Patent ID: 6821223
Filing Date: 2004-11-23
Classification: F01L,F02D,F02N,F16H

Abstract:
An apparatus for starting an internal combustion engine, comprising:a starter-generator; a drive mechanism drivingly connecting a portion of said starter-generator and a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine; said drive mechanism being configured to transfer a first torque from said portion to said crankshaft when the internal combustion engine is being started such that said crankshaft is rotated by said starter-generator, said starter-generator facilitating the starting of the internal combustion engine when said crankshaft is rotated; said drive mechanism being configured to transfer a second torque from said crankshaft to said portion when the internal combustion engine is running such that said portion is rotated by said crankshaft, said starter-generator generating an electrical current when said portion is rotated; a first portion of said drive mechanism requiring tension during the transfer of said first torque; a second portion of said drive mechanism requiring tension during the transfer of said second torque; and a tensioning mechanism configured to providing selectable active tension to said first and second portions of said drive mechanism independent of a tension applied to said first and second portions, said tension mechanism in operative engagement with only one of said first portion and said second portion, said tensioning mechanism providing tension to said drive mechanism at said first portion when said first torque is greater than said second torque.