TANDEM SOLENOID STARTER HAVING HELICAL PINION GEAR AND STARTING SYSTEMS INCORPORATING THE SAME

摘要

A starter assembly for rotating a helical ring gear of an engine, including a connector with first and second inputs, an electric motor, a helical pinion gear, and an actuator. The motor is in communication with the first input for generating rotational torque in response to signals at the first input. The helical pinion is in rotational communication with the motor. The actuator is in communication with the second input and moves between a disengaged position, with the helical pinion spaced from the helical ring; and an engaged position, wherein the helical pinion meshes and can rotate with the helical ring. The actuator moves between the positions in response to signals occurring at the second input. The inputs are independent such that the actuator can move the helical pinion to the engaged position and the motor can subsequently rotate the helical ring so as to start the engine.

主权项

1. A starter assembly for selectively translating rotational torque to a helical ring gear in rotational communication with an engine, said starter assembly comprising:
a connector having first and second electric inputs; an electric motor in electrical communication with said first electric input for selectively generating rotational torque in response to predetermined electric signals occurring at said first electric input; a helical pinion gear in rotational communication with said electric motor; and an actuator in electrical communication with said second electric input for selectively moving said helical pinion gear between:
a disengaged position, wherein said helical pinion gear is spaced from the helical ring gear, andan engaged position, wherein said helical pinion gear at least partially meshes with the helical ring gear and is in rotational communication therewith; wherein said actuator moves said helical pinion gear between said positions in response to predetermined electric signals occurring at said second electric input, and wherein first and second electric inputs are independent such that said actuator can move said helical pinion gear to said engaged position and said electric motor can subsequently translate rotational torque to the helical ring gear so as to start the engine.