Starter with stopper on clutch inner portion of one-way clutch

摘要

In a starter (1), a one-way clutch (4) that transmits rotation of a motor (2) to an output shaft (3) has a clutch inner portion (4C). The clutch inner portion (4C) has female helical splines (40b) in an inner periphery. Also, the clutch inner portion (4C) has a stopper (16) at a front end of the female helical splines on the side opposite to the motor. The female helical splines (40b) engage with male helical splines (3a) formed on a rear end of the output shaft (3) so that the output shaft (3) is slidable in an axial direction. When the male helical splines (3a) of the output shaft (3) are brought into contact with the stopper (16), relative rotation of the male helical splines (3a) and female helical splines (40b) is restricted, thereby to stop the axial movement of the output shaft (3). Thereafter, the output shaft (3) will not receive a thrust force. Accordingly, it is less likely that a front bearing (20) supporting the output shaft (3) and a front housing (19) will receive a large load.