Engine starting and stopping device

摘要

An engine starting device includes a roller selectively engageable between the crankshaft of an engine and an arbor. The roller causes the arbor to rotate in a loading direction in response to rotation of the crankshaft. Rotation of the arbor loads an elastic member. A locking mechanism, such as a ratchet wheel and pawl may be used to keep the elastic member loaded until it is desired to startup the engine. Engine startup is initiated by disengaging the pawl from the ratchet wheel and permitting the elastic member to unload. A pinion gear is mounted on a helically threaded portion of the arbor and moves axially along the helically threaded portion in response to unloading of the elastic member. The pinion gear engages teeth on the flywheel and causes the flywheel to rotate in a starting direction under the influence of the unloading elastic member.