IPC분류정보
국가/구분 |
United States(US) Patent
등록
|
국제특허분류(IPC7판) |
|
출원번호 |
US-0374234
(2003-02-25)
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발명자
/ 주소 |
- Oxley,Lonnie R.
- Arnold,Jeff K.
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출원인 / 주소 |
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대리인 / 주소 |
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인용정보 |
피인용 횟수 :
17 인용 특허 :
51 |
초록
▼
A control system with slow-in-turn capabilities for use with a self-propelled, steerable vehicle, such as a lawn mower, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system slows the vehicle speed when turns are made beyond a predetermined range and the speed is at or above a predetermined level, as determin
A control system with slow-in-turn capabilities for use with a self-propelled, steerable vehicle, such as a lawn mower, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system slows the vehicle speed when turns are made beyond a predetermined range and the speed is at or above a predetermined level, as determined by a speed control device operatively connected to the speed control structure of a motive device by a speed control linkage. This slowing results in increased traction for achieving tighter turns and also improves dynamic stability. Two different types of rack-and-pinion steering systems capable of being used with the control system are also disclosed.
대표청구항
▼
The invention claimed is: 1. In a vehicle including a motive device for driving the vehicle at a speed corresponding to a speed control structure and a steerable ground-engaging structure for controlling a direction of vehicle travel, a system for intended use in temporarily reducing the speed of t
The invention claimed is: 1. In a vehicle including a motive device for driving the vehicle at a speed corresponding to a speed control structure and a steerable ground-engaging structure for controlling a direction of vehicle travel, a system for intended use in temporarily reducing the speed of the vehicle, comprising: a steering device for steering the vehicle including a steering wheel connected to a shaft and a pinion adapted for engaging a rack that moves to and fro corresponding to the movement of the steering wheel, including through a predetermined range; a connector operatively connecting the steering device with the speed control structure, the connector including a flexible part assuming a first, non-activated condition when the steering device is actuated within the predetermined range such that the speed control structure is substantially unaffected and assuming a second, activated condition when the steering device is actuated beyond the predetermined range such that the speed control structure is automatically actuated to reduce the speed; a bearing for engaging the flexible part in both the first and second conditions; and means for supplying a force for holding the flexible part substantially taut and in engagement with the bearing when in the first condition, wherein the holding force is overcome when the flexible part assumes the second condition. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the holding means is a spring extending between the flexible part and a stable support structure associated with the vehicle. 3. The system according to claim 1, further including an operator-actuated speed control device operatively connected to a speed control linkage forming part of the connector, the speed control linkage being operatively connected to the speed control structure of the motive device, wherein a second end of the flexible part is operatively connected to the speed control linkage. 4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the flexible part is capable of assuming the second, activated condition only when the speed control device is actuated at least a predetermined extent. 5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the flexible part is an elongated chain. 6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined range is about 75% to the right of a position of the steering device for straight ahead travel and about 75% to the left of the straight ahead travel position. 7. A vehicle, comprising: a ground-engaging structure for controlling a direction of vehicle travel; a motive device for driving the vehicle at a speed corresponding to a speed control structure associated therewith; a movable steering device for steering the vehicle including a steering wheel connected to a shaft and a pinion adapted for engaging a rack moving to and fro corresponding to the movement of the steering wheel through a predetermined range; a system for temporarily reducing the speed of the vehicle, the system including a connector operatively connecting the steering device with the speed control structure, the connector including a flexible part assuming a first, non-activated condition when the steering device is actuated within the predetermined range such that the speed control structure is substantially unaffected and assuming a second, activated condition when the steering device is actuated beyond the predetermined range such that the speed control structure is automatically actuated to reduce the speed; at least one bearing for engaging the flexible part in both the first and second conditions; and means for supplying a force for holding the flexible part substantially taut and in engagement with the at least one bearing in the first condition, wherein the force supplied by the holding means is overcome when the steering wheel is actuated beyond the predetermined range and the flexible part is in the second condition. 8. The vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the holding means is a spring extending between the flexible part and a stable support structure associated with the vehicle. 9. The vehicle according to claim 7, further including a speed control device operatively connected to a speed control linkage forming part of the connector, the speed control linkage being connected to the speed control structure and a second end of the flexible part being connected to the speed control linkage. 10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the flexible part is an elongated chain. 11. In a vehicle including a motive device for driving the vehicle at a speed corresponding to a speed control structure and a steerable ground-engaging structure for controlling a direction of vehicle travel, a speed control system, comprising: operator-actuated means for steering the vehicle, including a steering wheel connected to a shaft and a pinion adapted for engaging a rack that moves to and fro corresponding to actuation of the steering wheel, including through a predetermined range, wherein the rack is operatively connected to the ground-engaging structure; and means for temporarily reducing the speed of the vehicle by actuating the speed control structure to slow the vehicle when the steering means is actuated beyond the predetermined range wherein the speed reducing means comprises a connector operatively connecting the steering means with the speed control structure, the connector having a flexible part assuming a first, non-activated condition when the steering device is actuated within a predetermined range such that the speed control structure is substantially unaffected and assuming a second, activated condition when the steering wheel is actuated beyond the predetermined range such that the speed control structure is automatically actuated to reduce the speed; at least one bearing for engaging the flexible part in both the first and second conditions; and means for supplying a force for holding the flexible part substantially taut and in engagement with the at least one bearing in the first condition, wherein the force supplied by the holding means is overcome when the steering wheel is actuated beyond the predetermined range and the flexible part is in the second condition. 12. The system according to claim 11, further including a sensor for detecting whether the steering means is within the predetermined range, wherein the speed reducing means comprises an actuator operatively connected to the sensor and the speed control structure, the actuator assuming a first, non-activated condition when the steering device is actuated within a predetermined range such that the speed control structure is substantially unaffected and assuming a second, activated condition when the steering device is actuated beyond the predetermined range such that the speed control structure is automatically actuated to reduce the speed. 13. A vehicle, comprising: a ground-engaging structure for controlling a direction of travel; a motive device for driving the vehicle at a speed corresponding to a speed control structure associated therewith; a steering device including a shaft carrying a pinion for engaging a rack mounted to the vehicle so as to move to and fro corresponding to the actuation of the steering device, including within a predetermined range; means for controlling the speed of the vehicle by actuating the speed control structure to slow the vehicle only when the steering device is actuated beyond the predetermined range; wherein the speed control means comprises a connector operatively connecting the steering device with the speed control structure, the connector having a flexible part assuming a first, non-activated condition when the steering device is actuated within a predetermined range such that the speed control structure is substantially unaffected and assuming a second, activated condition when the steering device is actuated beyond the predetermined range such that the speed control structure is automatically actuated to reduce the speed; a bearing for engaging the flexible part in both the first and second conditions; and a means for holding the flexible part substantially taut and in engagement with the bearing when in the first condition, wherein the holding force is overcome when the flexible part assumes the second condition. 14. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein the holding means is a spring extending between the flexible part and a stable support structure associated with the vehicle. 15. The vehicle according to claim 13, further including an operator-actuated speed control device operatively connected to a speed control linkage forming part of the connector, the speed control linkage being operatively connected to the speed control structure of the motive device, wherein a second end of the flexible part is operatively connected to the speed control linkage. 16. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein the flexible part is capable of assuming the second, activated condition only when the speed control device is actuated at least a predetermined extent. 17. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein the speed control means comprises a steering position sensor for determining the position of the steering device. 18. The vehicle according to claim 17, further including a transmission having speed control device, wherein the speed control means further comprises an actuator for adjusting the speed control device in response to the sensed position of the steering device. 19. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein the flexible part is an elongated chain.
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