Control systems and methods for electric drive utility vehicles

Abstract

Electronic control systems and related control methods for controlling electric drive motors for propelling a vehicle and 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. Controller assemblies and packaging for electronic control systems of electric motors utilized in utility vehicles or other power equipment are also disclosed. The controller assemblies are packaged for robust design and heat dissipation, while collectively housing the controllers, switches and sensors needed to operate multiple motors performing different functions, or the same function in serial.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A control system for an electric drive system of a utility vehicle having at least one electric drive motor in communication with a driven wheel of the utility vehicle, the control system comprising:
 at least one operator input interface capable of causing generation of at least one input interface signal representing acceleration and direction input parameters;   a plurality of input sensors mounted within the utility vehicle and each providing a sensor input signal;   a drive controller directly in communication with the at least one operator input interface, the plurality of input sensors, and the at least one electric drive motor, the drive controller for controlling a drive function of the utility vehicle; and   an auxiliary controller directly in communication with the drive controller and an electric auxiliary motor, the auxiliary controller for controlling an auxiliary function of the utility vehicle based on one or more signals received from the drive controller;   wherein the drive controller and the auxiliary controller are housed in a controller assembly comprising:
 a housing defining an interior space for containing the drive controller and the auxiliary controller; 
 an input connector configured to relay the sensor input signal to the drive controller; and 
 a terminal block assembly comprising a plurality of posts for powering the at least one electric drive motor and the electric auxiliary motor, and for connecting the drive controller and the auxiliary controller to a power source, wherein each of the plurality of posts extends through an opening in the housing. 
   
     
     
         2 . The control system of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the input connector extends from a first portion of the housing; and   the terminal block assembly extends from a second portion of the housing.   
     
     
         3 . The control system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of posts comprises:
 a first set of posts for powering the at least one electric drive motor;   a second set of posts for powering the electric auxiliary motor; and   a third set of posts for connecting the drive controller and the auxiliary controller to the power source.   
     
     
         4 . The control system of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the drive controller is configured to facilitate adjustment to the at least one electric drive motor based on the at least one input interface signal and at least one of the sensor input signals; and   the auxiliary controller is configured to facilitate adjustment of the electric auxiliary motor based on the one or more signals received from the drive controller.   
     
     
         5 . The control system of  claim 1 , wherein a behavior of the electric auxiliary motor is adjusted based on a comparison of programmed operational parameters to one or both of the at least one operator input interface and at least one of the plurality of input sensors.