Starter/alternator assembly of internal combustion engine and method for controlling thereof
US6856032B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 24, 2002 |
| Grant date | Feb 15, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 2, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02N2200/022
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An engine starting apparatus comprises a starter/alternator assembly operatively coupled to the engine and is capable of being operated in a starter mode for starting the engine and in a generator mode for generating electric power when driven by the engine. The starter/alternator assembly includes a starter/alternator machine drivingly connected to the engine, an inverter provided for controlling an output of the starter/alternator machine to selectively choose either the starting mode or the generation mode, and an electronic controller provided for controlling the starter/alternator assembly. The starting apparatus further comprises an engine speed sensor for monitoring a rotational speed of the engine that is electrically connected to the electronic controller. A method of controlling the engine starting apparatus controls transition of the starter/alternator assembly from the starter mode to the generator mode in response to the rotational speed of the engine directly sensed by the engine speed sensor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.