Abstract:
A shift apparatus for shifting gears in a vehicle. The shift apparatus includes a shift selector rotated between a plurality of predetermined positions to instruct the shifting of gears in accordance with the position of the shift selector. A controller confirms whether the person operating the shift apparatus is the proper user and excites and de-excites a solenoid to lock and unlock the shift selector. An engine start actuator is arranged at substantially the same location as the shift selector to instruct the starting of the engine when pushed.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates to a transmission gear shift apparatus for vehicles.  
           [0002]    A conventional automatic transmission shifts gears by connecting and releasing gearsets with a clutch based on the vehicle speed or throttle opening. Further, a manual shift valve is actuated when a parking position or reverse gear is selected. The manual shift valve is also actuated when restricting forward gears to a predetermined low speed gear.  
           [0003]    The manual shift valve is switched by a lever installed near the driver&#39;s seat. In a shift-by-wire automatic transmission, an actuator, which is operated by switches, shifts the manual shift valve. In this structure, an electric circuit connects the switch and the actuator. It is desirable that the electric circuit be used more effectively to make such a shift apparatus more compact, for example, by connecting an ignition switch, which starts the engine, to the electric circuit or by concentrating various switches and lever operation transmission mechanisms within a small area.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a compact transmission shift apparatus for vehicles.  
           [0005]    To achieve the above object, the present invention presents a shift apparatus for shifting gears in a vehicle driven by an engine. The shift apparatus includes a shift selector that rotates between a plurality of predetermined positions to instruct the shifting of gears in accordance with the position of the shift selector. A movable engine start actuator is arranged at substantially the same location as the shift selector to instruct the starting of the engine when the actuator is pushed. A confirming device confirms that the person operating the shift apparatus is the proper user. An enabling device enables the movement of the engine start actuator based on the confirmation result of the confirming device. A first detector detects whether the engine start actuator is pushed. A second detector detects the position of the shift selector. A controller starts the engine based on the detection result of the first detector and shifts gears based on the detection result of the second detector.  
           [0006]    Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0007]    The invention, together with objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description of the presently preferred embodiments together with the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0008]    [0008]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a driver&#39;s seat of an automatic transmission vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view showing an instrument panel in the automatic transmission vehicle;  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view showing a shift apparatus;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 4 is a front view showing a fixed base;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view showing the shift apparatus;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 6 is a front view showing a fixed cylinder;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view showing the shift apparatus;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional front view showing a knob;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 9 is a front view showing a card key;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the electric structure of the shift apparatus;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view showing an automatic transmission vehicle instrument panel according to a second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view showing a shift apparatus in the second embodiment;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 13 is a front view showing a fixed base in the second embodiment;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 14 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view showing the shift apparatus of the second embodiment;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the electric structure of the shift apparatus of the second embodiment; and  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 16 is a partial perspective view showing an automatic transmission instrument panel according to a further embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0024]    A first embodiment according to the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS.  1  to  10 . A shift apparatus  13  is located on an instrument panel  12  in front and toward the left of a driver&#39;s seat  11 , as viewed in FIG. 1. A brake pedal  37  is located in front of the driver&#39;s seat  11  at a low position.  
         [0025]    With reference to FIG. 3, the left side of the drawing is referred to as the front side, the right side of the drawing is referred to as the rear side, the far side of the apparatus  13  in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing is referred to as the right side, and the near side of the apparatus in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing is referred to as the left side. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a unit that includes a support base  14 , a fixed base  15 , a knob  16 , and a push button  17  forms the shift apparatus  13 . The knob  16  functions as a shift selector, and the push button  17  functions as an engine start actuator.  
         [0026]    The support base  14  is cylindrical and has a front end closed by a plate. A flange  14   a,  which extends radially outward from the rear end of the support base  14 , is fixed to a member (not shown) in the instrument panel  12 . A controller  18 , which is a shift ECU, is fixed to the rear side of the end plate in the support base  14 . A solenoid  19 , which is electrically connected to the controller  18 , is fixed to the rear side of the end plate in the support base  14 . The controller  18  is located above an axis O of the support base  14  and the solenoid  19  is located below the axis O. The solenoid  19  has a plunger  19   a,  which extends through a hole  14   b  formed in the end plate of the support base  14 . The solenoid  19  functions as an enabling device.  
         [0027]    The plunger  19   a  moves between a lock position and an unlock position. The plunger  19   a  is extended from the solenoid  19  at the lock position and retracted in the solenoid  19  in the unlock position. A flange  19   b  is provided at the front portion of the plunger  19   a.  A spring  20  is arranged on the plunger  19   a  between the flange  19   b  and the end plate of the support base  14  to urge the plunger  19   a  toward the lock position. Thus, the plunger  19   a  is normally located at the lock position.  
         [0028]    The fixed base  15  is secured to the end plate of the support base  14 . The fixed base  15  is cylindrical and has a front end closed by a plate. A flange  15   a,  which extends radially outward from the rear end of the fixed base  15 , is fixed to the peripheral portion of the end plate of the support base  14 . Referring to FIG. 4, a hole  15   b  extends through the end plate of the fixed base  15  for receiving the front end of the plunger  19   a.  The hole  15   b  is located at an intermediate position between the axis O and the lowermost edge of the fixed base  15 . Further, an arcuate elongated hole  15   c  is formed in the end plate of the fixed base  15 . The elongated hole  15   c  extends by about 90 degrees from a point above the axis O. As shown in FIG. 3, a coil  21  is arranged in the fixed base  15 . The coil  21  is electrically connected to the controller  18 . The coil  21  and the controller  18  function as a confirming device.  
         [0029]    A fixed cylinder  22 , which has a rear end closed by a plate, is fixed to the end plate of the support base  14  by way of a support cylinder  23 . The support base  14 , the fixed cylinder  22 , and the support cylinder  23  are concentric. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the fixed cylinder  22  has a round fitting hole  22   a,  which extends through the center of its end plate. A printed circuit board  24  is fixed to the front side of the end plate in the fixed cylinder  22  and laid out about the fitting hole  22   a.  As shown in FIG. 6, four fixed electrodes  24   a,    24   b,    24   c,    24   d  are connected to the printed circuit board  24  along an imaginary circle, the center of which is the axis O. The fixed electrodes  24   a - 24   d  are each electrically connected to the controller  18 . The fixed electrode  24   a  is located below the axis O as viewed in FIG. 6. The other electrodes  24   b - 24   d  are respectively arranged in the clockwise direction from the fixed electrode  24   a  at angular intervals of 30 degrees.  
         [0030]    With reference to FIG. 5, a rotor plate  25  is rotatably supported on the end surface of the fixed cylinder  22 . More specifically, a tubular portion  25   a  extending from the center of the rotor plate  25  is rotatably fit in the fitting hole  22   a.  Thus, the rotor plate  25  is supported rotatably about the axis O. The tubular portion  25   a  has an engaging flange  25   b,  which is engaged with the end plate of the fixed cylinder  22  to secure the rotor plate  25  to the fixed cylinder  22 . A movable electrode  26 , which is made of a conductive metal, is fixed to the rear side of the rotor plate  25 . The movable electrode  26  is electrically connected to the controller  18  by a lead wire (not shown).  
         [0031]    The movable electrode  26  is made from a metal plate having elasticity. This constantly urges the movable electrode  26  toward the printed circuit board  24 . Thus, as the rotor plate  25  rotates, the movable electrode  26  selectively contacts the fixed electrodes  24   a - 24   d.  The movable electrode  26  and the fixed electrodes  24   a - 24   d  form a shift switch  31  that functions as a second detector. A connecting hole  25   c  extends through the rotor plate  25  at a location corresponding to one end of the elongated hole  15   c.    
         [0032]    With reference to FIG. 3, the knob  16 , which is cylindrical and has a front end closed by a plate, is arranged on the fixed base  15  to cover the fixed base  15 . The knob  16  is concentric with the support base  14 . A projection  16   a  projects rearwardly from the end plate of the knob  16 . The projection  16   a  is located slightly above the axis O. Further, the projection  16   a  is received by the elongated hole  15   c  and pressed into the connecting hole  25   c  (FIG. 5). The elongated hole  15   c  allows the projection  16   a  to be rotated about the axis O. Accordingly, the knob  16  rotates integrally with the rotor plate  25  about the axis O.  
         [0033]    As shown in FIG. 7, a recess  16   b  is provided in the front side of the end plate of the knob  16 . A circuit board  27  is fixed in the recess  16   b.  Referring to FIG. 8, a pair of fixed electrodes  27   a,  which are formed from a conductive metal, are arranged on the lower front surface of the circuit board  27 . The two fixed electrodes  27   a  are electrically connected to the controller  18 .  
         [0034]    As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a grip  16   c  is formed on the front side of the knob  16 . The grip  16   c  has a lower portion and a guide portion  16   d.  The projection amount of the lower portion relative to the end plate of the knob  16  increases gradually from the lowermost section of the grip  16   c  toward the axis O. The cross-section of the grip  16   c  is cup-like when viewed from the front side.  
         [0035]    A push button  17 , which moves vertically, is received by the guide portion  16   d.  The push button  17  is hollow and has an opened lower end. A spring  28  is accommodated in the hollow portion of the push button  17 . One end of the spring  28  contacts the bottom surface of the guide portion  16   d.  The spring  28  urges the push button  17  upward. A tab  17   a  projects rearwardly from the lower rear side push button  17 .  
         [0036]    Referring to FIGS. 3 and 8, the push button  17  is urged upward by the spring  28 . A lock space  16   e  is formed between the bottom surface in the grip  16   c  and the lower end of the push button  17 . The distal end of the plunger  19  moves into and out of the lock space  16   e.  The lock space  16   e  opposes the plunger  19   a  only when a pointer  30  (FIG. 2) on the knob  16  is pointed to “P”.  
         [0037]    When the distal end of the plunger  19   a  is inserted in the lock space  16   e,  or when the plunger  19   a  is located at the lock position, the plunger  19   a  prohibits rotation of the knob  16 . When the plunger  19   a  is not inserted in the lock space  16   e,  or when the plunger  19   a  is located at the unlock position, rotation of the knob  16  about the axis O is enabled.  
         [0038]    When the plunger  19   a  is moved out of the lock space  16   e,  downward movement of the tab  17   a  is enabled. In other words, the push button  17  may be moved downward against the force of the spring  28 . A movable electrode plate  29  made of a conductive metal is fixed to the rear side of the push button  17 . The elasticity of the movable electrode plate  29  constantly urges the movable electrode plate  29  toward the circuit board  27 . When the push button  17  is pushed until the tab  17   a  contacts the bottom surface in the grip  16   c,  the movable electrode plate  29  is simultaneously connected to the two fixed electrodes  27   a.  The two fixed electrodes  27   a  and the movable electrode plate  29  form an ignition switch  35  (FIG. 7) and function as a first detector.  
         [0039]    Referring to FIG. 2, alphabetic characters are marked on the instrument panel  12 . Alphabet characters P, R, N, D respectively indicate a parking position, a reverse drive position, a neutral position, and a forward drive position. The pointer  30  is marked on the front surface of the knob  16 . When the pointer  30  is pointed toward P, the movable electrode  26  and the fixed electrode  24   a  of the printed circuit board  24  are electrically connected. When the pointer  30  is pointed toward R, N, D, the movable electrode  26  is electrically connected to the fixed electrodes  24   b,    24   c,    24   d,  respectively.  
         [0040]    The electric structure of the shift apparatus  13  and peripheral devices will now be discussed.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 9 shows a card key  32 , which is provided separately from the shift apparatus  13 . A transponder  32   a,  which stores an immobilizer identification code, is embedded in the card key  32 . When the card key  32  is held near the coil  21 , the transponder  32   a  transmits the immobilizer identification code to the controller  18  via the coil  21 . A brake switch  37   a  (FIG. 10), which sends a brake detection signal to the controller  18  when the brake pedal  37  is depressed, is arranged in the vicinity of the brake pedal  37 . As shown in FIG. 10, the controller  18  of the shift apparatus  13  is electrically connected to an engine EG by an engine ECU  70 .  
         [0042]    A head amplifier  36  connects the controller  18  and the coil  21  to each other. The head amplifier  36  amplifies a determination request signal, which is output from the controller  18  and sent to the coil  21 . The controller  18  controls an actuator  71 , which is a motor or the like, to switch a manual shift valve (not shown), which functions as a range switching valve. The manual shift valve is a spool type valve supplied with oil to transmit hydraulic pressure to the clutch, the brake, or the like through a passage in correspondence with the driving range that is determined by the gearshift position.  
         [0043]    The operation of the shift apparatus  13  of the first embodiment will now be discussed.  
         [0044]    In an initial state of the shift apparatus  13 , or when the engine EG is stopped, the pointer  30  of the knob  16  is pointed toward P. Thus, the fixed electrode  24   a  is connected to the movable electrode  26 , and the controller  18  receives a stop position signal. Further, the plunger  19   a  is located at the lock position, the rotation of the knob  16  is prohibited (the knob  16  is locked), and the movement of the push button  17  is disabled (the push button  17  is locked).  
         [0045]    When a power switch S, which is located on the instrument panel  12 , is pushed, the controller  18  sends a determination request signal to the head amplifier  36 . The head amplifier  36  amplifies the determination request signal and sends the amplified signal to the coil  21 . If the card key  32  is held near the shift apparatus  13  in this state, the coil  21  transmits the determination request signal to the transponder  32   a.  When the transponder  32   a  receives the determination request signal, the transponder  32   a  transmits the immobilizer identification code to the head amplifier  36  via the coil  21 . The head amplifier  36  then sends the immobilizer identification code to the controller  18 . The controller  18  compares the immobilizer identification code with a prestored vehicle identification code. When the codes match, the controller  18  verifies the card key  32  and determines that the card key  32  is held by the proper user. In such case, the controller  18  stores key recognition information.  
         [0046]    When the brake pedal  37  is depressed in this state, the brake switch  37   a  sends a brake detection signal to the controller  18 . The controller  18  sends an excitation signal to the solenoid  19  if the controller  18  stores the key recognition information and receives the brake detection signal. More specifically, when the engine EG is not running, the controller  18  unlocks the solenoid  19  when two conditions are both satisfied. The first condition is that the controller  18  receives the key recognition information, which indicates that the proper user is holding the card key  32 , and the second condition is that the controller  18  receives the brake detection signal.  
         [0047]    Based on the excitation signal, the solenoid  19  moves the plunger  19   a  from the lock position to the unlock position. This enables the movement of the push button  17  and the rotation of the knob  16 . In this state, when the push button  17  is pushed as shown in FIG. 7, the movable electrode plate  29  is connected to the two fixed electrodes  27   a.  This turns on the ignition switch  35  and sends an engine start signal to the controller  18 . The controller  18  sends an engine drive permission signal to the engine ECU  70  based on the engine start signal. The engine ECU  70  then starts the engine EG based on the engine drive permission signal.  
         [0048]    Subsequently, if the knob  16  is rotated from the P position to the R position with the brake pedal  37  in a depressed state, the fixed electrode  24   b  and the movable electrode  26  are connected. Thus, the controller  18  receives a reverse drive position signal. The controller  18  then drives the actuator  71  based on the reverse drive position signal.  
         [0049]    When the brake pedal  37  is released after the engine ECU  70  starts the engine EG, the controller  18  de-excites the solenoid  19  based on a brake release signal sent from the brake switch  37   a.  Thus, the spring  20  moves the plunger  19   a  of the solenoid  19  toward the lock position. However, the lock space  16   e  is separated from the plunger  19   a  due to the position of the knob  16 . Thus, the plunger  19   a  abuts the rear side of the knob  16 .  
         [0050]    When the knob  16  is further rotated to a position corresponding to N, the fixed electrode  24   c  and the movable electrode  26  are connected. Thus, the controller  18  receives a neutral position signal. The controller  18  controls the actuator in correspondence with the neutral position based on the neutral position signal.  
         [0051]    When the knob  16  is further rotated to a position corresponding to D, the fixed electrode  24   d  and the movable electrode  26  are connected. Thus, the controller  18  receives a drive position signal. The controller  18  controls the actuator  71  in correspondence with the drive position based on the drive position signal.  
         [0052]    If the knob  16  is rotated from a position where the pointer  30  is pointed to R, N, or D to the position where the pointer  30  is pointed to P when the brake pedal  37  is not depressed, the lock space  16   e  becomes aligned with the plunger  19   a.  Thus, the force of the spring  20  moves the plunger  19   a  to the lock position. The distal portion of the plunger  19   a  is inserted through the hole  15   b  and into the lock space  16   e  to lock the knob  16 .  
         [0053]    If the brake pedal  37  is depressed when the engine EG is running, the brake switch  37   a  sends the brake detection signal to the controller  18  and the controller  18  excites the solenoid  19  and moves the plunger  19   a  to the unlock position. Accordingly, to rotate the knob  16  from a position where the pointer  30  is pointed to P to a position where the pointer  30  is pointed to R, N, or D, the card key  32  need not be verified again and the brake pedal  37  need only be depressed.  
         [0054]    To stop the engine EG, the power switch S is pushed in a state in which the pointer  30  of the knob  16  is pointed toward P. This causes the controller  18  to send an engine stop signal to the controller  18 . Based on the engine stop signal, the engine ECU  70  stops the engine EG.  
         [0055]    In the shift apparatus  13  of the first embodiment, the push button  17  is accommodated in the knob  16 . Thus, in comparison to when the push button  17  and the knob  16  are separated, the shift apparatus  13  has fewer components, uses space more efficiently, is more compact, and is unitized more easily.  
         [0056]    When the engine EG is stopped, the plunger  19   a  is moved from the lock position to the unlock position when the brake pedal  37  is depressed after the controller  18  and the coil  21  confirm from the transponder  32   a  of the card key  32  that the proper user is holding the card key  32 . This unlocks the push button  17  and the knob  16 . The knob  16  and the push button  17  remain locked unless the controller  18  confirms that the card key  32  is held by the proper user. This prevents the vehicle from being stolen. In addition, the knob  16  cannot be rotated unless the brake pedal  37  is depressed. This prevents the vehicle from moving suddenly.  
         [0057]    The same solenoid  19  enables and disables the movement of the knob  16  and the push button  17 . This simplifies the structure of the shift apparatus  13  and reduces cost.  
         [0058]    A shift apparatus  50  according to a second embodiment of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to FIGS.  11  to  15 . The second embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. Thus, like elements will be denoted with the same reference numbers and will not be described in detail. Only differing elements will be described.  
         [0059]    In the first embodiment, the shift switch  31  and the ignition switch  35  are contact switches. However, the second embodiment employs a shift sensor  72  and an ignition sensor  73 , which are non-contact sensors (FIG. 15).  
         [0060]    As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, in the shift apparatus  50 , a recess  15   d  is provided in the front side of the end plate of the fixed base  15 . The recess  15   d  is offset upward from the center of the fixed base  15 . A circuit board  56  is fixed in the recess  15   d.  Magnetic resistance devices  55   a,    55   b,    55   c,    55   d,    55   e  are attached to the circuit board  56 . The magnetic resistance devices  55   a - 55   e  are located near the axis O of the fixed base  15  and electrically connected to the controller  18 . As shown in FIG. 13, the magnetic resistance devices  55   b - 55   e  are arranged along an imaginary circle, the center of which is the axis O. The magnetic resistance device  55   b  is located above the axis O, as viewed in FIG. 3. The other magnetic resistance devices  55   c - 55   e  are respectively arranged in the clockwise direction from the magnetic resistance device  55   b  in angular intervals of 30 degrees.  
         [0061]    With reference to FIGS. 12 and 14, a magnet  57  is fixed to the rear side of the knob  16  at a position corresponding to the magnetic resistance device  55   b.  As the knob  16  rotates about the axis O, the magnet  57  opposes the magnetic resistance devices  55   b - 55   e.  The magnetic resistance devices  55   b - 55   e  form the shift sensor  72 .  
         [0062]    Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, a notch  16   f  is formed in the upper middle section of the guide portion  16   d  of the grip  16   c.  A push button  58  that moves vertically relative to the guide portion  16   d  is inserted in the grip  16   c.  The push button  58  functions as an engine start actuator. The spring  28  urges the push button  58  upward. A tab  58   a  projects rearward from a lower rear portion of the push button  58 . The tab  58   a  contacts the uppermost surface of the distal portion of the plunger  19   a  when the plunger  19   a  is located at the lock position.  
         [0063]    When the plunger  19   a  is located at the unlock position, the push button  58  is permitted to move downward against the force of the spring  28 . A magnet  59  is fixed to the rear side of the push button  58 . When the push button  58  is pushed to the lowermost position, the magnet  59  and the magnetic resistance device  55   a  become opposed to each other (FIG. 14). In the second embodiment, the magnetic resistance device  55   a  functions as the ignition sensor  73 , which detects the magnet  59 , and serves as a first detector. Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, a concave portion  58   b  is defined in the top end of the push button  58 . A cross-like groove  58   c  is formed in the middle of the concave portion  58   b.    
         [0064]    With reference to FIG. 11, a spherical key  60 , the curvature of which is substantially the same as that of the concave portion  58   b,  is provided separately from the shift apparatus  50 . The transponder  32   a  is embedded in the key  60  (FIG. 12). A cross-like projection  60   a,  which fits into the groove  58   c,  is formed on the surface of the key  60 . A flexible rod  61  connects the key  60  to a key holder  62 . When the push button  58  is pushed, the rod  61  is guided by the notch  16   f.    
         [0065]    The operation of the shift apparatus  50  of the second embodiment will now be discussed.  
         [0066]    In an initial state of the shift apparatus  50 , or when the engine EG is stopped, the pointer  30  of the knob  16  is pointed toward P. Thus, the magnetic resistance device  55   b  and the magnet  57  oppose each other. The magnetic resistance device  55   b  detects the magnetic flux of the magnet  57  and sends the stop position signal to the controller  18 . Further, the plunger  19   a  is located at the lock position, and the knob  16  and the push button  17  are locked.  
         [0067]    When the power switch S is pushed, the head amplifier  36  sends the determination request signal to the coil  21 . If the key  60  is held near the shift apparatus  50  in this state, the transponder  32   a  sends the immobilizer identification code to the controller  18  via the coil  21  and the head amplifier  36 . The controller  18  compares the immobilizer identification code with the prestored vehicle identification code. When the codes match, the controller  18  verifies the key  60  and determines that the key  60  is held by the proper user. In such case, the controller  18  stores key recognition information.  
         [0068]    When the brake pedal  37  is depressed in this state, the brake switch  37   a  sends the brake detection signal to the controller  18 . The controller  18  sends the excitation signal to the solenoid  19  when the controller  18  stores the key recognition information and receives the brake detection signal. This moves the plunger  19   a  from the lock position to the unlock position and unlocks the push button  58  and the knob  16 .  
         [0069]    Referring to FIG. 11, when movement of the push button  58  is enabled, the projection  60   a  of the key  60  is fit into the groove  58   c  of the push button  58 . In this state, if the push button  58  is pushed with the key  60 , the magnetic resistance device  55   a  and the magnet  59  oppose each other. The magnet  59  then detects the magnetic flux of the magnetic resistance device  55   a  and sends the engine start signal to the controller  18 . The engine ECU  70  then starts the engine EG.  
         [0070]    Subsequently, if the knob  16  is rotated from the P position to the R position with the brake pedal  37  in a depressed state, the magnetic resistance device  55   c  opposes the magnet  57  and detects the magnetic flux of the magnet  57 . Thus, the magnetic resistance device  55   c  sends the reverse drive position signal to the controller  18 . The controller  18  then drives the actuator  71  based on the reverse drive position signal.  
         [0071]    When the brake pedal  37  is released after the engine ECU  70  starts the engine EG, the controller  18  de-excites the solenoid  19 . In this state, the plunger  19   a  is separated from the lock space  16   e.  Thus, the plunger  19   a  abuts the rear side of the knob  16 .  
         [0072]    When the knob  16  is further rotated to a position corresponding to N, the magnetic resistance device  55   d  opposes the magnet  57  and detects the magnetic flux of the magnet  57 . Thus, the magnetic resistance device  55   d  sends the neutral position signal to the controller  18 . The controller  18  controls the actuator in correspondence with the neutral position based on the neutral position signal. When the knob  16  is further rotated to a position corresponding to D, the magnetic resistance device  55   e  opposes the magnet  57  and detects the magnetic flux of the magnet  57 . Thus, the magnetic resistance device  55   e  sends the drive position signal to the controller  18 . The controller  18  controls the actuator  71  in correspondence with the drive position based on the drive position signal.  
         [0073]    If the knob  16  is rotated from a position where the pointer  30  is pointed to R, N, or D to the position where the pointer  30  is pointed to P when the brake pedal  37  is not depressed, the knob  16  becomes locked in the same manner as the first embodiment.  
         [0074]    Like the first embodiment, if the knob  16  is rotated from a position where the pointer  30  is pointed to P to a position where the pointer  30  is pointed to R, N, or D when the engine EG is running, the key  60  need not be verified again and the brake pedal  37  need only be depressed. To stop the engine EG, the power switch S is pushed in a state in which the pointer  30  of the knob  16  is pointed toward P in the same manner as the first embodiment.  
         [0075]    It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Particularly, it should be understood that the present invention may be embodied in the following forms.  
         [0076]    Instead of using only one solenoid  19  like in the above embodiments, two solenoids  19  may be used to lock and unlock the knob  16  and the push button  17 .  
         [0077]    As shown in FIG. 16, the P position P may be deleted so that only the alphabetic characters R, N, and D are marked on the instrument panel  12  near the knob  16 . In this case, position N is used to provide the functions of both N and P positions in the first and second embodiments.  
         [0078]    At least one of the controller  18  and the coil  21  may be located outside the shift apparatus  13 . For example, the coil  21  may be separated from the shift apparatus  13 , which is arranged on the instrument panel  12 , and be located in, for example, a vehicle door. In the same manner, the controller  18  may be separated from the shift apparatus  13  and be located in, for example, a vehicle door.  
         [0079]    The present examples and embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalence of the appended claims.