Control assembly for operating a motor vehicle locking system

Abstract

The invention relates to a control assembly for operating a motor vehicle locking system, the motor vehicle locking system comprising a motor vehicle lock (4) having a latch (5) and at least one pawl (7), wherein: the motor vehicle lock (4) has an auxiliary locking assembly (13) having a latch lever (14); in an auxiliary locking procedure, an electric auxiliary locking drive (18) moves the latch (5) in the closing direction thereof via an engagement between the latch lever (14) and the latch (5); the control assembly (1) controls an electric opening drive (20) of the motor vehicle lock (4), which opening drive is designed, during the opening procedure in the auxiliary locking procedure, to release the engagement between the latch lever (14) and the latch (5); and the control assembly (1) has an emergency power supply (25) having an energy accumulator (26), via which emergency power supply the control assembly (1) controls the opening drive (20) in an emergency operation. According to the invention, during normal operation, the control assembly (1) checks a control criterion of the opening procedure in the auxiliary locking procedure when the opening procedure is triggered and, if the control criterion is not satisfied, controls the opening drive (20) by means of the emergency power supply (25) in order to release the engagement between the latch lever (14) and the latch (5).

Description

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

[0002] The present invention relates to a control arrangement for the operation of a motor vehicle locking system according to the preamble of claim 1, a motor vehicle lock according to claim 8, a motor vehicle locking system according to claim 9 and a method for the operation of a motor vehicle locking system according to the preamble of claim 10.

[0003] The vehicle locking system in question includes a vehicle lock that can be assigned to 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, or the like. These locking elements can generally be designed as swing or sliding doors.

[0004] For increased convenience, the vehicle lock is equipped with a locking assistance mechanism featuring a latch lever, which allows the latch to be adjusted in its closing direction during a locking assistance operation. For example, the locking assistance operation moves the latch from a pre-locking position to a fully locked position, thus providing motorized support for the final part of the locking movement, which must be accomplished against the pressure of the inner door seal.

[0005] In a previously known automotive lock (DE 38 36 771 A1), the engagement between the lock latch lever and the lock latch can be released via a manually operated lever, so that the vehicle lock can still be opened even if the auxiliary closing drive is blocked. Furthermore, if an object becomes trapped in the door gap during the auxiliary closing process, the force exerted by the auxiliary closing drive can be quickly neutralized by manual operation. A challenge here is that interrupting the auxiliary closing process by releasing the engagement between the lock latch lever and the lock latch can require considerable force.

[0006] The invention is based on the problem of designing and further developing a control arrangement for the operation of a motor vehicle locking system in such a way that the interruption of the force chain of the locking auxiliary drive can be carried out with high safety.

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

[0008] It is assumed that the control arrangement actuates an electric opening drive of the vehicle lock to disengage the locking pawl, which can release the engagement between the lock latch lever and the lock latch. The interruption of the force chain of the auxiliary locking drive can thus be achieved electrically via the opening drive. The vehicle lock is preferably designed as a purely electric lock, which can only be opened via the opening drive and has no mechanical actuation chains for manual opening to a door handle or the like.

[0009] To meet the requirements for a reliable power supply, the control unit has an emergency power supply with an energy storage device, which the control unit uses to operate the opening mechanism in emergency mode. Therefore, the vehicle lock can be reliably opened via the opening mechanism even in the event of a power failure or a crash.

[0010] The fundamental consideration is that even during normal operation, fluctuations in the normal supply voltage provided by the vehicle's electrical system can occur, affecting the actuation of the opening mechanism. In particular, an insufficient normal supply voltage can lead to the opening mechanism reliably moving the locking pawl into the disengaged position, but the force exerted by the opening mechanism may not always be sufficient to release the engagement between the lock latch lever and the lock latch. Specifically, it is proposed that, during normal operation, the control arrangement, when the opening process is triggered during the closing assistance process, checks a control criterion for the opening process and, if this criterion is not met, actuates the opening mechanism using the emergency power supply to release the engagement between the lock latch lever and the lock latch.

[0011] The activation criterion is representative of whether the energy supply to the opening drive is sufficient to release the engagement between the lock latch lever and the lock latch. If the activation criterion is not met, the emergency power supply is additionally or alternatively used during normal operation, as proposed, to ensure the safe ejection of the closing aid mechanism.

[0012] A particularly simple implementation of this measure is specified in claim 2, according to which the control arrangement decides on such use of the emergency power supply based on the normal supply voltage.

[0013] Particularly preferred is the embodiment according to claim 3 in which a position of the opening drive is checked, thereby ensuring that the engagement between the lock latch lever and the lock latch is properly released.

[0014] Preferably, the emergency power supply is equipped with a voltage converter which can be used to increase the energy storage voltage and / or the normal supply voltage (claims 4 to 6).

[0015] According to a further teaching according to claim 8, which has independent significance, a motor vehicle lock is claimed. The motor vehicle lock has a proposed control arrangement, which functions, for example, as a lock control unit. Reference may be made to all descriptions of the proposed control arrangement. According to a further teaching according to claim 9, which also has independent significance, a motor vehicle locking system is claimed, comprising a motor vehicle lock and an electric auxiliary locking drive. The motor vehicle locking system has a proposed control arrangement, which is designed, for example, as part of a door control unit or flap control unit. Reference may be made to all descriptions of the proposed control arrangement and the proposed motor vehicle lock.

[0016] According to a further teaching as claimed in claim 10, which also has independent significance, a method for operating a motor vehicle locking system is claimed. It is essential that, in normal operation, the control arrangement, upon triggering the opening process during the ongoing locking assistance process, checks a control criterion for the opening process and, if the control criterion is not met, actuates the opening drive by means of the emergency power supply in order to release the engagement between the lock latch lever and the lock latch. Reference may be made to all descriptions of the proposed control arrangement, the proposed motor vehicle lock, and the proposed motor vehicle locking system.

[0017] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing that merely illustrates exemplary embodiments. The drawing shows

[0018] Fig. 1 shows a motor vehicle door with a proposed motor vehicle locking system in a perspective view,

[0019] Fig. 2 shows the motor vehicle lock of the motor vehicle locking system with a proposed control arrangement in the locking assistance process in a schematic view and

[0020] Fig. 3 shows the motor vehicle lock from Fig. 2 in an opening process.

[0021] The embodiment shown in the figures, which is the preferred embodiment in this respect, relates to a control arrangement 1 for the operation of a motor vehicle locking system. The motor vehicle locking system is associated with a locking element 2 of the motor vehicle 3. Figure 1 shows an exemplary configuration of the locking element 2 as a side door of the motor vehicle 3. However, all embodiments also apply to all other types of locking elements of the motor vehicle 3.

[0022] The vehicle locking system comprises a vehicle lock 4, which is shown in more detail in Figures 2 and 3. The vehicle lock 4 is equipped with a latch 5 for engaging a locking element 6 in a locked position and with at least one locking pawl 7. The latch 5 is adjustable to at least one locked position, preferably a main locked position and optionally a pre-locking position, for engaging the locking element 6, and to an open position for releasing the locking element 6, preferably by pivoting about a geometric latch axis 8. The locking element 6 can be a locking bolt, a locking pin, or the like. When the latch 5 is in the open position, the locking element 6 can be inserted into a locking element receptacle 9 of the latch 5.Here, and preferably, the motor vehicle lock 4 is arranged on the locking element 2, while the locking part 6 is fixed to the body of the motor vehicle 3, although a reverse arrangement is conceivable.

[0023] The locking pawl 7, which interacts with the latch 5, can be moved into an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the locking pawl 7 locks the latch 5, which is in the closed position, against movement in its opening direction. Starting from the open position, the closed positions can be reached by pivoting the latch 5 in a closing direction, and in Figures 2 and 3 counterclockwise, whereby the locking pawl 7 can engage a main detent 10 (main closed position) or a pre-detent 11 (pre-closed position) of the latch 5. In the disengaged position, the locking pawl 7 releases the latch 5 in its opening direction, so that the latch 5 can, for example, be spring-loaded and / or moved into the open position by extending the locking element 6.Here, and preferably, the pawl 7 is pivotable about a pawl axis 12, wherein the engaged and disengaged states correspond to specific angular positions about the pawl axis 12. The pawl 7 can also, in an embodiment not shown, be part of a pawl system consisting of several pawls.

[0024] The vehicle lock 4 has a locking aid assembly 13 with a latch lever 14. The latch lever 14 can be engaged with the latch 5, preferably from a rest position of the locking aid assembly 13. In the rest position, the latch lever 14 can be disengaged from the latch 5. In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, the latch lever 14 is pivotably mounted on a locking aid lever 16 about the latch lever axis 15. The locking aid lever 16 is pivotably mounted about a locking aid lever axis 17.By initiating a closing assistance process, in which the closing assistance arrangement 13 is moved from its rest position by means of an electric closing assistance drive 18, the latch lever 14 is brought into engagement with the latch 5, thereby establishing direct mechanical contact between the latch lever 14 and an engagement surface 19 of the latch 5. The engagement surface 19 is preferably provided circumferentially on the latch 5. During the closing assistance process, the latch 5 can be adjusted in its closing direction via the engaged latch lever 14.

[0025] Fig. 2 shows an intermediate position traversed during the assisted closing process, whereby the latch 5 is moved from the pre-locking position into the closing direction, in Fig. 2 counterclockwise. With the assisted closing process, particularly after passing through an overtravel position provided from the main closed position further in the closing direction, the main closed position can be reached with the locking pawl 7 engaged against the main latch 10.

[0026] In particular, to perform the assisted locking process, the vehicle lock 4 can be coupled to an assisted locking drive 18, which is preferably designed separately from the vehicle lock 4. In the mounted state, the vehicle lock 4 can be coupled to the assisted locking drive 18 via a Bowden cable. Alternatively, the assisted locking drive 18 can be integrated into the vehicle lock 4. The drive movement of the assisted locking drive 18 causes an adjustment of the assisted locking arrangement 13 of the vehicle lock 4 during the assisted locking process, preferably by pivoting the assisted locking lever 16. The assisted locking drive 18 has an electric drive motor, which preferably actuates the assisted locking arrangement 13 via a feed mechanism (not shown). The control arrangement 1 is specifically designed for controlling the assisted locking drive 18.

[0027] The control arrangement 1 serves to control an electric opening drive 20 of the vehicle lock 4 and preferably includes a control unit 21, such as a microcontroller, which is configured for controlling the opening drive 20. For example, the control unit 21 operates a driver unit (not shown) which supplies a drive voltage to the opening drive 20. In an opening operation, the opening drive 20 moves the locking pawl 7 into the lifted position. For example, a door handle of the locking element 2 is equipped with a sensor, such as a push button, which detects when the door handle is actuated. Such actuation can be registered by the control arrangement 1, and the opening drive 20 can then be controlled to cause the locking pawl 7 to be lifted by motor.The opening drive 20 here and preferably has an electric drive motor 22 which adjusts the locking pawl 7 directly or indirectly, for example via a release lever 24 which pivots about a release lever axis 23.

[0028] The term "drive motor" encompasses all types of electric actuators, in particular rotary and linear actuators. Preferably, the drive motor(s) is / are a rotary electric motor.

[0029] The opening drive 20 is designed to disengage the latch lever 14 and the lock latch 5 during the opening action of the assisted closing process. Consequently, the ongoing assisted closing process can be interrupted by triggering the opening action, as illustrated in Fig. 3. Furthermore, when the latch lever 14 is engaged, the lock latch 5 may be prevented from pivoting into the open position by the latch lever 14 (see Fig. 2). Particularly in the event of a malfunction of the assisted closing drive 18, there is a risk of the lock latch 5 jamming, so that the latch 5 can be released from the latch lever 14 by means of the opening drive 20 to open the vehicle lock 4. Here, and preferably, the release lever 24 adjusts the latch lever 14 directly or indirectly to disengage it.

[0030] In normal operation, the control unit 1 operates the opening drive 20 based on the normal supply voltage of the vehicle's locking system. The normal supply voltage used in 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 therefore provided when the normal supply voltage is available to operate the opening drive 20.

[0031] The control unit 1 has an emergency power supply 25 with an energy storage device 26, via which the control unit 1 controls the opening drive 20 in emergency operation. Emergency operation is intended for situations in which the normal supply voltage is not available to control the opening drive 20. Examples of this include a failure of the vehicle's electrical system, such as due to a largely discharged central battery or a failure of electrical wiring in the vehicle's electrical system, and a crash of the vehicle 3. In emergency operation, the discharge of the energy storage device 26 is used to supply the opening drive 20 with electrical energy.

[0032] The energy storage device 26 is preferably designed to be rechargeable. In one embodiment, the energy storage device 26 includes at least one capacitor, in particular at least one double-layer capacitor, for providing power during emergency operation. 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. In addition to the at least one capacitor, the energy storage device 26 can include further storage elements, such as primary and / or secondary cells. In one conceivable embodiment, the energy storage device 26 includes exactly one capacitor. When using multiple capacitors, the capacitors can, in principle, be connected in series and / or parallel, with several double-layer capacitors preferably connected in series.

[0033] It is essential that, in normal operation, the control arrangement 1 checks a control criterion for the opening process when the opening process is triggered in the closing assistance process, and if the control criterion is not met, it controls the opening drive 20 by means of the emergency power supply 25 in order to release the engagement between the lock latch lever 14 and the lock latch 5.

[0034] The control criterion is representative of the fact that the power supply via the normal supply voltage of the opening actuator 20 is sufficient to release the engagement between the latch lever 14 and the latch 5. In principle, the opening actuator 20 can be designed such that, even under permissible fluctuations in the normal supply voltage during normal operation, for example due to fluctuations in the vehicle electrical system, the release of the locking pawl 7 is guaranteed with a high degree of reliability. However, if the latch lever 14 is engaged with the latch 5, an increased drive load is placed on the opening actuator 20 to release the engagement. This increased drive load is addressed, as proposed, by utilizing the emergency power supply 25. The emergency power supply 25 can provide a stable drive voltage for the opening actuator 20, particularly independent of fluctuations in the normal supply voltage.

[0035] The activation criterion can be checked before, during, and / or after the opening and / or closing process is triggered. This check can be performed regardless of whether a closing process was previously triggered. Conversely, the check can also be performed only if a closing process was previously triggered.

[0036] Several variants are advantageous for defining the trigger criterion. Here, and preferably, it is provided that the control arrangement 1 checks the trigger criterion based on the normal supply voltage. At least one sub-criterion of the trigger criterion is fulfilled or not fulfilled depending on the magnitude of the normal supply voltage. In a preferred embodiment, the trigger criterion is defined, at least in part, by the normal supply voltage exceeding a minimum voltage. If the minimum voltage is not reached, the trigger criterion is not fulfilled, and the emergency power supply 25 can also be used in normal operation to trigger the opening drive 20.

[0037] In a further embodiment, the control arrangement 1 checks the control criterion based on the position of the opening drive 20 and / or the closing aid arrangement 13. Preferably, the vehicle lock 4 and / or the closing aid drive 18 is equipped with a position sensor, for example an angle sensor, Hall sensor, microswitch, or the like, which allows at least one predetermined end position for releasing the engagement between the lock latch lever 14 and the lock latch 5 to be detected. Such a position sensor can, for example, be assigned to the drive motor 22 of the opening drive 20, the release lever 24, the lock latch lever 14, and / or the lock latch 5.

[0038] Preferably, the control criterion is defined, at least in part, by the fact that a predetermined end position for releasing the engagement between the lock latch lever 14 and the lock latch 5 is reached within a specified time period. If, on the other hand, the end position is not reached within this time period, it can be concluded that the available drive power of the opening drive 20 is insufficient to release the engagement, so that, as proposed, the emergency power supply 25 is used.

[0039] Preferably, during normal operation, the opening drive 20 is not operated from the emergency power supply 25, provided the control criterion is met. Accordingly, only in exceptional cases during normal operation, such as under the aforementioned fluctuations in the normal supply voltage, is the opening drive 20 operated by means of the emergency power supply 25. In a further embodiment, the use of the closing auxiliary drive 18 is not provided for during emergency operation. In a preferred embodiment, the emergency power supply 25 is provided for with a voltage converter 27 for charging and / or discharging the energy storage device 26, and the control arrangement 1 controls the opening drive 20 by means of the voltage converter 27 if the control criterion is not met.

[0040] The energy storage device 26 can preferably be charged during normal operation using the control arrangement 1 based on the normal supply voltage. For this purpose, the voltage converter 27 can, for example, increase and / or decrease the normal supply voltage to a suitable charging voltage for the energy storage device 26. The voltage converter 27 can be configured as a buck-boost converter.

[0041] The voltage converter 27 can also be designed for discharging the energy storage device 26 in emergency operation and preferably boost the energy storage voltage, here and preferably the capacitor voltage of the at least one capacitor, to a predetermined drive voltage, which corresponds, for example, to the nominal voltage of the normal supply voltage, such as 12 V or 24 V. The voltage converter 27 can therefore be designed as a boost converter.

[0042] In one embodiment, the control arrangement 1 is designed so that, if the control criterion is not met, it controls the opening drive 20 by discharging the energy storage device 26 via the voltage converter 27. In particular, with regular recharging of the energy storage device 26 during normal operation, it can be assumed that the energy storage device 26, by discharging and increasing its voltage via the voltage converter 27, provides a sufficiently high drive voltage. The resulting discharge of the energy storage device 26, which also occurs during normal operation, is unproblematic in many cases, since the energy storage device 26 can also be charged with a low normal supply voltage.

[0043] The control arrangement 1 can disconnect the opening drive 20 from the normal supply voltage, so that only the discharge of the energy storage device 26 is used for the voltage supply and no additional discharge of the energy storage device 26 into the vehicle electrical system occurs.

[0044] In a further embodiment, the control arrangement 1 is designed to control the opening drive 20 if the control criterion is not met, based on a normal supply voltage boosted by the voltage converter 27. Accordingly, the voltage converter 27, intended for the energy storage device 26, is used for a dual purpose. The normal supply voltage can, for example, be boosted to at least a nominal voltage for the vehicle electrical system, such as 12 V or 24 V.

[0045] The emergency power supply 25 can thus be used as an alternative to the normal supply voltage. It is also conceivable that the emergency power supply 25 is used in addition to the normal supply voltage. In one embodiment, it is provided that, if the control criterion is not met, the control arrangement 1 actuates the opening drive 20 by means of a total voltage consisting of the normal supply voltage and the energy storage voltage of the energy storage device 26. The level of the normal supply voltage is increased accordingly by means of the emergency power supply 25 and by discharging the energy storage device 26.

[0046] It is also conceivable to combine the aforementioned measures in a temporal sequence. For example, the drive voltage for the opening drive 20 can be increased gradually and / or continuously using the emergency power supply 25 until the engagement between the lock latch lever 14 and the lock latch 5 is released.

[0047] According to a further teaching, a motor vehicle lock 4 is proposed with a latch 5 for holding engagement with a locking part 6 in a closed position and with at least one locking pawl 7, wherein the locking pawl 7, in an engaged state, locks the latch 5 against movement in its opening direction and, in a lifted state, releases it, wherein the motor vehicle lock 4 has a locking aid arrangement 13 with a latch lever 14, wherein, in a locking aid operation, the latch 5 is adjustable in its closing direction by means of an engagement between the latch lever 14 and the latch 5, wherein an electric opening drive 20 is provided, which, in an opening operation, moves the locking pawl 7 into the lifted state and which is designed to release the engagement between the latch lever 14 and the latch 5 during the opening operation in the locking aid operation.and wherein a proposed control arrangement 1 is provided for controlling the opening drive 20. Reference may be made to all descriptions of the proposed control arrangement 1. Particularly preferably, the control arrangement 1 is integrated into a housing 28 of the motor vehicle lock 4.

[0048] According to a further teaching, a motor vehicle locking system is proposed comprising a motor vehicle lock 4 with a latch 5 for holding engagement with a locking part 6 in a closed position and with at least one locking pawl 7, wherein the locking pawl 7, in an engaged state, locks the latch 5 against movement in its opening direction and, in a lifted state, releases it, wherein the motor vehicle lock 4 has a locking aid arrangement 13 with a latch lever 14, wherein an electric locking aid drive 18, in a locking aid operation, moves the latch 5 in its closing direction via an engagement between the latch lever 14 and the latch 5, wherein an electric opening drive 20 of the motor vehicle lock 4 is actuated, which, in an opening operation, moves the locking pawl 7 into the lifted state and which is configured for this purpose.The opening process in the closing assistance process is intended to release the engagement between the lock latch lever 14 and the lock latch 5, and a proposed control arrangement 1 is provided for controlling the opening drive 20. Reference may be made to all descriptions of the proposed control arrangement 1 and the proposed motor vehicle lock 4.

[0049] In addition to the integration of the control arrangement 1 into the vehicle lock 4 already mentioned, it is also conceivable that the control arrangement 1 is part of a separate control unit 29 for the vehicle lock 4. Examples of such a control unit 29 are a flap control unit and a door control unit, which can also perform other electronic functions in the locking element 2. According to a further teaching, a method for operating a vehicle locking system is proposed, the vehicle locking system comprising a vehicle lock 4 with a latch 5 for holding engagement with a locking part 6 in a closed position and with at least one locking pawl 7, wherein the locking pawl 7, in an engaged state, locks the latch 5 against movement in its opening direction and, in a lifted state, releases it, wherein the vehicle lock 4 has a locking aid arrangement 13 with a latch lever 14.wherein an electric closing assist drive 18, in a closing assist operation, adjusts the lock latch 5 in its closing direction via an engagement between the lock latch lever 14 and the lock latch 5, wherein a control arrangement 1 actuates an electric opening drive 20 of the vehicle lock 4, which, in an opening operation, moves the locking pawl 7 into the lifted position and which is configured to release the engagement between the lock latch lever 14 and the lock latch 5 during the opening operation in the closing assist operation, wherein in normal operation the control arrangement 1 operates the opening drive 20 on the basis of a normal supply voltage of the vehicle locking system, wherein the control arrangement 1 has an emergency power supply 25 with an energy storage device 26, via which the control arrangement 1 actuates the opening drive 20 in emergency operation.

[0050] Essentially, according to this further teaching, the control arrangement 1, in normal operation, checks a control criterion of the opening process when the opening process is triggered in the closing assistance process, and if the control criterion is not met, it controls the opening drive 20 by means of the emergency power supply 25 in order to release the engagement between the lock latch lever 14 and the lock latch 5.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Control arrangement for the operation of a motor vehicle locking system, the motor vehicle locking system comprising a motor vehicle lock (4) with a latch (5) for holding engagement with a locking part (6) in a closed position and with at least one locking pawl (7), wherein the locking pawl (7) in an engaged state locks the latch (5) against movement in its opening direction and releases it in a lifted state, wherein the motor vehicle lock (4) comprises a locking aid arrangement (13) with a latch lever (14), wherein an electric locking aid drive (18) in a locking aid operation moves the latch (5) in its closing direction via an engagement between the latch lever (14) and the latch (5). wherein the control arrangement (1) controls an electric opening drive (20) of the motor vehicle lock (4), which in an opening process moves the locking pawl (7) into the lifted position and which is designed to release the engagement between the lock latch lever (14) and the lock latch (5) during the opening process in the closing assistance process, wherein the control arrangement (1) operates the opening drive (20) in normal operation on the basis of a normal supply voltage of the motor vehicle locking system, wherein the control arrangement (1) has an emergency power supply (25) with an energy storage device (26) via which the control arrangement (1) controls the opening drive (20) in an emergency operation, characterized by that the control arrangement (1) in normal operation checks a control criterion of the opening process when the opening process is triggered in the closing aid process and, if the control criterion is not met, controls the opening drive (20) by means of the emergency power supply (25) in order to release the engagement between the lock latch lever (14) and the lock latch (5).

2. Control arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the control arrangement (1) checks the control criterion on the basis of the normal supply voltage, preferably that the control criterion is at least partially defined by the fact that the normal supply voltage exceeds a minimum voltage.

3. Control arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control arrangement (1 ) checks the control criterion on the basis of a position of the opening drive (20) and / or the closing aid arrangement (13), preferably that the control criterion is at least partially defined by the fact that a predetermined end position for releasing the engagement between the lock latch lever (14) and the lock latch (5) is reached within a predetermined time period.

4. Control arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the emergency power supply (25) has a voltage converter (27) for charging and / or discharging the energy storage device (26), and that the control arrangement (1) controls the opening drive (20) by means of the voltage converter (27) if the control criterion is not met.

5. Control arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the control arrangement (1 ) if the control criterion is not met, controls the opening drive (20) by means of the voltage converter (27) by discharging the energy storage device (26), preferably that the control arrangement (1) disconnects the opening drive (20) from the normal supply voltage.

6. Control arrangement according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the control arrangement (1) controls the opening drive (20) on the basis of a normal supply voltage increased by means of the voltage converter (27) if the control criterion is not met.

7. Control arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control arrangement (1) controls the opening drive (20) by means of a total voltage consisting of the normal supply voltage and the energy storage voltage of the energy storage device (26) if the control criterion is not met.

8. Motor vehicle lock with a latch (5) for holding engagement with a locking part (6) in a locked position and with at least one- 17 - Locking pawl (7), wherein the locking pawl (7) in an engaged state locks the latch (5) against movement in its opening direction and releases it in a lifted state, wherein the motor vehicle lock (4) has a locking aid arrangement (13) with a lock latch lever (14), wherein in a locking aid operation the lock latch (5) is adjustable in its closing direction via an engagement between lock latch lever (14) and lock latch (5), wherein an electric opening drive (20) is provided which, in an opening process, moves the locking latch (7) into the lifted position and which is designed to release the engagement between the lock latch lever (14) and the lock latch (5) during the opening process in the closing assistance process, wherein a control arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims is provided for controlling the opening drive (20).

9. Motor vehicle locking system comprising a motor vehicle lock (4) with a latch (5) for holding engagement with a locking part (6) in a closed position and with at least one locking pawl (7), wherein the locking pawl (7) in an engaged position locks the latch (5) against movement in its opening direction and releases it in a lifted position, wherein the motor vehicle lock (4) comprises a locking aid arrangement (13) with a latch lever (14), wherein an electric locking aid drive (18) in a locking aid operation moves the latch (5) in its closing direction via an engagement between the latch lever (14) and the latch (5), wherein an electric opening drive (20) is provided which, in an opening process, moves the locking latch (7) into the lifted position and which is designed to release the engagement between the lock latch lever (14) and the lock latch (5) during the opening process in the closing assistance process, wherein a control arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims is provided for controlling the opening drive (20).

10. Method for operating a motor vehicle locking system, the motor vehicle locking system comprising a motor vehicle lock (4) with a latch (5) for holding engagement with a locking part (6) in a- 18 - closed position and with at least one locking pawl (7), wherein the locking pawl (7) in an engaged state locks the latch (5) against movement in its opening direction and releases it in a lifted state, wherein the motor vehicle lock (4) has a closing aid arrangement (13) with a latch lever (14), wherein an electric closing aid drive (18) in a closing aid operation moves the latch (5) in its closing direction via an engagement between the latch lever (14) and the latch (5), wherein a control arrangement (1) controls an electric opening drive (20) of the motor vehicle lock (4), which in an opening process moves the locking pawl (7) into the lifted position and which is designed to release the engagement between lock latch lever (14) and lock latch (5) during the opening process in the closing assistance process, wherein control arrangement (1) operates the opening drive (20) in normal operation on the basis of a normal supply voltage of the motor vehicle locking system, wherein the control arrangement (1) has an emergency power supply (25) with an energy storage device (26) via which the control arrangement (1) controls the opening drive (20) in an emergency operation, characterized by that the control arrangement (1) in normal operation checks a control criterion of the opening process when the opening process is triggered in the closing aid process and, if the control criterion is not met, controls the opening drive (20) by means of the emergency power supply (25) in order to release the engagement between the lock latch lever (14) and the lock latch (5).

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