Abstract: When a key is rotated, it is moved in order of an ON position, an R position, an N position and a D position so that the range of an automatic transmission is switched. Moreover, when the key 13 is pressed in the ON position and the N position, it is moved to a START position so that power is applied to a starter. In this case, it is possible to carry out an operation for starting an engine and an operation for switching the range of the automatic transmission by manipulating the same key in a different direction. Therefore, the operation for starting an engine and the operation for switching the range of the automatic transmission can be carried out easily.

Abstract: The lever body 17 includes a recess (receiver) 66 defined by an upper plate 70 and the projections 65a, 65b, as shown in FIG. 7. A notch 67 is formed in the upper plate 70 (see FIG. 1). The notch 67 permits the first locking piece 61 to move from its retreating position to the operating position in the recess 66. The dimension of the notch 67 in the Y direction (the width of the notch 67) and the dimension of the notch 67 in the notch X direction (the depth of the notch 67) are both shorter than the corresponding dimensions of the recess 66. The upper plate 70 functions as a prohibiting member.

Abstract: A shift device including a key cylinder and a shift lever is disclosed. The key cylinder is located adjacent to the shift lever. The key cylinder receives a key corresponding to the key cylinder. When the key is located at the ON position, the key cylinder generates an engine driving signal to an engine ECU. A stopping mechanism is located between the key cylinder and the shift lever for selectively stopping the movement of the shift lever depending on the selected key position.

Abstract: A shift device (10) including a shift position detecting sensor (28), a user identifying device (78) and a shift detection preventing device (73,76) is disclosed. The shift position detecting sensor detects a shift position of the shift lever and generates a shift position signal corresponding to the detected shift position. The user identifying device identifies a user of the shift device. If the user identifying device cannot identify the user, the shift detection preventing device prevents the shift position detecting sensor from detecting the shift position.

Abstract: A shift lever apparatus comprises a shift lever connected to a gearbox of a vehicle, a rod integrally moved together with the shift lever within the shift lever due to shift-operation of the lever, a detent member having a detent hole formed therein, a restricting portion formed on the detent hole, and a base member supporting the shift lever in a pivotable manner. The shift lever, by being shift-operated to a predetermined shift position, changes a shift range to a predetermined shift range which corresponds to the predetermined shift position, among a plurality of shift ranges set at the gearbox. The rod has a projection portion toward an outer side of the lever and movable with respect to the shift lever due to a releasing operation. The projection portion penetrates and enters into the detent member located opposite the projection portion along a direction in which the projection portion moves as the lever is shift-operated. The restricting portion can be avoided by a releasing operation.

Abstract: A shift device including a key cylinder and a shift lever is disclosed. The key cylinder is located adjacent to the shift lever. The key cylinder receives a key corresponding to the key cylinder. When the key is located at the ON position, the key cylinder generates an engine driving signal to an engine ECU. A stopping mechanism is located between the key cylinder and the shift lever for selectively stopping the movement of the shift lever depending on the selected key position.

Abstract: When a key is rotated, it is moved in order of an ON position, an R position, an N position and a D position so that the range of an automatic transmission is switched. Moreover, when the key 13 is pressed in the ON position and the N position, it is moved to a START position so that power is applied to a starter. In this case, it is possible to carry out an operation for starting an engine and an operation for switching the range of the automatic transmission by manipulating the same key in a different direction. Therefore, the operation for starting an engine and the operation for switching the range of the automatic transmission can be carried out easily.