JP2009085408A - Engine starting device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a highly reliable engine starting device which has a configuration including a one-way clutch in a ring gear, can be manufactured economically and constrains distortion accompanying heat treatment from occurring. <P>SOLUTION: In the engine starting device, a clutch inner 41 can perform heat treatment for enhancing abrasion resistance and fatigue strength resistance on a ring gear 2a formed on a first rotor 2 and the clutch inner 41 separately because it is formed in substantially ring-like shape distinct from the first rotor 2 and is attached on outer periphery of a cylindrical inner retention 2b provided on the first rotor 2. Thus, it is possible to manufacture economically without performing waste heat treatment on unnecessary portion in the first rotor 2. In addition, it becomes also unnecessary to perform surplus process for eliminating distortion without damaging clutch function and causing abnormal sound generation because of being constrained distortion accompanied with heat treatment from occurring in the first rotor 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an engine starter including a one-way clutch that allows only transmission of driving force from a starter side to an engine side.

Conventionally known starters use the attractive force of electromagnetic switches (electromagnets) to engage the pinion gear with the ring gear on the engine side, and transmit the motor drive torque from the pinion gear to the ring gear. There are electromagnetic push-in starters that start the engine.
This electromagnetic push-in starter has a one-way clutch so that the rotation of the engine is not transmitted to the armature of the motor. That is, when the engine is completely detonated from cranking and the engine speed exceeds the starter speed, the clutch is idled and the rotational force from the engine is disconnected, thereby preventing armature overrun.

  Incidentally, a system that automatically controls stop and restart of the engine (referred to as an idle stop system) is known. In this system, when the engine is automatically stopped and then restarted, the engine is operated in a very short time (for example, about 0.4 seconds) compared to a normal starting method in which the user operates the key switch to start the engine. Needs to be restarted. However, if the electromagnetic push starter is used as an engine starter, it takes time to push out the pinion gear and engage with the ring gear. Problems such as sound are generated.

On the other hand, conventionally, there has been proposed a starter device having a drive gear that is always meshed with a pinion gear of a starter via a reduction gear, and this drive gear is connected to an engine crankshaft via a one-way clutch ( For example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2). In this starter device, the pinion gear and the drive gear are always meshed with each other via the reduction gear, so there is no need to mesh the gears when starting the engine, and the start time can be shortened compared to the electromagnetic push-in starter. In addition, since the meshing sound between the gears is not generated, the engine can be started silently.
JP 2000-274337 A German Patent Application Publication No. 10343400

  In the above-described conventional engine starter incorporating a one-way clutch in the ring gear, the clutch inner is connected to the ring gear, the first rotor that does not rotate after the engine starts, and the clutch outer rotates in conjunction with the engine. Arranged on each rotating body. In the first rotating body, heat treatment is applied to the ring gear and the clutch inner to improve wear resistance and fatigue strength.

  However, when the entire first rotating body including the ring gear and the clutch inner is formed integrally, the ring gear and the clutch inner are respectively the outermost peripheral part and the innermost peripheral part of the first rotating body. Therefore, the entire first rotating body is subjected to heat treatment, and the heat treatment must be performed on unnecessary portions (such as a disk-shaped connecting portion between the ring gear and the clutch inner). There is. Further, since the size is large, the yield in the heat treatment process cannot be said to be good, which is uneconomical. In addition, distortion due to heat treatment is likely to occur, the clutch function is impaired, and abnormal noise is generated, so there is a concern that extra processing is required to remove distortion.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has a configuration in which a one-way clutch is incorporated in a ring gear, can be manufactured economically, and has a highly reliable engine start in which generation of distortion caused by heat treatment is suppressed. An object is to provide an apparatus.

  Hereinafter, each means suitable for solving the above-described problems will be described with additional effects and the like as necessary.

1. A first rotating body having a gear portion that always meshes with a pinion gear of a starter, a second rotating body connected to a crankshaft of an engine, a clutch inner provided on the first rotating body, and the clutch inner A clutch outer disposed on the outer diameter side of the clutch and fixed to the second rotating body, and a clutch engagement element disposed in a space formed between the clutch inner and the clutch outer. An engine starter comprising a one-way clutch that only allows transmission of driving force from the engine to the engine side,
The clutch inner is formed in a substantially ring shape that is separate from the first rotating body, and is mounted on an outer periphery of a cylindrical inner holding portion provided in the first rotating body. Engine starter.

  According to the means 1, the clutch inner is formed in a substantially ring shape separate from the first rotating body and is mounted on the outer periphery of the cylindrical inner holding portion provided in the first rotating body. Heat treatment for improving wear resistance and fatigue resistance can be separately performed on the gear portion and the clutch inner formed on the first rotating body. Therefore, it becomes possible to manufacture economically without performing unnecessary heat treatment on the unnecessary portion of the first rotating body. In addition, since the occurrence of distortion due to heat treatment in the first rotating body is suppressed, the clutch function is not impaired or abnormal noise is not generated, and extra processing may be performed to remove distortion. It becomes unnecessary.

  2. The engine starter according to claim 1, wherein a restriction structure for restricting movement of the clutch inner in the circumferential direction is provided between the inner periphery of the clutch inner and the outer periphery of the inner holding portion.

  According to the means 2, the circumferential movement of the clutch inner attached to the outer periphery of the inner holding portion is reliably restricted by the restriction structure provided between the inner periphery of the clutch inner and the outer periphery of the inner holding portion.

  3. The restriction structure includes a clutch inner side key groove formed on the inner periphery of the clutch inner, an inner holding portion side key groove formed on the outer periphery of the inner holding portion, the clutch inner side key groove and the inner holding portion side. The engine starting device according to claim 2, further comprising a key member inserted between the key groove and engaged with the two key grooves.

  According to the means 3, the key member inserted between the clutch inner side key groove formed on the inner periphery of the clutch inner and the inner holding portion side key groove formed on the outer periphery of the inner holding portion is engaged with both key grooves. By doing so, the circumferential movement of the clutch inner mounted on the outer periphery of the inner holding portion is reliably restricted.

  4). The restriction structure includes a female spline portion formed on the inner periphery of the clutch inner and a male spline portion formed on the outer periphery of the inner holding portion and capable of engaging with the female spline portion. 2. The engine starter according to 2.

  According to the means 4, the female spline portion formed on the inner periphery of the clutch inner and the male spline portion formed on the outer periphery of the inner holding portion are spline-engaged, so that the periphery of the clutch inner mounted on the outer periphery of the inner holding portion. Directional movement is reliably regulated.

  5). The engine starter according to means 1, wherein the clutch inner is press-fitted to the outer periphery of the inner holding portion.

  According to the means 5, the clutch inner is press-fitted to the outer periphery of the inner holding portion, and compressive stress is applied from the outer periphery to the inner holding portion of the first rotating body. Distortion can be suppressed and occurrence of defects such as breakage can be prevented.

  6). 6. The engine starting device according to claim 5, wherein the clutch inner is provided with an extending portion extending radially inward on the inner peripheral side of the counter press-fitting side end portion.

  According to the means 6, the clutch inner is provided with the extending portion extending radially inward on the inner peripheral side of the counter press-fitting side end portion, so that the annular strength of the clutch inner itself is increased, and the inner It is possible to suppress deformation and distortion of the clutch inner itself by press-fitting to the outer periphery of the holding portion.

  7. The clutch inner is provided with a notch on the inner peripheral side of the counter press-fitting side end, and after being fitted to the outer periphery of the inner holding part by press fitting, a part of the axial end surface of the inner holding part is attached to the clutch. The engine starting device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the engine starting device is fixed by caulking to the notch in the inner periphery of the inner.

  According to the means 7, the clutch inner is provided with a notch portion on the inner peripheral side of the counter press-fitting side end portion, and is fitted to the outer periphery of the inner holding portion by press fitting, and then the axial inner end surface of the inner holding portion. Since a part is fixed by caulking to the notch in the inner periphery of the clutch inner, the effect of further improving the axial fixing strength is obtained, and the caulking part does not protrude from the axial end surface of the inner holding part. Therefore, an increase in the axial length is suppressed, and mountability is improved.

  8). 8. The engine starting device according to claim 7, wherein the notch portion of the inner periphery of the clutch inner is formed in a tapered shape whose inner diameter increases in the counter press-fitting direction.

  According to the means 8, the notch portion on the inner periphery of the clutch inner is formed in a taper shape whose inner diameter increases in the counter press-fitting direction, so that a part of the axial end surface of the inner holding portion is formed on the notch portion. Caulking can be reliably performed along the tapered surface.

  Hereinafter, embodiments embodying an engine starter according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

  First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an engine starting device 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a view of the state in which the key member 44 is fitted between the key groove 41a on the clutch inner 41 side and the key groove 2c on the inner holding portion 2b side, as viewed from the rear end surface side in the axial direction.

  The engine starter 1 includes a first rotating body 2 having a ring gear 2a that is always meshed with a pinion gear 82 fixed to an output shaft 81 of a starter 80, and a second rotation connected to a crankshaft 91 of an engine 90. A one-way clutch 4 provided between the body 3, the first rotating body 2 and the second rotating body 3 and permitting only transmission of driving force from the starter 80 side to the engine 90 side, and the one-way clutch 4 And a sealing member 5 for preventing leakage of lubricating grease filled therein and intrusion of water and the like from the outside.

  The first rotating body 2 is a disk-shaped member, and a ring gear 2a that is a gear portion that is always meshed with the pinion gear 82 is provided on the outermost diameter side, and an L in the axial direction is provided on the innermost diameter side. A cylindrical inner holding portion 2b having a cross-sectional shape that is bent in a letter shape is provided. A concave key groove 2c extending from the rear end surface in the axial direction to the front side is formed on the outer periphery of the inner holding portion 2b. Further, a portion adjacent to the outer diameter side of the inner holding portion 2b is a flange portion 2d where the one-way clutch 4 is disposed.

  The second rotating body 3 is a disk-shaped member formed integrally with the flywheel, and is connected to the crankshaft 91 of the engine 90 via a bolt 92 at the inner peripheral portion 3a. Further, a bearing 6 is provided between the inner peripheral surface of the first rotating body 2 inner holding portion 2b and the outer peripheral surface of the inner peripheral portion 3a of the second rotating body 3, and the first rotating body 2 and the second rotating body 2 The rotating body 3 is relatively rotatable with the one-way clutch 4 being not locked.

  The one-way clutch 4 includes a clutch inner 41, a clutch outer 42, and a clutch engagement element 43.

  The clutch inner 41 is a cylindrical member formed separately from the first rotating body 2, and is fixed to the outer periphery of the inner holding portion 2 b of the first rotating body 2 as shown in FIGS. ing. That is, a concave key groove 41 a extending from the rear end surface in the axial direction to the front side is formed on the inner periphery of the clutch inner 41. Then, the clutch inner 41 is inserted into the outer periphery of the inner holding portion 2b of the first rotating body 2 from the rear end surface in the axial direction to the front side, and the key groove 41a faces the key groove 2c on the inner holding portion 2b side in the circumferential direction. After the alignment, the rectangular parallelepiped key member 44 is inserted between the key groove 41a and the key groove 2c. Thereby, the clutch inner 41 is firmly fixed to the inner holding portion 2b while the circumferential movement is restricted by the key member 44.

  The clutch outer 42 is a cylindrical member having a larger diameter than the clutch inner 41, and is disposed on the outer diameter side of the clutch inner 41. The inner peripheral surface of the clutch outer 42 faces the outer peripheral surface of the clutch inner 41 with a space therebetween. A base end portion 42 a having a shape is fixed to the second rotating body 3. Lubricating grease for smooth engagement / disengagement of the clutch engagement element 43 is filled in a space formed between the clutch inner 41 where the clutch engagement element 43 is disposed and the clutch outer 42.

  The seal member 5 is a rubber ring-shaped member disposed between the clutch engagement element 43 and the first rotating body 2 and between the clutch outer 42 and the clutch inner 41, and the clutch engagement element 43 is disposed on the seal member 5. This serves to prevent leakage of the lubricating grease filled in the space formed between the clutch inner 41 and the clutch outer 42 to the outside and intrusion of water or the like from the outside. The seal member 5 is fixed to the outer peripheral side in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the clutch outer 42 by press fitting or the like, and the inner peripheral side in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the clutch inner 41 is opened to provide a lip portion 5a.

  Next, the operation of the engine starter 1 having the above configuration will be described. In the engine starter 1, the pinion gear 82 and the ring gear 2a of the first rotating body 2 are always meshed. When current is passed through the starter 80 to start the engine 90 and the output shaft 81 is rotated, the driving force is transmitted from the pinion gear 82 to the first rotating body 2 via the ring gear 2a. When the driving force of the starter 80 is transmitted to the clutch inner 41 via the first rotating body 2, the clutch inner 41 and the clutch outer 42 are engaged and locked, whereby the rotation of the clutch inner 41 is performed. Is transmitted to the clutch outer 42 and rotates together. As a result, the crankshaft 91 rotates together with the second rotating body 3 in which the clutch outer 42 is fixed and the flywheel is integrated, whereby the engine 90 is cranked.

  Further, when the rotation of the engine 90 is transmitted from the crankshaft 91 to the second rotating body 3 by the start of the engine 90 and the rotation speed of the clutch outer 42 exceeds the rotation speed of the clutch inner 41, the clutch outer 42 rotates idly. The first rotator 2 and the second rotator 3 rotate relative to each other via the bearing 6. Accordingly, the driving force of the crankshaft 91 is not transmitted to the first rotating body 2, thereby preventing the driving force from being transmitted to the pinion gear 82 and the starter 80.

  As is clear from the above-described details, the engine starter 1 of the present embodiment includes the first rotating body 2 having the ring gear 2a that always meshes with the pinion gear 82 of the starter 80, and the crankshaft 91 of the engine 90. A second rotating body 3 coupled to the clutch inner 41, a clutch inner 41 provided in the first rotating body 2, a clutch outer 42 disposed on the outer diameter side of the clutch inner 41 and fixed to the second rotating body 3, And a one-way clutch 4 having a clutch engagement element 43 disposed in a space formed between the clutch inner 41 and the clutch outer 42 and allowing only transmission of driving force from the starter 80 side to the engine 90 side. The clutch inner 41 is formed in a substantially ring shape that is separate from the first rotating body 2 and is formed of a cylindrical inner holding portion 2b provided on the first rotating body 2. Because it is attached to the periphery, abrasion resistance, heat treatment for improving the fatigue strength, it can be performed separately on the first rotor 2 ring gear 2a and the clutch inner 41 formed on. Therefore, it becomes possible to manufacture economically, without performing unnecessary heat processing on the unnecessary part in the first rotating body 2. Further, since the occurrence of distortion associated with the heat treatment is suppressed in the first rotating body 2, the clutch function is not impaired or abnormal noise is generated, and extra processing is performed to remove distortion. Is also unnecessary.

  In particular, the key member 44 is fitted between the key groove 41a formed on the inner periphery of the clutch inner 41 and the key groove 2c formed on the outer periphery of the inner holding portion 2b, thereby being mounted on the outer periphery of the inner holding portion 2b. The circumferential movement of the clutch inner 41 is reliably restricted.

  Next, a modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an engine starting device 1 ′ according to this modification. FIG. 4 is a view of a spline coupling portion between the clutch inner 41 and the inner holding portion 2b in this modification as viewed from the axial rear end face side. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same member as 1st embodiment, and detailed description about them is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the first embodiment described above, the restriction structure for restricting the circumferential movement of the clutch inner 41 includes the key groove 41a formed on the inner periphery of the clutch inner 41, and the key groove 2c formed on the outer periphery of the inner holding portion 2b. The key member 44 is inserted between the key groove 41a and the key groove 2c and engages with both the key grooves 41a and 2c. In this modification, as shown in FIGS. The restricting structure includes a female spline portion 41b formed on the inner periphery of the clutch inner 41, and a male spline portion 2e formed on the outer periphery of the inner holding portion 2b and capable of engaging with the female spline portion 41b. .

  According to this modification, the clutch inner 41 mounted on the outer periphery of the inner holding portion 2b is formed by the spline engagement between the female spline portion 41b on the inner peripheral side of the clutch inner 41 and the male spline portion 2e on the outer peripheral side of the inner holding portion 2b. The circumferential movement of 41 is reliably regulated.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the engine starter 101 in the second embodiment.

  In the first embodiment described above, the key groove 41a formed on the inner periphery of the clutch inner 41, the key groove 2c formed on the outer periphery of the inner holding portion 2b, and the key groove 41a and the key groove 2c are inserted. The key member 44 that engages both the key grooves 41a and 2c is provided with a restricting structure that restricts the circumferential movement of the clutch inner 41. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. The clutch inner 41 is fitted on the outer periphery of the inner holding portion 2b by press-fitting.

  According to the present embodiment, in addition to the same effects as in the first embodiment, the clutch inner 41 is press-fitted to the outer periphery of the inner holding portion 2b of the first rotating body 2 and is attached to the inner holding portion 2b. Since compressive stress is applied from the outer periphery, distortion of the inner holding portion 2b caused by impact during cranking is suppressed, and occurrence of problems such as breakage can be prevented. In the present embodiment, the steps for forming the key groove 41a and the key groove 2c on the inner periphery of the clutch inner 41 and the outer periphery of the inner holding portion 2b, respectively, which are required in the first embodiment, are not necessary. Since the member 44 is also unnecessary, there is an advantage that the structure becomes simpler.

  Next, a first modification of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an engine starter 101 ′ according to this modification.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the present modification is characterized in that an extending portion 41 c extending in the radially inward direction is provided on the inner peripheral side of the counter press-fitting side end portion of the clutch inner 41. And A notch 2f that is aligned with the extended portion 41c of the clutch inner 41 is formed on the outer periphery of the rear end portion in the axial direction of the inner holding portion 2b, and the clutch inner 41 is connected to the inner holding portion. When the outer periphery of 2b is fitted by press fitting, the inner peripheral surface of the extending portion 41c comes into contact with and closely contacts the outer peripheral surface of the notch portion 2f.

  According to the present modification, the extension portion 41c is provided in the clutch inner 41, so that the counter press-fitting side end portion is thickened, so that the annular strength of the clutch inner 41 itself is increased, and the outer circumference of the inner holding portion 2b is increased. It is possible to suppress the deformation and distortion of the clutch inner 41 itself due to the press-fitting.

  Next, a second modification of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the engine starting device 101 ″ in the present modification. FIG. 8 is a view of the caulked portion between the clutch inner 41 and the inner holding portion 2b in the present modification as viewed from the rear end face side in the axial direction. It is.

  In this modification, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a notch 41d is provided over the entire inner periphery of the counter press-fitting side end of the clutch inner 41, and the clutch inner 41 is connected to the inner holding portion 2b. It is characterized in that a claw portion 2g obtained by cutting and raising a part of an axial end surface of the inner holding portion 2b into a claw shape is caulked and fixed to a notch portion 41d on the inner periphery of the clutch inner 41 after being fitted to the outer periphery by press fitting. To do. Furthermore, this modification is characterized in that the notch 41d on the inner periphery of the clutch inner 41 is formed in a tapered shape whose inner diameter increases in the counter-pressing direction.

  According to the present modification, the axial fixing strength of the clutch inner 41 is further improved, and the claw portion 2g that is a caulking portion does not protrude from the axial end surface of the inner holding portion 2b. Increase is suppressed, and mountability is improved. In particular, since the notch 41d is formed in a taper shape whose inner diameter increases in the counter-pressing direction, the claw 2g, which is a part of the axial end surface of the inner holding part 2b, is used as the taper surface of the notch 41d. Caulking can be easily and reliably performed along 41e.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  For example, in the second modification of the second embodiment described above, an example in which the notch 41d on the inner periphery of the clutch inner 41 is formed in a tapered shape whose inner diameter increases in the counter-pressing direction is shown. However, the inner diameter of the notch 41d may be the same in the axial direction.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used when it is necessary to economically manufacture an engine starter having a configuration in which a ring gear includes a one-way clutch while suppressing the occurrence of distortion associated with heat treatment.

It is sectional drawing which shows the engine starting apparatus of 1st embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which looked at the state by which the key member was inserted between the key groove by the side of a clutch inner side, and the key groove by the side of an inner holding part from the axial direction rear end surface side. It is sectional drawing which shows the engine starting apparatus of the modification of 1st embodiment. It is the figure which looked at the spline coupling | bond part of the clutch inner and inner holding | maintenance part in the modification of 1st embodiment from the axial direction rear end surface side. It is sectional drawing which shows the engine starting apparatus of 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the engine starting apparatus of the 1st modification of 2nd embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the engine starting apparatus of the 2nd modification of 2nd embodiment. It is the figure which looked at the crimping part of the clutch inner and inner holding part in the 2nd modification of 2nd embodiment from the axial direction rear end surface side.

Explanation of symbols

1, 1 'engine starting device 2 first rotating body 2b inner holding portion 2c key groove (inner holding portion side key groove)
2d Flange part 2e Male spline part 2f Notch part 2g Claw part 3 Second rotating body 4 One-way clutch 41 Clutch inner 41a Key groove (clutch inner side key groove)
41b Female spline part 41c Extension part 41d Notch part 41e Tapered surface 42 Clutch outer 43 Clutch engagement element 44 Key member 80 Starter 82 Pinion gear 90 Engine 91 Crankshaft 101, 101 ', 101 "Engine starter

Claims (8)

A first rotating body having a gear portion that always meshes with a pinion gear of a starter, a second rotating body connected to a crankshaft of an engine, a clutch inner provided on the first rotating body, and the clutch inner A clutch outer disposed on the outer diameter side of the clutch and fixed to the second rotating body, and a clutch engagement element disposed in a space formed between the clutch inner and the clutch outer. An engine starter comprising a one-way clutch that only allows transmission of driving force from the engine to the engine side,
The clutch inner is formed in a substantially ring shape that is separate from the first rotating body, and is mounted on an outer periphery of a cylindrical inner holding portion provided in the first rotating body. Engine starter.   The engine starter according to claim 1, wherein a restriction structure for restricting movement of the clutch inner in a circumferential direction is provided between the inner periphery of the clutch inner and the outer periphery of the inner holding portion.   The regulation structure includes a clutch inner side recess formed on the inner periphery of the clutch inner, an inner holding portion side recess formed on the outer periphery of the inner holding portion, and a clutch inner side recess and an inner holding portion side recess. The engine starting device according to claim 2, further comprising an engaging member that is inserted between the engaging portions and engages with the concave portions.   The restriction structure includes a female spline portion formed on an inner periphery of the clutch inner and a male spline portion formed on an outer periphery of the inner holding portion and capable of being engaged with the female spline portion. Item 3. The engine starting device according to Item 2.   The engine starting device according to claim 1, wherein the clutch inner is press-fitted to an outer periphery of the inner holding portion.   6. The engine starter according to claim 5, wherein the clutch inner is provided with an extending portion extending radially inward on an inner peripheral side of the counter press-fitting side end portion.   The clutch inner is provided with a notch on the inner peripheral side of the counter press-fitting side end, and after being fitted to the outer periphery of the inner holding part by press fitting, a part of the axial end surface of the inner holding part is attached to the clutch. The engine starting device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the engine starting device is fixed by caulking to the notch portion on the inner periphery of the inner.   8. The engine starter according to claim 7, wherein the notch portion of the inner periphery of the clutch inner is formed in a tapered shape whose inner diameter increases in the counter press-fitting direction.