Method for operating a motor vehicle locking system for a closure element of a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle locking system (1) for a closure element (2) of a motor vehicle (3), the motor vehicle locking system (1) having a motor vehicle lock (4), an electric drive (5), a control arrangement (6) and a switch arrangement (10), wherein the control arrangement (6) queries the switching state of a main switching element (11) of the switch arrangement (10) on the basis of a signal level at a signal input (12) of the control arrangement (6), said signal input being connected to the switch arrangement (10), wherein in the closed switching state, the main switching element (11) closes a connection of the signal input (12) to a reference potential and, in the open switching state, opens same, wherein the control arrangement (6) checks, in a diagnostic routine, the presence of an error state relating to the switch arrangement (10) on the basis of the signal level at the signal input (12). According to the invention, the switch arrangement (10) has a parallel resistor (16) which is connected to the reference potential in parallel with the main switching element (11) and, during emergency operation, the connection of the parallel resistor (16) to the reference potential is disconnected by means of an auxiliary switching element (17) of the switch arrangement (10).

Description

[0001] Method for operating a motor vehicle locking system for a locking element of a motor vehicle

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle locking system for a locking element of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a motor vehicle locking system for a locking element of a motor vehicle according to claim 13.

[0003] The vehicle locking system in question is used for all types of locking elements of a motor vehicle to which a vehicle lock is assigned. This includes, in particular, locking elements such as side doors, rear doors, tailgates, trunk lids, hoods, and the like. These locking elements can, in principle, be designed as hinged or sliding doors.

[0004] The vehicle locking system is equipped with a vehicle lock, which may have a latch and a pawl as locking elements. The latch can be moved into a closed position in which it engages with a locking component and is secured by the pawl. The vehicle lock can be designed as an electric lock, in which an electric opening actuator is provided that lifts the pawl, allowing the latch to be moved into its open position and releasing the locking component. A control unit for the vehicle locking system is provided, which is responsible, for example, for controlling the opening actuator.

[0005] In an electric lock, mechanical actuation and the locking states, which in mechanical door locks are achieved through lever mechanisms, can be at least partially replaced by switching functions of the electronic control unit. Therefore, the vehicle locking system has at least one main electrical switching element, which, for example, serves to detect an actuation action, such as pulling the exterior door handle. The control unit can also monitor mechanical locking components, with the main switching element serving to detect the position of these components.

[0006] 2024 156 WO A challenge arises from the fact that malfunctions of such switching elements and their connecting lines to the control unit can lead to the failure of the vehicle locking system. Therefore, a diagnostic routine performed via the control unit is provided to detect fault conditions at an early stage.

[0007] The invention is based on the problem of designing and further developing a generic method in such a way that the reliability of the motor vehicle locking system is further optimized.

[0008] The above problem is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0009] The invention is based on the fact that the control arrangement queries the switching state of a main switching element of a switch arrangement by means of a signal level at a signal input of the control arrangement connected to the switch arrangement. The main switching element closes or opens a connection of the signal input to a reference potential, so that the switching state can be inferred from the signal level. A fault condition is also checked in a diagnostic routine based on the signal level.

[0010] The fundamental principle is that a parallel resistor is provided to detect fault conditions such as a short circuit to the reference potential, a short circuit to a supply potential, and an open circuit, thus enabling differentiation between the respective fault conditions. The invention further relies on the understanding that a connection with the parallel resistor, however, causes additional energy consumption, which is to be prevented here in emergency operation, particularly in the event of a failure of the vehicle's electrical system.

[0011] Specifically, it is proposed that the switch arrangement has a parallel resistor which is connected in parallel to the main switching element with the reference potential, and that in an emergency operation the connection of the parallel resistor to the reference potential is disconnected by means of an auxiliary switching element of the switch arrangement.

[0012] 2024 156 WO Particularly advantageous is the minimization of energy requirements when using an emergency energy storage system in emergency operation, as specified in claim 2.

[0013] The preferred embodiments of the method according to claims 3 to 6 relate to variants of the switch arrangement. The main switching element is particularly preferably used to detect an actuation for opening the vehicle lock, as specified in claims 3 and 4. Here, it is particularly advantageous to diagnose a switch arrangement integrated in the actuating element, such as a door handle, via the control arrangement.

[0014] The main switching element can also detect the position of a locking component such as the latch of the motor vehicle lock (claims 5 and 6), whereby the diagnosis is carried out, for example, via a control arrangement designed as a flap control unit or door control unit.

[0015] The fault conditions to be identified, which can be clearly distinguished by the use of the parallel resistor, are specified in claim 7.

[0016] The switch arrangement can have a switch control (claims 9 to 11) which serves in particular to control the auxiliary switching element so that the proposed disconnection of the connection with the parallel resistor is reliably implemented.

[0017] According to a further teaching as per claim 13, which has independent significance, a motor vehicle locking system for a locking element of a motor vehicle is claimed, the motor vehicle locking system being configured to carry out the proposed method. Reference may be made to all descriptions of the proposed method.

[0018] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing that merely illustrates exemplary embodiments. The drawing shows

[0019] 2024 156 WO Fig. 1 shows a motor vehicle door with a motor vehicle locking system for carrying out the proposed procedure and a motor vehicle lock in respective perspective views.

[0020] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of electronic components of the motor vehicle locking system in one embodiment,

[0021] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of electronic components of the motor vehicle locking system in a further embodiment,

[0022] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of electronic components of the motor vehicle locking system in a further embodiment and

[0023] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of electronic components of the motor vehicle locking system in a further embodiment.

[0024] The embodiment shown in the figures, which is the preferred embodiment in this respect, relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle locking system 1 for a locking element 2 of a motor vehicle 3. Regarding the design of the locking element 2, reference may be made to the introductory descriptions, with Fig. 1 illustrating the operation of the motor vehicle locking system 1 for a locking element 2 designed as a side door. However, all descriptions also apply to all other types of locking elements of the motor vehicle 3.

[0025] The vehicle locking system 1 includes a vehicle lock 4, which is associated with the locking element 2. An electric drive 5 for the vehicle lock 4 is provided, which is specifically designed to open the vehicle lock 4, as will be explained below.

[0026] To control the electric drive 5, a control arrangement 6 is used here, and preferably, which may include control electronics for implementing the control tasks arising in connection with the operation of the vehicle lock 4 and is equipped for this purpose, for example, with a control unit 7, such as a microcontroller. Here, and preferably

[0027] In 2024 156 WO, the control unit 7 controls an electric drive motor 8 of the drive 5 via a driver unit 9. The drive motor 8 can be designed as a rotary electric motor, such as a brushed DC motor, or as a brushless DC motor. The drive 5 can also include other electric actuators, such as linear actuators.

[0028] A switch assembly 10 of the vehicle locking system 1 is provided. The control assembly 6 queries the switching state of a main switching element 11 of the switch assembly 10 based on a signal level at a signal input 12 of the control assembly 6 connected to the switch assembly 10. Here, and preferably, the control assembly 6 and the switch assembly 10 are separately provided components which are electrically connected to each other via a connecting line 13. The control assembly 6 and the switch assembly 10 are shown schematically in Figures 2 to 5 by way of example for various embodiments.

[0029] The main switching element 11 is designed to close a connection between the signal input 12 and a reference potential when closed and to open it when open. The reference potential is preferably a ground potential of the vehicle 3. The main switching element 11 can be a semiconductor switching element, a push button, a reed switch, or the like.

[0030] As can be seen in Figures 2 to 4, the signal input 12 of the control arrangement 6 is connected to the reference potential in the closed switching state via a connecting line 13, particularly with an interposed series resistor 14. The connecting line 13 can also be connected to other electronic components, as shown in Figure 5. In the open switching state, the signal input 12 is brought to a specific signal level, for example, by a pull-up resistor 15. The switching states can be distinguished by the control arrangement 6 in a manner known per se, using a logic low signal level (closed switching state) and a logic high signal level (open switching state), for example, by measuring a voltage. Other configurations of such a query and signal levels are conceivable.

[0031] 2024 156 WO The querying of the switch arrangement 10 and the main switching element 11 is used in particular for controlling the drive 5. Depending on the detected switching state, the control can be triggered, terminated, and / or modified by means of the control arrangement 6. The reliable operation of the switch arrangement 10 in relation to the control arrangement 6 can thus have safety-relevant aspects in the operation of the vehicle locking system 1.

[0032] The control arrangement 6 uses a diagnostic routine to check the signal level at signal input 12 for the presence of a fault condition affecting the switch arrangement 10. If, for example, the signal level at signal input 12 deviates from predefined, permissible ranges for the low and high signal levels, a fault condition of the switch arrangement 10 and the connecting line 13 can be inferred. If a fault condition is detected in the diagnostic routine, the control arrangement 6 can preferably output a fault signal, which leads, for example, to setting a fault memory of the vehicle 3 and / or to issuing a warning message to an operator of the vehicle 3.It is also conceivable that, upon detection of a fault condition, functions of the vehicle locking system 1 are deactivated, activated or modified by means of the control arrangement 6 in order to, for example, prevent a false triggering or locking the operator in, as well as to draw the operator's attention to the fault condition.

[0033] Crucially, the switch arrangement 10 has a parallel resistor 16, which is connected in parallel to the main switching element 11 and to the reference potential. The connection of the parallel resistor 16 to the reference potential therefore also influences the signal level at the signal input 12. In particular, the connection of the parallel resistor 16 allows for a simple distinction between an open switching state of the main switching element 11 in a fault-free state and a fault state with an open circuit, such as an interruption of the connecting line 13, based on the signal level.

[0034] 2024 156 WO Furthermore, it is provided that in an emergency operation, the connection of the parallel resistor can be made by means of an auxiliary switching element 17 of the switch arrangement 10.

[0035] 16 is disconnected from the reference potential. In emergency operation, this prevents an electric current from flowing through the parallel resistor 16, which would cause additional energy consumption. The auxiliary switching element 17 is preferably a semiconductor switching element such as a transistor.

[0036] A normal supply voltage used during normal operation is preferably provided by the vehicle's electrical system, and in particular by the central battery of the vehicle 3. The central battery is preferably the battery that provides the electrical energy required for starting the vehicle 3 and / or for its operation. Normal operation is thus provided when the normal supply voltage can be used to operate the vehicle's locking system 1. An additional current draw due to the connection of the parallel resistor 16 to the reference potential is unproblematic, so that preferably the connection of the parallel resistor 16 to the reference potential is permanently maintained during normal operation and is maintained by the auxiliary switching element.

[0037] 17 is switched through.

[0038] The emergency operation, which deviates from normal operation, is intended for situations in which the normal supply voltage may not be sufficiently available. Examples of emergency operation include a failure of the vehicle's electrical system, such as due to a significant discharge of the central battery of vehicle 3 or a failure of electrical wiring in the electrical system, and a crash involving vehicle 3.

[0039] It is particularly preferred that, in emergency operation, the control arrangement 6 queries the switching state of the main switching element 11, and in particular controls the drive 5, via a power supply from an emergency electrical energy storage device 18. The emergency energy storage device

[0040] 18 is preferably part of the control arrangement 6, as shown in the embodiments according to Figures 2 to 5. When using an emergency energy storage device 18, the proposed solution is particularly advantageous, since premature discharge of the emergency energy storage device 18 via the

[0041] Parallel resistance 16 is avoided in 2024 156 WO. In particular, the diagnostic routine is omitted in emergency operation to further reduce energy consumption.

[0042] The emergency energy storage device 18 can comprise at least one capacitor, and in particular at least one double-layer capacitor. A double-layer capacitor has an electrochemical double layer, also known as a "Helmholtz layer." Such a double-layer capacitor is also referred to as a "supercapacitor," "supercap," "ultracap," or the like. When using multiple capacitors, the capacitors can, in principle, be connected in series and / or parallel. In addition to the at least one capacitor, the emergency energy storage device 18 can comprise further storage elements, such as primary and / or secondary cells. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the emergency energy storage device 18 comprises a single capacitor, in particular a single double-layer capacitor. The emergency energy storage device 18 can have a boost converter 19, which boosts the capacitor voltage of the at least one capacitor to an emergency supply voltage.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the main switching element 11 changes its switching state when an actuating element 20 of the vehicle locking system 1, preferably an exterior door handle 21, is actuated. As also indicated in Figures 2 and 3, the main switching element 11, for example, changes from the open switching state to the closed switching state when the exterior door handle 21 is pulled or touched, which is detected by the signal level. The control arrangement 6 can therefore detect actuation of the actuating element 20 by means of a query. In addition to the exterior door handle 21, an interior door handle 22, a button on a control panel of the vehicle 3, or the like can also be used as the actuating element 20.

[0044] Preferably, the switch arrangement 10 is integrated into the actuating element 20. For example, the switch arrangement 10 with main switching element 11 and auxiliary switching element 17 is housed in a casing of the door handle 21.

[0045] 2024 156 WO In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the control arrangement 6 is designed as a lock control unit 23 integrated into the vehicle lock 4. In this embodiment, the switch arrangement 10 is preferably assigned to the actuating element 20. The lock control unit 23 monitors the actuation of the actuating element 20, whereby the detection of an actuation can be used to trigger the actuation of the drive 5. The lock control unit 23 is accordingly configured for the diagnostic routine for the actuating element 20.

[0046] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the control arrangement 6 is designed as an external control unit 24 to the vehicle lock 4. Examples of such a control unit 24 are a flap control unit and a door control unit, which can also perform other electronic functions in the locking element 2. For example, the control unit 24 can perform a diagnostic routine for a switch arrangement 10 of the actuating element 20. The control unit 24 also serves to control the drive 5, which is associated with the vehicle lock 4.

[0047] The control arrangement 6 can generally control the drive 5 depending on the actuation of the actuating element 20 detected by the query. As already mentioned, the drive 5 can be configured as an opening drive for the vehicle lock 4. If actuation of the actuating element 20 is detected by the query, the control arrangement 6 can control the electric drive 5, specifically depending on whether an unlocked locking state stored in the control arrangement 6 exists.

[0048] In further embodiments shown in Figures 4 and 5, the main switching element 11 is designed to change its switching state depending on the position of a mechanical locking component of the vehicle locking system 1. The main switching element 11 can serve as a position sensor for the locking component and is, for example, designed as a reed switch, which is switched via a magnetic element 25 associated with the locking component. The mechanical locking component of the vehicle locking system 1 is, in particular, a mechanical lock component of the vehicle lock 4.

[0049] 2024 156 WO - IQ -

[0050] For example, the position of a lock latch 26, a locking pawl 27 and / or a coupling element of the motor vehicle lock 4 is queried via the main switching element 11.

[0051] Preferably, the switch arrangement 10 is integrated into the vehicle lock 4. For example, the switch arrangement 10 with main switching element 11 and auxiliary switching element 17 is housed in a lock housing 28 of the vehicle lock 4, which also at least partially houses the mechanical lock components.

[0052] The position query serves in particular to detect the mechanical state of the vehicle lock 4. For example, it determines whether the lock latch 26 is in a main locked position and / or the locking pawl 27 is in a retracted position that locks the lock latch 26. It is also conceivable that the control arrangement 6 actuates the drive 5 depending on the position of the mechanical locking component detected by the query. For example, the drive 5 is used as an auxiliary locking drive, and an auxiliary locking process is triggered or terminated based on the detected position.

[0053] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the control arrangement 6 is again configured as a control unit 24 external to the vehicle lock 4. Here, the control unit 24 can perform a diagnostic routine for a switch arrangement 10 of the vehicle lock 4. Fig. 5, on the other hand, shows an embodiment in which both the control arrangement 6 and the switch arrangement 10 are assigned to the vehicle lock 4. In this embodiment, an additional control unit 24 external to the vehicle lock 4 can be provided, which, for example, is superior to the lock control 23 and which, preferably, also monitors the actuation via a control unit 29. The connecting line 13 can be provided between the switch arrangement 10 on the lock side and the external control unit 24.

[0054] It is particularly preferred that the control arrangement 6, in the diagnostic routine, uses the signal level to determine the presence of the fault conditions short circuit to reference potential, short circuit to supply potential 30

[0055] 2024 156 WO and open circuit checks. A short circuit to reference potential occurs, for example, if a connecting line 13 between switch assembly 10 and control assembly 6 is damaged or otherwise connected to the reference potential. The supply potential 30 is preferably a potential provided by the normal supply voltage, which can also be used for querying during normal operation, particularly via the pull-up resistor 15. An open circuit occurs, for example, if the connecting line 13 is broken. The parallel resistor 16 is connected in parallel to the main switching element 11 in such a way that the aforementioned fault conditions and the switching states result in distinguishable signal levels.

[0056] The vehicle lock 4 is equipped here with a latch 26 for engaging a locking element and with a pawl 27 associated with the latch 26. The vehicle lock 4 is shown in Fig. 1 in a partially disassembled perspective view and is designed with a pivotable latch 26 for engaging a locking element (not shown). The locking element can be a locking bolt, a locking pin, or the like. The latch 26 is shown in Fig. 1 in an open position, in which the locking element can be inserted into a locking element receptacle 31 of the latch 26. For example, the vehicle lock 4 is arranged on the locking element 2, while the locking element is fixed to the vehicle body 3.

[0057] The locking pawl 27 is, in particular, part of a locking pawl system with several locking pawls 27 and can be brought into a locked state (not shown) in which the locking pawl 27 holds the latch 26 in a closed position. In principle, several closed positions, such as a pre-locked position and a main closed position, can be provided. Starting from the open position shown in Fig. 1, the closed positions can be reached by pivoting the latch 26 counterclockwise, whereby the locking pawl 27 can engage a main detent 32 (main closed position) or pre-locked detent 33 (pre-locked position) of the latch 26.

[0058] 2024 156 WO With a configuration of the drive 5 as an opening drive, the drive 5 is designed to lift the locking pawl 27. Here, the locking pawl 27 can be brought into an open position by means of the electric drive motor 8, whereby the locking pawl 27 releases the lock latch 26. For this purpose, the drive motor 8 is connected to the locking pawl 27 via a drive train 34 of the drive 5.

[0059] In one embodiment (not shown), the drive 5 is designed as a locking drive for locking and unlocking a mechanical actuating chain of an actuating element 20 for the vehicle lock 4. The mechanical actuating chain transmits, for example, a manual actuating movement of the actuating element 20 to a release lever, which is designed to disengage the pawl 27. A coupling element is provided, for example, to lock the mechanical actuating chain. In a disengaged state, this coupling element allows a manually initiated actuating movement of the actuating element 20 to disengage, and in an engaged state, it transmits the actuating movement to disengage the pawl 27. The drive 5 can adjust the coupling element between the engaged and disengaged states.

[0060] The actuating element 20 associated with the mechanical actuating chain is not necessarily the actuating element 20 for triggering an opening drive. In the illustrated embodiment, the external door handle 21 can be designed to trigger the opening drive and can be implemented without a mechanical actuating chain, while the internal door handle 22 is associated with the mechanical actuating chain.

[0061] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the switch arrangement 10 has a switch control 35 which, in the event of emergency operation, controls the auxiliary switching element 17 to disconnect the connection of the parallel resistor 16 to the reference potential.

[0062] In the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, the switch control 35 has a switch control unit 36, which is implemented, for example, as a microcontroller. Besides controlling the

[0063] 2024 156 WO Auxiliary switching element 17, the switch control 35 and in particular the switch control unit 36 ​​can perform further functions of the switch arrangement 10. For example, the main switching element 11 is switched via a sensor detection of an actuation of the actuating element 20, wherein the switch arrangement 10 operates a sensor, such as a capacitive sensor, radar sensor, optical sensor or the like for the actuating element 20.

[0064] The switch control 35 can also be implemented, at least partially, via a discrete circuit, for example, a type of self-holding circuit which, upon the occurrence of emergency operation, such as a voltage drop in the vehicle electrical system, de-energizes and switches the auxiliary switching element 17, as indicated in Figures 4 and 5. Generally, and preferably, the switch control 35 is designed to check for the presence of emergency operation based on an emergency operating condition, in particular the occurrence of a voltage drop in the normal supply voltage. Depending on the result of the check, the auxiliary switching element 17 is either activated to disconnect or left in a conductive state.

[0065] Alternatively or additionally, the switch control 35 can receive an emergency operating signal indicating the presence of emergency operation, in particular from the control arrangement 6 and / or a crash sensor. The occurrence of emergency operation can therefore be checked by other components and transmitted to the switch arrangement 10, whereby the switch control 35, upon receiving the emergency operating signal, activates the auxiliary switching element 17.

[0066] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the switch control 35 is operated in emergency mode via a power supply from the electrical emergency energy storage device 18. This ensures the functionality of the actuating element 20, for example by means of sensor-based detection of the actuating action, even in emergency mode.

[0067] As already mentioned, the control arrangement 6 can be designed as a lock control 23 integrated into the vehicle lock 4 (Figures 2 and 5). Alternatively, it is conceivable that the control arrangement 6 is designed as a control unit 24 external to the vehicle lock 4 (Figures 3 and 4).

[0068] In accordance with a further teaching, a motor vehicle locking system 1 for a locking element 2 of a motor vehicle 3 is proposed, wherein the motor vehicle locking system 1 is configured to carry out the proposed procedure. Reference may be made to all details relating to the proposed procedure.

[0069] 2024 156 WO

Claims

Patent claims 1. Method for operating a motor vehicle locking system (1) for a locking element (2) of a motor vehicle (3), the motor vehicle locking system (I) comprising a motor vehicle lock (4), an electric drive (5) for the motor vehicle lock (4), a control arrangement (6) and a switch arrangement (10), wherein the control arrangement (6) determines the switching state of a main switching element (II) the switch arrangement (10) queries a signal level at a signal input (12) of the control arrangement (6) connected to the switch arrangement (10), wherein the main switching element (11) closes a connection of the signal input (12) to a reference potential in the closed switching state and opens it in the open switching state, wherein the control arrangement (6) checks the presence of a fault condition relating to the switch arrangement (10) in a diagnostic routine based on the signal level at the signal input (12), characterized in that the switch arrangement (10) has a parallel resistor (16) which is connected in parallel to the main switching element (11) to the reference potential, and that in an emergency operation the connection of the parallel resistor (16) to the reference potential is disconnected by means of an auxiliary switching element (17) of the switch arrangement (10).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the control arrangement (6) in emergency operation queries the switching state of the main switching element (11), and in particular controls the drive (5), via an energy supply from an electrical emergency energy storage device (18).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the main switching element (11) changes its switching state when an actuating element (20) of the motor vehicle locking system (1), preferably an external door handle (21), is actuated, preferably that the switch arrangement (10) is integrated in the actuating element (20). 2024 156 WO 4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the control arrangement (6) controls the drive (5) depending on the actuation of the actuating element (20) detected by the query.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main switching element (11) changes the switching state depending on the position of a mechanical locking component of the motor vehicle locking system (1), in particular a mechanical lock component of the motor vehicle lock (4), preferably that the switch arrangement (10) is integrated in the motor vehicle lock (4).

6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the control arrangement (6) controls the drive (5) depending on the position of the mechanical locking component detected by the query.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control arrangement (6) checks the presence of the fault conditions short circuit to reference potential, short circuit to supply potential (30) and open circuit in the diagnostic routine on the basis of the signal level.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive (5) is provided as an opening drive for lifting a locking pawl (27) which is associated with a lock latch (26) of the motor vehicle lock (4), and / or that the drive (5) is provided as a locking drive for locking and unlocking a mechanical actuating chain of an actuating element (20) to the motor vehicle lock (4).

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switch arrangement (10) has a switch control (35) which, in the event of emergency operation, controls the auxiliary switching element (17) to disconnect the connection of the parallel resistor (16) to the reference potential.

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the switch control (35) detects the presence of emergency operation by means of a 2024 156 WO Emergency operating conditions, in particular the occurrence of a voltage drop in a normal supply voltage, are checked and / or that the switch control (35) receives an emergency operating signal for the existence of the emergency operation, in particular from the control arrangement (6) and / or a crash sensor.

11. A method according to claim 2 and claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the switch control (35) is operated in emergency mode via a power supply from the electrical emergency energy storage device (18).

12. A method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control arrangement (6) is designed as a lock control (23) integrated in the vehicle lock (4), or that the control arrangement (6) is designed as a control unit (24) external to the vehicle lock (4), in particular a flap control unit or door control unit.

13. Motor vehicle locking system for a locking element (2) of a motor vehicle (3), the motor vehicle locking system (1) configured to carry out the method according to one of claims 1 to 12. 2024 156 WO

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