US3771372A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Starter means for an internal combustion engine
Assignee: Denso Corp
•
Filing: 1972-01-17
•
Granted: 1973-11-13
•
Expires: 1992-01-17
Abstract
Abstract Starter means for an internal combustion engine including a pinion shaft having a pinion at one end and inserted into and in spline engagement with a hollow shaft which is driven by a starter motor, said pinion shaft being arranged to be moved to a projecting position in response to the initial operation of said starter motor, the spline portion between the hollow shaft and the pinion shaft being unexposed.
Inventors
- 👤 T Asahi
- 👤 T Doi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 15:38
CPC Classifications
F; F02; F02N; F02N15/00; F02N15/02; F02N15/04; F02N15/06; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/13; Y10T74/131
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
183 words
An automatic engine starter system comprising: a starter motor having an output shaft with a first pinion mounted for rotation incident to rotation of the starter motor; a spline shaft being provided with a first spline and sliding surface; a stationary housing and bearing means for supporting the spline shaft in the stationary housing rotatably and not slidingly, a speed reduction means for reducing and transmitting the rotation from the starter motor to the spline shaft, a pinion shaft being provided with a second spline and sliding surface for engaging with the first spline and sliding surface and inserted into the spline shaft, so that the pinion shaft is housed substantially in the spline shaft when it is not operated and slided forward along the first spline when it is operated, means for pushing forward the pinion shaft, a second pinion secured on the front end of the pinion shaft for engaging with a ring gear of the engine for cranking it, whereon, the pinion shaft is installed fully in the spline shaft while the automatic engine starter system is not in operation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
183 words
An automatic engine starter system comprising: a starter motor having an output shaft with a first pinion mounted for rotation incident to rotation of the starter motor; a spline shaft being provided with a first spline and sliding surface; a stationary housing and bearing means for supporting the spline shaft in the stationary housing rotatably and not slidingly, a speed reduction means for reducing and transmitting the rotation from the starter motor to the spline shaft, a pinion shaft being provided with a second spline and sliding surface for engaging with the first spline and sliding surface and inserted into the spline shaft, so that the pinion shaft is housed substantially in the spline shaft when it is not operated and slided forward along the first spline when it is operated, means for pushing forward the pinion shaft, a second pinion secured on the front end of the pinion shaft for engaging with a ring gear of the engine for cranking it, whereon, the pinion shaft is installed fully in the spline shaft while the automatic engine starter system is not in operation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
47 words
An automatic engine starter system as in claim 1 wherein the first and second splines being helical and further comprising: a stopper being provided at the rear end of the pinion shaft opposite to the pinion so as to determine the maximum displacement of the pinion shaft.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
An automatic engine starter system as in claim 1 further comprising one-way clutch means provided between the speed reduction means and the spline shaft.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
An automatic engine starter system as in claim 1, wherein the means for pushing forward the pinion shaft comprises: a movable core, an axially movably rod for pushing forward the pinion shaft, a magnetic coil for making the movable core to be pushed forward.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
An automatic engine starter system as in claim 4 further comprising a ball being installed in a bore of the pinion shaft so that the axially movable rod engages with the pinion shaft through the ball.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
44 words
An automatic engine starter system as in claim 4 further comprising brake means for braking the rotation of the pinion when the pinion is at the retracted position, and the brake meanS being released only when the pinion engages with the engine ring gear.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
An automatic engine starter system as in claim 4 further comprising: a compression coil spring provided between an end flange of the rod and an end plate secured to the movable core for urging the rod.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
An automatic engine starter system as in claim 4 further comprising a cylindrical slide bush, a switch means being actuated by the slide bush which is moved by the movable core.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-11-12 | 1977-05-14 | 1977-11-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-11-12 | 1981-05-14 | 1981-11-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-11-12 | 1985-05-14 | 1985-11-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |