Combined mechanical and electronic key, in particular for locks in a vehicle

Abstract

In a combined mechanical and electronic key, electronic components and mechanical flat keys ( ) are normally housed in a common key holder ( ). In order to place the flat key ( ) between a lowered rest position in a holder ( ) and a projecting in-use position, the flat key ( ) is movably located in a container ( ) and secured in at least one of the positions by a push button ( ). The key contain is assembled from an upper and a lower shell. In order to avoid sealing problems between both shells, according to the invention, the upper shell ( ) is provided with an outbreak in a region pertaining thereto which lies outwith the push button. The outbreak creates a void chamber which can be accessed from the outside and is located on the inside of the shell interior. The electronic components are enclosed by a housing-like capsule and form therewith a prefabricated electrocapsule ( ). The electrocapsule ( ) forms a socket unit, which can be inserted thereafter in the void chamber pertaining to the pre-assembled key container ( ). The electrocapsules ( ) are secured in the key container ( ) when inserted in the socket. The push button ( ) is used to advantage for securing.