Starter motor protection system
US5345901A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 26, 1993 |
| Grant date | Sep 13, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 26, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02N2200/047
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An engine starter has a plunger electromagnetically actuated by holding and attracting coils to move a pinion toward a ring gear on the engine and also to move a first movable contact on the plunger towards first and second stationary contacts to be electrically connected together by the first movable contact to electrically energize a starter motor. Completion of the circuit between the movable contact and the stationary contacts also serves to de-energize the attracting coil which may be damaged if energized for too long. Control means are provided to determine the voltages at each of the fixed contacts. The difference between the monitored voltages is determined and compared to a reference voltage differential. If the difference is not less than or equal to the reference voltage differential, the controller is programmed to know that the circuit has not been completed, and in order to avoid damage to the attracting coil and the starter, power is interrupted to the starter circuit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.