Abstract: An electromagnetic solenoid that controls a motor current of a starter includes: a first switch including first fixed contacts and a first movable contact, intermitting the motor current; a suppression resistor that suppresses the motor current; a second switch including second fixed contacts and a second movable contact, making a short circuit path to bypass the suppression resistor; a first regulation member being driven by a first solenoid, regulating the first switch being closed and releasing the first switch from being regulated after predetermined time elapses; and a second regulation member being driven by a second solenoid, regulating the second switch being closed and releasing the second switch from being regulated after predetermined time elapses when the first switch is released from regulated state. The first and second regulation members are disposed between a regulated position and a released position to regulate the first and second switches.

Abstract: A starting system for a vehicle including an internal combustion engine having a crankshaft includes a pinion gear driven by a starter motor. A drive plate includes a set of teeth in constant meshed engagement with the pinion gear. A one-way clutch assembly is adapted to drivingly interconnect the drive plate and the crankshaft. The clutch assembly includes an inner race adapted to be fixed for rotation with the crankshaft, an outer race fixed for rotation with the drive plate, and a plurality of rollers positioned radially therebetween. One of the inner and outer races includes circumferentially spaced apart cam surfaces. The clutch assembly also includes a cage for positioning the rollers in a circumferentially spaced apart alignment with the cam surfaces and a roller bearing assembly positioned axially offset from the one-way clutch rollers to rotatably support the outer race on the inner race.

Abstract: A hybrid drive device including an electric motor; an automatic transmission; a lubricating oil passage to which a lubricating oil pressure is supplied; and a switching valve that is switched between a first state where the lubricating oil passage communicates with a first lubricating oil passage that guides lubricating oil to the automatic transmission, and a second state where the lubricating oil passage communicates with a second lubricating oil passage that guides the lubricating oil to the electric motor. The electric motor and an internal combustion engine output shaft are operable in conjunction with the automatic transmission. The switching valve is switched from the first state to the second state when a vehicle is in a stationary state or running at a speed of a predetermined value or less including the stationary state of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle starter motor arrangement comprises a battery, a first vehicle starter motor including a first pinion and a second vehicle starter motor including a second pinion. The first vehicle starter motor is connected in series to the battery and the second vehicle starter motor is connected in series to the first vehicle starter motor. Accordingly, the battery, the first vehicle starter motor, and the second vehicle starter motor are all connected in series. The first pinion gear and the second pinion gear are configured to engage an engine ring gear when electrical current flows through the first vehicle starter motor and the second vehicle starter motor.

Abstract: A mounting system for powertrain components requiring axial installation and radial removal thereof is provided. A mounting flange is integrally cast with a powertrain component and extends outwardly therefrom. An opening extends through the mounting flange defining a mounting flange axis and axially receives a portion of a powertrain component for support therein, and by the mounting flange. A separation line extends diametrically across the mounting flange to define a separated portion and a remaining portion of the mounting flange. Fasteners are configured to removeably attach the separated portion to the remaining portion to thereby facilitate removal of the powertrain component from the powertrain assembly in a radial direction.

Abstract: A starter for an internal combustion engine includes a stationary member and an output member adapted for starting the engine. The starter also includes a first planetary gear set and a second planetary gear set. Each of the respective first and second planetary gear sets includes a first, a second, and a third gear member and each of the respective first and second planetary gear sets is operatively connected to the output member. The starter additionally includes a motor operatively connected to the first gear set and to the second gear set for driving the output member. A motor vehicle employing the disclosed starter is also provided.

Abstract: A device has an output which is formed by a gearwheel that can be coupled to a gearwheel on a crankshaft of a combustion engine. The device comprises a first auxiliary drive source arranged as an electromotor, which is coupled to the output via a node. A first branch of a drive line is present between the electromotor and the node and a second branch of the drive line is present between the node and the output. The device further includes a second auxiliary drive source arranged as a flywheel which is coupled to the output via the node. A third branch is then present between the flywheel and the node.

Abstract: A solenoid switch for a vehicle starter includes a housing defining an axial direction and a circumferential direction, a cap carrying a pair of contact studs, a solenoid core mounted in the housing in front of the cap, and an elastic element clamped between the front end of the cap and the solenoid core. The housing defines first retention portions at first circumferential with the first retention portions being separated from each other in the circumferential direction. The front end of the cap is fixedly clamped at the first circumferential locations between the first retention portions and a flange which is formed by radially inwardly crimping a back end of the housing. The front end of the cap is pushed against the flange by the elastic element at second circumferential locations each defined between two neighboring first circumferential locations. A vehicle starter includes the solenoid switch.

Abstract: A solenoid switch for a vehicle starter is disclosed, which comprises a housing defining an axial direction; a cap carrying a pair of contact studs, the cap having a front end which is fixed in the housing; a solenoid core mounted in the housing in front of the cap; and an elastic element having a maximum (extreme) allowance compression in the axial direction, the elastic element being compressed between the cap and the solenoid core in the axial direction by an elastic pre-compression amount which is smaller than the maximum allowance compression; wherein the solenoid core is supported by the housing at its front side and is supported by the elastic element at its back side. A vehicle starter comprising such a solenoid switch is also disclosed. Axial bouncing of the cap can be reduced by the invention.

Abstract: Upon gear disengagement, a pinion gear drive means actuates a pinion gear to disengage from a ring gear while the starter motor of a starting device is rotated or while injectors of an engine are caused to inject fuel into cylinders of the engine to ignite an air-fuel mixture therein, thereby releasing the gear disengagement. Applied to an idling stop-capable vehicle that engages the starter pinion gear with the engine ring gear beforehand to shorten the time to restart, the inventive control apparatus with the above feature releases unfailingly the engagement against metal-to-metal frictional force that causes the gears to be stuck with each other upon engine stop.

Abstract: A starting device for a vehicle includes a spring support ring and a coiled clutch. The coiled clutch has a first end frictionally engaged with the spring support ring, a center portion connected to the first end and arranged for compressive engagement with an outer shell of a torque converter, and a second end connected to the center portion and arranged for rotational displacement in a first direction relative to the first end to compressively engage the center portion with the outer shell. In some example embodiments, the spring support ring encircles the coiled clutch. In some example embodiments, the spring support ring includes a circumferential groove for receiving the first end. In an example embodiment, a free diameter of the first end is greater than a free diameter of the center portion.

Abstract: A starter includes a shift lever that is engaged between a washer and a space collar and moves an output shaft in an axial direction, and a locking portion that is disposed between a snap ring attached to the output shaft and the shift lever to be movable on the output shaft and locks at least a part of an outer circumference portion of the snap ring when the shift lever is engaged between the washer and the space collar. An axial length of the locking portion is shorter than an axial movable length of the locking portion when the snap ring is attached to or removed from the output shaft and longer than the axial movable length of the locking portion when the shift lever is engaged between the washer and the space collar.

Abstract: A starter motor arrangement comprises a battery, a first starter motor including a first pinion and a second starter motor including a second pinion. The first starter motor is connected in series to the battery and the second starter motor is connected in series to the first starter motor. Accordingly, the battery, the first starter motor, and the second starter motor are all connected in series. The first pinion gear and the second pinion gear are configured to engage an engine ring gear when electrical current flows through the first starter motor and the second starter motor.

Abstract: A combustion engine can be started by means of a starting device. During the starting operation attendant with the starting device driving the vehicle this drive is also effected by energizing a clutch which connects the combustion engine via a transmission to the wheels L of the vehicle. By utilizing the starting device for the starting operation also for meanwhile driving the vehicle and/or accelerating same, a faster and/or more gradual drive/acceleration of the vehicle is realized.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine automatic-stop/restart control system according to the present invention, excellent restartability of an internal combustion engine is ensured in such a way that, while the internal combustion engine inertially rotates after its automatic stop, a solenoid of a starting apparatus for starting the internal combustion engine is driven so that a pinion gear is moved in the axis direction and pushing the pinion gear against a ring gear is started, and detection of a reference signal through a crank angle signal is prohibited until a predetermined period elapses after the pushing has been started so that erroneous reference signal recognition is prevented.

Abstract: An engine starting device for an automatic idling stop system includes: a crank angle sensor for detecting a crank angle of an engine; a ring gear connected to a crankshaft of the engine, for transmitting rotation of the engine; ring gear rpm detecting section; a starter motor for starting the engine; a pinion gear for transmitting rotation of the starter motor to the ring gear; pinion-gear push-out section for pushing out the pinion gear into meshing engagement with the ring gear; and pinion gear push-out control section for driving the pinion-gear push-out section to bring the pinion gear and the ring gear into meshing engagement when the ring gear rpm detected by the ring gear rotational speed detection section becomes smaller than a threshold value which is determined by at least one of the crank angle, a gear range, and a restart condition.

Abstract: A system that automatically stops an engine when the vehicle is stopped and restarts the engine in response to a predetermined condition is disclosed. The system may generally include an engine and a motor for restarting the engine and driving an auxiliary machine when the engine is stopped, and an electrical power source for supplying electrical power to the motor. The motor may be disposed within a crank pulley housing and configured to be connected to a crankshaft. The motor may restart the engine in response to a predetermined condition. The system may include a gear reduction system for amplifying the torque provided by the motor. The motor may drive an auxiliary machine when the engine is stopped. The engine may drive the auxiliary machine when the engine is operating in drive.

Abstract: An engine starter including a motor, an electromagnetic switch, an auxiliary switch, a housing, and a mounting member for the auxiliary switch. The mounting member is disposed at the housing between the housing and the motor and electromagnetic switch. The mounting member includes a flange including a tab to mount the auxiliary switch.

Abstract: A method and a device for starting an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, the internal combustion engine exerting a drive torque on a crankshaft in one direction of the internal combustion engine, a starting motor exerting a starting torque on the crankshaft during a starting process to achieve a minimum rotational speed of the internal combustion engine, and a control unit regulating the starting torque. The control unit regulates the starting torque in a time-dependent manner between a positive maximum starting torque and a negative minimum starting torque during the starting process, a positive starting torque acting on the crankshaft in one direction and a negative starting torque in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An engine is driven by a starter including a pinion gear that can be engaged with a ring gear coupled to a crankshaft; an actuator causing, in a driven state, the pinion gear to be moved to a position where the pinion gear is engaged with the ring gear; and a motor causing the pinion gear to be rotated. The engine is provided with a rotation angle sensor for detecting rotation of the crankshaft. ECU detects the crank angle of the crankshaft based on a signal from the rotation angle sensor after the actuator is driven and the motor is driven.

Abstract: A Belt Driven Electric Starter System (BES) may have an idle pulley is composed of pivot point idle pulley forming pivot points at both sides of driving belt, which is wound on starter generator pulley and crank pulley, and driven idle pulley forming the fixing point, and a side of tension controller is fixed to engine and the opposite side is fixed to starter generator combined with starter generator pulley, such that it is possible to more effectively use the empty space without interference with the other portions in the entire layout of the BES. Further, excessive tension of driving belt due to starter generator when the engine is started can be attenuated by retraction of tension controller that moves with starter generator, while the excessive tension of driving belt due to crank pulley when electricity is generated can also be attenuated by extension of tension controller that moves with starter generator.

Abstract: There is provided an idle stop system that can more quickly restart with small noise in conducting idle stop. In preparation for a restart request during an engine inertial rotation, after a motor is rotated in a state where a starter motor is not coupled to the engine, a pinion is engaged with a ring gear during the motor is subjected to inertial rotation like the engine. In this situation, the rotational speed including future pulsation of the engine is estimated with the use of information on the crank angle, and a pinion pushing timing is controlled so that the pinion and the ring gear contact each other with a given rotational speed difference taking a delay time of a pinion pushing unit into consideration.

Abstract: A starter control apparatus is provided which is used with a starter equipped with a pinion engageable with a ring gear coupled to an output shaft of an engine and a motor operable to rotate the pinion to crank the engine. The starter control apparatus works to determine whether the engine has been placed to continue to run by itself after cranked by the motor or not. When such a condition is encountered, the starter control apparatus releases the engagement of the pinion with the ring gear while keeping the pinion rotated by the motor, thereby decreasing the torque exerted by the ring gear on the pinion to minimize the wear of the pinion.

Abstract: A starting device for an internal combustion engine has a starter pinion which can be adjusted axially between an out-of-function position and an advanced drive position and is seated on a shaft, on which a securing ring is arranged in order to limit the axial movement of the starter pinion. A securing recess is made in the end side of the starter pinion, into which securing recess the securing ring protrudes and which fixes the securing ring radially in its position on the shaft. The starter pinion can be displaced axially into a removal position.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a one-way clutch including a ring gear connected to the output shaft of a starting motor, an outer race member connected to a crankshaft, and a claw piece arranged between the outer circumferential surface of the ring gear and the inner circumferential surface of the outer race member facing the outer circumferential surface of the ring gear. The ring gear and the outer race member have a threaded hole and a through hole, respectively, to receive a jig for fixing the ring gear and the outer race member to each other.

Abstract: Assembly (57) for a speed reducer of a rotary electric machine, comprising: a ring gear (46) secured to a transverse wall (58); a base plate (60) to be securely and rotatably mounted relative to a mounting (16) of the machine; an axially acting resilient means, such as an axially acting resilient disc (64); and an added hub (68) on which the transverse wall (58) of the ring gear (46), the base plate (60), and the resilient means (64) are mounted. The hub (68) has at least one first shoulder (71) for supporting the axially acting resilient means (64), and at least one second shoulder (72) for supporting the transverse wall (58) of the ring gear (46). The assembly also relates to a starter, particularly for a motor vehicle.

Abstract: An integrally cast four-stroke engine mono-block (10) includes integrally cast cylinder block (20), cylinder head (40), and portion of a crankcase (30) including crankcase 10 outboard and inboard walls (89, 90). At least parts of outer and inner bearing bosses (21a, 21b) are integrally cast with the cylinder block (20) with the inner bearing boss (21b) integrally cast in the inboard wall (90). At least one cored out longitudinally extending open valve 15 train chamber (88) is disposed between the outboard wall (89) and the cast cylinder block (20).

Abstract: In an engine starting system, when a first solenoid is energized at a first timing in response to any one of a turning on of a starter switch and an occurrence of an engine restart request, a solenoid actuator shifts a pinion to a ring gear to be engaged with the ring gear. When a second solenoid is energized, a solenoid switch member energizes a motor. A determiner determines a second timing of energization of the second solenoid after the first timing so that a first delay time from the first timing to the second timing when the first timing is responsive to the turning on of the starter switch is different from a second delay time from the first timing to the second timing when the first timing is responsive to the occurrence of the engine restart request.

Abstract: An engine starting method in a parallel-type hybrid vehicle comprises a motor reverse rotation driving step of applying reverse rotation current to drivingly rotate a motor output shaft in a reverse rotation direction of an engine output shaft whereby an elastic member in a damper is elastically deformed to store an urging force that urges the motor output shaft in a normal rotation direction; an urged normal rotation step of stopping the electrification to release the urging force having been stored at the motor reverse rotation driving step whereby the motor output shaft is rotated in the normal rotation direction; a motor normal rotation driving step of applying normal rotation current to drivingly rotate the motor output shaft in the normal rotation direction; and an engine start igniting step of igniting an engine with the engine output shaft being rotated by the rotation at the motor normal rotation driving step.

Abstract: An ECU executes a program including the steps of carrying out fluctuation suppression control in a case where a request to start an engine has been made, a rotation mode has been selected, and a motor is being driven and canceling fluctuation suppression control in a case where a full drive mode has been selected and engagement between a pinion gear and a ring gear has been completed.

Abstract: An engine assembly includes an engine structure, a crankshaft rotationally supported on the engine structure, a crankshaft isolator assembly and a belt. The crankshaft isolator assembly includes a hub fixed for rotation with the crankshaft, a crankshaft isolator pulley coupled to the hub, and a mechanical clutch. The mechanical clutch is engaged with the hub and the crankshaft isolator pulley. The mechanical clutch fixes the hub for rotation with the crankshaft isolator pulley during a first operating condition and allows relative rotation between the hub and the crankshaft isolator pulley during a second operating condition. The belt is engaged with the crankshaft isolator pulley and an accessory drive system.

Abstract: A starter for an engine is equipped with a planetary gear speed reducer, a restraining mechanism, and a shock absorber which is made up of a rotary disc, a stationary disc, a case, and a load applying mechanism. The load applying mechanism applies a load to the stationary and rotary discs to develop a given degree of friction therebetween. When an excessive torque acts on the rotary disc through the internal gear, the shock absorber induces the rotary disc to rotate against the given degree of friction to absorb the torque to eliminate a physical impact to be exerted on the planetary gear speed reducer. The restraining mechanism restrains the load applying mechanism from moving in a radius direction of the internal thread to avoid undesirable engagement of the load applying mechanism with the internal thread, thereby ensuring the stability in applying the load to the stationary and rotary discs.

Abstract: A method of operating an engine stop/start system includes connecting an armature of a starter motor to the engine through an overrunning clutch when the engine changes a rotational direction.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a pinion starter for an internal-combustion engine, which vehicle includes a low-voltage onboard power supply system and a high-voltage onboard power supply system. The pinion starter has an electric motor and a solenoid switch, wherein the electric motor is constructed as a polyphase machine. The polyphase machine can be supplied with electric power from the high-voltage onboard power supply system, and the solenoid switch can be electrically supplied by the low-voltage onboard power supply system.

Abstract: A drive mechanism 1 comprises a combustion engine 3 and a start system 5 which has an output 7 that is connected to a camshaft 9 of the combustion engine. The start system further includes a flywheel 11 and connecting means connecting the flywheel to the output. The connecting means comprise a clutch 13 and a gear reduction 15. The start system 5 further includes a drive source 17 formed by an electromotor which is directly connected to the flywheel 11 or which is connected to the connecting means between the clutch 13 and the flywheel 11. The maximum power that can be delivered by the drive source 17 is just sufficient to maintain the flywheel at the proper r.p.m. If the drive source 17 is turned on, it thus delivers just sufficient power to maintain the flywheel at the proper r.p.m. The maximum power of the drive source is in this case 50 W.

Abstract: A speed reducing gear train includes a starter driven gear, a starting one-way clutch interposed between the starter driven gear and a crankshaft for permitting power transmission from the starter driven gear to the side of the crankshaft. The speed reducing gear train and the starting one-way clutch being provided between a starter motor and the crankshaft with a transmission accommodated in a crankcase. The transmission includes gear trains for selectively establishing a plurality of gear speeds with the gear trains being between a main shaft and a counter shaft. The starter motor can produce power for driving the vehicle and to impart a drive assisting force. A power transmitting gear meshing with the starter driven gear is relatively rotatably mounted on the main shaft through a running one-way clutch permitting power transmission from the power transmitting gear to the side of the main shaft.

Abstract: When an engine automatic stop judgment unit (101) judges that an engine automatic stop condition is satisfied so that a fuel injection control unit (105) stops fuel supply to an engine and an ignition control unit (106) stops ignition of the engine, and when an engine restart judgment unit (102) judges that an engine restart condition is satisfied before the engine stops, the pinion gear is driven to rotate. Then, engagement between the ring gear and the pinion gear is started when a deviation between an rpm of the engine detected by an engine rpm calculation unit (104) and an rpm of the pinion gear becomes smaller than a predetermined threshold value. Ignition by an ignition control unit (106) is inhibited during a period from start of the engagement until an engagement completion judgment unit (103) judges that the engagement is completed.

Abstract: A removable torque transfer starter for engine that includes a housing releasably attachable to an engine, wherein torque is transferred to a crank axle of the engine internally relative the housing, whereby an operator need not apply an external torque to start the internal combustion engine, but may depress a start button and securely support the device being started instead.

Abstract: A parallel starter system for starting an internal combustion engine has at least two parallel-connected starters and a thermal switch associated with each of the starters, which thermal switch interrupts operation of the respective starter in the event of a response. The thermal switches are connected in series so that in the event of tripping of one of these thermal switches, the operation of all starters is interrupted.

Abstract: A starter motor arrangement comprises a battery, a first starter motor including a first pinion and a second starter motor including a second pinion. The first starter motor is connected in series to the battery and the second starter motor is connected in series to the first starter motor. Accordingly, the battery, the first starter motor, and the second starter motor are all connected in series. The first pinion gear and the second pinion gear are configured to engage an engine ring gear when electrical current flows through the first starter motor and the second starter motor.

Abstract: The disengageable module for a system for transmitting a starting torque to an internal combustion engine, of the type comprising a ring gear connected to the crankshaft of the combustion engine, comprises an inner ring (26) intended to be coupled to the crankshaft, an outer ring (28) intended to be coupled to the ring gear, and at least one free wheel (30) provided with a plurality of wedging elements (34) mounted between raceways of the said rings. It further comprises means (50) designed to provide relative centering of the inner ring (26) and of the outer ring (28) and for transmitting radial load, the said means (50) being mounted at least partially between the inner ring and the outer ring leaving radial clearances between themselves and the said inner ring.

Abstract: A vehicle power unit including a speed reducing gear train including a starter driven gear, a starting one-way clutch interposed between the starter driven gear and a crankshaft. The speed reducing gear train and the starting one-way clutch are provided between a starter motor and the crankshaft. A transmission includes gear trains for a plurality of gear speeds wherein the gear trains are provided between a main shaft and a counter shaft. A hybrid type configuration is possible wherein the starter motor produces power for driving the vehicle and to impart a drive assisting force. The starter motor can be changed over between a normal rotational operation and a reverse rotational operation. A power transmission idle gear is interposed between the starter driven gear and a power transmitting gear through a running one-way clutch for permitting power transmission to the side of the main shaft.

Abstract: A control circuit receives a starting signal from a powertrain control module of a vehicle and delays the coupling of the main starting current from the battery to the starting motor until a reduced current in an alternative flow path is provided to the starter motor, initiating its motion. In a preferred, the pre-start sequence is controlled by a microprocessor which provides a control signal to a solid state switch coupled by a conductor providing current limiting resistance between the battery supply and the starter motor for a predetermined period of time. Subsequent to the pre-spin period, the control circuit provides a signal to a different solid state switch which activates the starter solenoid, in turn, coupling the battery to the starter motor and engaging the pinion gear with the ring gear.

Abstract: In an ECU provided for idle-stop control, when a user start command is outputted from an ECU to start an engine in response to a manual start operation of a driver, transistors are turned on and a solenoid is operated to engage a pinion gear of a starter with a ring gear. After a delay period of a delay circuit, a transistor is turned on by an output of the delay circuit and an electromagnetic switch is turned on to energize a motor of the starter. A microcomputer measures an actual delay time from when the user start command is outputted to turn-on of the transistor and checks whether the measured time corresponds to a normal time of the delay time.

Abstract: Disclosed is system for a hybrid vehicle in which a rotor in a motor is continuously and directly connected to a transmission and is rotatable with the transmission. A first stator mounted around an exterior side of the rotor is directly connected to a shaft of the engine to be rotatable with the shaft of the engine, and a second stator is fixedly mounted to the exterior side of the motor housing around the rotor. The system may further include a lock-up clutch configured to selectively connect a rotation shaft of the rotor with the shaft of the engine, a first inverter configured to control an operation of the first stator, and a second inverter configured to control an operation of the second stator.

Abstract: In a system for controlling a starter, the starter includes a pinion shiftable between an engagement position and a disengagement position. The starter includes an actuator configured to shift the pinion from the disengagement position to the engagement position when energized, and a motor configured to rotate the pinion when energized. The system includes a control circuit, a first switch unit configured to switch between energization and deenergization of the actuator under control of the control circuit, and a second switch unit configured to switch between energization and deenergization of the motor under control of the control circuit. The first switch unit and the second switch unit are individually arranged. The second switch unit includes a first relay configured to switch between energization and deenergization of the motor under control of the control circuit, and a second relay configured to control activation of the first relay.

Abstract: A ring gear is formed by joining a race side-region formed body, a gear side-region formed body and an intermediate region formed body. Accordingly, it is possible to perform processing of an inner race portion of the race side-region formed body with none of the gear side-region formed body and the intermediate region formed body present. By causing the gear side-region formed body and the intermediate region formed body to absorb changes in design depending on the type of internal combustion engine, it is possible to standardize the size and the shape of the race side-region formed body for various engine types. Because the inner race portion, as well as a disposition surface and a contact surface for the seal rings are formed on the same race side-region formed body, it is possible to finish the surfaces with precise positional relationship.

Abstract: A starter system is provided for an engine having a stop-start capability. The starter system includes a first gear coupled to the engine, wherein the first gear rotates at a speed of the engine. The starter system also includes a starter arranged relative to the engine. The starter includes a second gear arranged to selectively mesh with and apply torque to the first gear in order to start the engine, such that the second gear is capable of rotating at the speed of the engine. The starter additionally includes a synchronizer arranged to substantially match the speed of the first gear with the speed of the engine prior to engagement of the first and second gears, such that the second gear is enabled to mesh with and apply torque to the first gear to thereby start the engine. The starter system and the engine may be employed in a vehicle.

Abstract: A starting system for an internal combustion engine, especially of a motor vehicle, equipped with a starting device and a starter control is described; the starting device includes an electrical machine, especially a starter motor, and the electrical machine is able to be actuated via an electrical machine switching device, the electrical machine being in operative connection with a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine via a mechanical device at least for starting the internal combustion engine. To avoid malfunctions in the starting system and in the method sequence in more optimal manner, especially during intensive use due to a start-stop operation, a safety device is provided, which may be used to check the actuating function of the starter motor.

Abstract: A starter for starting an internal combustion engine has an electric starter motor, which has a drive shaft provided with an external toothing, a pinion shaft bearing a pinion, and a clutch element of a roller-type overrunning clutch situated between the drive shaft and the pinion shaft. The clutch element has an internal toothing mating with the external toothing of the drive shaft and is shiftable together with the pinion shaft away from the starter motor in the axial direction of the drive shaft into a meshing position in which the pinion mates with a gear wheel or ring gear of the internal combustion engine. The starter also has a device provided for directly supporting the pinion shaft on a section of the external toothing of the drive shaft facing away from the starter motor.