Variable flux starter and switch system

摘要

A variable flux starter and switch system including a starter motor with motor field winding first and second portions, a control unit capable of selectively issuing starter activation and desired flux level signals, a motor energizing switch moveable between open and closed positions consequent to issuance of the starter activation signal, and a regulating device that transitions between default and activated operational states consequent to issuance of the flux level signal. The regulating device has a moveable blocking member and relatively moveable contact members, and in one of the default and activated operational states, electrical contact between the contact members is permitted or prevented by the blocking member. Current through the closed motor energizing switch substantially bypasses a motor field winding portion when electrical contact between the contact members is permitted, and is conducted through both portions when prevented. Also, a method for varying starter motor flux levels.

主权项

1. A variable flux starter and switch system for starting an engine, comprising:
a starter assembly having a motor and a pinion gear, the pinion gear rotatably drivable by the motor and operably engageable with the engine, the motor having an energizable field winding including first and second portions, the motor selectively operable at different motor flux levels corresponding to the number of motor field winding portions energized whereby at least one of the speed and torque with which the pinion gear is rotatably drivable varies between different motor flux levels; a control unit capable of selectively issuing a starter activation signal indicative of desired starter assembly activation, and capable of selectively issuing a flux level signal indicative of a desired motor flux level; a motor energizing switch in electrical communication with the motor field winding and operably connected to the control unit, the motor energizing switch having movement between open and closed positions consequent to issuance of the starter activation signal, the motor field winding energizable in the motor energizing switch closed position; and a regulating device in electrical communication with the motor field winding and operably connected to the control unit, the regulating device having a default operational state and an activated operational state, the regulating device transitioned from the default operational state to the activated operational state consequent to issuance of the flux level signal, the regulating device comprising a plurality of contact members having relative movement towards each other during closing of the motor energizing switch, and a moveable blocking member, electrical contact between at least two contact members prevented by the blocking member in one of the default and actuated operational states, electrical contact between the plurality of contact members permitted by the blocking member in the other of the default and actuated operational states; wherein with electrical contact between the plurality of regulating device contact members permitted electric current conductible to the motor field winding through the closed motor energizing switch substantially bypasses the motor field winding second portion whereby energization of the motor field winding at a first motor flux level substantially excludes energization of the motor field winding second portion, and with electrical contact between at least two regulating device contact members prevented electric current conductible to the motor field winding through the closed motor energizing switch is conducted through both the motor field winding first and second portions whereby energization of the motor field winding at a second motor flux level substantially includes energization of both of the motor field winding first and second portions.