Abstract: A method for turning various classes of loads on and off by means of switch elements in the context of energy management performed by a control unit, particularly in a motor vehicle, is described, in which the triggering of the switch elements is done such that the selected priorities for triggering the switch elements can be varied during operation, that is, dynamically. This enables an adaptation of the switching priorities during ongoing operation as a function of the operating state. The turn-off of loads is done by varying the switching priority in such a way that the perceptibility of the operating states is suppressed as much as possible, and the priorities can also be varied in accordance with person-specific criteria.

Abstract: A driving and starting unit for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle has a driving element, a switching transmission, a coupling arrangable between a drive shaft of the internal combustion engine and the switching transmission, an electrical control device for receiving an outputting and switching signals for the driving element and the switching transmission, the switching transmission being formed as an automatic switching transmission, the driving element including a conventional starter and a starter/generator, the driving element being formed so that the driving element operates in dependence on outer conditions so as to activate one of the conventional starter, the starter/generator, and both the conventional starter and the starter/generator.

Abstract: A starter protection circuit for a starting device of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle has a thermoswitch assignable to a starter, a relay which is activated by the thermoswitch when the thermoswitch is operative and interrupts a starter operation and a relay operating key which after assumption of a cold switching state of the thermoswitch can operate again the starter.

Abstract: In a starter device having two starters (11, 12) operating in parallel mode, for the purpose of ensuring that the switching on of the drive motors (17, 18) for the drive of the starting pinions occurs only after engagement of the latter, the relay windings (21, 22) of the starting relays (19, 20) which push the starting pinions forwards, are connected in parallel to one another and in such a way that they are excited simultaneously when the starter switch (16) is activated. After complete engagement of the starting pinions, in each starter (11, 12), switching contacts (27-30) are activated, of which two switching contacts (27, 30 or 28, 29) associated, in each case, with two different starters (11, 12), are series-connected and connected in series to, in each case, one drive motor (17 or 18). Thus, if necessary, the switching on of the drive motors (17, 18) is blocked as long as one of the two starting pinions is not engaged.

Abstract: A contact rod (19) carrying the contact bridge (25) for the starting current contacts of an engine starter circuit has, at its end inserted in the armature (15) of the solenoid a stop (21 and 23) against which the return spring (33) bears and which also serves to guide the switch rod within the armature. The return spring forces the component group, including the switch rod and the contact bridge, to move with the armature. This component group is readily assembled automatically in manufacture. After the excitation winding is deenergized, the armature, switch rod and contact bridge are moved back into the rest position by the full force of the return spring so that any sticking or welding of the contact bridge to the main current contacts is loosened, and damage therefrom prevented.

Abstract: To permit manufacture of starter components with substantial tolerance, while maintaining the axial play of the armature of the starter within tight tolerances, and permit adjustment of the tolerance of the axial play after assembly of the starter component together, an end face (33) of the shaft (4) projects beyond the respective end bearing, which is retained a housing projecting beyond the bearing by the distance of an adjustment plug (29) slightly smaller than the longest shaft--in the light of tolerances--of the starter. An axial play compensation spacer in form of a washer or disc (FIG. 2--35), a ring (FIG. 3--35a) or a centrally held ball (FIG. 4--35b) is placed between the end face (36) of the plug and the end face (33) of the shaft, the plug being formed with an abutment surface (31) which engages an engagement surface (32) at the outside of the housing adjacent the bearing.

Abstract: To provide a magnet which has both the qualities of high remanence, or retentivity and coercive force, and is resistant to demagnetizing fields, the magnet is made in at least two zones of which the central or segmental zone is made of a magnetic material which has high remanence, whereas the end zone, or zones, is made of a magnetic material having high coercive force. This composite structure can be made by, for example, sequentially squeezing the different materials, in paste form, in a mold and then removing water, pressing, sintering and grinding the resulting structure.