Electronic steering apparatus

摘要

An electronic steering and control apparatus and related control methods for a pair of variable drive units. The variable drive units may be hydrostatic, continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), or other similar devices. The apparatus is shown in use with a vehicle that may include a mowing deck.

主权项

1. An electronic drive control system for a vehicle having a right side actuator engaged to a first control arm of an associated right side variable drive unit, a left side actuator engaged to a second control arm of an associated left side variable drive unit, an accelerator, and a steering mechanism, the control system comprising:
a right speed sensor in electrical communication with the right side drive unit; a left speed sensor in electrical communication with the left side drive unit; an accelerator signal device in electrical communication with the accelerator; a steering signal device in electrical communication with the steering mechanism; a controller in electrical communication with the right speed sensor, the left speed sensor, the accelerator signal device, the steering signal device, and the right and left side actuators; wherein the controller:
receives a signal from the right speed sensor, the left speed sensor, the accelerator signal device, and the steering signal device;determines at least one operational output of the right side drive unit and the left side drive unit based on the received signals;calculates adjustments to at least one of the right side actuator and the left side actuator; andadjusts the at least one of the right side actuator to move the first control arm of the right side drive unit and the left side actuator to move the second control arm of the left side drive unit to effectuate the at least one operational output of the right side drive unit and the left side drive unit.