Explosion-proof starter solenoid valve arrangement for engine

Abstract

Various embodiments disclosed herein include apparatuses, systems, and methods for implementing a starter system that utilizes a plurality of starter solenoid valves that are physically isolated from one another. For example, the system may include a first solenoid valve mechanically connected to a starter motor. The first solenoid valve may be configured to receive a first start current signal and mechanically couple the starter motor with the engine. The system may also include a second solenoid valve mounted within an explosion-proof structure that physically isolates the second solenoid valve from the first solenoid valve and the starter motor. The system may also include a non-ignition circuit mounted within the explosion-proof structure. The non-ignition circuit may be configured to instruct the starter motor to be coupled with the engine and to signal the second solenoid valve to be activated to supply a start current signal to a winding of the starter motor for operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application generally relates to a starter system that utilizes multiple starter solenoids that are physically isolated from each other. Background Technology

[0002] Existing starter systems allow a cranking current signal to be applied directly to the starter motor to initialize the engine starting process. However, existing starter systems may not adequately account for the possibility of an ignition source spark occurring during the application of the cranking current signal to the starter, potentially posing a fire hazard or explosion. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The various embodiments disclosed herein include apparatus, systems, and methods for implementing an explosion-proof starter system utilizing multiple starter solenoid valves that are physically isolated from each other. The explosion-proof starter system can be used to perform a multi-step sequence associated with starting an engine. For example, the explosion-proof starter system can be used to safely perform sequences associated with starting any type of internal combustion engine, particularly including: engines in vehicles (such as automobiles), engines associated with oil well platforms for driving fire pumps, mechanical equipment, generators, which may be associated with explosive atmospheres containing flammable / explosive substances, especially fuels, flammable chemicals, flammable gases, etc.

[0004] In some embodiments, the explosion-proof starter system is configured to operate such that when the starter switch (mechanical and / or electrical) is closed (e.g., by conducting an electrical signal), a starting current signal (e.g., between approximately 8 and 20 amps) can be delivered from a battery (e.g., 12 volts, 24 volts, etc.) to a solenoid valve mounted on the starter (to the starter motor) to linearly move the drive shaft of the starter motor so that a pinion (on the drive shaft) engages with the engine flywheel. The starting current signal delivered to the solenoid valve mounted on the starter can cause a plunger of the solenoid valve mounted on the starter, and a contact disc electrically isolated from the windings of the starter motor, to move in a linear direction to ground an isolated low-current non-ignition control circuit to signal that the pinion has engaged with the flywheel and to activate the starter motor energizing solenoid valve. In response to the activation of the starter motor energizing solenoid valve, the contact disc of the starter motor energizing solenoid valve moves in a linear direction to directly conduct a starting current signal (e.g., approximately 200 amperes or greater) to the windings of the starter motor to drive the starter motor and start the engine. The non-ignition circuit and the starter motor energizing solenoid valve may be housed within one or more explosion-proof enclosures, thereby isolating them from any type of spark or ignition source that may occur during the activation of the starter motor energizing solenoid valve. Isolating the non-ignition circuit and the starter motor energizing solenoid valve from the solenoid valve mounted on the starter reduces the risk of explosion due to the possible presence of flammable / explosive substances, especially fuels, flammable chemicals, flammable gases, etc.

[0005] In some embodiments, the explosion-proof starter system includes a battery and a first solenoid valve associated with a starter motor. The first solenoid valve is configured to receive a first starting current signal from the battery and, in response, move to a position mechanically coupling the starter motor to the engine. The first solenoid valve includes a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact and is configured to electrically connect the first and second electrical contacts when the first solenoid valve is moved to the position where the starter motor is mechanically coupled to the engine. The explosion-proof starter system may include at least one explosion-proof structure encapsulating a second solenoid valve and circuitry. The first solenoid valve and the starter motor are located outside the at least one explosion-proof structure. The second solenoid valve includes a third electrical contact and a fourth electrical contact. The fourth electrical contact is connected to a winding of the starter motor. The circuitry is electrically connected to the first electrical contact such that the electrical connection between the first and second contacts allows current to flow through both the first and second electrical contacts. The circuit is configured such that, in response to current flow, the circuit responsively delivers a second starting current signal from the battery to a second solenoid valve, for moving the second solenoid valve to a position electrically connected to the third and fourth contacts, thereby supplying the starting current signal from the battery to the windings of the starter motor to operate the starter motor.

[0006] In some embodiments, the explosion-proof starter system includes a first solenoid valve mechanically connected to a starter motor. The first solenoid valve is configured to receive a first starting current signal and, in response, mechanically couple the starter motor to the engine. The explosion-proof starter system also includes a second solenoid valve mounted within an explosion-proof structure that physically isolates the second solenoid valve from the first solenoid valve and the starter motor. The first solenoid valve and the starter motor are located outside the explosion-proof structure. The explosion-proof starter system also includes a non-ignition circuit mounted within the explosion-proof structure. The non-ignition circuit is configured to receive a signal via the first solenoid valve instructing the starter motor to mechanically couple to the engine, and, in response, provide a second starting current signal to the second solenoid valve for activation. When activated, the second solenoid valve supplies a starting current signal to the windings of the starter motor to operate the starter motor. In some embodiments, a method of operating an explosion-proof starter system is provided, the system including a first solenoid valve mechanically connected to a starter motor and a second solenoid valve and a non-ignition circuit mounted within an explosion-proof structure, the explosion-proof structure physically isolating the second solenoid valve from the first solenoid valve and the starter motor. The method includes: receiving a first starting current signal from the first solenoid valve in response to the activation of a switch. The method further includes: mechanically coupling the starter motor to an engine in response to receiving the first starting current signal. The method further includes: receiving a signal via the first solenoid valve from the non-ignition circuit in response to mechanically coupling the starter motor to the engine, the signal indicating mechanical coupling of the starter motor to the engine. The method further includes: providing a second starting current signal to the second solenoid valve for activation in response to the received signal; and, when the second solenoid valve is activated, supplying a starting current signal from the second solenoid valve to a winding of the starter motor to operate the starter motor.

[0007] In some embodiments, the assessment of whether a circuit is non-ignition based is conducted in accordance with UL121201 based on all environments in which the equipment including the circuit (i) is intended to be used, (ii) is approved for use, and / or (iii) is actually used.

[0008] According to some embodiments, a housing structure includes: a housing; a solenoid valve mounted to an internal portion of the housing; at least one battery contactor; an elongated member extending through a surface of the housing and mechanically connected to the battery contactor; and a handle connected to a portion of the elongated member located outside the housing, wherein the handle is configured to manually activate the battery contactor to activate the solenoid valve to supply a starting current signal to the windings of a starter motor to operate the starter motor.

[0009] Details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, as well as from the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0010] To enable those skilled in the art to understand this disclosure, reference can be made to aspects of some illustrative embodiments, some of which are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic depiction of an explosion-proof starter system according to some implementation methods.

[0012] Figure 2, including Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a schematic depiction of an explosion-proof starter system including manual redundancy features according to some embodiments.

[0013] Figures 3A-3C The illustration shows a view of an explosion-proof structure according to some embodiments.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a flowchart representation of an exemplary method of operating an explosion-proof starter system according to some embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Numerous details have been described to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings illustrate only some exemplary aspects of this disclosure and should not be considered limiting. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that other effective aspects and / or variations do not include all the specific details described herein. Moreover, well-known systems, methods, components, devices, and circuits have not been described exhaustively so as not to obscure more relevant aspects of the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0016] Figure 1This is a schematic depiction of an explosion-proof starter system 100 according to some embodiments. The explosion-proof starter system 100 includes an explosion-proof structure (e.g., housing) 102, a solenoid valve 106, a solenoid valve 114, a non-ignition (start control relay) circuit 110, a battery contactor 105, a switch 104, a starter motor 118, and a battery 112. The solenoid valve 114 includes a solenoid valve mounted on the starter, which is configured (when activated) such that the piston 114e of the solenoid valve 114 actuates a lever 116 to move the drive shaft 118b (of the starter motor 118) in a linear direction (such as forward) so that the pinion 118a engages the flywheel 120a of the engine 120. Solenoid valve 106 includes a starter motor energizing solenoid valve configured to supply a starting current signal (e.g., 24Vdc, 200 amps or greater) from battery 112 to starter motor winding 150 to activate flywheel 120a and cause it to spin to start engine 120. Battery 112 may include a single battery (e.g., 12 volts, 24 volts, etc.). Alternatively, battery 112 may include multiple interconnected batteries (e.g., 12 volts, 24 volts, etc.). The non-ignition circuit (e.g., non-ignition circuit 110) includes a circuit system that does not produce an electric arc or thermal effect capable of igniting a flammable gas, vapor, dust, and / or air mixture.

[0017] Solenoid valve 106 may include a holding coil 106c and an engaging coil 106b to operate a solenoid valve plunger 106d connected to a contact disc 106a. Solenoid valve 114 may include a holding coil 114c and an engaging coil 114b to operate a solenoid valve plunger 114d connected to a contact disc 114a and a piston 114e. Contact disc 114a may be a silver-plated contact disc.

[0018] Engine 120 may include any type of internal combustion engine, particularly engines in vehicles (such as automobiles) and engines associated with oil well platforms for driving fire pumps, mechanical equipment, generators, etc. Similarly, engine 120 may include any type of internal combustion engine, particularly engines associated with use at land-based drilling sites, chemical plants, or any location that may be associated with explosive atmospheres containing flammable / explosive substances, particularly fuels, flammable chemicals, flammable gases, etc.

[0019] Solenoid valve 106, non-ignition circuit 110, battery contactor 105, and (starter) switch 104 can be positioned / placed within explosion-proof structure 102. Explosion-proof structure 102 is configured to physically isolate solenoid valve 106, non-ignition circuit 110, battery contactor 105, and switch 104 from solenoid valve 114, battery 112, starter motor 118, and engine 120. Explosion-proof structure 102 may include a single structure (e.g., a metal enclosure) configured to provide a physically isolated enclosure for solenoid valve 106, non-ignition circuit 110, battery contactor 105, and (starter) switch 104. Alternatively, explosion-proof structure 102 may include multiple structures, each configured to provide a physically isolated enclosure for at least one of solenoid valve 106, non-ignition circuit 110, battery contactor 105, and (starter) switch 104. The non-ignition circuit 110 is electrically connected to solenoid valve 114, solenoid valve 106, battery contactor 105, and battery 112. The non-ignition circuit 110 is an electrically isolated, low-current control circuit (e.g., such that the current is between approximately 400 mA and approximately 1.5 amps), which includes a (start-up control) relay 110a and an associated circuit system 110b configured to indicate that a pinion has engaged for activating solenoid valve 106. Relay 110a may include any type of electrically operated switch, particularly including an electromagnetic coil for operating a mechanical switching mechanism. Alternatively, relay 110a may include any type of solid-state device, particularly solid-state relays such as those incorporating electronic switches.

[0020] Solenoid valve 114 is configured to engage pinion 118a with flywheel 120a and transmit an isolation control signal (e.g., a ground signal) to the non-ignition circuit 110. This control signal is configured to indicate that pinion 118a has engaged with flywheel 120a and is thus in the position of starting engine 120. Therefore, solenoid valve 114 is configured such that contact disc 114a (within solenoid valve 114) is electrically isolated from starter motor winding 150 of starter motor 118. Similarly, solenoid valve 114 is electrically connected to the non-ignition circuit 110 to operate relay 110a. The contacts of relay 110a can supply a starting current signal (e.g., approximately 8-20 amps) from battery 112 to operate solenoid valve 106. The starting current signal is configured to activate the solenoid valve 106 to supply a starting current signal (e.g., 200 amps or more) from the battery 112 to the starter motor winding 150 of the starter motor 118 for operating the starter motor 118.

[0021] The explosion-proof starter system 100 is configured to physically isolate solenoid valve 114 (configured to linearly move drive shaft 118b and pinion 118a to engage flywheel 120a) from solenoid valve 106 and non-ignition circuit 110 (within explosion-proof structure 102), which are configured to deliver a starting current signal to starter motor winding 150. Physically isolating solenoid valve 106 from solenoid valve 114 prevents any type of spark event that may occur due to the operation of solenoid valve 106 (regarding the starting current signal) from potentially posing an explosion risk due to flammable substances that may be present during engine 120 operation. An example process enabling the explosion-proof starter system 100 to start engine 120 is described below:

[0022] This process is initiated when switch 104 is engaged. For example, the button can be manually engaged, causing voltage / current to be conducted across the contacts of switch 104. In response, battery contactor 105 is activated to conduct and deliver a starting current signal (8-20 amps, from battery 112) to solenoid valve 114, causing drive shaft 118b to move in a linear direction to engage pinion 118a with flywheel 120a. Furthermore, delivering the starting current signal (from battery 112) to solenoid valve 114 causes contact disc 114a (electrically isolated from the windings of starter motor 118) to move in a linear direction and electrically connect electrical contact G to electrical contact R, providing a ground signal to non-ignition circuit 110. In response, grounded non-ignition circuit 110 energizes relay 110a, thereby providing a closed contact to activate solenoid valve 106. In response to activation, the contact plate 106a moves in a linear direction to close its contacts (B and M), thereby enabling the solenoid valve 106 to conduct and deliver a starting current signal to the windings of the starter motor 118 to drive the starter motor 118 and start the engine 120.

[0023] Figure 2, including Figure 2A and 2BThis is a schematic depiction of an explosion-proof starter system 200 including manual redundancy features according to some embodiments. The explosion-proof starter system 200 includes an explosion-proof structure (housing) 202, solenoid valves 206 and 214, a non-ignition (start control relay) circuit 210, starter contactors 224a and 224b, a hazardous location rated engine instrument panel 207 including switches 204a and 204b, a hazardous location rated fire pump controller 208 including relay contacts 208a and 208b, a starter motor 218, and batteries 212a and 212b. Solenoid valve 214 includes a solenoid valve mounted on the starter, configured (upon activation) to cause the piston 214e of solenoid valve 214 to actuate lever 216 to move drive shaft 218b (of starter motor 218) in a linear direction (e.g., forward) so that pinion 218a engages flywheel 220a of engine 220. Solenoid valve 206 includes a starter motor energizing solenoid valve configured to supply a starting current signal (e.g., 24Vdc, 200 amps or greater) from batteries 212a and / or 212b to starter motor winding 250 to activate starter motor 218 and spin flywheel 220a to start engine 220. Each of batteries 212a and 212b may include a single battery (e.g., 12 volts, 24 volts, etc.). Alternatively, each of batteries 212a and 212b may include multiple interconnected batteries (e.g., 12 volts, 24 volts, etc.).

[0024] Solenoid valve 206 may include a holding coil 206c and an engaging coil 206b to operate a solenoid valve plunger 206d connected to a contact disc 206a. Solenoid valve 214 may include a holding coil 214c and an engaging coil 214b to operate a solenoid valve plunger 214d connected to a contact disc 214a and a piston 214e. Contact disc 214a may be a silver-plated contact disc.

[0025] Engine 220 may include any type of internal combustion engine, particularly engines in vehicles (such as automobiles) and engines associated with oil well platforms for driving fire pumps, mechanical equipment, generators, etc. Similarly, engine 220 may include any type of internal combustion engine, particularly engines associated with use at land-based drilling sites, chemical plants, or any location that may be associated with explosive atmospheres containing flammable / explosive substances (especially fuels, flammable chemicals, flammable gases, etc.).

[0026] Solenoid valve 206, non-ignition circuit 210, crank contactors 224a and 224b, and KSC crank contactors 205a and 205b can be positioned / placed within explosion-proof structure 202. Explosion-proof structure 202 is configured to physically isolate solenoid valve 206, non-ignition circuit 210, crank contactors 224a and 224b, and KSC crank contactors 205a and 205b from solenoid valve 214, batteries 212a and 212b, starter motor 218, and engine 220. Explosion-proof structure 202 may include a single structure (e.g., a metal enclosure) configured to provide a physically isolated housing for solenoid valve 206, non-ignition circuit 210, battery crank contactors 224a and 224b, and KSC crank contactors 205a and 205b. Alternatively, the explosion-proof structure 202 may include multiple structures, each configured to provide a physical isolation enclosure for at least one of the following: solenoid valve 206, non-ignition circuit 210, battery-operated contactors 224a and 224b, and KSC-operated contactors 205a and 205b. The non-ignition circuit 210 is electrically connected to the solenoid valve 214, the (starting) solenoid valve 206, the starting contactors 224a and 224b, and the batteries 212a and 212b. The non-ignition low-current circuit 210 includes a (starting control) relay 210a and an associated circuit system 210b configured to activate the solenoid valve 206. The relay 210a may include any type of electrically operated switch, particularly an electromagnetic coil for operating a mechanical switching mechanism. Alternatively, the relay 210a may include any type of solid-state device, particularly a solid-state relay including an electronic switch.

[0027] Solenoid valve 214 is configured to engage pinion 218a with flywheel 220a and transmit an isolation control signal (e.g., a ground signal from ground bus 260) to the non-ignition circuit 210. This control signal is configured to indicate that pinion 218a is engaged with flywheel 220a and is thus in the position of starting engine 220. Therefore, solenoid valve 214 is configured such that contact disc 214a (within solenoid valve 214) is electrically isolated from starter motor winding 250 of starter motor 218. Similarly, solenoid valve 214 is electrically connected to non-ignition circuit 210 to operate relay 210a. The contacts of relay 210a supply a starting current signal (e.g., approximately 8-20 amps) from batteries 212a and / or 212b to operate solenoid valve 206. The starting current control signal is configured to activate the solenoid valve 206 to supply a starting current signal (e.g., 200 amps or more) from the battery 212a and / or 212b to the starter motor winding 250 of the starter motor 218 for operating the starter motor 218.

[0028] The explosion-proof starter system 200 is configured to physically isolate solenoid valve 214 (configured to linearly move drive shaft 218b and pinion 218a to engage flywheel 220a) from solenoid valve 206 and non-ignition circuit 210 (within the explosion-proof structure 202), which are configured to deliver a starting current signal to starter motor winding 250. Physically isolating solenoid valve 206 from solenoid valve 214 prevents any type of spark event that may occur due to the operation of solenoid valve 206 (regarding the starting current signal) from potentially posing an explosion risk due to flammable substances that may be present during engine 220 operation. An example procedure enabling the explosion-proof starter system 200 to manually start engine 220 is described below:

[0029] The process of manually starting the starter motor 218 via batteries 212a and / or 212b includes manually engaging normally open switches 204a and / or 204b (e.g., a start button, as per the instructions). Figure 3A and Figure 3B The described manual lever, etc., energizes the solenoid valve 214, thereby initiating a starting sequence. The starter motor 218 can be automatically started via batteries 212a and / or 212b in response to a command initiated by a hazardous location rated fire pump controller 208, including relay contacts 208a and 208b. The process also includes activating battery contactors 224a and / or 224b to conduct and deliver a starting current signal (from batteries 212a and / or 212b) to the solenoid valve 214, thereby causing the drive shaft 218b to move in a linear direction to engage the pinion 218a with the flywheel 220a. Furthermore, delivering a starting current signal (e.g., approximately 8-20 amps, from batteries 212a and / or 212b) to the solenoid valve 214 causes the contact disc 214a (electrically isolated from the windings of the starter motor 218) to move in a linear direction and electrically connect electrical contacts G and R to provide a ground signal for the non-ignition circuit 210. In response, the grounded non-ignition circuit 210 energizes the relay 210a, thereby providing a closed contact to activate the solenoid valve 206. Upon activation, the contact plate 206a moves in a linear direction to close its contacts (B and M), enabling the solenoid valve 206 to conduct and deliver a starting current signal to the windings of the starter motor 218 to drive the starter motor 218 and start the engine 220.

[0030] Figures 3A-3C The illustration shows a view of an explosion-proof structure 302 according to some embodiments.

[0031] Figure 3AThe illustration shows a front view of an explosion-proof structure 302, which includes a housing portion 302a attached to a (opened) door 302b via hinges 323a and 323b. The housing portion 302a, combined with the door 302b, provides an explosion-proof / fire-proof structure for housing a starter motor energizing solenoid valve 306, a non-ignition circuit 310, and battery contactors 324a and 324b, to physically isolate the starter motor energizing solenoid valve 306, the non-ignition circuit 310, and the battery contactors 324a and 324b from the solenoid valves, starter battery, starter motor, and engine mounted on the starter, as described above. Figure 1 As described in Figure 2. Figure 3A The view of the explosion-proof structure 302 additionally illustrates levers 342a and 342b (e.g., elongated members) for manually engaging battery contacts 324a and 324b, respectively, to allow current to flow from the battery to activate the starter motor to start the engine. Levers 342a and 342b may extend from an area outside the housing of the explosion-proof structure 302 through one or more sidewalls of housing portion 302a to an interior portion of housing portion 302a. Levers 342a and 342b are mechanically connected to battery contacts 324a and 324b, respectively. Levers 342a and 342b may include a cylindrical shaft-type shape. Levers 342a and 342b may be mechanically connected to a handle for enabling manual activation, as described below. Figure 3B As described, the explosion-proof structure 302 can include any type of material capable of providing explosion-proof and fire-resistant properties. For example, the explosion-proof structure 302 can include, in particular, metallic materials.

[0032] Figure 3B The figure shows a side view of the housing portion 302a attached to the door 302b via hinges 323a and 323b. The side view of Figure 3 illustrates the attachment to lever 342a (in... Figure 3A The handle 350a is the external portion of the (shown in the image). The handle 350a is configured to allow the user to manually operate lever 342a to manually engage battery contactor 324a, causing current to flow from the battery to activate the starter motor to start the engine. Similarly, the handle (in...) Figure 3B (not shown in the image) can be attached to lever 342b (in...) Figure 3A The external portion (e.g., on the opposite side of the housing portion 302a) shown in the figure allows the user to manually operate lever 342b to manually engage battery contactor 324b to allow current to flow from the battery to activate the starter motor to start the engine.

[0033] Figure 3C The illustration shows a front view of the door 302b in the closed position relative to the outer casing portion 302a, thereby maintaining the explosion-proof / fire-proof characteristics of the explosion-proof structure 302.

[0034] Figure 4This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 400 of operating an explosion-proof starter system according to some embodiments.

[0035] In some implementations, method 400 comprises one or more devices or combinations of devices (such as, for example...) Figure 1 The method 400 is executed by the solenoid valve 106, solenoid valve 114, non-ignition (start control relay) circuit 110, battery contactor 105, switch 104, starter motor 118, and battery 112. In some embodiments, method 400 is executed by processing logic (including hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof). In some embodiments, method 400 is executed by a processor that executes code stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., memory). Each block in method 400 can be enabled and executed in any order.

[0036] At block 402, method 400 receives a first starting current signal (from the battery via a first solenoid valve) in response to an activation switch. The first starting current signal may initially be supplied to the first solenoid valve via one or more batteries.

[0037] At block 404, in response to receiving a first starter current signal, the starter motor is mechanically coupled to the engine. In some embodiments, mechanically coupling the starter motor to the engine may include linearly forward movement of the drive shaft (of the starter motor) to engage with the engine. For example, the first solenoid valve may be a solenoid valve mounted on the starter that (upon activation) causes a piston (of the first solenoid valve) to actuate a lever (connected between the first solenoid valve and the drive shaft of the starter motor) to move the drive shaft linearly (e.g., forward) so that a pinion (mechanically coupled to the drive shaft) engages with the engine flywheel.

[0038] At block 406, in response to mechanically coupling the starter motor to the engine, a signal (e.g., a ground signal) is received by the non-ignition circuit via the first solenoid valve. This signal can indicate that the starter motor has been mechanically coupled to the engine.

[0039] At block 408, in response to the received signal, a second starting current signal is provided to the second solenoid valve for activation. In some embodiments, the first solenoid valve includes a contact element that is electrically isolated from and electrically connected to a relay in the non-ignition circuit of the starter motor. The contact element of the first solenoid valve may be configured to provide a signal to the non-ignition circuit to activate the relay, thereby providing the second starting current signal to the second solenoid valve. At block 410, in response to activation, the second solenoid valve supplies a starting current signal to the windings of the starter motor to operate the starter motor.

[0040] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or part of an instruction, which includes one or more executable instructions for implementing one or more specified logical functions. In some alternative implementations, the functions indicated in the blocks may occur in a different order than that indicated in the figures. For example, two blocks shown successively may actually be completed as a single step, executed concurrently, substantially concurrently, partially or completely overlapping in time, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It will also be noted that each block in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, may be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or action or executes a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0041] While embodiments of the invention have been described herein for illustrative purposes, many modifications and alterations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and alterations that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An explosion-proof starter system, comprising: Battery; A first solenoid valve associated with a starter motor, wherein the first solenoid valve is configured to receive a first starting current signal from a battery and, in response thereto, move to a position that mechanically couples the starter motor to the engine, the first solenoid valve including a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact and configured to electrically connect the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact when the first solenoid valve is moved to the position where the starter motor is mechanically coupled to the engine. as well as At least one explosion-proof structure, said at least one explosion-proof structure encapsulating: The second solenoid valve, wherein the first solenoid valve and the starter motor are located outside the at least one explosion-proof structure, the second solenoid valve includes a third electrical contact and a fourth electrical contact, the fourth electrical contact being connected to the winding of the starter motor; as well as A circuit electrically connected to a first electrical contact such that an electrical connection between the first and second contacts allows current to flow through the first and second electrical contacts. The circuit is configured such that, in response to the current flow, the circuit responsively delivers a second starting current signal from the battery to a second solenoid valve to move the second solenoid valve to a position electrically connected to a third and fourth contact, thereby supplying the starting current signal from the battery to the windings of the starter motor to operate the starter motor.

2. The explosion-proof starter system of claim 1, wherein the circuit is configured such that the current flowing through the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact is less than 1A.

3. The explosion-proof starter system of claim 1, wherein the circuit is configured such that the current flowing through the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact is less than 500mA.

4. The explosion-proof starter system of claim 1, wherein the circuit is configured to limit the current flowing through the first and second electrical contacts to a non-ignition level.

5. The explosion-proof starter system of claim 1, wherein the circuit includes a relay that closes in response to current flowing through the first and second electrical contacts, thereby delivering a second starting current signal from the battery to the second solenoid valve.

6. The explosion-proof starter system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are electrically isolated from the windings of the starter motor.

7. An explosion-proof starter system, comprising: A first solenoid valve is mechanically connected to the starter motor, wherein the first solenoid valve is configured to receive a first starting current signal and, in response thereto, mechanically couple the starter motor to the engine. A second solenoid valve is installed within an explosion-proof structure, which physically isolates the second solenoid valve from the first solenoid valve and the starter motor, wherein the first solenoid valve and the starter motor are located outside the explosion-proof structure; and A circuit installed within an explosion-proof structure, wherein the circuit is configured to receive a signal via a first solenoid valve indicating mechanical coupling between the starter motor and the engine, and in response thereto, to provide a second starting current signal to a second solenoid valve for activation, wherein the second solenoid valve, when activated, supplies a starting current signal to the windings of the starter motor to operate the starter motor.

8. The explosion-proof starter system of claim 7, wherein the first solenoid valve includes a contact element electrically isolated from the field winding of the starter motor.

9. The explosion-proof starter system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the contact element of the first solenoid valve is a silver-plated contact.

10. The explosion-proof starter system of claim 7, further comprising a switch and an electrical contactor, wherein the first solenoid valve is configured to receive a first starting current signal in response to activating the switch such that the electrical contactor can electrically connect the battery to the first solenoid valve.

11. The explosion-proof starter system of claim 7, wherein when the second solenoid valve is activated, it supplies a starting current signal from the battery to the windings of the starter motor to operate the starter motor.

12. The explosion-proof starter system as described in claim 7, further comprising: An electrical contactor, wherein a first solenoid valve is configured to receive a first starting current signal in response to manual activation of the electrical contactor to electrically connect a battery to the first solenoid valve.

13. The explosion-proof starter system of claim 7, wherein the explosion-proof structure comprises a metallic material.

14. The explosion-proof starter system of claim 7, wherein the explosion-proof structure includes a door operable to provide access to internal portions of the explosion-proof structure.

15. The explosion-proof starter system of claim 7, wherein when the first solenoid valve is moved to the engine start position, a signal from the first solenoid valve to the circuit is triggered by an electrical connection of a pair of contacts of the first solenoid valve, and the circuit is configured such that the signal delivered through the pair of electrical contacts is less than 1.5A.

16. The explosion-proof starter system of claim 7, wherein when the first solenoid valve is moved to the engine start position, a signal from the first solenoid valve to the circuit is triggered by an electrical connection of a pair of contacts of the first solenoid valve, and the circuit is configured such that the signal delivered through the pair of electrical contacts is non-ignitable.

17. A method comprising: In an explosion-proof starter system having a first solenoid valve mechanically connected to a starter motor and a second solenoid valve and a non-ignition circuit mounted within an explosion-proof structure, the explosion-proof structure physically isolates the second solenoid valve from the first solenoid valve and the starter motor: In response to the activation switch, the first solenoid valve receives a first starting current signal; In response to receiving the starting current signal, the starter motor is mechanically coupled to the engine; In response to the mechanical coupling, the non-ignition circuit receives a signal indicating mechanical coupling between the starter motor and the engine via the first solenoid valve; In response to receiving the signal, a second starting current signal is provided to the second solenoid valve to activate it; as well as When the second solenoid valve is activated, it supplies a starting current signal to the windings of the starter motor to operate the starter motor.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the first starting current signal is initially supplied to the first solenoid valve by the battery.

19. A shell structure, comprising: shell; Solenoid valves installed inside the housing; At least one battery contactor; A slender member that extends through the surface of the housing and is mechanically connected to the battery contactor; as well as A handle is attached to a portion of an elongated member located outside the housing, wherein the handle is configured to manually activate a battery contactor to activate a solenoid valve to supply a starting current signal to the windings of a starter motor to operate the starter motor.

20. The housing structure of claim 19, wherein the elongated member is a cylindrical shaft.

21. The housing structure as claimed in claim 19, wherein the housing is an explosion-proof structure.

22. The housing structure as claimed in claim 21, wherein the explosion-proof structure comprises a metallic material.

23. The housing structure of claim 19, wherein the housing includes a door operable to provide access to an internal portion of the housing.

24. The housing structure as claimed in claim 19, wherein the start-up current signal is supplied to the second solenoid valve by a battery.

Images