The digital gauge of a tension of a belt of a gas-distributing mechanism and the generator in VAZ vehicles

In this article, the analysis of belt tension measurement instruments for the gas-distributing mechanism of automotive internal combustion engines is presented. The review and analysis of belt tension measurement instruments of the gas-distributing mechanism of leading foreign manufacturers was conducted. Classification of methods for measuring belt tension is carried out. It is concluded that the mechanical belt tension indicators do not provide sufficient measurement accuracy. The classification of electronic belt tensioners is considered. The main disadvantages of modern electronic measurement instruments of belt tension of the gas distribution mechanism of automobile internal combustion engines are revealed. A digital device for measuring the belt tension of the gas distribution mechanism of automotive internal combustion engines, developed at Togliatti Polytechnic University, is presented. Structural and schematic diagrams of the device for measuring belt tension, as well as working diagrams of the device, are given. The developed instrument is universal and can also be used to measure the tension of any belts, for example, for driving a car generator. The proposed method for measuring the tension of the gas-distributing belt and the generator can be further adapted to the use for motor vehicles of various automakers (including foreign ones) that are equipped, in particular, with electric start systems with a capacitive energy storage and a battery.