TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER BACKDRIVE AND COLUMN LOCKING MECHANISMS

摘要

A console or floor-mounted shift lever is connected through a flexible cable to a coupling mechanism mounted on the steering column. The coupling mechanism has a coupling member which is linearly guided in a support bracket and is selectively connectable with an actuator member pivotally mounted on the support bracket and drivingly connected to a portion of the steering column. The coupling cooperates with the actuator such that the actuator is stationary while the transmission shift lever is moved through the conventional shift pattern from "Low" to "Reverse" and is pivoted when the shift lever is moved from "Reverse" to "Park". The pivoting movement of the actuator results in rotation of a portion of a steering column which then permits a conventional ignition locking mechanism to be moved to the "Lock" position.