Vehicle drive system operation apparatus and vehicle drive control system

A control system for a drive system of a vehicle including a passenger compartment, an engine, and a transmission, the control system comprising:

• an authorized key capable of performing communication;
• a gearshift operator arranged in the passenger compartment;
• an engine operator arranged near the gearshift operator;
• a shutter for covering the gearshift operator and the engine operator;
• a communication circuit capable of communicating with the authorized key;
• and
• a controller connected to the communication circuit, the gearshift operator, and the engine operator to control the transmission in accordance with the operation of the engine operator, the controller invalidating the operation of the gearshift operator and the engine operator when communication with the authorized key is not established.

A control system for a drive system of a vehicle including an engine and a transmission, the control system comprising:

• an authorized key capable of performing communication;
• a gearshift operator operated to change a gearshift range of the transmission and generate a first operation signal;
• an engine operator arranged near the gearshift operator and operated to control operation of the engine and generate a second operation signal;
• a cover movable between a closed position at which the cover covers the gearshift operator and the engine operator and an opened position at which the cover exposes the gearshift operator and the engine operator;
• a cover drive circuit for driving the cover;
• and
• a vehicle control unit connected to the gearshift operator, the engine operator, and the cover drive circuit, the vehicle control unit including a communication circuit capable of communicating with the authorized key, the vehicle control unit opening the cover, enabling operation of the gearshift operator and the engine operator, and controlling the engine and the transmission in accordance with the first and second operation signals when predetermined conditions, including establishment of wireless communication between the communication circuit and the authorized key, are satisfied, and the vehicle control unit keeping the cover closed and disabling operation of the gearshift operator and the engine operator at least when wireless communication between the communication circuit and the authorized key is not established.