STARTER MOTOR CONTROL WITH PRE-SPIN
First Claim
1. A circuit for initiating a starting sequence for an internal combustion engine comprising:
- a source of electrical power;
a starter motor;
a gear system selectively coupling said starter motor to an engine to be started; and
a control circuit for providing electrical energy directly to said starter motor initially at a reduced current level for a predetermined time and subsequently through a starting solenoid at an increased current level such that said gear system starts the engine.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A control circuit receives a starting signal from a powertrain control module of a vehicle and delays the coupling of the main starting current from the battery to the starting motor until a reduced current in an alternative flow path is provided to the starter motor, initiating its motion. In a preferred, the pre-start sequence is controlled by a microprocessor which provides a control signal to a solid state switch coupled by a conductor providing current limiting resistance between the battery supply and the starter motor for a predetermined period of time. Subsequent to the pre-spin period, the control circuit provides a signal to a different solid state switch which activates the starter solenoid, in turn, coupling the battery to the starter motor and engaging the pinion gear with the ring gear.
19 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A circuit for initiating a starting sequence for an internal combustion engine comprising:
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a source of electrical power; a starter motor; a gear system selectively coupling said starter motor to an engine to be started; and a control circuit for providing electrical energy directly to said starter motor initially at a reduced current level for a predetermined time and subsequently through a starting solenoid at an increased current level such that said gear system starts the engine. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A circuit for initiating a starting sequence for an internal combustion engine comprising:
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a battery; a starter motor; a starter solenoid; a gear system including a pinion gear coupled to said starter solenoid and a ring gear coupled to an engine to be started; and a control circuit for providing electrical energy directly from said battery to said starter motor for a predetermined time and subsequently from said battery to said starting solenoid at an increased current level such that said pinion gear rotates said ring gear for starting the engine. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A circuit for initiating a starting sequence for an internal combustion engine comprising:
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a battery; a starter motor; a starter solenoid; a gear system including a pinion gear coupled to said starter solenoid and a ring gear coupled to an engine to be started; and a control circuit including a solid state switch and a conductor coupling said battery directly to said starter motor for a predetermined time. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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Specification