US 6,651,603 B2 · Engine starting method in idling stop condition

Abstract

The present invention provides an engine starting method from an idling stop condition wherein a preliminary step pushes a pinion to abut with a ring gear when a vehicle operating condition is in an idling stop condition, a starting step rotates the pinion into mesh with the ring gear by a motor upon receiving an engine start signal and thereafter an engine is started, and a restoring step is carried out after engine startup where the pinion is restored to an original position thereof. Also provided, when the engine is stopped, a pinion is meshed with a ring gear. Upon engine start-up, a pinion actuator disengages the pinion from the ring gear and a cutout portion engages an engaging piece to maintain the pinion disengaged. When the engine stops, a releasing actuator disengages the cutout portion and the engaging piece and the pinion is reset.

Claims2

Dependent claims

A starter system for a vehicle, comprising:

a pinion engagable with a ring gear of an engine;
a starter motor that rotatably drives the pinion;
a biasing means for engaging the pinion with the ring gear;
a pinion actuator for disengaging the pinion from the ring gear against a biasing force of the biasing means;
a mechanical engaging means which mechanically engages with a member adapted to move integrally with the pinion to keep the pinion disengaged from the ring gear when the pinion is disengaged from the ring gear by the pinion actuator;
and
a control means for disengagement which causes the pinion actuator to operate during engine start-up, thereby causing the pinion to be disengaged from the ring gear, wherein the pinion is in at least one of an abutting position and a meshing position with the ring gear when the engine is turned OFF.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Engine starting method in idling stop condition

Life of this patent

Engine starting method in idling stop condition

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims2