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A multi-function apparatus and a method for performing the functions of a starter, alternator and engine stabilization system for an engine of a motor vehicle. The apparatus comprises a rotor, a stator and a switching/detection system associated with the stator. The stator comprises three independen

A multi-function apparatus and a method for performing the functions of a starter, alternator and engine stabilization system for an engine of a motor vehicle. The apparatus comprises a rotor, a stator and a switching/detection system associated with the stator. The stator comprises three independent stator sectors which each comprise a plurality of independent stator coils. The rotor comprises a plurality of rotor poles about its periphery. The rotor is secured to the flex plate of the engine and the stator sectors are secured to the bell housing of the vehicle's power train. The stator coils each protrude through opening formed in the bell housing such that the rotor poles are closely adjacent the stator coils without contacting the stator coils as the rotor rotates. The switching/detection system is used to detect the positions of the rotor poles relative to the stator coils and selectively energizes various groups of stator coils for very brief, predetermined time intervals to cause movement of the rotor and therefore assist in starting of the engine. In the alternator mode energy generated in the stator coils is returned to the vehicle's battery. In the engine stabilization mode selected groups of stator coils are periodically energized to assist in smoothing out the idle of the engine of the vehicle at low idle speeds. The apparatus and method can also be used to propel the vehicle for distances determined by the energy stored in the vehicle battery, to act as a supplemental "power booster" and as a brake for effecting powertrain braking.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A multifunction apparatus for use with a vehicle engine having a bell housing including a plurality of openings spaced circumferentially therearound, and a battery associated with said engine, said apparatus operating as at least one of a starter to assist in starting said engine o

[ We claim:] [1.] A multifunction apparatus for use with a vehicle engine having a bell housing including a plurality of openings spaced circumferentially therearound, and a battery associated with said engine, said apparatus operating as at least one of a starter to assist in starting said engine or as an alternator to supply electric current to charge the battery and to power various electrical subsystems of the vehicle, said apparatus comprising:a circular rotor having a plurality of poles spaced about a periphery thereof and secured to a flexplate of said engine;a stator supported by a bell housing of said vehicle, said stator having a plurality of independent stator sectors disposed about said bell housing so as to circumscribe said bell housing;each said sector having a field winding, a first stator coil and a second stator coil, said stator coils being spaced apart along the length of said sector, and said first stator coils being coupled in parallel and said second stator coils being coupled in parallel, and each of said stator coils disposed to protrude at least partially through said openings so as to project toward said poles of said rotor and to be spaced closely adjacent said poles;a designated one of said field windings of each of said sectors being coupled in parallel and to a field winding switch such that all of said designated field windings are energized simultaneously when said field winding switch is energized; anda control system for coupling said designated field windings to said battery to energize said designated field windings and for monitoring an electrical current generated at each of said stator coils to determine the rotational position of said rotor relative to said stator coils, and for selectively coupling either said first stator coils or said second stator coils to said battery to cause said connected stator coils to each generate a magnetic field which urges said poles of said rotor in a desired rotational direction to assist in starting said engine.