초록 ▼

A simple operator presence override circuit is connected between available terminals on a PTO switch and a brake switch, and to the seat relay of the operator presence system. The override circuit permits continued operation of the engine under certain restricted conditions when the operator leaves

A simple operator presence override circuit is connected between available terminals on a PTO switch and a brake switch, and to the seat relay of the operator presence system. The override circuit permits continued operation of the engine under certain restricted conditions when the operator leaves the vehicle seat. A blocking diode connects one side of the seat relay to ground via the brake switch and one set of terminals on the PTO switch. With the PTO switch in the off condition and the vehicle braking system activated so the brake switch is closed, the seat relay remains activated to prevent operation of the ignition grounding circuit that otherwise would shut the engine down when the operator leaves his seat. Switching the PTO switch on or deactivating the braking system without an operator on the seat will automatically open the seat relay so that the engine is killed.

대표청구항 ▼

In a lawn and garden vehicle having an operator station, an engine with a starter and ignition system, a ground drive system for propelling the vehicle, the ground drive system including brake structure for providing vehicle drive and non-drive conditions, an activatable tool drive such as a power t

In a lawn and garden vehicle having an operator station, an engine with a starter and ignition system, a ground drive system for propelling the vehicle, the ground drive system including brake structure for providing vehicle drive and non-drive conditions, an activatable tool drive such as a power take off (PTO) for powering an accessory, a first switch connected between a source of electrical power on the vehicle and the starter and ignition system and operable for permitting switch controlled starting of the engine when the vehicle is in the non-drive condition, an activatable relay connected to the ignition system, an operator presence switch structure connected to the relay and responsive to the presence of an operator at the operator station for activating the relay and permitting operation of the engine when the operator is present at the operator station and deactivating the relay to ground the ignition system and kill the engine when the operator is away from the operator station, a circuit permitting operation of engine under limited conditions when the operator is away from the operator station, the circuit comprising: a PTO switch connected to the activatable tool drive, the PTO switch having an on condition for activating the tool drive when the operator is present at the operator station and an off condition for deactivating the tool drive, and wherein the PTO switch includes a grounding terminal having a grounded condition when in the PTO switch is in the off condition; and a brake switch connected between the grounding terminal of the PTO switch and the operator presence switch structure and having a closed condition when the vehicle is in the non-drive condition, wherein the relay includes an activation coil with a first lead connected to said source of power and a second lead connected to the grounding terminal of the PTO switch through the brake switch so that a closed path to ground is provided from the relay coil to ground when the vehicle is in the non-drive condition and the PTO switch is in the off condition.