Brushless starter system with pinion pre-engagement control
US10724491B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 1, 2018 |
| Grant date | Jul 28, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 25, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02N2300/108
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An electric starter system is used with an engine. The starter system may include a solenoid device coupled to a pinion gear, a brushless starter motor connectable to the engine via the pinion gear during a requested engine start event, and a controller. In response to the start event, when the engine speed is less than a threshold speed, the controller delivers a control current to the solenoid device at a peak current level sufficient for translating the pinion gear into contact with the flywheel. The control current is reduced to a holding current level less than the peak current level after the pinion gear is engaged with the flywheel. Motor torque is commanded from the starter motor, through the pinion gear, and to the flywheel while maintaining the holding current level, and held for a duration sufficient for starting the engine.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.