Methods and systems for a belt-driven integrated starter generator
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsAlexander O'Connor Gibson, John Eric Rollinger, David Lew, David Spuller, Veronica Pablo Osorio
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and systems are provided for identifying degradation of a belt-driven integrated starter generator (BISG) active belt tensioner coupled to a vehicle engine. By using the monitored change in FEAD load to compare the actual state of the tensioner (either in retracted or extended state) relative to the commanded state, the presence of excess belt tension may be distinguished from the presence of insufficient belt tension. Timely diagnosis of a belt tensioner may be improve belt health and extend fuel economy benefits of a BISG system.
Claims20
A vehicle drive system, comprising:
- a front end accessory drive including a belt;
- an engine coupled to the belt via a crankshaft pulley;
- a BISG coupled to the belt via a BISG pulley, the BISG coupled to a battery;
- an accessory load coupled to the belt via a clutch pulley;
- an electrically actuatable tensioner coupled to the belt between the crankshaft pulley and the BISG pulley, the tensioner having a solenoid coupled to a spring mechanism;
- and
- a controller with computer readable instructions stored on non-transitory memory for:
- when BISG torque is at zero torque and the engine is idling;
- commanding the tensioner to an extended state by energizing the solenoid;
- inferring an actual state of the tensioner based on a change in engine load following the energizing;
- and
- indicating degradation of the tensioner based on the commanded state relative to the actual state.
A method for an engine of a vehicle, comprising:
- adjusting an operating state of a belt tensioner coupled to a drive belt;
- and
- indicating tensioner degradation in response to engine load being less than a threshold after the adjusting.
A method for an engine of a vehicle, comprising:
- while torque applied by a BISG on a drive belt is lower than a threshold,
- energizing a solenoid to actuate a tensioner coupled to the drive belt to an extended state;
- and
- indicating degradation of the tensioner based on a change in engine load responsive to and concurrent with the energizing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.