FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]
INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINE STARTING DEVICE;
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.
2
DESCRIPTION
Technical Field
[0001]
The present application relates to the field of an
5 internal-combustion engine starting device.
Background Art
[0002]
As an internal-combustion engine starting device,
heretofore, a starting device has been developed wherein parts
10 which transmit the torque of the starting device are prevented
from being damaged by a compression and a decompression shock
of an internal-combustion engine when starting. For example,
in a starting device described in PTL 1, a buffer member is
provided in a transmission mechanism section of the starting
15 device, thereby attenuating the peak of impact force acting
on the starting device, preventing damage to the starting
device.
Also, in a starting device described in PTL 2, a
configuration is such that a wide range of impact forces is
20 absorbed and mitigated by using a plurality of buffer members
with different elasticities.
Citation List
Patent Literature
[0003]
25 PTL 1: JP-A-59-23065
3
PTL 2: JP-UM-A-61-61353
Summary of Invention
Technical Problem
[0004]
5 However, the internal-combustion engine starting
devices of PTL 1 and PTL 2 have the following disadvantage:
there is an imbalance in precision or strength between
component parts of the transmission mechanism section, so that
deformation or eccentricity occurs due to an impact force
10 generated when the internal-combustion engine starts, as a
result of which the machine casing of a starting motor and the
parts of the transmission mechanism section hit each other,
thereby leading to a decrease in impact mitigation effect and
thus to abnormal noise generation.
15 [0005]
The present application discloses a technology for
solving the above problem and provides an internal-combustion
engine starting device wherein it is possible to mitigate an
impact force generated when an internal-combustion engine
20 starts and thus to reduce noise when starting.
Solution to Problem
[0006]
The internal-combustion engine starting device
disclosed in the present application includes a switch section
25 having a switch which is closed by a moving contact moving and
4
being connected to a fixed contact by energization; a motor
section which operates by being energized by the closure of
the switch; a transmission mechanism section which reduces the
rotation speed of the motor section; and a pinion gear section
5 which has a pinion gear, which is caused to move axially by
operation of the switch section and to which the output of the
transmission mechanism section is transmitted, and which thus
causes the pinion gear to engage with a ring gear connected
to an internal-combustion engine, wherein the transmission
10 mechanism section is configured of a planetary gear train
including a pinion which is connected to the rotating shaft
of the motor section, a plurality of planetary gears to which
the rotation of the pinion is transmitted, and an internal gear
which receives the rotation of the planetary gears; and of a
15 machine casing in which is housed the planetary gear train,
and wherein elastic bodies are each fitted between a protruding
portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the internal
gear and a recessed portion in which to receive the protruding
portion, and clearances are formed between the internal gear
20 and the machine casing via the elastic bodies.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0007]
According to the internal-combustion engine starting
device disclosed in the present application, the elastic bodies
25 are disposed between the internal gear in the transmission
5
mechanism section and the machine casing of the starting device,
and thereby it is possible to mitigate an impact force generated
in the transmission mechanism section when starting and thus
to reduce noise when starting.
5 Brief Description of Drawings
[0008]
[Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a partial sectional view showing a
configuration of an internal-combustion engine starting
device according to the first embodiment.
10 [Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a main portion schematic diagram showing
a cross section along the line A-A in Fig. 1.
[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing in development
the main portion configuration in Fig. 2.
[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a partial sectional view showing a
15 configuration of an internal-combustion engine starting
device according to the second embodiment.
[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a main portion schematic diagram showing
a cross section along the line A-A in Fig. 4.
[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing in development
20 the main portion configuration in Fig. 5.
[Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a partial sectional view showing a
configuration of an internal-combustion engine starting
device according to the third embodiment.
[Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a main portion schematic diagram showing
25 a cross section along the line A-A in Fig. 7.
6
[Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing in development
the main portion configuration in Fig. 8.
[Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is a partial sectional view showing a
configuration of an internal-combustion engine starting
5 device according to the fourth embodiment.
[Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a main portion schematic diagram showing
a cross section along the line A-A in Fig. 10.
[Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing in development
the main portion configuration in Fig. 11.
10 Description of Embodiments
[0009] First Embodiment
Fig. 1 is a partial sectional view showing a
configuration of an internal-combustion engine starting
device according to the first embodiment.
15 In the drawing, a starting device 100, which rotationally
drives a ring gear 200 connected to an internal-combustion
engine, is configured of a switch section 10, a motor section
20, a transmission mechanism section 30, and an output section
40.
20 Here, the switch section 10 includes a machine casing
11 in which is housed a switch formed of a solenoid, a fixed
contact, and a moving contact which are not shown, a plunger
12 which is attracted by energizing the solenoid, and a lever
13 which is pivoted by the plunger 12.
25 Also, the motor section 20 is energized by closing the
7
fixed and moving contacts of the switch section 10, thus
rotationally driving the shaft of the motor section 20, wherein
a yoke 21 which configures a magnetic path and forms the machine
casing of the starting device 100 is provided on the outer
5 periphery of the motor section 20, and a partition wall 22 which
separates the motor section 20 from the transmission mechanism
section 30 is provided in the axially leading end portion of
the yoke 21.
[0010]
10 The output section 40 includes an output shaft 41, a
one-way clutch 43 which is configured so as to be movable along
the output shaft 41 via a spline 42 as the lever 13 pivots and
which is rotatably attached thereto, a pinion gear 44 which
is connected to the one-way clutch 43 and which is caused to
15 move axially together with the one-way clutch 43 and engages
with the ring gear 200, a bracket 46 which configures the
machine casing of the starting device 100 and which supports
the leading end portion of the output shaft 41 via a bearing
45, and a stopper 47 which regulates an axial movement of the
20 pinion gear 44.
The pinion gear 44 is axially movably disposed via a
serration 44a and is biased in the direction of the ring gear
200 by an elastic member 44b.
[0011]
25 Next, a detailed description will be given of the
8
transmission mechanism section 30 which is a main portion of
the starting device in the first embodiment.
Fig. 2 is a main portion schematic diagram showing a cross
section along the line A-A in Fig. 1, and Fig. 3 is a schematic
5 diagram showing in development the main portion configuration
in Fig. 2.
As shown in the drawings, the transmission mechanism
section 30, being configured of a planetary gear train, is
configured including a pinion 31 which is formed at the leading
10 end of the rotating shaft of the motor section 20, a bracket
32 which is attached to the bracket 46 and which separates the
transmission mechanism section 30 from the output section 40,
a flange 34 which is rotatably supported via a bearing 33 by
the bracket 32, shafts 35 which are installed protruding
15 axially from the flange 34, a plurality of planetary gears 36
which are rotatably attached one to each of the shafts 35 and
which are rotationally driven in engagement with the pinion
31, an internal gear 37 which engages with the planetary gears
36, and elastic bodies 38 which are inserted between the machine
20 casing of the transmission mechanism section 30 and the
internal gear 37.
The machine casing of the transmission mechanism section
30, which covers the planetary gears train, is configured by
the partition wall 22, which separates the transmission
25 mechanism section 30 from the motor section 20, and the brackets
9
32 and 46.
[0012]
Here, a plurality of protruding portions 37a are formed
at regular intervals on the outer periphery of the internal
5 gear 37, and the protruding portions 37a are fitted in through
holes 38a formed in the elastic bodies 38, respectively. Also,
recessed portions 32a in which to hold the respective elastic
bodies 38 are provided in the bracket 32.
Consequently, the internal gear 37 is supported by the
10 elastic bodies 38 with an axial clearance S1 being formed
between the internal gear 37 and the partition wall 22, a radial
clearance S2 being formed between the internal gear 37 and the
bracket 32, and a radial clearance S3 being formed between the
internal gear 37 and the bracket 46.
15 The pinion 31, the planetary gears 36, and the bracket
46 are omitted from being shown in Fig. 3.
[0013]
Next, a description will be given of an operation of the
internal-combustion engine starting device 100 as heretofore
20 described.
First, when the solenoid of the switch section 10 is
energized upon starting, the plunger 12 is attracted and moves
to the left side of Fig. 1, pivoting the lever 13 engaged with
the plunger 12. Along with this, the one-way clutch 43 is
25 pushed out in the right direction, causing the pinion gear 44
10
to abut against the ring gear 200 with the elastic force of
the elastic member 44b.
After that, when the built-in moving contact of the
switch section 10 is connected to the built-in fixed contact
5 thereof, energizing the motor section 20, the pinion gear 44,
while rotating, slides on the tooth surface of the ring gear
200, moves in the right direction, and engages with the ring
gear 200. The pinion gear 44 is locked by the stopper 47 and
never moves beyond the ring gear 200.
10 [0014]
As a result, the rotation torque of the motor section
20 is amplified via the transmission mechanism section 30 and
transmitted to the ring gear 200 via the output shaft 41 and
pinion gear 44, starting the internal-combustion engine.
15 [0015]
In the meantime, when transmitting the rotation torque
of the motor section 20 to the output section 40, an off-axis
deviation of or a deformation of the internal gear 37 occurs
in the transmission mechanism section 30 due to the imbalance
20 in precision between component parts of the transmission
mechanism section 30 or to the imbalance between the forces
acting on the component parts, but the predetermined clearances
S1, S2, S3 are provided between the internal gear 37 and the
machine casing of the transmission mechanism section 30,
25 thereby not inhibiting the behavior of the internal gear 37,
11
and the internal gear 37 is supported by the machine casing
of the transmission mechanism section 30 with the elastic
bodies 38 intervened therebetween, so that vibration occurring
in the transmission mechanism section 30 can be attenuated by
5 the elastic bodies 38.
[0016]
When the range of axial movement due to an inclination,
an axial displacement, an assembly clearance, or the like, of
the internal gear 37 when in operation is taken as ΔL, the axial
10 clearance S1 between the partition wall 22 and bracket 32, which
form the machine casing of the transmission mechanism section
30, and the internal gear 37 is set to be S1>ΔL. Also, when
a gear clearance (a backlash, a clearance between the tooth
tip of one gear and the tooth root of its mate) and the range
15 of radial movement due to a deformation or an eccentricity of
the internal gear 37 are taken as ΔR (the range of movement
ΔR is generally taken to be the gear clearance), the radial
clearance S2 between the bracket 32 and the internal gear 37
and the radial clearance S3 between the bracket 46 and the
20 internal gear 37 are, respectively , set to be S2>ΔR and S3>ΔR.
As above, the axial clearance S1 and radial clearances
S2 and S3 between the machine casing of the transmission
mechanism section 30 and the internal gear 37 are secured by
the elastic bodies 38, and thereby it is possible to suppress
25 vibration transmission to the machine casing of the
12
transmission mechanism section 30, and thus possible to reduce
noise when starting.
[0017] Second Embodiment
Fig. 4 is a partial sectional view showing a
5 configuration of an internal-combustion engine starting
device according to the second embodiment, Fig. 5 is a main
portion schematic diagram showing a cross section along the
line A-A in Fig. 4, and Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing
in development the main portion configuration in Fig. 5.
10 In the drawings, portions identical or equivalent to
those of the configuration of the first embodiment shown in
Figs. 1 to 3 are given the identical signs, omitting the
description.
In the first embodiment, the through holes 38a are
15 provided one in each of the elastic bodies 38 and configured
to receive the respective protruding portions 37a of the
internal gear 37, but in the second embodiment, non-through
holes 38b, the respective outer peripheral side ends of which
in the elastic bodies 38 are closed, are provided, configuring
20 recessed portions in which to receive the respective protruding
portions 37a of the internal gear 37.
[0018]
By adopting this kind of configuration, it is possible,
in the same way as in the first embodiment, to suppress
25 vibration to be transmitted to the machine casing of the
13
transmission mechanism section 30 from the internal gear 37,
and thus to reduce noise when starting.
The radial thickness of the bottom surface of the
non-through hole 38b in each of the elastic bodies 38 may be
5 smaller than the range of movement ΔR of the internal gear 37,
and in this case, the protruding portions 37a of the internal
gear 37 do not abut directly against the inner peripheral
surface of the bracket 32, so that it is possible to similarly
obtain the advantageous effect of noise reduction.
10 [0019] Third Embodiment
Fig. 7 is a partial sectional view showing a
configuration of an internal-combustion engine starting
device according to the third embodiment, Fig. 8 is a main
portion schematic diagram showing a cross section along the
15 line A-A in Fig. 7, and Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing
in development the main portion configuration in Fig. 8.
In the drawings, portions identical or equivalent to
those of the configuration of the second embodiment shown in
Figs. 4 to 6 are given the identical signs, omitting the
20 description.
In the heretofore described second embodiment, the
non-though holes 38b are provided one in the central portion
of each of the elastic bodies 38 and configured to receive the
respective protruding portions 37a of the internal gear 37,
25 but in the third embodiment, the circumferential length of one
14
side 38c of each of the elastic bodies 38, which side is
subjected to a reaction force generated when transmitting a
rotary torque to the internal-combustion engine, is formed to
be larger than that of the other side 38d.
5 By adopting this kind of configuration, it is possible
to reduce the torsional rigidity of the starting device on the
torque transmission side, and so possible to improve the
advantageous effect of mitigating the impact at the time of
torque transmission.
10 [0020] Fourth Embodiment
Fig. 10 is a partial sectional view showing a
configuration of an internal-combustion engine starting
device according to the fourth embodiment, Fig. 11 is a main
portion schematic diagram showing a cross section along the
15 line A-A in Fig. 10, and Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing
in development the main portion configuration in Fig. 11.
In the drawings, portions identical or equivalent to
those of the configuration of the second embodiment shown in
Figs. 4 to 6 are given the identical signs, omitting the
20 description.
In the fourth embodiment, a pair of projecting portions
38e are provided on each of the elastic bodies 38 so as to pinch
therebetween both axial end faces of the internal gear 37, and
thereby it is possible, even in a kind of case where the internal
25 gear 37 inclines, to reliably prevent the internal gear 37 from
15
coming into contact with the machine casing of the transmission
mechanism section 30.
[0021]
In the heretofore described first to fourth embodiments,
5 a description has been given of the internal-combustion engine
starting device wherein four protruding portions 37a of the
internal gear 37 are provided at regular intervals, and are
formed so as to fit in the respective elastic bodies 38, and
wherein three planetary gears 36 are provided, but unless one
10 of the number of internal gears 37 or the number of planetary
gears 36 is a multiple of the other, it is possible to mitigate
the amount of deformation of the internal gear 37 at the time
of torque transmission, and also possible to reduce the
clearance S1, clearance S2, and clearance S3.
15 Also, even though the protruding portions 37a of the
internal gear 37 are disposed at irregular intervals instead
of at regular intervals, it is possible, in the same way as
heretofore mentioned, to mitigate the amount of deformation
of the internal gear 37 at the time of torque transmission.
20 [0022]
Furthermore, 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
25 of the individual embodiments are not limited in their
16
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
5 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
10 selected and combined with the constituent components
mentioned in another preferred embodiment.
Industrial Applicability
[0023]
The internal-combustion engine starting device
15 disclosed in the present application can mitigate an impact
force generated in the transmission mechanism section when
starting, and so is useful for a vehicle, or the like, which
requires noise reduction.
Reference Signs List
20 [0024]
10: switch section, 20: motor section, 22: partition
wall, 30: transmission mechanism section, 40: output section,
31: pinion, 32: bracket, 33: bearing, 34: flange, 35:
shaft, 36: planetary gear, 37: internal gear, 37a:
25 protruding portion, 38: elastic body, 46: bracket, S1:
17
axial clearance, S2: radial clearance, S3: radial clearance
18
We Claim:
[Claim 1]
An internal-combustion engine starting device,
comprising:
5 a switch section having a switch which is closed by a
moving contact moving and being connected to a fixed contact
by energization;
a motor section which operates by being energized by the
closure of the switch;
10 a transmission mechanism section which reduces the
rotation speed of the motor section; and
a pinion gear section which has a pinion gear, which is
caused to move axially by operation of the switch section and
to which the output of the transmission mechanism section is
15 transmitted, and which thus causes the pinion gear to engage
with a ring gear connected to an internal-combustion engine,
wherein
the transmission mechanism section is configured of a
planetary gear train including a pinion which is connected to
20 the rotating shaft of the motor section, a plurality of
planetary gears to which the rotation of the pinion is
transmitted, and an internal gear which receives the rotation
of the planetary gears; and of a machine casing in which is
housed the planetary gear train, and wherein
25 elastic bodies are each fitted between a protruding
19
portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the internal
gear and a recessed portion in which to receive the protruding
portion, and clearances are formed between the internal gear
and the machine casing via the elastic bodies.
5 [Claim 2]
The internal-combustion engine starting device
according to claim 1, wherein
the clearances between the internal gear and the machine
casing are configured to be larger than the gear clearance of
10 the transmission mechanism section.
[Claim 3]
The internal-combustion engine starting device
according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
radial non-through holes are provided one in each of the
15 elastic bodies, and the protruding portions of the internal
gear are fitted one in each of the non-through holes.
[Claim 4]
The internal-combustion engine starting device
according to claim 3, wherein
20 the radial thickness of the closed portion of the
non-through hole in each of the elastic bodies is formed to
be smaller than the clearances between the internal gear and
the machine casing.
[Claim 5]
25 The internal-combustion engine starting device
20
according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
the circumferential length of one side of each of the
elastic bodies, which side is subjected to a reaction force
from the internal gear, is formed to be larger than that of
5 the other side.
[Claim 6]
The internal-combustion engine starting device
according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein
a pair of projecting portions which pinch therebetween
10 the axial end faces of the internal gear are formed on each
of the elastic bodies.
[Claim 7]
The internal-combustion engine starting device
according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein
15 the elastic bodies are disposed in three or more portions,
the number of which is not a multiple of the number of planetary
gears.
[Claim 8]
The internal-combustion engine starting device
20 according to claim 7, wherein
21
the elastic bodies are circumferentially disposed at irregular
intervals.