Gearshift and ignition interlock mechanism

摘要

A gearshift lever and ignition lock mechanism has a flexible cable interlock connected therebetween. At the ignition lock end of the cable, a slide member is spring-loaded toward an unlock position. The gearshift end of the cable has a spring-loaded pawl disposed thereon. The spring load on the slide member is greater than the spring load on the pawl, such that the combination of these loads continuously urge the slide member toward the unlock position. The pawl is engaged by the gearshift lever when the gearshift lever is manipulated to the park position as controlled by a detent plate. A return spring on the shift lever moves the shift lever, pawl and slide member against the combined spring load in the flexible cable to a park position. In this position, the ignition key mechanism can be manipulated to the lock position for key removal; and a ramp on the slide member is contacted by a portion of the ignition lock to prevent the slide member from moving toward the unlock position. A shoulder on the pawl cooperates with the detent plate and the shift lever to prevent the removal of the gearshift lever from the park position prior to the manipulation of the ignition key from the lock position, and the upper space of the ramp prevents manipulation of the ignition lock to the lock position prior to movement of the gearshift lever to the park position.