Abstract: An engine starter system includes a current switching device for controlling an armature current, a shorting relay for electrically shorting the current switching device, and an electronic control circuit. In a normal starting mode, the electronic control circuit gradually increases the armature current by varying a duty ratio of the current switching device. When the armature current becomes larger than an allowable current value of the current switching device, an armature is energized through the shorting relay. In an economy-running starting mode, the armature current is controlled through the current switching device until the engine is completely started.

Abstract: A starter control system is comprised of a starter motor, a control circuit for controlling the starter motor to rotate at a preliminary rotation speed that is high enough to engage a pinion with an engine for a predetermined time and low enough to suppress a harsh noise caused when the pinion engages the engine and, thereafter, at a normal rotation speed that is high enough to start the engine, and a control circuit for changing the preliminary rotation speed according to an engine temperature. The starter control system is effective to reduce noises that are caused when the engine is started by an economy-run system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an engine starting method from an idling stop condition wherein a preliminary step pushes a pinion to abut with a ring gear when a vehicle operating condition is in an idling stop condition, a starting step rotates the pinion into mesh with the ring gear by a motor upon receiving an engine start signal and thereafter an engine is started, and a restoring step is carried out after engine startup where the pinion is restored to an original position thereof. Also provided, when the engine is stopped, a pinion is meshed with a ring gear. Upon engine start-up, a pinion actuator disengages the pinion from the ring gear and a cutout portion engages an engaging piece to maintain the pinion disengaged. When the engine stops, a releasing actuator disengages the cutout portion and the engaging piece and the pinion is reset.

Abstract: In the case of an engine automatic stop and start system in which an engine is stopped while a vehicle is stopped and the engine is started when the vehicle is started, it is necessary to shorten an engine starting time when a driver desires to move the vehicle. Further, it is desirable to efficiently compensate the electric power consumed by the starter. The vehicle contains an existing low voltage power source and a high voltage power source with an excellent charging efficiency. When the engine switches from a running condition to a stopped condition while the vehicle is stopped, a change-over switch switches and applies the voltage of the high voltage power source to a starter motor. This causes the starter motor to rotate at high speeds, thereby starting the engine very quickly. Therefore, it is possible to reduce overall energy losses and improve vehicle fuel consumption.

Abstract: An engine starter system includes a current switching device for controlling an armature current, a shorting relay for electrically shorting the current switching device, and an electronic control circuit. In a normal starting mode, the electronic control circuit gradually increases the armature current by varying a duty ratio of the current switching device. When the armature current becomes larger than an allowable current value of the current switching device, an armature is energized through the shorting relay. In an economy-running starting mode, the armature current is controlled through the current switching device until the engine is completely started.

Abstract: In the case of an engine automatic stop and start system in which an engine is stopped while a vehicle is stopped and the engine is started when the vehicle is started, it is necessary to shorten an engine starting time when a driver desires to move the vehicle. Further, it is desirable to efficiently compensate the electric power consumed by the starter. The vehicle contains an existing low voltage power source and a high voltage power source with an excellent charging efficiency. When the engine switches from a running condition to a stopped condition while the vehicle is stopped, a change-over switch switches and applies the voltage of the high voltage power source to a starter motor. This causes the starter motor to rotate at high speeds, thereby starting the engine very quickly. Therefore, it is possible to reduce overall energy losses and improve vehicle fuel consumption.

Abstract: A starter control system is comprised of a starter motor, a control circuit for controlling the starter motor to rotate at a preliminary rotation speed that is high enough to engage a pinion with an engine for a predetermined time and low enough to suppress a harsh noise caused when the pinion engages the engine and, thereafter, at a normal rotation speed that is high enough to start the engine, and a control circuit for changing the preliminary rotation speed according to an engine temperature. The starter control system is effective to reduce noises that are caused when the engine is started by an economy-run system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an engine starting method from an idling stop condition wherein a preliminary step pushes a pinion to abut with a ring gear when a vehicle operating condition is in an idling stop condition, a starting step rotates the pinion into mesh with the ring gear by a motor upon receiving an engine start signal and thereafter an engine is started, and a restoring step is carried out after engine startup where the pinion is restored to an original position thereof. Also provided, when the engine is stopped, a pinion is meshed with a ring gear. Upon engine start-up, a pinion actuator disengages the pinion from the ring gear and a cutout portion engages an engaging piece to maintain the pinion disengaged. When the engine stops, a releasing actuator disengages the cutout portion and the engaging piece and the pinion is reset.

Abstract: In the alternating current generator for vehicle, an armature coil comprises a Y-connected first three-phase armature coil and a delta-connected second three-phase armature coil whose phase windings are inserted into same slots respectively. Each of the three-phase armature windings is provided with rectifying means for converting respective a.c. output into a direct current. The direct currents are summed to provide an output of the generator. It is effective to use a plurality of rotary magnet poles provided on a shaft of the generator for a compact a.c. generator in which the radial dimension of the rotary magnet poles is reduced.

Abstract: A vacuum pump is attached to a front side of an alternator, that is, between a driven pulley and the alternator, wherein a pump shaft is detachably coupled to an alternator shaft through a tubular bushing shaft. A seal member is disposed in the tubular bushing shaft for preventing leakage of lubricating oil from the pump to brushes arranged at a rear side of the alternator.