Control arrangement for operating a motor vehicle locking system

Abstract

The invention relates to a control arrangement for operating a motor vehicle locking system (2), wherein the control arrangement (1) is configured so as, in response to detecting an operating event, to actuate an electric drive (3) of the motor vehicle locking system (2) in order to provide a motorized locking function for an adjustable closure element (4) of the motor vehicle (5), wherein the control arrangement (1) has a supply path (9), wherein, during normal operation, the drive (3) is operable on the basis of a normal supply voltage from an electrical system (10) of the motor vehicle (5), wherein the control arrangement (1) has an emergency supply (11) which has an energy store (12) and provides an emergency supply voltage for the drive (3) during emergency operation. It is proposed that the energy store (12) is interconnected with the supply path (9) by way of a decoupling circuit (13), which has a first semiconductor element (14) that can be used to block the flow of current from the supply path (9) to the energy store (12), and a second, switchable semiconductor element (15) that can be used to block the flow of current from the energy store (12) to the supply path (9).

Description

[0001] Control arrangement for the operation of a motor vehicle locking system

[0002] 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 10 and a method for operating a motor vehicle locking system according to the preamble of claim 12.

[0003] The motor vehicle locking system in question is used for all types of motorized locking functions for locking elements of a motor vehicle. These include, in particular, locking elements such as side doors, rear doors, tailgates, trunk lids, hoods, or the like. These locking elements can generally be designed as pivoting or sliding doors. The motorized locking function particularly relates to a motor vehicle lock associated with the motor vehicle locking system. Further examples of the relevant locking functions of a motor vehicle are drive arrangements that provide motorized adjustment of the aforementioned locking elements.

[0004] The known prior art (DE 10 2020 102 775 A1), from which the invention is based, relates to the operation of a motor vehicle locking system with a motor vehicle lock having 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 fixed by the pawl. The motor vehicle lock is further equipped with an electric drive with which the pawl can be lifted out, so that the lock latch can be adjusted to its open position, releasing the locking part.

[0005] To meet the requirements for the reliable power supply of such motor vehicle locks, the known control arrangement has an emergency power supply with an energy storage device, which ensures the electrical power supply to the motor vehicle locking system via an emergency supply voltage even in emergency operation, particularly in the event of a failure of the on-board power supply. Ensuring a sufficient charge level of the energy storage device under various operating conditions is a challenge. Premature discharge of the energy storage device must be avoided, particularly in the event of a prolonged failure of the on-board power supply or in the event of a fault in electronic components, which can occur, for example, in a crash.

[0006] The invention is based on the problem of designing and developing the known control arrangement in such a way that further optimization is achieved with regard to the aforementioned challenge.

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

[0008] A key consideration is to design the energy storage device to be as completely decoupled as possible from other components, including a supply path. This involves using two blocking semiconductor elements between the energy storage device and the supply path, whose blocking directions are opposite to each other. Current flow is therefore only possible when at least one of the semiconductor elements is switched on, and thus specifically when the energy storage device is in use.

[0009] In detail, it is proposed that the energy storage device is connected to the supply path via a decoupling circuit which has a first semiconductor element, via which the current flow from the supply path to the energy storage device can be blocked, and a second, switchable semiconductor element, via which the current flow from the energy storage device to the supply path can be blocked.

[0010] The second semiconductor element is preferably configured as a switchable MOSFET according to claim 2, with the body diode being aligned accordingly for decoupling. The switching of the second semiconductor element here effects the emergency voltage supply (claim 3). Preferably, the first semiconductor element is also switchable (claim 5). When used, in particular, for pulsed charging of the energy storage device, the first switchable semiconductor element can have a dual function in addition to decoupling according to claim 6.

[0011] The design using two switchable semiconductor elements also enables the implementation of a connection sequence according to claim 7, wherein the emergency supply voltage can initially be provided via the body diode of the first semiconductor element. A plausibility check of the emergency operation before the first semiconductor element is switched on according to claim 8 is particularly advantageous, allowing a fault condition to be detected before the decoupling is completely removed, which could otherwise lead to a discharge of the energy storage device.

[0012] When using a boost converter in the emergency supply according to claim 9, the first semiconductor element can in turn also be used for a dual function by the boost converter to boost a capacitor voltage.

[0013] According to a further teaching according to claim 10, which has independent significance, a motor vehicle locking system comprising an electric drive with an electric drive motor and a proposed control unit is claimed. Reference is made to all statements regarding the proposed control arrangement.

[0014] In the preferred embodiment according to claim 11, a motor vehicle lock is further provided for the locking element of the motor vehicle, wherein the electric drive serves as an opening drive for lifting the pawl of the motor vehicle lock. The proposed solution can take into account the special security requirements of motor vehicle locksmiths.

[0015] According to a further teaching according to claim 12, which also has independent significance, a method for operating a motor vehicle locking system is claimed. It is essential that the energy storage device is connected to the supply path via a decoupling circuit, which has a first semiconductor element, via which the current flow from the supply path to the energy storage device can be blocked, and a second, switchable semiconductor element, via which the current flow from the energy storage device to the supply path can be blocked. Reference is made to all statements regarding the proposed control arrangement and the proposed motor vehicle locking system.

[0016] In the following, the invention is explained in more detail with reference to a drawing which merely represents exemplary embodiments. In the drawing,

[0017] Fig. 1 shows a motor vehicle door with a proposed motor vehicle locking system comprising a motor vehicle lock in a respective perspective view and

[0018] Fig. 2 shows the proposed control arrangement with a) to c) different designs of the decoupling circuit in schematic representations.

[0019] The invention relates to a control arrangement 1 for the operation of a motor vehicle locking system 2, wherein the control arrangement 1 is designed to control an electric drive 3 of the motor vehicle locking system 2 upon detection of an operating event in order to provide a motorized locking function for an adjustable locking element 4 of the motor vehicle 5.

[0020] In this case, the drive 3 can comprise all types of electric actuators, in particular rotary and linear actuators. A drive motor 6 of the drive 3 is preferably a rotary electric motor, which is further preferably designed as a brushed DC motor or a brushless DC motor.

[0021] A motorized locking function is understood to mean that the adjustable locking element 4 of the motor vehicle 5 is fixed and / or released, 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 4, reference is made to the introductory explanations, whereby Fig. 1 illustrates the functionality of the motor vehicle locking system 2 for a locking element 4 designed as a side door. However, all explanations also apply to all other types of locking elements of the motor vehicle 5.

[0022] The control arrangement 1 preferably comprises a control unit 7, which is designed in particular as a microcontroller and / or integrated circuit, for implementing the control tasks for the drive 3 arising in connection with the motorized closing functions. The control arrangement 1 further monitors the presence of the operating event, which can be provided, for example, by an operator action such as the actuation of a door handle 8 or the like. The presence of the operating event can be transmitted to the control arrangement 1, for example, by an operating signal from a sensor, a button, or the like arranged on the door handle 8.

[0023] The control arrangement 1 has a supply path 9 for the drive 3. In normal operation, the drive 3 can be operated based on a standard supply voltage from an on-board electrical system 10 of the motor vehicle 5. The standard supply voltage used in normal operation is preferably provided by the central battery of the motor vehicle 5. The central battery is preferably the battery that provides the electrical energy required for starting the motor vehicle 5 and / or for driving the motor vehicle 5. Normal operation is accordingly provided when the standard supply voltage is available for operating the drive 3.

[0024] As can be seen generally from Fig. 2, the control arrangement 1 has an emergency power supply 11 with an energy storage device 12. The emergency power supply 11 provides an emergency supply voltage for the drive 3 in emergency mode. Emergency mode is intended for situations in which the normal supply voltage is insufficient to operate the drive 3 or at least there is a risk of failure of the normal supply voltage. Examples of this include a failure of the on-board electrical system 10, for example due to extensive discharging of the central battery or a failure of electrical lines in the on-board electrical system 10, and a crash of the motor vehicle 5.

[0025] The emergency supply voltage is provided by an electrical voltage of the energy storage device 12, whereby the energy storage device 12 is connected to the supply path 9, for example, to the control unit 7. In principle, charging and discharging of the energy storage device 12 can thus occur via the supply path 9.

[0026] It is now essential that the energy storage device 12 is connected to the supply path 9 via a decoupling circuit 13, which has a first semiconductor element 14, via which the current flow from the supply path 9 to the energy storage device 12 can be blocked, and a second, switchable semiconductor element 15, via which the current flow from the energy storage device 12 to the supply path 9 can be blocked.

[0027] Semiconductor components that have a forward direction and a reverse direction are used here as semiconductor elements 14, 15. However, at least in the case of the second semiconductor element 15, the reverse effect can be canceled by the switchable properties. The reverse directions of the first semiconductor element 14 and the second semiconductor element 15 are directed opposite each other, so that the energy storage device 12 is decoupled from the supply path 9 here and preferably completely in both current directions when the semiconductor elements 14, 15 are switched to the reverse direction.

[0028] The order of the first semiconductor element 14 and the second semiconductor element 15 can be provided in any order. In Fig. 2, for example, the first semiconductor element 14 is provided first, followed by the second semiconductor element 15, as viewed from the energy storage device 12 in the direction of the supply path 9.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 2, the second semiconductor element 15 can be configured as a MOSFET, wherein the reverse bias of the MOSFET's body diode opposes a current flow from the energy storage device 12 to the supply path 9. The described decoupling can therefore be implemented via the appropriate orientation of the body diode. In this case, it is preferably provided that the emergency supply 11 is configured to switch on the second semiconductor element 15 to provide the emergency supply voltage.

[0030] Preferably, the semiconductor elements 14, 15 are configured to have blocking properties during normal operation, so that the energy storage device 12 is decoupled. For example, the onset of emergency operation is detected by the control arrangement 1, for example by receiving a crash signal from a central vehicle control system and / or by the control arrangement 1 detecting a voltage drop in the supply path 9. Subsequently, the second semiconductor element 15 can be switched on to provide the emergency supply voltage by bringing the MOSFET into a low-resistance state.

[0031] The second semiconductor element 15 can be switched on as soon as emergency operation begins, so that the control unit 7 remains supplied with voltage. In the preferred embodiment shown, however, the second semiconductor element 15 is switched on upon detection of an operating event, in this case by receiving the operating signal from the door handle 8.

[0032] In the particularly simple embodiment shown in Fig. 2a), the first semiconductor element 14 is designed as a diode. A diode is understood here to be a semiconductor element with permanently blocking properties in the reverse direction. Accordingly, a current flow from the supply path 9 toward the energy storage device 12 is always prevented.

[0033] In an alternative, likewise preferred embodiment, the first semiconductor element 14 is configured as a first switching semiconductor element 14. Preferably, the first switching semiconductor element 14 is configured as a MOSFET, as further illustrated in Figs. 2b) and c). The reverse bias of the body diode of the MOSFET opposes a current flow from the supply path 9 to the energy storage device 12. The semiconductor elements 14, 15 can each be configured as P- or N-MOSFETs in any combination.

[0034] Accordingly, the first switching semiconductor element 14 can, if necessary, allow a current flow from the supply path 9 to the energy storage device 12. This functionality is preferably used for charging the energy storage device 12. As shown in Fig. 2b), the emergency supply 11 can be configured to switch on the first switching semiconductor element 14 to charge the energy storage device 12. Here, and preferably, the emergency supply 11 has a charging controller 16, which controls the first switching semiconductor element 14 for charging. Preferably, the second semiconductor element 15 is also switched on for charging.

[0035] Preferably, the emergency power supply 11 pulses the first switching semiconductor element 14 for charging. In particular, this enables the charging of the energy storage device 12 with an effective charging voltage that is lower than the normal supply voltage. Preferably, the second semiconductor element 15 is also pulsed for charging.

[0036] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the emergency supply 11 is configured to first switch on the second semiconductor element 15 to provide the emergency supply voltage and to keep the first semiconductor element 14 off in a connection sequence for emergency operation. Preferably, the emergency supply voltage is thus initially provided via the body diode of the first semiconductor element 14, which supplies, for example, the control unit 7, but the decoupling of the energy storage device 12 to avert a fault is not yet completely removed.

[0037] Only then is the first semiconductor element 14 switched through. In this case, it is preferably provided that the control arrangement 1 carries out a plausibility check of the emergency operation before switching through the first semiconductor element 14 and only switches through the first semiconductor element 14 upon successful plausibility check. The plausibility check is used, for example, to check by the control unit 7 whether the conditions for emergency operation actually exist. It can also be checked, for example, whether the current flowing between the energy store 12 and the supply path 9 is above a predetermined threshold, which may indicate a defect in the circuitry or in other components connected to the supply path 9, for example a door control unit 17. The plausibility check is considered successful if there is no false triggering of the emergency operation or an error condition detected by the control unit 7.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 2c), it is further provided here and preferably that the emergency power supply 11 has at least one capacitor as an energy storage device 12. The use of several capacitors in the emergency power supply 11, which can be connected in series and / or parallel, is conceivable. However, the emergency power supply 11 preferably has only a single capacitor, in particular a single double-layer capacitor. Such a double-layer capacitor is also referred to as a "supercapacitor," "supercap," "ultracap," or the like. A double-layer capacitor can provide a high power density for the motor vehicle locking system 2.

[0039] The emergency supply 11 here has a boost converter 18 connected downstream of the capacitor, which is designed to boost the voltage of the capacitor. The boost converter 18 is preferably designed to boost the capacitor voltage to an emergency supply voltage that corresponds to the normal supply voltage or is slightly below the normal supply voltage. The boost converter 18 can therefore reliably operate the drive 3 in emergency mode even on the basis of the comparatively low capacitor voltage. Preferably, the input of the boost converter 18 is directly connected or connectable to the capacitor without further electrical components being arranged between the capacitor and the boost converter 18, which would significantly change the electrical voltage at the input of the boost converter 18. It is particularly preferred here for the boost converter 18 to have the first semiconductor element 14.The first semiconductor element 14 can therefore be used to boost the capacitor voltage. In particular, the boost converter 18 is an integrated component that includes the first semiconductor element 14.

[0040] According to a further teaching, a motor vehicle locking system 2 is proposed, comprising an electric drive 3 with an electric drive motor 6 and a proposed control unit 7. Reference may be made to all statements relating to the proposed control arrangement 1.

[0041] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the motor vehicle locking system 2 has a motor vehicle lock 19 with a lock latch 20 and at least one pawl 21 and that the drive 3 is designed to adjust the at least one pawl 21 into an opening state in which the at least one pawl 21 releases the lock latch 20 when controlled by the control unit 7.

[0042] The motor vehicle lock 19 is shown in Fig. 1 in a partially disassembled perspective view and is equipped with a pivoting lock latch 20 for the holding engagement with a locking part 22 shown in dashed lines and at least one pawl 21 associated with the lock latch 20. The locking part 22 can be a striker, a locking bolt, or the like. For example, the motor vehicle lock 19 is arranged on the locking element 4, while the locking part 22 is arranged fixedly to the body of the motor vehicle 5.

[0043] The at least one pawl 21 forms a pawl system and can be brought into a locked state (not shown), in which the pawl system holds the lock latch 20 in a closed position. Furthermore, the pawl system can be motor-driven into an open state by means of the electric drive 3, whereby the pawl system releases the lock latch 20. For this purpose, the drive motor 6 is connected to the pawl system via a drive train 23 of the drive 3. In addition to or instead of the locking function of the motor vehicle lock 19 explained in more detail here, the motor vehicle locking system 2 can also have a drive arrangement for motor-driven adjustment of an aforementioned locking element 4 of the motor vehicle 5, wherein the drive arrangement serves for motor-driven adjustment, in particular for opening and / or closing, of the locking element 4.Further examples of locking functions are a motorized adjustment of operating elements as well as interior elements and exterior elements of the motor vehicle 5 such as fan elements, interior mirrors, side mirrors 24, lighting or the like.

[0044] According to a further teaching, a method for operating a motor vehicle locking system 2 is proposed, wherein an electric drive 3 of the motor vehicle locking system 2 is controlled by means of a control arrangement 1 upon detection of an operating event in order to provide a motorized closing function for an adjustable closure element 4 of the motor vehicle 5, wherein the control arrangement 1 has a supply path 9 via which the drive 3 is operated in normal operation on the basis of a normal supply voltage from an on-board electrical system 10 of the motor vehicle 5, wherein the control arrangement 1 has an emergency supply 11 with an energy store 12, which provides an emergency supply voltage for the drive 3 in emergency operation.

[0045] It is provided that the energy storage device 12 is connected to the supply path 9 via a decoupling circuit 13, which has a first semiconductor element 14, via which the current flow from the supply path 9 to the energy storage device 12 can be blocked, and a second, switchable semiconductor element 15, via which the current flow from the energy storage device 12 to the supply path 9 can be blocked. Reference is made to all statements regarding the proposed control arrangement 1 and the proposed motor vehicle locking system 2.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Control arrangement for the operation of a motor vehicle locking system (2), wherein the control arrangement (1) is designed to control an electric drive (3) of the motor vehicle locking system (2) upon detection of an operating event in order to provide a motorized closing function for an adjustable closure element (4) of the motor vehicle (5), wherein the control arrangement (1) has a supply path (9), wherein the drive (3) can be operated in normal operation on the basis of a normal supply voltage from an on-board network (10) of the motor vehicle (5), wherein the control arrangement (1) has an emergency supply (11) with an energy store (12), which provides an emergency supply voltage for the drive (3) in emergency operation, characterized in that the energy store (12) is connected to the supply path (9) via a decoupling circuit (13), which has a first semiconductor element (14), via which the current flow from the supply path (9) to the energy storage device (12) can be blocked, and a second, switchable semiconductor element (15), via which the current flow from the energy store (12) to the supply path (9) can be blocked.

2. Control arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the second semiconductor element (15) is designed as a MOSFET, wherein the reverse direction of the body diode of the MOSFET opposes a current flow from the energy store (12) to the supply path (9).

3. Control arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the emergency supply (11) is designed to switch through the second semiconductor element (15) to provide the emergency supply voltage.

4. Control arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first semiconductor element (14) is designed as a diode.

5. Control arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first semiconductor element (14) is designed as a first switching semiconductor element, preferably that the first switching semiconductor element (14) is designed as a MOSFET, wherein the reverse direction of the body diode of the MOSFET opposes a current flow from the supply path (9) to the energy storage device (12).

6. Control arrangement according to claim 5, characterized in that the emergency supply (11) is designed to switch through the first, switching semiconductor element (14), and in particular the second semiconductor element (15), for charging the energy store (12), preferably that the emergency supply (11) switches through the first, switching semiconductor element (14) in a pulsed manner for charging.

7. Control arrangement according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the emergency supply (11) is set up to first switch through the second semiconductor element (15) in a switching-on sequence for emergency operation in order to provide the emergency supply voltage and to keep the first semiconductor element (14) blocking, wherein the emergency supply voltage is preferably provided via the body diode of the first semiconductor element (14), and only then to switch through the first semiconductor element (14).

8. Control arrangement according to claim 7, characterized in that the control arrangement (1) carries out a plausibility check of the emergency operation before switching through the first semiconductor element (14) and only switches through the first semiconductor element (14) after the plausibility check has been successfully carried out.

9. Control arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the emergency supply (11) has as energy storage (12) at least one capacitor and a boost converter (18) connected downstream of the capacitor, which is designed to increase a voltage of the capacitor to provide the emergency supply voltage, preferably that the boost converter (18) has the first semiconductor element (14).

10. Motor vehicle locking system comprising an electric drive (3) with an electric drive motor (6) and a control unit (7) according to one of the preceding claims.

11. Motor vehicle locking system according to claim 10, characterized in that the motor vehicle locking system (2) has a motor vehicle lock (19) with a lock latch (20) and at least one pawl (21) and that the drive (3) is designed to adjust the at least one pawl (21) into an opening state in which the at least one pawl (21) releases the lock latch (20) when controlled by the control unit (7).

12. Method for operating a motor vehicle locking system (2), wherein an electric drive (3) of the motor vehicle locking system (2) is controlled by means of a control arrangement (1) upon detection of an operating event in order to provide a motorized closing function for an adjustable closure element (4) of the motor vehicle (5), wherein the control arrangement (1) has a supply path (9), wherein the drive (3) is operated in normal operation on the basis of a normal supply voltage from an on-board electrical system (10) of the motor vehicle (5), wherein the control arrangement (1) has an emergency supply (11) with an energy store (12), which provides an emergency supply voltage for the drive (3) in emergency operation, characterized in that the energy store (12) is connected to the supply path (9) via a decoupling circuit (13), which has a first semiconductor element (14), via which the current flow from the supply path (9) to the energy storage device (12) can be blocked, and a second, switchable semiconductor element (15), via which the current flow from the energy store (12) to the supply path (9) can be blocked.

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