JP2007303278A - Engine start device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To materialize a quiet start in either case of using two start routes and materialize change over of the start routes without complicating a structure of a start motor in an engine start device. <P>SOLUTION: A first driven gear 31 of a first intermediate gear unit 3 and a first drive gear 32 are made always mesh with a first pinion 22 of a start motor 2 and a crank gear 10 respectively. A first one-way clutch 33 transmitting rotation when the start motor 2 is driven and rotated in one direction is put between the first driven gear 31 and the first drive gear 32. A second driven gear 41 of a second intermediate gear unit 4 and a second drive gear 42 are made always mesh with a second pinion 23 of the start motor 2 and the first drive gear 32 respectively. A second one-way clutch 43 transmitting rotation only when the start motor 2 is driven and rotated in another direction is put therebetween. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an engine starting device for starting an engine by transmitting a driving force of a starting motor to a starting gear provided on a crankshaft, and more particularly to an always-meshing engine starting device.

  As disclosed in Patent Document 1, conventionally, two start paths for transmitting the driving force of the start motor to the start gear provided on the crankshaft are provided, and the engine is started by using these two start paths properly. Engine starters are known.

  Specifically, in the engine starter according to Patent Document 1, the first start gear and the second start gear are provided on the crankshaft. The output shaft of the starter motor is provided with a pinion that can move in the axial direction. Normally, the pinion is always connected to the first starter gear via an intermediate gear unit having a one-way clutch (always). And the engine is started using the starting path through the pinion, the intermediate gear unit and the first starting gear. On the other hand, when an abnormality occurs in the starting path, the pinion is moved in the axial direction so that the pinion meshes with the second starting gear, and the engine is operated using the starting path via the pinion and the second starting gear. Start.

Furthermore, the rigidity of the second start gear is set higher than the rigidity of the first start gear, and when the torque required for starting the engine is large, the first gear is moved by moving the pinion to prevent damage to the intermediate gear unit. The engine is started by switching from the start path via the first start gear to the start path via the second start gear.
JP 2005-248893 A

  However, in the engine starting device according to Patent Document 1, when the starting path via the first starting gear is used, the first gear and the pinion are always connected via the intermediate gear unit. Although it is possible to achieve a quiet start without the meshing noise, when using the start path via the second start gear, it is necessary to move the pinion to engage with the second start gear. Occasionally, gears mesh with each other.

  Further, since the switching between the first starting path and the second starting path is realized by moving the pinion, the structure of the starting motor is also complicated.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object of the present invention is to use any starting path in an engine starting device that starts an engine using two starting paths. In addition to realizing a quiet start, it is also possible to switch between two start paths without complicating the structure of the start motor.

  The present invention includes a first intermediate gear unit that transmits a driving force to a starting gear when the starting motor is rotated in one direction, and starts the driving force when the starting motor is rotated in the other direction. A second intermediate gear unit for transmitting to the gear, and by switching the rotation direction of the starter motor, the start path via the first intermediate gear unit and the start path via the second intermediate gear unit are selectively used. It is a thing.

  The first invention is directed to an engine starting device for starting an engine by transmitting a driving force of a starting motor to a starting gear provided on a crankshaft. A first driven gear that is always meshed with a first pinion provided on an output shaft of the starter motor; a first drive gear that is always meshed with the starter gear; and the first driven gear The first drive gear interposed between the gear and the first drive gear transmits the rotation of the first driven gear to the first drive gear only when the starting motor is driven to rotate in one direction. A first intermediate gear unit having a one-way clutch, a second driven gear constantly meshing with a second pinion provided on an output shaft of the starter motor, and constantly meshing with the first driving gear The second driven gear, and the second driven gear that is interposed between the second driven gear and the second driving gear only when the starting motor is rotationally driven in the other direction. And a second one-way clutch that transmits the rotation of the second drive gear to the second drive gear. A second starting path via the first intermediate gear unit and a second starting path via the second intermediate gear unit by switching the rotation direction of the starting motor. And a control means for transmitting the driving force of the starting motor to the starting gear.

  In the case of the above configuration, the starting path through which the driving force is transmitted from the starting motor to the starting gear includes the first starting path through the first intermediate gear unit and the second intermediate gear unit. And a second starting path.

  Specifically, when the starting motor is rotationally driven in one direction, the first one-way clutch transmits the rotation of the first driven gear to the first driving gear, while the second one-way clutch is transmitted. Since the clutch is configured not to transmit the rotation of the second driven gear to the second driving gear, the first starting path is used by rotationally driving the starting motor in one direction. The engine will be started. That is, when the starter motor is rotated in one direction, the first drive gear rotates in a direction corresponding to the one direction, and the starter gear meshed with the first drive gear has a predetermined start. It is rotationally driven in the direction. Here, the second drive gear meshes with the first drive gear, and the second drive gear is also driven to rotate by the first drive gear. The rotation of the first drive gear is the action of the second one-way clutch. Is not transmitted to the starting motor side.

  On the other hand, when the starting motor is rotationally driven in the other direction, the second one-way clutch transmits the rotation of the second driven gear to the second driving gear, while the first one-way clutch Is configured so as not to transmit the rotation of the first driven gear to the first driving gear, so that the engine is driven using the second starting path by rotating the starting motor in the other direction. Will be started. That is, when the starting motor is driven to rotate in the other direction, the second drive gear rotates in a direction corresponding to the other direction, and the first drive gear meshed with the second drive gear becomes the other drive gear. It is rotationally driven in a direction opposite to the direction corresponding to the direction, that is, in a direction corresponding to the one direction. As a result, the starting gear meshing with the first driving gear is rotationally driven in a predetermined starting direction. Here, the first drive gear is rotationally driven by the second drive gear, but the rotation is not transmitted to the starter motor side by the action of the first one-way clutch.

  Thus, by configuring the first intermediate gear unit and the second intermediate gear unit as described above, the first start path and the second start path can be simply changed by switching the rotation direction of the start motor. And the driving force of the starting motor can be transmitted to the starting gear. Further, the starter gear is driven to rotate in a predetermined start direction regardless of which of the first start path and the second start path is used even though the rotation direction of the starter motor is switched. be able to. As a result, it is not necessary to employ a complicated configuration such as moving the pinion of the starter motor in the axial direction, and switching between the first start route and the second start route is realized by a starter motor having a simple structure. can do. Further, the first pinion and the first driven gear, the first driving gear and the starting gear, the second pinion and the second driven gear, and the second driving gear, Since the first driving gear is always meshed and the starting path is switched by switching the rotation direction of the starting motor, the first driving gear is meshed when switching between the first starting path and the second starting path. No noise is generated, and a quiet start can be performed when using either the first start path or the second start path.

  According to a second invention, in the first invention, either one of the first and second start paths is set as a normal start path used in normal time, while the other is abnormal in the normal start path. Is set as an abnormality start path used when the occurrence of the occurrence of the rotation, the drive gear of the normal start path is provided with a rotation state detection means for detecting the rotation state of the drive gear, the control means, When the rotation state of the drive gear detected by the rotation state detection means is normal, it is assumed that it is normal time so that the driving force of the starter motor is transmitted to the starter gear via the normal start path. The rotation direction of the starting motor is controlled at the same time, while when the rotation abnormality of the drive gear is detected by the rotation state detecting means, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred, and the start path at the time of occurrence of the abnormality is passed. The normal and to switch in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the starter motor so that the driving force of the starter motor is transmitted to the starter gear Te.

  In the case of the above-described configuration, during normal times, the engine is started using the start path set as the normal start path of the first and second start paths.

  Here, in the one-way clutch, when the transmission of the driving force is interrupted, the load hardly acts and the possibility of an abnormality is low, but when the driving force is transmitted, the driving force is transmitted from the driven gear to the driving gear. A load at the time of transmission acts, and there is a possibility that a failure occurs. This failure of the one-way clutch can be detected by monitoring the rotational state of the drive gear on the downstream side in the driving force transmission direction. That is, when a failure occurs in the one-way clutch, the rotation is not normally transmitted to the drive gear even though the driven gear is rotating in the direction in which the rotation should be transmitted. That is, by monitoring the rotation of the drive gear in the normal start path by the rotation state detecting means, it is possible to detect whether or not a failure has occurred in the normal start path, in particular, the one-way clutch. When is detected, the starting path is switched from the normal starting path to the abnormal starting path.

  By doing so, even if an abnormality occurs in the normal start path, the engine can be started via the abnormal start path.

  Also, since the start path when an abnormality occurs has the same configuration as the normal start path, it is not just a fail-safe mechanism that allows the engine to start when an abnormality occurs, but it can continue to be used as a start path. You can also. In other words, once the normal start path has expired, it can be configured to use the abnormal start path until the end of its lifetime, extending the usable period of the engine starter as a whole. can do.

  In a third aspect based on the first aspect, the control means switches the rotation direction of the starter motor each time the engine start count reaches a predetermined number of times, so that the first start path and the second start path The starting path is switched.

  In the case of the above configuration, the first start path and the second start path are used equally. As a result, the load at the time of engine start acts equally on the first one-way clutch and the second one-way clutch, and the durability of the one-way clutch as the whole engine starter can be improved. The service life of the engine starter as a whole can be extended.

  According to a fourth aspect, in the first aspect, the apparatus further comprises temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the engine, wherein one of the first and second starting paths has a reduction ratio that is less than that of the other starting path. Is set to be large, and the control means has a relatively large reduction ratio in the first and second starting paths when the engine temperature detected by the temperature detection means is lower than a predetermined value. The rotational direction of the starter motor is controlled so that the driving force of the starter motor is transmitted to the starter gear via the start path, while the engine temperature detected by the temperature detecting means is not less than a predetermined value. Sometimes the rotation of the starter motor is such that the driving force of the starter motor is transmitted to the starter gear via the starter path having a relatively small reduction ratio of the first and second starter paths. It shall be controlled.

  In the case of the above configuration, the reduction ratio between the starting motor and the starting gear is changed between the first starting path and the second starting path. When the engine temperature detected by the temperature detecting means is lower than a predetermined value, that is, when the engine is cold, the start path having the relatively large reduction ratio among the first and second start paths is used. By starting the engine, it is possible to sufficiently secure the torque necessary for starting the engine and improve the starting performance. On the other hand, when the temperature of the engine detected by the temperature detecting means is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, that is, when the engine is warm, the engine is operated using the start path having the smaller reduction ratio among the first and second start paths. By starting the engine, the rotation speed of the starting gear can be relatively increased to shorten the starting time.

  According to a fifth invention, in any one of the first to fourth inventions, the first and second drive gears are each provided with an unbalance mass that cancels the secondary inertia force of the engine. To do.

  In the case of the above configuration, since the first drive gear and the second drive gear mesh with each other and rotate in the opposite directions, by providing an unbalanced mass in each of the first and second drive gears, A balancer that reduces engine vibration can be configured. The secondary inertia force of the engine can be canceled by setting the rotation ratio between the starting gear and the first and second drive gears to an appropriate value.

  According to the present invention, as a starting path for transmitting driving force from the starting motor to the starting gear, the first starting path via the first intermediate gear unit and the second intermediate gear unit are used. A second starting path, and in the first intermediate gear unit, the first driven gear is always meshed with the first pinion of the starting motor and the second driving gear is always meshed with the starting gear. The first one-way clutch is set to transmit the rotation of the first driven gear to the first driving gear when the starting motor is driven to rotate in one direction, while the second intermediate gear is set. The second driven gear in the unit is always meshed with the second pinion of the starter motor and the second drive gear is always meshed with the first drive gear, and the second one-way clutch is connected to the starter motor. By switching the rotation direction of the starting motor by setting the rotation of the second driven gear to be transmitted to the second driving gear when driven to rotate in the other direction, the first starting path and The engine can be started by selectively using the second starting path, that is, the first starting path can be simply switched by changing the rotation direction of the starting motor having a simple structure without a complicated configuration of the starting motor. And the second starting path can be switched. The first driven gear and the first pinion, the first driving gear and the starting gear, the second driven gear and the second pinion, the second driving gear and the first driving gear Since the first start path and the second start path can be switched only by switching the rotation direction of the starter motor, the gear meshing sound may be generated when the start path is switched. And a quiet start can be realized.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1 of the Invention
FIG. 1 shows an engine starter A according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  Reference numeral 1 denotes a crankshaft of an engine provided with the crank gear 10, and reference numeral 2 denotes a starter motor. Between the starter motor 2 and the crank gear 10, a first intermediate gear unit 3 and a second intermediate gear unit 4 that transmit the driving force of the starter motor 2 to the crank gear 10 are provided in parallel.

  The crank gear 10 is configured by forming teeth (not shown) on the outer periphery of a disk-like member provided on the crankshaft 1. This disk-shaped member may be configured by forming a web portion having a function of an arm portion or a counterweight provided on the crankshaft 1 in a disk shape. Moreover, the said tooth | gear may be directly formed in the outer peripheral part of a disk shaped member, or the structure which externally fits a ring gear to the outer peripheral part of a disk shaped member may be sufficient. The crank gear 10 constitutes a starting gear.

  The starter motor 2 includes a motor body 20, an output shaft 21 extending from the motor body 20, a first pinion 22 and a second pinion 23 which are provided coaxially with the output shaft 21 and rotate integrally with the output shaft. Have The starter motor 2 is configured to be able to rotate forward and reverse. This starter motor 2 constitutes a starting motor.

  The first intermediate gear unit 3 includes a first gear shaft 30 provided in parallel with the crankshaft 1, and is provided coaxially with the first gear shaft 30 at one end of the first gear shaft 30 and rotates integrally therewith. A first driven gear 31, a first drive gear 32 provided coaxially with the first gear shaft 30 at the other end of the first gear shaft 30, and the other end of the first gear shaft 30 A first one-way clutch 33 interposed between the first drive gear 32 and the first drive gear 32;

  The first driven gear 31 meshes with the first pinion 22 of the starter motor 2.

  The first drive gear 32 has a gear portion 32 a having a helical gear formed on the outer periphery and a cylindrical portion 32 b formed coaxially with the gear portion 32 a, and the cylindrical portion 32 b is in addition to the first gear shaft 30. It is fitted on the end and attached to the other end of the first gear shaft 30 via the first one-way clutch 33. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the cylindrical portion 32 b is rotatably provided to the first gear shaft 30 via bearings 34 and 35 provided so as to sandwich the first one-way clutch 33. Yes.

  The first one-way clutch 33 is opposite to the first driven gear 31 when viewed from the first driving gear 32 side toward the first driven gear 31 side along the axial direction of the first gear shaft 30. Only clockwise rotation is transmitted to the first drive gear 32. That is, the first one-way clutch 33 is driven to rotate clockwise when the output shaft 21 of the starter motor 2 is viewed from the second pinion 23 side toward the first pinion 22 side along the axial direction. Therefore, the driving force is transmitted to the first driving gear 32. Therefore, when the output shaft 21 of the starter motor 2 is rotationally driven in the opposite direction, the driving force is not transmitted to the first drive gear 32. In the present specification, unless otherwise specified, the first driven gear 31 (or from the first driving gear 32 (or the second driving gear 42 and the second pinion 23) side along the crankshaft 1 is used. The direction of rotation is specified by clockwise or counterclockwise when viewed toward the second driven gear 41 and the first pinion 22).

  The second intermediate gear unit 4 has a second gear shaft 40 provided in parallel with the crankshaft 1 and is provided coaxially with the second gear shaft 40 at one end of the second gear shaft 40 and rotates integrally therewith. A second driven gear 41, a second drive gear 42 provided coaxially with the second gear shaft 40 at the other end of the second gear shaft 40, the second gear shaft 40, and the second drive. And a second one-way clutch 43 interposed between the gears 42.

  The second drive gear 42 includes a gear part 42 a having a helical gear formed on the outer periphery and a cylindrical part 42 b formed coaxially with the gear part 42 a, and the cylindrical part 42 b is the other part of the second gear shaft 40. It is fitted on the end and is attached to the other end of the second gear shaft 40 via the second one-way clutch 43. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the cylindrical portion 42 b is rotatably provided with respect to the second gear shaft 40 via bearings 44 and 45 provided so as to sandwich the second one-way clutch 43. Yes.

  The second one-way clutch 43 transmits only the clockwise rotation of the second driven gear 41 to the second driving gear 42. That is, the second one-way clutch 43 transmits the driving force to the second drive gear 42 only when the output shaft 21 of the starter motor 2 is driven to rotate counterclockwise. Therefore, when the output shaft 21 of the starter motor 2 is rotationally driven clockwise, the driving force is not transmitted to the second drive gear 42.

  In addition, the first and second unbalanced masses 36 are provided on the gear portions 32a and 42a of the first and second drive gears 32 and 42 at positions opposite to the cylindrical portions 32b and 42b and eccentric from the center of rotation. , 46 are provided. Specifically, the first and second unbalance masses 36 and 46 are formed on a straight line connecting the rotation centers of the gear portions 32a and 42a with the rotation of the gear portion 32a. When located on the side away from 42a, the second unbalance mass 46 is located on the straight line connecting the rotation centers of the gear portions 32a and 42a and away from the gear portion 32a, while the first unbalanced mass 46 is located. When the mass 36 is on a straight line connecting the rotation centers of the gear portions 32a and 42a and is located on the side close to the gear portion 42a, the second unbalanced mass 46 is on a straight line connecting the rotation centers of the gear portions 32a and 42a. And it is attached to gear part 32a, 42a so that it may be located in the side near gear part 32a, respectively.

  The reduction ratio between the first drive gear 32 and the crank gear 10 is set to 2: 1, and the reduction ratio between the first drive gear 32 and the second drive gear 42 is set to 1: 1. The first and second unbalance masses 36 and 46 rotate at twice the rotational speed with respect to the crankshaft 1 and can reduce the secondary inertial force of the engine.

  By providing the first and second intermediate gear units 3 and 4 configured as described above, when the engine is started, the start path for transmitting the driving force of the starter motor 2 to the crankshaft 1 is shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 4, two paths are set, a first starting path P1 through the first intermediate gear unit 3 and a second starting path P2 through the second intermediate gear unit 4.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, when the starter motor 2 is rotationally driven clockwise, the first driven gear 31 is rotationally driven counterclockwise via the first pinion 22. Since the first one-way clutch 33 transmits the counterclockwise rotation of the first driven gear 31, when the first driven gear 31 rotates counterclockwise, the first driving gear 32 also rotates counterclockwise. Rotate. As a result, the crank gear 10 and the crankshaft 1 are driven to rotate clockwise. At this time, the second pinion 23 is also driven to rotate clockwise. However, since the second one-way clutch 43 does not transmit the counterclockwise rotation of the second driven gear 41, the driving force of the starter motor 2 is the second. There is no transmission to the drive gear 42. Further, since the second drive gear 42 meshes with the first drive gear 32, the second drive gear 42 is driven to rotate clockwise as the first drive gear 32 rotates counterclockwise. Is transmitted to the second driven gear 41 side by the second one-way clutch 43.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, when the starter motor 2 is rotationally driven counterclockwise, the second driven gear 41 is rotationally driven clockwise via the second pinion 23. Since the second one-way clutch 43 transmits the clockwise rotation of the second driven gear 41, when the second driven gear 41 rotates counterclockwise, the second driving gear 42 also rotates clockwise. To do. As a result, the first drive gear 32 rotates counterclockwise, and the crank gear 10 and the crankshaft 1 are rotationally driven clockwise via the first drive gear 32. At this time, the first pinion 22 is also driven to rotate counterclockwise, but since the first one-way clutch 33 does not transmit the clockwise rotation of the first driven gear 31, the driving force of the starter motor 2 is the first. There is no transmission to the drive gear 32. The first drive gear 32 is rotationally driven counterclockwise by the second drive gear 42, but the transmission of this rotation to the first driven gear 31 side is interrupted by the first one-way clutch 33.

  Thus, by switching the rotation direction of the starter motor 2, the driving force of the starter motor 2 is transmitted to the crankshaft 1 via the first start path P1, or to the crankshaft 1 via the second start path P2. You can switch whether to communicate.

  After the engine is started, as shown in FIG. 5, the first drive gear 32 is rotated counterclockwise and the second drive gear 42 is rotated clockwise by the crank gear 10. 2 The rotation of the one-way clutches 33 and 43 is not transmitted to the first and second driven gears 31 and 41 side. That is, although the crank gear 10, the first drive gear 32, and the second drive gear 42 are always meshed, the rotation of the crank gear 10 is not transmitted to the starter motor 2, thereby reducing the load on the engine. be able to.

  In the engine starter A according to the present embodiment, the first start path P1 is set as a normal start path that is normally used (hereinafter referred to as a normal start path P1), while the second start path The path P2 is set as a start path upon occurrence of an abnormality (hereinafter referred to as a start path P2 when an abnormality occurs) used when an abnormality occurs in the first start path P1, and as shown in FIG. The starter motor 2 is controlled by the configured control unit 5 and the engine is started.

  The engine starter A includes a rotation sensor 51 that detects a rotation state of a first drive gear 32 that is a drive gear provided in a normal start path P1, and an output signal of the rotation sensor 51 is a control unit. 5 is input.

  The rotation sensor 51 is a sensor that detects the presence or absence of rotation of the first drive gear 32, and the controller 5 determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the normal start path P1 based on an output signal from the rotation sensor 51. Determine whether. Specifically, the one-way clutch is likely to break down in the starting path, and the failure of the first one-way clutch 33 can be determined based on the rotation state of the first drive gear 32. That is, if the first one-way clutch 33 is out of order, the first driven gear 31 is rotated even if the starter motor 2 is rotated clockwise to transmit the driving force using the normal start path P1. The first one-way clutch 33 cannot transmit to the first drive gear 32, and the first drive gear 32 does not rotate. Further, when the starter motor 2 is driven to rotate clockwise, the second drive gear 42 does not rotate due to the action of the second one-way clutch 43, so that the first drive gear 32 is driven to rotate by the second drive gear 42. Nor. Therefore, when it is detected that the first drive gear 32 is not rotating based on the output signal of the rotation sensor 51, it can be determined that a failure has occurred in the first one-way clutch 33. The rotation sensor 51 constitutes a rotation state detection unit.

  The control unit 5 receives the starter motor 2 when the start timing of the engine has arrived, for example, when a signal output by the driver turning the key inserted in the key cylinder to the start position is input. The engine is started by outputting a control signal. Specifically, the control unit 5 controls the output shaft 21 to rotate clockwise during normal times (that is, during the normal start path P1, particularly when no abnormality occurs in the first one-way clutch 33). Is output to the starter motor 2. In this way, the driving force of the starter motor 2 is transmitted to the crankshaft 1 via the normal start path P1, and the engine is started.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 5 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the normal start path P1 based on the output signal from the rotation sensor 51, the control unit 5 outputs a control signal for driving the output shaft 21 to rotate counterclockwise. Output to the motor 2. In this way, the driving force of the starter motor 2 is transmitted to the crankshaft 1 via the start path P2 when an abnormality occurs, and the engine is started.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, even if an abnormality (particularly, failure of the first one-way clutch 33) occurs in the normal start path P1, the rotation direction of the starter motor 2 is switched to the opposite direction to the normal time. The engine can be started by transmitting the driving force of the starter motor 2 to the crankshaft 1 via the starting path P2 when an abnormality occurs. In this way, even if an abnormality occurs in the normal start path P1, the engine can be started, a fail-safe function can be ensured, and the useful life of the starter A as a whole can be extended. .

  In the above-described embodiment, the first start path (normal start path) can be performed by a simple method of switching the rotation direction of the starter motor 2 without adopting a complicated configuration in which the pinion of the starter motor is moved in the axial direction. Switching between P1 and the second starting path (starting path when abnormality occurs) P2 can be realized. Further, the first pinion 22 and the first driven gear 31, the first driving gear 32 and the crank gear 10, the second pinion 23 and the second driven gear 41, and the second driving gear 42 and the first driving gear 32 are always provided. Because of the meshing, no meshing noise is generated when switching between the first starting path (normal starting path) P1 and the second starting path (starting path when abnormality occurs) P2, and the first starting path P1 and the second starting path A quiet start can be performed when any of the paths P2 is used.

  In the above embodiment, the first start path P1 is set as a normal start path, while the second start path P2 is set as a start path when an abnormality occurs. Conversely, the first start path P1 is set when an abnormality occurs. While the start path is set, the second start path P2 may be set as a normal start path. However, in such a case, the rotation sensor 51 needs to be configured to detect the rotation state of the second drive gear 42.

<< Embodiment 2 of the Invention >>
Next, an engine starter A according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. The engine starter A according to the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in how to properly use the first start path P1 and the second start path P2. In the second embodiment, one of the first and second start paths P1 and P2 is used as a normal start path, and the other is not separated from the start path when an abnormality occurs, and both start paths are used equally. It is configured. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same structure as Embodiment 1, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The control unit 5 according to the second embodiment is connected to a counting unit 52 that counts the number of engine starts so that signals can be exchanged. The counting unit 52 is composed of, for example, an EEPROM, and counts and stores the number of times of starting each time the engine is started.

  The controller 5 outputs a control signal to the starter motor 2 to start the engine when the engine start timing arrives. Specifically, the control unit 5 first starts the engine via one of the first start path P1 and the second start path P2, for example, the first start path P1. That is, the control unit 5 outputs a control signal for rotating the output shaft 21 clockwise to the starter motor 2. The engine is started via the first start path P1 until the number of engine starts counted by the counting unit 52 reaches a predetermined number.

  When the number of engine starts stored in the counting unit 52 reaches a predetermined number, the engine is started via the second start path P2 from the next engine start. That is, the control unit 5 outputs a control signal for driving the output shaft 21 to rotate counterclockwise to the starter motor 2.

  Thereafter, when the engine is started a predetermined number of times via the second start path P2, the engine is started again via the first start path P1 after the next engine start.

  Thus, the number of engine starts is counted by the counting unit 52, and each time the number of start times reaches a predetermined number, the control unit 5 switches the rotation direction of the starter motor 2 to change the first start path P1 or The engine is started through the second start path P2.

  Therefore, according to the second embodiment, the first start path P1 and the second start path P2 are used equally. As a result, the load at the time of engine start acts equally on the one-way clutch and gear in the first start path P1 and the one-way clutch and gear in the second start path P2, and the durability of the engine starter A as a whole is increased. Property can be improved, and the service life can be extended.

  In addition, when the rotation sensor like the said Embodiment 1 is provided in the 1st and 2nd drive gears 32 and 42, and the 1st starting path | route P1 and the 2nd starting path | route P2 are switched equally and used. When it is detected that an abnormality has occurred in any one of the starting paths, the switching between the first starting path P1 and the second starting path P2 is stopped alternately, and the start in which no abnormality has occurred is started. You may comprise so that engine starting may be performed only using a path | route. By doing so, the service life of the engine starter A can be further extended.

<< Embodiment 3 of the Invention >>
Subsequently, an engine starter according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. The engine starter A according to the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in how to properly use the first start path P1 and the second start path P2. In the third embodiment, the first and second start paths P1 and P2 are not used properly in terms of the normal start path and the abnormal start path, but in terms of whether they are warm or cold. It is configured. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same structure as Embodiment 1, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the third embodiment, the reduction ratio between the first pinion 22 and the first driven gear 31 is set larger than the reduction ratio between the second pinion 23 and the second driven gear 41. That is, the reduction ratio is set to be relatively large when the engine is started via the first start path P1, and the reduction ratio is set to be relatively small when the engine is started via the second start path P2.

  Further, a detection signal of a water temperature sensor 53 that detects the water temperature of the engine is input to the control unit 5. This water temperature sensor 53 constitutes a temperature detecting means.

  The controller 5 outputs a control signal to the starter motor 2 to start the engine when the engine start timing arrives. Specifically, when the engine water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 53 is lower than a predetermined temperature, the control unit 5 outputs a control signal for driving the output shaft 21 to rotate clockwise, to the starter motor 2, and the first start path The engine is started via P1. Since the first start path P1 has a relatively large reduction ratio as described above, when the engine is started via the first start path P1, the first start path P1 has a relatively large reduction ratio. The crank gear 10 can be rotationally driven with a large torque. That is, by using the first starting path P1, sufficient driving torque is ensured, and the engine can be reliably started even when it is cold (when the engine water temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature). Can be improved.

  On the other hand, when the engine water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 53 is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, the control unit 5 outputs a control signal for driving the output shaft 21 to rotate counterclockwise to the starter motor 2, so The engine is started via P2. As described above, since the reduction ratio is set to be relatively small in the second starting path P2, the driving torque is relatively small when the engine is started via the second starting path P2. The crank gear 10 can be driven to rotate at a high speed. That is, when the engine is warm (when the water temperature of the engine is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature), a very large driving torque is not necessary, and instead, the rotational speed can be increased and the starting time can be shortened.

  As described above, the control unit 5 uses the first start path P1 and the second start path P2 properly based on the engine temperature.

  Therefore, according to the third embodiment, the first start path P1 is set as a cold start path, the second start path P2 is set as a warm start path, and the first start is performed according to the engine temperature. By properly using the path P1 and the second start path P2, it is possible to improve the start performance with a large driving torque when it is cold, and to shorten the start time with high speed rotation when it is warm.

  In the third embodiment, the first start path P1 is set as a cold start path, while the second start path P2 is set as a warm start path. May be. In such a case, however, the reduction ratio between the first pinion 22 and the first driven gear 31 needs to be set smaller than the reduction ratio between the second pinion 23 and the second driven gear 41.

  Further, the predetermined temperature for switching between the first start path P1 and the second start path P2 may be set according to the relationship between the reduction ratio between the pinion of the start path used during cold and the driven gear. That is, the predetermined temperature is set to a temperature at which the engine cannot be smoothly started in the warm start path, and the reduction ratio between the pinion and the driven gear in the cold start path is equal to or lower than the temperature. What is necessary is just to set to the reduction gear ratio which generate | occur | produces the drive torque which can start an engine reliably at any time.

  Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the engine temperature is detected by the water temperature sensor 53, but a sensor that can detect the temperature related to the engine temperature, such as an oil temperature sensor that detects the oil temperature of the engine. If there is any sensor, any sensor can be employed.

  As described above, the present invention relates to an engine starter for starting an engine by transmitting the driving force of a starter motor to a starter gear provided on a crankshaft, and in particular, an always-mesh engine starter. Useful for.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an appearance image diagram illustrating an engine starter according to a first embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the structure of an intermediate | middle gear unit. It is an image figure which shows the transmission state of rotation when starting an engine via a 1st starting path | route. It is an image figure which shows the transmission state of rotation when starting an engine via a 2nd starting path | route. It is an image figure which shows the transmission state of the rotation after an engine start. It is a block diagram of an engine starting device. 6 is a block diagram of an engine starter according to Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an engine starter according to Embodiment 3.

Explanation of symbols

A Engine starter P1 First start path (normal start path)
P2 Second start path (start path when an abnormality occurs)
1 Crankshaft 10 Crank gear (starting gear)
2 Starter motor (starting motor)
21 Output shaft (output shaft of the starting motor)
22 1st pinion 23 2nd pinion 3 1st intermediate gear unit 31 1st driven gear 32 1st drive gear 33 1st one-way clutch 36 1st unbalance mass 4 2nd intermediate gear unit 41 2nd driven gear 42 2nd 2 drive gear 43 2nd one-way clutch 46 2nd unbalance mass 5 Control part (control means)
51 Rotation sensor (rotation state detection means)
53 Water temperature sensor (temperature detection means)

Claims (5)

An engine starter for starting an engine by transmitting a driving force of a starter motor to a starter gear provided on a crankshaft,
A first driven gear that is always meshed with a first pinion provided on an output shaft of the starter motor, a first drive gear that is always meshed with the starter gear, and the first driven gear; A first one-way that is interposed between the first drive gear and transmits the rotation of the first driven gear to the first drive gear only when the starting motor is driven to rotate in one direction. A first intermediate gear unit having a clutch;
A second driven gear constantly meshing with a second pinion provided on the output shaft of the starter motor; a second driving gear constantly meshing with the first driving gear; and the second driven gear. The second drive gear is interposed between the gear and the second drive gear and transmits the rotation of the second driven gear to the second drive gear only when the starting motor is driven to rotate in the other direction. A second intermediate gear unit having a one-way clutch;
By switching the rotation direction of the starter motor, the first starter path via the first intermediate gear unit and the second starter path via the second intermediate gear unit are switched to switch the starter motor. And a control means for transmitting the driving force of the engine to the starting gear. The engine starter according to claim 1,
Either one of the first and second start paths is set as a normal start path that is used in a normal state, while the other is used when an abnormality occurs in the normal start path. Set to
The drive gear of the normal start path is provided with a rotation state detecting means for detecting the rotation state of the drive gear,
The control means assumes that when the rotational state of the drive gear detected by the rotational state detection means is normal, it is normal time, and the driving force of the starter motor is transmitted via the normal start path. The rotation direction of the starting motor is controlled so as to transmit to the gear. On the other hand, when a rotation abnormality of the drive gear is detected by the rotation state detecting means, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred. An engine starter characterized in that the rotation direction of the starter motor is switched to a direction opposite to the normal time so that the driving force of the starter motor is transmitted to the starter gear. The engine starter according to claim 1,
The control means switches the first start path and the second start path by switching the rotation direction of the start motor each time the engine starts a predetermined number of times. Starter. The engine starter according to claim 1,
A temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the engine;
One of the first and second start paths has a reduction ratio set larger than that of the other start path,
When the engine temperature detected by the temperature detection means is lower than a predetermined value, the control means starts the start via the start path having a relatively large reduction ratio among the first and second start paths. The rotational direction of the starter motor is controlled so that the driving force of the starter motor is transmitted to the starter gear. On the other hand, when the engine temperature detected by the temperature detecting means is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the first and second The rotational direction of the starting motor is controlled so that the driving force of the starting motor is transmitted to the starting gear via the starting path having a relatively small reduction ratio among the starting paths. The engine starter. The engine starting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
An engine starting device, wherein the first and second drive gears are each provided with an unbalanced mass that cancels the secondary inertial force of the engine.

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