EP1238177A1

EP1238177A1 - Exterior door handle system

Info

Publication number: EP1238177A1
Application number: EP00993269A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Edgar Budzynski; Matthias Koerwer; Stephan Schmitz
Original assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH; Brose Schliesssysteme GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Brose Schliesssysteme GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 1999-11-29
Filing date: 2000-11-29
Publication date: 2002-09-11
Anticipated expiration: 2020-11-29
Also published as: EP1240400B1; US20030101781A1; EP1238177B1; EP1238177B2; EP1240400A1; DE50011082D1; WO2001040607A1; US20030029210A1; DE50011038D1; WO2001040606A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an exterior door handle system and to a method for controlling a motor vehicle door lock system. The aim of the invention is to provide a system for identifying the actuation of an exterior door handle by simple and inexpensive means. To this end, the exterior door handle can be elastically deformed and the deformation is detected by a sensor to identify an actuation of the door handle.

Description

Outside door handle arrangement

The present invention relates to an outer door handle arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for controlling a motor vehicle door locking system according to the preamble of claim 32.

Electromechanical motor vehicle door locking systems are known. After unlocking, for example by means of a radio remote control, an operator pulls on an outside door handle of a motor vehicle door, an associated motor vehicle door lock being opened in that a control signal from an outside door handle sensor, in particular a switch, sends a control signal to an opening drive for lifting a pawl of the Motor vehicle door lock is issued.

In the prior art, a movably mounted outer door handle is usually provided. Movable storage is complex and fragile.

The present invention has for its object to provide an outer door handle arrangement and a method for controlling a motor vehicle door locking system, so that an actuation of an outer door handle can be reliably detected in a simple, inexpensive manner - preferably without moving parts, in particular around an opening drive and / or to control a central locking system.

The above object is achieved by an outside door handle arrangement according to claim 1 or a method according to claim 32. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the subclaims.

BRTÄTΪGiJNGSKOPIE A basic idea of the present invention is to design the outside door handle to be elastically deformable at least in some areas and to detect a deformation of the outside door handle by means of a sensor and to detect this as actuation of the outside door handle. This idea according to the invention leads to several advantages.

A simple, inexpensive implementation is possible.

A high level of functional reliability can be achieved. In particular, no movable mounting of the outer door handle is required. Accordingly, the outer door handle is preferably designed to be stationary. In particular, the outer door handle has no movably mounted parts. Outside door handles in this sense can be not only bow handles but also flap handles.

No switch, button or the like is required in order to convert an opening movement into an electrical actuation signal for actuating an assigned motor vehicle door lock. Accordingly, no moving parts are required, which can fail or cause malfunctions.

The response behavior of the sensor is preferably such that a slight deformation of the outer door handle - in particular in a particularly sensitive area - is sufficient so that actuation by the sensor and / or an associated electronics can be detected. Then, for example, an associated motor vehicle door lock is opened by motor. Depending on the required deformation path, the deformability of the outer door handle is practically invisible to the operator.

According to a preferred embodiment variant, a deformation of the outer door handle, in particular the indentation of a side wall of the outer door handle, with a maximum amplitude of preferably 0.01 mm to 1.0 mm, in particular of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, is sufficient. Depending on the intended deformation path, it may be necessary for signal evaluation, signal filtering and / or time windows - minimum and / or maximum intervals - To be provided, for example, in order not to interpret vibrations of the outer door handle during normal motor vehicle operation as actuation.

Both a tensile load and a compressive load on the outer door handle can preferably be detected. A very high level of functionality can be achieved in this way. For example, a motor vehicle door lock or a central locking system can be locked when the outer door handle is pressed, in particular in a section that is particularly sensitive to this.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment variant, the sensor serves both to detect a deformation of the outer door handle - that is to say an actuation sensor - and to detect an approach, in particular an operator's hand, to the outer door handle - that is to say an approach sensor. This can be achieved, for example, by the sensor operating capacitively and having different response thresholds and / or different sensor elements or electrodes. In particular, it is then provided that an operator's access authorization is checked when an approach is detected, that is to say a "passive entry" function is activated.

In contrast to pure pressure / pressure detection, a capacitive force sensor can also detect static forces, so that a constant force acting on the outside door handle generates a signal as long as it is present there. This can be used, for example, to keep the pawl raised as long as the outside door handle is pulled. The sensor provides the required signal, which allows this function to be carried out independently.

Further aspects, properties, features and advantages of the present invention result from the following explanation of preferred exemplary embodiments, which are shown in the drawing. It shows:

Figure 1 is a schematic, perspective view of a motor vehicle with a motor vehicle door locking system. FIG. 2 shows an outer door handle arrangement of the motor vehicle door locking system according to FIG. 1;

3 shows a schematic top view of an outer door handle arrangement;

4 a, b are schematic signal diagrams when a tensile load is detected;

5 a, b, c are schematic signal diagrams when a pressure load is detected; and

6 - 9 are schematic sectional representations of further outside door handle arrangements.

The same reference numerals are used for identical or similar parts, and corresponding or comparable advantages and properties result, even if a repeated description is omitted.

1 schematically shows a motor vehicle 1 with a motor vehicle door locking system 2. The motor vehicle door locking system 2 has in particular a plurality of motor vehicle door locks 3, in particular for motor vehicle doors 4, a motor vehicle tailgate, a bonnet and the like. Like., On whose installation positions are indicated schematically in Fig. 1.

Each motor vehicle door lock 3 can preferably be unlocked and locked by means of a motor, in particular an electric motor, by means of a known central locking or a central locking drive. In the case of a design as an electric lock, which is provided in particular for the motor vehicle door locks 3 of the motor vehicle side doors 4, each motor vehicle lock 3 additionally has the possibility of a motorized opening, that is to say the lifting of a pawl (not shown) by means of an opening drive (not shown). Accordingly, unlocking and locking can only be done by circuitry.

The motor vehicle door locking system 2 is preferably equipped with a "passive entry" function. The "passive entry" function here to understand in particular an automatic, motor vehicle-side data query or identification of an operator-side data carrier, transponders 5 or the like, in order to determine whether an operator approaching motor vehicle 1 or an operator who is already in the process of motor vehicle 1 or a motor vehicle door 4 is open to access. This is usually checked by appropriate electronics of motor vehicle 1. With the appropriate authorization of the operator, there is usually an automatic unlocking of either a central locking system, the door lock 3 of the driver's door 4 or at least the door lock 3 of the door 4 which the operator is approaching or whose outside handle touches or actuates the operator.

In the example shown, the motor vehicle door locking system 2 comprises a data carrier or transponder 5, which is designed in particular as a "passive entry" chip card or is carried by an operator (not shown) and serves as an "electronic key". In this way, a data query or identification of the data carrier or transponder 5 triggered on the motor vehicle side, as indicated by signal waves 6, can be carried out and the access authorization of the operator can be checked. With appropriate access authorization, unlocking is preferably carried out for all motor vehicle door locks 3 by means of the central locking system (not shown) or the like.

The motor vehicle door lock 3 of the driver's door and the hood lock are each assigned a lock cylinder 7 for actuation with a mechanical key 8 as required. Thus, the motor vehicle door lock 3 of the driver's door can be mechanically actuated or unlocked and opened with the key 8 in an emergency. A corresponding emergency unlocking or emergency opening can also be provided for the motor vehicle door locks 3 of the other doors 4, if necessary.

An outer door handle arrangement 9 is assigned to at least each motor vehicle door lock 3 of the motor vehicle side doors 4, as indicated in FIG. 1. 2 shows the outer door handle arrangement 9 of the driver's door with an integrated locking cylinder 7, which is mounted, for example, in a guide element 11. however the lock cylinder 7 and its guide element 1 1 can also be omitted if necessary.

The outer door handle arrangement 9 more precisely has an outer door handle 10 which is designed to be stationary and has no moving parts, such as a movable actuating or opening lever or the like. A bow handle is shown; a flap handle can also be used as a possible alternative.

The outer door handle arrangement 9 can also include an adjacent door area, which is not shown in FIG. 2, in particular if the outer door handle arrangement 9 is used together with this adjacent door area as a structural unit in the assigned motor vehicle door 4. However, due to the fixed outer door handle 10, this is not absolutely necessary. Rather, a so-called back plate of the outer door handle arrangement 9 can also be omitted and instead the engagement space can be defined or formed directly by the associated motor vehicle door 4 on the one hand and the outer door handle 10 on the other hand.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic plan view of an outer door handle arrangement 9, which can be designed, for example, as described with reference to FIG. 2, but also without a locking cylinder 7.

In the outer door handle arrangement 9, as indicated in FIG. 3, a sensor 12 is assigned to the outer door handle 10. In particular, a deformation, force and / or pressure-sensitive sensor element 13 is arranged on the outer door handle 10, as shown in FIG. 3, or is otherwise connected to it or integrated in it.

The sensor element 13 is in particular a piezo element in the sense already mentioned. This is a piezocrystal that generates an electrical voltage when deformed by a charge shift, in particular on its sides perpendicular to the direction of deformation. A capacitive evaluation is preferably carried out, that is to say the detection of the charge shift or changes in capacitance when the piezo element is deformed. However, resistive evaluation is also possible, for example. The sensor 12 or the sensor element 13 has a minimal or, especially when using a piezo element, no energy requirement at all, so that a possibly very low energy requirement for the continuously repeated evaluation in particular to check whether an actuation of the outer door handle 10 has been detected, consists.

The outer door handle 10 defines or defines an engagement space 14 for an operator's hand, not shown. Accordingly, “intervention space” is to be understood here to mean in particular the space in which an operator's hand, not shown, usually engages to actuate the outer door handle 10.

The sensor element 13 is gem. 3 is arranged on the inner wall or inner side 15 of the outer door handle 10 facing the engaging space 14. In particular, the sensor element 13 covers the inside 15 and / or adjacent areas of the outer door handle 10 over a large area, preferably essentially completely.

However, the sensor element 13 is preferably integrated into the outer door handle 10, in particular arranged inside.

The outer door handle 10 is - at least in some areas - designed to be elastically deformable. The sensor 12 can detect a deformation of the outer door handle 10 caused by an actuation, so that the actuation can be detected.

The outer door handle 10 is fixed, i.e. rigidly connected to the assigned motor vehicle door 4 or the assigned door area 16 or other parts of the outer door handle arrangement 9.

An evaluation unit or electronics 17 is preferably assigned to the sensor 12, as indicated in FIG. 3, which is in particular at least partially, in particular completely, integrated into the outer door handle arrangement 9 or the outer door handle 10. Alternatively or additionally, the evaluation electronics 17 can be at least partially integrated into an assigned motor vehicle door 4 or a central motor vehicle or control electronics 18 of the motor vehicle 1, which is indicated in FIG. 1.

If a hand, not shown, of an operator detects and deforms (actuates) the outer door handle 10, this leads to a corresponding change in measurement signals and / or characteristic values of the sensor 12 or the sensor element 13, which act as a touch and / or actuation of the outer door handle 10 can be evaluated. In particular, a corresponding signal is output by the evaluation electronics 17, for example to the central motor vehicle electronics 18.

According to a preferred development, the sensor 12 and the optionally provided evaluation electronics 17 are designed such that a distinction can be made between an initial touch and an actual actuation of the outer door handle 10 by an operator's hand, not shown. In particular, the strength of the measurement signal change in the sensor 12, that is to say the strength of the deformation of the outer door handle 10, is detected and evaluated. Here, the temporal increase in the deformation and / or the temporal interval between the exceeding of certain response thresholds can also be taken into account, for example to detect the usual increase in the measured values or change in the measured values during the normal sequence of touching and subsequent actuation of the outer door handle 10.

A preferred detection or evaluation of an actuation of the outer door handle 10 - that is, the actuation sensor - is explained in more detail below with reference to the schematic diagrams in FIG. 4.

4 a) shows an example of a signal profile of the signal output or provided by sensor 12 or sensor element 13. If an operator, not shown, actuates the outer door handle 10 - that is, pulls - this is registered by the sensor 12 or sensor element 13 and a first signal A is output. In the preferred use of a piezo element as sensor element 13 or another one that is only subject to changes only a short-term first signal A results, as shown.

When the outer door handle 10 is released, a second signal B is output, as also indicated in FIG. 4 a). The second signal B is also only present for a relatively short time.

The beginning and the end of the actuation of the outer door handle 10 are derived from the first signal A and the second signal B. Accordingly, an actuation signal C is determined as a function of the detection of the first signal A and the detection of the second signal B, as shown by way of example or schematically in FIG. 4 b). Depending on the actuation signal C, the motor vehicle door lock 3 assigned to the actuated outer door handle 10 is opened by a motor, provided the motor vehicle door lock 3 is already unlocked and / or there is a corresponding access authorization or is detected by the control electronics 18.

The unlocking of the motor vehicle door lock 3 can also be switched by actuating the outer door handle 10. You can e.g. B. provide that by briefly pulling the outside door handle the unlocking of the motor vehicle door lock 3 is carried out and by longer pulling or by pulling twice a motorized opening of the motor vehicle door lock 3 takes place. In any case, you must have the appropriate access authorization.

The evaluation and provision of the actuation signal C according to the proposal can be carried out in particular by the evaluation electronics 17. However, the evaluation can optionally also take place in the control electronics 18 or in another device of the motor vehicle 1.

Depending on the configuration, it is not necessary for the actuation signal C to be generated or output. Rather, the actuation signal C can also be understood as the logic state of the control, in particular of the control electronics 18 or the like. Depending on this logical state, the assigned motor vehicle door lock 3, as already explained, is unlocked and locked, opened and closed. The opening of the motor vehicle door lock 3 takes place in particular in that a pawl of the motor vehicle door lock 3, not shown, is lifted during the opening state or brought into a non-locking state or moved.

In the example shown, the first signal A and the second signal B have opposite polarities or opposite time profiles. This makes detection easier. This behavior advantageously occurs precisely in the piezo element and capacitive evaluation that are preferably used.

The detection can be carried out, for example, by exceeding a certain (positive or negative) threshold value of a (positive or negative) rate of change - i.e. time derivative - and / or an integral value or the like in the signal provided by sensor 12 or sensor element 13 detected and evaluated as the first signal A or second signal B. Of course, other suitable detection criteria or algorithms can also be used here.

The proposed actuation sensor is not limited to the fact that the first signal A and the second signal B have opposite polarities or temporal profiles. Although this is advantageous, it is not necessary with the corresponding entry criteria.

Furthermore, the proposed actuation sensing can also take place if the sensor 12 or the sensor element 13 provides a signal which is present, for example, during the entire duration of an actuation of the outer door handle 10, possibly with certain fluctuations. This is the case, for example, in the case of a sensor 12 or sensor element 13, in which the sensor signal is proportional to the force or pressure acting. The first signal A can then be detected, for example, as an edge - a sharp rise in time - of the sensor signal and the second signal B as an opposite edge - a sharp drop in time - of the sensor signal. In addition, it should be pointed out that the actuation sensor can also be used to control other motor vehicle functions and to activate other motor vehicle controls. Corresponding control signals - such as the actuation signal C - are preferably output by the evaluation electronics 17 or other electronics, such as the control electronics 18.

So far, only the detection of a touch or actuation of the outer door handle 10 has been primarily addressed. With such a normal contact or actuation of the outer door handle 10, a tensile load, as indicated by arrow 19 in FIGS. 3 and 6 to 10, is usually exerted on the outer door handle 10. The outer door handle 10 is therefore at least essentially touched on the inside 15 of the outer door handle 10 facing the engaging space 14. The actuation or tensile load 19 is accordingly primarily directed away from the assigned motor vehicle door 4 or the assigned door area 16.

One aspect is that - in particular additionally - a pressure load on the outer door handle 10 - essentially as indicated by arrow 20 - can be detected. In particular, pressing, for example, an operator's hand (not shown) onto the outside door handle 10 can be detected in a preferably marked section 21 on the outside 22 or another suitable area of the outside door handle 10. This detection of a pressure load 20 can take place additionally or alternatively to the detection of a tensile load 19.

In particular, the detection of a pressure load 20 can be carried out by a corresponding evaluation of the signals A and B already used for the detection of a tensile load 19, as indicated in FIG. 5. If the second signal B occurs first and then - in particular within a predetermined time window or interval - the first signal A occurs, as indicated in FIG. 5 a), this can be evaluated as a closing signal D according to FIG. 5 b). However, the closing signal D can only be generated or output after the detection of the first signal A within a time window, not shown, as in the case according to FIG. 5 c). FIG. 4 makes the complete signal generation clear in connection with FIG. Lich. The signal evaluation in the control electronics leads to the desired control variants.

However, as already explained, the detection of a pressure load 20 of the outside door handle 10 or its preferably particularly sensitive section 21 - sufficient for a function, possibly exceeding a predetermined response threshold - can also be done in a different way than by detection and evaluation of the signals A, B , for example by means of the sensor 12 or an additional sensor, in the usual way.

If a pressure load 20 is determined or the closing signal D is present, it is provided that the assigned motor vehicle door lock 3 or in particular all motor vehicle door locks 3 are locked, that is to say in particular a central locking mechanism (not shown) or the like is activated. When the motor vehicle door locks 3 are designed as motorized locks or electric locks, the locking can also be carried out only in terms of circuitry, if necessary.

The outer door handle arrangement 9 or the outer door handle 10 is preferably designed in such a way that the sensor 12 can sense both a tensile load 19 and a compressive load 20, so that in total only one sensor 12 is required. If necessary, however, a plurality of sensors 12 and / or sensor elements 13 can also be provided from a redundancy point of view and / or for the selective detection of a tensile load 19 or a compressive load 20.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 3, if a detection of a pressure load 20 is provided at all, the outer door handle 10 is designed to be sufficiently elastically deformable so that the corresponding deformation of the sensor 12 or its sensor element 13 can be detected at a pressure load 20.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 6, the outer door handle 10 - as in all of the alternative embodiments shown and described here - is preferably at least substantially stationary. The outside door handle

10 therefore has no moving parts, even in the case of a multipart design in the sense of a switch, push button or the like. This also enables a simplified construction of the outer door handle arrangement 9, since there is no need for movable storage of parts or the like.

The outer door handle 10 or at least parts or sections thereof is or are designed to be elastically deformable such that, in particular in the case of the embodiments according to. 6 to 10, both a tensile load 19 and a compressive load 20 can be detected.

In the embodiment according to Fig. 6, the outer door handle 10 is made in several parts, here formed from two outer door handle parts 10 '.

A preferably strip-shaped carrier 23, to which the sensor 12 or its sensor element 13 is assigned, is arranged in the interior of the outer door handle 10. In particular, as the sensor element 13, a piezo element is connected to the carrier 23 and optionally arranged on the latter. For example, the carrier 23 can have a corresponding recess, so that the sensor element 13 can be acted on from both sides, or a sensor element 13 can be arranged on both sides of the carrier 23.

The carrier 23 is preferably firmly connected to the outer door handle 10 only in opposite end regions 24 and otherwise extends at least essentially within a cavity 25 formed in the outer door handle 10. The carrier 23 is strip-shaped and preferably extends approximately over the entire length of the outer door handle 10 or at least a substantial part of it. The carrier 23 is preferably rigid, at least in relation to the other outer door handle 10 or its parts 10 '. It is preferably made of metal, but it can also be made of plastic.

A very good response behavior is achieved, in particular, in that, according to the schematic diagram according to FIG. 7, elastically deformable or compressible side walls 26 of the cavity 25 or of the outer door handle 10 directly or via projections 27 on the sensor 12 or its sensor element 13, if appropriate Can act on the load on the outside door handle 10. In particular, a very small area - in the borderline case essentially Lichen punctiform - force introduction to a particularly good response, especially when using a piezo element as the sensor element 13. However, for example, a strain gauge or the like can also be used as the sensor element 13 if required.

The projections 27 are preferably hemispherical, pin-like, frustoconical or conical. This enables a very small area of force to be applied and thus high pressure, which is conducive to good responsiveness.

The structure described above means that an at least partial deformation of the outer door handle 10 can be detected with a high level of responsiveness, it being possible to distinguish between a tensile load 19 and a compressive load 20.

7, the sensor 12 or the sensor element 13 can also be arranged and held between two sections or parts 23 'of the carrier 23. However, a sandwich-like structure with a continuous support 23, as shown in the illustration. Fig. 6, possible.

FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment variant of the outer door handle arrangement 9 and the outer door handle 10, which is very similar to FIGS. 6 and 7. An asymmetrical arrangement of the sensor 12 or its sensor element 13 is provided here. There is no direct action of the side walls 26 or the projections 27 on the sensor element 13; rather, this action takes place indirectly via the carrier 23. In particular, the carrier 23 is firmly clamped only at one end region 24 and ends with the other end region between the side walls 26 or their projections 27. Accordingly, a deformation acts indirectly via the carrier 23 on the sensor 12 or the sensor element. In particular, the sensor element 13 is subjected to bending and / or extension or compression when the outer door handle 10 is deformed. Of course, this can also be done according to the embodiment. 6 and 7 be the case. Accordingly, a strain gauge or the like can then also be used as sensor element 13, for example. 9 shows a further embodiment variant. Here, the sensor 12 has at least one electrode arrangement 30 as a sensor element 13. In the illustrated example, the electrode arrangement 30 comprises two electrodes 31 and 32, which are arranged, for example, in the region of opposite inner walls of the outer door handle 10. In particular, the electrodes 31, 32 can be formed by metal foils on the inner sides 28 of the elastically deformable or compressible side walls 26. The electrodes 31 and 32 are preferably arranged such that one electrode 31 is adjacent to the outer side 22 of the outer door handle 10 or the section 21 and the other electrode 32 is adjacent to the inner side 15 of the outer door handle 10 or to the engaging space 14. In particular, the electrodes 31, 32 extend transversely to the direction of a tensile load 19 or compressive load 20 to be detected.

If the outer door handle 10 or a side wall 26 of the outer door handle 10 is deformed under a tensile load 19 or compressive load 20, the distance between the electrodes 31, 32 changes. In particular, the capacitance changes accordingly. In the example shown, the electrode arrangement 30 thus primarily forms a capacitive sensor. However, the electrode arrangement 30 can also work or be evaluated differently. For example, depending on the deformation of the outer door handle 10, other electrical parameters, such as inductance, resistance, impedance or the like, can be changed and evaluated to detect a tensile or compressive load 19, 20. Depending on the method of working and the material used with corresponding, suitable, for example dielectric or magnetic properties, the cavity 25 can also be omitted and replaced, for example, by a compressible region (not shown).

In contrast to the use of a piezo element, the use of a purely capacitive sensor can lead to the detection of static forces. A constant force acting on the outer door handle 10 then generates a signal as long as this force is present. This has the advantage already mentioned in the general part of the description that, for example, the pawl can be kept raised as long as the outer door handle 10 is pulled. In the example shown, the electrode arrangement 30 is not suitable for distinguishing between a tensile load 19 and a compressive load 20. To differentiate, for example, a further electrode, not shown, can be provided. Alternatively or additionally, with a suitable choice of material and with a suitable construction, specific changes in electrical / magnetic parameters can be achieved in such a way that a distinction between tensile load 19 and pressure load 20 is possible even with only two electrodes 31, 32.

Another advantage of the electrode arrangement 30 or when using a capacitive sensor 12 for sensing an actuation of the outer door handle 10 is that proximity sensing can also be implemented at the same time. For example, by changing the electrical capacitances, the electrode arrangement 30 can be used to detect when an operator's hand (not shown) engages in the engagement space 14. Accordingly, only one sensor 12 is required both for actuation sensing and for proximity sensing.

In addition, it should be pointed out that the electrode arrangement 30 can also - in particular in the case of a capacitive evaluation - provide similar or comparable signals to the signals A, B according to FIG. 4. A corresponding evaluation is therefore possible.

As an alternative or in addition to the electrodes 31, 32, strain gauges, piezo elements and the like can also be used. Like., In particular, be provided on the inner walls.

Possibly. the electrodes 31, 32 can be connected to a measuring loop - as shown by the connection 29 indicated in FIG. 9 - in order to detect deformations, for example, by changes in the inductance or inductance.

Of course, the aforementioned design variants of the outer door handle arrangement 9 or the outer door handle 10 can also be combined with one another as required. For example, different or a plurality of sensors 12 or different or a plurality of sensor elements 13 are assigned to the outer door handle 10 and, if necessary, are integrated therein.

Claims

claims:

1. Outside door handle arrangement (9) for a motor vehicle door locking system (2), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outside door handle arrangement (9) an outside door handle (10), in particular for opening an associated motor vehicle door lock (3), and one of the outside door - Handle (10) assigned sensor (12) for detecting an actuation of the outer door handle (10), in particular by a hand of an operator, characterized in that the outer door handle (10) is at least partially elastically deformable and that a deformation of the outside door handle (10) can be detected by means of the sensor (12) as actuation of the outside door handle (10).

2. Outside door handle arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the outside door handle (10) on an, in particular an associated motor vehicle door (4) facing, inside (15) is elastically deformable.

3. Outside door handle arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the outside door handle (10) is elastically deformable both under a tensile load (19) and under a compressive load (20), in particular whereby both the tensile load (12) from the sensor (12) 19) and the pressure load (20) of the outer door handle (10) can be detected.

4. Outside door handle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outside door handle (10) is elastically deformable at least in a marked section (21).

5. Outside door handle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outside door handle (10) is constructed in several parts.

6. Outside door handle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outside door handle (10) is at least substantially rigid and / or stationary and / or arranged, in particular has no moving parts (10 ').

7. outer door handle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer door handle (10) is hollow.

8. Outside door handle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (12) has a sensor element (13) which is arranged on the outside door handle (10), connected to it or integrated or built into this.

9. Outside door handle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (12) or a sensor element (13) of the sensor (13) is at least substantially immovable and / or arranged or are.

10. Outside door handle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (12) has at least one deformation, force and / or pressure-sensitive sensor element (13).

11. Outside door handle arrangement according to claim 10, characterized in that the sensor element (13) is designed as a piezo element.

12. Outside door handle arrangement according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the outside door handle (10) and the sensor element (13) are designed and / or arranged such that when the outside door handle (10) is deformed, only a small-area, in particular punctiform load on the sensor elements (13).

13. Outside door handle arrangement according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the outside door handle (10) has an elastically deformable, in particular compressible, side wall (26), wherein a deformation of the outside door handle (10) or the side wall (26) on the Sensor element (13) or a support (23) holding the sensor element (13) acts, in particular exerts a force.

14. Outside door handle arrangement according to claim 13, characterized in that the side wall (26) has a projection (27) facing the sensor element (13), which with corresponding deformation of the outside door handle (10) or the side wall (26) on the sensor element (13) or the carrier (23) acts, in particular exerts a force.

15. Outside door handle arrangement according to claim 14, characterized in that the projection (27) is pin-like, cone-like, frustoconical or dome-shaped.

16. Outside door handle arrangement according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the sensor element (13) or a sensor element (13) holding carrier (23) between two elastically deformable, in particular push-in, side walls (26) of the outside door handle (10) is so that deformations of the side walls (26) act differently on the sensor element (13) or the carrier (23), in particular exert opposite forces.

17. Outside door handle arrangement according to one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the side wall (s) (26) delimits or limit a cavity (25) of the outside door handle (10).

18. Outside door handle arrangement according to one of claims 8 to 17, characterized in that the sensor element (13) is arranged on or on a strip-shaped carrier (23) in particular.

19. Outside door handle arrangement according to claim 18, characterized in that the carrier (23) is preferably mounted exclusively in opposite end regions (24) on the outside door handle (10) and / or is rigid.

20. Outside door handle arrangement according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the carrier (23) with an end region (24) between two opposite, elastically deformable side walls (26), in particular projections (27) arranged thereon, is held and / or ends.

21. Outside door handle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (12) or its sensor element (13) and / or an associated carrier (23) is at least partially arranged in a cavity (25) of the outside door handle (10) is or are.

22. Outside door handle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (12) is designed such that a deformation of the outside door handle (10) by detection of a change in an electrical characteristic, in particular a capacitance, inductance, impedance and / or a resistance is detectable.

23. Outside door handle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (12) as sensor element (13) has an electrode arrangement (30), in particular wherein a deformation of the outside door handle (10) by detection of a change in capacitance, the inductance and / or the impedance of the electrode arrangement (30) can be detected.

24. Outside door handle arrangement according to claim 23, characterized in that the electrode arrangement (30) has two mutually spaced electrodes (31, 32).

25. Outside door handle arrangement according to claim 24, characterized in that the distance between the electrodes (31, 32) can be changed as a function of a deformation of the outside door handle (10).

26. Outside door handle arrangement according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that at least one electrode (31, 32) is arranged on or in an elastically deformable side wall (26) of the outside door handle (10).

27. Outside door handle arrangement according to claim 26, characterized in that the electrodes (31, 32) on or in opposite, elastically deformable side walls (26) of the outside door handle (10) are arranged, in particular on mutually facing inner sides of the side walls (26).

28. Outside door handle arrangement according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that the side wall (s) (26) delimits or delimits a cavity (25) and / or a compressible area of the outside door handle (10).

29. Outside door handle arrangement according to one of claims 24 to 28, characterized in that at least one electrode (31, 32) is formed in the manner of a film, in particular is made of metal foil.

30. Outside door handle arrangement according to one of claims 23 to 29, characterized in that the electrode arrangement (30) and / or at least one, preferably both, of the electrodes (31, 32) at least partially transversely, in particular perpendicular, to a main direction of deformation (19, 20) of the outer door handle (10) extends.

31. Outside door handle arrangement according to one of claims 23 to 30, characterized in that by means of the electrode arrangement (30) an approach, in particular an operator's hand, to the outside door handle (10), in particular capacitively, can be detected.

32. Method for controlling a motor vehicle door locking system with a motor vehicle door lock (3) and an outer door handle (10) assigned to the motor vehicle door lock (3), wherein an actuation of the outer door handle (10), in particular by a hand of an operator, by means of a the sensor (12) assigned to the outside door handle (10) is detected, characterized in that the outside door handle (10) is monitored for deformation by means of the sensor (12), a deformation, in particular when a response threshold is exceeded, as actuation of the outside door handle (10) is detected.

33. The method according to claim 32, characterized in that the sensor (12) converts a deformation of the outer door handle (10) into electrical signals or changes in at least one electrical parameter.

34. The method according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that a tensile load (19) of the outer door handle (10) and / or a compressive load (20) from a deformation of the outer door handle (10) is detected, in particular being between a tensile load (19) and a pressure load (20) can be distinguished.

35. The method according to any one of claims 32 to 34, characterized in that the sensor (12) detects an approach, in particular an operator's hand, to the outside door handle (10), in particular capacitively, in particular when detecting an approach Access authorization is queried if the motor vehicle door lock (3) is locked and / or the motor vehicle door lock (3) is unlocked if an access authorization exists or is determined when queried.