Electronic control device for automatic power transmission

Claim 2

An electronic control device for an automatic power transmission of a motor vehicle, comprising, in combination: first sensing means for generating a first variable voltage signal proportional to vehicle speed; second sensing means for generating a second variable voltage signal proportional to throttle opening; third sensing means for generating first, second and third constant voltage signals representing ''''D,'''' ''''II'''' and ''''I'''' positions of a selector lever, respectively; fourth sensing means for generating a fourth constant voltage signal when an accelerator pedal is depressed to full throttle position for quick acceleration; circuit means having comparing means connected to said first, second, third and fourth sensing means, said comparing means being responsive to said first constant voltage signal and comparing said first and second variable voltage signals to produce a first control signal until the sum of said first and second variable voltage signals exceeds a first predetermined value, a second control signal when the sum of said first and second varable voltage signals exceeds the first predetermined value and a third control signal when the sum of said first and second variable voltage signals exceeds a second predetermined value, said comparing means being responsive to said second constant voltage signal and comparing said second constant voltage signal with said first variable voltage signal to produce said second control signal when the sum of said second constant voltage signal and said first variable voltage signal exceeds said first predetermined value, said comparing being responsive to said third constant voltage signal and comparing said third constant voltage signal with said first variable voltage signal to produce said first control signal when the sum of said third constant voltage signal and said first variable voltage signal is below said first predetermined level, and said comparing means being responsive to said fourth constant voltage signal and comparing said fourth constant voltage signal with said first variable voltage signal to produce a forced-downshift signal; and actuating means connected to said circuit means for effecting shift between a pluRality of gear ratios in said automatic power transmission in response to said first, second and third control signals and said forced-downshift signal.

Claim 3

An electronic control device for an automatic power transmission of a motor vehicle, comprising, in combination: first sensing means for generating a variable negative voltage signal proportional to vehicle speed; second sensing means for generating a variable positive voltage signal proportional to throttle opening; third sensing means for generating first, second and third constant positive voltage signals representing ''''D,'''' ''''II'''' and ''''I'''' positions of a selector lever, respectively; fourth sensing means for generating a fourth constant positive voltage signal when an accelerator pedal is depressed to full throttle position for quick acceleration; circuit means having comparing means connected to said first, second, third and fourth sensing means, said comparing means being responsive to said first constant positive voltage signal and comparing said variable negative voltage signal with said variable positive voltage signal to produce a first control signal when the sum of said variable negative and positive voltage signals is below a first predetermined value, a second control signal when the sum of said variable negative and positive voltage signals exceeds the first predetermined value and a third control signal when the sum of said variable negative and positive voltage signals exceeds a second predetermined value, said comparing means being responsive to said second constant positive voltage signal and comparing said second constant positive voltage signal with said variable negative voltage signal to produce said second control signal when the sum of said second constant positive voltage signal and said variable negative voltage signal exceeds said first predetermined value, said comparing means being responsive to said third constant positive voltage signal and comparing said third constant positive voltage signal with said variable negative voltage signal to produce said first control signal when the sum of said third constant positive voltage signal and said variable negative voltage is below said first predetermined level, and said comparing means being responsive to said fourth constant positive voltage signal and comparing said fourth constant positive voltage signal with said variable negative voltage signal to produce a forced-downshift signal; and actuating means connected to said circuit means for effecting shift between a plurality of gear ratios in said automatic power transmission in response to said first, second and third control signals and said forced-downshift signal.

Claim 4

An electronic control device for an automatic power transmission of a motor vehicle, comprising, in combination: first sensing means for generating a variable negative voltage signal proportional to vehicle speed; second sensing means for generating a variable positive voltage signal proportional to throttle opening; third sensing means for generating first, second and third constant positive voltage signals representing ''''D,'''' ''''II'''' and ''''I'''' positions of a selector lever, respectively; fourth sensing means for generating a fourth constant positive voltage signal when an accelerator pedal is depressed to full throttle position for quick acceleration; circuit means having comparing means connected to said first, second, third and fourth sensing means, said comparing means being responsive to said first constant positive voltage signal and comparing said variable negative voltage signal with said variable positive voltage signal to produce a first control signal when the sum of said variable negative and positive voltage signals is below a first predetermined value, a second control signal when the sum of said variable negative and positive voltage signals exceeds the first predetermined value and a third control signal when the sum of said variable negative and positive voltage signals exceeds a second predetermined value, said comparing means being responsive to said second constant positive voltage signal and comparing said second constant positive voltage signal with said variable negative voltage signal to produce said second control signal when the sum of said second constant positive voltage signal and said variable negative voltage signal exceeds said first predetermined value, said comparing means being responsive to said third constant positive voltage signal and comparing said third constant positive voltage signal with said variable negative voltage signal to produce said first control signal when the sum of said third constant positive voltage signal and said variable negative voltage is below said first predetermined level, and said comparing means being responsive to said fourth constant positive voltage signal and comparing said fourth constant positive voltage signal with said variable negative voltage signal to produce a forced-downshift signal; and actuating means connected to said circuit means for effecting shift between a plurality of gear ratios in said automatic power transmission in response to said first, second and third control signals and said forced-downshift signal.

Claim 5

An electronic control device for an automatic power transmission of a motor vehicle, comprising, in combination: a vehicle speed sensor for generating a variable negative voltage signal proportional to vehicle speed; a throttle opening sensor for generating a variable positive voltage signal proportional to throttle opening; a selector lever position sensor for generating first, second and third constant positive voltage signals representing ''''D, '''' ''''II'''' and ''''I'''' positions of a selector lever, respectively; a kick-down sensor for generating a fourth constant positive voltage signal when an accelerator pedal is depressed to full throttle position for quick acceleration; switching means connected to said throttle sensor and controlled by said second, third and fourth constant positive voltage signals from said selector lever position sensor and said kick-down sensor to cut-off said variable positive voltage signal from said throttle sensor; circuit means having comparing means connected to said vehicle speed sensor, said throttle opening sensor, said selector lever position sensor and said kick-down sensor, said comparing means being responsive to said first constant positive voltage signal and comparing said variable negativE voltage signal with said variable positive voltage signal to produce a first control signal when the sum of said variable negative and positive voltage signals is below a first predetermined value, a second control signal when the sum of said variable negative and positive voltage signals exceeds the first predetermined value and a third control signal when the sum of said variable negative and positive voltage signals exceeds a second predetermined value, said comparing means being responsive to said second constant positive voltage signal and comparing said second constant positive voltage signal with said variable negative voltage signal to produce said second control signal when the sum of said second constant positive voltage signal and said variable negative voltage signal exceeds said first predetermined value, said comparing means being responsive to said third constant positive voltage signal and comparing said third constant positive voltage signal with said variable negative voltage signal to produce said first control signal when the sum of said third constant positive voltage signal and said variable negative voltage signal is below said first predetermined level, and said comparing means being responsive to said fourth constant positive voltage signal and comparing said fourth constant positive voltage signal with said variable negative voltage signal to produce a forced-downshift signal; and actuating means connected to said circuit means for effecting shift between a plurality of gear ratios in said automatic power transmission in response to said first, second and third control signals and said forced-downshift signal.

Claim 6

An electronic control device for an automatic power transmission of a motor vehicle, comprising, in combination: a vehicle speed sensor for generating a variable negative voltage signal proportional to vehicle speed; a throttle opening sensor for generating a variable positive voltage signal proportional to throttle opening; a selector lever position sensor for generating first, second and third constant positive voltage signals representing ''''D, '''' ''''II'''' and ''''I'''' positions of a selector lever, respectively; a kick-down sensor for generating a fourth constant positive voltage signal when an accelerator pedal is depressed to full throttle position for quick acceleration; switching means connected to said throttle sensor and controlled by said second, third and fourth constant positive voltage signals from said selector lever position sensor and said kick-down sensor to cut-off said variable positive voltage signal from said throttle sensor; circuit means having comparing means connected to said vehicle speed sensor, said throttle opening sensor, said selector lever position sensor and said kick-down sensor, said comparing means being responsive to said first constant positive voltage signal and comparing said variable negativE voltage signal with said variable positive voltage signal to produce a first control signal when the sum of said variable negative and positive voltage signals is below a first predetermined value, a second control signal when the sum of said variable negative and positive voltage signals exceeds the first predetermined value and a third control signal when the sum of said variable negative and positive voltage signals exceeds a second predetermined value, said comparing means being responsive to said second constant positive voltage signal and comparing said second constant positive voltage signal with said variable negative voltage signal to produce said second control signal when the sum of said second constant positive voltage signal and said variable negative voltage signal exceeds said first predetermined value, said comparing means being responsive to said third constant positive voltage signal and comparing said third constant positive voltage signal with said variable negative voltage signal to produce said first control signal when the sum of said third constant positive voltage signal and said variable negative voltage signal is below said first predetermined level, and said comparing means being responsive to said fourth constant positive voltage signal and comparing said fourth constant positive voltage signal with said variable negative voltage signal to produce a forced-downshift signal; and actuating means connected to said circuit means for effecting shift between a plurality of gear ratios in said automatic power transmission in response to said first, second and third control signals and said forced-downshift signal.

Claim 7

In an automatic power transmission of a motor vehicle, and electronic control device for controlling shift between different gear ratios in said automatic power transmission, said electronic control device comprising, in combination: a vehicle speed sensor for generating a variable negative voltage signal proportional to vehicle speed; a throttle opening sensor for generating a variable positive voltage signal proportional to throttle opening; a selector lever position sensor for generating first, second and third constant positive voltage signals representing ''''D, '''' ''''II'''' and ''''I'''' positions of a selector lever, respectively: a kick-down sensor for generating a fourth constant positive voltage signal when an accelerator pedal is depressed to full throttle position for quick acceleration; a switching transistor having its base connected to said selector lever position sensor and said kick-down sensor and having its collector connected to said throttle opening sensor, the emitter of said switching transistor being grounded, said switching transistor being rendered conductive to cut-off said variable positive voltage signal from said throttle opening sensor in response to one of said second, third and fourth constant positive voltage signals from said selector position sensor and said kick-down sensor; first trigger circuit connected to said vehicle speed sensor and said throttle opening sensor and connected to said selector lever position sensor and said kick-down sensor; second trigger circuit connected to said vehicle speed sensor and said throttle opening sensor and connected to said selector lever position sensor and said kick-down sensor; said first and second trigger circuits cooperating with each other, said first and second trigger circuits being responsive to said first constant positive voltage signal and comparing said variable positive voltage signal with said variable negative voltage signal to generate a first control signal when the sum of said variable negative voltage signal and said variable positive voltage signal is below a first predetermined value, said first and second trigger circuits being responsive to said second constant positive voltage signal sensor and comparing said variable negative voltage signal with said second constant positive voltage signAl to generate a second control signal when the sum of said second constant positive voltage signal and said variable negative voltage signal exceeds said first predetermined value, said first and second trigger circuits being responsive to said third constant positive voltage signal and comparing said variable negative voltage signal with said third constant positive voltage signal to generate a third control signal when the sum of said third constant positive voltage signal and said variable negative voltage signal exceeds a second predetermined value, and said first and second trigger circuit being responsive to said fourth constant positive voltage signal and comparing said variable negative voltage signal with said fourth constant positive voltage signal to generate a forced-downshift signal; and actuating means including first and second solenoids connected to said first and second trigger circuits, respectively, said first and second solenoids being selectively energized and de-energized in response to said first, second and third control signals and said forced-downshift signal for controlling shift between said gear ratios in said automatic power transmission.

Claim 8

In an automatic power transmission of a motor vehicle, and electronic control device for controlling shift between different gear ratios in said automatic power transmission, said electronic control device comprising, in combination: a vehicle speed sensor for generating a variable negative voltage signal proportional to vehicle speed; a throttle opening sensor for generating a variable positive voltage signal proportional to throttle opening; a selector lever position sensor for generating first, second and third constant positive voltage signals representing ''''D, '''' ''''II'''' and ''''I'''' positions of a selector lever, respectively: a kick-down sensor for generating a fourth constant positive voltage signal when an accelerator pedal is depressed to full throttle position for quick acceleration; a switching transistor having its base connected to said selector lever position sensor and said kick-down sensor and having its collector connected to said throttle opening sensor, the emitter of said switching transistor being grounded, said switching transistor being rendered conductive to cut-off said variable positive voltage signal from said throttle opening sensor in response to one of said second, third and fourth constant positive voltage signals from said selector position sensor and said kick-down sensor; first trigger circuit connected to said vehicle speed sensor and said throttle opening sensor and connected to said selector lever position sensor and said kick-down sensor; second trigger circuit connected to said vehicle speed sensor and said throttle opening sensor and connected to said selector lever position sensor and said kick-down sensor; said first and second trigger circuits cooperating with each other, said first and second trigger circuits being responsive to said first constant positive voltage signal and comparing said variable positive voltage signal with said variable negative voltage signal to generate a first control signal when the sum of said variable negative voltage signal and said variable positive voltage signal is below a first predetermined value, said first and second trigger circuits being responsive to said second constant positive voltage signal sensor and comparing said variable negative voltage signal with said second constant positive voltage signAl to generate a second control signal when the sum of said second constant positive voltage signal and said variable negative voltage signal exceeds said first predetermined value, said first and second trigger circuits being responsive to said third constant positive voltage signal and comparing said variable negative voltage signal with said third constant positive voltage signal to generate a third control signal when the sum of said third constant positive voltage signal and said variable negative voltage signal exceeds a second predetermined value, and said first and second trigger circuit being responsive to said fourth constant positive voltage signal and comparing said variable negative voltage signal with said fourth constant positive voltage signal to generate a forced-downshift signal; and actuating means including first and second solenoids connected to said first and second trigger circuits, respectively, said first and second solenoids being selectively energized and de-energized in response to said first, second and third control signals and said forced-downshift signal for controlling shift between said gear ratios in said automatic power transmission.

Claim 9

In an automatic power transmission of a motor vehicle, and electronic control device for controlling shift between different gear ratios in said automatic power transmission, said electronic control device comprising, in combination: a vehicle speed sensor for generating a variable negative voltage signal proportional to vehicle speed; a throttle opening sensor for generating a variable positive voltage signal proportional to throttle opening; a selector lever position sensor having first, second and third switches generating first, second and third constant positive voltage signals, when closed, representing ''''D,'''' ''''II'''' and ''''I'''' positions of a selector lever, respectively; a kick-down sensor for generating a fourth constant positive voltage signal when an accelerator pedal is depressed to full throttle position for quick acceleration; a switching transistor having its base connected to said selector lever position sensor and said kick-down sensor and having its collector connected to said throttle opening sensor, the emitter of said switching transistor being grounded, said switching transistor being rendered conductive to cut-off said variable positive voltage signal from said throttle opening sensor in response to one of said second, third and fourth constant positive voltage signals from said selector lever position sensor and said kick-down sensor; first trigger circuit including an input connected to said vehicle speed sensor, said throttle opening sensor, and said first, second and third switches of said selector lever position sensor and said kick-down sensor, an output, and two cascaded transistors connected between said input and output; second trigger circuit including an input connected to said vehicle speed sensor, said throttle opening sensor, said first second and third switches of said selector lever position sensor and said kick-down sensor, an output, and two cascaded transistors connected between said input and output; said first and second trigger circuits cooperating with each other, said first and second trigger circuits being responsive to said first constant positive voltage signal and comparing variable positive voltage signal with said variable negative voltage signal to generate a first control signal when the sum of said variable negative voltage signal and said variable positive voltage signal is below a first predetermined value, said first and second trigger circuits being responsive to said second constant positive voltage signal sensor and comparing said variable negative signal with said second constant positive voltage signal to generate a second control signal when the sum of said second constant positive voltage signal and said variable negative voltage signal exceeds said first predetermined value, said first and second trigger circuits being responsive to said third constant positive voltage signal and comparing said variable negative voltage signal with said third constant positive voltage signal to generate a third control signal when the sum of said third constant positive voltage signal and said variable negative voltage signal exceeds a second predetermined value, and said first and second trigger circuit being responsive to said fourth constant positive voltage signal and comparing said variable negative voltage signal with said fourth constant positive voltage signal to generate a forced-downshift signal; and actuating means including first and second solenoids connected to the outputs of said first and second trigger circuits, respectively, said first and second solenoids being selectively energized and de-energized in response to said first, and second and third control signals and said forced-downshift signal for controlling shift between said gear ratios in said automatic power transmission.

Claim 10

In an automatic power transmission of a motor vehicle, and electronic control device for controlling shift between different gear ratios in said automatic power transmission, said electronic control device comprising, in combination: a vehicle speed sensor for generating a variable negative voltage signal proportional to vehicle speed; a throttle opening sensor for generating a variable positive voltage signal proportional to throttle opening; a selector lever position sensor having first, second and third switches generating first, second and third constant positive voltage signals, when closed, representing ''''D,'''' ''''II'''' and ''''I'''' positions of a selector lever, respectively; a kick-down sensor for generating a fourth constant positive voltage signal when an accelerator pedal is depressed to full throttle position for quick acceleration; a switching transistor having its base connected to said selector lever position sensor and said kick-down sensor and having its collector connected to said throttle opening sensor, the emitter of said switching transistor being grounded, said switching transistor being rendered conductive to cut-off said variable positive voltage signal from said throttle opening sensor in response to one of said second, third and fourth constant positive voltage signals from said selector lever position sensor and said kick-down sensor; first trigger circuit including an input connected to said vehicle speed sensor, said throttle opening sensor, and said first, second and third switches of said selector lever position sensor and said kick-down sensor, an output, and two cascaded transistors connected between said input and output; second trigger circuit including an input connected to said vehicle speed sensor, said throttle opening sensor, said first second and third switches of said selector lever position sensor and said kick-down sensor, an output, and two cascaded transistors connected between said input and output; said first and second trigger circuits cooperating with each other, said first and second trigger circuits being responsive to said first constant positive voltage signal and comparing variable positive voltage signal with said variable negative voltage signal to generate a first control signal when the sum of said variable negative voltage signal and said variable positive voltage signal is below a first predetermined value, said first and second trigger circuits being responsive to said second constant positive voltage signal sensor and comparing said variable negative signal with said second constant positive voltage signal to generate a second control signal when the sum of said second constant positive voltage signal and said variable negative voltage signal exceeds said first predetermined value, said first and second trigger circuits being responsive to said third constant positive voltage signal and comparing said variable negative voltage signal with said third constant positive voltage signal to generate a third control signal when the sum of said third constant positive voltage signal and said variable negative voltage signal exceeds a second predetermined value, and said first and second trigger circuit being responsive to said fourth constant positive voltage signal and comparing said variable negative voltage signal with said fourth constant positive voltage signal to generate a forced-downshift signal; and actuating means including first and second solenoids connected to the outputs of said first and second trigger circuits, respectively, said first and second solenoids being selectively energized and de-energized in response to said first, and second and third control signals and said forced-downshift signal for controlling shift between said gear ratios in said automatic power transmission.

Claim 11

In an automatic power transmission of a motor vehicle, an electronic control device for controlling shift between different gear ratios in said automatic power transmission, said electronic control device comprising, in combination: a vehicle speed sensor for generating a variable negative voltage signal proportional to vehicle speed; a throttle opening sensor for generating a variable positive voltage signal proportional to throttle opening; a selector lever position sensor having first, second and third switches generating first, second and third constant positive voltage signals, when closed, representing ''''D,'''' ''''II'''' and ''''I'''' positions of a selector lever, respectively; a kick-down sensor for generating a fourth constant positive voltage signal when an accelerator pedal is depressed to full throttle position for quick acceleration; a switching transistor having its base connected to said selector lever position sensor and said kick-down sensor and having its collector connected to said throttle opening sensor, the emitter of said switching transistor being grounded, said switching transistor being rendered conductive to cut-off said variable positive voltage signal from said throttle opening sensor in response to one of said second, third and fourth constant positive voltage signals from said selector position sensor and said kick-down sensor; first trigger circuit including an input connected to said vehicle speed sensor said throttle opening sensor, said first, second and third switches of said selector lever position sensor and said kick-down sensor, an output, two cascaded transistors connected between said input and output, and a feed-back circuit interconnecting said input and output and having resistor means; second trigger circuit including an input connected to said vehicle speed sensor, said throttle opening sensor and said first, second and third switches of said selector lever position sensor and said kick-down sensor, an output, two cascaded transistors connected between said input and output, and a feed-back circuit interconnecting said input and output and having resistor means said first and second trigger circuits cooperating with each other, said first and second trigger circuits being responsive to said first constant positive voltage signal and comparing said variable positive voltage signal with said variable negative voltage signal to generate a first control signal when the sum of said variable negative voltage signal and said variable positive voltage signal is below a first predetermined value, said first and second trigger circuits being responsive to said second constant positive voltage signal sensor and comparing said variable negative voltage signal with said second constant positive voltage signal to generate a second control signal when the sum of said second constant positive voltage signal and said variable negative voltage signal exceeds said first predetermined value, said first and second trigger circuits being responsive to said third constant positive voltage signal and comparing said variable negative voltage signal with said third constant positive voltage signal to generate a third control signal when the sum of said third constant positive voltage signal and said variable negative voltage signal exceeds a second predetermined value, and said first and second trigger circuits being responsive to said fourth constant positive voltage signal and comparing said variable negative voltage signal with said fourth constant positive voltage signal to generate a forced-downshift signal; and actuating means including first and second solenoids connected to the outputs of said first and second trigger circuits, respectively, said first and second solenoids being selectively energized and de-energized in response to said first, second and third control signals and said forced-downshift signal for controlling shift between said gear ratios in said automatic power transmission.

Claim 12

In an automatic power transmission of a motor vehicle, an electronic control device for controlling shift between different gear ratios in said automatic power transmission, said electronic control device comprising, in combination: a vehicle speed sensor for generating a variable negative voltage signal proportional to vehicle speed; a throttle opening sensor for generating a variable positive voltage signal proportional to throttle opening; a selector lever position sensor having first, second and third switches generating first, second and third constant positive voltage signals, when closed, representing ''''D,'''' ''''II'''' and ''''I'''' positions of a selector lever, respectively; a kick-down sensor for generating a fourth constant positive voltage signal when an accelerator pedal is depressed to full throttle position for quick acceleration; a switching transistor having its base connected to said selector lever position sensor and said kick-down sensor and having its collector connected to said throttle opening sensor, the emitter of said switching transistor being grounded, said switching transistor being rendered conductive to cut-off said variable positive voltage signal from said throttle opening sensor in response to one of said second, third and fourth constant positive voltage signals from said selector position sensor and said kick-down sensor; first trigger circuit including an input connected to said vehicle speed sensor said throttle opening sensor, said first, second and third switches of said selector lever position sensor and said kick-down sensor, an output, two cascaded transistors connected between said input and output, and a feed-back circuit interconnecting said input and output and having resistor means; second trigger circuit including an input connected to said vehicle speed sensor, said throttle opening sensor and said first, second and third switches of said selector lever position sensor and said kick-down sensor, an output, two cascaded transistors connected between said input and output, and a feed-back circuit interconnecting said input and output and having resistor means said first and second trigger circuits cooperating with each other, said first and second trigger circuits being responsive to said first constant positive voltage signal and comparing said variable positive voltage signal with said variable negative voltage signal to generate a first control signal when the sum of said variable negative voltage signal and said variable positive voltage signal is below a first predetermined value, said first and second trigger circuits being responsive to said second constant positive voltage signal sensor and comparing said variable negative voltage signal with said second constant positive voltage signal to generate a second control signal when the sum of said second constant positive voltage signal and said variable negative voltage signal exceeds said first predetermined value, said first and second trigger circuits being responsive to said third constant positive voltage signal and comparing said variable negative voltage signal with said third constant positive voltage signal to generate a third control signal when the sum of said third constant positive voltage signal and said variable negative voltage signal exceeds a second predetermined value, and said first and second trigger circuits being responsive to said fourth constant positive voltage signal and comparing said variable negative voltage signal with said fourth constant positive voltage signal to generate a forced-downshift signal; and actuating means including first and second solenoids connected to the outputs of said first and second trigger circuits, respectively, said first and second solenoids being selectively energized and de-energized in response to said first, second and third control signals and said forced-downshift signal for controlling shift between said gear ratios in said automatic power transmission.

Claim 13

In an automatic power transmission of motor vehicle, an electronic control device for controlling shift between different gear ratios in said automatic power transmission, said electronic control device comprising, in combination: a vehicle speed sensor for generating a variable negative voltage signal proportion to vehicle speed; a throttle opening sensor for generating a variable positive voltage signal proportional to throttle opening; a selector lever position sensor having first, second and third switches generating first, second and third constant positive voltage signals, when closed, representing ''''D,'''' ''''II'''' and ''''I'''' positions of a selector lever, respectively; a kick-down sensor for generating a fourth constant positive voltage signal when an accelerator pedal is depressed to full throttle position for quick acceleration; a switching transistor having its base connected to said selector lever position sensor and said kick-down sensor and having its collector connected to said throttle opening sensor, the emitter of said switching transistor being grounded, said switching transistor being rendered conductive to cut-off said variable positive voltage signal from said throttle opening sensor in response to one of said second, third and fourth constant positive voltage signals from said selector position sensor an said kick-down sensor; first resistor means connected to said kick-down sensor; first trigger circuit including an input, and an output, second resistor means, two cascaded transistors connected between said input and output, and a first feed-back circuit having a resistor and interconnecting said input and output, said input being connected to said first switch of said selector lever position sensor, to said second and third switches of said selector lever position sensor through said second resistor means, and to said kick-down sensor through said first and second resistor means; second trigger circuit including an input, an output, third resistor means, two cascaded transistor connected between said input and output, and a feed-back circuit having a resistor and interconnecting said input and output, said input being connected to said first switch of said selector lever position sensor, to said second and third switches of said selector lever position sensor through said third resistor means, and to said kick-down sensor through said first and third resistor means; said first and second trigger circuits cooperating with each other, said first and second trigger circuits being responsive to said first constant positive voltage signal and comparing said variable positive voltage signal with said variable negative voltage signal to generate a first control signal when the sum of said variable negative voltage signal and said variable positive voltage signal is below a first predetermined value, said first and second trigger circuits being responsive to said second constant positive voLtage signal sensor and comparing said variable negative voltage signal with said second constant positive voltage signal to generate a second control signal when the sum of said second constant positive voltage signal and said variable negative voltage signal exceeds said first predetermined value, said first and second trigger circuits being responsive to said third constant positive voltage signal and comparing said variable negative voltage signal with said third constant positive voltage signal to generate a third control signal when the sum of said third constant positive voltage signal and said variable negative voltage signal exceeds a second predetermined value, and said first and second trigger circuit being responsive to said fourth constant positive voltage signal and comparing said variable negative voltage signal with said fourth constant positive voltage signal to generate a forced-down shift signal and actuating means including first and second solenoids connected to the outputs of said first and second trigger circuits, respectively, said first and second solenoids being selectively energized and de-energized in response to said first, second and third control signals and said forced-downshift signal for controlling shift between said gear ratios in said automatic power transmission.

Claim 14

In an automatic power transmission of motor vehicle, an electronic control device for controlling shift between different gear ratios in said automatic power transmission, said electronic control device comprising, in combination: a vehicle speed sensor for generating a variable negative voltage signal proportion to vehicle speed; a throttle opening sensor for generating a variable positive voltage signal proportional to throttle opening; a selector lever position sensor having first, second and third switches generating first, second and third constant positive voltage signals, when closed, representing ''''D,'''' ''''II'''' and ''''I'''' positions of a selector lever, respectively; a kick-down sensor for generating a fourth constant positive voltage signal when an accelerator pedal is depressed to full throttle position for quick acceleration; a switching transistor having its base connected to said selector lever position sensor and said kick-down sensor and having its collector connected to said throttle opening sensor, the emitter of said switching transistor being grounded, said switching transistor being rendered conductive to cut-off said variable positive voltage signal from said throttle opening sensor in response to one of said second, third and fourth constant positive voltage signals from said selector position sensor an said kick-down sensor; first resistor means connected to said kick-down sensor; first trigger circuit including an input, and an output, second resistor means, two cascaded transistors connected between said input and output, and a first feed-back circuit having a resistor and interconnecting said input and output, said input being connected to said first switch of said selector lever position sensor, to said second and third switches of said selector lever position sensor through said second resistor means, and to said kick-down sensor through said first and second resistor means; second trigger circuit including an input, an output, third resistor means, two cascaded transistor connected between said input and output, and a feed-back circuit having a resistor and interconnecting said input and output, said input being connected to said first switch of said selector lever position sensor, to said second and third switches of said selector lever position sensor through said third resistor means, and to said kick-down sensor through said first and third resistor means; said first and second trigger circuits cooperating with each other, said first and second trigger circuits being responsive to said first constant positive voltage signal and comparing said variable positive voltage signal with said variable negative voltage signal to generate a first control signal when the sum of said variable negative voltage signal and said variable positive voltage signal is below a first predetermined value, said first and second trigger circuits being responsive to said second constant positive voLtage signal sensor and comparing said variable negative voltage signal with said second constant positive voltage signal to generate a second control signal when the sum of said second constant positive voltage signal and said variable negative voltage signal exceeds said first predetermined value, said first and second trigger circuits being responsive to said third constant positive voltage signal and comparing said variable negative voltage signal with said third constant positive voltage signal to generate a third control signal when the sum of said third constant positive voltage signal and said variable negative voltage signal exceeds a second predetermined value, and said first and second trigger circuit being responsive to said fourth constant positive voltage signal and comparing said variable negative voltage signal with said fourth constant positive voltage signal to generate a forced-down shift signal and actuating means including first and second solenoids connected to the outputs of said first and second trigger circuits, respectively, said first and second solenoids being selectively energized and de-energized in response to said first, second and third control signals and said forced-downshift signal for controlling shift between said gear ratios in said automatic power transmission.