Method for operating a motor vehicle locking system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle locking system (1). A motor vehicle lock (4) is provided, comprising a latch (5) and a pawl (6), as the lock components, and an opening drive (7). An actuation element is provided in order to detect an operator action, and a control device (10) is provided which is coupled to the actuation element. During a normal operation, the control device (10), in response to a detection of the operator action by means of the actuation element, initiates an actuation of the opening drive (7) on the basis of a normal supply voltage, wherein the motor vehicle lock (4) has a lock controller (14) with a detection circuit (18), said detection circuit (18) being couplable to the actuation element. During an emergency operation, the detection circuit (18), in response to a detection of the operator action by means of the actuation element, generates an emergency actuation signal, in response to which an emergency supply unit (20) using an electric energy storage device (21) is activated for the opening drive (7), and the opening drive (7) is actuated by the lock controller (14) on the basis of an emergency supply voltage of the emergency supply unit (20). According to the invention, in a diagnostic routine during a normal operation, the control device (10) prompts the detection circuit (18) so as to generate an emergency actuation signal. During the diagnostic routine, a successful activation of the emergency supply unit (20) for the opening drive (7) is checked by the lock controller (14), and diagnostic information relating to a successful activation is transmitted to the control device (10).

Description

[0001] Procedure for operating a motor vehicle locking system

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle locking system according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a motor vehicle locking system according to claim 12.

[0003] The motor vehicle locking system in question is applicable to all types of motorized locking elements of a motor vehicle that are associated with a motor vehicle lock. This includes, in particular, locking elements such as side doors, rear doors, tailgates, trunk lids, hoods, and the like. These locking elements can generally be designed as pivoting or sliding doors.

[0004] The known prior art (DE 199 04 663 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 a locking part and in which it is fixed by the pawl. The motor vehicle lock is further equipped with an electric opening 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] In order to meet the requirements for the safety of the power supply of such motor vehicle locksmiths, an emergency power supply with an energy storage device is provided, whereby the electrical power supply of the opening drive is ensured via an emergency supply voltage even in emergency operation, in particular in the event of a failure of the normal supply voltage.

[0006] A challenge is that the reliable function of the emergency power supply is safety-relevant. In particular, the emergency power supply is only used in emergency mode, so a possible malfunction of the emergency power supply is not obvious during normal operation. The invention is based on the problem of providing a generic method with an emergency power supply for a motor vehicle lock, wherein the reliability of the emergency power supply is further improved.

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

[0008] The motor vehicle lock in this case has a lock control system with a detection circuit. In emergency operation, the detection circuit generates an emergency actuation signal upon detecting the operator's action via the actuating element, which then connects the emergency power supply to the opening drive via an electrical energy storage device.

[0009] The fundamental idea is that emergency operation is simulated to a certain extent with the emergency actuation that occurs during this time, enabling a reliable diagnosis of the availability of the emergency power supply. A diagnostic routine generates a test emergency actuation signal, allowing the functionality of the opening drive to be tested and verified in a similar way to emergency operation. Thus, in addition to the energy storage device, other components of the emergency power supply and the lock control system can be diagnosed in the diagnostic routine.

[0010] In detail, it is proposed that in a diagnostic routine during normal operation, the detection circuit is caused by the control unit to generate an emergency actuation signal, and that in the diagnostic routine, a successful connection of the emergency supply to the opening drive is checked by the lock control unit and diagnostic information regarding successful connection is transmitted to the control unit.

[0011] In the particularly preferred embodiments according to claims 2 and 3, a memory circuit is provided which generates the emergency actuation signal depending on a change in the signal level in order to suppress aging effects and fault-related continuous actuation. The functionality of the memory circuit can be easily tested using the proposed diagnostic routine. The emergency actuation signal can preferably be used to activate a control unit and thus for a wake-up functionality of control components according to claim 4. Consequently, energy savings are achieved for the operation of the motor vehicle locking system, and the activation can be verified as part of the diagnostic routine.

[0012] The use of a boost converter for emergency power supply according to claims 5 and 6 is particularly expedient, allowing an energy storage device such as a capacitor to be optimally utilized in emergency operation. The diagnostic routine in this case includes a possible test of the boost converter's functionality.

[0013] Further preferred variants for generating the emergency actuation signal in the diagnostic routine are specified in claims 8 and 9. When generated via the detection circuit according to claim 8, no additional requirements are placed on the actuating element for diagnosis. Also conceivable is generation via the actuating element according to claim 9, whereby its function can also be incorporated into the diagnostic result.

[0014] Furthermore, an interruption of the power supply from the normal supply voltage for the lock control in the diagnostic routine according to claim 10 is particularly preferred, whereby the conditions in the diagnosis can be largely adapted to the emergency operation.

[0015] A particularly flexible option for executing the diagnostic routine is specified in claim 11, according to which activation of the opening drive is suppressed. The diagnostic routine can therefore be easily performed during ongoing operation of the motor vehicle.

[0016] According to a further teaching according to claim 12, which has independent significance, a motor vehicle locking system for implementing the proposed method is claimed. Reference is made to all explanations of the proposed method. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing which merely illustrates exemplary embodiments. The drawing shows:

[0017] Fig. 1 a locking element with a proposed motor vehicle locking system as well as a motor vehicle lock in respective perspective representation and

[0018] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of electronic components of the motor vehicle locking system from Fig. 1 .

[0019] The preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle locking system 1 and to such a motor vehicle locking system 1. The motor vehicle locking system 1 is assigned to a locking element 2 of the motor vehicle 3, wherein the locking element 2 is illustrated in Fig. 1 as a side door by way of example. However, the explanations also apply to other locking elements of the motor vehicle 3, in particular those mentioned in the introduction.

[0020] A motor vehicle lock 4 is provided with the lock components lock latch 5 and pawl 6 and with an opening drive 7. The motor vehicle lock 4 is shown in Fig. 1 in a partially disassembled perspective view and is equipped with a pivoting lock latch 5 for the holding engagement with a locking part (not shown) and at least one pawl 6 assigned to the lock latch 5. The locking part can be a striker, a locking bolt, or the like. For example, the motor vehicle lock 4 is arranged on the locking element 2, while the locking part is arranged fixedly to the body of the motor vehicle 3.

[0021] The pawl 6, in a retracted position, prevents the lock latch 5 from opening and, in a raised position, releases the lock latch 5. The pawl 6 can be part of a pawl system that can be brought into a locked state (not shown), in which the pawl system holds the lock latch 5 in a closed position. The pawl 6 can be raised by motor means of the opening drive 7. For example, the pawl system can be brought into an open state by motor means of the opening drive 7, whereby the pawl system releases the lock latch 5. Here, an electric drive motor 8 of the opening drive 7 is connected to the pawl 6, in particular the pawl system, via a drive train 9 of the opening drive 7.

[0022] An actuating element for detecting an operator action and a control unit 10 coupled to the actuating element are provided. The actuating element is equipped with a button, sensor, or the like to detect the operator action. The actuating element can be a door handle, such as an inside door handle 11 and / or outside door handle 12. The operator action can be provided, for example, by touching, manually adjusting, and / or by a contactless actuation such as the execution of a gesture by the operator of the motor vehicle 3.

[0023] The control unit 10, which is preferably designed as a door control unit or flap control unit, has a signal input 13 for coupling to the actuating element. Detection of the operator action changes a signal level at the signal input 13, which is registered by the control unit 10. During normal operation, upon detection of the operator action by means of the actuating element, the control unit 10 initiates activation of the opening drive 7 based on a standard supply voltage. The control unit 10 can decide, in particular based on the existing locking state (e.g., unlocked, locked, anti-theft, and / or child-proof), whether to trigger the opening drive 7 depending on the signal level. Upon a valid actuation, such as pulling the outside door handle 12 in the unlocked, closed state, the control unit 10 causes the locking pawl 6 to lift during normal operation.

[0024] The motor vehicle lock 4 has a lock control 14, which is preferably arranged with the lock components in a housing 15 of the motor vehicle lock 4. Here and preferably, the control unit 10 initiates the control of the opening drive 7 by transmitting a normal operating signal to the lock control 14. Upon receiving the normal operating signal, the lock control 14 operates a power stage 16 of the opening drive 7, for example an H-bridge, to energize the drive motor 8 of the opening drive 7. However, the opening drive 7 can also be controlled directly by the control unit 10, for example by the control unit 10 operating the power stage 16.

[0025] During normal operation, the power supply to the opening drive 7 is ensured by the standard supply voltage, which is connected to the drive motor 8, for example, via the power stage 16. The standard supply voltage is preferably an on-board electrical system voltage of an on-board electrical system 17 of the motor vehicle 3, which is provided by 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.

[0026] In emergency operation, however, such as in the event of a crash or when the central battery is largely discharged, the standard supply voltage is not reliably available. Accordingly, the opening drive 7, in particular, cannot be reliably operated via the standard supply voltage. Likewise, the control unit 10 may be supplied via the standard supply voltage during normal operation and not available or only available to a limited extent during emergency operation. For emergency operation, a preferred embodiment provides for the motor vehicle lock 4 to detect the operator action and control the opening drive 7 independently of the standard supply voltage and the availability of the control unit 10.

[0027] The lock control 14 is equipped with a detection circuit 18, which can be coupled to the actuating element. In emergency operation, the detection circuit 18 generates an emergency actuation signal upon detecting the operator action using the actuating element. The detection circuit 18 has a signal input 19 for coupling to the actuating element. The detection of the operator action changes a signal level at the signal input 19, resulting in the generation of the emergency actuation signal. An emergency power supply 20 with an electrical energy storage device 21 can be connected to the opening drive 7 in response to the emergency actuation signal. The emergency power supply 20 is configured to provide an emergency electrical supply voltage in emergency operation if the normal supply voltage fails, so that at least the opening drive 7 can continue to be supplied with energy.Connecting the emergency supply 20 to the opening drive 7 means that the emergency supply voltage is generally available to the opening drive 7, which can be achieved by activating the emergency supply 20. For example, the emergency supply voltage is provided to power level 16.

[0028] The actual control of the opening drive 7, for example via the operation of power level 16, is taken over by the lock control 14 in emergency operation and can further depend on a locking state stored in the lock control 14. In particular, in the case of a valid operator action, the lock control 14 can control the opening drive 7 based on the emergency supply voltage of the emergency supply 20.

[0029] It is now essential that, during a diagnostic routine during normal operation, the detection circuit 18 is triggered by the control unit 10 to generate an emergency actuation signal. The diagnostic routine is performed during normal operation and thus when the normal supply voltage is actually available. An emergency actuation signal is generated via the control unit 10, which is not used to open the motor vehicle lock 4 in emergency operation, but is performed for diagnostic purposes.

[0030] It is also essential that the lock control 14 checks the successful connection of the emergency power supply 20 to the opening drive 7 during the diagnostic routine, and transmits diagnostic information regarding successful connection to the control unit 10. The test assesses, in particular, whether the emergency power supply 20 is actually activated via the emergency actuation signal in emergency operation and whether the emergency power supply 20 can fundamentally provide the emergency supply voltage to the opening drive 7. If the test is successful, the diagnostic information is transmitted to the control unit 10, which in this case indicates a functional emergency power supply 20. Upon receiving the diagnostic information, the control unit 10 can terminate the diagnostic routine and return to normal operation.If, however, no diagnostic information or error information regarding a faulty test is received, control unit 10 can cause an error message to be output. For example, an error memory of motor vehicle 3 is set with reference to motor vehicle lock 4 and / or further operation of motor vehicle lock 4 is prevented for safety reasons.

[0031] Particularly preferably, the generation of the emergency actuation signal in the diagnostic routine is also effected via signal input 19, which is actually intended for querying the actuating element in emergency operation. Accordingly, the detection circuit 18 can also be included in the diagnostic routine.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the detection circuit 18 has a memory circuit 22, by means of which the signal level to the actuating element is continuously stored and a comparison of the current signal level with the temporally preceding, stored signal level is carried out, and that the emergency actuation signal is generated by means of the detection circuit 18 depending on the result of the comparison.

[0033] Continuous storage means that the memory circuit 22 repeatedly stores the current signal level at the signal input 19. In this case, a time profile of the signal level can be stored, or, for example, a single piece of information representative of the signal level can be stored by overwriting the previous signal level.

[0034] The comparison preferably determines a measure of the deviation between the current signal level and the previously stored signal level, for example via a difference and / or a quotient of values ​​representative of the signal level, such as respective voltage values. The previously stored signal level is preferably the most recently stored signal level. The predetermined deviation is preferably a specification regarding a relative and / or absolute deviation between the signal levels. If the predetermined deviation is exceeded, the operator action is deemed to have been detected, so that the emergency actuation signal is generated.

[0035] If a signal level is generated at signal input 19 during the diagnostic routine that corresponds to the detection of the operator action by the actuating element, the detection circuit 18 generates an emergency actuation signal via the memory circuit 22, analogous to the detection of the operator action in emergency mode. However, if the memory circuit 22 is faulty, this signal may not be generated, so that the emergency power supply 20 is not activated either, which is detected during the diagnostic routine.

[0036] The signal level can be stored in various ways. One conceivable approach is to store a value representative of the signal level in an electronic memory. Here, and preferably, the signal level is stored via the memory circuit 22, which can be a discrete and / or integrated circuit.

[0037] Preferably, the memory circuit 22 includes a reference capacitor 23 for storing the signal level and a comparator 24 for comparing the current signal level with the signal level stored via the reference capacitor 23. The reference capacitor 23 is charged according to a signal level at the signal input 19 and can thus represent a measure of a temporally preceding signal level via the charge or the capacitor voltage. Here, and preferably, the comparator 24, as shown in Fig. 2, has an operational amplifier.

[0038] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the lock control 14 has a control unit 25, in particular a microcontroller, for controlling the opening drive 7. In particular, during normal operation, a trigger signal is transmitted from the control unit 10 to the lock control 14 upon detecting the operator action by means of the actuating element. In response to the trigger signal, the lock control 14 controls the opening drive 7, here by operating the power stage 16 and preferably in PWM mode based on the standard supply voltage.

[0039] It is conceivable that the detection circuit 18 is formed by a part of the control unit 25 and, for example, by an input of the microcontroller. The control unit 25 can thus monitor the detection of the operator action by means of the actuating element during emergency operation, independently of the control unit 10.

[0040] However, it is particularly preferred that the control unit 25 be activated via the emergency actuation signal. During emergency operation and during the diagnostic routine, the control unit 25 can initially be completely deactivated or remain in a sleep state. The emergency actuation signal can therefore function as a wake-up signal for the control unit 25. The detection circuit 18 can therefore generally serve to activate the control unit 25. The diagnostic routine can be used to check whether the control unit 25 can be activated without errors.

[0041] Further preferably, during normal operation, the current closing state of the control unit 25 is transmitted by the control device 10 and stored by the control unit 25. In emergency operation, the control unit 25 can actuate the opening drive 7 in response to an emergency actuation signal depending on the stored closing state.

[0042] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the emergency power supply 20 has a rechargeable energy storage device 21 with at least one capacitor 26. The emergency supply voltage is provided here based on the capacitor voltage of the at least one capacitor 26. The capacitor 26 is preferably a double-layer capacitor. A double-layer capacitor has an electrochemical double layer, which is also known as a "Helmholtz layer." Such a double-layer capacitor is also referred to as a "supercapacitor," "supercap," "ultracap," or the like. In addition to the at least one capacitor 26, the energy storage device 21 can have further storage elements, such as primary and / or secondary cells.

[0043] When using multiple capacitors 26, the capacitors 26 can generally be connected in series and / or in parallel. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the energy storage device 21 has a single capacitor 26, in particular a single double-layer capacitor.

[0044] In the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 2, a boost converter 27 is provided downstream of the energy storage device 21, which is designed to boost the energy storage voltage of the energy storage device 21, here the capacitor voltage, to the emergency supply voltage. A boost converter 27 is used in particular in an embodiment of the energy storage device 21 with a small number of capacitors 26, in particular with a single capacitor 26. The boost converter 27 can be activated to connect the emergency supply 20 to the opening drive 7, wherein, for example, the emergency actuation signal serves as an enable signal or causes the energy storage device 21 to be connected to the boost converter 27. The activation and functioning of the boost converter 27 can thus be checked in the diagnostic routine.

[0045] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the emergency power supply 20 has a secondary boost converter 28, which, in emergency operation, boosts the energy storage voltage to a supply voltage for the control unit 25 and / or the actuating element. The secondary boost converter 28 can be activated in emergency operation and, in particular, activated cyclically to provide the supply voltage for the control unit 25 and / or the actuating element. The actuating element has, for example, a sensor for detecting operator action, which is powered based on the normal supply voltage in normal operation and based on the supply voltage of the secondary boost converter 28 in emergency operation.

[0046] It is particularly preferred that the boost converter 27 is activated via the auxiliary boost converter 28 using the supply voltage as the starting voltage. The starting voltage is a minimum voltage provided for activating the boost converter 27, which is not reliably achieved, in particular, by the capacitor voltage of a single capacitor 26, so that in this case, boosting occurs via the auxiliary boost converter 28. The connection of the supply voltage as the starting voltage of the boost converter 27 can be effected, for example, via the emergency actuation signal and checked in the diagnostic routine.

[0047] In principle, various measures can be taken for testing in the diagnostic routine using the lock control 14 and, for example, electrical voltages and / or currents can be determined at various points of the lock control 14.

[0048] In a particularly preferred, easily implemented embodiment, the lock control 14 is used to check whether the emergency supply 20 has been successfully connected based on a measurement of the emergency supply voltage. The emergency supply voltage, which is made available to the power stage 16 in the diagnostic routine, is measured, for example, via a voltage sensor and compared with a predetermined minimum value. If no or insufficient emergency supply voltage is present, it can be concluded that there is a fault in one of the components, here at least the detection circuit 18, the energy storage device 21, the auxiliary boost converter 28, or the boost converter 27. Identification of the faulty component is conceivable, but may also be unnecessary in this case.

[0049] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that an actuation test signal is transmitted to the detection circuit 18 by means of the control unit 10 during the diagnostic routine, which causes the emergency actuation signal to be generated. The actuation test signal can be a special signal that causes the detection circuit 18 to generate the emergency actuation signal provided in the diagnostic routine. Preferably, based on the actuation test signal, a signal level is generated at the detection circuit 18 that corresponds to a detected operator action on the actuating element. Here and preferably, the signal level is applied to the signal input 19 of the memory circuit 22 by a level circuit 29 of the detection circuit 18.

[0050] In a further embodiment, an actuation test signal is supplied to the actuation element by means of the control unit 10 during the diagnostic routine, and the actuation element, in response to the actuation test signal, generates a signal level corresponding to a detected operator action at the detection circuit 18. Accordingly, the actuation element applies a corresponding signal level to the signal input 19 of the memory circuit 22 for testing purposes during the diagnostic routine.

[0051] In principle, it can be provided that the lock control 14 enters emergency mode upon the occurrence of a predetermined deviation in the emergency supply voltage and / or upon a crash signal. As already mentioned, the motor vehicle lock 4 preferably relies on the emergency supply 20 in emergency mode. Particularly preferably, the supply of the normal supply voltage to the lock control 14 is prevented during the diagnostic routine, which is carried out in particular by means of the control unit 10, which, for example, interrupts the supply via a switching element 30. Accordingly, the functional scope of the emergency supply 20 can be tested in the diagnostic routine analogously to emergency mode.

[0052] Particularly preferably, it is provided that activation of the opening drive 7 is suppressed by means of the lock control 14 in the diagnostic routine. Accordingly, although the emergency actuation signal is generated and the emergency supply voltage is provided in the diagnostic routine when functioning correctly, the locking pawl 6 is not raised by a motor. Accordingly, the motor vehicle lock 4 is not opened in the diagnostic routine; instead, the provision of the emergency supply voltage is merely activated for testing purposes. The diagnostic routine can thus also be performed during operation of the motor vehicle 3 outside of maintenance, for example, when the motor vehicle 3 is parked.

[0053] Preferably, a diagnostic signal is transmitted to the lock control unit 14 during the diagnostic routine by means of the control unit 10, in response to which the lock control unit 14 suppresses the activation of the opening drive 7 during the diagnostic routine. The diagnostic signal can indicate the execution of the diagnostic routine and be stored by the lock control unit 14. If an emergency actuation signal is then issued, the lock control unit 14 deliberately does not operate the power stage 16 in order to suppress the activation during the diagnostic routine.

[0054] According to a further teaching, a motor vehicle locking system 1 for implementing the proposed method is proposed. The motor vehicle locking system 1 comprises a motor vehicle lock 4 and a control unit 10, which are provided for coupling to an actuating element. In one embodiment, the motor vehicle locking system 1 further comprises the actuating element. Reference is made to all explanations of the proposed method.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method for operating a motor vehicle locking system (1), wherein a motor vehicle lock (4) is provided with the lock components lock latch (5) and pawl (6) and with an opening drive (7), wherein the lock latch (5) can be brought into holding engagement with a locking part, and the pawl (6) blocks opening of the lock latch (5) in a retracted position and releases the lock latch (5) in a raised position, wherein the pawl (6) can be motor-lifted by means of the opening drive (7), wherein an actuating element for detecting an operator action and a control unit (10) coupled to the actuating element are provided, wherein in normal operation, the control unit (10) triggers actuation of the opening drive (7) on the basis of a normal supply voltage upon detecting the operator action by means of the actuating element,wherein the motor vehicle lock (4) has a lock control (14) with a detection circuit (18), wherein the detection circuit (18) can be coupled to the actuating element, wherein in an emergency operation, the detection circuit (18) generates an emergency actuation signal upon detecting the operator action by means of the actuating element, to which emergency actuation signal an emergency power supply (20) with an electrical energy storage device (21) is connected to the opening drive (7), and the opening drive (7) is controlled by means of the lock control (14) on the basis of an emergency supply voltage of the emergency power supply (20), characterized in that in a diagnostic routine in normal operation, the detection circuit (18) is caused by means of the control unit (10) to generate an emergency actuation signal,and that in the diagnostic routine, a successful connection of the emergency supply (20) to the opening drive (7) is checked by means of the lock control (14) and diagnostic information regarding a successful connection is transmitted to the control unit (10).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection circuit (18) has a memory circuit (22) by means of which the signal level to the actuating element is continuously stored and a comparison is made between the current signal level and the stored signal level preceding it in time, and that the emergency actuation signal is generated by means of the detection circuit (18) depending on the result of the comparison.

3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the memory circuit (22) has a reference capacitor (23) for storing the signal level and a comparator (24) for comparing the current signal level with the signal level stored via the reference capacitor (23).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lock control (14) has a control unit (25), in particular a microcontroller, for controlling the opening drive (7), and that the control unit (25) is activated via the emergency actuation signal.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the emergency supply (20) has a rechargeable energy store (21) with at least one capacitor (26) and a boost converter (27) which increases the energy storage voltage of the energy store (21) to the emergency supply voltage and which is activated to connect the emergency supply (20) to the opening drive (7).

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the emergency supply (20) has a secondary boost converter (28) which, in emergency operation, increases the energy storage voltage to a supply voltage for the control unit (25) and / or the actuating element, preferably that the boost converter (27) is activated via the secondary boost converter (28) with the supply voltage as the starting voltage.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lock control (14) checks whether the emergency supply (20) has been successfully connected by measuring the emergency supply voltage.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an actuation test signal is transmitted to the detection circuit (18) by means of the control unit (10) in the diagnostic routine, which causes the generation of the emergency actuation signal, preferably that a signal level is generated at the detection circuit (18) on the basis of the actuation test signal, which signal level corresponds to a detected operator action on the actuating element.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an actuation test signal is supplied to the actuating element by means of the control unit (10) in the diagnostic routine, and in that the actuating element, in response to the actuation test signal, causes a signal level corresponding to a detected operator action at the detection circuit (18).

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lock control (14) assumes emergency operation upon the occurrence of a predetermined deviation of the emergency supply voltage and / or in response to a crash signal, and in that a supply of the normal supply voltage to the lock control (14) is prevented in the diagnostic routine.

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that activation of the opening drive (7) is suppressed by means of the lock control (14) in the diagnostic routine, preferably in that a diagnostic signal is transmitted to the lock control (14) in the diagnostic routine by means of the control unit (10), in response to which diagnostic signal the lock control (14) suppresses activation of the opening drive (7) in the diagnostic routine.

12. Motor vehicle locking system for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 11.

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