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Control systems and methods for electric drive utility vehicles

  • US 10,440,880 B2
  • Filed: 06/22/2017
  • Issued: 10/15/2019
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/11/2007
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A utility vehicle, comprising:

  • a traction system comprising at least one electric drive motor in communication with a driven wheel of the vehicle; and

    an electric motor control system comprising;

    a plurality of operator interfaces for operating the utility vehicle each providing an operator interface input signal, wherein one of the operator interface input signals comprises an accelerator input signal;

    a plurality of sensors each providing a sensor input signal, wherein at least one of the plurality of sensors is in communication with at least one of the plurality of operator interfaces; and

    a traction controller in communication with the plurality of operator interfaces, the plurality of sensors, and the at least one electric drive motor, wherein the traction controller is configured to facilitate adjustment of the at least one electric drive motor based on the accelerator input signal and at least one of the sensor input signals;

    wherein the traction controller is configured to provide integrated power management and safety control of the at least one electric drive motor such that the at least one electric drive motor is automatically adjusted in response to conditions of the vehicle as determined from one or more of the accelerator input signal, at least one of the operator interface input signals, or at least one of the sensor input signals;

    wherein the traction controller is further configured to automatically restrict initiation of a cruise mode of the vehicle based on whether the vehicle is travelling in an approximately straight line as determined from one or more of the accelerator input signal, at least one of the operator interface input signals, or at least one of the sensor input signals.

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