Patent ID: 7300382
Filing Date: 2007-11-27
Classification: F02N,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A starter apparatus for an all-terrain vehicle comprising an engine having a crankshaft and a transmission, wherein the vehicle also comprises an ignition switch operatively connected to the engine, said starter apparatus comprising: a centrifugal clutch capable of engaging when the rotary speed of the crankshaft reaches a predetermined threshold value, wherein the centrifugal clutch operatively connects the crankshaft to the transmission when engaged, to transmit a rotary force of the crankshaft to the transmission; a gear position sensor connected to the transmission for detecting a gear position thereof; a starter operatively connected to the crankshaft; and a controller which is operable to enable starting of the engine, according to a start command operation, when the centrifugal clutch is disengaged and the detected gear position is a neutral or a forward gear position; wherein the centrifugal clutch comprises: wherein the centrifugal clutch is disengaged when the crankshaft turns at a speed below the predetermined threshold value; whereby, when the engine is started with the transmission engaged in a forward gear, the initial rotary speed of the crankshaft will be below the threshold value, resulting in the centrifugal clutch being disengaged.