Abstract: A drive mechanism that connects to a rotary drive component for transferring rotary motion to another component. The drive mechanism may be a conversion assembly to facilitate a connection to an existing rotary drive component and transfer the rotary motion to another component. The drive mechanism may include a drive shaft, a housing with a rotary bearing and seal, an enclosure and a drive pulley or other transfer component.

Abstract: The present disclosure sets forth a one-way clutch. The one-way clutch can function with one or no races as opposed to conventional prior art one-way clutches. In so doing, the overall size and weight requirements of the one-way clutch are drastically reduced, which in turn drastically reduces the overall size and weight requirements of the transmission and vehicle employing the transmission as well. The present disclosure also provides a one-way clutch having an outer race provided by axially spaced plates. An inner race is rotatably mounted with respect to one of the plates and the inner race has a ratchet surface. Ratchet pawls are pivotably mounted with respect to the plates and have unidirectional engagement with the ratchet surface of the inner race. In addition to reducing material and labor production costs, such lessened size and weight penalties translate into higher transmission efficiency and better vehicle fuel economy.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical clutch apparatus includes a stationary member (22,122) having a center portion extending along an axis A and a stationary coil assembly (34,134) fixed about the center portion. A rotatable member (46,146) extends along the axis A and includes an annular projection (52,152) radially spaced from the coil assembly. A ratchet surface (29,129) presents a plurality of teeth disposed in axially aligned and radially spaced relationship with the annular projection. The rotatable member includes a magnetic pole piece (62,162) disposed in radially spaced and concentrically aligned relationship with said coil assembly.

Abstract: A one-way wedge clutch, including: an axis of rotation; an inner race having a first radially outwardly facing surface; an outer race located radially outward of the inner race and including a first radially inwardly facing surface with a plurality of radially inwardly extending ramps; at least one wedge plate radially disposed between the inner and outer races and including: at least one second radially inwardly facing surface; and, at least one second radially outwardly facing surface including a plurality of radially outwardly extending ramps engaged with the plurality of radially inwardly extending ramps; and, at least one resilient element: engaged with the at least one wedge plate; and, urging at least a portion of the at least one second radially inwardly facing surface toward at least a portion of the first radially outwardly facing surface.

Abstract: A coupling assembly having an overrun mode and a channeled locking member are provided. The locking member has a ramped, open channel extending through a nose and main body of the locking member to an upper face of the main body. The locking member is movable between first and second positions. The first position is a coupling position and the second position is an uncoupling position. Pressurized fluid directed to a bottom of the channel urges the locking member towards the second position upon rotation of a first member of the assembly in a first direction relative to a second member of the assembly above a predetermined RPM to prevent abutting engagement of the locking member with a shoulder of the first member in the overrun mode.

Abstract: A piston-returning apparatus for a disc brake includes two pushing plates, a collar, a rotating unit and a handle. Each of the pushing plates includes a threaded element. The collar includes two screw holes for receiving the threaded elements of the pushing plates respectively so that the pushing plates are synchronously moved toward or away from the collar when the collar is rotated. The handle is connected to the collar via the rotating unit. The rotating unit is switchable between two modes. In the first mode, the rotating unit rotates the collar clockwise when the handle is pivoted clockwise but the rotating unit does not rotate the collar counterclockwise when the handle is pivoted counterclockwise. In the second mode, the rotating unit rotates the collar counterclockwise when the handle is pivoted counterclockwise but the rotating unit does not rotate the collar clockwise when the handle is pivoted clockwise.

Abstract: A spring assembly has a spring end for engagement with a component to bias the component in a first direction. The spring end is connected to a plurality of coils, which have an inner peripheral surface, and are mounted about a pivot pin. A damper is positioned between an outer peripheral surface on the pivot pin and the inner peripheral surface of the spring coils. The damper is engaged by the spring coils, if the spring end is driven in a direction opposed to the first direction. A one-way drive assembly and a gas turbine engine are also disclosed.

Abstract: A collection of gasifier fueled engine systems is networked through a system of connecting pipes and valves in order to provide fast response to output power demands and to extend the range of power levels at which the system exhibits high conversion efficiency.

Abstract: A one-way clutch includes a first rotation member, a second rotation member, a support shaft, and a transmission member. The support shaft is disposed in a protruding manner from a first lateral surface portion of the first rotation member toward an interior space in the axial direction of a rotational shaft. The transmission member is supported by the support shaft, and can move in a sliding manner in the axial direction between a first position at which a rotational driving force in a first direction inputted to the first rotation member is transmitted to the second rotation member, and a second position at which a rotational driving force in the second direction inputted to the first rotation member is restricted from being transmitted to the second rotation member.

Abstract: A freewheel arrangement having a freewheel, which comprises an inner ring, an outer ring rotatable in a first direction of rotation relative to the inner ring, and clamping elements between the inner ring and the outer ring, which prevent a rotation of the outer ring relative to the inner ring in a second direction of rotation. The outer ring and the inner ring and the clamping elements may be formed as a stamped sheet metal part.

Abstract: An engine starter includes a motor that comprises a drive shaft; and a unidirectional rotation clutch system that is helical-splined to the drive shaft. The clutch system includes a clutch inner; a clutch outer; a clutch roller that is interposed between the clutch outer and the clutch inner; and a spring that urges the clutch roller, wherein a compound film is formed on a surface of the clutch roller or surfaces of the clutch outer and the clutch inner.

Abstract: A starter motor includes an electric motor, a drive shaft driven by the motor and an inertia drive pinion which includes a driver in threaded engagement with the drive shaft, a pinion shaft rotatably sleeved on the drive shaft, an output pinion being able to rotate with the pinion shaft, and a one way clutch. At least one elastic member is arranged between the output pinion and the pinion shaft in the axial direction to resiliently support the output pinion to move along the pinion shaft. A one way clutch especially suitable for the starter motor was also disclosed.

Abstract: A pawl and ratchet assembly including a rotatable pawl, a spring, a ratchet, and a member. The rotatable pawl is configured to rotate about a fixed axis during operation. The spring urges the pawl towards the ratchet. The member interferes with the travel of the pawl during operation. The member is non-magnetized.

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 locking plate for use in an air turbine starter has a lock plate body including an oil slinger extending away from a base. The base is positioned on an outer peripheral surface of a clutch frame. The slinger extends away from the base for a distance, and a ratio of the distance to a thickness of the base is ten and thirty. A clutch and air turbine starter, and a method of assembly are also disclosed.

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 clutch includes an outer clutch member, an inner clutch member, and a plurality of roller members. The outer clutch member defines an opening, and the inner clutch member is at least partially positioned within the opening. The inner clutch member includes a clutch surface. The plurality of roller members is at least partially positioned within the opening between the clutch surface and the outer clutch member. The roller members define a plurality of roller surfaces separated by at least one annular groove. Each of the roller members is displaceable within the opening to position the roller surfaces into engagement with the clutch surface to lock the inner clutch member into synchronous movement with the outer clutch member in response to movement of the inner clutch member in a rotational direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a one-way clutch comprising an outer race, an inner race, a roller adapted to transmit torque between the outer race and the inner race, a cage having a window for holding the roller, a spring disposed in the pocket and adapted to bias the roller toward an engagement direction with respect to the cam surface, and a side plate provided at its inner diameter portion with spline grooves into which a crankshaft of an engine is fitted, and wherein the side plate is secured to the outer race by inserting rivets into through holes provided in the outer race and through holes provided in the side plate and by caulking the rivets.

Abstract: A starter arrangement for an internal combustion engine the arrangement including a starter motor having a pinion gear coupled to an output shaft, the pinion gear being arranged in constant engagement with a corresponding crank gear of a crank wheel located between an engine block and a flywheel of the engine. The crank wheel is operatively coupled to a crankshaft of the engine via a one-way clutch unit loosely fitted to an end of the crankshaft, the crankshaft including a circumferential slot carrying a clip ring. The one-way clutch unit including a tube shaped hub loosely fitted to an end of the crankshaft, the axial movement of the one-way hub is fixed via a clip-ring in co-operation with a first axially delimiting member and a second axially delimiting member at least partially enclosed by the hub.

Abstract: An overrunning accessory decoupler with a locking mechanism provides the desired overrunning accessory decoupler functionality and also permits torque to be transferred from the accessory to which the decoupler is installed to the drive of the engine when desired. In one embodiment, the decoupler includes a locking mechanism that is controlled by centrifugal forces developed in the decoupler to lock the decoupler to permit the accessory to transfer torque to the drive to start or boost the engine. In another embodiment, the decoupler locking mechanism includes an electromagnet that can be energized to lock and/or unlock the decoupler.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include strut based overrunning drives that provide one or more of greater durability, lower heat generation, high torque loads carrying capability, and/or ease of end of life assessment. In some embodiments, a drive assembly may include a shaft; a pocket plate disposed about the shaft and having a plurality of pockets formed on a first side thereof; a notch plate disposed about the shaft adjacent the pocket plate, the notch plate having a plurality of notches formed on a side of the notch plate facing the pockets of the pocket plate; a plurality struts disposed in the pockets; a resilient member disposed within the pockets and biasing the struts towards the notches; and a drive surface rotationally coupled to one of the pocket plate or the notch plate, wherein the other of the pocket plate or the notch plate is rotationally coupled to the shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a starter motor clutch. The clutch includes, a shell, a wedgable component support member operably positioned adjacent the shell, and at least one wedgable component positioned between the shell and the wedgable component support member. The at least one wedgable component is displaceable into engagement with the shell to lock the shell into synchronous movement with the wedgable component support member upon initial rotational movement of the wedgable component support member in either direction relative to the shell while allowing asynchronous movement of the shell relative to the wedgable component support member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include strut based overrunning pulleys that provide one or more of greater durability, lower heat generation, high torque loads carrying capability, potentially tunable vibration dampening, tunable to maximum permissible torque loads before elastic (repeatable) slippage, and/or ease of end of life assessment. In some embodiments, a pulley assembly includes a shaft; a pocket plate having a plurality of pockets; a notch plate adjacent the pocket plate and having a plurality of notches facing the pockets of the pocket plate; a plurality struts disposed in the pockets; a resilient member disposed within the pockets and biasing the struts towards the notches; and a body disposed about the shaft, pocket plate, and notch plate; wherein one of the pocket plate or the notch plate is rotationally coupled to the shaft and the other of the pocket plate or the notch plate is rotationally coupled to the body.

Abstract: A high torque capacity one-way clutch includes a first, inner annulus nested within a second, outer annulus. The inner annulus includes a plurality of transverse grooves on its outer surface as well as a centrally disposed circumferential groove. A like plurality of moveable struts having a central opening are received within respective grooves in the inner annulus and are retained there by a circumferential band passing through the openings in the struts and received in the circumferential groove. The outer annulus includes a plurality of transverse grooves on its inner surface and receives the inner annulus, struts and circumferential band. Upon relative rotation of the annuli in one direction, the struts engage the grooves and inhibit rotation between the annuli, thereby transmitting torque. Upon relative rotation in the opposite direction, the struts slide along the inner surface of the outer annulus without engaging and thus do not transmit torque.

Abstract: An aircraft engine starter assembly provides for liquid cooling of the clutch assembly and overrunning engine by integrating a pitot pump in the system. The system includes a starter motor, a torque transfer connection, a clutch assembly and the pitot pump. The torque transfer connection is adapted to be coupled to the aircraft engine. The clutch assembly is coupled to one of the starter motor or the torque transfer connection. The pitot pump is coupled to one or both of the torque transfer or the clutch assembly via a first oil line and a second oil line. The pitot pump comprises a pitot tube in fluidic communication with an oil reservoir for the delivery of oil under pressure to lubricate one or both of the torque transfer or the clutch assembly.

Abstract: A locking mechanism (6) is provided to block the internal combustion engine (1) at prepositioned cranking angle after shutting down. Preferably, the crankshaft of the engine is positioned at a crankshaft angle that is favorable for cranking. Prepositioning of the crankshaft angle results in a lower first compression torque and therefore increases kinetic energy stored in the crankshaft lumped inertia. The required maximum torque of the cranking aid (2a, 2b, 2c) can therefore be reduced.

Abstract: A pair of ball bearings 19, 19 and a roller clutch 20 are provided between the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve 18 fitted and fixed onto the rotating drive shaft of a starter motor and the inner peripheral surface of the pulley element 17 around which an endless belt for starting an engine extends. The roller clutch 20 has a concave section 32 on the inner peripheral surface of the clutch outer ring 30 to define a cam surface 31. After the engine is started, the rollers 33, 33 move toward the bottom of the concave section 32 against the resilient force of the springs 40. And, the rolling contact surface of the rollers 33, 33 is separated from the outer peripheral surface of the clutch inner ring 29. Consequently, the friction heat which would be produced after the engine start is suppressed, and a structure having an excellent durability as a unit for starting the engine of the idling-stop vehicle is realized.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve driving device includes a valve actuator operable to drive an engine valve, a hydraulic pump that generates the oil pressure for the valve actuator, a hydraulic pump driving motor that drives the hydraulic pump, and a starter motor. At the time of engine starting, after the hydraulic pump is driven by the hydraulic pump driving motor while the crank is stopped in the first engine-starting mode, and then the crank and the hydraulic pump are driven by the starter motor in the second engine-starting mode.

Abstract: A rope-operated actuator for an engine starter includes a cover with a shaft, a spool wheel sleeved rotatably on the shaft, a rope connected to the spool wheel for driving the spool wheel, a rope-rewinding member for rewinding the rope on the spool wheel, a pawl-driving member mounted on the shaft, a pair of pawls disposed between the spool wheel and the pawl-driving member and pivotable between engaging and disengaging positions, a wobble-preventing member mounted on the shaft and extending radially and outwardly therefrom, and a retaining member connected to the shaft for retaining the spool wheel, the pawl-driving member and the wobble-preventing member on the shaft.

Abstract: A drive pulley is formed in a cup-like shape one end side of which is integrally formed with a peripheral wall in a cylindrical shape, the peripheral wall in the cylindrical shape of the drive pulley is formed with openings to be engaged with a ratchet member at intervals of 90 degrees along a circumferential direction, an engaging face for engaging with the ratchet member is formed at a side edge of each for the openings directed in an engine starting direction, and a side edge opened substantially orthogonal to the engaging face or by an angle equal to or larger than 90 degrees is formed at a side edge of the opening on an opposed side opposed to the engaging face.

Abstract: A model engine starter assembly is provided which is capable of quickly relieving the engagement between the actuator and the coupling pin upon the start of the model engine and includes a starter shaft which carries a starter pin and defines a shaft axis, and a hub provided with a guide groove which is slanted at a predetermined angle with respect to the shaft axis. The hub has a bore in which a rearward end portion of the starter shaft is inserted for rotational movement relative to the hub. The starter pin is received within the slanted groove so as to move the starter shaft in the direction of the shaft axis in response to rotation of the shaft axis relative to the hub to thereby move an actuator attached to a forward end of the starter shaft into and out of engagement with a connecting pin of the model engine's crank shaft.

Abstract: A structure for a starter (driver) of a miniaturized remote control model car engine is able to perform perfect separation of the starter shaft from the engine as soon as the engine has built up its normal speed with the aid of the slanted surface and chamfered edges formed on its coupling plate, and the retrieved starter shaft never forwardly excurses to recontact the engine shaft by a steel ball positioning device. With this structure, the extra mechanical loss and damage to the mechanical parts can be prevented in model car engines operated at an extra high speed.

Abstract: A one-way clutch of the invention includes an inner race supported for rotation on a power transmission shaft, an outer race concentrically surrounding the inner race, and torque transmitting members interposed between the inner race and the outer race and capable of transmitting torque in one direction of the inner race to the outer race. The outer race is integrally provided with an extending portion that extends inwardly in a radius direction thereof. The extending portion is capable of being engaged with the power transmission shaft.

Abstract: A starter mechanism for an internal combustion engine for a motor-driven, manually-guided implement is provided. A clutch drum is rotatably mounted about a journal pin on a housing of the implement. The clutch drum is fixedly connected with a carrier of a ratchet for transfer of drive torque from the drum to the motor shaft. For the reversible engagement of the ratchet in a clutch member fixedly connected with the motor shaft, the ratchet has a pawl on the carrier that, with the aid of a guide element resting against a pawl pin, pivots during a starting process. On that side facing away from the carrier the pawl is spanned by an abutment element, at least in the region of its pivot axis.

Abstract: A starter mechanism for an internal combustion engine for a motor-driven, manually-guided implement is provided. A clutch drum is rotatably mounted about a journal pin on a housing of the implement. The clutch drum is fixedly connected with a carrier of a ratchet for transfer of drive torque from the drum to the motor shaft. For the reversible engagement of the ratchet in a clutch member fixedly connected with the motor shaft, the ratchet has a pawl on the carrier that, with the aid of a guide element resting against a pawl pin, pivots during a starting process. On that side facing away from the carrier the pawl is spanned by an abutment element, at least in the region of its pivot axis.

Abstract: A rope pull starter device for an internal combustion engine in a motor-driven, manually guided implement is provided, and has a clutch drum and a power transfer member on the clutch drum. Connected with the clutch drum is a carrier for a locking mechanism for the transfer of a drive torque from the clutch drum to a motor shaft of the internal combustion engine. Provided on the carrier is a pivotable pawl for the reversible engagement in a clutch element, whereby the pawl is provided with a pawl pin for the pivotable control of the pawl with the aid of a guide clip that rests against the pawl pin. The pawl pin is made of a different material than is the pawl.

Abstract: An engine starter for preventing undesirable noises is disclosed, which is applicable to a vehicle employing an idle stop system. The starter comprises a starter motor; a traction-drive type reduction gear connected to the starter motor and positioned between the starter motor and a driven shaft of the engine; and a torque transmitting device via which the reduction gear and the driven shaft are linked.

Abstract: An outboard motor has a quieter operating recoil starter arrangement. The recoil starter has a starter drum with a dog clutch arrangement having two dog cam members. The dog cam members rotate between an initial position and an extended position under the influence of a clutch drive member. Specifically, the dog cams each have a portion which engages a starter pulley when a starter rope is pulled. The dog cams are configured to extend minimally into a corresponding slot of the starter pulley when in their extended position. Such configuration results in less chatter when the starter pulley speed exceeds the starter drum speed upon ignition of the engine.

Abstract: A crank pulley for a recoil starter is disclosed, in which a touching nail 12 is integrally provided in a recoil starter side by a press forming process in a shape of a protrusion. The touching nail has an L shape by bending in a reverse rotation direction, and a bending top face forms a contact dog. A corner of the touching part of at a top of the touching nail, and an outer corner part at the bending part of the touching nail, are formed into a curved or chamfered shape, and the dog is capable of being moved to the engine side, during a starting operation.

Abstract: A starter is composed of an output shaft, a pinion having an outer gear slidably disposed on the output shaft, a planetary gear-type speed reduction mechanism, a one-way clutch having clutch outer linked with the planetary gears, a clutch inner linked with the output shaft and a plurality of rollers disposed between the clutch outer and clutch inner, and an alignment member, disposed around the one-way clutch. The alignment member restricts deviation of axis of the clutch outer from the axis of the output shaft.

Abstract: A starter motor assembly is provided. A motor housing encloses an electric motor having a rotatable armature shaft. A planetary gear assembly is provided in a pinion housing, including planetary gears, a planet carrier, and a drive shaft. A pinion is engageable with the drive shaft for turning a flywheel of an engine. A non-load-bearing overrunning clutch assembly is provided, including an outer clutch piece removably fixed with respect to the pinion housing to be non-rotatable, and a rotatable inner clutch piece engaged with the planetary gears. Structure provided between the outer and inner clutch pieces allows rotation of the inner clutch piece in one direction and locks up the inner clutch piece in the other direction. When the starter motor assembly is energized, rotation of the armature shaft and planetary gears at a first rotational velocity rotates the inner clutch piece in the lockup direction.

Abstract: A starter assembly for assisting a user in starting a lawnmower engine includes a base component having two opposing vertical side walls, a vertical rear wall and planar horizontal upper and lower surfaces. A lawnmower may be suspended a predetermined distance above the upper surface by placing its wheels on a pair of opposed ramp members. Attached to a sidewall of the base component is an electric motor which rotatably drives a horizontal bar extending from the upper surface. The rotating bar has a pair of oppositely facing pivoting flaps for engaging a lawnmower blade. The electric motor is selectively activated with a lockable switch disposed on the exterior of the base component. Accordingly, when the electric motor is activated, the bar rotates and the flaps pivot to a vertical position to engage the lawnmower blade to rotate the blade at a speed sufficient to crank the engine.

Abstract: A free-running device for starting mechanisms of internal combustion engines has a cup-shaped driver having a cup edge and a cup bottom, clamping members through which the cup edge is cooperatable with a hub of the internal combustion engine, the cup edge at least in the region of the clamping members having no mechanical connection to the cup bottom.

Abstract: When an assembly in which a sprag is temporarily assembled to a retainer by a return spring is assembled between an outer race and an inner race, even if the sprag projecting from the retainer is depressed, a drop-out of the sprag is prevented by a retaining member of a friction plate fixed to the end portion of the retainer. A lubrication passage is formed by opening a space surrounded by the outer race, retainer, and sprag to the outer peripheral side. An attaching member of the friction plate which is fixed to the retainer by a spot welding is recessed backward by joggling in a downward stairway manner for a contact surface. Therefore, even if a rise occurs in the attaching member by the welding, the rise is not come into contact with the contact surface.

Abstract: An engine starter includes an electric driving motor having a drive shaft; a transmission pinion coupled to the drive shaft; a starter pinion meshing with the transmission pinion; and a swiveling device mounted on the drive shaft for pivotal motion thereabout. The starter pinion is rotatably supported in the swiveling device. A friction clutch torque-transmittingly couples the drive shaft to the swiveling device for causing the swiveling device to pivot about the shaft for placing the starter pinion in a working position when the shaft is rotated in a driving direction. The engine starter further has an overrunning device for transmitting a driving torque between the drive shaft and the transmission pinion solely when the drive shaft rotates at least at the same speed as the transmission pinion.

Abstract: A one-way clutch having an outer member and an inner member accommodates a plurality of rollers and compression coil springs therein. A plurality of seats are formed on the outer member to receive one end of the coil springs respectively thereon and each seat is formed in a circular-arc-shaped curve on a radially outer side of each seat. A projection directed toward the roller is formed on a radially inner side of each seat. Each compression coil spring is sandwiched between the outer curved surface and the inner curved surface. With the radially outer side of the seat being in the circular arc shape, the part of the outer member between the seat and the peripheral surface of the outer member can be formed thick, thus preventing a stress from concentrating thereon. The inner curved surface formed by the projection prevents the compression coil spring from interfering with the inner member.

Abstract: There is provided a recoil starter for starting an internal combustion engine which has a simple and compact structure with a reduced number of parts and which can be manufactured at a reduced cost.

Abstract: In a permanent magnet starter, a pinion clutch is smoothly engaged with a rotating shaft of an electric motor through a helical spline. A rotation restraint member is arranged at an outer periphery portion and this rotation restraint member is forcibly arranged by a magnetic field coil which is controlled from an outside portion. In a permanent magnet type motor having no magnetic field coil for exciting the motor, it is unnecessary to alter a motor unit. By the rotation force of an armature a pinion gear of the pinion clutch is moved, accordingly the permanent magnet starter for reducing the collision force during the meshing time of the pinion gear to a ring gear can be obtained. Further the permanent magnet starter having a superior gear meshing withstanding property and further without the lowering in the sealing property in the motor unit can be obtained.

Abstract: The starter apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes a starter motor; an axially shiftable starting gear engageable with a ring gear of the internal combustion engine; a drive train for transferring rotary motion of a drive shaft of the starter motor to the starting gear, the drive train including a plurality of parts from the starting gear to the drive shaft; a free wheel clutch coupled with the drive shaft of the starter motor; and a shock absorber spring device for damping torque shocks between the starting gear and the drive shaft occurring on operation of the starter and located in the drive train between the starting gear and the drive shaft of the starter motor.

Abstract: A disengageable free wheel includes a shaft and a ring which can rotate only in a free direction with respect to the shaft. The free wheel includes a motor for rotating the shaft in its free direction, whereby the ring can rotate at most as fast as the shaft in the direction opposite to its free direction.