Abstract: An inner deceleration type starter having a planetary gear has a DC motor rotary shaft and an output shaft supported by first and second bearings which overlap along a radial direction of the rotary shaft. In addition, an engaging portion of an overrunning clutch is also disposed in a space outside the first and second bearings so as to overlap the same along the radial direction of the rotary shaft, thus reducing the overall longitudinal length of the starter.

Abstract: A buffering mechanism for an automotive starter using planetary gear speed reduction mechanism between a motor and a pinion torque transmission mechanism is disclosed, in which elastic members are provided in spaces defined between circumferentially opposed sides of depressions formed in the outer periphery of a ring gear of the planetary gear speed reduction mechanism and depressions formed in the inner periphery of a member receiving a reaction force.

Abstract: A starter for internal combustion engines is proposed in which a spur gear arrangement (16, 17) is inserted between a drive shaft 4 of a starter motor (1) and a gear shaft (20), on which gear shaft a meshing gear (39-42 and 29) having a starting pinion (31) is movably disposed. The internally geared wheel (17) of the gear arrangement is formed in one piece with a bearing sleeve (18) carrying a high-pitch (spiral spline) thread (19) and is located on the gear shaft (20). The coupling element (26) of the free wheel (29) is seated on the high-pitch thread (19), thus shortening the structural length. A cover cap (51) fitting around the internally geared wheel (17) is inserted between an intermediate (casing 8, 53) and a drive bell (10, 54) and seals off the gear arrangement (16, 17) in lubricant-tight manner with respect to the interior of the drive bell (10).

Abstract: A starter, which has a planetary gear reduction facilities for transmitting torque from a rotary shaft rotated by a D.C. motor to an output shaft which is connected to a pinion via an overrunning clutch for starring an internal combustion engine, has an elastic member which confronts a cylindrical ring gear. Confronting surfaces of the cylindrical ring gear and the elastic member have wave-like, concave and convex surfaces which engage each other and transmit torque, imposed on a planetary gear under high loads, to a flange and bracket of the starter, thus relieving high stresses imposed on the planetary gears under high load conditions.

Abstract: A compact starting motor device for an engine of improved durability capable of ensuring a smooth and quick engagement of a pinion gear, operatively connected to an electric motor, with a driven gear of the engine upon actuation of an electromagnetic device without generating any substantial shock. The motor is connected through a one-way clutch to an output shaft so that a driving force is transmitted unidirectionally from the motor to the output shaft. The pinion gear is splined to a projecting end of the output shaft for relative axial movement and axially moved thereon to engage and disengage the driven gear by means of a rod which extends coaxially within the output shaft. The rod is connected through an over-load spring to the electromagnetic device having a stationary core and a movable core. A switch for energizing the electric motor is provided on the movable core.

Abstract: A compact in-line cranking motor drive having a planetary reduction gear set. The cranking motor has a hollow armature shaft for driving the sun gear of the gear set and the planet carrier of the gear set is connected to drive a central shaft, which is disposed within the hollow armature shaft and supported at both ends by the drive housing. A one-way overrunning clutch shiftably disposed on the central shaft drives a pinion gear and is adapted to be shifted axially on the central shaft for selectively engaging the pinion gear with the flywheel of an engine to be cranked.

Abstract: A starting device for an engine wherein a drive shaft associated with a starting motor is connected through a one-way clutch to a pinion gear for driving a ring gear of the engine. The device comprises a first sleeve slidably fitted on the drive shaft, a second sleeve slidably fitted on the first sleeve, a drive clutch member for the one-way clutch slidably fitted on the second sleeve, and a buffer spring between the first sleeve and the one-way clutch. The first helical spline between the drive shaft and the first sleeve imparts a great forward thrust to the pinion gear by utilization of the turning force of the drive shaft into complete engagement with the ring gear so as to positively drive the latter. An excessive load may be absorbed by compressive deformation of the buffer spring.

Abstract: A compact starter for internal combustion engines features a torque transfer assembly in which a drive motor and a drive pinion are mounted in side-by-side, parallel relation. The power shaft of the drive motor and the pinion shaft of the pinion are coupled together in driving engagement by a gear train assembly including a housing having coupling surfaces which permit the drive motor and drive pinion to be positionally rotated independently with respect to each other for accomodating the mounting clearance requirements of different engines. The gear train assembly features an idler gear which transfers torque from a motor pinion mounted on the power shaft and a pinion gear mounted on the pinion shaft. The idler shaft is confined between the drive motor and the torque transfer housing in a compact arrangement which permits efficient torque transfer in the side-by-side, parallel mounting arrangement without interferring with independent mounting adjustment of the drive motor relative to the drive pinion.

Abstract: In a torque transmitting mechanism of a starter, there is provided a shock absorbing arrangement having an input member and output member. When an abnormal torque appears, the members slip on each other to absorb such shock.