초록 ▼

A control system for an electric powered vehicle provides substantially greater control and related features than the simple control systems known in the art. The control system can be utilized with any type of electric powered vehicle, such as bicycles, scooters, tricycles, four-wheeled vehicles, a

A control system for an electric powered vehicle provides substantially greater control and related features than the simple control systems known in the art. The control system can be utilized with any type of electric powered vehicle, such as bicycles, scooters, tricycles, four-wheeled vehicles, and the like. In a first embodiment of the invention, the control system estimates an amount of heat generated in the vehicle electric motor and assigns heat credits based on the relationship between the estimated motor heat and a predetermined heat level. The operation of the motor is then controlled in accordance with the available heat credits so as to prevent overheating of the motor. In a second embodiment of the invention, the control system monitors the current state of charge of the battery and presents that information to the rider. Since the battery voltage is affected by the load on the battery mostly due to the motor, the motor is periodically disconnected from the battery so that an unloaded battery voltage measurement can be made. In a third embodiment of the invention, the control system monitors the current operational state of the motor to detect a failure mode in which the full battery voltage is applied to the motor, potentially causing it to run away at full torque and full speed. When a failure mode is detected, the control system first attempts to shut off control signals to the motor. If this fails to stop the failure mode condition, the control system disconnects the battery from the motor by opening a fuse. In a fourth embodiment of the invention, the control system includes a cruise control feature that allows the electric powered vehicle to operate at a desired speed set by the rider. In a fifth embodiment of the invention, the control system controls operation of vehicle lights to accommodate variations in battery voltage. In a sixth embodiment of the invention, the control system controls operation of a horn so that it can also function to provide audible signals reflection operational conditions of the vehicle. In a seventh embodiment of the invention, the control system allows the vehicle to operate in a biofeedback mode to serve as an exercise or training device for the rider.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A control system for an electric powered vehicle, comprising:a motor; a motor drive control circuit coupled to said motor and providing a motor drive signal thereto; a throttle control circuit providing a throttle signal to said motor drive control circuit corresponding to a desired speed of said

1. A control system for an electric powered vehicle, comprising:a motor; a motor drive control circuit coupled to said motor and providing a motor drive signal thereto; a throttle control circuit providing a throttle signal to said motor drive control circuit corresponding to a desired speed of said motor, said throttle signal comprising a current level; a heat control circuit electrically connected to said motor, said heat control circuit making an estimate of an amount of heat within said motor, based on a measured current load of said motor and comparing said estimated amount of heat to a threshold level, said heat control circuit adding heat credits if said estimated amount of heat is below said threshold level and subtracting heat credits if said estimated amount of heat is above said threshold level; and a motor current select circuit providing a motor current signal to said motor drive control circuit, said motor current signal corresponding to said current level of said throttle signal if an available amount of said heat credits exceeds an amount of said heat credits needed by said current level of said throttle signal, and said motor current signal being reduced if said available amount of said heat credits fails to exceed said heat credits needed by said current level of said throttle signal.