Device for starting a motor vehicle motor, using an electronic key

• Main Authors: GUNTER BARRENBERG, REINHARD WITTWER
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 08.05.2003
• Edition: 7
• Subjects: ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS; HANDCUFFS; KEYS; LOCKS; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; SAFES; TRANSPORTING; VEHICLES IN GENERAL; VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISEPROVIDED FOR; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS

The invention relates to a device for starting a motor vehicle motor. According to the invention, a slot is (11) used for inserting (59) the key (50) which is usually closed by a spring-loaded cover (14). The key (50) is displaced in the slot (11) into various key positions (20.1), in order to control different functions of the motor or other ancillary devices in the vehicle. In order to ensure a compact construction which is easy to use, the inventive device prevents the key (50) from turning in the slot (11) and the key (50) is displaced into at least three operating positions (20.1) for the control functions which are axially staggered. After being inserted for a first operating distance (51), the key takes up an initial position (20.1), in which it is secured in the slot (11) in a force-fit. In a subsequent second intermediate position, the key (50) is secured in a positive fit which can be locked automatically. This prevents the manual withdrawal (57) of the key (50). In order to remove the key (50), the latter is axially pushed into a third final position, in which the lock on the operating position can be released. During its course of operation, the key (50) is axially spring-tensioned (41) in the direction of the retaining position The operating position of the key (50) determines the different vehicle functions.