Method for constant speed control for electric greens mower

• US 6,339,916 B1
• Filed: 07/07/2000
• Issued: 01/22/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 01/16/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Textron IPMP L.P
• Original Assignee: Textron Inc
• Inventors: Benson, Terrance G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pezzuto, Robert E.
• Application Number:
  US09/611,574
• Time in Patent Office: 564 Days
• Field of Search: 56/102.A, 56/102.R, 56/147, 56/145, 56/175, 56/102.G, 56/1, 56D/IG.15
• US Class Current: 56/10.20R
• CPC Class Codes: A01D 34/006 Control or measuring arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A01D 69/02 electric
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 15/20 for control of the vehicle or its driving motor to achieve a desired performance, e.g. speed, torque, programmed variation of speed
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 15/2009 for braking
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2200/40 Working vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2220/16 DC brushless machines
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/12 Speed
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/36 Temperature of vehicle components or parts
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/423 Torque
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/429 Current
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2250/10 by alarm
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2250/16 by display
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2250/24 by lever actuation
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2250/26 by pedal actuation
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 3/0061 relating to electrical machines
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/52 characterised by DC-motors
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 58/21 having the same nominal voltage
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 7/12 for vehicles propelled by dc motors
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/64 Electric machine technologies in electromobility
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/70 Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/72 : Electric energy management in electromobility

Abstract

An electric mower having constant speed control. The mower is powered by a battery and a controller connected to the electric motor. The controller monitors mower operation and ensures that a constant speed is maintained while mowing and transporting even on includes and declines.

Claims

1. A method of providing power to an electrically powered mower comprising the steps of:

placing a key in an ignition;

satisfying preconditions to operation, including;

monitoring power to an acceleration pedal;

notifying a controller if the acceleration pedal is pressed;

providing notification means to an operator if the acceleration pedal is pressed; and

preventing operation of the electrically powered mower if the accelerator is pressed;

providing power to the controller;

sending a signal to the controller indicating the preconditions to operation have been met; and

providing power to an electric motor to drive the electrically powered mower.

2. A method of providing power to an electrically powered mower comprising the steps of:

placing a key in an ignition;

satisfying preconditions to operation, including;

monitoring a parking brake;

notifying a controller if the parking brake is off;

providing notification means to an operator if the parking brake is off; and

preventing operation of the electrically powered mower if the parking brake is off;

providing power to the controller;

sending a signal to the controller indicating the preconditions to operation have been met; and

providing power to an electric motor to drive the electrically powered mower.

3. A method of providing power to an electrically powered mower comprising the steps of:

placing a key in an ignition;

satisfying preconditions to operation, including;

monitoring an operators seat;

notifying a controller if the operators seat is empty;

providing notification means to an operator if the operators seat is empty; and

preventing operation of the electrically powered mower if the operators seat is empty;

providing power to the controller;

sending a signal to the controller indicating the preconditions to operation have been met; and

providing power to an electric motor to drive the electrically powered mower.

4. A method of providing power to an electrically powered mower comprising the steps of:

placing a key in an ignition;

satisfying preconditions to operation, including;

monitoring a master mow switch;

notifying a controller if the master mow switch is off;

providing notification means to an operator if the master mow switch is off; and

preventing operation of the electrically powered mower if the master mow switch is off;

providing power to the controller;

sending a signal to the controller indicating the preconditions to operation have been met; and

providing power to an electric motor to drive the electrically powered mower.

5. A method of providing power to an electrically powered mower comprising the steps of:

placing a key in an ignition;

satisfying preconditions to operation, including monitoring battery voltage;

providing power to a controller;

sending a signal to the controller indicating the preconditions to operation have been met; and

providing power to an electric motor to drive the electrically powered mower.

6. A method of providing power to an electrically powered mower comprising the steps of:

placing a key in an ignition;

satisfying preconditions to operation, including providing power to a controller;

sending a signal to the controller indicating the preconditions to operation have been met;

providing power to an electric motor to drive the electrically powered mower; and

sending a mow enable signal to a control panel.