Ignition key device having chargeable storage cell supplying selectively attachable remote unit

Abstract

An ignition key device including an ignition key for use with a motor vehicle and a remote unit which is capable of remotely locking and unlocking a door of the motor vehicle and displaying information concerning and the status of the motor vehicle. A secondary cell is accommodated in the ignition key. When the ignition key is inserted into an ignition switch lock in the motor vehicle, the secondary cell is charged by a storage battery of the motor vehicle. When the ignition key is attached to the remote unit, the stored electric energy is supplied from the secondary cell to the remote unit to energize the remote unit for transmitting and receiving signals to perform the functions of remotely locking and unlocking a door of the motor vehicle and displaying information and the status of the motor vehicle. The ignition key can be detached from the remote unit. The ignition key device achieves a suitable weight balance between the ignition key and the remote unit, and allows the ignition key to be easily inserted into and removed from the ignition switch lock.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.