Claims:[ Claim 1 ]
A starter (100) including a motor (2) and a solenoid switch (1) which passes an electric current through the motor (2),
wherein the motor (2) comprises :
a yoke (6) which is of cylindrical shape and forms a magnetic circuit,
an armature (8) which is provided on an inside of the yoke (6) and produces rotary torque by magnetic flux from the yoke (6),
a commutator (11) which is provided at an end portion of an armature shaft (10), a shaft of the armature, and has a sliding surface (11a) along an outer circumference thereof,
a brush (12) which makes sliding contact with the sliding surface (11a),
a brush holder (15) which stores the brush (12) and a spring (14), pressing down the brush (12) on the sliding surface (11a), and
a base (16) which is of disk shape and is, at a center thereof, equipped with an opening (16a), through which the armature shaft (10) penetrates, and has a mounting surface (16b) to which the brush holder (15) is attached, and is perpendicularly provided with respect to the armature shaft (10);
wherein a portion of the base (16), which is sandwiched by two cut-in portions (16f), is bent at a first bending part (16c) toward a side on which the brush holder (15) is attached, where the two cut-in portions (16f) are cut into a region on which the brush holder (15) is not attached, from an inner circumference of the base (16), enclosing the opening (16a), or an outer circumference of the base (16), and
the portion of the base (16), which is bent at the first bending part (16c), is bent at a second bending part (16d) toward a direction of the opening (16a) or a direction opposite to the opening (16a), to form a folded plane (16e), and
another end of a lead wire (18), which is connected at one end with the brush (12) provided adjacent to the folded plane (16e), is connected with the folded plane (16e).

[ Claim 2 ]
The starter (100) according to Claim 1,
wherein a flat plane including the folded plane (16e) is perpendicular to the armature shaft (10).

[ Claim 3 ]
The starter (100) according to Claim 1 or Claim 2,
wherein a direction to which the lead wire (18) extends and the mounting surface (16b) are parallel.

[ Claim 4 ]
The starter (100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 3,
wherein a cut-out portion (19) is provided at a part of the base (16), which lies between the mounting surface (16b) and the folded plane (16e).

[ Claim 5 ]
The starter (100) according to Claim 4,
wherein the cut-out portion (19) is provided at least at one of the first bending part (16c) and the second bending part (16d).
, Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)

&

THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

STARTER

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION, A CORPORATION ORGANISED AND EXISTING UNDER THE LAWS OF JAPAN, WHOSE ADDRESS IS 7-3, MARUNOUCHI 2-CHOME, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO 1008310 JAPAN

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED
.
DESCRIPTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001]
The present disclosure relates to a starter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002]
A starter is mounted on an automobile or the like, and is a device for starting an engine. In a direct current motor which is provided as a motor in the starter of an engine, rectifying action is generally performed by a commutator which is installed at an end portion of an armature shaft ( a shaft of the armature ) and a brush which makes sliding contact with a sliding surface, provided on the outer circumference of the commutator. The brush is stored slidably in a brush holder. The brush is pressed down on the sliding surface by a spring which is stored in the brush holder together with the brush, to make sliding contact with the sliding surface. There is disclosed a direct current motor which has a brush supporting device, where the device is equipped with a brush holder and a base to which the brush holder is attached ( for example, refer to Patent Document 1 ).
[0003]
In the disclosed configuration, each of the four brush holders is assembled on a single base, by way of their own slide groove. In a case where the four brush holders are provided in the usual manner, positive pole side brushes are stored in two brush holders, and negative pole side brushes are stored in the two remaining brush holders. A side portion which continues into the other end of a lead wire that is connected at one end with a negative pole side brush, is connected with the base and is grounded. Another end of a lead wire which is connected at one end with a positive pole side brush, is connected with a power source which is provided on the outside of the direct current motor. The brush supporting device is assembled on a rear bracket, which is a part of the case of the direct current motor.

CITATION LIST
PATENT LITERATURE
[0004]
Patent Document 1 : JP 2009 - 71925, A

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
TECHNICAL PROBLEM
[0005]
In the above mentioned Patent Document 1, steps in the assembling process can be reduced in number. However, an opening portion for pulling out a lead wire is provided in the rear bracket, in order to connect the lead wire with an external power source. Because the brush supporting device is communicated with the outside by way of the opening portion, moisture which has invaded from the opening portion, by running on the rear bracket and the base, adheres to a lead wire which is connected to the base, and subsequently, the moisture moves to the brush which is connected to the lead wire. Stranded cable is usually used for the lead wire, and then, the moisture moves from the lead wire to the brush easily by capillarity action. When the moisture reached the brush, rust was formed in the brush by the moisture, and there occurred a problem that the brush is firmly fixed to the brush holder due to the rust.
[0006]
Further, because not only the moisture which has invaded from the opening portion but also water drops which are attached on the surface of the base owing to the dew condensation adhere also to a lead wire which is connected to the base, there occurred another problem that the brush is firmly fixed to the brush holder by the rust, which is formed owing to the water drops.
[0007]
The present application is made to solve a problem which is mentioned above, and aims at obtaining a starter which is suppressed in the adhesion of the moisture to a lead wire.

SOLUTION TO PROBLEM
[0008]
The starter which is disclosed in the present disclosure is a starter including a motor and a solenoid switch which passes an electric current through the motor, wherein the motor comprises : a yoke which is of cylindrical shape and forms a magnetic circuit; an armature which is provided on an inside of the yoke and produces rotary torque by magnetic flux from the yoke; a commutator which is provided at an end portion of an armature shaft, a shaft of the armature, and has a sliding surface along an outer circumference thereof; a brush which makes sliding contact with the sliding surface; a brush holder which stores the brush and a spring, pressing down the brush on the sliding surface; and a base which is of disk shape and is, at a center thereof, equipped with an opening, through which the armature shaft penetrates, and has a mounting surface to which the brush holder is attached, and is perpendicularly provided with respect to the armature shaft; wherein a portion of the base, which is sandwiched by two cut-in portions, is bent at a first bending part toward a side on which the brush holder is attached, where the two cut-in portions are cut into a region on which the brush holder is not attached, from an inner circumference of the base, enclosing the opening, or an outer circumference of the base, and the portion of the base, which is bent at the first bending part, is bent at a second bending part toward a direction of the opening or a direction opposite to the opening, to form a folded plane, and another end of a lead wire, which is connected at one end with the brush provided adjacent to the folded plane, is connected with the folded plane.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0009]
According to the starter which is disclosed in the present disclosure, the adhesion of the moisture to a lead wire can be suppressed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010]
FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating the configuration of a starter according to Embodiment 1.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an outer appearance of a brush supporting device which the starter according to Embodiment 1 is equipped with.
FIG. 3 is a top view of a base which the starter according Embodiment 1 is equipped with, where the view illustrates a base prior to forming a folded plane thereon.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an outer appearance of another brush supporting device which the starter according to Embodiment 1 is equipped with.
FIG. 5 is a top view of another base which the starter according Embodiment 1 is equipped with, where the view illustrates another base prior to forming a folded plane thereon.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an outer appearance of another brush supporting device which the starter according to Embodiment 1 is equipped with.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an outer appearance of a brush supporting device which a starter according to Embodiment 2 is equipped with.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating an outer appearance of a brush supporting device which a starter according to Embodiment 3 is equipped with.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating an outer appearance of another brush supporting device which the starter according to Embodiment 3 is equipped with.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an outer appearance of a brush supporting device which a starter according to Embodiment 4 is equipped with.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating an outer appearance of a brush supporting device which a starter according to Embodiment 5 is equipped with.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0011]
Hereinafter, a starter according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Description will be given, while the same or corresponding members and parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference characters.
[0012]
Embodiment 1 .
FIG. 1 is a side view which illustrates the configuration of a starter 100. It is to be noted that, a part of the case is cut away and the inside of the starter 100 is shown. The starter 100 is mounted on an automobile or the like, and is a device for starting an engine. The starter 100 is equipped with a motor 2, a solenoid switch 1 which passes an electric current into the motor 2, and a front bracket 3 and a rear bracket 4 which are parts of the case of the starter 100. The front bracket 3 and the rear bracket 4 are coupled together, with a through bolt 5. Through the coupling of the front bracket 3 and the rear bracket 4, the motor 2 is held tightly between the front bracket 3 and the rear bracket 4 to be fixed therebetween. A transmission mechanism unit ( not shown in the drawing ), which is coupled with the motor 2 and transmits rotary power produced in the motor 2 to an engine ( not shown in the drawing ), is mounted on the inside of the front bracket 3. Hereinafter, explanation about the configuration of the motor 2 will be made.
[0013]
The motor 2 is equipped with a yoke 6, an armature 8, commutators 11, and brushes 12. The yoke 6 of cylindrical shape is equipped with a magnet 7 on the inner wall, and forms a magnetic circuit. The armature 8 which is provided on the inside of the yoke 6 is equipped with an armature coil 9, and produces rotary torque by the magnetic flux from the yoke 6. The commutator 11 is provided at the end portion of an armature shaft 10 which is a shaft of the armature 8, and has a sliding surface 11a along an outer circumference thereof. The brush 12 makes sliding contact with the sliding surface 11a. The motor 2 obtains rectifying action from the commutator 11 and the brush 12. The yoke 6 fits in with the rear bracket 4 at an opening portion of one end side, and fits in with the front bracket 3 at an opening portion of the other end side. On the inside of the rear bracket 4, a shaft bush 13 is provided, and the armature shaft 10 is supported rotatably with the shaft bush 13.
[0014]
Explanation about the installation of a brush 12 will be made. Brushes of a positive pole side and brushes of a negative pole side are provided in the starter 100. Here, explanation is made with a brush 12 which is shown in FIG. 1 and does not have a specified pole. The brush 12 is stored in a brush holder 15, together with a spring 14 which presses down the brush 12 on the sliding surface 11a. The brush holder 15 is attached on a plate like base 16, and the base 16 is provided perpendicularly on the rear bracket 4, with respect to the armature shaft 10. The brush holder 15 and the base 16 constitute a brush supporting device 17.
[0015]
Explanation about the configuration of the brush supporting device 17 will be made.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view which illustrates an outer appearance of the brush supporting device 17, with which the starter 100 according to Embodiment 1 is equipped. A base 16 which is of disc shape and is at the center equipped with an opening 16a, through which the armature shaft 10 ( the dashed dotted line in FIG. 2 ) penetrates, has a mounting surface 16b to which four brush holders 15a, 15b, 15c, and 15d are to be attached, and is made from a metal having electrical conductivity. It is to be noted that, the number of brush holders 15 which are attached to the base 16 is not limited to four. The brush holder 15 is attached to the base, with a bottom portion of the brush holder 15 being inserted with a cut and bent portion of the base 16. The brush 12a of the positive pole side is stored in each of the two brush holders 15a and 15b, and the brush 12b of the negative pole side is stored in each of the two remaining brush holders 15c and 15d.
[0016]
Explanation will be made about a folded plane 16e, an important part of the present disclosure, on which a lead wire 18 is connected to have connection with the base 16. FIG. 3 is a top view of the base 16 which the starter 100 according to Embodiment 1 is equipped with. It is to be noted that, the view illustrates a base prior to forming a folded plane 16e thereon, and four areas which are each surrounded by a broken line show the regions on which the brush holders 15 are to be attached. A portion of the base, which is sandwiched by two cut-in portions 16f, will be bent at a first bending part 16c, toward the side to which the brush holder 15 is to be attached, where the two cut-in portions are cut into a region on which the brush holders 15 are not attached, from the inner circumference of the base 16, enclosing the opening 16a. Further, the portion of the base which is bent at the first bending part 16c, will be bent at a second bending part 16d, toward the direction of the opening 16a, and thereby, a folded plane 16e will be formed. The shape of a part of the bent base 16 becomes a hook type shape, as shown in FIG. 2.
[0017]
One end of the lead wire 18 is connected with the brush 12b which is provided adjacent to the folded plane 16e, by way of a cut-out 15e which is provided at each side face of the brush holders 15c and 15d. A side portion of the lead wire 18, which continues into the other end of the lead wire, is welded with the folded plane 16e at the weld portion 18a, to form the connection between the lead wire and the base. The lead wire 18 will be grounded with the base 16, at the weld portion 18a. The mounting surface 16b, which is a surface of the base 16 and the weld portion 18a are separated. It is to be noted that, the other end of the lead wire ( not shown in the drawing ) which is connected at one end with the brush 12a of the positive pole side, is to be connected to a battery ( not shown in the drawing ) which is provided on the outside of the motor 2.
[0018]
Since the mounting surface 16b and the weld portion 18a are separated, the moisture which has invaded, by running on the surface of the base 16 and the moisture which is dew condensed on the surface of the base can be suppressed in the adhesion to the lead wire 18 through the weld portion 18a. Further, because a flat plane including the folded plane 16e is a perpendicular plane with respect to the armature shaft 10, a welding electrode can be pressed down on the weld portion 18a, from a direction parallel to the armature shaft 10, when the welding of the lead wire 18 is performed. Because the direction to which a welding electrode is pressed down is the same direction as in the case where the lead wire 18 is welded on the mounting surface 16b at a conventional position, the lead wire 18 can be welded like in the conventional case, without requiring the change in the facilities. Further, because the direction to which the lead wire 18 extends and the mounting surface 16b are parallel, a lead wire 18 with a shorter length can be employed, as compared with the case where the lead wire 18 is welded to the mounting surface 16b. Further, because the area in which the weld portion 18a is provided is limited to a region of the folded plane 16e, it is easy to localize a position at which a welding electrode is pressed down, when the welding of the lead wire 18 is performed.
[0019]
Next, explanation about the operations of the starter 100 will be made. When the solenoid switch 1 is turned ON, current will be supplied from a battery ( not shown in the drawing ), by way of the brush 12 and the commutator 11, to the armature coil 9. The current which flows into the armature coil 9 interlinks with the magnetic flux from the magnet 7 which is installed in the yoke 6, and thereby, rotary torque is produced in the armature coil 9 to rotate the armature 8. When the armature 8 rotates, rectification will be performed by the commutator 11 which is installed integrally with the armature 8 and the brush 12 which slides on the sliding surface 11a of the commutator 11. In connection with the rotation of the armature 8, a transmission mechanism unit ( not shown in the drawing ) which is connected with the armature 8 also rotates. The transmission mechanism unit gears with a ring gear ( not shown in the drawing ) which is connected with an engine ( not shown in the drawing ), and starts the engine.
[0020]
It is to be noted that, as shown in FIG. 2, the weld portion 18a is provided at the loading side of the brush holder 15, which is one side of the folded plane 16e, however, the configuration of the weld portion 18a is not limited to this case. FIG. 4 is a perspective view which illustrates an outer appearance of another brush supporting device 17, with which the starter 100 according to Embodiment 1 is equipped. As shown in FIG. 4, it is allowed to provide a weld portion 18a at the other side of the folded plane 16e. When the weld portion 18a is provided at the other side, the weld portion 18a and the mounting surface 16b are separated, and therefore, the adhesion of the moisture to the lead wire 18 through the weld portion 18a is suppressed. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the two cut-in portions 16f are provided from the inner circumference of the base 16, however, the configuration of the cut-in portion is not limited to this case. FIG. 5 is a top view of another base 16 which the starter 100 according to Embodiment 1 is equipped with, where the view illustrates a base prior to forming a folded plane 16e thereon. As shown in FIG. 5, it is allowed to provide two cut-in portions 16f from the outer circumference of the base 16. A portion of the base, which is sandwiched by the two cut-in portions 16f, will be bent at a first bending part 16c, toward the side to which the brush holder 15 is attached. Further, the portion of the base, which is bent at the first bending part 16c will be bent at a second bending part 16d, toward the opposite side of the opening 16a, and thereby, a folded plane 16e is formed. FIG. 6 is a perspective view which illustrates an outer appearance of another brush supporting device 17, with which the starter 100 according to Embodiment 1 is equipped. Even if the cut-in portions 16f are provided from the outer circumference, a folded plane 16e can be formed, as shown in FIG. 6, like in the case where the cut-in portions 16f are provided from the inner circumference.
[0021]
As mentioned above, in the starter 100 of the present embodiment, the other end of the lead wire 18 which is at one end connected with the brush 12 is welded with the folded plane 16e to have connection at the weld portion 18a, and the mounting surface 16b of the base 16 and the weld portion 18a are separated. Therefore, the moisture which has invaded, by running on the surface of the base 16, and the moisture which is dew condensed on the surface of the base can be suppressed in the adhesion to the lead wire 18. Further, the weld portion 18a is provided at the folded plane 16e, which is processed into a hook type shape, by folding a part of the base 16. Since a conventional base 16 can be used, the folded plane 16e which is separated from a mounting surface 16b is easy to fabricate. Further, in the case where a flat plane including the folded plane 16e is a perpendicular plane, with respect to the armature shaft 10, the direction to which a welding electrode is pressed down is the same as the conventional one. Thereby, the lead wire 18 can be welded, like in the case of welding at a conventional welding position, without changing the production facilities and the manufacturing processes. Further, in the case where the direction to which the lead wire 18 extends and the mounting surface 16b are parallel, a lead wire 18 with a shorter length can be employed, as compared with the case where the lead wire 18 is welded on the mounting surface 16b. Thereby, the material cost of the lead wire 18 can be suppressed. Further, since the area in which the weld portion 18a is provided is limited to the region of a folded plane 16e, and the localization of the position at which a welding electrode is pressed down is easy to attain, when the welding of a lead wire 18 is performed, the manufacturing process can be simplified.
[0022]
Embodiment 2 .
Explanation about a starter 100 according to Embodiment 2 will be made. FIG. 7 is a perspective view which illustrates an outer appearance of the brush supporting device 17, with which the starter 100 is equipped. The starter 100 according to Embodiment 2 has a configuration which is different from that of Embodiment 1, in the position of a folded plane 16e.
[0023]
According to Embodiment 2, the position of the second bending part 16d is changed, and a folded plane 16e is provided so that the height from the mounting surface 16b to the folded plane 16e may become higher, compared with Embodiment 1. The shape of a part of the bent base 16 is a hook type shape, like in Embodiment 1, and the weld portion 18a is provided on the folded plane 16e, which is formed by bending at the second bending part 16d, without changing the assembling performance. Since the weld portion 18a and the mounting surface 16b are further separated, the adhesion of moistures on the lead wire 18 through the weld portion 18a is further suppressed, where the moistures include one which has invaded, by running on the surface of the base 16, and another which is dew condensed on the surface of the base 16. It is to be noted that, since the flat plane including the folded plane 16e is a perpendicular plane, with respect to the armature shaft 10 ( the dashed dotted line in FIG. 7 ), it is possible to weld the lead wire 18, like in the case of welding at the conventional position ( the mounting surface 16b ), without requiring the change in the facilities.
[0024]
As mentioned above, in the starter 100 of the present embodiment, the weld portion 18a and the mounting surface 16b are configured to have a greater separation, and hence, it is possible to suppress further the adhesion to the lead wire 18 of the moisture which has invaded, by running on the surface of the base 16, and the moisture which is dew condensed on the surface of the base.
[0025]
Embodiment 3 .
Explanation about a starter 100 according to Embodiment 3 will be made. FIG. 8 is a perspective view which illustrates an outer appearance of the brush supporting device 17, with which the starter 100 is equipped. The starter 100 according to Embodiment 3 has a configuration in which a cut-out portion 19 is provided at a part of the base 16, which lies between the folded plane 16e and the mounting surface 16b.
[0026]
The cut-out portions 19 are provided at a first bending part 16c and a second bending part 16d, which constitute parts of the base 16, lying between the mounting surface 16b and the folded plane 16e. In the area of a first bending part 16c, a cut-out portion 19a is provided at each of the both side faces. In the area of a second bending part 16d, a cut-out portion 19b, which is a hollowed out part of the second bending part 16d, is provided at the center thereof. Because the moisture path which leads from the mounting surface 16b of the base 16 to the weld portion 18a is decreased by providing the cut-out portion 19a and the cut-out portion 19b, the adhesion of the moistures to the lead wire 18 through the weld portion 18a is further suppressed. The cut-out portion 19a and the cut-out portion 19b are provided respectively at the first bending part 16c and the second bending part 16d. Therefore, the process for bending these portions becomes easy to perform and improved machining performance is attained, by forming the cut-out portion 19a and the cut-out portion 19b before the first bending part 16c and the second bending part 16d are bent.
[0027]
It is to be noted that, cut-out portions 19 are provided at both side faces of the first bending part 16c and at the center of the second bending part 16d, however, the positions at which the cut-out portions 19 are provided may not be limited to these cases. It is allowed to provide cut-out portions 19 at the center of the first bending part 16c and at the both side faces of the second bending part 16d. Although the cut-out portions 19 are provided at both of the first bending part 16c and the second bending part 16d, it is allowed to provide a cut-out portion 19 at least at one of the first bending part 16c and the second bending part 16d. Further, FIG. 9 is a perspective view which illustrates an outer appearance of another brush supporting device 17, with which the starter 100 according to Embodiment 3 is equipped. As shown in FIG. 9, a cut-out portion 19 can be provided at a part of the base 16, which lies between the first bending part 16c and the second bending part 16d.
[0028]
As mentioned above, in the starter 100 of the present embodiment, the cut-out portion 19 is provided at a part of the base 16, which lies between the mounting surface 16b and the folded planes 16e. Thereby, the moisture path which leads from the mounting surface 16b of the base 16 to the weld portion 18a is reduced, and then, the adhesion of the moisture to the lead wire 18 through the weld portion 18a can be further suppressed. In the case where the cut-out portions 19 are provided at the first bending part 16c and at the second bending part 16d, the process for bending the first bending part 16c and the second bending part 16d becomes easy to perform, and then, improved machining performance is attained.
[0029]
Embodiment 4 .
Explanation about a starter 100 according to Embodiment 4 will be made. FIG. 10 is a perspective view which illustrates an outer appearance of the brush supporting device 17, with which the starter 100 is equipped. The starter 100 according to Embodiment 4 has a configuration in which a cut-out portion 19b provided at the second bending part 16d is different from that of Embodiment 3.
[0030]
According to Embodiment 3, in the area of the second bending part 16d, a part of the second bending part 16d is hollowed out to provide a cut-out portion 19b at the center. According to Embodiment 4, however, in addition to the cut-out portion 19b, a projecting portion 20 is provided, so that the hollowed out part may protrude, instead of hollowing out the cut-out portion. Also by providing the projecting portion 20, the moisture path which leads from the mounting surface 16b of the base 16 to the weld portion 18a is restricted, and then, the adhesion of the moisture to the lead wire 18 through the weld portion 18a is suppressed. Further, since the projecting portion 20 is formed, it is not necessary to discard the unnecessary member which corresponds to a hollowed out part, and then, a simplified manufacturing process can be attained.
[0031]
It is to be noted that, only the second bending part 16d is configured to have a projecting portion 20, however, the configuration of the projecting portion is not limited to this case. It is allowed to provide a projecting portion at the cut-out portion 19a which is provided at the first bending part 16c. Further, it is allowed to provide a projecting portion 20 which is bent toward the direction opposite to the cut-out portion 19b. Since bending is employed to provide a projecting portion, moisture can be kept away from the weld portion 18a, even if the moisture sticks to the projecting portion 20.
[0032]
As mentioned above, in the starter 100 of the present embodiment, a cut-out part is made into a projecting portion 20. Thereby, the moisture path which leads from the mounting surface 16b of the base 16 to the weld portion 18a is restricted, and then, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of the moisture to the lead wire 18 through the weld portion 18a. Further, since the projecting portion 20 is formed from a cut-out part, it is not necessary to discard the unnecessary member which corresponds to a hollowed out part, and then, a simplified manufacturing process can be attained.
[0033]
Embodiment 5 .
Explanation about a starter 100 according to Embodiment 5 will be made. FIG. 11 is a perspective view which illustrates an outer appearance of the brush supporting device 17, with which the starter 100 is equipped. The starter 100 according to Embodiment 5 has a configuration in which the second bending part 16d is different in shape from that of Embodiment 1.
[0034]
In Embodiment 1, there is provided a second bending part 16d, which is straightly bent in the direction of the opening 16a. In Embodiment 5, however, a second bending part 16d is provided to have a fold back shape, so that a fold back portion 21 which projects toward the direction parallel to the armature shaft 10 may be formed. Since the fold back portion 21 is provided, the moisture path which leads from the mounting surface 16b of the base 16 to the weld portion 18a is extended. In addition, because the fold back portion 21 becomes a barrier, the adhesion of the moisture to the lead wire 18 through the weld portion 18a can be suppressed.
[0035]
As mentioned above, in the starter 100 of the present embodiment, the second bending part 16d is provided, by turning back a fold back portion 21. Thereby, the moisture path which leads from the mounting surface 16b of the base 16 to the weld portion 18a is extended, and the fold back portion 21 becomes a barrier. Accordingly, it becomes possible to suppress the adhesion of the moisture to the lead wire 18 through the weld portion 18a.
[0036]
Further, although the present application is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in various combinations to one or more of the embodiments. It is therefore understood that numerous modifications which have not been exemplified can be devised without departing from the scope of the present application. For example, at least one of the constituent components may be modified, added, or eliminated. At least one of the constituent components mentioned in at least one of the preferred embodiments may be selected and combined with the constituent components mentioned in another preferred embodiment.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0037]
1 Solenoid switch ; 2 Motor ; 3 Front bracket ; 4 Rear bracket ; 5 Through bolt ; 6 Yoke ; 7 Magnet ; 8 Armature ; 9 Armature coil ; 10 Armature shaft ; 11 Commutator ; 11a Sliding surface ; 12 Brush ; 13 Shaft bush ; 14 Spring ; 15 Brush holder ; 15e Cut-out ; 16 Base ; 16a Opening ; 16b Mounting surface ; 16c First bending part ; 16d Second bending part ; 16e Folded plane ; 16f Cut-in portion ; 17 Brush supporting device ; 18 Lead wire ; 18a Weld portion ; 19 Cut-out portion ; 20 Projecting portion ; 21 Fold back portion ; 100 Starter