Engine starting device

An engine starting device for rotating a crankshaft of an engine to start the engine, comprising:

• a self-starting motor drivable to rotate the crankshaft of the engine;
• and
• a one-way clutch disposed between said self-starting motor and the crankshaft of the engine and operable to transmit rotary motion of said self-starting motor to the crankshaft, said one-way clutch including
• an inner race operatively connected to an output shaft of said self-starting motor for co-rotation therewith,
• an outer race concentric to said inner race and operatively connected to the crankshaft,
• a plurality of ratchet pawls pivotally connected to said inner race for pivotal movement within an annular space defined between said inner race and said outer race, and
• a plurality of springs acting between said inner race and said ratchet pawls and urging said ratchet pawls against said inner race to thereby keep said ratchet pawls out of contact with said outer race,
• wherein when the speed of rotation of said inner race while being rotated by said self-starting motor goes up to a predetermined value, said ratchet pawls are caused to swing in a radial outward direction under the action of centrifugal force against the force of said springs and become engaged by said outer race to thereby engage said one-way clutch.