IGNITION KEY SWITCH MECHANISM

摘要

An ignition key switch mechanism for a vehicle having an automatic or semi-automatic gearbox comprises two solenoids (30) and (31) arranged at right angles to each other between which a slider (32) or lever is disposed. The mechanism locks to prevent turning of the ignition key to the off position and removal of the key. Locking is effected by activating one solenoid (31) to pull the shaft of that solenoid inside the armature of the solenoid. That in turn pulls the slider (32) towards the solenoid and enables a locking pin (33) on the slider to lock the mechanism. As the slider (32) moves towards the solenoid a notch in the slider is brought into line with the shaft of the second solenoid (31). This shaft enters the notch under spring force to hold the mechanism in the locked position. Unlocking is effected by activating the second solenoid to withdraw the shaft from the notch allowing the fist solenoid and the locking pin to return to unlocked positions which in turn permits the key to be turned to the off position and removed.