Abstract
The new engine starter is developed for the purpose of downsizing and the improvement of the response time. A feed screw is utilized in this device. The behaviors of this device are follows: The motor shaft connected to the feed screw rotates, and the pinion gear with an inner groove moves along an axial axis. The ring gear connected to the engine is put into the axial position where the pinion gear is stopped. Therefore the pinion gear is engaged with the ring gear, so the engine is turned over. The conventional starter needs a solenoid actuator for the gear engagement. On the other hand, a solenoid actuator is not necessary for this device. But, there is a problem that the rotational speed of the motor shaft decreases when the pinion gear is engaged. Running tests are conducted after the countermeasure for that problem is implemented. According to the test results, we have found that the response time of the new engine starter is 15% faster than the conventional one, and the size of the new engine starter is about 10% smaller than the conventional one.
