Patent ID: 7596977

Claim:
A key casing comprising: a vehicle identification communication electronic part comprising at least one of a transponder and a remote control, or alternatively radiofrequency communication electronics of the hands-free type, and an energy storage means, and a vehicle key, comprising: a key bow part forming a part for holding the key, and an insert configured to be inserted in a lock of a vehicle, wherein the key bow part is fixed to the insert by an articulation, wherein the articulation forms a movable connection between the key bow part and the insert; and a housing comprising an electronics housing which contains the vehicle identification communication electronic part, and an insert housing, wherein the insert housing is of longitudinal shape and is configured to accommodate the insert when the key is not being used, wherein the electronics housing and the insert housing are separated hermetically, and wherein the key is separable from the housing, and wherein the articulation is configured to allow the key bow part to be moved between a position of rest that is substantially parallel to the insert and a position of use that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the insert.