DE112016005681T5 - Clamping a belt on a starter generator - Google Patents

Abstract

A device (101) for tensioning a belt (102) on a starter generator (103) is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a holding device (104) for holding a first pulley (105) and a second pulley (106), wherein the holding device (104) is attached adjacent to a starter generator (103). The apparatus also includes a first pulley (105) for providing tension in a belt (102) of the starter generator (103), the first pulley being supported by the support and secured to pivot about the belt relative to the support means own rotation axis (109) rotates. The holding device (104) is configured to allow rotational movement of the rotational axis (109) of the first pulley (105) about the axis (108) of the starter generator (103), and the device (101) comprises a stop device (110) is arranged so that it limits the movement of the axis of rotation (109) of the first pulley (105) about the axis (108) of the starter generator (103).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present disclosure relates to tensioning a belt on a starter generator. In particular, but not exclusively, it relates to the tensioning of a belt on a starter generator of a hybrid vehicle.

Aspects of the present invention relate to an apparatus and method for tensioning a belt on a starter generator and to a propulsion system and a vehicle incorporating such a device.

STATE OF THE ART

Hybrid vehicles are known which incorporate a Belt Driven Integrated Starter Generator (BISG). The BISG is also referred to as Belt Driven Starter Generator (BSG), Belt Driven Starter Alternator (Belt Driven Starter Alternator, Belt Starter Alternator) and MGU (Motor Generator Unit). For the purposes of this document, the BISG is referred to as a "starter generator".

The starter generator has a pulley, which is connected by a belt to the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine. Depending on whether the starter generator is driven (in an alternator mode) or whether it provides a drive force, the belt is tensioned on one side of the starter generator pulley or on the other side. To control the tension on the slack side of the belt, tension pulleys are provided to increase the tension on the slack side.

Such an arrangement is in 8th shown. In this example, the belt 801 extends from the crankshaft pulley 802 of the engine and around the pulley 803 of the starter generator. The crankshaft pulley 802 and the starter generator pulley 803 are arranged to rotate clockwise in the view shown in the figure.

The belt also passes around a first tension pulley 804 on a right side of the starter generator pulley 803 and passes around a second tension pulley 805 on the left side of the starter pulley 803. In this arrangement, each of the tension pulleys 804 and 805 is held by a respective arm 806 and 807 which is attached to allow the arm to freely rotate about the starter-generator pulley 803. However, the positions of the tension pulleys 804 and 805 are limited by the action of the belt 801 on the pulleys and the action of a spring mechanism 808 connecting the two arms 806 and 807. Such a tensioning arrangement in which the position of one pulley results from the position of the other pulley may be referred to as a decoupling tensioning device.

The tension pulleys 804 and 805 are in 8th in a nominal position, which they can assume when the vehicle is switched off. However, when the starter generator is in its drive mode and used to generate torque, the tension on the left side 809 of the belt 801 is increased, and the arms 806 and 807 holding the pulleys 804 and 805 rotate clockwise about the Starter generator pulley 803 is rotated when the left side of the belt straightens under tension.

Similarly, when the engine is operating and the starter generator is in its alternator mode, the tension on the right side 810 of the belt 801 is increased, and the arms 806 and 807 holding the pulleys 804 and 805 become counterclockwise rotated around the starter generator pulley 803 when the right side of the belt straightens under tension. Such hybrid vehicles may also have a conventional starter motor connected to the internal combustion engine used to start the engine. In this case, the crankshaft pulley produces an abrupt increase in the tension on the right side 810 of the belt 801, causing the right side 810 of the belt 801 to straighten. This situation is in 9 which also shows a problem with this arrangement.

The problem is that a larger space than desired must be provided around the starter generator to accommodate the pulleys 804 and 805 in their extreme positions. If insufficient space is provided, one or both of the pulleys could inadvertently come into contact with another part of the vehicle. In the example of 9 As a result, insufficient space has been provided for the pulley 804, and has thus come in contact with a vehicle-mounted component 901, as shown by the arrow A. In this example, the vehicle-mounted component 901 is an air duct.

It is an object of the present invention to remedy this problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and method for tensioning a belt on a starter generator and a propulsion system and vehicle according to the following claims.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for tensioning a belt on a starter generator, the apparatus comprising: holding means for holding a first pulley and a second pulley, the holding means being mounted adjacent to a starter generator; and a first pulley for providing tension in a belt of the starter generator, the first pulley being held by the support and being mounted to rotate about its own axis of rotation relative to the support; wherein the holding means is configured to allow rotational movement of the axis of rotation of the first pulley about the axis of the starter generator, and the apparatus comprises stop means arranged to limit movement of the axis of rotation of the first pulley about the axis of the starter generator.

This offers the advantage that a smaller space can be provided to accommodate the first pulley.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the retainer is attached to the starter generator, and the first pulley is adapted to provide tension in a belt on a first side of the starter generator, and the apparatus includes a second pulley held by the retainer to provide tension in the belt on a second side of the starter generator.

In one embodiment, the holding device comprises: a first part holding the first pulley, a second part holding the second pulley, and a separator connecting the first and second parts of the holding device, the separating device being configured to Limit positioning of the first pulley depending on the position of the second pulley. In such an embodiment, the separating means comprises a spring means connecting the first and second parts of the holding means, and the spring means may comprise a spring which extends around the outside of a pulley of the starter generator.

In one embodiment, the stop means comprises at least one first stop member fixed to the holder and at least one second stop member in relation to the starter generator. In such embodiments, the stop means may comprise a plurality of first stop members spaced about the axis of the integrated starter generator and a plurality of second stop members which are correspondingly spaced. In such embodiments, the stop means may comprise at least three first stop members and a corresponding number of second stop members. In some such embodiments, the at least one second stop member is attached to the starter generator. In some such embodiments, the at least one second stop element is fixed to the holding device. In some such embodiments, the at least one first stop member and / or the at least one second stop member comprises an elastic deformable member, and the elastic deformable member may be formed of rubber or a synthetic polymer.

This offers the advantage that the resilient deformable component can reduce noise and force peaks that may occur during operation of the device.

In one embodiment, the stop means is configured to limit the movement of the axis of rotation of the first pulley about the axis of the starter generator both clockwise and counterclockwise.

This offers the advantage of reducing the space required to accommodate the first and second pulleys.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a drive system for a vehicle according to claim 14 is provided.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle according to claim 15 is provided.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of providing tension in a belt on a starter generator, the method comprising the steps of: maintaining a first pulley and a second pulley adjacent to a starter generator for delivery to the first pulley allow them to rotate around their own axis of rotation and around the Rotational movement of the axis of rotation about the axis of the starter generator to allow and to limit the movement of the axis of rotation of the first pulley about the axis of the starter generator.

In one embodiment of the method, the first pulley and the second pulley are supported by a support structure, and the method includes attaching the support structure to the starter generator.

In one embodiment, the method includes applying a belt around the first pulley, the second pulley and a pulley of the starter generator such that the first pulley on a first side of the starter generator is disposed on the belt and the second pulley on a second side of the starter generator is arranged on the belt.

In one embodiment of the method, the process of holding a first pulley and a second pulley comprises holding the first pulley on a first part and holding the second pulley on a second part, and a separator is configured to control the positioning of the second pulley in Limit the dependence on the position of the first pulley. The separating device may comprise a spring device which connects the first and the second part. The spring means may comprise a spring which extends around the outside of a pulley of the starter generator.

In one embodiment of the method, the first pulley and the second pulley are supported by a support structure that also holds at least one first stop member, and limiting the movement of the rotation axis includes fixing at least one second stop member relative to the starter generator. A plurality of first stop members may be spaced about the axis of the starter generator, and the method may include fixing a plurality of correspondingly spaced second stop members. The method may include fixing the at least one second stop element to the starter generator.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for tensioning a belt on a starter generator, the apparatus comprising: a support structure for holding a first pulley and a second pulley, the support structure being configured to be secured adjacent to a starter generator ; and a first pulley for providing tension in a belt of the starter generator, the first pulley supported by the support structure and secured to rotate about its own axis of rotation relative to the support structure; wherein the support structure is configured to allow rotational movement of the axis of rotation of the first pulley about the axis of the starter generator, and the device includes stop members arranged to limit movement of the axis of rotation of the first pulley about the axis of the starter generator.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for tensioning a belt on a starter generator, the apparatus comprising: a support structure for holding a first pulley; and a first pulley for providing tension in a belt, wherein the first pulley is supported by the support structure and is mounted to rotate about its own axis of rotation relative to the support structure; wherein the support structure is configured to allow rotational movement of the axis of rotation of the first pulley about a second axis, and the device includes stop members arranged to limit movement of the axis of rotation of the first pulley about the second axis.

The scope of this application is expressly intended to include the various aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternatives set forth in the above paragraphs, in the claims, and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular, the individual features thereof may be independently or individually practiced any combination. This means that all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any manner and / or combination, as long as these features are not incompatible. The Applicant reserves the right to change any original claim or submission of any new claim, including the right to change any originally filed claim to depend on and / or integrate any feature of any other claim although it has not been claimed in this way before.

list of figures

• 1 eine Vorderansicht einer beispielhaften Vorrichtung 101 zum Spannen eines Riemens 102 zeigt, welcher auf einem Startergenerator 103 befestigt ist;
• Fig. 2A und 2B eine perspektivische Rückansicht beziehungsweise eine perspektivische Vorderansicht der Vorrichtung 101 zeigen, die von dem Startergenerator 103 getrennt ist;
• 3 schematisch die Vorrichtung 101 benachbart zu einem Startergenerator 103 zeigt, der sich innerhalb eines Fahrzeugs 301 befindet;
• 4 eine Vorderansicht der Vorrichtung 101 benachbart zu dem Startergenerator 103 zeigt, der sich benachbart zu dem Verbrennungsmotor 303 befindet;
• 5 die Vorrichtung 101 zeigt, wenn die ersten Stoppelemente 119 gegen die zweiten Stoppelemente 120 stoßen, nach der Drehung aus der in 4 gezeigten Konfiguration;
• 6 eine alternative Vorrichtung 101B zeigt;
• 7 ein Verfahren 700 zum Bereitstellen von Spannung in einem Riemen auf einem Startergenerator zeigt;
• 8 eine bekannte Anordnung zum Bereitstellen von Spannung in einem Riemen auf einem Startergenerator zeigt; und
• 9 die Anordnung aus 8 im Betrieb zeigt, wenn sich der Startergenerator in seinem Lichtmaschinenmodus befindet.

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

• 1 a front view of an exemplary device 101 for tensioning a belt 102 which is mounted on a starter generator 103;
• Fig. 2A and 2 B show a rear perspective view and a front perspective view of the device 101, which is separated from the starter generator 103;
• 3 schematically shows the device 101 adjacent to a starter generator 103 located inside a vehicle 301;
• 4 shows a front view of the device 101 adjacent to the starter generator 103, which is adjacent to the engine 303;
• 5 the device 101, when the first stopper members 119 abut against the second stopper members 120, shows, after the rotation from the in 4 shown configuration;
• 6 an alternative device 101B;
• 7 a method 700 for providing tension in a belt on a starter generator;
• 8th shows a known arrangement for providing tension in a belt on a starter generator; and
• 9 the arrangement 8th during operation, when the starter generator is in its alternator mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The figures illustrate a device 101 for tensioning a belt 102 on a starter generator 103 , the device 101 comprising: a holding device 104 for holding a first pulley 105 and a second pulley 106 , wherein the holding device 104 adjacent to a starter generator 103 is attached; and a first pulley 105 for providing tension in a belt 102 of the starter generator 103 , where the first pulley 105 from the holding device 104 is held and fixed so that they are relative to the holding device 104 around its own axis of rotation 109 rotates; wherein the holding device 104 configured to the rotational movement of the rotation axis 109 the first pulley 105 around the axis 108 of the starter generator 103 to allow, and the device 101 a stop device 110 which is arranged to control the movement of the axis of rotation 109 the first pulley 105 around the axis 108 of the starter generator 103 limited.

1 shows a front view of an exemplary device 101 for tensioning a belt 102 , which is on a starter generator 103 is attached. The device 101 includes a support structure 104 which the holding device 104 for holding a first pulley 105 and a second pulley 106 provides. The holding structure 104 is adjacent to the starter generator 103 attached and runs around the pulley 107 of the starter generator 103 around. The pulley 107 of the starter generator 103 is operatively connected to the rotor (not shown) of the starter generator so that it operates around its own axis 108 rotates. (The axis 108 runs in 1 into the leaf.)

The device 101 also includes a first pulley 105 for providing tension in the belt 102 of the starter generator 103 , The first pulley 105 is from the holding structure 104 held and is fixed so that they are relative to the support structure 104 around its own axis of rotation 109 can turn. (The rotation axis 109 the pulley 105 runs in 1 also into the leaf and is therefore parallel to the axis 108 of the starter generator 103 .) The holding device 104 is configured to rotate the rotational axis 109 the first pulley 105 around the axis 108 of the starter generator 103 to enable. The device 101 further comprises a stop device 110 which is arranged to control the movement of the axis of rotation 109 the first pulley 105 around the axis 108 of the starter generator 103 limited.

As described in detail below, limiting the movement of the axis of rotation of the first pulley 105 in such a way that less space for the accommodation of the device 101 is needed.

In the example off 1 includes the device 101 also a second pulley 106 which of the support structure 104 held to provide tension in the belt 102 of the starter generator 103 , In the arrangement of 1 is the first pulley 105 arranged so that they tension in the belt 102 on a first page 102A of the starter generator 103 provides, and the second pulley 106 is arranged so that there is tension in the belt 102 on a second page 102B of the starter generator 103 provides.

The second pulley 106 is also attached so that they are relative to the support structure 104 around its own axis of rotation 111 and the support structure is configured to be the rotation axis 111 the pulley 106 the rotation around the axis 108 of the starter generator 103 to enable.

The holding structure 104 the device 101 is in 1 at the starter generator 103 attached. However, it should be clear that the support structure 104 may be attached to another part of the vehicle to which the starter generator is attached, provided that it is adjacent to the pulley 107 the starter generator is attached. For example, in an alternative arrangement, the support structure 104 be held by the engine block.

The holding structure 104 includes a fixed part 112 which has several (in this case three) noses 113 includes the holes ( 201 in 2A ) for picking up screws 114 define to screw on the support structure 104 to the starter generator 103 to enable.

The holding structure 104 contains a first part 115 on which the first pulley 105 so fastened that it is relative to the first part 115 around its own axis of rotation 109 can turn. The first part 115 itself is so attached that it is relative to the fixed part 112 turns, so if the fixed part 112 is rigidly fixed to a starter generator, the axis of rotation 109 the pulley 105 around the axis 108 of the starter generator can rotate.

The holding structure 104 contains a second part 116 on which the second pulley 106 so fastened that it is relative to the second part 116 around its own axis of rotation 111 can turn. The second part 116 itself is so attached that it is relative to the fixed part 112 turns, so if the fixed part 112 is rigidly fixed to a starter generator, the axis of rotation 111 the pulley 106 around the axis 108 of the starter generator can rotate.

A rear perspective view of the device 101 that from the starter generator 103 is separated, is in 2A shown. This view of the device 101 shows the fixed part 112 which the three noses 113 that has the screw holes 201 define. A front perspective view of the device 101 that from the starter generator 103 is separated, is in 2 B shown.

The fixed part 112 includes a central section 202 , a rear section 203 and a front section 204 , The central section 202 has a cylindrical inner surface, and the rear portion 203 and the front section 204 extending from the rear and the front end of the central portion 202 radially outward. The first part 115 and the second part 116 are between the front section 204 and the rear section 203 on camps around the central section 202 attached around so that the first part and the second part are independent of each other around the central section 202 can turn. Through this mechanism, the axes can 109 . 111 the first and second pulleys 105 and 106 around the axis of the starter generator ( 103 in 1 ) rotate.

The holding structure 104 further comprises a separator 207 which are the first and the second part 115 and 116 the holding structure 104 combines. The separator 207 is configured to position the first pulley 105 depending on the position of the second pulley 106 to limit. In the present example, the separator comprises 207 a spring device, which the first and the second part 115 . 116 the holding structure 104 connects so that the spring device can be tensioned in use, so that the pulleys 105 and 106 Tension forces on the belt 102 exercise. In the present example, the spring device comprises a spring 207 which around the fixed part 112 runs around. The feather 207 has a first end 117 that at the first part 115 is attached, and a second end 118 that at the second part 116 is attached. In the absence of a belt, as in 2 represented, can the first part 115 and the second part 116 unhindered around the fixed part 112 turn, but the angular distance of the first pulley 105 and the second pulley 106 is by the spring 207 maintained approximately. (The angular distance can be due to the flexibility of the spring 207 vary to some extent.)

In the present example, the spring device 207 a single arcuate spring. However, other spring means known in the art may be used. For example, the first and second parts may be provided with arms spaced apart from the first and second pulleys, and a coil spring may be connected between the arms to maintain the relative angular positioning of the first and second pulleys.

The stop device 110 includes at least a first stop element 119 attached to the support structure 104 is fixed and at least one second stop element 120 which is relative to the starter generator 103 can be fixed. The first stop elements 119 can at the first part 115 the holding structure 104 be fixed, and the second stop elements 120 can on the fixed part 112 the holding structure 104 be attached. In the present example, the second stop elements are at the front section 204 of the fixed part 112 fixed. In an alternative embodiment, second stop members may be provided configured to be directly attached to the starter generator.

In the present example, the stop device comprises 110 a plurality of first stop elements 119 , which angle around the axis 108 of the integrated starter generator 103 are spaced, and a plurality of second stop elements 120 , which are spaced accordingly. Consequently, during operation, each of the first stop elements 119 arranged so that there is a corresponding second stop element 120 contacted, at substantially the same time as the other first stop elements 119 ,

In this example, the stoppage includes 110 three first stop elements and a corresponding number of second stop elements. However, other embodiments are also provided which have more than three first stop elements and a corresponding number of second stop elements, while other embodiments are provided which have fewer than three first stop elements and a corresponding number of second stop elements.

The first stop elements 119 can be evenly spaced around the axis 108 of the starter generator 103 be arranged. In this way, unwanted forces are minimized, which tends to distort the support structure 104 being able to lead.

The first stop elements 119 and / or the second stop elements 120 may comprise an elastic deformable component. For example, at least a portion of the first stop elements 119 and / or the second stop elements 120 comprise an elastic deformable member formed of rubber or a synthetic polymer which is elastically deformable like rubber. In the present example, the second stop elements are 120 with an elastic deformable component 121 Mistake.

During operation brings a movement (in 1 counterclockwise) of the first stop elements 119 repeats the first stop elements in contact with the second stop elements 120 , whereby the further movement in this direction is stopped. By an elastic deformable component 121 is positioned at the contact point, the impact of the first stop elements 119 on the second stop elements 120 cushioned, so that resulting from the impact noise is reduced, and from the impact resulting force peaks can also be reduced.

The device 101 is in 3 adjacent to a starter generator 103 pictured inside a vehicle 301 located. The vehicle 301 has a drive system 302 which is an internal combustion engine 303 , the starter generator 103 , the belt 102 and the device 101 which is arranged to provide tension in the belt 102 provides.

During operation of the vehicle becomes the internal combustion engine 303 used to power the vehicle 301 provide required torque, but - as is known from hybrid vehicles - may be part of the engine 303 generated power used to the starter generator 103 which generates electricity in its generator mode. The electricity generated is in one or more batteries 304 saved.

Part of the engine 303 Power generated can also be used to power other accessories, such as an air conditioning compressor 305 ,

In a drive mode, the starter generator 103 used to control the movement of the vehicle 301 to start, and he can if necessary a power boost in support of the engine 303 provide.

The vehicle 301 can also have a separate starter motor 306 include, to start the engine 303 is used when the vehicle is started.

The device 101 is in 4 adjacent to the starter generator 103 shown, which is adjacent to the internal combustion engine 303 located, The engine 303 has a crankshaft on which a crankshaft pulley 401 is attached, and a water pump with a water pump pulley 402 , In the present example, the vehicle also includes an air conditioning compressor 305 with an air conditioning pulley 403 ,

The belt 102 runs around the crankshaft pulley 401 , the water pump pulley 402 , the air conditioning pulley 403 , the first pulley 105 the device 101 , the starter generator pulley 107 , the second pulley 106 the device 101 and a pulley 404 around back to the crankshaft pulley 401 ,

The device 101 is in 4 in an orientation that it can take when the vehicle is out of service. In the belt 102 can by the action of the pulleys 105 and 106 Tension generated by the action of the spring 207 pressed against the belt. If the engine 303 and the starter generator 103 No power can provide the tension on the first page 102A of belt 102 and the second page 102B of the belt 102 be the same, resulting in the configuration of FIG.

During operation of the engine 303 or the starter motor 306 (in 3 shown), the crankshaft is rotated clockwise as in 4 shown, and the tension on the first page 102A of the belt 102 is increased while the tension on the second side 102B of the belt is reduced. Consequently, the tension on the first side of the belt 102A a resultant force on the first pulley 105 ready, reducing the axis 109 the first pulley around the axle 108 of the starter generator is pressed (in 4 counterclockwise), and the first page 102A of the belt 102 tends to straighter. That means the first page 102A of the belt 102 winding at a smaller angle around the first pulley. Therefore, this movement causes the resultant force to pass through the belt 102 on the first pulley 105 exercised is reduced.

The first part 115 the holding structure 104 on which the first pulley 105 is fastened, is by the spring 207 with the second part 116 connected on which the second pulley 106 is attached. As a result, this movement (counterclockwise at the starter generator axis 108 ) of the first pulley 105 also a similar movement of the second pulley 106 , This movement of the second pulley 106 causes the second page 102B of the belt 102 with a larger angle around the second pulley 106 is wound, and that the resulting force passing through the second pulley 105 on the belt 102 exercised is increased.

In the absence of the stop device 110 would be the rotation of the pulleys 105 and 106 around the axis 108 of the starter generator 103 continued until the resulting forces by first page 102A and the second page 102B of the belt 102 on the pulleys 105 and 106 be compensated. However, in the present case, the stop device 110 configured to control the movement of the rotation axis 109 the first pulley 105 around the axis 108 of the starter generator 103 limited counterclockwise. This allows the first pulley 105 around the axis 108 of the starter generator until the first stop elements 119 against the second stop elements 120 bump.

The device 101 is in 5 shown in a state in which the first stop elements 119 after such rotation against the second stop elements 120 bump. The stop elements 119 and 120 have the counterclockwise movement of the first pulley 105 on her in 5 limited position shown. In the present example, this results in a relatively large gap A (greater than 20 mm) between the first pulley 105 and an air duct 501 which is also present in the engine compartment of the vehicle.

An alternative device 101B is in 6 shown. The device 101B can with the device 101 from 1 be identical, except that they have third stop elements 119B in addition to the first stop elements described above 119 and second stop elements 120 is provided. The third stop elements 119B are at the second part 116 the holding structure 104 fixed, which is the second pulley 106 holds. As in 6 is shown between each of the first stop elements 119 and the nearest second stop element 120 clockwise a third stop element 119B arranged.

When the starter generator 103 in its alternator mode, the first stop elements act 119 and the second stop elements 120 the device 101B to the movement of the axis 109 the first pulley 105 in the same way as in the device 101 ,

When the starter generator 103 is in a drive mode, for example, when a torque for starting the movement of the vehicle is provided, the voltage on the second side 102B of the belt 102 raised and on the first page 102A of the belt 102 reduced. The increased tension on the second side 102B of the belt generates a greater resultant force on the second pulley 106 compared with the resulting force coming from the first page 102A of the belt 102 on the first pulley 105 provided. As a result, the second pulley becomes 106 clockwise around the axis 108 of the starter generator 103 pressed, and because of the spring 207 which is the second part 116 with the first part 115 the holding structure 104 also connects the first pulley 105 pressed clockwise. In the absence of the third stop elements 119B This movement would continue until the resulting forces on the first and second pulleys 105 and 106 be balanced again. However, in the present case this movement is due to the third stop elements 119B limited, which against the second stop elements 120 bump.

In the present example, the second stop elements are 120 on each of its two sides with an elastic section 601A . 601B Mistake. If the first and second pulleys 105 and 106 counterclockwise around the axis 108 of the starter generator 103 are rotated, the first stop elements 119 against an elastic section 601A on one side of the second stop elements 120 , and if the first and second pulleys 105 and 106 clockwise around the axis 108 of the starter generator 103 be turned, push the second stop elements 119B against an elastic section 601B on the opposite side of the second stop elements 120 ,

In an alternative arrangement to that of 6 can change the position of the second pulley 106 be limited in both clockwise and counterclockwise by the positioning of the first pulley 105 is limited. For example, the third set of stop elements 119B like the first set of stop elements 119 , at the first part 115 be fixed, which is the first pulley 105 holds. Alternatively, the stop elements 119 sufficiently wide that they each provide the function of the first and third stop elements.

A procedure 700 for providing tension in a belt on a starter generator is in 7 shown. The method includes, in the block 701 , providing a first pulley holding means and a second pulley adjacent to a starter generator. For example, block 701 providing the support structure 104 include as above regarding 1 was described, resulting in the first pulley 105 around its own axis of rotation 109 can rotate and the rotational movement of the rotation axis 109 around the axis 108 of the starter generator 103 is possible. This process may include attaching the first and second pulleys to bearings on the first and second parts 115 respectively. 116 the holding structure 104 comprising and securing the first and second parts 115 and 116 on bearings at the fixed part 112 the holding structure. The feather 207 can then be at each of its ends at the first and second parts 115 and 116 be attached.

In the block 702 of the method becomes a stop device for limiting the movement of the axis of rotation 109 the first pulley 105 around the axis 108 of the starter generator 103 provided, to which the holding device may be located adjacent. Attaching the stopper to the support structure 104 can for example by fixing first stop elements 119 at the first part 115 and fixing second stop elements 120 on the fixed part 112 done, for example by welding.

The method may include attaching the retainer to the starter generator so that the first and second pulleys are located adjacent to a pulley of the starter generator. Thereafter, a belt may be applied around the first pulley, the second pulley and the starter generator so that the first pulley is disposed on a first side of the starter generator on the belt and the second pulley is disposed on a second side of the starter generator on the belt.

In one embodiment, the holding device comprises: a first part holding the first pulley, a second part holding the second pulley, and a separator connecting the first and second parts of the holding device, the separating device being configured to Limit positioning of the first pulley depending on the position of the second pulley. The separating device may comprise a spring device which connects the first and the second part of the holding device, and the spring device may comprise a spring, such as the spring 207 include, which extends around the outside of a pulley of the starter generator.

In one embodiment, the stop means comprises at least a first stop element (such as the stop elements, for example 119 ), which on the holding device (such as on the first part 115 the holding structure 104 ) is fixed. Then, the method includes fixing at least one second stop member (such as the stop members) 120 ) in relation to the starter generator. This can be achieved by placing the second stop elements on a fixed part (such as the fixed part 113 ) are arranged a holding structure, which then by screws ( 114 ) is fixed to the starter generator. Alternatively, the at least one second stop element can be fixed directly to the starter generator.

Although in the foregoing paragraphs embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to various examples, it should be understood that changes can be made in the present examples without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims.

The features described in the foregoing description may also be used in other combinations than the combinations explicitly described herein.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, these functions may also be feasible by other features, whether described herein or not.

Although functions have been described with reference to particular embodiments, these functions may also be present in other embodiments, whether described herein or not.

Although the foregoing description has sought to draw attention to those features of the present invention which are believed to be of particular importance, it should be understood, however, that Applicants are protective of any patentable features or combinations of features referred to above and / or which have been illustrated in the drawings, irrespective of whether they have been given particular significance or not.

Claims (29)

Apparatus for tensioning a belt on a starter generator, the apparatus comprising: a holding device for holding a first pulley and a second pulley, wherein the holding device is mounted adjacent to a starter generator; and a first pulley for providing tension in a belt of the starter generator, the first pulley being held by the support means, and is fixed so that it rotates in relation to the holding device about its axis of rotation; wherein the holding device is configured to allow the rotational movement of the axis of rotation of the first pulley about the axis of the starting generator, and the device comprises a stop means arranged to limit the movement of the axis of rotation of the first pulley about the axis of the starter generator. Device after Claim 1 , wherein the holding device is attached to the starter generator. Device after Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the pulley is adapted to provide tension in a belt on a first side of the starter-generator and the apparatus comprises a second pulley held by the support means for providing tension in the belt on a second side of the starter-generator. Device after Claim 3 wherein the holding means comprises: a first part holding the first pulley and a second part holding the second pulley; a separator connecting the first part and the second part of the holding means, the separator being configured to to limit the positioning of the second pulley as a function of the position of the first pulley. Device after Claim 4 wherein the separating device comprises a spring device which connects the first part and the second part of the holding device. Device after Claim 5 wherein the spring means comprises a spring extending around the outside of a pulley of the starter generator. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 6 wherein the stop means comprises at least one stop member fixed to the holding means and at least one second stop member fixed in a position relative to the starter generator. Device after Claim 7 wherein the stop means comprises a plurality of first stop members spaced about the axis of the starter generator and a plurality of second stop members spaced correspondingly. Device after Claim 7 wherein the stop means comprises at least three first stop elements and a corresponding number of second stop elements. Device according to one of Claims 7 to 9 wherein the at least one second stop element is attached to the starter generator. Device according to one of Claims 7 to 9 wherein the at least one second stop element is fixed to the holding device. Device according to one of Claims 7 to 11 wherein the at least one first stop element and / or the at least one second stop element comprises an elastic deformable component. Device after Claim 12 wherein the elastic deformable member is formed of rubber or a synthetic polymer. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 13 wherein the stop means is configured to limit the movement of the axis of rotation of the first pulley about the axis of the starter generator both clockwise and counterclockwise. A drive system for a vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine, a starter generator, a belt and an apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is arranged to provide tension in the belt. Vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine, a starter generator, a belt and a device according to one of Claims 1 to 14 wherein the device is arranged to provide tension in the belt. A method of providing tension in a belt on a starter generator, the method comprising the steps of: Holding a first pulley and a second pulley adjacent to a starter generator to allow the first pulley to rotate about its own axis of rotation and to permit rotational movement of the rotation axis about the axis of the starter generator; and Limiting the movement of the axis of rotation of the first pulley about the axis of the starter generator. Method according to Claim 17 wherein the first pulley and the second pulley are supported by a support structure, and the method comprises attaching the support structure to the starter generator. Method according to Claim 17 or Claim 18 comprising applying a belt around the first pulley, the second pulley and a pulley of the starter generator so that the first pulley is disposed on a first side of the starter generator on the belt and the second pulley is disposed on a second side of the starter generator on the belt is. Method according to one of Claims 17 to 19 wherein holding the first pulley and the second pulley includes: holding the first pulley on a first part and holding the second pulley on a second part, and a separator configured to adjust the positioning of the second pulley in response to limit the position of the first pulley. Method according to Claim 20 wherein the separating means comprises a spring means connecting the first part and the second part. Method according to Claim 21 wherein the spring means comprises a spring extending around the outside of a pulley of the starter generator. Method according to one of Claims 17 to 22 wherein the first pulley and the second pulley are held on a support structure that also holds at least one first stop member, and wherein limiting the movement of the rotation axis comprises fixing at least one second stop member relative to the starter generator. Method according to Claim 23 wherein a plurality of the first stop members are spaced about the axis of the starter generator and the method comprises fixing a plurality of correspondingly spaced second stop members. Method according to Claim 23 or Claim 24 comprising fixing at least one second stop element to the starter generator. Apparatus for tensioning a belt on a starter generator substantially as described herein with reference to FIG 1 to 7 described. A drive system for a vehicle, substantially as described herein with reference to FIG 1 to 7 described. A vehicle substantially as herein incorporated by reference 1 to 7 described. A method of providing tension in a belt on a starter generator, substantially as described herein with reference to FIG 1 to 7 described.

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