Engine system, and method of starting the engine
AssigneeKohler Co.
InventorsMichael R. Kleczewski, Dustin Richards
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Engine systems which are easier starting and more resistant to degradation and discharge of their batteries are desirable in a wide range of equipment markets. The present engine systems utilize a selection module which selective switches from a first state when the battery is adequately charged to a second state which enables the use of auxiliary components such as special starting stators and regulators which can power the engine control module even when the battery is too discharged to power the engine control module directly.
Claims20
An engine system comprising:
- an engine control module, the engine control module configured to control at least one of a fuel injector and an ignition coil;
- a first energy storage device;
- a first stator configured to charge the first energy storage device;
- a second stator configured to power a portion of the engine control module;
- a selection module configured to transition from a first state wherein the first energy storage device provides energy to the engine control module to a second state wherein the first energy storage device is isolated from the portion of the engine control module.
An engine system comprising:
- an engine control module, the engine control module configured to control at least one of a fuel injector and an ignition coil;
- a first energy storage device;
- a first regulator configured to charge the first energy storage device;
- a second regulator configured to power a portion of the engine control module;
- a selection module configured to transition from a first state wherein the first energy storage device is connected to the engine control module to a second state wherein the second regulator is connected to the portion of the engine control module and the first energy storage device is isolated from the portion of the engine control device.
A method of starting an internal combustion engine comprising:
- a) providing an engine having a recoil start assembly, an engine control module configured to control at least one of a fuel injector and an ignition coil, an energy storage device, and a selection module configured to transition from a first state wherein the energy storage device is connected to the engine control module to a second state wherein the energy storage device is isolated from the engine control module, the engine being in a non-running state;
- b) selecting, via the selection module, the second state wherein the first energy storage device is isolated from the engine control module;
- c) operating the recoil start assembly so that the engine transitions from a non-running state to a running state;
- d) selecting, via the selection module, the first state wherein the energy storage device is connected to the engine control module.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.