Patent GB-418579-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in and relating to electric starting devices for internal combustion engines
IPC: F01L1/00
Filed: 1933-01-28
Abstract: 418,579. Starting prime movers. ECLIPSE MACHINE CO., Elmira, New York, U.S.A. Jan. 28, 1933, No. 2752. Convention date, Jan. 29, 1932. [Class 38 (iv).] Electric starting systems for internal-combustion engines include a mechanical connection to a moving part of the engine effective to render the starter inoperative on backward rotation or backfire. The system comprises a starting circuit switch 5 closed on energization of a coil 9 by closure of an ignition switch 11 and opened on de-energization of coil 9 at contacts 14, 15 by an armature 21 acted on by generator voltage on a coil 27 and battery voltage on a coil 24 in opposition to the starting current in a coil 6, additional control of the armature 21 being provided by a mechanical connection 32 with a moving part 31 of the engine, to open the starting circuit on backward rotation of the engine. The armature 21 operates through a lever 18 and a cam 22 which engages a weighted trembler 23 carrying the contact 15 so that on release of the armature after operation the trembler 23 prevents permanent reclosure of contacts 14, 15 until the engine has come to rest. Lever 18 is connected through a lost motion connection 44 by Bowden wire to a pin 43 on a collar 29 which is held by the friction by spring pressed studs 37 on a sleeve 36 which is connected through an over-running clutch comprising dogs 38 with a collar 39 keyed to the engine shaft 31. The collar 29 is permitted limited angular movement by a pin 35 arranged between fixed stops 34, 42 on an adjustable plate and is biassed by a spring 33 so that the pin 35 engages the stop 34. Backward rotation of the engine causes movement of the collar 29 and thus opens contacts 14, 15 until on cessation of reverse rotation spring 33 draws the collar 29 back and releases the trembler 23 which introduces a time delay before contacts 14, 15 close and allow re-closure of the starting switch 5. An emergency switch 46 in parallel with contacts 14, 15 is provided in case the collar 29 does not return to its biassed position. In a modification the Bowden wire 32 passes through compression and tension spring connections 62, 63 to a lever 48 pivoted at 49 on the collar 29 and normally spring biassed so that a nose 55 thereon is held down by a notch 54 on a spring controlled lever 52 pivoted at 53 on the collar 29 and engaging a stop 56 thereon. Reverse rotation of the engine rotates collar 29 clockwise which carries the latched lever 48 round and operates the switch cam lever 18 until the lower part of the lever 52 engages a fixed stop 59 on a bracket 58 and releases the lever 48 which then swings up and is held by a projection 61 on the bracket 58. The first forward oscillation of the engine, after back fire releases the lever 48 and snaps the trembler 23. Further oscillation of the engine does not affect the Bowden wire since the lever 48 is now freely pivoted and the contacts 14, 15 therefore close after a time sufficient to allow the engine to come to rest. The collar 29 is then returned by the spring 33 and the lever 48 is pulled round by the spring 51 and is once more engaged under the nose of the latch 52.