VEHICLE STARTER WITH INTEGRATED THERMAL PROTECTION

A starter assembly which includes a switch for energizing a solenoid. Energizing the solenoid biases a starter gear into engagement and energizes the starter motor. A thermally responsive switch is positioned to absorb heat generated by operation of the electric motor and is disposed in an electrical line controlling operation of the switch controlling the solenoid wherein opening of the thermally responsive switch results in the opening of the solenoid switch. The use of such a thermally responsive switch de-energizes the electric motor when the electric motor is subjected to elevated operating temperatures that might otherwise cause damage to the electric motor. The starter assembly may also include control circuitry that includes a microprocessor wherein the control circuitry is operably coupled with the switch controlling the solenoid. The control circuitry is programmed to de-energize the solenoid upon the satisfaction of predetermined conditions to thereby prevent damage to the electrical motor. 1. A starter assembly for an internal combustion engine , the starter assembly adapted to work with a voltage source and the internal combustion engine to start the engine , the starter assembly comprising:an electric motor which drives a starter gear, the starter gear being selectively shiftable between an engaged position and a disengaged position wherein in the starter gear is operably coupled with the internal combustion engine in the engaged position and is decoupled from the internal combustion engine in the disengaged position;a solenoid coupled with the starter gear wherein energizing the solenoid shifts the starter gear into the engaged position and wherein the starter gear is biased to the disengaged position when the solenoid is de-energized; and wherein energizing the solenoid closes a motor switch, the motor switch being disposed in a first electrical line adapted to couple the electric motor with the voltage source whereby closing the motor switch ...