Starter system

摘要

Some embodiments of the invention provide a starter system including a starter, capable of being in communication with an electronic control unit. The starter can include a motor coupled to a circuit and a pinion including a plunger, and a plurality of solenoid assemblies that includes a plurality of biasing members. The plurality of solenoid assemblies can include at least one solenoid winding capable of moving the plunger to move the pinion, and at least one solenoid assembly capable of controlling current flow to the motor. Some embodiments include a first switch coupled to the circuit. In some embodiments, the first switch is capable of being activated by the plunger to cause current to flow, or to prevent current flowing to at least a portion of the circuit.

主权项

1. A starter system comprising:
a starter configured and arranged to be controlled by an electronic control unit, the starter further comprising: a motor coupled to a starter control circuit, the starter control circuit configured and arranged to be coupled to a current source including a maximum current sufficient to start the motor; a plunger moveably coupled to a pinion; a first switch coupled to the circuit and configured and arranged for actuation by the plunger, the first switch comprising at least two contacts configured and arranged for electrical coupling; and wherein electrical coupling of the at least two contacts enables the flow of current through the first switch; a first solenoid assembly comprising a plunger-return biasing member and at least two solenoid windings including a first and second solenoid winding at least partially circumscribing the plunger, the at least two solenoid windings being configured and arranged to move the plunger to a position and to substantially retain the plunger in a position a secondary solenoid assembly comprising a secondary solenoid winding at least partially circumscribing a secondary plunger, the secondary solenoid winding being configured and arranged to electrically couple with a set of secondary solenoid assembly contacts; and wherein the first solenoid winding is coupled through the first switch; wherein movement of the plunger can disrupt the coupling of the at least two contacts to substantially or completely cease current flow through the first solenoid winding; and wherein the secondary solenoid winding is configured and arranged to move the secondary plunger to couple and decouple with the set of secondary solenoid assembly contacts causing flow of the maximum current to the motor; and wherein based at least in part on the speed of a ring gear of an engine positioned to couple with the pinion, the secondary solenoid winding of the secondary solenoid assembly are configured and arranged to be energized under the control of the electronic control unit before the second solenoid winding of the first solenoid assembly or the first and second solenoid windings of the first solenoid assembly are configured and arranged to be energized before the secondary solenoid winding of the second solenoid assembly.