Interlock assembly for a vehicle transmission

Abstract

An interlock assembly for preventing more than one of a plurality of shift bars within a transmission shifter assembly from being moved out of a central neutral position at a given time is disclosed. An interlock bracket is connected to the lower end of the shift lever for movement therewith about a first or selecting axis. When the shift lever is moved so as to select a particular shift bar for movement, the interlock bracket moves therewith, thereby blocking movement of the non-selected shift bars. An interlock pin is connected to the interlock bracket for movement therewith. First and second springs are provided for urging the interlock pin, the interlock bracket, and the shift lever toward a centered position relative to the plurality of shift bars. The first spring resists movement of the shift lever out of the centered position in a first direction about the selecting axis, while the second spring resists movement of the shift lever out of the centered position in a second, opposite direction about the selecting axis. The first and second springs differ in size by a large amount so as to provide different magnitudes of tactile feedback to an operator of the shift lever. As a result, the operator can easily determine by 'feel' which of the plurality of shift bars has been selected for subsequent movement to a gear engaging position.