic level occurs for at least the minimum time period Ati, the emergency actuation signal is considered to have been detected and the control can be triggered at time tA2.

[0035] Preferably, the minimum duration is between 2 seconds and 5 seconds, in particular 3 seconds. This ensures a high level of security against unintentional activation in the event of a crash.

[0036] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the emergency actuation signal corresponds to a continuous actuation of the actuating element 11 for the predetermined minimum period of time with a subsequent release of the actuating element 11.

[0037] "Releasing" the actuating element 11 here means the return of the actuating element 11 to a non-actuated state. For example, the door handle 13 is moved from a retracted state to an extended state by pulling, and is returned to the retracted state after being released by the operator, for example, by elastic return.

[0038] In Fig. 2b), the emergency actuation signal is only considered recognized when the actuation occurs continuously for at least the minimum time period Ati and then a signal edge from the low logic level to the high logic level occurs, which corresponds to a release of the actuating element 11. Here, at time tA3, the activation of the opening drive 12 is triggered. By taking the release into account, it can be prevented, for example, that a defective signal line leads to unintentional triggering.

[0039] In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the emergency actuation signal corresponds to an actuation pattern with a multiple, preferably at least three-fold, actuation of the actuating element 11.

[0040] An actuation pattern refers to a temporal sequence of multiple actuations. For example, three consecutive actuations can be provided, each of which involves releasing the actuating element 11 so that the emergency actuation signal is considered recognized.

[0041] Fig. 2c) shows a signal at signal input 10 under such an actuation pattern. The time periods with a low logic level here again correspond to an actuated actuating element 11, with a high logic level being present between the time periods due to the release of the actuating element 11. For example, the control is triggered with the start of the third actuation, here with the third signal edge from the high logic level to the low logic level, at time tA4. In a further embodiment, the control is only triggered with the release after the third actuation, here with the third signal edge from the low logic level to the high logic level, at time tA5.

[0042] Preferably, a maximum time period Δt2 is specified for the actuation pattern, within which the multiple actuations occur. Preferably, the maximum time period is between 5 seconds and 10 seconds, more preferably 5 seconds. In particular, this checks whether the corresponding signal edge is detected within the maximum time period Δt2. If the multiple actuations occur too slowly, the emergency actuation signal is therefore considered not to have been recognized.

[0043] In general, respective actuation times and / or actuation time intervals between actuations can be provided for the actuations in the actuation pattern. The actuation time duration is understood to be the time duration of the actuation from the start to the release, which in Fig. 2c) corresponds to the respective time duration of the time periods with a low logic level. The actuation time interval, in turn, is understood to be the time duration between the release and the renewed start of a subsequent actuation, which in Fig. 2c) corresponds to the respective time duration of the intermediate time periods with a high logic level. The actuation pattern can therefore be freely defined, for example via a specific sequence of actuation times or actuation time intervals in the manner of a code.

[0044] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the control arrangement 1 has an electrical energy storage device 16 with at least one storage element for providing an emergency supply voltage for the opening drive 12 in emergency operation. Electrochemical storage elements, for example, primary cells, secondary cells such as accumulators and capacitors, can generally be used as the storage element. In particular, a storage element designed as a double-layer capacitor 17 is provided, in which energy is stored in an electrochemical double layer, also known as a "Helmholtz layer." The double-layer capacitor 17 can provide a high power density for the motor vehicle locking system.

[0045] The energy storage device 16 is preferably designed to be rechargeable. Here, and preferably, the control arrangement 1 is configured to charge the energy storage device 16 based on a standard supply voltage Uv, wherein the control arrangement 1 and the opening drive 12 are also supplied via the standard supply voltage during normal operation. The standard supply voltage Uv is provided here by the supply network and in particular the central battery of the motor vehicle 3. The central battery is preferably the battery that provides the electrical energy required for starting the motor vehicle 3 and / or for driving the motor vehicle 3.

[0046] In emergency operation, in particular the central battery of the motor vehicle 3 is no longer available to provide a sufficient supply voltage, for example in the event of an insufficient charge state of the central battery or in the aforementioned crash situation, so that the energy storage device 16 is used by means of the control arrangement 1.

[0047] The energy storage device 16 can, as shown in Fig. 1, have exactly one storage element, preferably exactly one double-layer capacitor 17. The energy storage device 16 can be equipped with a boost converter, which is configured to increase an energy storage voltage, here the capacitor voltage of the double-layer capacitor 17, to the emergency supply voltage during emergency operation.

[0048] In a further embodiment, the energy storage device 16 comprises a plurality of storage elements, which are generally electrically connected in parallel and / or in series. Preferably, the plurality of storage elements are at least partially connected in series to provide the energy storage voltage. The energy storage device 16 can also comprise a boost converter, which, for example, boosts the energy storage voltage of two series-connected capacitors to the emergency supply voltage. It is also conceivable to dispense with a boost converter, preferably by connecting several storage elements in series.

[0049] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the control arrangement 1 activates the energy storage device 16, in particular a boost converter of the energy storage device 16, upon the onset of emergency operation and / or upon receipt of the emergency actuation signal.

[0050] The energy storage device 16 can also be activated while the emergency actuation signal is being detected. For example, the energy storage device 16 is activated with the first actuation in Fig. 2c) or only after the emergency actuation signal has been detected.

[0051] Preferably, the control arrangement 1 triggers emergency operation upon receiving a crash signal from a crash sensor and / or upon detecting a fault condition of a standard electrical supply voltage Uv. The crash signal can be transmitted to the control arrangement 1, for example, from an airbag sensor or the like. The fault condition further corresponds to an at least partial failure of the standard supply voltage Uv, for example, a voltage drop in the central battery voltage below a predetermined threshold value, monitored by the control arrangement 1.

[0052] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the control arrangement 1, upon fulfillment of an abort condition, in particular the expiration of a predetermined emergency operating time period, enables the control of the opening drive 12 upon detection of a normal actuation signal.

[0053] The emergency operating time preferably corresponds to the maximum conceivable duration of a crash event plus an additional safety period. In one embodiment, the emergency operating time is at least 10 seconds. After the emergency operating time has expired, it is assumed that inertia-related actuation of the actuating element 11 can no longer occur, so that simplified actuation for normal operation is used. Preferably, the control arrangement 1 enables the activation of the opening drive 12 again independently of a locking state stored in the control arrangement 1. Consequently, the motor vehicle lock 2 can be transferred to the "unlocked" locking state after the crash event and after the emergency operating time has expired, allowing effective actuation from inside and outside. A "child-proof" locking state is also preferably canceled.

[0054] In a further, likewise preferred embodiment, it is provided that the control arrangement 1, upon detection of a maintenance actuation signal at the signal input 10 and / or upon detection of an actuation signal at the signal input 10 which is continuous when the emergency operation is triggered, triggers a maintenance mode in which the control arrangement 1 suppresses the emergency operation and preferably controls the opening drive 12 in such a way that the pawl 9 is moved into the raised position and held there.

[0055] The maintenance actuation signal, in turn, is a predefined signal that differs from the normal actuation signal. The actuation signal, which continues until emergency operation is triggered, is triggered by continuously pulling the door handle 13. At the same time, emergency operation is initiated, for example, by an interruption of the normal supply voltage Uv.

[0056] The motor vehicle lock 2 is transferred to an open mode here. If the normal supply voltage is interrupted during repair or maintenance, this prevents the lock latch 5 from being blocked in its closed position by the pawl 9. This prevents the motor vehicle lock 2 from entering a closed state, thereby preventing the flap 7 from being accidentally locked. Here, and preferably, a pawl sensor 18 connected to the control arrangement 1 is provided, which monitors the assumption of the raised position.

[0057] According to a further teaching of independent significance, a motor vehicle lock 2 is proposed, equipped with a lock latch 5 for the holding engagement with a locking part 6, with a pawl 9 assigned to the lock latch 5, which, in the retracted position, blocks the opening of the lock latch 5 and, in a raised position, releases the lock latch 5, wherein an opening drive 12 is provided for transferring the pawl 9 into the raised position and a proposed control arrangement 1 for controlling the opening drive 12. Reference may be made to all statements regarding the proposed control arrangement 1.

[0058] According to a further teaching, which is also of independent importance, a method for operating a motor vehicle lock 2 is proposed, wherein the motor vehicle lock 2 is equipped with a lock latch 5 for the holding engagement with a locking part 6, and with a pawl 9 assigned to the lock latch 5, which pawl blocks opening of the lock latch 5 in the retracted position and releases the lock latch 5 in a raised position, wherein by means of a control arrangement 1 in normal operation upon detection of a normal actuation signal at a signal input 10 for an actuation element 11, an opening drive 12 is controlled to move the pawl 9 into the raised position, wherein by means of the control arrangement 1 in emergency operation, in particular in the event of a crash, control of the opening drive 12 upon detection of the normal actuation signal is suppressed.

[0059] It is provided that an emergency actuation signal is defined for emergency operation, which differs from the normal actuation signal, and that in emergency operation, the opening drive 12 is controlled by the control arrangement 1 upon detection of the emergency actuation signal at signal input 10. Reference is made to all statements regarding the proposed control arrangement 1 and the proposed motor vehicle lock 2.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A control arrangement for a motor vehicle lock (2), wherein the motor vehicle lock (2) is equipped with a lock latch (5) for the holding engagement with a locking part (6), and with a pawl (9) associated with the lock latch (5), which pawl blocks opening of the lock latch (5) in the retracted position and releases the lock latch (5) in a raised position, wherein the control arrangement (1) in normal operation, upon detection of a normal actuation signal at a signal input (10) for an actuation element (11), controls an opening drive (12) to transfer the pawl (9) into the raised position, wherein the control arrangement (1) in emergency operation, in particular in the event of a crash, suppresses control of the opening drive (12) upon detection of the normal actuation signal, characterized in that an emergency actuation signal is defined for the emergency operation, which deviates from the normal actuation signal,and that the control arrangement (1) controls the opening drive (12) in emergency operation upon detection of the emergency actuation signal at the signal input (10).

2. Control arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the emergency actuation signal corresponds to a continuous actuation of the actuating element (11) for a predetermined minimum period of time, preferably that the minimum period of time is between 2 seconds and 5 seconds.

3. Control arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that the emergency actuation signal corresponds to a continuous actuation of the actuating element (11) for the predetermined minimum period of time with a subsequent release of the actuating element (11).

4. Control arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the emergency actuation signal corresponds to an actuation pattern with a multiple, preferably at least three-fold, actuation of the actuating element (11).

5. Control arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that a maximum time period is predetermined for the actuation pattern within which the multiple actuation takes place, preferably that the maximum time period is between 5 seconds and 10 seconds.

6. Control arrangement according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that respective actuation time durations and / or actuation time intervals between the actuations are provided for the actuations in the actuation pattern.

7. Control arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control arrangement (1) has an electrical energy store (16) with at least one storage element, in particular designed as a double-layer capacitor (17), for providing an emergency supply voltage of the opening drive (12) in emergency operation, preferably that the energy store (16) has exactly one storage element or several storage elements electrically connected in series and / or in parallel.

8. Control arrangement according to claim 7, characterized in that the control arrangement (1) activates the energy storage device (16), in particular a boost converter of the energy storage device (16), upon the onset of emergency operation and / or upon receipt of the emergency actuation signal.

9. Control arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control arrangement (1) triggers the emergency operation upon receiving a crash signal from a crash sensor and / or upon detecting a fault condition of a normal electrical supply voltage.

10. Control arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control arrangement (1) upon fulfillment of an abort condition, in particular the expiration of a predetermined emergency operating time period, enables the control of the opening drive (12) upon detection of a normal actuation signal, preferably that the control arrangement tion (1 ) enables the control of the opening drive (12) again independently of a closing state stored in the control arrangement (1 ).

11. Control arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control arrangement (1) upon detection of a maintenance actuation signal at the signal input (10) and / or upon detection of an actuation signal at the signal input (10) which is continuous when the emergency operation is triggered, triggers a maintenance mode in which the control arrangement (1) suppresses the emergency operation and preferably controls the opening drive (12) in such a way that the pawl (9) is adjusted to the raised position and held there.

12. Motor vehicle lock equipped with a lock latch (5) for the holding engagement with a locking part (6), and with a pawl (9) assigned to the lock latch (5), which in the retracted position blocks opening of the lock latch (5) and in a raised position releases the lock latch (5), wherein an opening drive (12) for transferring the pawl (9) into the raised position and a control arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11 for controlling the opening drive (12) are provided.

13. A method for operating a motor vehicle lock (2), wherein the motor vehicle lock (2) is equipped with a lock latch (5) for the holding engagement with a locking part (6), and with a pawl (9) associated with the lock latch (5), which pawl blocks opening of the lock latch (5) in the retracted position and releases the lock latch (5) in a raised position, wherein, by means of a control arrangement (1), in normal operation upon detection of a normal actuation signal at a signal input (10) for an actuation element (11), an opening drive (12) is controlled to transfer the pawl (9) into the raised position, wherein, by means of the control arrangement (1), in emergency operation, in particular in the event of a crash, control of the opening drive (12) upon detection of the normal actuation signal is suppressed, characterized in that an emergency actuation signal is defined for the emergency operation,which is designed differently from the normal operating signal, and that in emergency operation, the opening drive (12) is controlled by means of the control arrangement (1) upon detection of the emergency actuation signal at the signal input (10).

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