US1758173A - Engine starter - Google Patents

Description

W 3, 1939. J. H. RiCHARDS 1,753,113

ENGINE STARTER Filed Dec. 17, 1921 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 WITNESSES: INVENTOR JZl/lUS fi/t/m/ds' May 13, J. H HARDS ENGINE STARTER Filed Dec. 17, 1921 2 Shets-Sheet 2 WITNESSES: I I INVENTOR 6 E9 7 fig (/Z/fiuS fl fife/70rd?- ATTORNEY Patented May 13, 1930 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE JULIUS H. RICHARDS, OF SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE AS- SIGNMENTS, T0 ECLIPSE MACHINE GOMPANY, OF ELMIRA I-IEIGI-I'JlS, NEW YORK,

A conronerion on NEW YORK ENGINE STARTER Application. filed December 17, 1921.

vide a starting mechanism of the above-indicated character that embodies means for permitting the engine to operate forwardly and for preventing damage to the mechanism in case of backfire.

It has been found, in connection with the operation of starting mechanisms, that it is advantageous to effect the operative connection of the starting motor to the engine before power is applied to the motor. When such method is employed, the engagement of the various parts may be effected without the sudden shocks that are incident to the engagement, for example,'of the pinion of the so-called screw-shift starter with the flywheel of the engine. It has been found, also, that the maximum value of the current traversing the starting motor during the starting period is materially less under the conditions I have described than in the case of the screw-shift starter. In the latter arrangement, an extremely high peak occurs at the instant of engagement of the pinion and flywheel gear.

In the operation of starting mechanisms of the manually controlled type, it is essential that some means he provided for preventing damage to the mechanism in case the engine backfires. Such arrangement must comprise a device that is capable of transmitting sufiicienttorque to start the engine'but which is capable of yielding in case of backfire. It is desirable to limit the inertia of the parts to be rotated backwardly in case of backfire.

In accordance with my invention, the pinion for coacting with the flywheel gear is connected to the motor shaft by means of a friction clutch that is yieldable in case of f backfire. A manually controlled lever effects the engagement of the pinion with the en- Serial No. 522,981.

gine member and thereupon closes the circuit of the starting motor. A roller clutch permits the engine to rotate freely forwardly upon its starting. I provide, also, an arrangement whereby, upon the end-to-end engagement of the coact-ing gear teeth, the pinion is biased toward its operative position and the starting switch may be closed to effect rotation of the pinion.

My invention will be described in connection with the accompanying drawings, in

which Figure 1 is a view, partially in elevation and partially in section, of a starting mechanism constructed in accordance with my invention and a portion of an engine flywheel gear.

Fig. 2 is a view, similar to Fig. 1, illustrating the several parts in their respective op- 1 erative positions.

Fig. 3 is an end view, partially in elevation and. partially in section, of the mechanism of Fig. 1.

Figs. 4 and 5 are, respectively, end and longitudinal sectional view of a tubular housing.

Figs. 6 and 7 are, respectively, end and te)dgewise views of one of the clutch memers.

Figs. 8 and 9 are, respectively end and edgewise views of a second clutch member.

Referring particularly to Figs. 1, 2 and 3, an electric starting motor 1 has an armature shaft 2 that is rotatably supported at its outer end by a housing member 3. A pinion 4, which is adapted to coact with a flywheel gear 5 of an internalcombustion engine (not shown) is loosely mounted upon the armature shaft 2. I

The pinion 4 is operatively connected to the shaft 2 by a train of mechanism comprising a roller clutch 6 of the one-way positive driving type, a tubular housing member 7 and a friction clutch 8. The clutch 8 comprises a series of friction disks 9 and 10 that are respectively rotatable with the housing 7 and with the shaft 2. Pressure is maintained upon the clutch members by a compression spring 11 within the housing 7 and that has a bearing upon an annular retaining ring 12 and a disk 12a that is adjacent to the friction clutch.

The pinion 4 and roller clutch 6 are held within the housing member 7 by means of a retaining ring 13 that is engaged by inwardly projecting fingers 14 (Figs. 4 and 5) that are integral with the housing 7.

As best shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the clutch disks 9, which alternate with the coacting disks 10, are provided with radially-extending projections 15 which occupy spaces between axially-extending fingers 16 of the housing 7 All of the clutch members 9 are, accordingly, rotatable with the housing member 7. The clutch members 9 are loosely mounted on the shaft 2.

Referring to Figs. 8 and 9, the clutch disks 10 are of such diameter that they lie wholly withinthe housing member 7 and do not engage the latter. 'The clutch members 10 are provided with inwardly extending projections 17 which extend into axially-extending grooves 18 in the shaft 2. It will be apparent, therefore, that the clutch disks 10 are rotatable with the shaft 2 but are longitudinally slidable relatively thereto and that they are not connected to the housing member 7 except by means of their frictional engagement with the clutch members 9. i

The pinion 4, the roller clutch 6, the friction clutch 8 and the controlling spring therefor, together with the housing 7, constitute a unit that is slidable on the shaft 2. This unit is controlled by means of an arrangement comprising a sleeve member 19 that engages the disk 12a, a grooved member 20 that is slidably mounted on the sleeve 19, a spring 21 for yieldingly permitting relative movement between the grooved member 20 and the sleeve 19, and a lever 22 that has a pivotal support at 23 and has a bifurcated portion.

or yoke 24 for engaging the grooved member 20. 1

A starting switch 25, which ma for convenience, be located on the frame 0 the motor 1, is closed at the end of the movement of the lever 22 to effect the-meshing of thejpinion 4 of the flywheel gear 5. The operation of the switch 25 relatively to the movement of the pinion 4 may be adjusted by means of a bolt 26 and a nut 27.

It may be assumed that the engine is at rest and'that the various parts occupy their respective positions in which they are illustrated (Fig. ,1) To start the engine, the lever 22 is actuated by a pedal or other suit able device locatedflnear the seat ofthe'driver.

The grooved member 20 applies force to the spring 21 and the latter, in turn, actuates the unit connected to the pinion 4 longitudinally of the shaft 2. When the several parts occupy their respective, positions in which they are illustrated (Fig. 2),, the pinion 4 is completely in mesh with the flywheel gear 5, and the switcltjfiis closed to complete the circuit of the motor 1 through any suitable or usual connections (not shown). The flywheel gear 5 is then actuated to start the engine from rest gradually and without shock.

When the engine starts under its own power, it may rotate freely forwardly by reason of the roller clutch -6, the spring pressed rollers 28 (one of which is shown in Fig. 1) permitting relative rotative movement of the pinion 4 and the housing member 7. The lever 22 may be released at any desired time by the operator.

If, upon actuation ofthe lever 22, the teeth of the pinion 4 do. not register properly with those of the flywheel gear 5, the spring 21 is placed under compression and the movement of the lever 22 may continue until the switch 25 is closed. Immediately upon the rotation of the motor and the pinion 4, the spring 21 forces the pinion 4 into mesh with the flywheel gear 5. This action occurs before the motor has attained an appreciable speed and there is, consequently, no impact between the coacting parts.

If, upon operation of the starting motor in the manner previously described, the engine backfires, no damage may occur to the starting mechanism or to the operator. The

force exerted by the engine is materially greater than the torque required to rotate it under starting conditions and the inion 4,

the roller clutch 6, the housing mem er 7 and the clutch members 9 are rotated backwardly. The energy generated by the backfiring of-the engine is quickly absorbed by the friction clutch and the engine is again brought to rest.

It will be noted that, by reason of the arrangement of the parts shown in the draw- 'ings and described herein, I provide a starting mechanism that is of comparatively few and simple parts and that is extremely compact in arrangement. The engine may be started without shock or jar to'ithe apparatus and without the occurrence of excessive peak values of current. The starting mechanism may be operated without regard to the relative positions of the coacting gear teeth and no harm can result if the parts are held in operative engagement regardless of the starting of the enginein a forward direction or of backfiring of the engine.

I claim as my invention:

1 In a starting mechanism, the combination with a shaft, a member mounted for longitudinal movement thereon and rotatable movement therewith and means comprising a manually operable member and a yielding element for controlling the longitudinal position of said member,of means comprising a friction clutch having a member rotatable with said shaft for operatively connecting said member to said shaft.

2. In a starting mechanism, the combination with a shaft, a pinion mounted for longitudinal movement thereon and rotatable movement therewith and means for actuating said pinion axially when said shaft is stationary, of a friction clutch having one element connected to said pinion for rotation therewith. when said member is actuated by said shaft and another element slidably connected to said shaft but rotatable therewith. 3. In a starting mechanism, the combination with a shaft, a member mounted for lon gitudinal movement thereon and rotatable movement therewith and manually operable means for controlling the longitudinal position of said memberwhile the shaft is stationary, of a friction clutch for slidably and rotatably connecting said member to said shaft.

4. In a starting mechanism, the combination with a shaft and a pinion loosely mounted thereon, of a friction member secured to said pinion for rotation therewith when the pinion is actuated by said shaft, a friction member rotatable with said shaft but movable longitudinally thereon and means for maintaining said'friction members in yielding engagement.

5. In a starting mechanism, the combination with a gear wheel, a shaft and a pinion loosely mounted thereon, of means for actuating said pinion into and out of engagement with saidgear wheel, a friction member secured to said pinion for rotation therewith when the pinion is actuated by the shaft, a friction member rotatable with said shaft but movable longitudinally thereon and means for maintaining said friction members in yielding engagement.

6. In a starting. mechanism, the combination with a shaft, a driving member loosely mounted thereon and a tubular member rotatable with said driving member, of a fric tion member rotatable with said driving member .when the pinion is actuated by the shaft, a friction member rotatable with said shaft but movable longitudinally thereof, and a spring within said tubular member for yieldingly maintaining said friction members in en agement.

I In a starting mechanism, the combina tion with a shaft, a driving member loosely mounted thereon and a tubular member secured to said driving member, of a plurality of coacting friction members within said tubular member, certain of said friction members being respectively rotatable with said tubular member and slidably keyed to said shaft for rotation therewith, and a spring Within said tubular member for yieldingly maintaining said friction members in engagement.

8. In a starting mechanism, the combination with a grooved shaft, a pin'on mgunted thereon, and a'slotted tubular member secured to said pinion, of a friction clutch within said tubular member, certain of said clutch members having portions projecting into the grooves of said shaft and the other of said clutch members having portions projecting into the slots in said tubular member, a spring for maintaining said clutch members in engagement and means for actuating said pinion and said members asa unit longitudinally of said shaft.

9. In a starting mechanism, the combination with a shaft, a pinion thereon and a member rigidly secured to said pinion, of a friction clutch comprising a member slidably keyed to said shaft for longitudinal movement thereon but for rotation therewith and a second member connected to said pinion member for rotation therewith when the pinion is actuated by said shaft, means for maintaining said clutch members in engagement and means for actuating said pinion and as sociated members longitudinally of said shaft. I

10. In a starting mechanism, the combination with a shaft, a pinion thereon and a member rigidly secured to said pinion, of a friction clutch comprising a member slidably keyed to said shaft for longitudinal movement thereon but for rotation therewith and a second member connected to said pinion member for rotation therewith when the pinion is actuated by said shaft, yielding means for maintaining the engagement of said clutch members and manually operable means for actuating the associated members longitudinally of said shaft.

11. In a starting mechanism, the combination with an engine member, of a motor having a shaft, a pinion thereon, means for operatively connecting said pinion to said shaft comprising a friction clutch that is slidably connected to said shaft for longitudinal movement thereon but for rotation therewith, and manually operable means for actuating said pinion into engagement with said engine member independently of the operation ofsaid motor.

12. A starting mechanism comprising a shaft, a pinion mounted for longitudinal movement thereon and means comprising an overrunning clutch and a friction clutch for operatlvely connecting said pinion to said shaft.

18. A starting mechanism comprising a shaft, a pinion mounted for longitudinal movement thereon and means for operativcly connecting said pinion and said shaft, said means comprising an over-running clutch and a friction clutch operatively connected thereto and having a member slidably connected to said shaft.

14:. In a starting mechanism, the combination with a motor having a shaft, a pinion andmeans for operatively connecting said pinion to said shaft, said means comprising a roller clutch and a friction clutch having a longitudinally slidable connection to said shaft, of means for actuating said pinion and the associated mechanism longitudinally of said shaft independently of the rotation of the latter.

15. A starting mechanism comprising a shaft, a pinion mounted for longitudinal movement thereon and means for operatively connecting said pinion and said shaft, said means comprising a tubular member, a roller clutch between said pinion and said tubular member, and a friction clutch between said tubular member and said shaft, and manually-ope'rable means for actuating said pinion and its connected mechanism longitudinally of said shaft.

16. A starting'me'chanism comprising a a shaft, a driving member mounted for longitudinal movement'thereon and means'including a one-way clutch and a yieldable device for operatively connecting said driving member to said shaft.

17. A starting mechanism comprising a shaft, a driving member mounted for longitudinal movement thereon and means including a one-way clutch and a yieldable device for operatively connecting said driving mem-' ber to said shaft, said clutch being located between the driving member and yieldable 5 tion of said driving member, said means indevice.

18. In a starting mechanism, the'combina tion of a shaft, a driving member shiftable longitudinally thereon, and means for controlling the longitudinal position ofsaid driving member and its rotation by the shaft, said means including a manually-shiftable member movable longitudinally of the shaft and drivingly connected to the driving member, and a friction clutch connection between said shiftable member and the shaft.

20. In a starting mechanism,'the combination of a rotatable shaft, a drivin member longitudinally movable thereon an rotatable with respect thereto, and means for controlling the longitudinal position and the rotacluding a manuall -shiftable member movable with said pimon longitudinally of'the shaft and having respective operative connections rotatively with said shaft and said ,driving member, one said connection comprising yielding meansand the other said connection comprising acne-way clutch.

21. In a starting'mechanism, the combination of a rotatable shaft, a driving member movable longitudinally along and rotatably about said shaft, means including a one-way clutch and a yieldable device for operatively connecting said driving member to said shaft, and manual means for longitudinally moving said connecting means and driving member in unison.

22. A starting mechanism comprising a rotatable shaft, a driving membermounted for longitudinal and rotary movement with respect to said shaft, means including a oneway clutch and a yielding device for oper-- mounted on the shaft for longitudinal movement thereon and operatively connected with said driving member to move it longitudinally, and means including a one-way clutch and a yielding device for operatively connecting said driving member with said shaft for rotation therewith. 1

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name this 22nd day of Nov., 1921.

JULIUS H. RICHARDS.

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