EP1238177B2 - Exterior door handle system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an outside door handle assembly according to the preamble of claims 1 and 2 and a method for controlling a motor vehicle door locking system according to 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, wherein an associated motor vehicle door lock is opened by a sensor assigned to the outside door handle, in particular a switch, 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 outside door handle is usually provided. A movable storage is complex and vulnerable.

A known outside door handle assembly ( WO 99/28170 A1 ) shows an outside door handle and a sensor associated with the outside door handle for detecting an operation of the outside handle by the hand of an operator. The sensor is used to activate the outside door handle assembly. The door is opened by pivoting the outside door handle in relation to a fixed holder (pull handle or folding handle). A similar construction also shows another citation ( DE 198 05 659 C1 ).

The known outside door handle arrangement, from which the present invention is based ( FR 2 217 784 A ) has an outside door handle and a sensor associated with the outside door handle; which is embedded in a soft, elastically deformable material.

Based on the above-described prior art, the teaching is based on the problem, the known outside door handle assembly and a corresponding control method of a motor vehicle door locking system to design and further that in a simple and cost-effective manner ergonomically improved control is ensured, in particular an opening drive or a Central locking to control.

The above-indicated problem is solved in an outside door handle assembly with the features of the preamble of claim 1 and of claim 2 by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1 and of claim 2. It is also solved in a method according to claim 32. Preferred embodiments and further developments are the subject of the respective subclaims.

A fundamental aspect of the present invention is to carry out the outer door handle overall without moving parts and at least partially elastically deformable form and to detect a deformation of the outside door handle by means of a sensor and to detect as an operation of the outside door handle.

The idea according to the invention leads to several advantages. So a simple, cost-effective implementation is possible. Furthermore, a high reliability can be achieved. In particular, just no movable storage of the outside door handle is required. It is not a button o. The like. Required to implement an opening movement in an electrical actuation signal for driving an associated motor vehicle door lock. Accordingly, there are no moving parts required that can cause failures or malfunction.

The response of the sensor is according to claim 1 such that even a slight deformation of the outside door handle - especially in a particularly sensitive area - is sufficient so that an operation of the sensor and / or an associated electronics can be detected. It then takes place, for example, a motorized opening of an associated motor vehicle door lock. Depending on the required deformation, the deformability of the outside door handle for the operator is virtually unnoticeable.

According to claim 1, a deformation of the outside door handle, in particular the impressing of a side wall of the outside door handle, with a maximum amplitude of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.01 mm to 1.0 mm is sufficient. Depending on the intended Verformungsweg it may be necessary in the signal evaluation, signal filtering and / or temporal window - temporal minimum and / or maximum distances - provide, for example, to interpret vibrations of the outside door handle in normal motor vehicle operation not as an operation.

According to claim 2, both a tensile load and a pressure load of the outside door handle can be detected. For example, a locking of a motor vehicle door lock or a central locking system can take place when the outside door handle is pressed-in particular in a section which is particularly sensitive thereto.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the sensor is used both to detect a deformation of the outside door handle - ie an actuation sensor - as well as a detection of an approach, in particular a hand of an operator to the outside door handle - so a proximity sensor. This can be achieved, for example, in that the sensor operates capacitively and has different response thresholds and / or different sensor elements or electrodes. In particular, it is then provided that upon detection of an approach, the access authorization of an operator is checked, that is, a "Passive Entry" function is activated.

In contrast to a pure pressure / train detection can be detected with a capacitive force sensor and static forces, so that a force acting on the outside door handle constant force generates a signal as long as there. This can for example be used to hold the pawl as long as the outside door handle is pulled. The sensor provides the required signal, which is an independent fulfillment of this function allowed.

The inventive method for controlling a motor vehicle door locking system with a fixed outside door handle allows a convenient operation of the motor vehicle door lock.

Fig. 1

eine schematische, perspektivische Ansicht eines Kraftfahrzeugs mit einem Kraftfahrzeug-Türschließsystem;

Fig. 2

eine Türaußengriffanordnung des Kraftfahrzeug-Türschließsystems gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Draufsicht einer Türaußengriffanordnung;

Fig. 4 a, b

schematische Signaldiagramme bei Erfassung einer Zugbelastung;

Fig. 5 a, b, c

schematische Signaldiagramme bei Erfassung einer Druckbelastung; und

Fig. 6 - 9

schematische Schnittdarstellungen weiterer Türaußengriffanordnungen.

Further aspects, characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following explanation of preferred embodiments, which are illustrated in the drawing. It shows:

Fig. 1

a schematic, perspective view of a motor vehicle with a motor vehicle door closing system;

Fig. 2

an outside door handle assembly of the motor vehicle door closing system according to Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3

a schematic plan view of an outside door handle assembly;

Fig. 4 a, b

schematic signal diagrams upon detection of a tensile load;

Fig. 5 a, b, c

schematic signal diagrams upon detection of a pressure load; and

Fig. 6-9

schematic sectional views of other outside door handle assemblies.

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

In Fig. 1 schematically a motor vehicle 1 with a motor vehicle door locking system 2 is shown. 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 in Fig. 1 are indicated schematically.

Preferably, each motor vehicle door lock 3 is motorized, in particular electric motor, by means of a known central locking or a central locking drive unlocked and locked. In an embodiment as an electric lock, which is provided in particular in the motor vehicle door locks 3 of the vehicle side doors 4, each motor vehicle lock 3 additionally has the possibility of a motor opening, ie the lifting of a pawl, not shown, by means of an opening drive, not shown. The unlocking and locking can therefore be done only circuit technology accordingly.

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

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

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

At least each vehicle door lock 3 of the vehicle side doors 4 is associated with an outside door handle assembly 9, as in Fig. 1 indicated. Fig. 2 shows the outside door handle assembly 9 of the driver's door with integrated lock cylinder 7, which is mounted for example in a guide member 11. However, the lock cylinder 7 and its guide member 11 may also be omitted if necessary.

The outside door handle assembly 9 further comprises an outside door handle 10 which is fixed and has no moving parts, such as a movable actuating or opening lever o. The like., Has. Shown is a bow handle, as a possible alternative, a flap handle can be used.

The outside door handle assembly 9 may also have an adjacent door area which is in Fig. 2 is not shown include, in particular, when the outside door handle assembly 9 together with this adjacent Door area is used as a unit in the associated motor vehicle door 4. However, this is not absolutely necessary due to the fixed outside door handle 10. Rather, a so-called back plate of the outside door handle assembly 9 also omitted and instead the engagement space directly from the associated motor vehicle door 4 on the one hand and the outside door handle 10 on the other defined or formed.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic plan view of an outside door handle assembly 9, for example, as with respect Fig. 2 described with, but may be formed without lock cylinder 7.

In the outside door handle assembly 9, as in Fig. 3 indicated, a sensor 12 associated with the outside door handle 10. In particular, in this case a deformation, force and / or pressure-sensitive sensor element 13 is arranged on the outside door handle 10, as in Fig. 3 shown, or otherwise associated with this or integrated into this.

The sensor element 13 is in particular a piezoelectric element in the sense already mentioned. This is a piezocrystal which generates an electrical voltage, in particular on its sides perpendicular to the deformation direction, upon deformation due to charge displacement. Preferably, a capacitive evaluation, ie detection of the charge shift or capacitance changes in the case of deformation of the piezoelectric element takes place. However, for example, a resistive evaluation is possible.

The sensor 12 or the sensor element 13 has a minimum or, in particular when using a piezoelectric element, no energy requirement, so that a very low energy requirement for the particular continuously repeated running evaluation to check whether an operation of the outside door handle 10 has been detected consists.

The outside door handle 10 defines or defines an engagement space 14 for an unillustrated hand of an operator. Accordingly, "intervention space" is to be understood here in particular as meaning the space into which a hand, not shown, of an operator usually engages to actuate the outside door handle 10.

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

Preferably, however, the sensor element 13 is integrated into the outside door handle 10, in particular arranged in the interior.

The outside door handle 10 is - at least partially - formed elastically deformable. The sensor 12 may detect a deformation of the outside door handle 10 caused by an operation, so that the operation is detectable.

The outside door handle 10 is fixed, i. rigidly connected to the associated motor vehicle door 4 or the associated door area 16 or other parts of the outside door handle assembly 9.

Preferably, an evaluation unit or electronics 17 is associated with the sensor 12, as in FIG Fig. 3 indicated, in particular in the outside door handle assembly 9 and the outside door handle 10 at least partially, in particular completely integrated.

Alternatively or additionally, the transmitter 17 in an associated motor vehicle door 4 or a central motor vehicle or control electronics 18 of the motor vehicle 1, the in Fig. 1 is implied, at least partially integrated.

When a hand of an operator, not shown, grasps and deforms the outside door handle 10, this results in a corresponding change of measurement signals and / or characteristic values of the sensor 12 or the sensor element 13, which are evaluated as touch and / or actuation of the outside door handle 10 can. 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 embodiment of the sensor 12 and the optional evaluation electronics 17 are designed such that between an initial touch and an actual operation of the outside door handle 10 can be differentiated by an unillustrated hand of an operator. In particular, for this purpose, the strength of the Meßsignaländerung the sensor 12, so the strength of the deformation of the outside door handle 10 is detected and evaluated. In this case, the temporal increase in the deformation and / or the time interval between the exceeding of certain response thresholds can also be taken into account in order to detect, for example, the usual increase in the measured values or change in the measured values during the normal course of contact and subsequent actuation of the outside door handle 10.

Hereinafter, referring to the schematic diagrams of FIG Fig. 4 a preferred detection or evaluation of an operation of the outside door handle 10 - ie the Betätigungssensierung - explained in more detail.

Fig. 4 a) shows by way of example a signal curve of the sensor 12 or sensor element 13 output or provided signal. If an operator, not shown, actuates the outside door handle 10-that is to say pulls-this is registered by the sensor 12 or sensor element 13 and a first signal A is output. When preferably provided use of a piezoelectric element as a sensor element 13 or other, only responsive to changes or sensitive sensor element results in only a short-term first signal A, as shown.

When you release the outside door handle 10 is issued a second signal B, as also in Fig. 4 a) indicated. The second signal B is only relatively short time.

From the first signal A and the second signal B, the beginning and the end of the operation of the outside door handle 10 is derived. Accordingly, depending on the detection of the first signal A and the detection of the second signal B, an actuation signal C is determined, as exemplarily or schematically in FIG Fig. 4b) shown. In dependence on the actuating signal C, the motor vehicle door lock 3 assigned to the operated outside door handle 10 is opened by a motor, provided that the motor vehicle door lock 3 has already been unlocked and / or a corresponding access authorization is present or is detected by the control electronics 18.

The unlocking of the motor vehicle door lock 3 can be switched by pressing the outside door handle 10. You can z. B. provide that the unlocking of the motor vehicle door lock 3 takes place by pulling briefly on the outside door handle and a motorized opening of the motor vehicle door lock 3 takes place by prolonged pulling or by pulling twice. In any case, it must be assumed that an appropriate access authorization exists.

The proposed evaluation and provision of the actuation signal C can be carried out in particular by the evaluation electronics 17. However, the evaluation can optionally be done in the control electronics 18 or in any other device of the motor vehicle 1.

Depending on the configuration, it is not necessary that the actuating signal C is generated or output. Rather, the actuation signal C can also be understood as a logical state of the control, in particular of the control electronics 18 or the like. Depending on this logic state, the associated motor vehicle door lock 3, as already explained, unlocked and locked, opened and closed.

The opening of the motor vehicle door lock 3 takes place in particular in that a pawl, not shown, of the motor vehicle door lock 3 is lifted during the opening state or brought into a non-locking state or moved.

In the illustrated example, the first signal A and the second signal B have opposite polarities or opposite time courses. This facilitates the detection. Advantageously, this behavior occurs especially in the preferably used piezoelectric element and capacitive evaluation.

The detection can take place, for example, by exceeding a certain (positive or negative) threshold value of a (positive or negative) rate of change - ie time derivative - and / or an integral value or the like in the signal provided by the 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 Betätigungssensierung is not limited to that the first signal A and the second signal B have opposite polarities or time courses. Although this is advantageous, it is not necessary for corresponding detection criteria.

Furthermore, the proposed actuation sensing can also take place when the sensor 12 or the sensor element 13 provides a signal, for example, during the entire duration of an operation of the outside door handle 10 - possibly with certain fluctuations - is applied. 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 acting force or to the applied pressure. The first signal A can then be detected, for example, as an edge - strong increase in time - of the sensor signal and the second signal B as an opposite edge - strong temporal drop - of the sensor signal.

In addition, it should be noted that the Betätigungssensierung can also be used to control other motor vehicle functions and to activate other motor vehicle controls. For this purpose, the evaluation electronics 17 or other electronics, such as the control electronics 18, preferably output corresponding control signals, such as the actuating signal C.

So far, only the detection of a touch or actuation of the outside door handle 10 was primarily addressed. In such, conventional touch or actuation of the outside door handle 10 is usually a tensile load, as indicated by arrow 19 in Fig. 3 and Fig. 6 indicated to 10, exercised on the outside door handle 10. The touch of the outside door handle 10 thus takes place at least substantially on the inner side 15 of the outside door handle 10 facing the engagement space 14. The actuation or tensile load 19 is directed primarily away from the associated motor vehicle door 4 or the associated door area 16.

One aspect is that - in particular additionally - a pressure load of the outside door handle 10 - substantially as indicated by arrow 20 - can be detected. In particular, a pressing, such as a hand of an operator, not shown, on the outside door handle 10 in a preferred marked portion 21 on the outside 22 or other suitable area of the outside door handle 10 can be detected. This detection of a pressure load 20 may additionally or alternatively be carried out to detect a tensile load 19.

In particular, the detection of a pressure load 20 by a corresponding evaluation of the already used to detect a tensile load 19 signals A and B, as in Fig. 5 indicated. When first the second signal B occurs and then - especially within a predetermined temporal window or interval - the first signal A occurs, as in Fig. 5 a) indicated, this can as a closing signal D according to Fig. 5b) be evaluated. However, the closing signal D can also be generated or output only after detection of the first signal A within a temporal window, not shown, as in the case according to FIG Fig. 5c) , Fig. 4 related to Fig. 5 the complete signal generation clearly. The signal evaluation in the control electronics leads to the desired control variants.

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

Upon detection of a pressure load 20 or presence of the closing signal D is provided that the associated motor vehicle door lock 3 or in particular all motor vehicle door locks 3 are locked, so in particular a central locking o. The like. Is not activated. When the motor vehicle door locks 3 are designed as locks or electric locks that can be opened by a motor, the locking can, if necessary, also be effected only by circuitry.

Preferably, the outside door handle assembly 9 and the outside door handle 10 is formed such that the sensor 12 can sense both a tensile load 19 and a pressure load 20, a total of only one sensor 12 is required. If necessary, however, it is also possible to provide a plurality of sensors 12 and / or sensor elements 13 under redundancy aspects and / or for the selective detection of a tensile load 19 or a pressure load 20.

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

In the embodiment according to Fig. 6 is the outside door handle 10 - as in all illustrated and described alternative embodiments - preferably formed at least substantially fixed. The outer door handle 10 thus has - even in multi-part design - no moving parts in terms of a switch, button o. The like. On. This also allows a simplified structure of the outside door handle assembly 9, since a movable storage of parts o. The like. Eliminated.

The outside door handle 10 or at least parts or portions thereof is or are formed so elastically deformable that in particular in the case of the embodiments according to. Fig. 6 to 10 both a tensile load 19 and a pressure load 20 can be detected.

In the embodiment according to. Fig. 6 the outside door handle 10 is made of several parts, here formed by two outside door handle parts 10 '.

In the interior of the outside door handle 10, a preferably strip-shaped support 23 is arranged, to which the sensor 12 or its sensor element 13 is assigned. In particular, as a sensor element 13, a piezoelectric element is connected to the carrier 23 and possibly arranged on this. For example, the carrier 23 may have a corresponding recess, so that the sensor element 13 can be acted on from both sides, or a sensor element 13 may be arranged on both sides of the carrier 23.

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

A very good response is achieved in particular by the fact that according to the schematic diagram Fig. 7 elastically deformable or compressible side walls 26 of the cavity 25 and the outside door handle 10 can act directly or via projections 27 on the sensor 12 and the sensor element 13 with a corresponding load on the outside door handle 10. In particular, a very small-area - in the limit of substantially point-like - force introduction leads to a particularly good response just when using a piezoelectric element as a sensor element 13. However, for example, a strain gauge o. The like. As a sensor element 13 can be used if necessary.

Preferably, the projections 27 are hemispherical, pin-like, frusto-conical or conical. Thus, a very small-scale force application and thus a high pressure are achieved, which is good for a good response.

The construction described above results in that an at least partial deformation of the outside door handle 10 can be detected at high sensitivity, wherein between a tensile load 19 and a pressure load 20 can be distinguished.

According to Fig. 7 For example, 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 construction with continuous support 23, as shown in the illustration. Fig. 6 , possible.

Fig. 8 shows another, too Fig. 6 and 7 very Similar embodiment of the outside door handle assembly 9 and the outside door handle 10. Here, an asymmetrical arrangement of the sensor 12 and its sensor element 13 is provided. There is no direct action of the side walls 26 or the projections 27 on the sensor element 13, but this action is indirectly via the carrier 23. In particular, the carrier 23 is firmly clamped only at one end portion 24 and ends with the other end portion between the side walls 26th or their projections 27. Accordingly, here a deformation acts indirectly on the carrier 23 on the sensor 12 and the sensor element. In particular, the sensor element 13 is subjected to bending and / or stretching or compression when the outside door handle 10 is deformed. This can of course also in the embodiment according to. Fig. 6 and 7 be the case. Accordingly, then, for example, a strain gauge o. The like. As a sensor element 13 can be used.

Fig. 9 shows a further embodiment. Here, the sensor 12 has at least one electrode arrangement 30 as a sensor element 13. In the illustrated embodiment, 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 may be formed by metal foils on the inner sides 28 of the elastically deformable or compressible side walls 26. Preferably, the electrodes 31 and 32 are arranged such that one electrode 31 is adjacent to the outside 22 of the outside door handle 10 or section 21 and the other electrode 32 is adjacent to the inside 15 of the outside door handle 10 and to the engagement space 14, respectively. In particular, the electrodes 31, 32 extend transversely to the direction of a tensile load 19 or pressure load 20 to be detected.

If the outside door handle 10 or a side wall 26 of the outside door handle 10 is deformed at a tensile load 19 or compressive load 20, the distance of the electrodes 31, 32 changes. Accordingly, in particular, a change in capacitance. The electrode assembly 30 thus forms in the illustrated example, primarily a capacitive sensor. However, the electrode assembly 30 can also work differently or be evaluated. For example, depending on the deformation of the outside door handle 10, other electrical characteristics, such as inductance, resistance, impedance, or the like, can also be changed and evaluated to detect a tensile or compressive load 19, 20. Depending on the mode of operation and material used with appropriate, suitable, for example, dielectric or magnetic properties of the cavity 25 may also be omitted and replaced for example by a compressible, not shown area.

In contrast to the use of a piezo element, the use of a purely capacitive sensor can lead to the fact that static forces can also be detected. A constant force acting on the outside door handle 10 then generates a signal as long as this force is present. This has the already mentioned in the general part of the description advantage that, for example, can hold the pawl as long as the outside door handle 10 is pulled.

In the illustrated example, the electrode assembly 30 is not suitable for distinguishing between a tensile load 19 and a compressive load 20. To distinguish, for example, a further, not shown, electrode may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, given a suitable choice of material and with a suitable construction, specific changes of electrical / magnetic parameters can be achieved in such a way that it is possible to distinguish between tensile load 19 and compressive load 20 even with only two electrodes 31, 32.

Another advantage of the electrode assembly 30 or in the use of a capacitive sensor 12 for sensing an actuation of the outside door handle 10 is that at the same time an approach sensing can be realized. For example, can be detected with the electrode assembly 30 by changing the electrical capacitance, when an unillustrated hand of an operator engages in the engagement space 14. Accordingly, only one sensor 12 is required both for actuating sensing and for proximity sensing.

In addition, it should be noted that the electrode assembly 30 also - especially in a capacitive evaluation - similar or comparable signals as the signals A, B according to Fig. 4 can provide. So it is a corresponding evaluation possible.

Alternatively or in addition to the electrodes 31, 32 and strain gauges, piezo elements u. Like., In particular on the inner walls, be provided.

Possibly. For example, the electrodes 31, 32 may be formed into a measuring loop, as shown in FIG Fig. 9 indicated connection 29 - are connected to detect, for example, by changes in the inductance or inductance deformations.

Of course, the aforementioned embodiments of the outside door handle assembly 9 and the outside door handle 10 can also be combined with each other as needed. For example, different or more sensors 12 or different or more sensor elements 13 can be assigned to the outside door handle 10 and optionally integrated into it.

Claims (32)

1. Exterior door handle system (9) for a motor vehicle door lock system (2), the exterior door handle system (9) having an exterior door handle (10), in particular for opening an associated motor vehicle door lock (3), and a sensor (12) which is assigned to the exterior door handle (10) and is intended for detecting an actuation of the exterior door handle (10), in particular by an operator's hand, the exterior door handle (10) being designed in a manner such that it is fixed and is elastically deformable at least in some regions, and a deformation of the exterior door handle (10) being able to be detected by means of the sensor (12) as an actuation of the exterior door handle (10), characterized in that the exterior door handle (10) does not have any movable parts (10'), and in that, when the exterior door handle (10) is actuated, a deformation distance with a maximum amplitude of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm is provided.
2. Exterior door handle system (9) for a motor vehicle door lock system (2), the exterior door handle system (9) having an exterior door handle (10), in particular for opening an associated motor vehicle door lock (3), and a sensor (12) which is assigned to the exterior door handle (10) and is intended for detecting an actuation of the exterior door handle (10), in particular by an operator's hand, the exterior door handle (10) being designed in a manner such that it is fixed and is elastically deformable at least in some regions, and a deformation of the exterior door handle (10) being able to be detected by means of the sensor (12) as an actuation of the exterior door handle (10), in particular according to Claim 1, characterized in that the exterior door handle (10) does not have any movably mounted parts (10'), in that the exterior door handle (10) can be deformed elastically both upon a tensile loading (19) and upon a compressive loading (20), with it being possible for both the tensile loading (19) and the compressive loading (20) of the exterior door handle (10) to be detected by the sensor (12).
3. Exterior door handle system according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the exterior door handle (10) can be deformed elastically on an inner side (15) which in particular faces an associated motor vehicle door (4).
4. Exterior door handle system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the exterior door handle (10) can be deformed elastically at least in a marked section (21).
5. Exterior door handle system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the exterior door handle (10) is of multipart design.
6. Exterior door handle system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the exterior door handle (10) is of at least substantially rigid design.
7. Exterior door handle system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the exterior door handle (10) is of hollow design.
8. Exterior door handle system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (12) has a sensor element (13) which is arranged on the exterior door handle (10), is connected thereto or is integrated or fitted therein.
9. Exterior door handle system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (12) and/or a sensor element (13) of the sensor (12) is/are designed and/or arranged in a manner such that it is at least substantially immovable.
10. Exterior door handle system 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. Exterior door handle system according to Claim 10, characterized in that the sensor element (13) is designed as a piezo element.
12. Exterior door handle system according to Claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the exterior door handle (10) and the sensor element (13) are designed and/or arranged in such a manner that, when the exterior door handle (10) is deformed, the sensor element (13) is loaded only over a small surface, in particular in a spot-like manner.
13. Exterior door handle system according to one of Claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the exterior door handle (10) has a side wall (26) which can be deformed elastically, in particular can be pressed in, with a deformation of the exterior door handle (10) or of the side wall (26) acting on the sensor element (13) or a support (23) holding the sensor element (13), in particular exerting a force thereon.
14. Exterior door handle system according to Claim 13, characterized in that the side wall (26) has a projection (27) which points towards the sensor element (13) and, when the exterior door handle (10) or the side wall (26) is correspondingly deformed, acts on the sensor element (13) or the support (23), in particular exerts a force thereon.
15. Exterior door handle system according to Claim 14, characterized in that the projection (27) is of pin-like, conical, frustoconical or spherical-cap-shaped design.
16. Exterior door handle system according to one of Claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the sensor element (13) or a support (23) holding the sensor element (13) is arranged between two side walls (26) of the exterior door handle (10) which can be deformed elastically, in particular can be pressed in, so that deformations of the side walls (26) act differently on the sensor element (13) or the support (23), in particular exert opposed forces thereon.
17. Exterior door handle system according to one of Claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the side wall(s) (26) bounds or bound a cavity (25) of the exterior door handle (10).
18. Exterior door handle system according to one of Claims 8 to 17, characterized in that the sensor element (13) is arranged on or at an in particular strip-shaped support (23).
19. Exterior door handle system according to Claim 18, characterized in that the support (23) is mounted on the exterior door handle (10) preferably exclusively in opposite end regions (24) and/or is of rigid design.
20. Exterior door handle system according to Claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the support (23) is held and/or ends with an end region (24) between two opposite, elastically deformable side walls (26), in particular between projections (27) arranged thereon.
21. Exterior door handle system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (12) and/or the sensor element thereof (13) and/or an associated support (23) is and/or are arranged at least partially in a cavity (25) of the exterior door handle (10).
22. Exterior door handle system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (12) is designed in such a manner that a deformation of the exterior door handle (10) can be detected by detecting a change in an electrical parameter, in particular a capacitance, inductance, impedance and/or a resistance.
23. Exterior door handle system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (12) has an electrode arrangement (30) as sensor element (13), in particular with it being possible for a deformation of the exterior door handle (10) to be detected by detecting a change in the capacitance, the inductance and/or the impedance of the electrode arrangement (30).
24. Exterior door handle system according to Claim 23, characterized in that the electrode arrangement (30) has two electrodes (31, 32) spaced apart from each other.
25. Exterior door handle system according to Claim 24, characterized in that the spacing between the electrodes (31, 32) can be changed as a function of a deformation of the exterior door handle (10).
26. Exterior door handle system 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 exterior door handle (10).
27. Exterior door handle system according to Claim 26, characterized in that the electrodes (31, 32) are arranged on or in opposite, elastically deformable side walls (26) of the exterior door handle (10), in particular on mutually facing inner sides of the side walls (26).
28. Exterior door handle system according to Claim 26 or 27, characterized in that the side wall(s) (26) bounds or bound a cavity (25) and/or a compressible region of the exterior door handle (10).
29. Exterior door handle system according to one of Claims 24 to 28, characterized in that at least one electrode (31, 32) is of film-like design, in particular is produced from metal foil.
30. Exterior door handle system 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) extends and/or extend at least partially transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to a main direction of deformation (19, 20) of the exterior door handle (10).
31. Exterior door handle system according to one of Claims 23 to 30, characterized in that an approach, in particular of an operator's hand, towards the exterior door handle (10) can be detected by means of the electrode arrangement (30), in particular capacitively.
32. Method for controlling a motor vehicle door lock system (2) having a motor vehicle door lock (3) and an exterior door handle (10) which is assigned to the motor vehicle door lock (3) and is of fixed design, an actuation of the exterior door handle (10), in particular by an operator's hand, being detected by means of a sensor (12) assigned to the exterior door handle (10),
    the exterior door handle (10) being monitored by means of the sensor (12) for deformation, and
    a deformation, in particular when a response threshold is exceeded, being detected as an actuation of the exterior door handle (10) and the motor vehicle door lock (3) thereupon being unlocked and/or opened,
    the sensor (12) converting a deformation of the exterior door handle into electric signals or changes of at least one electrical parameter,
    characterized in that the exterior door handle (10) does not have any movable parts (10'), and in that the sensor (12) detects an approach, in particular of an operator's hand, towards the exterior door handle (10), in particular capacitively.

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