Starter - what is this part in a car?

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:41

Every more or less experienced driver knows perfectly well that the starter is the primary engine start device, without which it is very difficult (but not impossible) to start the engine, to put it mildly. It is this element that allows you to create the initial rotation of the crankshaft at the desired frequency, so it is an integral part of any modern car or other device that uses an engine.

Structurally, the starter is a four-pole DC electric motor. It is powered by a battery, and its power may vary depending on the car model. Most often, starters with a power of 3 kW are used for gasoline engines. Let's try to explain in more detail what a starter is: what it is, what is its principle of operation and device.

Main function

It is known that a diesel or gasoline car engine rotates due to micro-explosions of fuel in the combustion chambers. Allthe rest of the electrical equipment is powered directly from it. However, when stationary (switched off), the motor cannot produce either torque or electrical energy. That is why a starter is needed, which provides the initial rotation of the engine using an external power source - a battery.

Device

This element consists of the following parts:

1. Case (aka electric motor). Excitation windings and cores are placed in this steel part. That is, the classical scheme of almost any electric motor is used.
2. Alloy steel anchor. Collector plates and core are attached to it.
3. Starter solenoid relay. This is a device that supplies power to the electric motor from the ignition switch. It also performs another function - it pushes the overrunning clutch. There are power contacts and a movable jumper.
4. Bendix (the so-called overrunning clutch) and drive gear. This is a special mechanism that transmits torque to the flywheel through the engagement gear.
5. Brushes and brush holders - transmit voltage to the collector plates. In doing so, they increase the power of the electric motor.

Of course, depending on the specific model of the starter, its device may differ slightly. However, in most cases, this element is made according to the classical scheme and contains all the components described above. The differences between these mechanisms can be minor, and most often they lie in the way the gears are separated. Besidesin cars with automatic transmission, starters are equipped with additional windings, which are designed to prevent the engine from starting if the "automatic" is set to the running position (D, R, L, 1, 2, 3).

Working principle

Now you understand that this is a starter in a car. It sets the starting rotation for the engine, without which the latter simply cannot start working. Now you can consider its principle of operation, which can be divided into 3 stages:

1. Connecting the main drive gear to the flywheel.
2. Starter start.
3. Disconnecting flywheel and drive gear.

The cycle of this mechanism itself lasts a couple of seconds, since it does not take part in the further operation of the motor. If we consider the principle of action in more detail, then it looks like this:

1. The driver turns the key in the ignition switch to the "Start" position. The current from the battery circuit enters the ignition switch and follows further to the traction relay.
2. The Bendix drive gear meshes with the flywheel.
3. At the same time as the gear engages, the circuit closes, energizing the motor.
4. Engine starting.

Types of starters

And although the principle of operation of starters is similar, the devices themselves may differ in design. In particular, they can be with or without a gearbox.

In vehicles with diesel engines or motorsincreased power, starters with a gearbox are used. This element consists of several gears that are installed in the starter housing. Thanks to him, the voltage is amplified several times, which makes the torque more powerful. Gear starters offer the following benefits:

1. Higher efficiency and work efficiency.
2. Consume a weaker current when starting the motor cold.
3. Compact size.
4. Keep high performance even when the battery power drops.

As for ordinary starters without gears, their principle of operation is based on direct contact with a rotating gear. The advantages of such devices are as follows:

1. Quick start of the motor due to instant connection with the flywheel ring when voltage is applied.
2. Easy operation and high maintainability.
3. Resistance to high loads.

Recently, starter-generators have become popular, which are devices for starting an internal combustion engine and generating electricity. In fact, a starter-generator is an analogue of serially produced generators and starters separately.

Incorrect operation

And although many drivers understand that the starter is just a tool to start the engine, many people use it incorrectly. In particular, situations are common when, after starting the engine, the driver still holds the key in the ignition in the "Start" position. It should be understood that the currentconsumed by the starter during operation is 100-200 amperes, and in cold weather it can reach 400-500 amperes. That is why it is not recommended to hold the starter for 10 seconds or more. Otherwise, the bendix may spin up strongly, heat up and jam.

Also, drivers often use the starter as an electric motor in cases where there is no gasoline in the tank. They simply shift into first gear and turn the ignition key. The car moves and even rides only thanks to the work of the starter. In this way, you can drive 100-200 meters, but this will finally "kill" the starter.

In general, the starter should work for 3-4 seconds maximum. If the engine starts within 10 seconds, something is clearly wrong with the system.

Conclusion

Now you understand what this element is in a car and how it works. By the way, do not confuse it with a plant, as women do. It should be understood that the violet starter is a plant, and the car starter is an engine start element.