Engine restart apparatus and method
US7218010B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 15, 2005 |
| Grant date | May 15, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 22, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02N2200/065
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to a start-stop “mild hybrid” vehicle with a starting system which utilizes traditional engine and transmission architecture. The present invention separates the pinion actuator solenoid from the starter motor power switching circuit. A power relay is provided to switch the starter motor. The pinion gear in the present invention is pre-shuttled to, and held in mesh with, the flywheel ring gear during engine stop conditions. A “prime current” is then applied to the power relay just below that which is required to energize the power relay. Upon request for an engine start, the current will increase to energize the relay and allow the starter motor to spin. A significant amount of time lag is thusly removed from the starting system permitting an expedient restart and launch. The pinion actuator solenoid in this invention may also have two coils which may be selectively energized.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.