Device for starting a vehicle engine by means of an electronic key, and key to be used therefor

A device for starting an engine of a vehicle by means of an electronic key, which may also be in the check card format, said device comprising:

• a receiving device in the vehicle for inserting the electronic key, with the electronic key, when inserted in the receiving device, being unable to be rotated and being moveable in a longitudinal direction into at least one defined raised position;
• a sensor of a control unit monitoring the electronic key in the raised position to control at least one functions of the engine;
• a locking element controlled by an electric drive securing the electronic key in the specific raised position against removal from the receiving device;
• and
• means enabling removal of the electronic key in the event of failure of the electric drive, wherein the electric drive controlling the key locking element is selected from the group consisting of a solenoid and an electric motor.

An electronic key for use in a device for starting an engine of a vehicle by means of an electronic key, which may also be in the check card format, said device comprising:

• a receiving device in the vehicle for inserting the electronic key, with the electronic key, when inserted in the receiving device, being unable to be rotated and being moveable in a longitudinal direction into at least one defined raised position;
• a sensor of a control unit monitoring the electronic key in the raised position to control at least one functions of the engine;
• a locking element controlled by an electric drive securing the electronic key in the specific raised position against removal from the receiving device;
• and
• means enabling removal of the electronic key in the event of failure of the electric drive, wherein the electronic key has a continuous recess in the direction of insertion for guiding through or receiving an actuating element and, wherein the recess is formed from the receiving slot of an emergency key.

An electronic key for use in a device for starting an engine of a vehicle by means of an electronic key, which may also be in the check card format, said device comprising:

• a receiving device in the vehicle for inserting the electronic key, with the electronic key, when inserted in the receiving device, being unable to be rotated and being moveable in a longitudinal direction into at least one defined raised position:
• a sensor of a control unit monitoring the electronic key in the raised position to control at least one functions of the engine;
• a locking element controlled by an electric drive securing the electronic key in the specific raised position against removal from the receiving device;
• and
• means enabling removal of the electronic key in the event of failure of the electric drive, wherein the electronic key has a continuous recess in the direction of insertion for guiding through or receiving an actuating element and, wherein the actuating element is an actuating pin supported in the recess and spring loaded counter to the direction of insertion of the electronic key, wherein in an unactuated position the actuating pin does not project beyond the insertion side of the key housing and when actuated from the insertion side of an emergency key, the actuating pin projects from an opposite surface of the key housing and moves the locking element to an unlocking position.