Control systems and methods for electric motors of utility vehicles
First Claim
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1. A utility vehicle comprising:
- a plurality of vehicle systems comprising a steering system, an accelerator system, a power system, a traction system, and an auxiliary system;
a plurality of operator interfaces for operating the vehicle each associated with one of the plurality of vehicle systems;
a plurality of sensors each associated with at least one of the plurality of vehicle systems; and
an electric motor control system in communication with the plurality of vehicle systems, the plurality of operator interfaces, and the plurality of sensors;
the traction system comprising;
at least one drivable wheel;
at least one electric drive transaxle engaged with the drivable wheel;
the auxiliary system comprising;
an auxiliary mechanism; and
an AC electric auxiliary motor engaged with the auxiliary mechanism;
the electric motor control system comprising;
a traction controller in communication with the steering system, the accelerator system, at least one of the plurality of operator interfaces, at least one of the plurality of sensors, the power system, the auxiliary system, and the at least one electric drive transaxle of the traction system; and
an auxiliary controller in communication with the traction controller, the power system, and the AC electric auxiliary motor, wherein the auxiliary controller applies field oriented control to the AC electric auxiliary motor and controls the AC electric auxiliary motor via at least one DC control technique.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Electronic control systems and related control methods for controlling electric auxiliary motors for performing work, such as electric deck motors for mower blades. The apparatus is shown in use with a vehicle that includes a mowing deck. Features of the control systems allow for safe and efficient use of the vehicle.
37 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A utility vehicle comprising:
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a plurality of vehicle systems comprising a steering system, an accelerator system, a power system, a traction system, and an auxiliary system; a plurality of operator interfaces for operating the vehicle each associated with one of the plurality of vehicle systems; a plurality of sensors each associated with at least one of the plurality of vehicle systems; and an electric motor control system in communication with the plurality of vehicle systems, the plurality of operator interfaces, and the plurality of sensors; the traction system comprising; at least one drivable wheel; at least one electric drive transaxle engaged with the drivable wheel; the auxiliary system comprising; an auxiliary mechanism; and an AC electric auxiliary motor engaged with the auxiliary mechanism; the electric motor control system comprising; a traction controller in communication with the steering system, the accelerator system, at least one of the plurality of operator interfaces, at least one of the plurality of sensors, the power system, the auxiliary system, and the at least one electric drive transaxle of the traction system; and an auxiliary controller in communication with the traction controller, the power system, and the AC electric auxiliary motor, wherein the auxiliary controller applies field oriented control to the AC electric auxiliary motor and controls the AC electric auxiliary motor via at least one DC control technique. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A utility vehicle comprising:
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a plurality of vehicle systems comprising a steering system, an accelerator system, a power system, a traction system, and an auxiliary system; a plurality of operator interfaces for operating the utility vehicle each associated with one of the plurality of vehicle systems; a plurality of sensors each associated with at least one of the plurality of vehicle systems; and an electric motor control system in communication with the plurality of vehicle systems, the plurality of operator interfaces, and the plurality of sensors; the traction system comprising; at least one drivable wheel; and at least one electric drive transaxle engaged with the at least one drivable wheel; the auxiliary system comprising; an auxiliary mechanism; and an AC electric auxiliary motor engaged with the auxiliary mechanism; the electric motor control system comprising; a traction controller in communication with the steering system, the accelerator system, at least one of the plurality of operator interfaces, at least one of the plurality of sensors, the power system, the auxiliary system, and the at least one electric drive transaxle of the traction system; and an auxiliary controller in communication with the traction controller, the power system, and the AC electric auxiliary motor, the auxiliary controller comprising; a digital signal processor configured to receive and process data signals received from at least one of the plurality of vehicle systems, and output at least one driver signal for driving the AC electric auxiliary motor; an analog/digital interface in communication with the digital signal processor and configured to receive analog data signals from at least one of the plurality of vehicle systems, convert the analog data signals to digital data signals, and send the digital data signals to the digital signal processor; and an oscillator in communication with the digital signal processor to effectuate output of a clocking signal for the digital signal processor. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A utility vehicle comprising:
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a plurality of vehicle systems comprising a steering system, an accelerator system, a power system, a traction system, and an auxiliary system; a plurality of operator interfaces for operating the utility vehicle each associated with one of the plurality of vehicle systems; a plurality of sensors each associated with at least one of the plurality of vehicle systems; and an electric motor control system in communication with the plurality of vehicle systems, the plurality of operator interfaces, and the plurality of sensors; the traction system comprising; at least one drivable wheel; and at least one electric drive transaxle engaged with the at least one drivable wheel; the auxiliary system comprising; a first auxiliary mechanism and a first AC electric auxiliary motor engaged with the first auxiliary mechanism; and a second auxiliary mechanism and a second AC electric auxiliary motor engaged with the second auxiliary mechanism; the electric motor control system comprising; a traction controller in communication with the steering system, the accelerator system, at least one of the plurality of operator interfaces, at least one of the plurality of sensors, the power system, the auxiliary system, and the at least one electric drive transaxle of the traction system; and an auxiliary control system in communication with the fraction controller, the power system, the first AC electric auxiliary motor, and the second AC electric auxiliary motor, the auxiliary control system comprising; a first controller; a second controller; a common interface in communication with the first controller and the second controller; a first power inverter in communication with the common interface and the first AC electric auxiliary motor; and a second power inverter in communication with the common interface and the second AC electric auxiliary motor; wherein each of the first controller and the second controller applies field oriented control to the first AC electric auxiliary motor and the second AC electric auxiliary motor and controls the first AC electric auxiliary motor and the second AC electric auxiliary motor via at least one DC control technique. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21)
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Specification