US 11,745,282 B2
Integrated engine-driven generator control system
Richard Beeson, Appleton, WI (US); Daniel C. Fosbinder, Appleton, WI (US); and Michael J. Trinkner, Kaukauna, WI (US)
Assigned to Illinois Tool Works Inc., Glenview, IL (US)
Filed by Illinois Tool Works Inc., Glenview, IL (US)
Filed on Oct. 23, 2017, as Appl. No. 15/790,989.
Application 15/790,989 is a continuation of application No. 12/362,925, filed on Jan. 30, 2009, granted, now 9,796,037.
Prior Publication US 2018/0104760 A1, Apr. 19, 2018
Int. Cl. B23K 9/10 (2006.01)
CPC B23K 9/1056 (2013.01) 12 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An engine-driven welder/generator system comprising:
an engine;
a generator powered by the engine;
a welder coupled to at least one generator and configured to supply a welding power for a welding operation based on one or more weld settings; and
an integrated controller coupled to the engine, to the generator, and to the welder, the controller configured to control operation of the engine, the welder, and the generator, the integrated controller configured to:
identify a welding load on the generator based on a sensor input;
based on the welding load, control at least one parameter of the welder and control at least one parameter of the engine, wherein controlling the at least one parameter of the engine comprises selecting an engine operating speed from a plurality of engine operating speeds, and each of the plurality of engine operating speeds is higher than an engine idle speed, wherein the integrated controller is configured to control the at least one parameter of the engine by:
in response to detecting the application of the welding load on the generator while the engine is at an engine idle speed, a high idle speed above the engine idle speed, or a low idle speed below the engine idle speed, reducing a time to ramp up the engine speed to the engine operating speed by controlling a throttle plate of the engine to start increasing the engine speed prior to a drop in engine speed that results from the initiation of the welding load, wherein the drop in engine speed occurs after the engine is at the engine idle speed, the high idle speed, or the low idle speed, and the drop in engine speed occurs before reaching the engine operating speed.