Motor vehicle locking system for a closure element of a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle locking system for a closure element (2) of a motor vehicle (3), the motor vehicle locking system (1) having a motor vehicle lock (4) with a lock latch (5) and with a pawl system (6), wherein the lock latch (5) can be adjusted into a locking position for holding engagement with a locking part (7) and into an open position for releasing the locking part (7), wherein, in an entry state, the pawl system (6) blocks the lock latch (5) in the locking position against adjustment in its opening direction and releases it in a lifted-out state, wherein an electric opening drive (14), which is coupled with the pawl system (6), and a control assembly (15) for actuating the opening drive (14) are provided, wherein the control assembly (15) actuates the opening drive (14) to bring the pawl system (6) into the lifted-out state in an opening movement. It is proposed that the control assembly (15) actuates the opening drive (14) over a delay phase of the opening movement such that the opening drive (14) counteracts the opening movement of the pawl system (6).

Description

[0001] Motor vehicle locking system for a locking element of a motor vehicle

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

[0003] The vehicle locking system in question includes a vehicle lock that can be used with all types of locking elements of a motor vehicle. These include, 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 hinged or sliding doors.

[0004] The known prior art (DE 10 2021 102 105 A1), from which the invention is based, relates to a motor vehicle locking system comprising a motor vehicle lock with a latch and a locking pawl system associated with the latch. The function of the locking pawl system is to lock the latch in a closed position and to release the latch. This release of the latch is effected by an opening drive, which sets the locking pawl system in an opening movement, so that the motor vehicle lock is opened by an electric motor.

[0005] One challenge is minimizing the noises that occur when opening a vehicle, as these are perceived as a loss of comfort. Particularly with large locking elements featuring extensive internal seals, such as tailgates, the latch is subjected to high forces in the closed position due to its interaction with a locking component. These forces are released relatively quickly when the locking pawl system disengages. Consequently, when the latch is released, a rapid impulse transfer to the locking element can occur, resulting in a noticeable bang when the vehicle opens.

[0006] In the well-known motor vehicle lock (DE 10 2021 102 105 A1) an opening actuation with toggle lever mechanisms for the locking pawl system is implemented, so that a controlled, easier release of a ratchet engagement of the locking pawl system to the lock latch is achieved and thus a significant reduction of the opening noises is already achieved.

[0007] The invention is based on the problem of designing and further developing a generic motor vehicle locking system in such a way that the noise generated during opening operation is further reduced.

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

[0009] The invention is based on the understanding that during the opening movement of the locking pawl system, a situation can arise in which the interaction between the locking pawl system and the latch, particularly driven by the force exerted on the latch by the locking element, significantly accelerates the further opening movement. This acceleration can occur in a phase of the opening movement in which the disengagement of the locking pawl system and the latch is imminent, thus increasing the noise generated when the latch is released.

[0010] The fundamental principle is to use the opening drive to delay the opening movement, thus enabling a controlled release of the locking latch system from the lock catch. Accordingly, the opening drive, controlled by a dedicated control unit, operates contrary to conventional methods, even resisting the opening movement for a phase of the opening process.

[0011] Specifically, it is proposed that the control arrangement, via a delay phase of the opening movement, controls the opening drive in such a way that the opening drive counteracts the opening movement of the pawl system.

[0012] The proposed solution can be implemented particularly advantageously in terms of control technology through appropriate wiring and / or programming of the control arrangement, so that additional mechanical components of the vehicle lock are not strictly necessary. For the control during the delay phase, various variants specified in claim 2 are conceivable, which can also be combined and implemented, for example, in a temporal sequence.

[0013] During the delay phase, a tendency of the locking pawl system to open is counteracted by a motor, as is the subject of claim 3. In the opening state, on the other hand, a closing tendency can be present for a particularly simple implementation of the locking pawl system, which transitions into an opening tendency during the opening movement (claim 4), or an opening tendency can also be provided, which can further improve the acoustics (claim 5).

[0014] The motor vehicle lock according to claim 6 preferably has a locking element that secures the locking pawl system in the closed position and can release it for opening. A variant with an opening tendency of the locking pawl system is particularly interesting, in which the opening drive can initially only provide release via the locking element, thus requiring particularly low actuation forces. Here, the opening drive has the additional function of counteracting the opening movement occurring due to the opening tendency during the delay phase.

[0015] Advantageous embodiments concerning the definition and implementation of the delay phase are specified in claims 8 to 10. Particularly preferred is a sensor-based detection of a specific position of the opening drive or a component adjusted by it, according to claim 9, from which point the delay phase begins and whereupon the control arrangement operates the opening drive in the opposite direction to the opening movement. Further embodiments, which do not necessarily rely on sensors for the mechanical components, are based on a time dependency (claim 8) as well as on electrical drive values ​​(claim 10).

[0016] Claims 11 and 12 specify further embodiments of the motor vehicle lock with respect to the locking pawl system and the opening drive. Particularly preferred according to claim 11 is a coupling element for coupling the opening drive to the locking pawl system, which can act on the locking pawl system in both directions – assisting or opposing the opening.

[0017] According to a further teaching as claimed in claim 13, which has independent significance, a method for operating a motor vehicle lock is claimed. It is essential that the opening drive is controlled by means of a control arrangement via a delay phase of the opening actuation such that the opening drive opposes the opening movement of the locking pawl system. Reference may be made to all descriptions of the proposed motor vehicle locking system.

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

[0019] Fig. 1 a) a motor vehicle with a proposed motor vehicle locking system in a perspective view, b) an embodiment with a motor vehicle lock in the locked state,

[0020] Fig. 2 a), b) the motor vehicle lock from Fig. 1b) in the opening movement of the locking pawl system,

[0021] Fig. 3 a) a further embodiment with a motor vehicle lock in the closed position and b) in the opening movement of the locking pawl system and

[0022] Fig. 4 a), b) the motor vehicle lock from Fig. 3 in the further opening movement of the locking pawl system.

[0023] The embodiment shown in the figures, which is the preferred embodiment in this respect, relates to 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, whereby in the present case Fig. 1a) motor vehicle locking systems 1 are shown for a locking element 2 designed as a tailgate as well as for side doors. All embodiments apply to all types of locking elements of the motor vehicle 3.

[0024] The vehicle locking system 1 comprises a vehicle lock 4, which is equipped with a latch 5 and a locking pawl system 6. The latch 5 is adjustable to at least one closed position, here a main closed position (Fig. 1b)), for engagement with a locking element 7, and to an open position (not shown) for releasing the locking element 7, preferably by pivoting about a geometric latch axis 8. Starting from the position of the latch 5 shown in Fig. 2b), the open position is reached by further pivoting the latch 5 clockwise. In addition to the main closed position, a preliminary locking position of the latch 5 is preferably provided, which is located between the main closed position and the open position.

[0025] The locking element 7 can be a locking bar, a locking bolt, or the like. With the lock latch 5 in the open position, the locking element 7 can be inserted into a locking element receptacle 9 of the lock latch 5. Here, and preferably, the vehicle lock 4 is arranged on the locking element 2, while the locking element 7 is fixed to the vehicle body 3, although a reverse arrangement is conceivable.

[0026] The locking latch system 6 can be brought into an engaged position in which the latch 5, which is in the closed position, is locked against movement in its opening direction by a locking pawl 10. In the main latch position, this locking is effected by a detent engagement of a detent section 11 of the locking pawl 10 of the locking latch system 6 with a main detent 12 of the latch 5. The detent section 11 is a section of the locking pawl 10 that can interact with the latch 5 in the area of ​​the main detent 12 and, in particular, comprises a locking contact point or a locking contact area between the locking pawl 10 and the main detent 12 when the latch 5 is in the main closed position and the locking latch system 6 is in the engaged position. The motor vehicle lock 4 is in the main locked position with the lock latch 5 and the locking pawl system 6 in the inset state, as shown in Fig.1 b) is shown. With the locking part 7 in the locking part receptacle 9, the locking element 2 is fixed in a fully closed position in the main locking state. For the pre-locking state, a pre-latch 13 of the lock latch 5 is provided, which can engage with the locking pawl 10.

[0027] The locking latch system 6 can also be brought into a lift-out state, in which the locking latch system 6 releases the latch 5, so that the latch 5 can move into the open position under spring tension and / or via door seal pressure transmitted by the locking element 7. In the lift-out state, the detent engagement is released. The lift-out state can be achieved through various different configurations of the locking latch system 6, which release the latch 5. Fig. 2b) shows the lift-out state, where the latch 5 has not yet reached the open position.

[0028] An electric opening drive 14 coupled to the pawl system 6 and a control arrangement 15 for controlling the opening drive 14 are provided. The opening drive 14 is designed to release the pawl system 6 and preferably includes an electric drive motor 16, in particular a rotary electric motor, which acts on the pawl system 6 via a drive train. The opening drive 14 is shown only schematically in Fig. 1 b) and Fig. 2. Figures 3 and 4 show a further embodiment, wherein the drive train includes a gearbox designed as a worm gear in which a worm 17 associated with a drive motor 16 meshes with the teeth of a tooth element 18, which is coupled to the pawl system 6.

[0029] The control arrangement 15 includes control electronics, for example with a microcontroller, and is configured to implement the control functions of the opening drive 14 described here. In addition to or instead of an embodiment with a control arrangement 15 integrated into the vehicle lock 4, it is conceivable that the control arrangement 15 is part of a separate control unit for the vehicle lock 4. Examples of such a control unit are a flap control unit and a door control unit, which can also perform other electronic functions in the locking element 2.

[0030] In particular, the control arrangement 15 monitors the electrical drive voltage and / or the electrical drive current supplied to the drive motor 16 and controls, for example, a driver unit, which may include an H-bridge or the like. The control arrangement 15 generally controls the opening drive 14 to move the locking latch system 6 into the lifted position during an opening movement. By controlling the opening drive 14, which is triggered, for example, by a button on a door handle 19, by a remote control, or the like, the vehicle lock 4 can be opened electromechanically.

[0031] The essential point is that the control arrangement 15, via a delay phase of the opening movement, controls the opening drive 14 in such a way that the opening drive 14 counteracts the opening movement of the pawl system 6.

[0032] The delay phase of the opening movement is a phase in which, at least partially, the detent engagement between the locking pawl system 6 and the latch 5 is not yet fully released. The opening movement is slowed down by the counteracting action of the opening drive 14 compared to continuous operation of the opening drive 14 to assist the opening movement. The noises that occur briefly after the state shown in Fig. 2a)) when the detent engagement is released (approximately in the sequence from Fig. 2a) to Fig. 2b)) can be reduced by a slower opening movement.

[0033] Actuating the opening mechanism in the opposite direction is to be understood broadly, whereby the support provided by the opening actuator 14 for the opening movement is generally reduced. In one embodiment, the control arrangement 15 may interrupt or terminate the actuation of the opening actuator 14 during the delay phase; the opening actuator 14 can be de-energized after the opening operation has begun. If the actuation is interrupted, the opening actuator 14 is actuated again later in the opening movement to assist the opening movement, for example, after the detent is released. If the actuation is terminated, the vehicle lock 4 can continue to open automatically. The opening movement is then delayed by the passive opening actuator 14, for example, by friction effects in the gearbox and the detent torque of the drive motor 16.

[0034] It is particularly preferred that the control arrangement 15 controls the opening drive 14 during the delay phase such that the opening drive 14 is energized in the opposite direction to the opening movement. The drive power actively opposes the opening movement. Furthermore, the control arrangement 15 can operate the opening drive 14 as a resistance brake during the delay phase, in the simplest case by short-circuiting the terminals of the drive motor 16. Alternatively, a switchable braking resistor can be provided.

[0035] It is particularly preferred that the locking pawl system 6 exhibits an opening tendency during the delay phase when engaging the latch 5, which is moving towards the open position. The latch 5 can move towards the open position, which corresponds to the clockwise pivoting direction of the latch 5 in Figures 1b), 2 to 4. This opening tendency of the latch 5 results primarily from the holding engagement with the locking element 7, which exerts a corresponding torque on the latch 5 in the direction of the open position. The latch 5 can also be spring-loaded in the direction of the open position by means of a latch spring.

[0036] Driven by the opening tendency of the latch 5, the pawl system 6 moves into the lifted position during the delay phase and thus also exhibits an opening tendency. This opening tendency is caused here, and preferably in the illustration from Fig. 2b), by a contact force 20 between the pawl 10 and the latch 5, which passes over a pawl bearing 21 and thus results in a torque on the pawl 10. This torque is large enough to overcome the frictional forces occurring at the detent engagement and the pawl bearing 21, so that the opening tendency of the latch 5 automatically pivots the pawl 10 towards the lifted position. This opening tendency is counteracted by the opening drive 14 during the delay phase.

[0037] In the motor vehicle lock 4 shown in Fig. 1 b) and Fig. 2, a preferred embodiment provides that the locking pawl system 6, in the closed position, exhibits a closing tendency when engaged with the latch 5, which is moving towards the open position. The contact force 20 between the locking pawl 10 and the latch 5 passes over the locking pawl bearing 21 in such a way that a torque is generated on the locking pawl 10 opposite to the direction of the lift-out position, as shown in Fig. 1 b). The opening tendency thus forces the locking pawl 10 further into the detent engagement. The locking pawl 10 is spring-loaded by a locking pawl spring 22 opposite to the direction of the lift-out position. For the opening movement, the control arrangement 15 initially actuates the opening drive 14 to overcome the closing tendency, starting approximately from Fig. 1 b)).As the opening movement continues, the contact force 20 at the detent engagement changes, resulting in an opening tendency of the pawl system 6 (Fig. 2a). This is the delay phase, and the opening drive 14 counteracts the opening tendency to slow down the opening movement.

[0038] As an alternative to the closing tendency, it is conceivable that the locking pawl system 6, in the closed position, forms a self-locking mechanism at the engagement with the latch 5, which pushes towards the open position. The contact force 20 here passes approximately through the locking pawl bearing 21, so that the self-locking is achieved by a corresponding generation of static friction at the detent engagement.

[0039] In the motor vehicle lock 4 shown in Figures 3 and 4, a preferred embodiment provides that the locking pawl system 6, in the engaged state, exhibits an opening tendency at the engagement point with the lock latch 5, which pushes towards the open position. Starting from the closed state (Fig. 3a)), the opening tendency can be significantly increased with the opening movement (Fig. 4a)), thus again providing a delay phase.

[0040] It is particularly preferred that the locking pawl system 6 has a locking element 23 or that a locking element 23 is associated with the locking pawl system 6. The locking element 23 secures the locking pawl system 6 in the closed position, particularly in view of any tendency of the locking pawl system 6 to open. The locking element 23 can be part of the locking pawl system 6, wherein, for example, according to an embodiment not shown, a primary locking pawl interacting with the latch 5 is blocked by a secondary locking pawl. Figures 3 and 4 show an embodiment with a locking element 23 associated with the locking pawl system 6, which here is formed by a release lever 24 that is adjustable by the opening drive 14 to initiate the opening movement. The release lever 24 has a locking contour 25, visible in Fig. 3a), for locking the locking pawl system 6.

[0041] The locking element 23, in a locked position, prevents the pawl system 6 from being moved into the lifted position and, during the opening movement, moves into a release position in which the locking element 23 releases the pawl system 6 into the lifted position. The locking element 23 can be adjusted directly or indirectly via the opening drive 14. In the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, the locking element 23 is rotationally fixed to the toothed element 18 of the opening drive 14.

[0042] It can be provided that the opening actuator 14 initiates the opening movement by adjusting the locking element 23 into the release position, as illustrated by the dashed line indicating the position of the locking element in Fig. 3a). The opening tendency of the pawl system 6 can then already cause the further opening movement. Additionally, the opening actuator 14 can also assist the opening movement during this phase, with the release lever 24 preferably having a lifting contour 26 for acting on the pawl system 6 in the direction of the lifting state. As the opening tendency of the pawl system 6 increases, the delay phase can be initiated (Fig. 4a)), which preferably continues until the detent is released (Fig. 4b)).

[0043] It is particularly preferred that the opening drive 14, during the delay phase, counteracts the opening movement of the pawl system 6 by means of the locking element 23. In the release position, the locking element 23 can still exert a force on the pawl system 6 that opposes the opening movement. In the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, the release lever 24 is equipped with a transmission contour 27 which can at least slow the opening movement of the pawl system 6. In the embodiment not shown, with a primary and secondary pawl, the secondary pawl can counteract the opening tendency of the primary pawl.

[0044] The delay phase, and thus the triggering of the counteracting action by means of the control arrangement 15, can be determined in various ways. In one embodiment, the delay phase is defined by at least one temporal criterion. For example, the delay phase occurs after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of the opening movement. In a preferred embodiment, the delay phase is defined by at least one position of the opening drive 14. For example, the position of the drive motor 16 or a component of the transmission, such as the gear element 18, can be used as a criterion for triggering and / or ending the delay phase. Furthermore, the delay phase can be defined by at least one position of a component adjusted by the opening drive 14. This component is, in particular, a component of the pawl system 6.In particular, the position of the locking pawl 10 can be used. The position of the locking pawl 10 can be used, for example, as a measure of the opening tendency.

[0045] Here, and preferably, it is provided that a position sensor is assigned to the opening actuator 14 or to a component adjusted by the opening actuator 14, and that the control arrangement 15 determines the delay phase based on position information from the position sensor. Examples of such a position sensor are Hall sensors, microswitches, reed switches, rotary angle sensors, or the like. The position sensor of a component whose position is already monitored for controlling the opening actuator 14 can be used. For example, the toothed element 18 is provided with an additional Hall sensor or an additional microswitch—in addition to the Hall sensors provided for the end positions of the opening movement—to trigger the delay phase.

[0046] In further embodiments, the control arrangement 15 is provided that the delay phase is determined based on the drive voltage and / or the drive current supplied during activation. Based on the drive voltage and / or drive current, parameters of the opening movement, such as the current position or the opening movement speed, can be approximately determined or estimated, particularly without additional sensors, so that the delay phase can be triggered accordingly.

[0047] The control arrangement 15 can define the delay phase based on current ripples in the drive current, which are formed by commutation ripples in commutated DC motors. The control arrangement 15 can also define the delay phase based on a stored motor model, which depends on the drive voltage and / or the drive current. The time dependence of the drive voltage and / or drive current can be incorporated into the motor model.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the motor vehicle lock 4 shown in Figures 3 and 4, the opening drive 14 is coupled to the locking pawl system 6 via a coupling arrangement 28. The opening drive 14 initiates the opening movement via this coupling arrangement, and it also counteracts the opening movement during the delay phase. As already mentioned, the opening drive 14 can pivot a release lever 24, which guides the coupling arrangement 28 during the opening movement. The locking contour 25, the release contour, and the transmission contour 27 are formed in a recess of the release lever 24, in which the coupling arrangement 28 can be guided.Furthermore, and preferably, the locking pawl system 6 is provided with a pivotable locking pawl lever 29 on which a locking pawl 10, which interacts with the lock latch 5, is pivotably mounted. The locking pawl lever 29 can be pivoted from a normal position, in which it can be moved into locking engagement with the lock latch 5, to a deflected position, in which it releases the lock latch 5, by means of the opening drive 14 during the opening movement. The locking pawl lever 29 is pivotable about a geometric locking pawl lever axis 30. The normal position is assumed in the main locking state, and preferably also in the pre-locking state, and corresponds to a specific angular position of the locking pawl lever 29 about the locking pawl lever axis 30. The normal position is shown in Fig. 3a), and the deflected position in Fig. 4b).

[0049] The pawl lever 29 and the pawl 10 can form a first toggle assembly. The pawl bearing 21 of the pawl 10 on the pawl lever 29 constitutes the first toggle joint of the first toggle joint assembly. The opening drive 14 causes the first toggle joint assembly to buckle.

[0050] During the opening operation, the release lever 24 can adjust the pawl lever 29 via an intermediate lever 31. The intermediate lever 31 can form a second toggle lever assembly with a pivotally mounted coupling lever 32, which folds during the opening operation. The coupling assembly 28 can be arranged at a second toggle joint of the second toggle lever assembly. The coupling lever 32 and the intermediate lever 31 are connected to each other via the second toggle joint, with the coupling assembly 28 preferably being located at the second toggle joint. Here, and preferably, the intermediate lever 31 engages the pawl lever 29 at the pawl bearing 21. Improved force transmission via the transmission contour 27 can be achieved via the first and second toggle lever assemblies.

[0051] During the opening action, the pawl 10 is brought into mechanical contact with a guide contour 33 (Fig. 4a). The closing tendency of the pawl 10 around the pawl bearing 21 is limited by this contact. The guide contour 33 limits the pivot position of the pawl 10 relative to the pawl lever 29, at least over a portion of the opening movement. However, with respect to the pawl system 6, there is an opening tendency, since the contact force 20 passes over the pawl lever axis 30.

[0052] According to a further teaching, a method for operating a motor vehicle lock 4 with a lock latch 5 and with a locking pawl system 6 is proposed, wherein the lock latch 5 is adjustable into a closed position for holding engagement with a locking part 7 and into an open position for releasing the locking part 7, wherein the locking pawl system 6, in an engaged state, locks the lock latch 5 in the closed position against movement in its opening direction and, in a lifted state, releases it, wherein an electric opening drive 14 coupled to the locking pawl system 6 is provided, wherein the opening drive 14 is controlled by means of a control arrangement 15 to bring the locking pawl system 6 into the lifted state in an opening movement.

[0053] Essential to this further teaching is that the opening drive 14 is controlled by the control arrangement 15 via a delay phase of the opening movement such that the opening drive 14 opposes the opening movement of the locking pawl system 6. Reference may be made to all explanations concerning the proposed motor vehicle locking system 1.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Motor vehicle locking system for a locking element (2) of a motor vehicle (3), the motor vehicle locking system (1) comprising a motor vehicle lock (4) with a latch (5) and with a locking pawl system (6), wherein the latch (5) is adjustable into a closed position for engagement with a locking part (7) and into an open position for releasing the locking part (7), wherein the locking pawl system (6) in an engaged state locks the latch (5) in the closed position against movement in its opening direction via a locking pawl (10) and releases it in a lifted state, wherein an electric opening drive (14) coupled to the locking pawl system (6) and a control arrangement (15) for controlling the opening drive (14) are provided, wherein the control arrangement (15) controls the opening drive (14) to bring the locking pawl system (6) into the lifted state in an opening movement. characterized bythat the control arrangement (15) controls the opening drive (14) via a delay phase of the opening movement in such a way that the opening drive (14) opposes the opening movement of the locking pawl system (6).

2. Motor vehicle locking system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control arrangement (15) interrupts or terminates the actuation of the opening drive (14) during the delay phase; that the control arrangement (15) actuates the opening drive (14) during the delay phase in such a way that the opening drive (14) is energized with an effect opposing the opening movement; and / or that the control arrangement (15) operates the opening drive (14) as a resistance brake during the delay phase.

3. Motor vehicle locking system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the locking pawl system (6) has an opening tendency in the delay phase at the engagement with the lock latch (5) which pushes towards the open position.

4. Motor vehicle locking system according to claim 3, characterized in that the locking pawl system (6) in the engaged state has a tendency to close when engaging the lock latch (5) which pushes towards the open position, or that the locking pawl system (6) in the engaged state forms a self-locking mechanism when engaging the lock latch (5) which pushes towards the open position.

5. Motor vehicle locking system according to claim 3, characterized in that the locking latch system (6) in the engaged state has an opening tendency towards the lock latch (5) which pushes in the direction of the open position.

6. Motor vehicle locking system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking pawl system (6) has a locking element (23) or a locking element (23) is assigned to the locking pawl system (6), and that the locking element (23) in a locking position locks the locking pawl system (6) against being moved into the lifting state and in the opening movement passes into a release position in which the locking element (23) releases the locking pawl system (6) into the lifting state.

7. Motor vehicle locking system according to claim 6, characterized in that the opening drive (14) counteracts the opening movement of the locking pawl system (6) in the delay phase by means of the locking element (23).

8. Motor vehicle locking system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the delay phase is defined by at least one temporal criterion, and / or that the delay phase is defined by at least one position of the opening drive (14) or of a component adjusted by the opening drive (14).

9. Motor vehicle locking system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a position sensor is provided to the opening drive (14) or to a component adjusted by the opening drive (14). is ordered, and that the control arrangement (15) determines the delay phase based on position information from the position sensor.

10. Motor vehicle locking system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control arrangement (15) determines the delay phase based on the drive voltage supplied during activation and / or the drive current supplied during activation, in particular that the control arrangement (15) determines the delay phase based on current ripples in the drive current, and / or that the control arrangement (15) determines the delay phase based on a stored motor model which depends on the drive voltage and / or the drive current.

11. Motor vehicle locking system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opening drive (14) is coupled to the locking pawl system (6) via a coupling arrangement (28) via which the opening drive (14) initiates the opening movement and via which the opening drive (14) counteracts the opening movement in the delay phase, preferably that the opening drive (14) pivots a release lever (24) which guides the coupling arrangement (28) in the opening movement.

12. Motor vehicle locking system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking pawl system (6) has a pivotable locking pawl lever (29) on which a locking pawl (10) interacting with the lock latch (5) is pivotably mounted and which is pivotable from a normal position in which the locking pawl (10) can be moved into locking engagement with the lock latch (5) by means of the opening drive (14) in the opening movement to a deflected position in which the locking pawl (10) releases the lock latch (5).

13. Method for operating a motor vehicle lock (4) with a lock latch (5) and with a locking pawl system (6), wherein the lock latch (5) is adjustable into a closed position for holding engagement with a locking part (7) and into an open position for releasing the locking part (7), wherein the locking pawl system (6) in an engaged state engages the lock latch (5) in the closed position via a locking pawl (10) against a Adjustment in its opening direction locks and releases in a lifted state, wherein an electric opening drive (14) coupled to the locking pawl system (6) is provided, wherein the opening drive (14) is controlled by means of a control arrangement (15) to bring the locking pawl system (6) into the lifted state in an opening movement, characterized in that the opening drive (14) is controlled by means of the control arrangement (15) via a delay phase of the opening movement such that the opening drive (14) opposes the opening movement of the locking pawl system (6).

Images