EP1103675A2 - Vehicle door locking system - Google Patents

Abstract

The automobile door locking system has a door lock and door handle (10) adjacent the door lock, with at least one sensor element in the form of an ultrasonic transducer (12) for transmission and/or reception of sound waves, for detecting the proximity of a hand to the door handle and/or contact with the door handle, from the variations in the ultrasonic field (13). Also included are Independent claims for the following: (a) a door handle for an automobile door locking system; and (b) a control method for an automobile door locking system.

Description

The present invention relates to a motor vehicle door locking system according to the preamble of claim 1, an outer door handle assembly for a motor vehicle door locking system according to the preamble of claim 14 and a Method for controlling a motor vehicle door locking system according to the Preamble of claim 18.

Conventional electromechanical motor vehicle door locking systems are known with radio remote control, but without "passive entry" function. At These classic motor vehicle door locking systems are operated by an operator a push button on a remote control module. This will make the Control electronics activate and immediately go through their reaction phase. Due to the distance of the operator when pressing the button of the Remote control module, the operator reaches the outside door handle on the Motor vehicle door with such a long time delay that the reaction phase the control electronics long completed and the motor vehicle lock has been unlocked. The operator opens by pulling on Outside door handle the motor vehicle door, the motor vehicle lock either mechanically opens, i.e. the pawl by the movement of the outer door handle is lifted, or opens electromechanically or pneumatically, a control signal from the outside door handle to an opening drive for Lifting the pawl is released.

Control electronics with a so-called "passive entry" function, also "electronic Key "differs from that previously discussed classic motor vehicle door locking system in that on the remote control module no handling, so no button press has to be made, to unlock the motor vehicle lock when approaching the motor vehicle. Rather, this takes place automatically when the operator approaches to the motor vehicle.

The "passive entry" function includes an automatic, Motor vehicle-side data query or identification of an operator-side Understand data carrier, transponders or the like. To determine whether a an operator approaching the motor vehicle or an operator, which is already in the process of the motor vehicle or a motor vehicle door is open to access. This is mostly from a corresponding one Electronics of the motor vehicle checked. With appropriate Authorization of the operator is usually automatic Unlock either a central locking system, the driver's door lock or at least the door lock of the door that the operator is concerned with approaches or whose outside door handle touches or actuates the operator.

A motor vehicle door locking system with a "passive entry" function is required for the control electronics a specific reaction phase or time, which from a startup interval to the system when the disk approaches or remote control module, an authorization check interval to the operator based on the coding of the between remote control module and control electronics to check exchanged signals for their authorization, and finally the actual interval of action in which the action is carried out, in particular the unlocking of the motor vehicle lock is put together. (Even when locking the motor vehicle door locking system an appropriate reaction phase is required. This is but less critical because the operator hardly notices it.)

The duration of the reaction phase of more than a hundred milliseconds is in the Compared to conventional motor vehicle door locking systems as long felt if the start-up interval only when the outer door handle is actuated starts. Pulling the outer door handle or the like can namely with a "passive Entry "function may already take place when the reaction phase of the Control electronics has not yet been completed. The operator must then pull the outer door handle a second time, which is a "malfunction" can be interpreted.

Because the resulting total time of the reaction phase is not shortened as much an attempt has already been made to hide the delay time (DE - A - 195 21 024). In this motor vehicle door locking system the start-up interval and the authorization check interval of the control electronics moved into a phase before the actual one noticeable by the operator Operating phase. It is then noticeable for the operator only a remaining time that the reaction time of mechanical, conventional Motor vehicle door locking systems corresponds.

Another approach is the start-up interval of the control electronics not to start only when the outer door handle is actuated, but already an operator's hand approaching the outside door handle to start the start-up interval. It is known to do this on the outside door handle to provide a capacitive proximity sensor (DE - A - 197 52 974; DE - A - 196 17 038), by which the hand of the operator approaches already about 100 to 150 ms before touching the outside door handle is grasped by hand. Starting the start-up interval of the Control electronics, that is to say the “waking up” of the control electronics, then take place so far before the actual pulling of the outside door handle that the Start-up interval and usually also the authorization check interval has already been completed are when the outside door handle is held by the operator's hand is actually moved.

The use of capacitive proximity sensors in motor vehicle door locking systems brings various difficulties with it. On the one hand the proximity sensors have a comparatively high quiescent current, on the other hand it is difficult to set a stable, clear response threshold. Due to the relatively high quiescent current, a large amount of circuitry is required required, which leads to high costs. External influences, such as Rain, snow, dust and dirt change with capacitive proximity sensors the measured values very much. Therefore, it is a relatively large effort required to ensure proper functioning.

After all, with capacitive proximity sensors, the problem is through they cannot be overlooked emitted electromagnetic interference radiation.

Because of the difficulties discussed above, automotive door locking systems have with "passive entry" function, where only a touch or operation of the outside door handle by the hand of an operator the start-up interval of the control electronics starts, also considerable advantages.

US - A - 4,868,915, which is the starting point of the present invention forms, discloses a keyless one intended in particular for motor vehicles Access system with "passive entry" function. The access system has an antenna and an identification means for checking the access authorization a data carrier on the operator side, if there is a Operator is located with the disk in a surveillance area. The access system also has a proximity sensor that the Access system activated when an operator is in the surveillance area located. The proximity sensor is preferably a capacitive proximity sensor. However, magnetic, Inductive, acoustic and similar proximity sensors can be used designated. It becomes a preferred arrangement of the access system and hence the proximity sensor in the area of the A-pillar or the B-pillar of a motor vehicle disclosed. Ultimately, it is a type "Antenna system" with extensive radiation.

The present invention is based on the object of a motor vehicle door locking system, an outer door handle assembly for a motor vehicle door locking system and a method for controlling a motor vehicle door locking system to create a simple, inexpensive way Approaching, in particular an operator's hand, an outside door handle and / or touching the outside door handle in proportion low energy consumption and good response behavior can be detected can, in particular where then a "passive entry" function of the motor vehicle door locking system activated or a start-up interval of control electronics can be started.

The above task is proposed by a motor vehicle door locking system according to claim 1, an outer door handle assembly according to claim 14 or a method according to claim 18 solved. Advantageous further training are the subject of the subclaims.

A basic idea of the present invention is ultrasonic waves for the detection of an approach, in particular an operator's hand, to the outside door handle and / or touching the outside door handle, especially by one hand of an operator, in a near field.

“Ultrasound” here means vibrations or sound waves with frequencies above the hearing range, in particular above approximately 16 or 20 kHz and preferably up to approximately 8 · 10 ⁹ Hz. This ensures that the sound waves emitted for detection purposes are not audible.

Another advantage of using ultrasonic waves is that with a relatively low energy requirement, a good response in terms of proximity or touch sensing can be achieved can.

Another fundamental aspect of the present invention is that at least essentially exclusively in the area or nearby of the outside door handle an ultrasound field is generated. This enables one extensive minimization of the energy requirement, since only a relative to monitor a small area is still sufficient early detection of an approach or touch is possible.

In particular, it is provided that an ultrasonic transducer for transmission and / or detecting ultrasonic waves arranged directly on the outside door handle is. Under "ultrasonic transducer" is here in particular a device or a component for converting electrical signals into ultrasonic waves and / or vice versa.

"Capture" includes the provision of data or Measurement signals meant, their evaluation a detection or sensing enables whether an operator's hand approaches the outside door handle has already touched and / or actuated it. The evaluation can in particular directly in electronics assigned to the sensor and / or in a separate evaluation electronics or the like. This poses It goes without saying for the person skilled in the art, so that no further details are given is dealt with, since it does not primarily matter where the evaluation takes place. However, it is advantageous if the corresponding detection signal available evaluation electronics already in the outside door handle or an outer door handle arrangement is integrated.

The preferably integrated arrangement of the ultrasonic transducer on the outside door handle enables a relatively simple retrofitting or introduction for motor vehicles that are already in production, since only a correspondingly modified outside door handle with assigned control and / or evaluation electronics instead of a conventional door handle must be used.

Approaching the outside door handle and / or touching the outside door handle is preferably by one of the following ways or combinations of which detected or detected.

A particularly simple and inexpensive embodiment provides that the ultrasonic transducer works both as a sensor and as a receiver. In particular with a pulsed generation of the ultrasonic wave then the ultrasonic transducer works as a receiver in the pulse pauses.

When ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic transducer from one Section of the outer door handle and / or an adjacent to the outer door handle Door area, like a handle, back to the ultrasonic transducer reflected, this can be evaluated in that a hand of an operator or the like. the ultrasonic field or the spread that does not interrupt ultrasonic waves, that is, not an approach is present. The absence of reflected ultrasonic waves and / or that Changing the transit time because, for example, one that intervenes in the ultrasonic field Hand of an operator ultrasonic waves to the ultrasonic transducer reflected, can be detected as an approach and / or touch.

If necessary, the speed of the change in the runtime can be taken into account become. The same applies if ultrasonic waves exclusively from an approximated object to be detected, such as a hand Operator, and not from the outside door handle and / or an adjacent one Door area to be reflected back to the ultrasonic transducer. The occurrence of a reflection signal and possibly its change in transit time then indicate approaching and / or touching.

Alternatively or in addition to that as both a transmitter and a receiver working ultrasonic transducer can be an additional ultrasonic transducer Detection of emitted ultrasound waves can be provided. The least two ultrasonic transducers are then preferably on the outside door handle in this way arranged that an ultrasonic field like a light barrier is formed, the interruption is detectable as an approach and / or touch. The sound propagation between the two ultrasonic transducers must, however not straight. Rather, for example, on one neighboring door area, such as a recessed grip, reflected ultrasonic waves be detected by the additional ultrasonic transducer. In that case, you can Transmitter and receiver, for example, arranged closer or next to each other become.

Depending on the combination of the aforementioned detection and evaluation options can easily be an approximation as well a touch sensor can be realized. The distinction between Approaching and touching can be done in particular by evaluation of transit times and / or absence of reflection signals.

The proximity and / or touch sensing enables early detection Activate the "Passive Entry" function or start the start-up interval control electronics. Enough time is saved, for example unlock a motor vehicle lock before the detected operator actually the outside door handle to open the corresponding one Motor vehicle door or the corresponding motor vehicle lock operated.

The ultrasound transducer can alternatively be located on an adjacent door outer handle Door area, such as a recessed grip. same for even when using several ultrasonic transducers. So, in particular if this adjacent door area belongs to an outer door handle arrangement, which as a separate part or separate unit in the assigned motor vehicle door is used, the installation in the motor vehicle door is simplified become an electrical connection to the ultrasonic transducer, since the difficulty is eliminated in the usually moveable outer door handle to manufacture.

When both an approach and a touch are separated one after the other can be detected in two stages, staggered in time, corresponding Functions of the motor vehicle door locking system, the control electronics or, for example, also activated other electronics of the motor vehicle become.

Fig. 1

in einer schematischen und perspektivischen Ansicht ein Kraftfahrzeug mit einem vorschlagsgemäßen Kraftfahrzeug-Türschließsystem;

Fig. 2

eine Türaußengriffanordnung des Kraftfahrzeug-Türschließsystems gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Draufsicht einer Türaußengriffanordnung gemäß einer ersten vorschlagsgemäßen Ausführungsform;

Fig. 4

eine schematische Draufsicht einer Türaußengriffanordnung gemäß einer zweiten vorschlagsgemäßen Ausführungsform,

Fig. 5

eine Seitenansicht der Türaußengriffanordnung gemäß Fig. 4; und

Fig. 6

eine schematische Draufsicht einer Türaußengriffanordnung gemäß einer dritten vorschlagsgemäßen Ausführungsform.

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:

Fig. 1

in a schematic and perspective view of a motor vehicle with a proposed motor vehicle door locking system;

Fig. 2

an outer door handle arrangement of the motor vehicle door locking system according to FIG. 1;

Fig. 3

a schematic plan view of an outer door handle arrangement according to a first proposed embodiment;

Fig. 4

1 shows a schematic plan view of an outer door handle arrangement according to a second embodiment,

Fig. 5

a side view of the outer door handle assembly of FIG. 4; and

Fig. 6

is a schematic plan view of an outer door handle arrangement according to a third proposed embodiment.

In Fig. List schematically a motor vehicle 1 with a proposed Motor vehicle door locking system 2 shown. The motor vehicle door locking system 2 in particular has several motor vehicle locks 3, in particular for motor vehicle doors, a motor vehicle tailgate u. Like., And a hood lock 4, the installation positions of which are indicated schematically in FIG. 1 are.

Each motor vehicle lock 3 is preferably a motor, in particular an electric motor, by means of a known central locking or a central locking drive unlockable and lockable. In one execution as an electric lock, which is particularly the case with motor vehicle locks 3 Motor vehicle side doors can be provided, each motor vehicle lock 3 additionally the possibility of a motorized opening, i.e. the Lifting a pawl, not shown, by means of a not shown Opening drive on. In this case, the unlocking and locking can also only in terms of circuitry. Another variant is the equipment the motor vehicle locks 3 with a locking auxiliary drive, the the opening drive can be identical or separate from it. For this Reference is made to the prior art, in particular to DE-A-196 29 709.

The motor vehicle door locking system 2 is here preferably with a "passive Entry "function. Therefore, the motor vehicle door locking system includes 2 also a chip card, in particular a "passive entry" chip card or other data carrier or transponder 5 by a Operator not shown is carried and as "electronic Key ". A data query triggered by the motor vehicle can thus or identification of the data carrier or transponder 5, as by Signal waves 6 indicated, carried out and the access authorization of the Operator to be checked. With appropriate access authorization the motor vehicle locks 3 are unlocked by means of the Central locking shown or the like. With regard to details in this regard is based on the state of the art already mentioned above referred.

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

At least every motor vehicle door lock 3 is the motor vehicle side doors assigned an outer door handle arrangement 9, as indicated in FIG. 1. Fig. 2 shows the outside door handle arrangement 9 of the driver's door with an integrated locking cylinder 7. The outer door handle arrangement 9 also has an outer door handle 10 on, which is movably mounted and with an associated switching device 11 of the outer door handle assembly 9 cooperates so that when pulling the Outside door handle 10 a switching signal is triggered to an assigned Electric opening drive, not shown, for opening the associated Motor vehicle lock 3 or to remove the pawl this Control motor vehicle lock 3. This applies to the case of an electric lock 3. In a mechanically operated motor vehicle lock 3 occurs the place of the switching device 11 is a classic transmission mechanism Type or other actuation detection device. However, can the switching device 11 is also omitted if the outer door handle 10 is not movable is stored and instead, for example, an approximation and Touch sensor for automatic opening of the assigned motor vehicle lock 3 is realized.

The outer door handle arrangement 9 can also have an adjacent door area, which is not shown in Fig. 2, especially if the door handle assembly 9 together with this adjacent door area as Unit is used in the associated motor vehicle door.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic plan view of a door handle assembly 9, the for example as described with respect to FIG. 2, but also without a locking cylinder 7 can be formed. In this first embodiment, a electrically controllable or operable ultrasonic transducer 12 on the outside door handle 10 arranged, in particular integrated into this.

The ultrasound transducer 12 can be an ultrasound field 13, as shown by the arrows shown, emitted ultrasonic waves 14 and reflected ultrasonic waves 15 indicated, generate. The ultrasonic transducer 12 works here both as a transmitter and as a receiver, the ultrasonic waves 14 preferably transmitted in pulses and the reflected in the pulse pauses Ultrasonic waves 15 are detected. Accordingly, there is only one Ultrasonic transducer 12 required. However, especially from a redundancy point of view also several ultrasonic transducers working in the same way 12 on the outside door handle 10 and / or on an assigned door area be arranged.

4 and 5 show a second embodiment of the proposed Outside door handle arrangement 9, being similar to the first embodiment a (single) ultrasonic transducer 12 is provided, which is used both as a transmitter works as a receiver as well.

6 shows a third embodiment of the proposed outside door handle arrangement 9, being via as a transmitter for emitting ultrasonic waves 14 working ultrasonic transducer 12 and an additional ultrasonic transducer 16 is provided, in particular also on the outside door handle 10 is arranged and as a receiver for detecting the ultrasonic transducer 12 emitted ultrasonic waves 14 works. In particular is here an essentially straight-line sound propagation between the two ultrasonic transducers 12, 16 working as transmitters or receivers intended. However, these can be more straightforward, especially if they are not direct Sound connection but intended detection of reflected Sound waves, also closer or next to each other.

All three embodiments have in common that an ultrasonic field 13 at least essentially in that between the outer door handle 10 and the neighboring one Door area 17 formed engaging space 18 generated at least temporarily becomes. In the adjacent door area 17, it can in particular around a recessed grip or the like molded or inserted into the outer skin of the door. act.

Correspondingly, the "intervention space" here in particular includes the space understand, in which an operator's hand, not shown, usually engages to actuate the outer door handle 10.

To minimize the energy requirement for those explained in more detail below Proximity or touch sensing is preferably the ultrasonic field 13 at least essentially exclusively in the engagement space 18 and, if necessary, in directly adjacent room areas 19, such as indicated in the side view according to FIG. 5.

As already mentioned, all three can be explained here as examples Embodiments of the ultrasonic transducer 12 and, if available, additional Ultrasonic transducer 16 optionally on the outside door handle 10, other Share the outer door handle assembly 9 or adjacent to the outer door handle 10 Door areas 17, such as a recessed grip or the like, not shown, be arranged. However, the ultrasound transducers 12, 16 are preferably at Outside door handle 10 arranged, being in the case of the third embodiment 6, the two ultrasonic transducers 12 and 16 on each other as possible removed portions 20 and 21 of the outer door handle 10 arranged in order to monitor the engagement space 18 as completely as possible enable.

In particular, a piezo element is provided as the ultrasonic transducer 12 or 16. A piezo element is small, inexpensive and comparatively small low energy consumption and in various suitable embodiments available for installation in the outside door handle 10.

Below is the preferably provided detection of an approximation one hand of an operator on the outside door handle 10 or one Touching the outer door handle 10 by an operator's hand, So the evaluation is explained in more detail.

For acquisition and in particular for evaluation, one in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6 evaluation unit or electronics 22 indicated by dashed lines are provided, the evaluation unit 22 either also the ultrasound transducer 12 controls or controls or a separate control unit or electronics 23, as indicated in Fig. 6, is provided. The control and evaluation electronics 22, 23 is preferably in the outer door handle arrangement 9, in particular in integrated the outside door handle 10. Alternatively or additionally, the tax and evaluation electronics in an assigned motor vehicle door or central motor vehicle or control electronics 24 of the motor vehicle 1, the is indicated in Fig. 1, be at least partially integrated.

In the first embodiment according to FIG. 3, the ultrasonic waves 14 preferably emitted in pulses by the ultrasonic transducer 12. The ultrasonic waves 14 are of a fixed part, in particular the Outside door handle 10 or another part of the outside door handle arrangement 9, to the ultrasonic transducer 12, which reflects the reflected ultrasonic waves 15, especially in the pauses. The main emission direction is here preferably chosen such that they are at least essentially parallel to the longitudinal extent of the outer door handle 10, at least essentially parallel to the outer contour of the assigned motor vehicle door and in particular essentially horizontal due to the mostly usual horizontal Alignment of the outer door handle 10 runs.

When an operator's hand, not shown, enters the engaging space 18 is moved to operate the outer door handle 10, the ultrasonic field 13 disturbed or interrupted. The absence of the reflected ultrasound waves 15 and / or the transit time change of the reflection signal are detected and evaluated as an approximation to the outer door handle 10. In particular, a corresponding signal from the evaluation electronics 22, for example to the central motor vehicle electronics 24.

In the second embodiment, the ultrasound transducer 12 preferably transmits also in pulses of ultrasonic waves. In contrast to the first However, they do not become an embodiment, or only to a significant extent from the outer door handle arrangement 9 or the outer door handle 10 to the ultrasonic transducer 12 reflected back. For this purpose, the main emission direction is preferably 4 and 5 indicated by the dash-dotted line 25 is, in particular with respect to the longitudinal extent of the outer door handle arrangement 9 or the outer door handle 10 both in vertical and in inclined horizontally, preferably upwards and towards the motor vehicle e directed. With an engagement space 18 that is only open at the bottom the main emission direction 25 preferably downwards instead of upwards inclined. The main radiation device therefore preferably has one counter component or orientation directed towards the usual engaging movement on.

Only when an operator's hand, not shown, enters the ultrasonic field 13, that is, moved into the spatial areas 19 and / or the engaging space 18 , ultrasound waves are reflected to the ultrasound transducer 12, which is detected and as an approach or touch of the outer door handle 10 is detected. In this case, the transit time of the ultrasonic waves can in particular to differentiate between approach and touch become.

Even with at least essentially with the longitudinal orientation of the outer door handle 10 corresponding main emission direction of the ultrasonic transducer 12 or the main direction of extension of the ultrasound field 13 can be a detection and evaluation corresponding to the second embodiment be provided provided that it is ensured that none or at least none considerable reflections on the outside door handle 10 or other parts of the outside door handle arrangement 9 occur back to the ultrasonic transducer 12. Possibly can these reflections by choosing an appropriate Time window are hidden during the evaluation.

In the third embodiment, a quasi light barrier-like ultrasound field, preferably to minimize the energy requirement only in pulses, generated. The ultrasound transducer 12 emits ultrasound waves 14, which in particular directly or possibly after reflections on parts or sections the outside door handle arrangement 9 on the additional ultrasonic transducer 16 meet and be recorded. If an operator's hand, not shown into the engaging space 18 or the ultrasonic field 13 is moved, the ultrasonic field 13 between the ultrasonic transducers 12 and 16 disturbed or even completely interrupted. This is recorded and as Approaching the outer door handle 10 or touching the outer door handle 10 evaluated. Depending on the training of the primary in the third embodiment ultrasonic transducer 12 working as a transmitter and the associated electronics a hand located in the ultrasonic field 13 can also generate ultrasonic waves reflect back to ultrasonic transducer 12, which is detected and as Approach or contact can be evaluated. This can be in addition to Detection of an interruption or an approach to a to achieve high reliability.

The aforementioned measurement and evaluation methods of the three explained Embodiments can also be combined with one another as desired.

The motor vehicle or control electronics 24 of the motor vehicle 1 preferably have a "passive entry" function, as was the case with the Technology (DE -A - 195 21 024) explained. In particular to unlock a Motor vehicle lock 3 or all motor vehicle locks 3 requires the Control electronics 24 a temporal response phase with start-up interval, authorization check interval and action interval.

If an approach to an outside door handle 10 or at least to the Outside door handle 10 of the driver's door of the motor vehicle senses or detects is "woken up" or activated for the proposed Motor vehicle door locking system 2 belonging control electronics 24 to the Start interval. Alternatively, "wake up" or start only when a touch or any outside door handle is detected or sensed 10 or the outside door handle 10 of the driver's door. In any case such an early start of the start-up interval and an early check the access authorization of the approximated or the outside door handle 10 touching operator - by querying or identifying the operator Data carrier or transponders 5 - reached, with the result that the actual actuation or pulling of the outer door handle 10 for so long takes that then the action interval, regularly digging the Pawl, apparently run without delay for the operator can.

As already mentioned, both proximity sensing and touch sensing is also carried out. For example, the evaluation output a first signal when an approach is detected or sensed, the "passive entry" function or the start-up interval of the control electronics 24 to start. Subsequently, with the appropriate authorization and with a correspondingly temporally correlated sensation of the touch unlocking a central locking of the outer door handle 10 and / or open the assigned motor vehicle lock 3. In the latter case it can a switch assigned to the outer door handle 10 or the switching device 11 omitted. It is then even not necessary to use the outer door handle 10 or to carry out or store part of it movably.

In addition, it should be noted that the proximity sensor and / or Touch sensing also for controlling other motor vehicle functions and used to activate other vehicle controls can be. The evaluation electronics 22 preferably do this or control electronics corresponding to other electronics.

Claims (21)

Motor vehicle door locking system (2) with a motor vehicle lock (3), an outer door handle (10) assigned to the motor vehicle lock (3) and at least one sensor element for emitting and / or detecting sound waves, so that an operator can approach, in particular one hand Outside door handle (10) and / or touch of the outside door handle (10) can be detected,
characterized by
that an ultrasonic transducer (12) is arranged as a sensor element on the outer door handle (10) or in an area adjacent thereto, that an ultrasonic field (13), in particular by the ultrasonic transducer (12), at least essentially exclusively in the area or in the vicinity of the outer door handle ( 10) can be generated, and that the approach to the outside door handle (10) and / or touching the outside door handle (10) can be detected by detecting changes and / or interruptions in the ultrasonic field (13). Motor vehicle door locking system according to claim 1, characterized in that the ultrasonic transducer (12) is integrated in the outer door handle (10). Motor vehicle door locking system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the ultrasonic transducer (12) can be operated such that ultrasonic waves (14, 15) from the ultrasonic transducer (12) can both be emitted and is also detectable. Motor vehicle door locking system according to claim 3, characterized in that only a single ultrasonic transducer (12) is provided. Motor vehicle door locking system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an additional ultrasonic transducer (16) is provided which on the outside door handle (10) or an adjacent one Door area (17), such as a recessed grip, is arranged. Motor vehicle door locking system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ultrasonic transducer (12, 16) is a piezo element includes. Motor vehicle door locking system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ultrasonic field (13) is at least essentially exclusively in an engagement space (18) between sections (20, 21) of the outer door handle (10) and / or between the outer door handle (10) and an adjacent door area (17), such as a recessed grip, and in particular in itself immediately, preferably above and / or below the Intervention space (18) adjoining spatial areas (19) can be generated. Motor vehicle door locking system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ultrasonic field (13) can be generated in pulses and / or the ultrasonic transducer (12) for the pulsed emission of Ultrasonic waves (14) can be operated. Motor vehicle door locking system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a feedback device for regulation of frequency, pulse length and / or amplitude of the emitted and / or detected ultrasonic waves is provided. Motor vehicle door locking system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one by the approach and / or touch caused occurrence or absence of reflected ultrasonic waves (14, 15) of the ultrasound field (13), interrupting the ultrasound field (13) or changing the transit times of ultrasonic waves (14, 15) of the ultrasonic field (13), in particular of evaluation and / or control electronics (22, 23), can be evaluated. Motor vehicle door locking system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer door handle (10) has a plurality of ultrasonic transducers (12, 16) are assigned, their measured values averaged or otherwise can be evaluated in combination. Motor vehicle door locking system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the approach and / or contact indicating signal can be output. Motor vehicle door locking system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the motor vehicle lock (3) can be unlocked and locked by means of a motor or circuit technology, and can also be opened by means of a motor if necessary, that control electronics (24) with a "passive entry" function is provided, the control electronics (24) requiring a reaction phase with start-up interval, authorization check interval and action interval, in particular for unlocking the motor vehicle lock (3), and that an approach of a hand of an operator to the outside door handle (10) and / or touching the outside door handle (10) detected by the ultrasonic transducer (12) can be evaluated as a signal for starting the start-up interval. 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) has an outside door handle (10), in particular for opening an assigned motor vehicle lock (3), and possibly one for the outside door handle ( 10) has adjacent door area (17), such as a recessed grip,
characterized by
that an ultrasonic transducer (12) is arranged on the outer door handle (10) or on the adjacent door area (17), so that an ultrasonic field (13) can be generated at least essentially exclusively in the area or in the vicinity of the outer door handle (10). Outside door handle arrangement according to claim 14, characterized in that the ultrasonic transducer (12) also for detecting ultrasonic waves (15) of the ultrasonic field (13) and / or on the outside door handle (10) or adjacent door area (17) an additional ultrasonic transducer (16) arranged for detecting ultrasonic waves (14) of the ultrasonic field (13) is. Outside door handle arrangement according to claim 14 or 15, characterized by the features of the labeling part of one or more of the claims 1 to 12. Method for controlling a motor vehicle door locking system with at least one motor vehicle lock and an outer door handle assigned to the motor vehicle lock, wherein approaching, in particular an operator's hand, to the outer door handle and / or touching the outer door handle is or are detected by means of sound waves,
characterized by
that, at least at times, an ultrasonic field is generated at least essentially exclusively in an engagement space between sections of the outer door handle and / or between the outer door handle and an adjacent door area, such as a recessed grip, and in particular in areas immediately adjacent, preferably above and / or below, the engagement area , and that the approaching to the outside door handle and / or touching the outside door handle is or are detected by detecting changes and / or interruptions in the ultrasound field. A method according to claim 17, characterized in that a by Approaching and / or touching causes the occurrence or absence of reflected Ultrasound waves of the ultrasound field, interruption of the ultrasound field or changing the transit times of ultrasonic waves of the ultrasonic field is or will be evaluated. A method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the Ultrasonic waves from an ultrasonic transducer that form an ultrasonic field be emitted in pulses, whereby it is recorded and evaluated whether ultrasonic waves be reflected back to the ultrasound transducer, and in particular the transit time of the reflected ultrasonic waves is recorded and evaluated is used, in particular to detect an approach. Method according to one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that that ultrasound waves forming the ultrasound field from an ultrasound transducer, in particular in pulses, at least partially to an additional one Ultrasound transducers are emitted, whereby it is recorded and evaluated, whether ultrasonic waves are detected by the additional ultrasonic transducer and / or the transit time of the detected ultrasonic waves is evaluated, in particular to detect an approach. Method according to one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that that when detecting or detecting an approach to the outside door handle or touching the outside door handle to check an access authorization the operator or a "passive entry" function activated and / or a locking and / or opening mechanism of the motor vehicle lock is activated or operated.

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