DE102021114707A1 - Control circuit and method of operating a control circuit - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a control circuit for operating a first electric motor and a second electric motor (M2), having a first group of semiconductor switches (5) and a second group of semiconductor switches (7), the first group of semiconductor switches (5) being Energizing the first electric motor (M1) is electrically connected thereto and the second group of semiconductor switches (7) for energizing the second electric motor (M2) is electrically connected thereto. The first group of semiconductor switches (5) is also electrically connected to the second electric motor (M2) for energizing it.

Description

AREA

The invention relates to a control circuit with a first group of semiconductor switches and a second group of semiconductor switches for operating a first electric motor and a second electric motor, and a method for operating such a control circuit, the first group of semiconductor switches being used both for operating the first electric motor and is used to operate the second electric motor.

BACKGROUND

A control circuit is typically provided for each of the electric motors in order to operate two or more electric motors. In particular, control circuits with six semiconductor switches, which are connected as a B6 bridge circuit for operating three-phase, electronically commutated electric motors, are known. If another electric motor, for example a DC motor, is to be controlled with the same control circuit, a further control circuit with four further semiconductor switches, or alternatively a control circuit with a total of ten semiconductor switches, must be provided. However, there are only a small number of applications for such control circuits, which is why cost-effective production in large numbers is usually out of the question.

An operation of more than one electric motor by means of a common control circuit is, for example, in the patent DE 102004033399 B4 disclosed. A control circuit for stepping motors is described there, with an arrangement of semiconductor switches being described by means of which the number of semiconductor switches can be reduced to 2n+2 switches. However, the switching arrangement disclosed there is fixed for connecting stepper motors and thus requires a control circuit specially produced for this type of motor. Furthermore, it is not possible to operate a three-phase electronically commutated DC motor together with another electric motor.

OVERVIEW

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a control circuit and a method for operating such a control circuit, wherein the control circuit is designed to operate two electric motors and can be used flexibly for different applications, with as few semiconductor switches as possible being used to control the two electric motors.

This object is achieved by a control circuit according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 15. Refinements of the control circuit and the method are specified in the dependent claims. Furthermore, an actuator with a first electric motor and a second electric motor is provided, which includes a control circuit according to the invention and/or whose control circuit is set up to carry out a method according to the invention.

According to the invention, a control circuit is provided, the control circuit for operating a first electric motor and a second electric motor being provided with a first group of semiconductor switches and a second group of semiconductor switches, the first group of semiconductor switches being electrically connected to the first electric motor in order to energize it and the second group of semiconductor switches for energizing the second electric motor is electrically connected to the latter. According to the invention, the first group of semiconductor switches for energizing the second electric motor is also electrically connected to the latter. The semiconductor switches of the first group and the second group of semiconductor switches can thus be used to operate the second electric motor. As a result, the circuit complexity can be reduced and a compact and cost-effective control circuit can be provided which is suitable for driving two electric motors.

The first group of semiconductor switches can in particular include a total of six semiconductor switches and the second group of semiconductor switches can in particular include a total of 2 semiconductor switches. A three-phase electronically commutated electric motor, for example a brushless DC motor, can thus be operated using the first group of semiconductor switches. If two semiconductor switches are now provided in the second group of semiconductor switches to operate the second electric motor, two further semiconductor switches in the first group of semiconductor switches can also be used to operate the second electric motor, for example. In this way, in particular, a DC motor can also be controlled. The semiconductor switches of the first group that are not used for driving the DC motor can then be opened when the second electric motor is driven, so that the phase windings of the first electric motor are not energized via these semiconductor switches.

In some preferred configurations of the control circuit, the semiconductor switches of the first group of semiconductor switches are each arranged in pairs as half-bridges. It is also preferred in some configurations that the semiconductor switches of the second group of semiconductor switches are each arranged in pairs as half-bridges.

For example, the first group of semiconductor switches can include six semiconductor switches that are connected as a B6 bridge circuit. The semiconductor switches of the second group of semiconductor switches can in particular include a half bridge.

The first electric motor can in particular have at least two phase windings, each of the phase windings being electrically connected to two half-bridges of the first group of semiconductor switches. The electrical connection can be formed in particular between the two switches of the respective half-bridge. For example, the three phase windings of a three-phase BLDC motor can be electrically connected in each case to two half-bridges, with the connection being formed in each case between the bridge switches of the respective half-bridge. The control circuit can also be set up to switch the semiconductor switches of the first group in such a way that those phase windings of the first electric motor which are not supplied with current with those half-bridges of the first group of semiconductor switches that are not required for driving the second electric motor. For this purpose, for example, all the upper bridge switches and/or all the lower bridge switches of these half-bridges can be opened.

Likewise, it can advantageously be provided that the electrical connection of the second electric motor to the first group of semiconductor switches is formed between two switches of a half-bridge. It is also advantageous if the electrical connection of the second electric motor to the second group of semiconductor switches is also formed between two semiconductor switches. The interconnection of the second electric motor with the half-bridges of the first and the second group of semiconductor switches used for driving can thus be designed as a typical H-bridge circuit. In particular, an electrical connection to a DC motor can be provided for energizing the armature windings.

In some preferred configurations, a voltage output of the second group of semiconductor switches is also designed as a signal input. In particular, it can be provided that the voltage present between two semiconductor switches of a half-bridge is measured. For this purpose, the control circuit can include a corresponding measurement circuit. The measurement circuit can include, for example, an analog/digital converter for processing the measurement signal.

Furthermore, some configurations provide for the second group of semiconductor switches to be connected to a switch arrangement for activating and/or deactivating the second electric motor via the signal input. The switch arrangement can also include more than one switch. If several switches are implemented, they can be resistance-coded and connected in series with resistors with different ohmic resistance values, for example. The switch position can then be determined by means of a voltage measurement at the signal input and the second electric motor can be controlled accordingly. Alternatively or additionally, the first electric motor can also be activated as a function of the switch position of the switch arrangement.

The control circuit advantageously includes at least one, preferably two or more, wake-up inputs. In particular, some configurations of the control circuit provide for the signal input to include a first wake-up input and a first wake-up circuit, by means of which the control circuit can be woken up from a sleep mode. Thus, the control circuit can be placed in a sleep mode when both the first and the second electric motor are not driven. By actuating a switch of the switch arrangement, a wake-up signal can be provided at the first wake-up circuit and the control circuit can be switched from the sleep mode to an operating mode in order to control the first electric motor and/or the second electric motor. In this case, the actuation can take place in particular as a function of the position of the switches of the switch arrangement. The first wake-up circuit can include a Schmitt trigger or a voltage comparator, for example, with an input of the Schmitt trigger or voltage comparator being connected to the signal input. A digital wake-up signal can thus be provided at an output of the Schmitt trigger or voltage comparator.

In some configurations, a voltage change can be detected at the first wake-up input in particular when a switch position of the switch arrangement has been changed or when the first electric motor and/or the second electric motor is/are driven by an external force. For example, the movement of an actuator, in particular a flap, cause rotation of a rotor of the first electric motor due to an external force and induce a voltage in its phase windings. This so-called counter-electromotive voltage now causes an increase in the voltage present at the first signal input. This voltage rise can be detected by the first wake-up circuit, and the control circuit can be put into an operating mode as a result. Likewise, the voltage increase can be detected using a voltmeter at the signal input. After the movement due to the external force has been detected, the first electric motor and/or the second electric motor can then be activated, for example in order to adjust a flap.

In particular, the control circuit can also include a microcontroller (μC) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The first group of semiconductor switches and the second group of semiconductor switches, as well as the wake-up circuits and circuits for determining the switch position of the switch arrangement can each be integrated in the μC or the ASIC.

The signal present at the first wake-up input can then be evaluated by the μC or the ASIC of the control circuit, for example by means of a computer program such as firmware running on the μC/the ASIC.

In some advantageous developments, the second group of semiconductor switches is connected to a voltage divider. A first branch of the voltage divider can be connected to ground via a first partial resistor and a second branch of the voltage divider can be connected to a supply voltage VBAT via at least one second partial resistor and at least one switch of the switch arrangement.

Furthermore, it is provided in some developments that the first branch of the voltage divider includes a switch or a switchable resistor, so that the electrical connection to ground can be interrupted. As a result, the power loss, in particular due to leakage currents, can be minimized. The power consumption of the circuit can thus be reduced, in particular when the control circuit is in the idle mode. The switchable resistor can be connected, for example, to a control output of the control circuit, for example via a digital-to-analog converter. The switchable resistor can be in the form of a field effect transistor, for example, whose gate is coupled to the control output of the control circuit.

Preferably, means present in the control circuit for detecting a counter-electromotive voltage induced in the phase windings are used both for controlling or regulating the first electric motor and for detecting the switch position of the switch arrangement.

The supply voltage VBAT can be in the range from 10V to 100V in particular. For example, a supply voltage VBAT of 12 V, 24 V, 48 V or 96 V is provided. The resistance wiring for coding the switches of the switch arrangement can in particular include resistances in the range from 100Ω to 20 kΩ. The switch arrangement can in particular comprise at least two resistors which are connected in parallel and which are each connected in series to a switch. For example, a first switch can be connected in series with a resistance of 1 kΩ and a second switch can be connected in series with a resistance of 2 kΩ. The voltage divider can be connected to ground via a resistor of, for example, 1.5 kΩ. If there is a supply voltage of VBAT 12 V in this example, a voltage of 6.4 V (switch 1 conducting), 4.7 V (switch 2 conducting) or 7.2 V (switches 1 and 2 conducting) can be present depending on the switch position Voltage input of the second group can be measured at semiconductor switches. It is thus possible to reliably determine the switching state of the switch arrangement.

In some developments, the control circuit is connected to a force sensor, the control circuit being set up to activate the electric motor as a function of a sensor signal from the force sensor. In particular, the force sensor can include at least one strain gauge and can be used, for example, to form a pressure switch. For connection to the force sensor, the control circuit can include a second signal input, in particular an analog input.

In further configurations, the force sensor is connected to a wake-up circuit of the control circuit in order to wake up the control circuit from a sleep mode. In particular, the control circuit can include a second wake-up input and a second wake-up circuit.

The control circuit may also be coupled to a position sensor to determine the set position of an actuator. For example, a third signal input, in particular a digital input of the control circuit, can be connected to the position sensor for receiving the sensor signal. The position of an actuator that can be adjusted by the first electric motor or the second electric motor can thus be determined.

Further position sensors can also be provided on the first electric motor and/or on the second electric motor and can be arranged, for example, on a rotor and/or on a transmission or output wheel. The position sensor can be, for example, a magnetic sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, a mechanical sensor or an optical sensor.

In some configurations, an end stop sensor is arranged on an actuator that can be driven by the second electric motor and is connected to a fourth signal input of the control circuit. The end stop sensor can, for example, be triggered by a part of the actuator when the end stop is reached. The control circuit can then use the sensor signal present at the fourth signal input to detect that the final position of the actuator has been reached and stop the second electric motor.

The control circuit is preferably set up to regulate the first electric motor and the second electric motor. The first electric motor can in particular be a BLDC motor, a DC motor or a stepping motor. The second electric motor can in particular be a DC motor or a stepping motor, in particular a unipolar stepping motor, or also a lifting magnet (solenoid).

In some developments of the control circuit, it is provided that this is also designed and set up to operate a third electric motor. The third electric motor can in particular be a unipolar stepper motor or a DC motor. In order to operate three electric motors using the control circuit, it can be provided that the first electric motor is energized using the first group of semiconductor switches, the third electric motor is also energized using the first group of semiconductor switches, and the second electric motor is energized using the second group of semiconductor switches and the first group of semiconductor switches is energized.

For energizing and driving three unipolar direct current motors, the semiconductor switches of the first and the second group of semiconductor switches can in turn be arranged in pairs as half-bridges. In particular, an arrangement as a B6 bridge circuit can be provided. The first group of semiconductor switches can include three half-bridges, for example, and the second group of semiconductor switches can include one half-bridge. The first unipolar DC motor can then be controlled using a first half bridge and a second half bridge of the first group of semiconductor switches, the third unipolar DC motor can be controlled using the second half bridge and a third half bridge of the first group of semiconductor switches. The second unipolar DC motor can then be controlled by means of the third half-bridge of the first group of semiconductor switches and by means of the half-bridge forming the second group of semiconductor switches.

• - Schalten von wenigstens einem Schalter der ersten Gruppe an Halbleiterschaltern zum Bestromen des ersten Elektromotors; und
• - Schalten von wenigstens einem Schalter der zweiten Gruppe an Halbleiterschaltern zum Bestromen des zweiten Elektromotors; sowie
• - Schalten wenigstens eines Schalters der ersten Gruppe an Halbleiterschaltern zum Bestromen des zweiten Elektromotors.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating two electric motors by means of a control circuit, the control circuit comprising a first group of semiconductor switches and a second group of semiconductor switches, the first group of semiconductor switches being electrically connected to a first electric motor for energizing it and the second Group is electrically connected to semiconductor switches for energizing a second electric motor with this. The first group of semiconductor switches is also electrically connected to the second electric motor in order to supply it with current. According to the invention, the method comprises the steps:

• - Switching of at least one switch of the first group of semiconductor switches for energizing the first electric motor; and
• - Switching of at least one switch of the second group of semiconductor switches for energizing the second electric motor; such as
• - Switching at least one switch of the first group of semiconductor switches for energizing the second electric motor.

The method preferably relates to a control circuit whose semiconductor switches from the first group of semiconductor switches are each arranged in pairs as half-bridges and whose semiconductor switches from the second group of semiconductor switches are each arranged in pairs as half-bridges, and the first electric motor is an electronically commutated electric motor with at least two phase windings and each of the phase windings is electrically connected to two different half-bridges between the semiconductor switches of the respective half-bridge. At least one switch of each half-bridge of the first group of semiconductor switches is then preferably switched to energize the first electric motor, and at least one semiconductor switch of a half-bridge of the second group of semiconductor switches and at least one switch of a half-bridge of the first group of semiconductor switches are switched to energize the second electric motor.

In some configurations, the method relates to a control circuit, in which the first group of semiconductor switches comprises at least two half-bridges, each with two semiconductor switches, with one half-bridge for energizing of the first electric motor and the second electric motor is used and wherein all upper bridge switches and/or all lower bridge switches of the further half-bridges of the first group of semiconductor switches are opened when the second electric motor is activated.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the first group of semiconductor switches includes a total of one half-bridge with two semiconductor switches and the second group of semiconductor switches includes a total of three half-bridges with a total of six semiconductor switches. In some configurations of the method, at least one switch of each half-bridge of the first group of semiconductor switches is switched in order to control the first electric motor. At least one semiconductor switch from the first group of semiconductor switches and at least one switch from the second group of semiconductor switches can then be switched to drive the second electric motor.

In further configurations of the method, it is provided that when the second electric motor is activated, the bridge switches of those half-bridges of the first group of semiconductor switches that are not switched to activate the second electric motor are switched in such a way that the upper bridge switches and/or the both lower bridge switches are open. Thus, the first electric motor can be prevented from being energized and driven when the second electric motor is being energized.

Provision can also be made for all upper bridge switches of the half-bridges of the second group of semiconductor switches and/or all lower bridge switches of the second group of semiconductor switches to be opened when the first electric motor is activated. Thus, the second electric motor can be prevented from being driven during the driving of the first electric motor.

• - Messen einer am ersten Signaleingang anliegenden Spannung und Bestimmen des Schaltzustandes der Schalteranordnung anhand der gemessenen Spannung, und
• - Aktivieren, Deaktivieren oder Ansteuern des zweiten Elektromotors in Abhängigkeit des Schaltzustandes der Schalteranordnung.

The second group of semiconductor switches can also include a first signal input that is connected to the switch arrangement. For example, the first electric motor and/or the second electric motor can be activated by means of the switch arrangement. In such configurations, the method can include the steps:

• - Measuring a voltage present at the first signal input and determining the switching state of the switch arrangement on the basis of the measured voltage, and
• - Activating, deactivating or driving the second electric motor depending on the switching state of the switch arrangement.

• - Überwachen des ersten Wake-Up-Eingangs durch eine Wake-Up-Schaltung der Steuerschaltung ,
• - Aufwecken der Steuerschaltung von einem Ruhemodus und Versetzen in einen Betriebsmodus, wenn ein Wake-Up-Signal am ersten Wake-Up-Eingang detektiert wurde, und
• - Ansteuern des ersten Elektromotors und/oder des zweiten Elektromotors in Abhängigkeit der Schalterstellung der Schalteranordnung.

Furthermore, the first signal input of the control circuit can include at least one first wake-up input and the method can include the following steps:

• - Monitoring of the first wake-up input by a wake-up circuit of the control circuit,
• - waking up the control circuit from a sleep mode and putting it into an operating mode when a wake-up signal has been detected at the first wake-up input, and
• - Controlling the first electric motor and/or the second electric motor depending on the switch position of the switch arrangement.

• - Überwachen eines Sensorsignalausgangs des Kraftsensors,
• - Aktivieren und/oder Ansteuern des Elektromotors in Abhängigkeit eines am Sensorsignalausgang des Kraftsensors detektierten Sensorsignals.

If the control circuit is connected to a force sensor, the method may further include the following steps:

• - monitoring a sensor signal output of the force sensor,
• - Activating and/or controlling the electric motor as a function of a sensor signal detected at the sensor signal output of the force sensor.

• - Überwachen des zweiten Wake-Up-Eingangs durch eine zweite Wake-Up-Schaltung der Steuerschaltung ,
• - Aufwecken der Steuerschaltung von einem Ruhemodus und Versetzen in einen Betriebsmodus, wenn ein Wake-Up-Signal am zweiten Wake-Up-Eingang detektiert wurde, und
• - Ansteuern des ersten Elektromotors und/oder des zweiten Elektromotors in Abhängigkeit des am zweiten Signaleingang detektierten Sensorsignals.

If the control circuit includes a second wake-up input, which is connected to the force sensor, the following steps can also be provided:

• - monitoring of the second wake-up input by a second wake-up circuit of the control circuit,
• - waking up the control circuit from a sleep mode and putting it into an operating mode when a wake-up signal has been detected at the second wake-up input, and
• - Controlling the first electric motor and/or the second electric motor as a function of the sensor signal detected at the second signal input.

For example, the force sensor can be arranged on a flap, so that a pressure on the flap is detected and the control circuit is awakened from the sleep mode. After the wake-up process, the signal can be detected at the second signal input and at least one of the two electric motors can be activated, for example as a function of a voltage level detected at the second signal input. In particular, pressure on a closed flap can cause the flap to open. If pressure is detected on an open flap, however, the flap can be closed.

It can therefore be provided in the method that the control circuit is placed in a sleep mode when no actuating process is being carried out by means of the electric motors. Thus, an energy-efficient control circuit can be provided. After detecting a wake-up signal at one of the wake-up inputs, the control circuit can then be woken up again.

The invention also relates to an actuating unit comprising a first electric motor and a second electric motor, the actuating unit comprising a control circuit which is designed according to the invention and/or is set up to carry out a method according to the invention

In some developments of the actuating unit it is provided that the control circuit with the first electric motor is arranged in a first housing and the second electric motor is arranged in a second housing. In particular, the second electric motor can be connected to the control circuit via at least one control line. In order to connect the second electric motor to the control circuit, it can be provided that the first housing includes a connector on which a contact pin for connecting the control circuit to an electric motor arranged outside of the first housing is arranged. The contact pin can, for example, be coupled to the control circuit via a control line, such as a cable or a conductor track. At least one second electric motor can thus be connected to the control circuit via the plug and controlled by it.

In particular, the actuating unit can comprise a position sensor which is arranged on a driven wheel and which is coupled to the third signal input of the control circuit 1 .

Alternatively or additionally, the actuating unit can have an end stop sensor, which is arranged on an actuating element that can be driven by the second actuating drive and is coupled to the fourth signal input of the control circuit.

Furthermore, the actuating unit can include a force sensor which is coupled to the second signal input of the control circuit.

The actuator that can be driven by the first actuator can, in particular, be a flap and the actuator that can be driven by the second electric motor actuator can, in particular, be a locking pin. For example, the flap can be a loading flap of a motor vehicle and the locking pin can be part of a locking arrangement for locking the flap or a charging plug in a charging socket that can be closed by the flap.

In such configurations of the actuating unit, the force sensor can be arranged on the flap, or on a part of the actuating unit that is firmly connected to the flap, or on a frame of the flap. A pressure on the flap can thus be detected by means of the force sensor and the flap can then be adjusted. In particular, the force sensor can be arranged on a toothed rack that is connected to the flap and can be driven by the first actuator.

The actuating unit preferably includes a third electric motor which is operated by means of the control circuit. The third electric motor can then be arranged together with the first electric motor in the first housing, or the third electric motor can be connected to the control circuit via a control line and arranged together with the second electric motor in the second housing or in a third housing. For example, three unipolar stepper motors or three DC motors, or a combination of both motor types, can be coupled to the control circuit and controlled by it in such configurations. In particular, the operation of three unipolar stepping motors using a control circuit according to the invention can be advantageous if they are operated synchronously, for example by synchronous switching of one bridge switch of three half-bridges, in particular one bridge switch connecting to ground.

In some developments it can be provided that a total of four electric motors are controlled via four half-bridges of the control circuit. In configurations with more than four half-bridges, a correspondingly larger number of motors can be controlled. In principle, the invention is not limited to the combinations of motor types mentioned, and any combinations of electric motor types can be controlled by the control circuit as long as it makes technical sense. In some developments it can also be provided that the second or a further electric motor is a lifting magnet.

In particular, the actuating unit can be a flap actuator of a motor vehicle, for example for adjusting a tank flap or loading flap. A control unit for a tank or loading flap arrangement on a motor vehicle can comprise a number of electromotive control actuators. For example, the first electric motor can be used to open and close the flap. The second electric motor can be used to lock the flap and/or to lock a connected charging station be used. By using a common control circuit of the electric motors of the actuator, only a single connection of the actuator to a bus system of the motor vehicle is necessary. Furthermore, by reducing to a single control circuit, the space requirement, the manufacturing costs and the weight of the control unit can be minimized.

character list

• 1: eine schematische Darrstellung einer beispielhaften Ausgestaltung einer Steuerschaltung gemäß der Erfindung;
• 2: eine beispielhafte Anordnung der Halbleiterschalter einer Steuerschaltung gemäß der Erfindung;
• 3 eine beispielhafte Ausgestaltung einer Ladeklappenanordnung mit zwei elektromotorisch betriebenen Stelleinheiten;
• 4 eine beispielhafte Ausgestaltung eines zweiten Stellantriebes der Ladeklappenanordnung aus der 3; und
• 5: eine teilweise geschnittene Schrägansicht eines ersten Stellantriebes der Ladeklappenanordnung der 3 mit einer Steuerschaltung gemäß der Erfindung,
• 6 ein schematisches Ablaufdiagramm eines Verfahrens nach der Erfindung gemäß einem Beispiel,
• 7 ein schematisches Ablaufdiagramm einer Weiterbildung des Verfahrens aus der 6, und
• 8 ein schematisches Ablaufdiagramm einer Weiterbildung des Verfahrens aus der 6 oder 7.

The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The figures show in a schematic representation:

• 1 1: a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a control circuit according to the invention;
• 2 : an exemplary arrangement of the semiconductor switches of a control circuit according to the invention;
• 3 an exemplary embodiment of a tailgate assembly with two electric motor-driven actuators;
• 4 an exemplary embodiment of a second actuator of the tailgate assembly from 3 ; and
• 5 : a partially sectioned oblique view of a first actuator of the tailgate assembly of 3 with a control circuit according to the invention,
• 6 a schematic flowchart of a method according to the invention according to an example,
• 7 a schematic flowchart of a development of the method from 6 , and
• 8th a schematic flowchart of a development of the method from 6 or 7 .

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

1 1 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary control circuit 1 according to the invention. In the example, the control circuit 1 comprises a microcontroller 3 which in turn comprises a first group of semiconductor switches 5 and a second group of semiconductor switches 7 . The first group of semiconductor switches 5 is coupled to a first electric motor M1 via outputs MOUT1, MOUT2, MOUT3 and also to a second electric motor M2 via the output MOUT3. The second group of semiconductor switches is also coupled to the second electric motor via the output MOUT4. The outputs MOUT1 to MOUT4 can be in the form of a GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) pin, for example. In some developments, at least one of the outputs MOUT1 to MOUT4 can provide further functionalities and, for example, be used simultaneously as a signal input and/or wake-up input.

The electric motors M1, M2 can be controlled by switching the semiconductor switches. In the example, the first group of semiconductor switches 5 comprises six semiconductor switches, which are arranged in pairs as half-bridges HB1, HB2 and HB3. In the example, the second group of semiconductor switches 7 includes a half-bridge HB4 and thus two semiconductor switches. The semiconductor switches can in particular be field effect transistors. The first electric motor M1 is shown schematically and is designed as a three-phase electronically commutated electric motor, for example as a BLDC motor. The second electric motor M2 is also shown schematically and is designed, for example, as a DC motor or as a single-phase, unipolar stepping motor.

In the example, the output MOUT4 also includes a first signal input 11 and is connected to a voltage divider ST1. A first branch of the voltage divider ST1 is coupled to a voltage input 13 of the control circuit 1 via a switch arrangement 15 . In the example, the switch arrangement 15 comprises a first switch 15a and a second switch 15b, which are connected in parallel between the supply voltage input 13 and the first signal input 11 . The first switch 15a is connected in series with a resistor R3a and the second switch is connected in series with a resistor R3b. The first switch 15a can be designed as a button, for example.

A second branch of the voltage divider ST1 includes a resistor R5 and is coupled to ground GND via this resistor. By connecting resistors R3a and R3b with different resistance values, a voltage-coded signal can be provided at the first signal input 11 and can be measured by the microcontroller.

Furthermore, the control circuit 1 includes a first wake-up input 17, via which the control circuit 1 can be woken up from a sleep mode. The first wake-up input 17 is arranged at the first signal input 11 in the example. A voltage or voltage change present at the signal input 11 can thus be recognized as a wake-up signal. The wake-up signal can be activated, for example, by switching a switch of the switch arrangement 15 or by the induce a voltage in the phase windings of the first electric motor M1, particularly due to an external force.

In the example, a force sensor 21 is also provided, which is embodied, for example, as a strain gauge. The force sensor 21 is connected to a second signal input 23 of the control circuit 1 and to a second wake-up input 25 . The second signal input 23 is designed as an analog input in the example. A change in the weight force detected at the force sensor 21 can thus be detected by the microcontroller 3 as a wake-up signal at the second wake-up input 25 . After the wake-up signal has been received and detected, the control circuit 1 can be put into an operating mode and the first electric motor M1 and/or the second electric motor M2 can be activated. For example, the force sensor 21 can be arranged in the flap 43 or in its fastening device, such as a holding frame, and can detect a pressure on the flap 43 . The wake-up signal generated in this way can now wake up the control circuit 1 and/or provide a setting request at the analog input 23 . Finally, the second electric motor M2 can be actuated, for example in order to release a locking of the flap 43 or a locking of a plug of the charging cable . As an alternative or in addition, the first electric motor M1 can be activated in order to adjust the flap, for example.

A third signal input 29 of the control circuit 1 for receiving sensor signals is designed as a digital input, in particular as a digital input and output (IO port). In the example, the third signal input 29 is coupled to a position sensor 31, for example to a capacitive, inductive, magnetic, optical or resistive sensor. The position sensor 31 can be arranged, for example, on an actuator or an output, such as an output gear wheel or an output shaft, of an actuator driven by the first electric motor M1 (cf. 4 ).

Furthermore, a fourth signal input 30 of the control circuit 1 is coupled to an end stop sensor 32 assigned to the second electric motor M2. In particular, the end stop sensor 32 can be arranged on an actuator that can be adjusted by the second electric motor M2. The control circuit 1 can in particular be set up to detect when the actuator has reached the end stop on the basis of the sensor signals from the end stop sensor 32 and then to stop the second electric motor M2. The fourth signal input 30 can in particular be an analog signal input. The end stop sensor 32 can include a switch, for example, by means of which a voltage potential present at the fourth signal input 30 can be changed.

For communication with a bus system, the control circuit 1 also has a communication interface 33, which is embodied as a LIN interface, for example. Additionally or alternatively, a communication interface 33 for a pulse width modulated signal (PWM interface) can also be provided.

Finally, the control circuit includes a control output 35 connected to an LED driver of an LED array 37 or other lighting device. The LED device 37 can be used, for example, to provide visual displays of a loading flap arrangement of a motor vehicle. The optical display can be used, for example, to illuminate the switch arrangement 15 and/or to display a battery charge level.

the 2 shows an exemplary arrangement of the first group 5 and second group of semiconductor switches 7 of the control circuit 1, and their interconnection with the first electric motor M1 and the second electric motor M2. In the example of 2 all semiconductor switches are designed as MOSFETs (metal-oxide field effect transistors).

The first group of semiconductor switches 5 includes the half-bridges HB1, HB2, and HB3, with the half-bridge HB1 including the MOSFETs FET1a and FET1b, the second half-bridge including the MOSFETs FET2a and FET2b, and the third half-bridge including the MOSFETs FET3a and FET3b. The MOSFETs are each designed as a normally conducting n-channel MOSFET. The respective gates G1a, Gib, G2a, G2b, G3a and G3b are connected to a control output of the control circuit 1, for example a control output of the μC 3 of the 1 , tied together. The lower bridge switches FET1b, FET2b and FET3b are each connected to ground GND, while the upper bridge switches FETia, FET2a and FET3a are each connected to an input voltage UB which, for example, from the μC 3 of the 1 provided. A phase winding of the electric motor M1 is connected between each pair of bridge switches, so that it can be controlled in a known manner by means of the B6 bridge circuit formed from the first group of semiconductor switches 5.

The second group of semiconductor switches 7 includes the half-bridge HB4, with the MOSFETS FET4a and FET4b, whose gates G4a and gates are also each connected to a control output of the control circuit 1. The upper bridge switch FET4a is also connected to the input voltage UB, and the lower bridge switch FET4b in turn connected to ground GND. An electrical connection to the second electric motor M2 is formed between the two MOSFETs FET4a and FET4b. For example, the electrical connection may be coupled to a collector of a DC motor or to a phase winding of a stepping motor, such as a unipolar stepping motor.

Correspondingly, the two MOSFETs FET3a and FET3b of the first group of semiconductor switches 5 are now also coupled to the second electric motor M2 via an electrical connection formed between the MOSFET FET3a and the MOSFET FET3b, so that it can be operated using the half-bridges HB3 and HB4.

If the first electric motor M1 is activated, the two MOSEFETs FET4a and FET4b of the second group of semiconductor switches 7 can be opened, that is to say de-energized. It is thus possible to prevent the electric motor M2 from being displaced during the operation of the second electric motor M2.

If, on the other hand, the second electric motor M2 is activated, the upper bridge switches FET1a and FET2a can be opened, so that the first electric motor M1 is not driven when the second electric motor M2 is activated. Alternatively, the lower bridge switches FET1b and FET2b can also be opened. Provision can likewise be made for more than two, for example all, bridge switches FET1a, FET1b, FET2a and FET2b of the first half-bridge HB1 and the second half-bridge HB2 to be opened in order to prevent a movement of the first electric motor M1.

3 shows an exemplary configuration of a loading flap arrangement 41 of a motor vehicle with two electric motors M1, M2. The loading flap arrangement 41 can be fired by means of a flap 43 . To open and close the flap 43, the tailgate assembly 41 includes a first actuator 45 with the first electric motor M1. A second actuator 47 with the second electric motor M2 is provided for locking a charging connector 49 .

An output 53 of the first actuator 45 is mechanically coupled via an optional gear 55 to a toothed rack 57, which in turn is connected to the flap 43 for imparting a linear movement. If the flap 43 is in the open state, the charging plug 49 can be plugged into a charging socket 51 of the charging flap arrangement 41 . To lock the charging plug 49 in the charging socket 51, a locking arrangement 59 is provided, which is designed to be adjustable by the second actuator 47. As illustrated, the locking arrangement 59 can, for example, comprise a locking pin 61 which can be adjusted by means of the second actuating drive 47 .

Furthermore, the previously mentioned force sensor 21 can be arranged on the flap 43 or integrated into it. When the flap 43 is in the closed state, a wake-up signal can then be generated by pressing a force sensor 21 , which wake-up signal is present at a second wake-up input 25 of the control circuit 1 . Furthermore, the sensor signal of the force sensor 21 can be present at the second signal input 23, which is recognized by the control circuit 1. After the control circuit 1 has been woken up and the sensor signal has been detected, the first actuator 45 can now be used to move the flap 43 from a closed to an open state.

In the example, the force sensor 21 is arranged on the toothed rack 57 . For example, the force sensor 21 can be in the form of a strain gauge and/or be glued to the toothed rack 57 . The force sensor 21 can then be coupled to the second signal input 23 of the control circuit 1 by means of a wire connection or, as shown, with a flexible printed circuit board 63 . The force sensor 21 is advantageously located on a section of the toothed rack 57 which undergoes a comparatively large deflection when pressure is applied to the flap.

In some configurations it can also be provided that the force sensor 21 is arranged on a fastening frame of the charging socket 51 or flap 43 . A pressure on the flap 43 can then act on the frame, so that a change in the weight force is detected by the force sensor 21 . An arrangement in the frame can be advantageous in particular when the frame, as indicated, is attached to a relatively flexible point on the motor vehicle body, for example on the outer body. If, on the other hand, the fastening frame is fastened to a comparatively rigid part of the motor vehicle body, an integration of the force sensor 21 in the flap 43 can be advantageous.

Furthermore, the tailgate assembly 41, the switch assembly 15 from the 1 include. The switches 15a and 15b can be designed as pushbuttons, for example. For example, the switch 15a for opening the switch 15b for closing the flap 43 can be provided. Alternatively, a single switch/button can also be provided. Likewise, more than two switches/buttons can be provided in other configurations. The switches 15a and 15b can also be used to lock and/or unlocking the charging plug 49 or a tank cap lock. Other functions are also possible, for example activating a display.

The second actuator 47 is connected to the control circuit 1 via a control line 65 so that the second electric motor M2 can be energized by means of the first group of semiconductor switches 5 and the second group of semiconductor switches 7 of the control circuit 1 .

the 4 shows a schematic representation of the second actuator 47 with the second electric motor M2 for adjusting the locking pin 61 of the locking arrangement 59. The locking pin 61 is driven by the second electric motor M2 via a rack 62 and an optionally interposed gear 64. The charging plug 49 can thus be locked and/or fixed by means of the locking pin 61 . Furthermore, an embodiment of the end stop sensor 32 is shown here schematically. In the embodiment shown, the end stop sensor 32 includes a switch arrangement 67. The switch arrangement 67 includes a projection on the toothed rack 62 designed as a cam 67a. When an end stop is reached, the cam 67a acts on a switch 67b of the switch arrangement 67. The switch 67b is, for example, via a Resistor R7a connected to the fourth signal input 30 of the control circuit 1. Furthermore, in the example, the switch 67b is connected in parallel to a resistor R7b and is connected to a ground potential GND. The resistor R7b is selected to be high-impedance, with a resistance value of 10 kΩ, for example. The resistor R7a has a smaller resistance value, for example 1kΩ. If the switch 67b is now opened (closed), the voltage present at the fourth signal input 30 will drop from a high (low) level to a low (high) level. This level change can be detected by the control circuit 1 and the electric motor M2 stopped.

In the 5 Finally, an embodiment of the first actuator 45 is shown. The first actuator 45 comprises a housing 71 in which the first electric motor M1 and the control circuit 1 are arranged. The first electric motor M1 is designed here as a three-phase brushless DC motor. The control circuit 1 is arranged on a circuit board 73 and is coupled to the phase windings of the first electric motor M1 so that it can be controlled by means of the first group of semiconductor switches 5 .

A stator 75 of the first electric motor M1 is arranged below the circuit board. A rotor with permanent magnets is arranged inside the stator 75 and is connected to a drive gear wheel 77 in a rotationally fixed manner. The drive gear 77 extends from the rotor arranged below the circuit board 75 through a recess in the circuit board 75 . In order to impart the rotational movement of the rotor, the drive gear 77 interacts with a gear 79, for example a reduction gear, which is arranged at least partially above the circuit board 75. The last stage of the transmission 79 acts on an output gear, which in the example is designed in one piece with a hollow shaft 81 as the output. The hollow shaft 81 is designed for coupling to an actuator, in particular a tank flap or charging flap. The coupling can take place directly or, for example, via an intermediate transmission. In some configurations, the position sensor 31 , for example in the form of a magnetic or an inductive sensor, can be arranged on the output gear wheel or the hollow shaft 81 . For example, a permanent magnet can be arranged on the output gear wheel, the change in magnetic field of which is detected by a Hall sensor arranged on the circuit board. The Hall sensor can then be connected to the third signal input 29 (cf. 1 ) be connected to the control circuit 1, and the position signal can be evaluated by the control circuit 1. The third signal input 29 can in particular be a digital input.

The first actuator 45 also has a plug 83 . A supply voltage and a connection of the communication interface to an external control unit, for example via a LIN bus of a motor vehicle, can be provided via the plug 83 . Furthermore, the plug 83 can provide a connection for a control line, by means of which the second electric motor M1 can be controlled by the control circuit 1 .

the 6 shows a schematic flowchart of the method according to the invention. In a first step S1, the first group of semiconductor switches 5 is switched and the first electric motor M1 is activated. The first electric motor M1 can be designed in particular as an electronically commutated electric motor and can be commutated by switching the first group of semiconductor switches 5 .

After the activation of the first electric motor M1, the second electric motor M2 can now be activated in a next step. In a further step S3, switches of the first group of semiconductor switches 5 and switches of the second group of semiconductor switches 7 are switched, as a result of which the second electric motor is activated.

Alternatively, the order of steps S1 and S3 can also be reversed. The second electric motor M2 can therefore also be operated first by means of both groups of semiconductor switches, and then the first electric motor M1 can be operated by means of the first group of semiconductor switches 5.

the 7 shows a further development of the in 6 outlined procedure. The development relates to a control circuit 1 in which the semiconductor switches of the first group of semiconductor switches 5 are arranged in pairs as half-bridges. Step 3 is now provided between steps S1 and S3, in which, after the operation of the first electric motor M1, those upper and/or lower bridge switches of the first group of semiconductor switches 5 that are not used to operate the second electric motor M2 are opened. For example, the field effect transistors FET1a and FET2a, and / or the field effect transistors FET1b and FET2b from the example of 2 be turned off to prevent driving of the first electric motor M1 while the second electric motor M2 is driven. Analogous to 6 Here, too, the actuation of the second electric motor M2 (step S3) can be carried out before step S1.

The flowchart of 8th shows schematically a further development of the method 6 and 7 . Here, in a step S11, the monitoring of the first signal input 11 and/or the monitoring of the third signal input 29 and/or the second signal input 23 is provided. The first signal input 11 can be monitored for a level change, for example, in order to detect a change in a switch position. Likewise, the second signal input 23 designed as an analog input can be monitored, for example, to determine whether a sensor signal, in particular a signal from a force sensor, is detected. The third signal input 23 can, for example, provide a digital sensor signal from a position sensor in order to detect a change in the position of an actuator, in particular a tank flap or charging flap. Depending on the detected signals, the first electric motor M1 and/or the second electric motor M2 can now be activated. In the example, in a step S13, the second electric motor M2 is first activated, for example to lock the flap 43 or in the 3 and 4 to release the charging plug 49 shown. In step S15, the first electric motor M1 is then activated, for example in order to close the flap 43.

The described embodiments according to the invention and the figures are only intended to serve as purely exemplary illustrations. The invention can vary in its form without changing the underlying functional principle. The scope of protection of the control circuit according to the invention and the method according to the invention results solely from the following claims.

The described embodiments can be combined with one another in any way within the meaning of the invention.

Reference List

1

control circuit

3

microcontroller

5

first group of semiconductor switches

7

second group of semiconductor switches

9 11

first signal input

13

voltage input

15

switch arrangement

15a

first switch

15b

second switch

17

first wake-up input

19 21

force sensor

23

second signal input (analog input)

25

second wake-up input

29

third signal input (digital input)

30

fourth signal input

31

position sensor

32

end stop sensor

33

communication interface

35

control output

37

LED arrangement

41

tailgate assembly

43

flap

45

first actuator

47

second actuator

49

charging plug

51

charging socket

53

downforce

55

transmission

57

rack

59

locking arrangement

61

locking pin

62

rack

63

flexible circuit board

64

transmission

65

control line

67

Endstop switch arrangement

67a

cam

67b

Switch

71

Housing

73

circuit board

75

stator

77

rotor gear

79

transmission

81

hollow shaft (output)

83

plug

FET1a, FET1b

MOSFETs

FET2a, FET2b

MOSFETs

FET3a, FET3b

MOSFETs

FET4a, FET4B

MOSFETs

G1a, G1b

gates

G2a, G2b

gates

G3a, G3b

gates

G4a, G4b

gates

GND

Dimensions

HB1, HB2, HB3, HB4

half bridges

MOUT1, MOUT2, MOUT3, MOUT4

exits

R3a, R3b

resistances of the switch arrangement

R4

Resistance

R5

Resistance

R7a, R7b

Limit switch resistors

S1, S2, S3, S11, 13, S15

process steps

ST1

voltage divider

UB

input voltage

VBAT

supply voltage

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• DE 102004033399 B4 [0003]

Claims (30)

Control circuit for operating a first electric motor (M1) and a second electric motor (M2), with a first group of semiconductor switches (5) and a second group of semiconductor switches (7), the first group of semiconductor switches (5) for energizing the first electric motor (M1) is electrically connected thereto and the second group of semiconductor switches (7) for energizing the second electric motor (M2) is electrically connected therewith, characterized in that the first group of semiconductor switches (5) for energizing the second electric motor (M2 ) is also electrically connected to it. control circuit claim 1 , characterized in that the first group of semiconductor switches (5) comprises a total of six semiconductor switches and / or wherein the second group of semiconductor switches (7) comprises a total of two semiconductor switches. control circuit claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the semiconductor switches of the first group of semiconductor switches (5) are each arranged in pairs as half-bridges (HB1, HB2, HB3) and/or the semiconductor switches of the second group of semiconductor switches (7) are each arranged in pairs as half-bridges (HB4). are. control circuit claim 3 , characterized in that the first electric motor (M1) comprises at least two phase windings and each of the phase windings is electrically connected to two half-bridges (HB1, HB2, HB3) of the first group of semiconductor switches (5), the electrical connection between the two Switches of the respective half-bridge (HB1, HB2, HB3) is formed. control circuit claim 3 or 4 , characterized in that the electrical connection of the second electric motor (M2) to the first group of semiconductor switches (5) is formed between two switches of a half-bridge (HB3) and the electrical connection of the second electric motor (M2) to the second group of semiconductor switches (7) is also formed between two semiconductor switches of a half-bridge (HB4). Control circuit according to one of Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that a voltage output (MOUT4) of the second group of semiconductor switches is also designed as a first signal input (11). control circuit claim 6 , characterized in that the second group of semiconductor switches (7) is connected to a switch arrangement (15) for activating and/or deactivating the second electric motor (M2) via the first signal input (11). control circuit claim 6 or 7 , characterized in that the first signal input (11) is also set up as a first wake-up input (17) and is connected to a wake-up circuit, by means of which the control circuit (1) can be woken up from a sleep mode. Control circuit according to one of Claims 6 until 8th , characterized in that the second group of semiconductor switches (7) is connected to a voltage divider (ST1), a first branch of the voltage divider being connected to ground (GND) via a first partial resistor (R5) and a second branch of the voltage divider (ST1 ) is connected to a supply voltage VBAT via at least one second partial resistor (R3a, R3b) and at least one switch (15a, 15b) of the switch arrangement (15). Control circuit according to one of Claims 7 until 9 , characterized in that the switch arrangement (15) comprises at least two parallel-connected resistors (R3a, R3b), which are each serially connected to a switch (15a, 15b). Control circuit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control circuit (1) is connected to a force sensor (21), the control circuit (1) for activating the first electric motor (M1) and/or the second electric motor (M2) depending on a sensor signal of the force sensor (21) is set up. control circuit claim 11 , characterized in that the force sensor (21) for waking up the control circuit (1) from a sleep mode is connected to a second wake-up circuit (25) of the control circuit (1). Control circuit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control circuit (1) is connected to a position sensor (31, 32) for detecting the position of an actuator adjustable by the first electric motor (M1) or the second electric motor (M2). Control circuit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control circuit (1) for controlling the first electric motor (M1) and the second electric motor (M2) is set up, the first electric motor (M1) having at least two-phase BLDC motor or stepper motor and/or wherein the second electric motor (M2) is a single-phase BLDC motor, a DC motor or a stepper motor. Method for operating a first electric motor (M1) and a second electric motor (M2) by means of a control circuit (1), the control circuit (1) comprising a first group of semiconductor switches (5) and a second group of semiconductor switches (7), the first group of semiconductor switches (5) for energizing the first electric motor (M1) is electrically connected to the latter and the second group of semiconductor switches (7) for energizing the second electric motor (M2) is electrically connected to the latter, characterized in that the first group is also electrically connected to semiconductor switches (5) for energizing the second electric motor (M2), and the method comprises the steps of: - switching at least one switch of the first group of semiconductor switches (5) for energizing the first electric motor (M1), and - switching of at least one switch of the second group of semiconductor switches (7) for energizing the second electric motor s(M2); and - switching at least one switch of the first group of semiconductor switches (5) for energizing the second electric motor (M2). procedure after claim 15 , wherein the semiconductor switches of the first group of semiconductor switches (5) are each arranged in pairs as half-bridges (HB1, HB2, HB3) and wherein the semiconductor switches of the second group of semiconductor switches (7) are each arranged in pairs as half-bridges (HB4), and wherein the first Electric motor (M1) is an electronically commutated electric motor with at least two phase windings and each of the phase windings is electrically connected to two different half-bridges (HB1, HB2, HB3), the electrical connection between the two semiconductor switches of the relevant half-bridge (HB1, HB2, HB3 ). ) at least one semiconductor switch of a half-bridge (HB4) of the second group to Hal semiconductor switches (7) and at least one switch of a half-bridge (HB3) of the first group of semiconductor switches (5) are switched. procedure after Claim 16 , characterized in that the first group of semiconductor switches (5) comprises at least two half-bridges (HB1, HB2, HB3) each with two semiconductor switches, characterized in that a half-bridge (HB3) for energizing the first electric motor (M1) and the second electric motor (M2) is used and all upper bridge switches and/or all lower bridge switches of the further half-bridges (HB1, HB2) of the first group of semiconductor switches (5) are opened when the second electric motor (M2) is activated. procedure after Claim 17 , wherein the second group of semiconductor switches (7) comprises a total of one half-bridge (HB4) with two semiconductor switches and the first group of semiconductor switches (5) comprises a total of three half-bridges (HB1, HB2, HB3) with a total of six semiconductor switches, characterized in that driving the first electric motor (M1), at least one switch of each half-bridge of the first group of semiconductor switches (5) is switched, and at least one semiconductor switch of the first group of semiconductor switches (5) and at least one switch of the second group of semiconductor switches is used to drive the second electric motor (7) be switched. procedure after Claim 18 , characterized in that when the second electric motor (M2) is activated, the bridge switches of those half-bridges (HB1, HB2, HB3) of the first group of semiconductor switches (5) which are not switched to activate the second electric motor (M2), switched in such a way that the two upper bridge switches and/or the two lower bridge switches are open. Procedure according to one of Claims 15 until 19 , wherein the semiconductor switches of the first group of semiconductor switches (5) are each arranged in pairs as half-bridges (HB1, HB2, HB3) and wherein the semiconductor switches of the second group of semiconductor switches (7) are each arranged in pairs as half-bridges (HB4), characterized in that when the first electric motor (M1) is activated, all upper bridge switches of the half-bridges (HB4) of the second group of semiconductor switches (7) and/or all lower bridge switches of the second group of semiconductor switches (7) are opened. Procedure according to one of Claims 15 until 20 , wherein the second group of semiconductor switches (7) further comprises a first signal input (11) connected to a switch arrangement (15) for activating and/or deactivating the second electric motor (M2), the method comprising: - measuring a first Signal input (11) applied voltage and determining the switching state of the switch arrangement (15) based on the measured voltage, and - Activating, deactivating or driving the second electric motor (M2) depending on the switching state of the switch arrangement (15). procedure after Claim 21 , wherein the first signal input 11 of the control circuit comprises at least (1) a first wake-up input (17), characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: - monitoring the first wake-up input (17) by a wake - activating the control circuit (1) - waking up the control circuit (1) from a sleep mode and putting it into an operating mode if a wake-up signal was detected at the first wake-up input (17), and - driving the first Electric motor (M1) and/or the second electric motor (M2) depending on the switch position of the switch arrangement (15). Procedure according to one of Claims 15 until 22 , wherein a second signal input (23) of the control circuit (1) is connected to a sensor signal output of the force sensor (21), the method comprising: - monitoring the sensor signal present at the second signal input (23), - activating and/or controlling the first electric motor ( M1) and/or the second electric motor (M2) as a function of a sensor signal detected at the second signal input (23). procedure after Claim 23 , wherein the control circuit comprises a second wake-up input (25) which is connected to the force sensor (21), characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: - monitoring the second wake-up input (25) by a second wake-up circuit of the control circuit (1), - waking up the control circuit (1) from a sleep mode and putting it into an operating mode if a wake-up signal was detected at the second wake-up input (25), and - Controlling the first electric motor (M1) and/or the second electric motor (M2) as a function of the sensor signal detected at the second signal input (23). Actuating unit comprising a first electric motor (M1) and a second electric motor (M2), characterized in that the actuating unit comprises a control circuit (1) which according to one of Claims 1 until 14 is formed and / or for performing a method according to one of Claims 15 until 24 is set up. actuator after Claim 25 , characterized in that the control circuit (1) with the first electric motor (M1) is arranged in a first housing (71) of a first actuator (45) and the second electric motor (M2) is arranged in a second housing of a second actuator (47). and wherein the second electric motor (M2) is connected to the control circuit (1) via at least one control line (65). actuator after Claim 26 , characterized in that the first actuator (45) comprises a position sensor arranged on a driven wheel (31) which is coupled to the third signal input (29) of the control circuit 1; and/or wherein an end stop sensor (32), which is coupled to a fourth signal input (30) of the control circuit (1), is arranged on an actuator that can be driven by the second actuator (47); and/or wherein the actuating unit comprises a force sensor (21) which is coupled to the second signal input (23) of the control circuit (1). actuator after Claim 26 or 27 , characterized in that the actuator that can be driven by the first actuator (47) is a flap (43) and the actuator that can be driven by the second electric motor actuator (47) is a locking pin (61). actuator after claim 28 , characterized in that the force sensor (21) is arranged on the flap (43), or on a flap (43) firmly connected part of the actuating unit or on a frame of the flap (43). Actuating unit according to one of Claims 25 until 29 , characterized in that the actuating unit further comprises a third electric motor which is operated by means of the control circuit (1).

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