EP0808977B1 - Method for controlling an electrically actuated vehicle door lock - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for controlling an electrically operated Motor vehicle door lock or the like. According to the preamble of claim 1 and a motor vehicle door lock arrangement according to the preamble of claims 13 and 16.

The invention is based on a method for a motor vehicle side door lock is known, but basically also for tailgate locks or hatchbacks can be used. Accordingly, the teaching of the invention is for all types of door locks, not only intended and suitable for side door locks. The prior art (DE - A - 32 42 527) is characterized by extensive electric motor drive. Both the lock latch and the pawl are driven by an electric motor, the lock latch in the sense of a locking aid, the pawl in the sense of an electromotive trigger. The state of the art shows specifically only a single electric drive motor, which has a two-directional action working self-locking reduction gear both with the lock latch (in one direction of rotation) as well as with the pawl (in the other Direction of rotation) can be coupled in terms of drive technology. For the teaching of the present Invention is only interested in the control of the electric motor drive in its Relation to the pawl.

In the known, previously mentioned prior art, the lock latch is included provided with a double catch customary for side door locks, namely as a fork latch executed with a pre-latch on the leading fork latch leg and one Main catch on the trailing fork latch leg. The lock latch is both in the Locking position as well as in the main locking position of the pawl loaded on the train held with a corresponding latch. The pawl is on a bearing axis stored and carried two arms, the second, from the latch groundbreaking arm of the pawl has an actuating surface. The electromotive Drive has a drive element designed as a pinion on which a Driver in the form of a cam disc is attached, the leading edge so one forms eccentric driver. This drive element is always only in one direction rotatable, so it is not reset, but continues to rotate in the direction of rotation always back to its starting position. By turning the drive element in the lifting direction of rotation, the driver runs to the actuating surface the pawl and lifts the catch of the pawl out of the Main catch on the catch.

In the prior art explained above, the starting of the electromotive Drive from the initial position (standby position) by pressing one Handle, for example triggered an external door handle, this actuation switches a microswitch. After the pawl has been lifted out of the Main catch by means of the driver, the driver runs on another microswitch and first switches off the electric motor drive. The pawl remains in the raised position. This allows the catch to move freely from the The pawl will reach its open position, so the pawl will not fall forward the catch. This state continues until the handle is released becomes. Releasing the handle switches the microswitch again switches the electric motor drive on again. The one that forms the driver The cam disc is turned further into its starting position (standby position), in which the pawl falls back or on the leading fork latch leg rests under restoring spring force. When closing the motor vehicle door or motor vehicle flap, the pawl can thus be put back under spring force the latch on the lock latch come into play.

The explanation given above makes it clear that the functional function of the Keeping the pawl open means that one person positively actuates the handle assumes. A person lets go of the handle before the rotary latch opens has reached, it may happen that the pawl in the latch of the rotary latch occurs even though the door or flap has not yet opened. However, that is with this type of drive technology is not problematic, as another pull on the handle allows the pawl to cycle again.

A more modern version of such an electric is now known actuated motor vehicle door lock (EP - A - 0 589 158), in which the lifting of the Pawl via a small electric drive in the otherwise largely closed Outer housing is caused, especially via a solenoid. The control is carried out by a mechanical or electronic actuation handle (Handle or remote control) from using various microswitches, u. a. of microswitches for sensing the position of the pawl and the position of the Drive. Here is a complete integration of the construction into the small building Exterior housing of the motor vehicle door lock realized and a fully electronic Control with a control logic.

With the last-mentioned control of an electrically operated motor vehicle door lock with a solenoid as the drive of the pawl, the above can be explained Problem of re-engagement of the pawl by an appropriate control solve the solenoid relatively easily, namely when the rotary movement of the Rotary catch is sensed until the opening position is reached. That is here too intended. The consideration of this "snow load function" is different Use cases of different importance.

The motor vehicle door locks or the like explained above work with microswitches for control. The use of microswitches and self-locking, in One-way drives has the advantage that energy is only consumed when it's really needed. The electric drive motor drives not in the block to by the then detected increase in the supply current to be switched off. The electric motor drive does not have to against Work with a return spring. One can use very low operating voltages work, supply voltages of a few volts are sufficient. The gears will spared since stops do not have to be approached. This is why still the use of microswitches to control generic Motor vehicle door locks are in great demand. It is not overlooked that microswitches can sometimes be problematic in terms of their functional reliability.

Particular attention has always been paid to the known methods explained above Ease of use. Method for controlling electrically operated motor vehicle door locks should run as possible that an operator or user can still behave essentially as it does from operation of mechanical or electromechanical motor vehicle door locks conventional design is used. In this respect, however, there is the problem that the known Processes not yet optimally designed with regard to user friendliness are.

The problem described above is solved by the invention through the features of the characterizing Part of claim 1. According to the invention it was first recognized that the Operation of the motor vehicle door lock must be done so that the drive after initial Control always returns to its standby position. That is with the known procedure is not the case when the operating handle is pressed too short. However, the teaching goes one step further and takes it into account also an extremely short actuation of the actuation handle below one Minimum time of, for example, 25 ms. Then it is provided that at all no switching function is triggered. Through an inserted delay circuit can be achieved that such short operations of the operating handle as incorrect operations be eliminated.

With the teaching of the invention it is achieved that the operating characteristics of the Motor vehicle door lock, which is controlled by this method, as far as possible of operating characteristics of mechanical or electromechanical Motor vehicle door locks of conventional design is adapted. That makes it easier Customer acceptance, prevents incorrect operation and is especially in the event of panic very useful because they are used to the customers.

Particularly preferred refinements and developments of the invention Procedure subject of the subclaims. The teaching of the present patent application also specifies what circuit arrangements can look like that implement the inventive method. Also on the claims to get expelled.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer Türschließanlage mit einem Kraftfahrzeug-Türschloß nach dem den Ausgangspunkt für die Lehre bildenden Konzept,

Fig. 2

ein stark schematisiertes Blockschaltbild einer Schaltungsanordnung gemäß der Erfindung,

Fig. 3

ein Diagramm zur Darstellung der Spannungs- bzw. Signalverläufe bei der Schaltungsanordnung gemäß Fig. 2,

Fig. 4

ein Fig. 3 entsprechendes Diagramm für einen anderen Funktionsablauf,

Fig. 5

eine weitere Schaltungsanordnung in einer Fig. 2 entsprechenden Darstellung.

In the following, the invention will be further explained with the aid of a drawing which only shows exemplary embodiments. In the drawing shows

Fig. 1

1 shows a schematic illustration of a door locking system with a motor vehicle door lock according to the concept forming the starting point for the teaching,

Fig. 2

2 shows a highly schematic block diagram of a circuit arrangement according to the invention,

Fig. 3

2 shows a diagram to illustrate the voltage or signal profiles in the circuit arrangement according to FIG. 2,

Fig. 4

3 shows a diagram corresponding to another functional sequence,

Fig. 5

a further circuit arrangement in a Fig. 2 corresponding representation.

Fig. 1 shows a largely electronically controlled locking and central locking system for a motor vehicle. This is shown in sections.

The central control electronics 1, which per se from the motor vehicle battery, not shown is supplied, is in the illustrated embodiment with an additional Backup battery 2 or other electrical energy storage for an emergency provided so that they, for example, even in the event of failure of the other automotive electronics remains functional in the event of an accident. From a portable, carried by the driver Control module 3 (electronic key / smart card) sends out control signals, on a receiver 4 on the outside door handle 5 on the motor vehicle body to meet. The receiver 4 is connected to the control electronics 1. The outside door handle 5 with its recessed grip 6 only transmits an electrical control signal to the control electronics 1. It therefore provides a mechanical or electrical actuation handle Mechanical connections are no longer provided. In in the same way, only electrical signals from the inside door handle 7 are corresponding Generated microswitch and transmitted to the control electronics 1, and an opening signal from the recessed grip 8 in the illustrated embodiment and possibly also an unlocking signal and a fuse signal from the fuse button 9.

The actual motor vehicle door lock 10, which is also a lock of a rear door or Tailgate can have very few mechanical parts. First points it has a closed outer casing 11, which is probably usually made of Plastic will consist, for example, of two half-shells that are sealed together are. The outer housing 11 does not have an inlet slot for one shown locking block. One moves in the inlet slot in the housing 11 arranged, designed as a rotary latch 13 This is from one in the housing 11 arranged pawl 14 held in the closed position. In the outer housing 11 there is also an electric drive 15 for the pawl 14, that is Lifting the pawl 14 out of the lock latch 13 for the purpose of opening the Door lock 10 causes. A pawl switch is initially provided as the microswitch 16, which represents the position of the pawl 14. On the outside door handle 5 is indicated a handle switch 17, the position of the operating handle or whose state of influence represents. Finally, a lock latch switch is provided 20, which senses the position of the lock latch 13. Since it is the lock latch 13 is a rotary latch, is in the description of the embodiment the term rotary latch switch 20 is used.

On the outside of the housing 11 is an electrical connection device 19 for the electrical Connections arranged. It can be provided that all conductor tracks to the electrical connector 19 in the material of the housing 11, which is will mostly be plastic material, are poured, like that itself from the State of the art is known. In any case, the electrical connection device 19 via a corresponding electrical connecting cable 21 or a corresponding one Bus system can be connected to the control electronics 1. It is possible without further ado also, a decentralized control electronics 1 each of the motor vehicle door locks 10 to assign the motor vehicle locking system and central control electronics overriding again.

Fig. 1 also makes it clear that the pawl switch 16 has the position of a the pawl 14 lifting cam 22 or the like and not the position of the Pawl 14 scans itself. The pawl 14 can, for example, continue open catch, by resting on the one leg of the catch be lifted while the cam 22 or the like has already continued to run. The position the cam 22 is from the pawl switch 16 in the preferred embodiment determined so that the actuation of the pawl switch 16 after initial release of the pawl 14 regardless of the actual position the pawl 14 is.

It is essential for the teaching of the invention that the control takes place within the scope of the method according to the invention such that the drive 15 always returns to its ready position after the initial control and that actuation of the actuation handle 5 does not trigger a switching function below a minimum time t _min .

Taking ergonomic requirements into account, which indicate that actuation times of 100 ms are perceived as long, it has been found that it is expedient that the minimum time t _{min is} approximately 15 to 40 ms, preferably approximately 25 ms.

In principle, any actuation of the actuation handle 5 below the minimum time t _{min can} not trigger a switching function. This means the minimum time when pulling as well as when releasing the actuating handle 5. The illustrated and, to this extent, preferred exemplary embodiment shows, however, that only actuating the actuating handle 5 in a direction below the minimum time t _min does not trigger a switching function, in particular only the first actuation. Then the minimum time t _min does not occur in places where you no longer need it.

Because the pawl switch 16 in the illustrated embodiment actual position of the pawl 14 itself does not scan, but the position of the cam 22, the pawl switch 16 can even for the switching signal when reached standby can be used.

Alternatively, it is also possible, even if an additional switch is used, namely a standby switch 18, the standby position of the drive 15 to be sampled independently of the pawl switch 16. This allows it that the pawl switch 16 the actual position of the pawl 14 itself scans if you want to have this for some reason.

2 is an example of a circuit arrangement for implementation of the method explained above.

The illustrated embodiment shows that a rotary latch switch 20 exists. This is not mandatory, the rotary latch switch 20 is optional.

The illustrated embodiment also shows in dashed lines that under in special circumstances, an additional standby switch 18 is provided can be that when the drive is in the standby or idle position 15 is switched. Please refer to the above explanations become.

Anschluß A1 zum Drehfallenschalter 20,

Anschluß A2 zum Sperrklinkenschalter 16,

Anschluß A3 für die Stromversorgung (Bestromung) des Antriebs 15,

Anschluß A5 zum Ausgangspol des Handgriffschalters 17,

Anschluß A6 zu einem Minuspol des Handgriffschalters 17,

Anschluß A7 zu einem Pluspol des Handgriffschalters 17.

In addition to the connections for the supply voltage (+) and ground (-) in the exemplary embodiment shown, the control logic 23 is connected to the following connections in the system:

Connection A1 to rotary latch switch 20,

Connection A2 to pawl switch 16,

Connection A3 for the power supply (energization) of the drive 15,

Connection A5 to the output pole of the handle switch 17,

Connection A6 to a negative pole of the handle switch 17,

Connection A7 to a positive pole of the handle switch 17.

The exemplary embodiment shown makes clear, without being restrictive, that when the operating handle 5 is not actuated, the handle switch 17 has the connections A5, A6 connects the connections when the operating handle 5 is actuated A5 and A7.

For the rest, the connections A1, A2 (and possibly A4) are scanned with the possibilities of the signals " 0 " and "-", for connection A3 there is an energization with "+" or a rest position with "-".

Fig. 3 shows the course of the signals at the various connections or switches. Above you can see the curve of the handle switch 17 initially when not actuated Actuating handle 5 with connection A5-A6, then with actuated operating handle with the connection A5-A7. Below you can see the course of the Signals at connection A2. Below you can see the course of the signal at the connection A3 for energizing the drive 15.

The handle switch 17 is switched because of influencing the actuating handle 5 and held in the switch position A5-A7, the following energization takes place of connections:

Port A3 is set to + after the minimum time t _{min has} elapsed. A2 is queried and initially shows signal 0 . As soon as the pawl switch 16 has responded, the signal at A2 jumps to -. (The signal sequence can also be exactly the opposite.) As soon as A2 has switched on, the control logic 23 switches A3 over and the drive 15 is thus stopped. If the actuating handle 5 is now released, the handle switch 17 switches from A5-A7 to A5-A6. This switching measure triggers a switching function for A3 (possibly also after the minimum time t _min has elapsed again), where the switch is made from - to + and the drive 15 is energized again. The drive 15 continues to run until the pawl switch 16 switches from - to 0 (or vice versa). The control logic 23 recognizes this change when the ready position is reached and immediately switches A3 from + to - and the drive 15 stops.

Since in the illustrated embodiment only the pawl switch 16 is initially used is provided, it is imperative that this only the position of a cam 22, not the position of the pawl 14 scans itself. Switching the pawl switch 16 can thereby be defined as reaching the ready position of the drive 15 regardless of the actual position of the pawl 14.

If the pawl switch 16 scans the pawl 14 immediately, then he would not be operated if the pawl 14 mechanically held in the open position becomes. In this case, an additional standby switch is required 18, as shown in dashed lines in Fig. 2, then in the standby position Switch off drive 15.

Fig. 4 shows the course of the signals in the circuit arrangement explained above in the event that the actuating handle 5 is actuated only briefly, that is, the handle switch 17 is actuated with a time which is greater than t _min , but is shorter than for opening required. It can be seen that the circuit at A2 remains ineffective for the signal at A3, since the signal from the handle switch 17 has previously occurred again.

The evaluation of the signals at the connection A1 to the rotary latch switch 20 by the Control logic 23 allows the actual opening position in this circuit arrangement of the motor vehicle door lock or the like. So it can be found be whether the motor vehicle door lock when running through the opening function has actually opened mechanically or whether it is due to external influences (Freezing of the seal, snow load, sticking of the seal or the like) did not open can. The query of the rotary latch switch 20 thus allows the integration of the so-called "Snow load function" in the circuit arrangement.

The circuit arrangement according to FIG. 2 explained above is explained using the diagrams 3, 4 is particularly suitable if the control logic 23 is more immediate Part of the motor vehicle door lock is delay times in the Control are negligible.

The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5, on the other hand, takes one into account partly decentralized, automatic control, the time delays for example can be taken into account by a central control logic 23.

5 initially has different connections with the Circuit arrangement from Fig. 2 common, so far no further explanations required. 5 differs from the circuit arrangement from Fig. 2 first in that the pawl switch 16 as Switch is designed between the "+" connection of the drive 15 and the Connections A3 and A4 to the control logic 23 is located. Using the pawl switch 16, the drive 15 is connected to either A3 or A4. The pawl switch In the exemplary embodiment shown, 16 is not controlled by the control logic 23 controlled, but directly from the drive 15. That this switch somehow must be connected with + and - is obvious, is not in Fig. 5 further illustrated.

In the illustrated embodiment, it is also provided that the pawl switch 16 with the drive 15 firmly coupled cam 22 or the like for lifting the pawl 14 actuated by an actuator on the drive 15 itself becomes. Of course, a cam control can also be operated separately from the Drive 15 to operate the pawl switch 16.

For the operation of the circuit arrangement of FIG. 5, it is essential that the once initiated functional sequence until reaching the standby position and Shutdown through the pawl switch 16 passes. That creates independence from control logic 23 and thus from run times in the system.

A4:

Nach Verstreichen der Mindestzeit t_min auf +.
Der Sperrklinkenschalter 16 ist als Umschalter ausgebildet und schaltet 15-A4 auf 15-A3, sobald er betätigt wird.

A3:

Steht auf - und bleibt auf -.

A4:

Springt von + auf -, sobald der Sperrklinkenschalter 16 auf 15-A3 geschaltet hat.

   Wird der Handgriffschalter 17 durch Freigabe der Betätigungshandhabe 5 oder auf andere Weise rückgeschaltet, so daß A5-A6 verbunden sind, so bestromt bzw. fragt ab die Steuerlogik die Anschlüsse folgendermaßen:

A3:

Schaltet von - nach +.
Der Sperrklinkenschalter 16 ist als Umschalter ausgeführt und schaltet bei Erreichen der Bereitschaftstellung von 15-A3 auf 15-A4.

A3:

Nach Umschaltung von 15-A3 auf 15-A4 und Ablauf einer bestimmten Verzögerungszeit t_V von + nach -.

The main procedure is as follows:
If the actuating handle 5 is actuated and the handle switch 17 is held in the connection position A5-A7, then the control logic 23 energizes or queries the connections as follows:

A4:

After the minimum time t _{min has passed} to +.
The pawl switch 16 is designed as a changeover switch and switches 15-A4 to 15-A3 as soon as it is actuated.

A3:

Get up - and stay up -.

A4:

Jumps from + to - as soon as the pawl switch 16 has switched to 15-A3.

If the handle switch 17 is switched back by releasing the actuating handle 5 or in some other way so that A5-A6 are connected, the control logic is energized or queries the connections as follows:

A3:

Switches from - to +.
The pawl switch 16 is designed as a changeover switch and switches from 15-A3 to 15-A4 when the ready position is reached.

A3:

After switching from 15-A3 to 15-A4 and a certain delay time t _V from + to -.

A4:

Nach Verstreichen der Mindestzeit t_min auf +.

A3:

Sobald der Handgriffschalter 17 zurückgeschaltet hat, Umschaltung von - auf +, (ggf. auch nach Verstreichen der Mindestzeit t_min).
Der Sperrklinkenschalter 16 ist als Umschalter ausgeführt und schaltet 15-A4 auf 15-A3, sobald er betätigt worden ist.

A4:

Springt von + auf -, sobald Sperrklinkenschalter 16 auf 15-A3 geschaltet worden ist.
Der Sperrklinkenschalter 16 schaltet bei Erreichen der Bereitschaftsstellung von 15-A3 auf 15-A4.

A3:

Nach Umschaltung von 15-A3 auf 15-A4 und Ablauf einer bestimmten Verzögerungszeit t_V von + nach -.

Similar to the exemplary embodiment explained above, if the actuating handle 5 is released prematurely, another sequence can also take place, namely the following:
If the actuating handle 5 is actuated and the handle switch 17 is initially held in the connection position A5-A7, the actuating handle 5 is then released again and the handle switch 17 is switched back before the pawl switch 16 has switched, then the control logic 23 energizes or queries the connections as follows:

A4:

After the minimum time t _{min has passed} to +.

A3:

As soon as the handle switch 17 has switched back, switching from - to +, (if necessary also after the minimum time t _{min has elapsed} ).
The pawl switch 16 is designed as a changeover switch and switches 15-A4 to 15-A3 as soon as it has been actuated.

A4:

Jumps from + to - as soon as pawl switch 16 has been switched to 15-A3.
The pawl switch 16 switches from 15-A3 to 15-A4 when the ready position is reached.

A3:

After switching from 15-A3 to 15-A4 and a certain delay time t _V from + to -.

In both cases it has proven expedient to measure the delay time t _V in the order of magnitude of 500 ms.

Of course there are a multitude of possibilities for the teaching of the invention in terms of circuitry to concretize. The above embodiments represent only preferred variants, which are by no means to be understood as conclusive.

Claims (20)

1. Method for actuating a motor vehicle door lock or the like which is activated electrically by a mechanical or electronic activation handle (5),
   the motor vehicle door lock (10) having, in a largely enclosed outer housing (11), a latch (13), a detent pawl (14) which keeps the latch (13) in the locked position and an electric drive (15) for the detent pawl (14),
   the detent pawl (14) being capable of being lifted out of the lock-in position of the latch (13),
   at least one latch switch (16), which represents the position of the detent pawl (14), and one handle switch (17), which represents the position or the activation state of the activation handle (5), being provided as microswitches, and
   the drive (15) being switched off when the stand-by position is reached, characterized in that the activation takes place in such a way that the drive (15) always returns into its stand-by position after the initial actuation, and in that activation of the activation handle (5) below a minimum time (t_min) does not trigger any switching function.
2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that, when the activation handle (5) is activated in an unchanging fashion, the drive (5) is initially switched off by activating the detent pawl switch (16) and is switched on again by the end of the activation of the activation handle (5) and the corresponding activation of the handle switch (17), and then runs through to the stand-by position.
3. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that activation of the activation handle (5) beyond the minimum time (t_min), but ending before the activation of the detent pawl switch (16) allows the drive (15) to run through to the stand-by position without the detent pawl switch (16) having an effect on the drive (15).
4. Method according to one of Claims 1 or 3, characterized in that the electric drive (15) operates in a non-reversing and self-locking fashion in one direction.
5. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the position of the latch (13) is additionally sensed by means of a latch switch (20) and displayed and/or is evaluated in order to trigger switching functions.
6. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the detent pawl switch (16) senses the position of a cam (22) or the like which lifts out the detent pawl (14) and does not sense the position of the detent pawl (14) itself.
7. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that when a cam (22) or the like is permanently coupled to the drive (15), the detent pawl switch (16) is activated by an activation element on the drive (15) itself in order to lift out the detent pawl (14).
8. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the minimum time (t_min) is approximately 15 to 40 ms, preferably approximately 25 ms.
9. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that any activation of the activation handle (5) for less than the minimum time (t_min) does not trigger a switching function.
10. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that only the activation of the activation handle (5) in an activation direction for less than the minimum time (t_min) does not trigger a switching function.
11. Method according to Claim 10, characterized in that only the first activation of the activation handle (5) in a run cycle of the drive (15) for less than the minimum time (t_min) does not trigger a switching function.
12. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the detent pawl switch (16), senses the actual position of the detent pawl (14) itself, and in that an additional stand-by position switch (18) is provided which is switched when the stand-by position of the drive (15) is reached.
13. Motor vehicle door lock arrangement for implementing a method according to one of Claims 1 to 12,
    having a circuit arrangement for actuating a motor vehicle door lock or the like which is activated electrically by a mechanical or electronic activation handle (5),
    the motor vehicle door lock (10) having, in a largely enclosed outer casing (11), a latch (13), a detent pawl (14) which keeps the latch (13) in the locked position and an electric drive (15) for the detent pawl (14), the detent pawl (14) being capable of being lifted out of the lock-in position of the latch (13) by means of the drive (15),
    at least one detent pawl switch (16), which represents the position of the detent pawl (14), and one handle switch (17), which represents the position or the activation state of the activation handle (5), being provided as microswitches,
    and a control logic unit (23) being provided,
    characterized by the following feature:
       the control logic unit (23) is connected not only to the terminals for the supply voltage "+" and Earth "-" but also at least to the following terminals in the system:

    a terminal A2 for the detent pawl switch (16),

    a terminal A3 for supplying power to the drive (15),

    a terminal A5 for the common output pole of the handle switch (17),

    a terminal A6 for a negative pole of the handle switch (17),

    a terminal A7 for a positive pole of the handle switch (17),

    a terminal A1 for a latch switch (20), if a latch switch (20) is present.
14. Motor vehicle door lock arrangement according to Claim 13, characterized by the following features:
       if the activation handle (5) is activated and the handle switch (17) is held in the connecting position A5-A7, the control logic unit (23) energizes and/or interrogates the terminals in the following way:

    Terminal A3:

    after the minimum time (t_min), at "+" has expired,

    Terminal A2:

    is interrogated only, signal "0" and jumps to "-" as soon as the detent pawl switch (16) is switched,

    Terminal A3:

    jumps to "-" as soon as A2 has been switched to "-";

       if the handle switch (17) is switched back by releasing the activation handle (5) or in some other way with the result that A5 and A6 are connected, the control logic unit (23) energizes and/or interrogates the terminals in the following way:

    Terminal A3:

    switches from "-" to "+",

    Terminal A2:

    switches from "-" to "0" when the stand-by position is reached,

    Terminal A3:

    switches from "+" to "-" after switching signal at A2.

15. Motor vehicle door lock arrangement according to Claim 13, characterized by the following features:
       if the activation handle (5) is activated and the handle switch (17) is initially held in the connecting position A5-A7, but the activation handle (5) is then released again and the handle switch (7) switches back before the detent pawl switch (16) has switched, the control logic unit (23) energizes and/or interrogates the terminals in the following way:

    Terminal A3:

    after the minimum time (t_min) at "+" has expired,

    Terminal A3:

    is disconnected from A2 by switching back the handle switch (17),

    Terminal A2:

    is interrogated only, and jumps to "-" as soon as the detent pawl switch (16) has switched,

    Terminal A2:

    switches from "-" to "0" or from "0" to "-" when the stand-by position is reached,

    Terminal A3:

    switches from "+" to "-" after switching signal at A2.

16. Motor vehicle door lock arrangement for implementing a method according to one of Claims 1 to 12,
    having a circuit arrangement for actuating a motor vehicle door lock or the like which is activated electrically by a mechanical or electronic activation handle (5),
    the motor vehicle door lock (10) having, in a largely enclosed outer housing (11), a latch (13), a detent pawl (14) which keeps the latch (13) in the locked position and an electric drive (15) for the detent pawl (14),
    the detent pawl (14) being capable of being lifted out of the lock-in position of the latch (13) by means of the drive (15),
    at least one detent pawl switch (16), which represents the position of the detent pawl (14), and one handle switch (17), which represents the position or the activation state of the activation handle (5), being provided as microswitches,
    and a control logic unit (23) being provided, characterized by the following features:
       the control logic unit (23) is connected not only to the terminals for the supply voltage "+" and Earth "-" but also at least to the following terminals in the system:

    a first terminal A3 for supplying power to the drive (15),

    a second terminal A4 for supplying power to the drive (15),

    a terminal A5 for the common output pole of the handle switch (17),

    a terminal A6 for a negative pole of the handle switch (17),

    a terminal A7 for a positive pole of the handle switch (17),

    a terminal A1 for a latch switch (20), if a latch switch (20) is present;

    and the detent pawl switch (16) is embodied as a changeover switch and is located between the "+" terminal of the drive (15) on the one hand and the terminals A3, A4 on the other.
17. Motor vehicle door lock arrangement according to Claim 16, characterized by the following features:
       if the activation handle (5) is activated and the handle switch (17) is held in the connecting position A5-A7, the control logic unit (23) energizes and/or interrogates the terminals in the following way:

    Terminal A4:

    after the minimum time (t_min) at "+" has expired,
    the detent pawl switch (16) switches 15-A4 to 15-A3 as soon as it has been activated,

    Terminal A3:

    is at "-" and remains at "-",

    Terminal A4:

    jumps from "+" to "-" as soon as the detent pawl switch (16) has been switched to 15-A3;

       if the handle switch (17) is switched back by releasing the activation handle (5) or in some other way with the result that A5-A6 are connected, the control logic unit energizes and/or interrogates the terminals in the following way:

    Terminal A3:

    switches from "-" to "+", the detent pawl switch (16) switches from 15-A3 to 15-A4 when the stand-by position is reached,

    Terminal A3:

    from "+" to "-" after switching over from 15-A3 to 15-A4 and after expiry of a specific delay time (t_v).

18. Motor vehicle door lock arrangement according to Claim 16, characterized by the following features:
       if the activation handle (5) is activated and the handle switch (17) is initially held in the connecting position A5-A7, but the activation handle (5) is then released again and the handle switch (17) switches back before the detent pawl switch (16) has switched, the control logic unit (23) energizes and/or interrogates the terminals in the following way:

    Terminal A4:

    after the minimum time (t_min) at "+" has expired,

    Terminal A3:

    if appropriate, after the minimum time (t_min) has expired, as soon as the handle switch (17) has been switched back, switching over from "-" to "+",
    the detent pawl switch (16) switches 15-A4 to 15-A3 as soon as it has been activated,

    Terminal A4:

    jumps from "+" to "-" as soon as the detent pawl switch (16) has been switched to 15-A3,
    the detent pawl switch (16) switches from 15-A3 to 15-A4 when the stand-by position is reached,

    Terminal A3:

    from "+" to "-" after switching over from 15-A3 to 15-A4 and after expiry of a specific delay time (t_v).

19. Motor vehicle door lock arrangement according to Claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the delay time (t_V) is between 300 and 700 ms, preferably approximately 500 ms.
20. Motor vehicle door lock arrangement according to one of Claims 13 to 19, characterized in that the detent pawl switch (16) directly senses the position of the detent pawl (14), and in that a stand-by position switch (18), which switches when the stand-by position of the drive (15) is reached, is additionally provided.

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