EP2044278A1

EP2044278A1 - Key unit for a lock system of a vehicle

Info

Publication number: EP2044278A1
Application number: EP07785978A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Niels Kleindienst; Odysseus Andronis
Original assignee: Volkswagen AG
Current assignee: Volkswagen AG
Priority date: 2006-07-13
Filing date: 2007-07-10
Publication date: 2009-04-08
Anticipated expiration: 2027-07-10
Also published as: CN101490352B; US8866639B2; CN101490352A; EP2044278B1; WO2008006551A1; US20110084856A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a key unit for a lock system of a vehicle, with a device for opening and closing a lock system, in particular with a transmitter for remote activation of the lock system and/or a mechanical key. The key unit has a modular construction comprising a key container (1) and an attachment (2). The key container (1) accommodates the device for opening and closing the lock system. The attachment (2) is connected releasably to the key container (1) and permits diverse configurations of the key unit.

Description

description

Key unit for a lock system of a vehicle

The present invention relates to a key unit for a lock system of a vehicle with a device for opening and closing the lock system. The device for opening and closing the lock system is in particular a fold-out mechanical key and / or a transmitter for remote control of the lock system.

From DE 38 42 790 C1 and DE 39 02 537 A1 key container are known which receive a swing-flat key. Furthermore, from DE 42 26 579 A1 a compact transmitter for remote control of a locking device is known, which additionally comprises a swing-flat key for mechanical actuation of a lock cylinder.

From DE 10 2005 043 893 A1, a key fob is known, in particular for vehicle keys, comprising switching elements and a display window.

From DE 10 206 534 A1 a vehicle key with an electronic key and a mechanical emergency key is known. The emergency key can be pivoted by a rotary movement from a rest position to a use position.

From EP 1 280 390 B1 an electronic key with a two-part housing is known, which can accommodate a mechanical key part.

It is the object of the present invention to provide an improved key unit for a lock system of a vehicle. The key unit should in particular be variably adaptable to different vehicle types and equipment lines of a vehicle manufacturer at low cost. Furthermore, the functional scope of the key unit should be expandable.

This object is achieved by a key unit having the features of claim 1, claim 22, claim 29, claim 30 and claim 32, respectively. Advantageous training and further developments emerge from the dependent claims. In the following description, directions are used as follows: The top of the key unit is the side on which panels can be operated, the bottom is the side facing away from the top. The end face of the key unit is arranged perpendicular to the underside and points in the direction of a mechanical key, which is in a position of use. The side surfaces of the key unit are both perpendicular to the top and bottom and perpendicular to the front. If the key unit comprises a mechanical key, the longitudinal direction is the direction in which the key extends in the position of use. The width direction extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The height or thickness of the key unit extends perpendicular to the longitudinal and width directions and is the shortest dimension of the key unit.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a key unit characterized by a modular structure comprising a key box receiving the means for opening and closing the lock system and a cap detachably connected to the key box. The modular design makes it possible to assign the key container various essays, which can be adapted to the needs of the vehicle manufacturer or the customer of the vehicle manufacturer. It is not necessary for the different configurations of the essay to change the key container. It is possible to vary a basic key unit in a variety of ways. In this way, various variants of the key unit according to the invention can be produced inexpensively.

According to a preferred embodiment of the key unit according to the invention, the attachment is non-rotatably connected to the key container. In addition or alternatively, the attachment may be connected in alignment with the key container. In this case, the outer shell of the attachment is preferably flush in the outer shell of the key container, so that a compact unit between key container and essay is created. The key container and the attachment can in particular have adjacent surfaces. As a result, a firm coupling between the key container and the essay can be made. The attachment is attached according to a preferred embodiment by means of a latching connection to the key container.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the key unit according to the invention, the key container is integrally formed. Thus, a Einschalenkonzept for the key container is provided, in which the key container can be made of a plastic by injection molding with a single tool. In this way, the shape of the key container can be produced inexpensively. The key container comprises in particular a top and a bottom mold, which are connected to each other via a film hinge Preferably, the film hinge forms a counterpart for the connection with the attachment with superimposed upper and lower molds. The article can be pushed onto the film hinge, for example, in superimposed upper and lower faces. In this case, the attachment can enter into a latching connection with the film hinge in the end position. However, the latching connection can also be provided at the adjacent surfaces of the key container and the essay.

According to a preferred development, the key container has a standard opening into which a control module is inserted. Further, the key tray may include a receptacle for a standard electronic device unit of the key unit. The means for opening and closing the lock system may e.g. a transmitter for remote control of the lock system include. The electronic components of this transmitter are preferably arranged in this case on the standard board, which is received by the key case. On this standard board, other electronic devices may be provided. The electronic functions of the key unit can thus be adapted in a simple and cost-effective manner, without it being necessary to change the key box.

According to a further embodiment, alternatively or additionally, the means for opening and closing the lock system may comprise a mechanical key. The mechanical key can be received by the key holder in a variety of ways, as exemplified in later described aspects of the invention.

According to a preferred development of the key unit according to the invention, the attachment comprises a clip for attaching the key unit to another object. In this way, the key unit can be fastened, for example, in a shirt pocket, wherein advantageously a part of the clip of the key unit remains visible, so that emblems, symbols or the like can be attached to this part.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the key unit according to the invention, the attachment comprises an electronic interface. In addition, the attachment may comprise a storage medium, in which case the interface enables data transfer from an external device to the storage medium. For example, the interface may be used to connect to a computer, a camera or a music player. The interface may be, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector. According to a further preferred embodiment of the key unit according to the invention, the attachment comprises a visible symbol which identifies the vehicle type associated with the lock system. Further, the symbol may alternatively or additionally identify the vehicle manufacturer. Finally, the attachment may include a visible label for identifying the vehicle associated with the lock system. The identification may include, for example, vehicle identification.

According to a further embodiment of the key unit according to the invention, this has a position-determining device for determining the position of the key unit and for determining the position of the vehicle belonging to the lock system. The position-determining device may in particular be comprised by the attachment. It may include a satellite positioning system, such as the GPS (Global Positioning System). Preferably, the key unit, in particular the attachment of the key unit, a display, which is connected to the position-determining device, so that it is possible to display a digital map and / or direction markings for finding the belonging to the lock system vehicle.

According to a further embodiment of the key unit according to the invention, the surface of the key container adjoining the attachment has an opening of a battery compartment. This opening is not visible when the key box is connected to the attachment. The opening may for example be closed by a rubber stopper, which is connected via a tab with the key container.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a key unit for a lock system of a vehicle having a key box whose width is greater than its height or thickness, and further comprising a swing-out key pivotally mounted in the key box. In the key unit according to the invention according to this aspect, the pivot axis of the key extends in the direction of the width of the key container. The key preferably comprises a key body to which a key shank is attached. The key body is pivotally mounted in a recess of the end face of the key container, so that the key body is visible on two opposite sides of the key unit. The recess thus extends over the entire thickness of the front side.

According to a preferred embodiment, the recess in the end face of the key container merges into a receiving space for the key shaft, which is formed in the underside of the key unit. The recess in the end face of the key holder and the receiving space for the key shank are preferred in terms of the width of the Key container centered. In the non-use position of the mechanical key, this is thus taken up by the receiving space of the key container in the middle in the bottom of the key unit, the key body is visible from both the bottom and from the top of the key unit.

According to a preferred development, the swing-out key carries an emblem, in particular the logo of the vehicle manufacturer. The emblem can be worn in particular by the key body. It is preferably visible from the side of the key box facing away from the side with the key shank receiving space, i. the emblem is visible from the top of the key unit. According to another embodiment, the emblem is arranged on both sides of the key body so that it is visible from both the top and the bottom.

According to a preferred development of the key unit of the second aspect of the invention, the key is in its inoperative position, in which the key shank is in the receiving space of the key container, secured against pivoting out and unlocked by an arranged on the pivot axis unlocking mechanism.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a key unit for a lock system of a vehicle having an elongate key box in which an elongate flat key is pivotally mounted whose width is greater than its thickness. The flat key is sunk in its non-use position in a receiving space in a side surface of the key holder. In the key unit according to this third aspect of the invention, the pivot axis of the flat key extends in the direction of the width of the flat key, i. the receiving space for the flat key in the side surface of the key case has a depth corresponding to the thickness of the flat key and a width corresponding to the width of the flat key. When swinging out the flat key, a fictitious plane, which is spanned by the longitudinal and the width side of the flat key, pivoted about the pivot axis. Such a key unit has the advantage that the receiving space of the key container for the flat key can be made very flat.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a bowl unit for a lock system of a vehicle is provided with a transmitter for the remote control of the lock system and an operating module, which has a control panel or several control panels for controlling the transmitter. In the key unit according to this aspect of the invention, the control panel or the panels are reset in the key unit. According to a preferred embodiment of this key unit, it comprises an elongated key container which receives the transmitter and the operating module. On the surface of the key container, on which the control key or the control keys are actuated, according to the invention in the longitudinal direction outside at least one rib each formed, which rise in the direction of the normal of this area on the control button or the control buttons addition. The ribs thus run on the right and left side of the control buttons of the operating module. The key unit according to this aspect of the invention thus effectively prevents the operating keys from being inadvertently actuated, for example when stored in a pocket.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a key unit for a lock system of a vehicle is provided with a transmitter for remote control of the lock system and an operating module having a plurality of control panels for controlling the transmitter, wherein the feel of the surfaces of the panels differs. The surface of the control panels differs in particular with regard to the tactile perception of a user. The surfaces of the panels may be e.g. different in terms of their roughness. Furthermore, the surfaces of the panels can be made of different materials. This makes it easy to feel the functions of the panels without requiring a visual perception of the panels. The different haptics of the surfaces of the panels go beyond simple projections and depressions, which are formed by symbols out.

It should be noted that the various configurations and developments of the various aspects of the key unit according to the invention can be combined with one another as desired. For example, it is possible for the type of storage of the key in the key unit according to the second and third aspects of the invention to be used in the key unit with the attachment. Likewise, the variously constructed attachments of the first aspect of the invention may also find use in key units according to the further aspects of the invention. Further, the configurations of the operation panels and the ribs of the key case according to the fourth and fifth aspects of the invention can be also applied to the key unit according to the first, second or third aspect of the invention.

The invention will now be explained by means of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

1 shows an exploded view of the key unit according to the invention, Figs. 2A to 2F show various views of the key unit according to the invention, Figs. 3A to 3D illustrate the placement and release of the attachment on the

FIGS. 4A to 4I show various variants of the key unit according to the invention, FIGS. 5A and 5B show the top side and the bottom side with the key pivoted out of a further exemplary embodiment of the key unit according to the invention,

6 shows yet another embodiment of the key unit according to the invention,

7 shows yet another embodiment of the key unit according to the invention,

8 shows an exploded view of the embodiment according to FIG. 7 of the key unit according to the invention,

9 shows the arrangement of a battery compartment for a key unit according to the invention,

10 shows, for a further variant of the key unit according to the invention, an attachment with a keypad,

11 shows a key unit with the attachment according to FIG. 11 before assembly, FIG.

Fig. 12 shows the elements according to Figure 11 after assembly.

The same components or component sections have the same numbering in all figures.

First embodiment:

With reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the first embodiment of the key unit according to the invention will be described.

The key unit has a modular structure. This modular construction comprises a key container 1 and an attachment 2, which is connected to the key container 1. Furthermore, the modular structure has a standard board 7 and an operating module 8, which are received by the key box 1.

The key container 1 made of a plastic part, which can be produced by injection molding in a single tool. It is thus formed in one piece, with an upper mold 3 and a lower mold 4 are connected to each other via a film hinge 5. Fig. 1 shows the upper and lower mold in an unfolded state.

The key container 1 has a receptacle 6 for the standard board 7. The standard board 7 may include various electronic elements of the key unit. It can be adapted to the desired configuration of the key unit, but always the same board dimensions are used.

On the standard board 7, the electronic components of a known transmitter for remote control of belonging to the key unit lock system are arranged. Such electronic lock systems are known per se. The transmitter comprises a radiation source 42, in particular an infrared diode, which is arranged in the front end side of the key unit and can emit the coded signals for controlling the lock system.

The standard board 7 is associated with a control module 8, which may comprise a plurality of control panels 9, 10, 11, e.g. are designed as a pressure switch. With the control panels 9 to 11 of the control module 8, the transmitter can be controlled for remote control of the lock system of the vehicle. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the operating module 8 comprises a control panel 9 for remotely closing an associated lock system of a vehicle, a control panel 10 for opening the lock of the trunk of the vehicle and a control panel 11 for remotely opening the associated lock system.

The adjacent to the attachment 2 surface of the key container 1 has an opening 47 shown in Figure 9 of a battery compartment. The opening is preferred after inserting a Button cell executed battery 49 closed by a rubber plug 48, which is connected for example via a tab to the key container 1. When the attachment 2 is placed on the key container, the opening 47 and the rubber plug 48 are no longer visible.

Furthermore, the key unit comprises a mechanical key, which is pivotally received by the key container 1. Such pivotable mechanical keys are known per se. However, bearings of the key may also be used as described in the broad embodiments of the present invention.

In the example shown in Fig. 1, the mechanical bowl comprises a key body 12 to which a key shank 13 is attached, which can be inserted into a lock cylinder of the lock system of the vehicle to open the corresponding lock. The key body 12 has a shaft 14, via which the key body 12 is pivotally mounted in the key container 1. In this case, the key in certain pivot positions, in particular in the position of use, engage and be secured. To unlock the pivot position of the key, an unlocking mechanism 15 is provided, which is coupled to the key body 12. On the key body 12, an emblem or symbol 16 is applied, which is visible in both a folded and a folded-out key.

The key container 1 can be connected to an attachment 2, when the upper and lower molds 3, 4 of the key container 1 rest on each other in the assembled state. In this case, the film hinge 5 forms a counterpart for the attachment of the attachment. 2

FIGS. 2A to 2F show the views of the modular key unit. Fig. 2A shows the top of the key unit, from which the panels 9 to 11 are actuated and from which the emblem 16, which is applied to the key body 12, is visible when the key in the folded state, ie in a non-use position , is located. Fig. 2B shows a side surface of the key unit, Fig. 2D shows the other side surface of the key unit in which the unlocking mechanism 15 is arranged. Fig. 2D shows the key unit with the key unfolded when the key is in the position of use. Fig. 2C shows the underside of the key unit, in which the shaft 13 of the key is received in the lower mold 4. Also from this side of an emblem 16 is visible, which is mounted on the key body 12. Fig. 2E shows the rear end face of the key unit, in which the attachment 2 is connected to the key container 1. Fig. 2F finally shows the front End face of the key container 1, which centrally has a recess for receiving the key body 12.

The connection of the attachment 2 with the key container 1 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3D. The attachment 2 has a cavity in which the film hinge 5, as shown in Fig. 3A, can be introduced. In this case, the attachment 2 is moved in the direction of the arrow A as far as the key container 1 until the respective end faces abut each other. Then, the attachment 2, as shown in Fig. 3B, moves in the direction of arrow B until a latching connection between the attachment 2 and the key container 1 is made. For this latching connection, the key box has e.g. in the film hinge 5 or in the upper or lower mold 3, 4 and in the cavity of the attachment 2 corresponding locking elements.

In Fig. 3C, the state is shown, in which the attachment 2 is connected to the key container 1. In this case, the surface of the key holder 1 merges into the surface of the attachment 2. That the attachment 2 is connected in alignment with the key container 1. In addition, the article 2 is rotatably connected to the key container 1. The respective end faces adjoin one another. Since the attachment 2 completely accommodates the film hinge 5 of the key container 1, the white fracture produced during injection molding is not visible.

In the article 2, an opening 23 is provided. If, for example, a ballpoint pen or another pointed object is introduced into this opening 23, the catch connection between the attachment 2 and the key container 1 can be released so that the attachment 2, as shown in FIG. 3D, moves in the direction of the arrow C. leaves. In this way you can remove the essay 2 of the key container 1.

Various variants are shown in FIGS. 4A to 4I, which can be realized on account of the modular construction of the key unit. They are explained below:

Fig. 4A shows a basic key unit without electrification. Instead of the operating module 8 only one plastic part is used. The attachment 2a is made of plastic and has an annular hole 22.

Fig. 4B shows a normal key unit with electrification. The operating module 8b comprises the control panels 9, 10 and 11 for opening and closing a door lock and for opening a trunk lid. The operating module 8b further comprises a light-emitting diode 17, with which a Status indicator is provided. The attachment 2b is made of plastic and has an elongated annular hole 24.

Fig. 4C shows another normal key unit with electrification. The operating module 8c comprises a total of four function keys 18, 19, 20 and 21. With the push-button switches 18 and 19, the door lock can be opened and closed. With the push button 20, the trunk can be opened. Finally, the key switch 21 is designed as a so-called. Panic button. The attachment 2 c is made of metal and has a key ring 25.

Fig. 4D shows a full featured key unit with electrification. The operating module 8d comprises a total of six function keys which, in addition to the four function keys of the key unit illustrated in FIG. 4C, also comprise two key switches 28 and 29 for opening and closing a sliding door. The attachment 2d is made of metal and has an annular hole 24 which corresponds to the annular hole of the embodiment shown in Fig. 4B.

Fig. 4E shows an individualized normal key unit with electrification. The operating module 8e corresponds to the operating module shown in FIG. 4B. The attachment is made of metal. It comprises a clip 32, by means of which the key unit can be fastened, for example, in a shirt pocket. If the key unit is e.g. inserted in a shirt pocket and clipped to the edge, a vehicle-specific identification 33 is visible, which is applied to the essay 2e. This key unit can be used in particular for various special models of a vehicle.

In Fig. 4F, a normal fineness with a functional extension is shown. The operation module 8f corresponds to the operation module 8b shown in FIG. 4B. The article 2f contains a data storage medium and a USB connector 34, which serves as an interface to other electronic devices. The USB plug 34 can be covered with a cap 35. For example, data from other electronic devices can be transmitted via the USB connector 34 and stored on the storage medium of the attachment 2f. The storage medium may e.g. be a mini-disk or a flash memory.

Fig. 4G shows another key unit, in which the attachment 2g has a different shape than the previous essays. A band 36 can be threaded into it, so that the key unit can be worn around the neck.

4H shows a normal key unit with a functional extension, eg for corporate customers with a vehicle fleet. The operating module 8h corresponds to the operating module 8b. The attachment 2h has a field 37 in which the associated vehicle type and, for Identification of the vehicle, the license plate is applied. Furthermore, a logo 38 of the corporate customer can be applied. Finally, the article has an annular hole 39.

Fig. 41 shows a normal key unit with electrification with an attachment 2i with an additional function. The operating module 8i corresponds to the operating module 8b. The article 2i contains a position-determining device with which both the position of the key unit and the position of the vehicle belonging to the corresponding lock system can be determined. The position of the key unit can be determined, for example, by means of a so-called GPS module. The position of the associated vehicle may e.g. are stored in completing the vehicle in a memory of the essay 2i and read from there later. Furthermore, the attachment 2i has a display 40, with which the way to the vehicle can be displayed.

Second Exemplary Example:

The second embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to Figs. 5A and 5B. The key unit comprises an elongated key container 1 whose width is greater than its height or thickness. In the key container 1, a swing-out mechanical key is pivotally mounted so that the pivot axis of the key, as shown in Fig. 5B extends in the direction of the width of the key container 1.

The key comprises a key shank 13 with which the lock cylinder of one or more locks of a lock system of a vehicle can be opened. The key shank 13 is fixed to a key body 12, which is pivotally mounted in the key container 1. For this purpose, a recess is formed centrally in the front end side of the key container 1. The key body 12 is inserted into this recess so that on both sides a shaft engages in the side surfaces of the recess around which the key can be pivoted. The recess in the key container 1 extends over the entire thickness of the key unit, so that the key body 12 is visible both on the top of the key unit shown in Fig. 5A and on the underside shown in Fig. 5B. Thus, an emblem attachable to the key body 12 can be seen from both sides of the key unit.

The recess in the end face of the key container 1 merges into a receiving space 41 for the key shank 13. This receiving space 41 is formed centrally in the underside of the key unit. The key is in its non-use position in such a pivotal position, in which the key shank 13 is completely in the receiving space 41 is located, wherein the key shank 13 is flush with the surface of the underside of the key holder 1. In this non-use position the key is secured against swinging out. By means of an unlocking mechanism 15 arranged on the pivot axis, the key can be unlocked, eg by pressing the unlocking mechanism 15 in the direction of the key body 12. The key can then be swiveled through approx. 180 °. In this position of use, it can be secured again. The unlocking can be done via the unlocking mechanism ^* 15 again.

The key shank 13 is in particular a flat key whose width is greater than its thickness. As shown in FIG. 5B, the direction of the width of the flat key corresponds to the direction of the width of the key case 1. Thus, the pivotal axis of the key extends in the direction of the width of the key shaft 13.

The key unit of the second embodiment may have a modular structure as in the first embodiment. In particular, the key container 1 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B corresponds to the key container 1 of FIGS. 1 to 4. At this key container 1 any essays 2 can be coupled, as described in the first embodiment. Likewise, the further details of the first exemplary embodiment, such as the operating module 8 with the corresponding pushbutton switches, can also be integrated into the key unit of the second exemplary embodiment and thus form further embodiments of the second exemplary embodiment.

Third embodiment:

The third embodiment (see Figures 7 and 8) differs from the second embodiment only in terms of the storage of the key. The key is designed as an elongate flat key whose width is greater than its thickness. This flat key is pivotally mounted in the key container. In contrast to the second embodiment, however, the pivot axis 45 does not extend in the direction of the width of the key container 1, but in the direction of the height or thickness of the key container, so that in the position of use of the key shank 13 of the flat key whose proportions are oriented as those of the key container In addition, the pivot axis is located in a corner of the key box, so that the flat key is sunk into a receiving space in a side surface of the key box. The flat key is aligned relative to the key container so that the pivot axis of the flat key extends in the direction of the width of the flat key. The flat key is thus arranged rotated 90 ° to the orientation shown in Fig. 5B and is pivoted about a corner of the end face of the key case until it is received by a receiving space in the side surface of the key case. The depth of this receiving space 46, which is designed as a slot receiver, in the side surface thus corresponds to the thickness of the key shank 13.

With the orientation of the key shank 13 according to FIGS. 7 and 8, key slots can advantageously also be arranged running horizontally for locks, without the view of the control panels being lost during use of the key. This results, for example, for the design of door locks or ignition locks new starting points in terms of ergonomics and appearance.

The further embodiments of the key unit of the third embodiment may correspond to those of the first and - except for the orientation of the key - those of the second embodiment. In particular, the key unit of the third embodiment may have a modular structure, so that various attachments can be attached to the key holder.

Fourth embodiment:

The key unit of the fourth embodiment is shown in FIG. It comprises a known transmitter for remote control of a lock system of a vehicle and a known per se control module with one or more control panels for controlling the transmitter. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6, an operating module with three control panels 9, 10 and 11 configured as a pushbutton switch is shown. The control panels 9 to 11 are arranged in a key container 1 that they are reset. As a result, accidental operation of the control panels 9 to 11 is prevented.

Furthermore, 1 ribs 43 and 44 are arranged laterally in the longitudinal direction of the elongated key container, which rise in the direction of the normal of the top of the key container 1, on which the panels 9 to 11 are actuated, beyond the control panels 9 to 11 out. The ribs 43 and 44 are thus arranged laterally next to the control panels 9 to 11.

The further details of the key unit of the fourth Ausfütirungsbeispiels may correspond to those of the first three embodiments. In particular, various types Attachments 2 to be connected to the key container 1, as described in the first embodiment. Further, the key container 1 may comprise a mechanical key which is fixed in the key case 1 as described in the second or third embodiment.

Fifth embodiment:

The key unit of the fifth embodiment has, like the key unit of the fourth embodiment, a known transmitter for remote control of a lock system of a vehicle and a per se known control module, which comprises a plurality of panels, in particular a plurality of push buttons to control the transmitter. In the key unit of the fifth embodiment, the haptics of the surface of the operation panels are different from each other. Due to the different haptics, the user can distinguish the different control panels by means of his sense of touch. In particular, the panels are tactually perceived in a variety of ways, i. the contact of the panels with the skin is perceived differently. The various haptics are not achieved by elevations or depressions for visible symbols, but due to a surface structure of much smaller magnitude. For example, the roughness of the surfaces of the panels may differ. In addition, different materials can be used for the panels.

The other embodiments of the key unit of the fifth embodiment may correspond to those of the first four embodiments. In particular, the key unit may have a modular structure in which a key container is connected to an attachment, as described in the first embodiment. In addition, a key may be stored in a key box as described in the second or third embodiment. Finally, the control panels, as described in the fourth embodiment, be set back and on the key box can be arranged laterally next to the control panels ribs.

Sixth embodiment:

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the attachment 2 is equipped with a keypad 50, which is part of a remote control for a vehicle parking heater. The keypad 50 is arranged below a keyboard cover 52 which can be moved about a pivot axis 51 and which is shown in the illustrations in FIGS and 12 is in the open position so that the keypad 50 is accessible to the fingers of a vehicle user for input or switching purposes.

FIG. 11 shows the keyboard cover 52 in a closed position with a parking heating symbol 53 on the side facing away from the keyboard field 50. With this embodiment, the two operating components vehicle key and remote control can be combined to form an operating device in an extremely advantageous manner. The hitherto usual storage of two separate control components can thus account for a considerable gain in comfort and security against loss.

The keypad 50 is also usable for other remote control purposes. Conceivable, for example, remote controls for garages or gate openers. The keypad (50) can also be part of a telecommunication device, with which it is connected, for example via blue tooth technology. For the signals triggered on the keypad 50, a transmitter device may optionally be associated with the attachment 2 or the key container 1. To further simplify the construction, the use of the same transmitter device is provided for both functions, ie vehicle locking and unlocking on the one hand and remote control on the other hand. For the supply of both systems with electrical energy both the attachment 50 and the key container 1 are each a rechargeable memory - for example, battery or capacitor - associated with, which may also be connected to each other via a connector system.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

key container

essay

upper mold

under the form

film hinge

Standard circuit board

standard board

adjustment module

Control panel

key body

key shaft

wave

unlocking

emblem

LED for a status display

Control panel

ring hole

Opening for unlocking the attachment

ring hole

key Chain

Control panel

Clip vehicle-specific marking

USB plug

cap tape

Field for vehicle type and license plate

logo

ring hole

display

accommodation space

Radiation source for transmitters

rib

swivel axis

accommodation space

Opening for a battery compartment

rubber stopper

battery

keypad

swivel axis

keyboard cover

Heater symbol

Claims

claims

A key unit for a lock system of a vehicle with a device for opening and closing the lock system, characterized by a modular construction which comprises a key box (1) which accommodates the means for opening and closing the lock system, and an attachment (2), which is releasably connected to the key container (1).

2. Key unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the attachment (2) rotatably connected to the key container (1) is connected.

3. Key unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the attachment (2) in alignment with the key container (1) is connected.

4. Key unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the key container (1) and the attachment (2) have adjacent surfaces.

5. Key unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the attachment (2) by means of a latching connection to the key container (1) is attached.

6. Key unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the key container (1) is integrally formed.

7. Key unit according to claim 6, characterized in that the key container (1) comprises a top and a bottom mold (3, 4), which are connected to each other via a film hinge (5).

8. Key unit according to claim 7, characterized in that when superimposed upper and lower molds (3, 4) the film hinge (5) forms a counterpart for the connection with the attachment (2).

9. Key unit according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the attachment (2) comprises a clip (32) for attaching the key unit to another object.

10. Key unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the key container (1) has a standard opening into which an operating module (8) is inserted.

11. Key unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the key container (1) comprises a receptacle (6) for a standard board (T) for electronic devices of the key unit.

12. Key unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means for opening and closing the lock system comprises a transmitter for remote control of the lock system.

13. Key unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means for opening and closing the lock system comprises a mechanical key.

14. Key unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the attachment (2) comprises a clip (32) for attaching the key unit to another object.

15. Key unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the attachment (2) comprises an electronic interface (34).

16. Key unit according to claim 15, characterized in that the attachment (2) comprises a storage medium and the interface (34) allows data transmission from an external device to the storage medium.

17. Key unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the attachment (2) comprises a visible symbol (33) which identifies the vehicle type associated with the lock system.

18. Key unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the attachment (2) comprises a visible label (37) for identifying the belonging to the lock system vehicle.

19. Key unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the key unit comprises a position determining means for determining the position of the key unit and for determining the position of the belonging to the lock system vehicle.

20. Key unit according to claim 19, characterized in that the key unit comprises a display (40) which is connected to the position-determining device.

21. Bowl unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the attachment (2) adjacent surface of the key container (1) has an opening (47) of a battery compartment, said opening (47) at a connection of the key container (1). and the attachment (2) is not visible.

22 key unit for a lock system of a vehicle with a key container (1) whose width is greater than its height, and with a swing-out key, which is pivotally mounted in the key container (1), characterized in that the pivot axis of the key in the direction the width of the key container (1) extends.

23. A key unit according to claim 22, characterized in that the key comprises a key body (12) on which a key shank (13) is attached, that the key body (12) is pivotally mounted in a recess of the end face of the key container (1), such that the key body (12) is visible on two opposite sides of the key unit.

24. Key unit according to claim 23, characterized in that the recess in the end face of the key container (1) merges into a receiving space (41) for the key shank (13) which is formed in the underside of the key unit.

25. Key unit according to claim 24, characterized in that the recess in the end face of the key container (1) and the receiving space (41) for the key shank (13) with respect to the width of the key container (1) are arranged centrally.

26. Key unit according to one of claims 22 to 25, characterized in that the swing-out key carries an emblem.

27. Key unit according to claim 26, characterized in that the key body (12) carries the emblem.

28. Key unit according to one of claims 24 to 27, characterized in that the key in its non-use position, in which the key shank (13) in the receiving space (41) of the key container (1) is secured against pivoting out and by a on the pivot axis arranged unlocking mechanism (15) can be unlocked.

29 key unit for a lock system of a vehicle with an elongated key container in which an elongate flat key is pivotally mounted, wherein the flat key is sunk in its non-use position in a receiving space in a side surface of the key container and wherein the width of the flat key is greater than the thickness of the flat key is, characterized in that the pivot axis of the flat key extends in the direction of the width of the flat key.

30 key unit for a lock system of a vehicle with a transmitter for remote control of the lock system and a control module having a control panel or more control panels (9, 10, 11) for controlling the transmitter, characterized in that the control panel or the control panels (9, 10, 11) is arranged reset in the key unit is / are.

31. Key unit according to claim 30, characterized in that the key unit comprises an elongate key case (1) which receives the transmitter and the operating module, and that on the surface of the key container (1) on which the control panels (9, 10, 11 ) are actuated, in the longitudinal direction outside at least one rib (43, 44) is formed, which rise in the direction of the normal of this surface on the control panels (9, 10, 11) addition.

32. Key unit for a lock system of a vehicle with a transmitter for remote control of the lock system and a control module, which has a plurality of control panels for controlling the transmitter, characterized in that the feel of the surface of the panels differs.

33. Key unit according to claim 32, characterized in that the surfaces of the control panels differ with respect to their roughness.

34. Key unit according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that the surfaces of the panels consist of different materials.

35. key unit for a lock system of a vehicle with an elongated key case in which an elongate flat key is pivotally mounted, the flat key is sunk in its non-use position in a receiving space in a side surface of the key container and wherein the width of the flat key is greater than the thickness of the flat key is, characterized in that

the pivot axis (45) of the flat key extends in the direction of the height of the flat key,

in the position of use of the flat key, the proportions of the key shank (13) and those of the key container (1) have essentially the same orientation,

- The receiving space (46) is formed by a slot receiving on a longitudinal side of the key container into which the key shank (13) is pivotable.

36. Key unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the attachment (2) is assigned a keypad (50) that can be covered by a key cover (1) or attachment (2) held keyboard cover (51).

37. Key unit according to claim 36, characterized in that the keypad (50) is part of a remote control device, for example for a vehicle parking heater, for a garage or gate opener or for a telecommunications device.