EP4667686A1

EP4667686A1 - Method for operating an electronic door actuation arrangement

Info

Publication number: EP4667686A1
Application number: EP24183710.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Peter Szegeny; Johannes Bauer; Michael Herrmann; Holger Schiffer; Marco Merletti; Matteo GIARNETTI
Original assignee: Kiekert AG
Current assignee: Kiekert AG
Priority date: 2024-06-21
Filing date: 2024-06-21
Publication date: 2025-12-24
Also published as: WO2025262107A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating an electronic door actuation arrangement (1), comprising an external device (2), an electric motor (3), a first actuating member (4) and a corresponding second actuating member (5), wherein
the first actuating member (4) is rotationally coupled to the electric motor (3) for being moved from a main ratchet position via a pre-ratchet position into an open position with respect to the second actuating member (5), comprising the following method steps:
S1) starting a time measurement if an external device signal from the external device (2) is applied to the electronic door actuation arrangement (1),
52) if the measured time exceeds a predetermined signal duration, verifying whether the first actuating member (4) is in the main ratchet position or in the pre-ratchet position, and
S3) if affirmative, actuating the first actuating member (4) from the main ratchet position into the pre-ratchet position and then into the open position or from the pre-ratchet position into the open position. In this way an improved method for operating an electronic door actuation arrangement that reduces mechanical stress and noise, enhances energy efficiency, and improves safety is provided.

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating an electronic door actuation arrangement, comprising an external device, an electric motor, a first actuating member and a corresponding second actuating member, wherein the first actuating member is rotationally coupled to the electric motor for being moved from an open position into a main ratchet position with respect to the second actuating member. The invention further relates to an electronic door actuation arrangement and the use of an electronic door actuation arrangement on the door of a vehicle.

Background

Electronically actuated door latches, door openers, and door closers are increasingly being installed in vehicles to facilitate the opening, closing, unlocking, and locking of the vehicle's doors and tailgate. The electronically actuated door latch, often referred to as an eLatch, is unlocked and locked electronically. The electronically actuated door opener, also known as a presenter, is also electronically operated and is used to open the door. The electronically actuated door closer, also known as a cincher, closes the open door. These components are often integrated into one unit, forming a comprehensive electronic door actuation arrangement. The door can be opened and closed in different ways. For instance, some doors perform a pivoting movement, while others are designed as sliding doors that move in a linear direction. Such sliding doors can also be equipped with an automatic system to create an electronically actuated sliding door. In this context, electronically actuated door latches, door openers, and door closers are subsumed under the term "electronic door actuation arrangements".
Current electronic door actuation arrangements are predominantly driven by electric motors. While this offers significant convenience and automation, they present several drawbacks. For instance, the process of closing or opening the door in a single movement can lead to high mechanical stress on the components, resulting in premature wear and tear. This mechanical stress not only affects the longevity of the system but also generates significant noise pollution, which can be a source of discomfort for vehicle users.
Another disadvantage of current electronically actuated door latches is their energy inefficiency. The control logic used in these electronic door actuation arrangements typically recognizes only two states: open and closed. Consequently, the door is operated in one continuous process upon receiving an opening or closing signal. This method does not account for intermediate states or gradual operation, leading to unnecessary energy consumption. Additionally, the lack of intermediate control can pose safety risks, as the system cannot adapt to partial or interrupted door movements, which might be necessary in certain situations.
It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide an improved method for operating an electronic door actuation arrangement that reduces mechanical stress and noise, enhances energy efficiency, and improves safety.
The object of the invention is solved by the features of the independent claims. Preferred implementations are detailed in the dependent claims.
Thus, a method for operating an electronic door actuation arrangement is provided, comprising an external device, an electric motor, a first actuating member and a corresponding second actuating member, wherein the first actuating member is rotationally coupled to the electric motor for being moved from a main ratchet position via a pre-ratchet position into an open position with respect to the second actuating member, comprising the following method steps:

starting a time measurement if an external device signal from the external device is applied to the electronic door actuation arrangement,
if the measured time exceeds a predetermined signal duration, verifying whether the first actuating member is in the main ratchet position or in the pre-ratchet position, and
if affirmative, actuating the first actuating member from the main ratchet position into the pre-ratchet position and then into the open position or from the pre-ratchet position into the open position.

The first actuating member is therefore force-lockingly connected to the electric motor, such that the first actuating member is moved from the main ratchet position via the pre-ratchet position into the open position with respect to the corresponding second actuating member when the electric motor is actuated. The movement performed here with the first actuating member is preferably a rotational movement. However, the first actuating member can also be designed such that the rotational movement is converted into a translational movement. In this context, the first actuating member directly interacts with the electric motor to initiate a opening or unlocking movement, while the second actuating member acts as the counterpart, receiving the movement. The second actuating member engages the first actuating member in the main ratchet position, such that a door or an electronically actuated door latch is closed or locked and releases the first actuating member in the open position, such that the door is opened or the electronically actuated door latch is unlocked. With the first actuating member in the open position, the electronic door actuation arrangement is open, which means that the door is open or the electronically actuated door latch is unlocked. If the first actuating member is in the main ratchet position, the electronic door actuation arrangement is closed, which means that the door is closed or the electronically actuated door latch is locked. The pre-ratchet position serves as an intermediate stage in the transition from open to closed or unlocked to locked, allowing for a controlled and phased/stepped movement. The second actuating member is therefore designed such that the first actuating member can engage with it. For example, it may be provided that the first actuating member is arranged in the door of a vehicle, while the second actuating member is arranged in a door frame of the vehicle, receiving the movement of the first actuating member to secure the door in the main ratchet position.
According to the invention, it is provided herein that the method comprises starting a time measurement when an external device signal from the external device is applied to the electronic door actuation arrangement. An external device signal can be defined as a signal generated by the external device upon a user's intention to actuate the door, i.e. to open or close it, or to actuate the electronically actuated door latch, i.e. to unlock or lock it. Here, the external device signal applied at the electronic door actuation arrangement means that a signal is present with which the first actuating member of the electronic door actuation arrangement is to be moved from a current position in which the first actuating member is located, i.e., the main ratchet position or the pre-ratchet position, into the open position. In this context, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that if the first actuating member is already in the open position, a reverse procedure to the movement into the open position is actuated when the predetermined signal duration is not exceeded. Else the electronic door actuation arrangement stays open.
The time measurement is initiated upon receiving the external device signal to track the duration of the external device signal application. One advantage of this step is that it enables the system to determine whether the signal duration meets a predetermined threshold, the predetermined signal duration, allowing precise control over the movement of the first actuating member and thereby the electronic door actuation arrangement.
The method further includes verifying whether the first actuating member is in the main ratchet position or in the pre-ratchet position if the measured time exceeds the predetermined signal duration. By verifying the position of the first actuating member, it is ensured that the operation of the electronic door actuation arrangement is aligned with the user's intent as indicated by exceeding the predetermined signal duration. One advantage of this verification step is the reduction of mechanical stress on the first actuating member by preventing unnecessary or premature movements, thereby enhancing the longevity of the mechanism.
If the verification is affirmative, the method involves actuating the first actuating member from the main ratchet position into the pre-ratchet position and then into the open position or from the pre-ratchet position into the open position. Actuating in this context means causing the first actuating member to move to the above-mentioned positions. By transitioning through the pre-ratchet position, the system can achieve a smoother and more controlled door operation. One advantage of this step is the significant reduction in noise levels during the movement of the first actuating member to the open position, as the movement is divided into smaller, less forceful increments. Another advantage is improved energy efficiency, as the electric motor operates more efficiently by avoiding abrupt and forceful movements. Thus, the method according to the invention also provides a quiet operation of the electronically actuated door arrangement.
In principle, it is possible to let the first actuating member remain in the open position without verifying the external device signal again. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, the method for operating the electronic door actuation arrangement additionally comprises comprising the following further method steps:

verifying whether the external device signal is applied to the electronic door actuation arrangement, and
if not affirmative, actuating a reverse procedure, wherein in the reverse procedure, the first actuating member is actuated from the open position into the pre-ratchet position and then into the main ratchet position or from the pre-ratchet position into the main ratchet position, and the stall-current is applied to the electric motor when the first actuating member is in the main ratchet position. The reverse procedure may be understood as a sequence of actions that returns the first actuating member to the main ratchet position. One advantage of this arrangement is that the stall-current serves as a confirmation that the first actuating member has reached the main ratchet position, ensuring reliable operation. Similarly, checking again whether the external device signal is present ensures that the first actuating member is not inadvertently in the open position. A new request for the external device signal ensures that the electronic door actuation arrangement switches to the main ratchet position if the door is not opened for example.

In general, it is possible to move the first actuating member to the open position without verifying if there is a stall-current applied to the electric motor. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, the method comprises the following further method steps during the execution of the step of actuating the first actuating member from the main ratchet position into the pre-ratchet position and then into the open position or from the pre-ratchet position into the open position:

if the first actuating member is in the main ratchet position or in the pre-ratchet position, verifying whether a stall-current is applied to the electric motor, and
if affirmative, short-circuiting the electric motor and actuating the reverse procedure. In the present case, "during execution" means that the first actuating member is moved into the open position in accordance with step of actuating the first actuating member from the main ratchet position into the pre-ratchet position and then into the open position or from the pre-ratchet position into the open position. Both when the first actuating member is in the main ratchet position and when it is in the pre-ratchet position, it is verified whether a stall-current is applied to the electric motor. Short-circuiting the electric motor may be understood as creating a direct electrical connection that prevents further operation of the electric motor. One advantage of this arrangement is that it ensures immediate cessation of the electric motor actuation when the first actuating member is in the main ratchet position or in the pre-ratchet position, preventing any potential damage from the stall-current being applied to the electric motor. According to a preferred further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that if no stall-current is present at the electric motor, the actuation of the first actuating member is continued.

It is possible to move the first actuating member to the open position without verifying if there still is the external device signal. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, the method for operating the electronic door actuation arrangement comprises the following further method steps during the execution of the step of actuating the first actuating member from the main ratchet position into the pre-ratchet position and then into the open position or from the pre-ratchet position into the open position:

if the first actuating member is in the main ratchet position or in the pre-ratchet position, verifying whether the external device signal is applied to the electronic door actuation arrangement, and
if not affirmative, actuate the reverse procedure. This ensures that the electronic door actuation arrangement only continues operation if the external device signal is present, enhancing safety and preventing unintended movements. This verification is carried out in addition to the previous verification. The external device signal must therefore first exceed the predetermined signal duration and then also be applied after the current position of the first actuating member has been determined. The presence of the external device signal is therefore checked again when the first actuating member has been moved from the main ratchet position to the pre-ratchet position and is currently in the pre-ratchet position. In this context, according to a preferred further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that if the external device signal is applied to the electronic door actuation arrangement, the actuation of the first actuating member is continued.

It is possible that a short application of the external device signal is sufficient to move the first actuating member into the open position. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, verification is carried out as follows:

restarting the time measurement if the external device signal from the external device is applied to the electronic door actuation arrangement,
if the first actuating member is in the main ratchet position or in the pre-ratchet position, verifying whether the measured time exceeds a further predetermined signal duration, and
if not affirmative, actuate the reverse procedure. This arrangement ensures that the operation of the electronic door actuation arrangement is aligned with user intent, providing more precise control over the electronic door actuation arrangement operation. The further predetermined signal duration is preferably shorter than the predetermined signal duration.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, with the first actuating member in the main ratchet position, in the pre-ratchet position and/or in the open position, the reverse procedure is actuated if the external device signal is not applied to the electronic door actuation arrangement or if the applied external device signal is not exceeding the further predetermined signal duration. This arrangement ensures that the door is only operated when explicitly commanded by the user, preventing accidental operations.
In this context, according to a particularly preferred further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the external device signal is successively verified. Successive verification is understood as repeatedly checking for the presence of the signal. One advantage of this is that it allows for precise determination of the signal status, providing faster response times and improving the reliability of the electronic door actuation arrangement. The successive verification of the external device signal can be carried out in discrete time steps, for example.
In general, it is possible to perform the reverse procedure in a continuous motion without re-verifying the external device signal. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, the actuation of the reverse procedure is aborted if the external device signal is again applied to the electronic door actuation arrangement and exceeds the predetermined signal duration. In this context, aborted means that the actuation of the first actuating member from the main ratchet position into the pre-ratchet position and then into the open position or from the pre-ratchet position into the open position is continued. This arrangement ensures that the electronic door actuation arrangement can be reopened if needed, providing flexibility, and preventing unintended moving into the main ratchet position during the reverse procedure.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided, that in a backup operating state the electronic door actuation arrangement is supplied with auxiliary supply power in the event of failure of a main supply power, wherein in the step of verifying whether the first actuating member is in the main ratchet position or in the pre-ratchet position, instead:
if the measured time exceeds the predetermined signal duration, verifying whether the electronic door actuation arrangement (1) is in the backup operating state, comprising the further method steps:

if not affirmative, verifying whether the first actuating member is in the main ratchet position or in the pre-ratchet position and subsequently performing step of actuating the first actuating member into the open position,
if affirmative, verifying that the auxiliary supply power is sufficient to move the first actuating member to the open position,
if the auxiliary supply power is sufficient, verifying whether the first actuating member is in the main ratchet position or in the pre-ratchet position and subsequently performing the step of actuating the first actuating member into the open position. One advantage of this arrangement is that it provides a fail-safe mechanism to ensure the operation of the electronic door actuation arrangement even in the event of power failure, enhancing reliability. Similarly, it is ensured that the first actuating member is only moved if sufficient auxiliary supply power is applied, preventing the first actuating member from jamming between positions or becoming stuck in the pre-ratchet position.

In this context, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided, that if the auxiliary supply power is not sufficient, the reverse procedure is actuated. This arrangement ensures that the electronic door actuation arrangement returns closed if there is not enough power to complete the opening, providing an additional layer of safety.
In general, it is possible to design the electronic door actuation arrangement in different ways. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, the electronic door actuation arrangement is an electronically actuated door latch, wherein the first actuating member is a catch and the second actuating member is a striker. The striker may be understood as a mechanical component that holds the door in place, and the catch as a part that engages with the striker. This arrangement provides a robust mechanical interlock, ensuring secure door locking.
In principle, the external device can be designed in different ways. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, the external device is a door handle. A door handle may be understood as a mechanism used by the user to operate the door. This arrangement provides a familiar and intuitive interface for door operation.
At the same time, according to a further embodiment of the invention, it may also be provided, that the external device is a vehicle key and the external device signal is a wireless signal of the vehicle key. The vehicle key may be understood as a device used to control access to a vehicle, and a wireless signal as a signal transmitted without physical connections. This arrangement allows for remote operation of the electronic door actuation arrangement, enhancing convenience for the user.
In principle, it is possible to move the electric motor and thus the first actuating member with a voltage. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, the actuation of the first actuating member from the main ratchet position to the pre-ratchet position is performed with a first voltage, and the first voltage is lower than a second voltage with which the actuation of the first actuating member from the pre-ratchet position to the open position is performed. By approaching the pre-ratchet position employing the first voltage, one advantage is the reduction of mechanical stress and the prevention of abrupt stops that could damage the components. This controlled, slow movement contributes to a quieter operation, as sudden movements are a primary source of noise. Moving the first actuating member from the pre-ratchet position to the open position requires little force and therefore also implies a lower mechanical load on the first actuating member. One advantage of dividing the movement of the first actuating member with respect to the second actuating member from the main ratchet position into the open position via the pre-ratchet position is that the movement of the first actuating member into the open position from the pre-ratchet position can be carried out at a much higher speed than if the first actuating member moves from the main ratchet position into the open position in a single movement. Mechanical stress on the electronic door actuation arrangement in this driving step with the second voltage is significantly reduced as compared to the movement from the main ratchet position to the pre-ratchet position. This arrangement allows for controlled and gradual movement of the first actuating member, reducing mechanical stress and noise levels during operation.
The invention further concerns an electronic door actuation arrangement for a vehicle comprising a control unit, an external device, an electric motor, a first actuating member, and a corresponding second actuating member, wherein the first actuating member is rotationally coupled to the electric motor for being moved from a main ratchet position via a pre-ratchet position into an open position with respect to the second actuating member, the control unit is connected to the external device, the electric motor, the first actuating member, and the second actuating member for transmitting signals, and the control unit is configured for performing the method for operating the electronic door actuation arrangement as described above. The control unit may be understood as an electronic component that manages the operation of the door actuation system. This arrangement provides a comprehensive solution for controlling the door mechanism, ensuring coordinated and efficient operation.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the electronic door actuation arrangement comprises an auxiliary power source configured for supplying the electronic door actuation arrangement with auxiliary supply power in a backup operating state in the event of failure of a main power source of the vehicle, and the control unit is connected to the auxiliary power source for transmitting signals. An auxiliary power source may be understood as an additional power supply that provides energy when the main power source is unavailable. This arrangement ensures continuous operation of the door actuation system even during power outages, enhancing reliability and safety.
The invention relates also to the use of the electronic door actuation arrangement on the door of a vehicle.
Further implementations and advantages of the method can be derived by the person skilled in the art from the method for operating the electronic door actuation arrangement as described before.

Brief description of drawings

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the implementation described hereinafter.
In the drawings:

Fig. 1: schematically depicts a scheme of a method for oper-ating an electronic door actuation arrangement ac-cording to a preferred embodiment of the invention, and
Fig. 2: schematically depicts a scheme of an electronic door actuation arrangement according to a preferred em-bodiment of the invention.

Fig. 1 now schematically depicts a method for operating an electronic door actuation arrangement 1 on a door of a vehicle. The electronic door actuation arrangement 1 is an electronically actuated door latch, wherein a first actuating member 4 is a catch and a corresponding second actuating member 5 is a striker. Fig. 2 shows that the electronic door actuation arrangement 1 also has an electric motor 3 and a control unit 6 connected to the electric motor 3 and the first actuating member 4 and the second actuating member 5 for signal transmission. An external device 2 is also connected to the control unit 6 for signal transmission. In this case, the external device 2 is a door handle of the door. When the external device 2 is triggered, the electronic door actuation arrangement 1 receives an external device signal which, in the case of a closed door, is a signal to open the electronic door actuation arrangement 1.
A main power source 8 is connected to the electronic door actuation arrangement for transmitting main supply power. The main power source 8 is the battery of the vehicle. The electronic door actuation arrangement 1 is furthermore equipped with an auxiliary power source 7, which is configured for supplying the electronic door actuation arrangement 1 with an auxiliary supply power in a backup operating state in the event of failure of the main power source 8. The auxiliary power 7 source is a supercapacitor group and also connected to the control unit 6 for signal transmission, such that upon the failure of the main power source 8 the auxiliary supply power is provided.
The first actuating member 4 is rotationally coupled to the electric motor 3, such that a rotation of the electric motor 3 moves the first actuating member 4 in relation to the second actuating member 5 from a main ratchet position via a pre-ratchet position to an open position. In a first step S1 a time measurement is started if an external device signal from the external device 2 is applied to the electronic door actuation arrangement 1. In a following second step S2, if the measured time exceeds the predetermined signal duration, it is verified whether the electronic door actuation arrangement 1 is in the backup operating state. If the electronic door actuation arrangement 1 is not in the backup operating state in step S2a, it is verified whether the first actuating member 4 is in the main ratchet position or in the pre-ratchet position and the method continues with step S3. If the electronic door actuation arrangement 1 is in the backup operating state, it is verified, whether the auxiliary supply power is sufficient to move the first actuating member 4 to the open position in step S2b. If the auxiliary supply power is sufficient, it is verified in step S2c whether the first actuating member 4 is in the main ratchet position or in the pre-ratchet position and subsequently the method proceeds with step S3. Else a reverse procedure is actuated, in which the first actuating member 4 is actuated from the open position into the pre-ratchet position and then into the main ratchet position or from the pre-ratchet position into the main ratchet position, and the stall-current is applied to the electric motor 3 when the first actuating member 4 is in the main ratchet position.
In step S3, if the auxiliary supply power is sufficient or the electronic door actuation arrangement 1 not in the backup operating state, the first actuating member 4 is actuated from the main ratchet position into the pre-ratchet position and then into the open position or from the pre-ratchet position into the open position. During the execution of step S3 it is verified in step S3a whether a stall-current is applied to the electric motor 3, if the first actuating member 4 is in the main ratchet position or in the pre-ratchet position. If the stall-current is applied to the electric motor 3, the electric motor 3 is short circuited in step S3b and the reverse procedure is actuated. During the execution of the step S3 as well as the execution of the steps S3a and S3b, the time measurement is restarted in step S3c if the external device signal from the external device 2 is applied to the electronic door actuation arrangement 1. If not, the reverse procedure is actuated.
Is the first actuating member 4 in the main ratchet position or in the pre-ratchet position, it is verified whether the measured time exceeds a further predetermined signal duration, being shorter than the predetermined signal duration in step S3d. If affirmative step S3 is continued. If not affirmative the reverse procedure is actuated in step S3e.
The first actuating member 4 is in the open position. In step S4 it is verified again whether the external device signal is applied to the electronic door actuation arrangement 1. If affirmative, the electronic door actuation arrangement 1 stays in the open position, if not the reverse procedure is actuated in step S5. If the first actuating member 4 is in the main ratchet position, a stall current is applied to indicate this position. The electric motor 3 is then short-circuited to prevent damage to the electric motor 3.
While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed implementations. Other variations to be disclosed implementations can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting scope.

List of reference symbols

1: Electronic door actuation arrangement
2: external device
3: electric motor
4: first actuating member
5: second actuating member
6: control unit
7: auxiliary power source
8: main power source

Claims

Method for operating an electronic door actuation arrangement (1), comprising an external device (2), an electric motor (3), a first actuating member (4) and a corresponding second actuating member (5), wherein
the first actuating member (4) is rotationally coupled to the electric motor (3) for being moved from a main ratchet position via a pre-ratchet position into an open position with respect to the second actuating member (5), comprising the following method steps:
S1) starting a time measurement if an external device signal from the external device (2) is applied to the electronic door actuation arrangement (1),

S2) if the measured time exceeds a predetermined signal duration, verifying whether the first actuating member (4) is in the main ratchet position or in the pre-ratchet position, and

S3) if affirmative, actuating the first actuating member (4) from the main ratchet position into the pre-ratchet position and then into the open position or from the pre-ratchet position into the open position.
Method according to the previous claim, comprising the following further method steps:
S4) verifying whether the external device signal is applied to the electronic door actuation arrangement (1), and

S5) if not affirmative, actuating a reverse procedure, wherein

in the reverse procedure, the first actuating member (4) is actuated from the open position into the pre-ratchet position and then into the main ratchet position or from the pre-ratchet position into the main ratchet position, and

the stall-current is applied to the electric motor (3) when the first actuating member (4) is in the main ratchet position.
Method according any one of the previous to claims, comprising the following further method steps during the execution of step S3:
S3a) if the first actuating member (4) is in the main ratchet position or in the pre-ratchet position, verifying whether a stall-current is applied to the electric motor (3), and

S3b) if affirmative, short-circuiting the electric motor (3) and actuating the reverse procedure.
Method according to any one of the previous claims, comprising the following further method steps during the execution of step S3:
S3c) if the first actuating member (4) is in the main ratchet position or in the pre-ratchet position, verifying whether the external device signal is applied to the electronic door actuation arrangement (1), and

S3d) if not affirmative, actuate the reverse procedure.
Method according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, comprising the following further method steps during the execution of step S3:
S3c) restarting the time measurement if the external device signal from the external device (2) is applied to the electronic door actuation arrangement (1),

S3d) if the first actuating member (4) is in the main ratchet position or in the pre-ratchet position, verifying whether the measured time exceeds a further predetermined signal duration, and

S3e) if not affirmative, actuate the reverse procedure.
Method according to any one of the claims 2 to 5, wherein with the first actuating member (4) in the main ratchet position and/or in the pre-ratchet position and/or in the open position, the reverse procedure is actuated if the external device signal is not applied to the electronic door actuation arrangement (1) or if the applied external device signal is not exceeding the further predetermined signal duration.
Method according to any one of the claims 3 to 6, wherein the external device signal is successively verified during the execution step S3.
Method according to any one of the claims 2 to 6, wherein the actuation of the reverse procedure is aborted if the external device signal is applied to the electronic door actuation arrangement and exceeds the further predetermined signal duration.
Method according to any one of the previous claims, wherein in a backup operating state the electronic door actuation arrangement (1) is supplied with auxiliary supply power in the event of failure of a main supply power, wherein in step S2 instead:
S2) if the measured time exceeds the predetermined signal duration, verifying whether the electronic door actuation arrangement (1) is in the backup operating state, comprising the further method steps:
S2a) if not affirmative, verifying whether the first actuating member (4) is in the main ratchet position or in the pre-ratchet position and subsequently performing step S3,

S2b) if affirmative, verifying that the auxiliary supply power is sufficient to move the first actuating member (4) to the open position,

S2c) if the auxiliary supply power is sufficient, verifying whether the first actuating member (4) is in the main ratchet position or in the pre-ratchet position and subsequently performing step S3.
Method according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the electronic door actuation arrangement (1) is an electronically actuated door latch, wherein the first actuating member (4) is a catch and the second actuating member (5) is a striker.
Method according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the external device (2) is a door handle.
Method according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the actuation of the first actuating member from the main ratchet position to the pre-ratchet position is performed with a first voltage, and the first voltage is lower than a second voltage with which the actuation of the first actuating member from the pre-ratchet position to the open position is performed.
Electronic door actuation arrangement (1) for a vehicle, comprising a control unit (6), an external device (2), an electric motor (3), a first actuating member (4) and a corresponding second actuating member (5), wherein
the first actuating member (4) is rotationally coupled to the electric motor (3) for being moved from a main ratchet position via a pre-ratchet position into an open position with respect to the second actuating member (5),

the control unit (6) is connected to the external device (2), the electric motor (3), the first actuating member (4) and the second actuating member (5) for transmitting signals, and

the control unit (6) is configured for performing the method for operating the electronic door actuation arrangement (1) according to any one of the previous claims.
Electronic door actuation arrangement (1) according to the previous claim, with an auxiliary power source (7), wherein the auxiliary power source (7) is configured for supplying the electronic door actuation arrangement (1) with auxiliary supply power in a backup operating state in the event of failure of a main power source (8) of the vehicle, and
the control unit (6) is connected to the auxiliary power source (7) for transmitting signals.
Use of the electronic door actuation arrangement (1) according to the previous claim on the door of a vehicle.