EP0460688B1 - Démarreur du type à rouage intermédiaire - Google Patents

Démarreur du type à rouage intermédiaire Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0460688B1
EP0460688B1 EP91109335A EP91109335A EP0460688B1 EP 0460688 B1 EP0460688 B1 EP 0460688B1 EP 91109335 A EP91109335 A EP 91109335A EP 91109335 A EP91109335 A EP 91109335A EP 0460688 B1 EP0460688 B1 EP 0460688B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
intermediate gear
engaging
engaging member
starter motor
boss
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP91109335A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0460688A2 (fr
EP0460688A3 (en
Inventor
Wakaki c/o Mitsubishi Denki K.K. Miyaji
Yoshiaki Mitsubishi Denki Engin.Co. Ltd. Kittaka
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Original Assignee
Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from JP15141390A external-priority patent/JPH0792035B2/ja
Priority claimed from JP1990060903U external-priority patent/JPH0741893Y2/ja
Application filed by Mitsubishi Electric Corp filed Critical Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Publication of EP0460688A2 publication Critical patent/EP0460688A2/fr
Publication of EP0460688A3 publication Critical patent/EP0460688A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0460688B1 publication Critical patent/EP0460688B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02N—STARTING OF COMBUSTION ENGINES; STARTING AIDS FOR SUCH ENGINES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F02N11/00—Starting of engines by means of electric motors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02N—STARTING OF COMBUSTION ENGINES; STARTING AIDS FOR SUCH ENGINES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F02N15/00—Other power-operated starting apparatus; Component parts, details, or accessories, not provided for in, or of interest apart from groups F02N5/00 - F02N13/00
    • F02N15/02—Gearing between starting-engines and started engines; Engagement or disengagement thereof
    • F02N15/04—Gearing between starting-engines and started engines; Engagement or disengagement thereof the gearing including disengaging toothed gears
    • F02N15/06—Gearing between starting-engines and started engines; Engagement or disengagement thereof the gearing including disengaging toothed gears the toothed gears being moved by axial displacement
    • F02N15/067—Gearing between starting-engines and started engines; Engagement or disengagement thereof the gearing including disengaging toothed gears the toothed gears being moved by axial displacement the starter comprising an electro-magnetically actuated lever
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02N—STARTING OF COMBUSTION ENGINES; STARTING AIDS FOR SUCH ENGINES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F02N15/00—Other power-operated starting apparatus; Component parts, details, or accessories, not provided for in, or of interest apart from groups F02N5/00 - F02N13/00
    • F02N15/02—Gearing between starting-engines and started engines; Engagement or disengagement thereof
    • F02N15/04—Gearing between starting-engines and started engines; Engagement or disengagement thereof the gearing including disengaging toothed gears
    • F02N15/043—Gearing between starting-engines and started engines; Engagement or disengagement thereof the gearing including disengaging toothed gears the gearing including a speed reducer
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02N—STARTING OF COMBUSTION ENGINES; STARTING AIDS FOR SUCH ENGINES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F02N15/00—Other power-operated starting apparatus; Component parts, details, or accessories, not provided for in, or of interest apart from groups F02N5/00 - F02N13/00
    • F02N15/02—Gearing between starting-engines and started engines; Engagement or disengagement thereof
    • F02N15/022—Gearing between starting-engines and started engines; Engagement or disengagement thereof the starter comprising an intermediate clutch
    • F02N15/023—Gearing between starting-engines and started engines; Engagement or disengagement thereof the starter comprising an intermediate clutch of the overrunning type

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a starter motor with an intermediate gear (hereinafter referred to as “an intermediate gear type starter motor”, when applicable) the rotation of which is transmitted through the overrunning clutch and the intermediate gear to the ring gear of an engine, thereby to start the latter.
  • an intermediate gear type starter motor when applicable
  • Fig. 1 is a sectional view showing essential components of a conventional intermediate gear type starter motor according to the preamble of claim 1, which has been disclosed, for instance, in JP-A-58 84369.
  • reference numeral 1 designates a DC motor, in which an armature rotary shaft 3 is extended forwardly (to the right in Fig. 1) from its armature 2; and 5, a front bracket to which the DC motor 1 is coupled, the front bracket 5 supporting the front end portion of the rotary shaft 3 through a sleeve bearing 6.
  • reference numeral 7 designates an overrunning clutch which is slidably mounted on the rotary shaft 3.
  • the overrunning clutch 7 is designed as follows:
  • Reference numeral 8 designates a clutch outer which is engaged with the helical spline gear 4 formed on the rotary shaft 3 so as to be rotated thereby.
  • Reference numeral 9 designates a clutch inner which transmits rotation through rollers 10 to the clutch outer 8 in one way.
  • the clutch inner 9 is mounted on the rotary shaft 3 through a sleeve bearing 17.
  • a pinion 11 is formed in the front end portion of the clutch inner 9.
  • Reference numeral 12 designates a clutch cover which is secured through a stiffening plate 12 to the clutch outer 8 by staking; 14, a locking ring secured to the clutch outer 8, thus defining an engaging groove 15 with a step of the clutch outer 8; and 16, an eccentricity regulating ring secured to the inner cylindrical wall of the clutch outer.
  • reference numeral 20 designates a shift lever which has a forked end portion engaged with the engaging groove 15, and an fulcrum portion at the middle which is supported by a supporting plate 21.
  • the supporting plate 21 is supported through a cushioning spring 23 on a grommet 22 secured to the yoke of the motor 1.
  • the other end portion of the shift lever 20 is coupled to the end portion of the plunger (not shown) of an electromagnetic switch mounted on the motor 1, so that the shift lever 20 is turned about its fulcrum portion.
  • Reference numeral 24 denotes a supporting shaft secured fixedly to the front bracket 5 in such a manner that it is in parallel with the rotary shaft 3; 26, a grommet; 26, an intermediate gear mounted on the supporting shaft 24 through a sleeve bearing 28 secured to the inner cylindrical wall of the intermediate gear, the intermediate gear 26 having a boss 26a in the outer cylindrical wall of which an annular groove 27 is formed; and 29, a shift ring secured to the outer cylindrical wall of the clutch cover 12.
  • the shift ring 29 has an annular protrusion (flange) 29a radially extended, which is engaged with the annular groove 27.
  • the annular protrusion 29a of the shift ring 29 is engaged with the annular groove 27 of the intermediate gear 26 as shown in Fig. 2.
  • the plunger When the exciting coil of the electromagnetic switch (not shown) is energized, the plunger is attracted so as to turn the shift lever 20 counterclockwise. As a result, the overrunning clutch 7 is moved forwardly (in the direction of the arrow A ) until it strikes against a stopper 18 provided on the rotary shaft. As the overrunning clutch 7 is moved in this way, the intermediate gear 26 is moved on the supporting shaft 24 with the aid of the shift ring 29, thus engaging with the ring gear 30 of the internal combustion engine.
  • the engagement, in the axial direction, of the annular protrusion 29a of the shift ring 29 with the annular groove 27 of the intermediate gear 26 is limited in width; that is, the engagement is effected only in the upper portion of the annular groove 27.
  • the moment acts on the intermediate gear thus obstructing the smooth axial movement of the intermediate gear.
  • the engagement area of the annular protrusion 29a and the annular groove 27 is small, the force of movement is not positively transmitted, the annular protrusion 29a and the annular groove 27 are liable to be worn greatly, thus being short in service life.
  • an object of the invention is to eliminate the above-described difficulties accompanying a conventional intermediate gear type starter motor. More specifically, an object of the invention is to provide an intermediate gear type starter motor in which the intermediate gear can be smoothly moved in the direction of axis, and the engaging portions of the shift coupler and the intermediate gear are reduced in the amount of wear, whereby not only the service life but also the reliability is improved. Further, an object of the invention is to provide an intermediate gear type starter motor in which the overrunning clutch can be used without welding it to a certain component, the axial movement of the intermediate gear is smooth, and after the starter motor has been assembled, the intermediate gear assembly can be readily combined therewith.
  • an intermediate gear type starter motor in which a shift coupler is interposed between the clutch outer of the overrunning clutch and the boss of the intermediate gear to achieve the axial movement of the overrunning clutch and the intermediate gear in an interlock mode.
  • the shift coupler is designed as follows:
  • the shift coupler has an annular portion which is loosely mounted on the rear end portion of the clutch outer in such a manner that its axial movement is limited.
  • the shift coupler further has an engaging portion which is extended radially of the annular portion. The engaging portion is engaged with the boss of the intermediate gear at least a half of the outer periphery thereof and limited in axial movement.
  • the end portions of the two prongs of the shift lever are engaged with the annular portion or the boss of the intermediate gear axially so as to apply the force of movement thereto.
  • the shift coupler is formed by stamping a metal plate.
  • the shift coupler is made up of an annular member and an engaging member which are separately provided.
  • the annular member is loosely mounted on the rear end portion of the clutch outer with the axial movement thereof limited.
  • the annular member has engaging means through which the annular member is engaged with the end portions of two prongs of the shift lever so that it is moved by the shift lever.
  • the engaging member is loosely mounted on the rear end portion of the clutch outer in such a manner that the engaging member is located between the annular member and the step of the rear end portion of the clutch outer, thus being limited in axial movement.
  • the engaging member includes an engaging portion extended radially which is engaged with at least a half of an annular groove formed in the outer cylindrical surface of the boss of the intermediate gear with the axial movement limited.
  • the shift coupler comprises an annular member and an engaging member which are provided separately.
  • the annular member is loosely mounted on the rear end portion of the clutch outer with the axial movement limited.
  • the annular member is engaged with the end portions of the two prongs of the shift lever through engaging means so that it is moved by the shift lever.
  • the annular member has a coupling portion extended radially and has an arcuate engaging groove coaxial with the intermediate gear.
  • the engaging member is in the form of a disk which is secured to the boss of the intermediate gear, in such a manner that its outer peripheral portion is engaged with the engaging groove with the axial movement limited.
  • the boss of a shift coupler is mounted on the boss of the intermediate gear in such a manner it is movable circumferentially but not movable axially, and the rear end portion of an arm extended from the boss of the shift coupler is formed into an arcuate engaging portion.
  • the arcuate engaging portion is inserted into an engaging groove formed in the overrunning clutch with the axial movement limited.
  • the engaging portion extended from the annular portion is engaged with the boss of the intermediate gear at least a half of the outer periphery thereof with the axial movement limited.
  • the intermediate gear can be moved smoothly, and the area of engagement of the engaging portion and the intermediate gear is increased, whereby the amount of wear is decreased, and the service life is increased accordingly.
  • the shift coupler is formed by stamping a metal plate; that is, it can be manufactured with ease.
  • the engaging portion is increased in inside diameter by bending its inner peripheral portion, and the engaging portion thus treated is engaged with the annular groove by restoring the inside diameter. Therefore, the axial movement of the engaging portion can be limited without use of a retaining ring.
  • the engaging portion is extended from the engaging member which is fitted between the annular member mounted on the rear end portion of the clutch outer and the step of the latter, and the engaging portion thus extended is engaged with the annular groove formed in the boss of the intermediate gear.
  • the axial movement of the engaging member is limited merely by inserting it into the annular groove; that is, it is unnecessary to use a retaining ring etc.
  • the engaging groove is formed in the coupling portion extended from the annular member which is mounted on the rear end portion of the clutch outer, and the disk-shaped engaging member mounted on the boss of the intermediate gear is engaged with the engaging groove with its axial movement limited.
  • the boss of the shift coupler is mounted on the boss of the intermediate gear in such a manner as to surround the whole outer cylindrical surface of the boss of the intermediate gear, and the smooth axial movement of the intermediate gear is permitted.
  • the shift coupler is engaged with the engaging groove of the overrunning clutch through its arcuate engaging portion, thus providing a large engaging area. Therefore, the shift coupler can achieve its moving and coupling operation with high reliability. With the overrunning clutch set at the forward position, the intermediate gear assembly can be built in the start motor in the final step of the assembling work with ease.
  • Fig. 3 is a front view, partly as a sectional view, showing essential components of an intermediate type starter motor which constitutes a first embodiment of this invention.
  • an overrunning clutch is coupled to a DC motor through a planetary gear type speed reducer.
  • reference numeral 31 designates a DC motor in which an armature rotary shaft 33 is extended from its armature 32. The front end portion of the rotary shaft 33 is formed into a sun gear 43 which is a pinion.
  • Reference numeral 35 designates a front bracket which is coupled to the yoke of the DC motor 31.
  • a reference numeral 36 designates an electromagnetic switch 36 mounted on the front bracket 35.
  • the electromagnetic switch 36 has a plunger 37 whose front end portion is coupled to one end portion of a shift lever 20, so that the latter 20 is turned about its fulcrum portion located at the middle.
  • Reference numeral 38 designates a grommet of rubber which is fitted in the front bracket 35 to support the fulcrum portion of the shift lever 20.
  • Reference numeral 40 designates a planetary gear type speed reducer which is designed as follows:
  • Reference numeral 41 designates an internal gear frame secured fixedly to the front bracket 35.
  • An internal gear 42 is formed in the inner cylindrical wall of the internal gear frame 41.
  • Planetary gears 44 are mounted on support pins 48 through bearings (not shown) which pins are fixedly embedded in a flange 47 formed on a relay shaft 46. Hence, the relay shaft 46 is rotated at lower speed as the planetary gears 44 revolve.
  • the rear end portion of the relay shaft 46 is supported through a bearing 49 by the internal gear frame 41, while the front end portion is supported through a sleeve bearing 5 by the front bracket 35.
  • a helical spline gear 46a is formed in the middle portion of the relay shaft 46 as shown in Fig. 4.
  • reference numeral 50 designates an overrunning clutch mounted on the relay shaft 46.
  • the over running clutch 50 is designed as shown in Fig. 4.
  • reference numeral 51 designates a clutch outer which is engaged with the helical spline gear 46 of the relay shaft 46 so that the speed- reduced rotation of the latter 46 is transmitted to the clutch outer 51; and 52, a clutch inner which transmits rotation through rollers 10 to the clutch outer 51 in one way.
  • the clutch inner 52 is mounted on the relay shaft 46 through a sleeve bearing 17 in such a manner that it is movable in an axial direction.
  • the front end portion of the clutch inner 52 is formed into a pinion 53, which can be moved forwardly until it is detained by a stopper 18.
  • a clutch cover 12 is fixedly secured to the clutch outer 51 through a stiffening plate 13 by staking.
  • the front end portion of the armature rotary shaft 33 is rotatably held through a bearing 60 in a supporting hole formed in the rear end portion of the relay shaft 46, with a steel ball 61 held between the front end face of the armature rotary shaft 33 and the bottom of the supporting hole.
  • reference numeral 65 designates a supporting shaft secured to the front bracket 35 in such a manner that it is in parallel with the relay shaft 46, the supporting shaft 65 having a retaining ring 66 so that it may not come off the bracket; 67, an intermediate gear which is rotatably and slidably mounted on the supporting shaft 65 through a sleeve bearing (not shown) secured to the inner cylindrical wall thereof. The rotation is transmitted to the intermediate gear through the pinion 53.
  • Reference numeral 68 designates a shift coupler interposed between the clutch outer 51 and the boss 67a of the intermediate gear 67.
  • the shift coupler 68 is made of a synthetic resin material high in mechanical strength.
  • the shift coupler 68 has an annular portion 68a which is loosely mounted on the rear end portion of the clutch outer 51 so as to allow the latter 51 to freely rotate.
  • a retaining ring 55 is mounted on the rear end portion of the clutch outer so that the shift coupler is engaged with the clutch outer in the direction of axis.
  • an engaging portion 68b which is radially extended from the annular portion 68a, is loosely mounted on the boss 67a of the intermediate gear 67 in such a manner that it will not disturb the rotation of the intermediate gear 67.
  • the engaging portion 68b is engaged with the intermediate gear in the direction of axis.
  • a pair of protrusions 68c extended from the outer cylindrical surface of the annular portion 68a are engaged with engaging holes 20a formed in the end portions of the two prongs of the shift lever 20.
  • the overrunning clutch 50 is moved in the direction of axis with the aid of the shift coupler 68, and simultaneously the intermediate gear 67 is moved.
  • the engaging portion 68b of the shift coupler 68 is engaged with the boss 67a of the intermediate gear 67, no moment acts on the intermediate gear 67, and accordingly the latter 67 is moved smoothly.
  • the shift lever 20 When the electromagnetic switch 36 is energized, the shift lever 20 is turned counterclockwise, so that the overrunning clutch 50 and the intermediate gear 67 are moved forwardly (in the direction of the arrow A) through the shift coupler 68; that is, the intermediate gear 57 is engaged with the ring gear 30 of the engine.
  • the stationary contact means of the electromagnetic switch is closed to energize the circuit of the starter motor 31 thereby to rotate the armature 32.
  • the rotation of the armature 32 is transmitted to the relay shaft 46 with the speed reduced by the planetary gear type speed reducer 40, so that the ring gear 30 is rotated through the overrunning clutch 50 and the intermediate gear 67, thus starting the internal combustion engine.
  • Fig. 6 is a side view of a shift coupler 70 in a second embodiment of the invention.
  • the shift coupler 70 is different from the above-described shift coupler 68 shown in Fig. 5 only in its engaging portion 70b. That is, the engaging portion 70b is engaged with the boss 67a of the intermediate gear 67 in such a manner that it covers half of the outer cylindrical surface of the boss 67a, allowing the rotation of the latter 67a.
  • a retaining ring 69 is mounted on the boss to limit the axial movement of the engaging portion 70b.
  • an annular groove may be formed in the boss 67b so that the engaging portion 70b is engaged with the boss through the annular groove thus formed.
  • the above-described structure facilitates the assembling of the engaging portion 78b of the shift coupler 70 and the boss 67, and prevents the difficulty that the intermediate gear is free from moment when moved in the axial direction.
  • Fig. 7 is a front view, with parts of the overrunning clutch and the intermediate gear in section, of a shift coupler in a third embodiment of the invention.
  • the shift coupler 71 is interposed between the overrunning clutch 50 and the intermediate gear 67.
  • the shift coupler 71 is formed by stamping metal plate in such manner it comprises an annular portion 71a and an engaging portion 71b extended radially of the annular portion 71a.
  • the annular portion 71a includes a flange 71c.
  • the annular portion 71a of the shift coupler 71 is loosely mounted on the rear end portion of the clutch outer 51, allowing the rotation of the clutch outer.
  • the axial movement of the annular portion 71a is limited by a retaining ring 55 mounted on the rear end portion of the clutch outer 51.
  • the flange 71c of the annular portion 71a, and the step of the clutch outer 51 form an engaging groove 71d with which the end portions of the two prongs of the shift lever 20 are engaged.
  • the engaging portion 71b of the shift coupler 71 is loosely engaged with the annular groove 67b formed in the boss 67a of the intermediate gear 67, allowing the rotation of the boss 67.
  • the axial movement of the engaging portion 71 is limited by a retaining ring 69 mounted on the boss 67a.
  • Fig. 11 is a front view, with essential portions in section, showing a shift coupler in a fourth embodiment.
  • the inner peripheral portion of the engaging portion 71b of the shift coupler 71 are bent axially as indicated by the chain lines, thus increasing its diameter.
  • the engaging portion 71b thus processed is mounted on the boss 67b of the boss 67a of the intermediate gear 67 in such a manner that it is positioned near the annular groove 67. Under this condition, the inner peripheral portion bent as described above is pushed in the direction of the arrow C with a proper tool until it is loosely fitted in the annular groove 67b.
  • the engaging portion 71b of the shift coupler 71 permits the rotation of the boss 67, and its axial movement is limited. In this case, it is unnecessary to use a retaining ring to limit the axial movement of the engaging portion 71b.
  • Fig. 12 is a side view of a shift coupler in a fifth embodiment of the invention.
  • a number of slits 71e are formed in the inner peripheral portion of the engaging portion 71b of the shift coupler 71.
  • the engaging portion 71b is mounted on the boss 67a of the intermediate gear 67 by pushing it, the inner peripheral portion having the slits 71e is bent, and upon arrival to the annular groove 67b (cf. Fig. 11) it is restored flat, so that it is loosely engaged with the annular groove 67b.
  • the boss 69a can rotate freely, and the axial movement of the engaging portion is limited by the annular groove.
  • the engaging portion is engaged with the intermediate gear in the direction of axis with no retaining ring.
  • Figs. 13 and 14 are a front view and a side view, respectively, showing a shift coupler in a sixth embodiment of the invention.
  • the engaging portion 71f of the shift coupler 71 is so designed in length that it is engaged with a half of the annular groove 67b formed in the boss 67a of the intermediate gear 67. In this case also, the engaging portion is engaged with the intermediate gear in the direction of axis with no retaining ring.
  • Fig. 15 is a sectional view showing essential components of an intermediate gear type starter motor which constitutes a seventh embodiment of the invention.
  • its shift coupler 71 is formed by molding a synthetic resin material high in mechanical strength, comprising an annular portion 72a, and an engaging portion 72b extended radially of the annular portion 72a.
  • the annular portion 72a is loosely mounted on the rear end portion of the clutch outer 51, allowing the rotation of the latter 51, and the axial movement of the annular portion 72a is limited by a retaining ring 55 mounted on the rear end portion of the clutch outer 51.
  • Fig. 16 is a side view of the shift coupler 72.
  • reference numeral 73 designates a stiffening plate which is mounted on the boss 67a of the intermediate gear, and abuts against the inner end face of the engaging portion 72b of the shift coupler 72.
  • the stiffening plate 73 and the step of the boss 67a define an engaging groove 74.
  • the electromagnetic switch 36 is mounted on the front bracket 35 on the side of the intermediate gear 67.
  • the plunger 37 of the electromagnetic switch 36 is coupled to one end portion of a shift lever 20, the two prongs of the other end portion of which are engaged with the engaging groove 74 of the boss 67a.
  • Fig. 17 is a front view, with parts in section, showing essential components of an intermediate gear type starter motor which constitutes an eighth embodiment of the invention.
  • reference numeral 75 designates a shift coupler which comprises an annular member 76, and an engaging member 77.
  • the annular member 76 is made of a synthetic resin material high in mechanical strength, and similarly as in the case of Fig. 4, it is loosely mounted on the rear end portion of the clutch outer 51, and its axial movement is limited by a retaining ring 55 mounted on the rear end portion of the clutch outer.
  • the annular member 76 has a pair of protrusions 76c, which are engaged with two engaging holes 20a formed in the end portions of the two prongs of the shift lever 20, respectively.
  • the engaging member 77 is made of a metal plate, and has a mounting hole 77a with which the engaging member 77 is loosely mounted on the rear end portion of the clutch outer 51.
  • the axial movement of the engaging member 77 is limited by the step of the clutch outer 51 and the annular member 76.
  • the end portion of the engaging member 77 is loosely engaged with a half of the annular groove 67b formed in the boss 67a of the intermediate gear 67, allowing the rotation of the boss 67a, and being limited in axial movement.
  • the shift coupler 75 comprising the annular member 76 and the engaging member 77, is simple in construction, and accordingly it can be mounted with ease.
  • Fig. 19 is a front view, with parts in section, showing essential components of an intermediate gear type starter motor which constitutes a ninth embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 20 is a side view of a shift coupler in the ninth embodiment.
  • the shift coupler 78 comprises an annular member 79 of a synthetic resin high in mechanical strength, and an engaging member 80 made of a metal plate.
  • the annular member 79 is loosely mounted on the rear end portion of the clutch outer 51, and its axial movement is limited by a retaining ring 55.
  • the annular member 79 has a pair of protrusions 79c, which are engaged with engaging holes 20a formed in the end portions of the two prongs of the shift lever 20.
  • a coupling portion 79a is extended radially of the annular member 79, and has an arcuate engaging groove which is coaxial with the boss 67a of the intermediate gear.
  • the engaging member 80 is in the form of a disk. The engaging member 80 is engaged with the annual groove 67b of the boss 67a, so that its axial movement is limited, while the outer peripheral portion of the engaging member 80 is loosely engaged with the engaging groove, thus providing a sufficiently large engaging area.
  • the engaging member 80 is engaged with the engaging groove 67b with no retaining ring in the same manner as in the case of Fig. 11.
  • the planetary gear type speed reducer 40 is included.
  • the technical concept of the invention is applicable to an intermediate gear type starter motor in which, similarly as in the prior art, the armature rotary shaft is extended to the front end of the front bracket with the planetary gear type speed reducer omitted.
  • the shift couplers 68 and 70, and the annular members 76 and 79 are made of synthetic resin; however, they may be made of metal materials high in mechanical strength and small in frictional coefficient.
  • Fig. 21 is a front view, partly as a sectional view, showing essential components of an intermediate type starter motor which constitutes a tenth embodiment of this invention.
  • Reference numeral 54 designates an engaging ring which is mounted on the clutch outer 51 and secured with a retaining ring 55.
  • the engaging ring 54 has an engaging ring portion 54a which defines an engaging groove 56 with the step of the clutch outer 51.
  • the lower end portions of the two prongs of the shift lever 20 are engaged with the engaging groove 56 thus defined.
  • the clutch outer thus designed is used for a starter motor which has no intermediate gear; however, it can be used for an intermediate gear type starter motor according to the invention as it is.
  • Reference numeral 168 designates a shift coupler which is loosely mounted on the boss of the intermediate gear 67 and is held in place with a retaining ring 169.
  • the shift coupler 168 is made up of a boss 168a, and an arm 168b extended axially from the boss 168a.
  • the arm 168b has an arcuate engaging portion 168c at the end.
  • the shift coupler 168 is made of a synthetic resin material high in mechanical strength; however, it may be formed by using a metal material as the case may be.
  • Fig. 23 is a front view of the shift coupler 168
  • Fig. 24 is a side view of the shift coupler as viewed in the direction of the arrow B in Fig. 23.
  • the arcuate engaging portion 168c of the shift coupler 168 is inserted into the engaging groove 56 of the overrunning clutch 56 from below, thus confronting with the ends of the two prongs of the shift lever.
  • the angle of engagement ( ⁇ ) of the arcuate engaging portion is less than 180 degrees so that the arcuate engaging portion can be readily inserted into the engaging groove 56 from below.
  • the assembly of the intermediate gear 67 and the shift coupler 168 has an axial length L, which is smaller than the length M of the opening of the front bracket 35.
  • the boss 168a of the shift coupler 168 is mounted on the boss of the intermediate gear 67. Therefore, when the shift lever 20 is turned, the overrunning clutch 50 is moved axially, whereby the intermediate gear 168 is moved through the shift coupler 168. In this operation, no moment is applied to the intermediate gear 67, and accordingly the latter 67 is smoothly moved.
  • the shift lever 20 When the electromagnetic switch 36 is energized, the shift lever 20 is turned counterclockwise, so that the overrunning clutch 50 is moved forwardly, and therefore the intermediate gear 67 is moved forwardly through the shift coupler 168; that is, the intermediate gear 57 is engaged with the ring gear 30 of the engine.
  • the stationary contact means of the electromagnetic switch is closed to energize the circuit of the starter motor 31 thereby to rotate the armature 32.
  • the rotation of the armature 32 is transmitted to the relay shaft 46 with the speed reduced by the planetary gear type speed reducer 40, so that the ring gear 30 is rotated through the overrunning clutch 50 and the intermediate gear 67, thus starting the internal combustion engine.
  • the intermediate gear type starter motor includes the planetary gear type speed reducer: however, the technical concept of the invention is applicable to an intermediate gear type starter motor in which, as in the conventional intermediate gear type starter motor, the armature rotary shaft is extended to the front end of the front bracket with no planetary gear type speed reducer.
  • the shift coupler is interposed between the rear end portion of the clutch outer of the overrunning clutch and the boss of the intermediate gear, so that as the shift lever is turned, the overrunning clutch and the intermediate gear are axially moved in an interlock mode.
  • the annular portion of the shift coupler is loosely mounted on the rear end portion of the clutch outer so that the shift coupler is axially coupled to the overrunning clutch, and the engaging portion extended radially of the annular portion is loosely engaged with the whole or half of the outer periphery of the boss or of the annular groove with the axial movement limited. Therefore, the smooth axial movement of the intermediate gear can be achieved, and the wear of the engaging portion of the shift coupler with the intermediate gear is minimized, whereby the service life is increased, and accordingly the reliability is improved.
  • the shift coupler is formed by stamping a metal plate; that is, it can be manufactured with ease.
  • the engaging portion is increased in inside diameter by deforming its inner peripheral portion, and the engaging portion thus treated is engaged with the annular groove by restoring the inside diameter. Therefore, the axial movement of the engaging portion can be limited without use of a retaining ring.
  • the shift coupler consists of the annular member and the engaging member which are provided separately.
  • the engaging member is fitted between the annular member mounted on the rear end portion of the clutch outer and the step of the latter, and the engaging portion extended from the engaging member is radially inserted into the annular groove formed in the boss of the intermediate gear in such a manner that its axial movement is limited.
  • the shift coupler is simple in construction, and can be readily installed without use of a retaining ring etc.
  • the shift coupler comprises the annular member and the engaging member which are provided separately.
  • the annular member is mounted on the rear end portion of the clutch outer with the axial movement limited.
  • the engaging groove is formed in the coupling portion extended from the annular member, and the disk-shaped engaging member is mounted on the boss of the intermediate gear in such a manner that the outer peripheral portion of the engaging member is engaged with the engaging groove.
  • the boss of the shift coupler is loosely mounted on the boss of the intermediate gear with its axial movement limited
  • the arm is extended axially from the boss of the shift coupler
  • the upper end portion of the arm is formed into the arcuate engaging portion
  • the arcuate engaging portion thus formed is inserted into the groove of the over running clutch from below with the axial movement limited.
  • a conventional ordinary overrrunning clutch can be employed as it is, and yet the axial movement of the intermediate gear can be achieved smoothly.
  • the intermediate gear assembly can be built in the start motor in the final step of the starter motor assembling work.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Connection Of Motors, Electrical Generators, Mechanical Devices, And The Like (AREA)

Claims (10)

  1. Démarreur du type à pignon intermédiaire comprenant un moteur électrique (1) ayant un arbre rotatif d'induit (3), une roue libre (7) à laquelle la rotation dudit arbre rotatif (3) est transmise soit directement soit par l'intermédiaire d'un moyen réducteur de vitesse (47), ladite roue libre (7) entraînant en rotation un pignon (53) dans un seul sens, ce pignon étant disposé à l'extrémité avant de ladite roue libre (7), et étant déplacée axialement par un levier de commande (20) qui est actionné par un commutateur électromagnétique (36), et un pignon intermédiaire (67) qui est monté de manière à tourner et à être mobile axialement sur un arbre support (65) disposé parallèlement à l'axe dudit arbre rotatif, ledit pignon intermédiaire (67) étant en prise avec ledit pignon (53) et étant déplacé vers l'avant pour venir en prise avec la couronne dentée (30) d'un moteur à combustion interne,
       un moyen entraîneur (68, 71, 72, 75, 168) intercalé entre ledit élément extérieur de ladite roue libre et un moyeu dudit pignon intermédiaire pour effectuer le mouvement axial de ladite roue libre et dudit pignon intermédiaire dans un mode d'enclenchement,
       ledit moyen entraîneur de déplacement comprenant :
       un premier élément d'engagement et un second élément d'engagement, caractérisé en ce que,
       le premier élément d'engagement (68a, 71a, 71c, 72a, 76, 78, 79, 168c) est monté lâche sur la partie d'extrémité arrière de l'extérieur de ladite roue libre de telle manière que le mouvement axial en soit limité, et
       le second élément d'engagement (68b, 71b, 71f, 72b, 77, 79a, 79b, 80, 168a) s'étend radialement audit premier élément d'engagement, ledit second élément d'engagement étant en contact avec le moyeu dudit pignon intermédiaire sur au moins la moitié de la périphérie extérieure de celui-ci et étant limité quant au mouvement axial, et
       dans lequel, lorsque l'oscillation dudit levier de commande est transmise axialement à l'un dudit premier élément d'engagement et au moyeu dudit pignon intermédiaire, ladite roue libre et ledit pignon intermédiaire sont déplacés axialement en étant actionnés par l'intermédiaire dudit moyen entraîneur de déplacement.
  2. Démarreur du type à pignon intermédiaire selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit moyen entraîneur de déplacement est formé par estampage d'un matériau métallique.
  3. Démarreur du type à pignon intermédiaire selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit moyen entraîneur de déplacement est formé par moulage d'une résine synthétique ayant une résistance mécanique élevée.
  4. Démarreur du type à pignon intermédiaire selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit premier élément d'engagement a des parties d'engagement (68c, 76c, 79c) au moyen desquelles ledit premier élément d'engagement est en prise avec les parties d'extrémité de deux branches (20a) dudit levier de commande, afin qu'une force de mouvement lui soit appliquée.
  5. Démarreur du type à pignon intermédiaire selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit second élément d'engagement (71b, 71f, 76) comprend une partie d'engagement (71f) qui s'étend radialement et qui pénètre dans au moins une moitié d'une rainure annulaire (67b) formée dans la surface cylindrique extérieure du moyeu dudit pignon intermédiaire, de telle manière que ledit second élément d'engagement ait un mouvement axial limité.
  6. Démarreur du type à pignon intermédiaire selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit second élément d'engagement comprend :
       une première partie d'engagement (79a) qui s'étend radialement audit premier élément d'engagement, ladite première partie d'engagement ayant une rainure d'engagement courbe (79b) coaxiale par rapport audit pignon intermédiaire, et
       une seconde partie d'engagement (80) en contact avec le moyeu dudit pignon intermédiaire au moins sur une partie de la périphérie extérieure de celui-ci et avec un mouvement axial limité, ladite seconde partie d'engagement se présentant sous la forme d'un disque de telle manière que la partie périphérique extérieure de ladite seconde partie d'engagement pénètre dans ladite rainure d'engagement courbe de ladite première partie d'engagement.
  7. Démarreur du type à pignon intermédiaire selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre un support avant (5) relié à la partie d'extrémité avant dudit moteur électrique (1), dans lequel l'ensemble constitué par ledit pignon intermédiaire et par ledit moyen entraîneur de déplacement a une longueur axiale plus petite qu'une ouverture inférieure dudit support avant.
  8. Démarreur du type à pignon intermédiaire selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit premier élément d'engagement et ledit second élément d'engagement sont de forme annulaire.
  9. Démarreur du type à pignon intermédiaire selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit premier élément d'engagement est de forme annulaire et ledit second élément d'engagement est en forme de U.
  10. Démarreur du type à pignon intermédiaire selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit premier élément d'engagement est en forme de U et ledit second élément d'engagement est de forme annulaire.
EP91109335A 1990-06-08 1991-06-07 Démarreur du type à rouage intermédiaire Expired - Lifetime EP0460688B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP151413/90 1990-06-08
JP15141390A JPH0792035B2 (ja) 1990-06-08 1990-06-08 中間歯車付始動電動機
JP60903/90 1990-06-08
JP1990060903U JPH0741893Y2 (ja) 1990-06-08 1990-06-08 中間歯車付始動電動機

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0460688A2 EP0460688A2 (fr) 1991-12-11
EP0460688A3 EP0460688A3 (en) 1992-05-27
EP0460688B1 true EP0460688B1 (fr) 1994-04-06

Family

ID=26401960

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP91109335A Expired - Lifetime EP0460688B1 (fr) 1990-06-08 1991-06-07 Démarreur du type à rouage intermédiaire

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0460688B1 (fr)
KR (1) KR950004819Y1 (fr)
DE (1) DE69101585T2 (fr)

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB140751A (en) * 1919-03-31 1921-05-17 Vincent Bendix Improvements in engine-starters
JPS5554665A (en) * 1978-10-16 1980-04-22 Hitachi Ltd Starting motor for internal-combustion engine
JPH01244163A (ja) * 1988-03-24 1989-09-28 Mitsubishi Electric Corp 同軸形スタータ装置

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0460688A2 (fr) 1991-12-11
KR950004819Y1 (ko) 1995-06-16
DE69101585T2 (de) 1994-08-25
DE69101585D1 (de) 1994-05-11
KR920000896U (ko) 1992-01-28
EP0460688A3 (en) 1992-05-27

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