Electronic Key

1 .- 9 . (canceled)

10 . An electronic key having key housing that has a suspension eyelet in a region close to its periphery, the suspension eyelet having a deployed use and a stowed non-use position, wherein:

the suspension eyelet is held by a guide arm which is mounted to the housing;

the guide arm is movable such that the suspension eyelet is lowered into a receiving space in the key housing, in which it is inaccessible in its non-use position; and

the suspension eyelet is movable out into the use position for the purpose of suspending the electronic key.

11 . The electronic key as claimed in claim 10 , wherein the guide arm of the suspension eyelet is held on the key housing by means of a rotary bearing, such that it can pivot.

12 . The electronic key as claimed in claim 10 , wherein in that the guide arm of the suspension eyelet is held on the key housing such that it can slide.

13 . The electronic key as claimed in claim 10 , wherein:

the key housing has a receiving shaft for an associated mechanical key which can be inserted into the receiving shaft and can be completely withdrawn from the latter; and

the suspension eyelet is automatically moved into the use position when the mechanical key is withdrawn from the receiving shaft.

14 . The electronic key as claimed in claim 13 , wherein the mechanical key forces the suspension eyelet into its non-use position when the mechanical key is inserted into the receiving shaft.

15 . The electronic key as claimed in claim 13 , further comprising a spring arranged on the key housing; wherein said spring automatically moves the suspension eyelet into the use position.

16 . The electronic key as claimed in claim 15 , wherein, in its non-use position, the suspension eyelet is supported against a holding zone of the inserted mechanical key which is secured on the key housing by means of associated holding means.

17 . The electronic key as claimed in claim 15 , wherein, in the use position, the suspension eyelet is supported against a bearing point of the key housing under action of the spring.

18 . The electronic key as claimed in claim 13 , wherein:

the mechanical key is a flat key;

the suspension eyelet has a plate-like region which runs substantially parallel to a broad side of the inserted flat key in a common receiving shaft of the key housing.

19 . An electronic key, comprising:

a key housing; and

a suspension eyelet by which the key housing can be supported on one of a key ring and a key hook;

wherein the suspension eyelet is movable between a deployed position in which it is accessible for such a key ring or hook, and a stowed position in which it is inaccessible for such a key ring or hook.

20 . An electronic key, according to claim 10 , wherein:

said housing further comprises a receptacle for accommodating insertion of an associated mechanical key for storage therein;

insertion of said mechanical key causes said supervision eyelet to be moved into the stowed position.

21 . An electronic key, according to claim 20 , wherein said mechanical key has a suspension structure by which the electronic key can be suspended when the suspension eyelet is in the stowed position.

22 . An electronic key, according to claim 19 , wherein:

the suspension eyelet is disposed on a guide arm; and

the guide arm includes a structure which is engageable with a corresponding structure of the mechanical key such that insertion of the mechanical key into the receptacle causes movement of the guide arm.

23 . An electronic key, according to claim 22 , wherein said movement of the guide arm comprises one of sliding and pivoting into the stowed position of the suspension eyelet.