Split-ring coupling of pinion operating lever for car starter - uses split-collar assembled on pressed metal sleeve to couple solenoid actuated operating lever to starter pinion

摘要

The operating lever (12) which displaces the pinion (3) of a motor vehicle starter to engage the ring gear during starting has its fork fitted between two halves of a split collar (11). The split collar (11) runs on a splined sliding hub (1) fitted to the end of the starter motor shaft (4). The pinion end of the sliding hub is flanged (1b) and drives the pinion through a unidirectional roller (2) coupling. The split collar runs on a pressed steel sleeve (7) which fits over the sliding hub (1) and flares (8) at the flanged end to cover the flange. The sleeve (4) has a narrow flared skirt at the other end. The split ring (11) comprises two identical halves with a tongue diametrically opposite to a slotted box. The two halves of the ring are assembled and lock together over the bearing sleeve (7), with the operating lever fork between them, and a 'U' shaped metal ring (10) is then pressed over the narrow skirt (9) at the end of the bearing sleeve (7) to hold the assembly in place.