Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Nathan Joe Jochman

John C Leisner

Daniel C Fosbinder

John Patrick Laitala

Randall Joseph DuVal

Christopher Wierschke

Joseph C Schneider

Eric M Kropp

Michael J Trinkner

Jeff Lenzner

Jeffery Ray Ihde

Alan Frederic Smith

Jeffrey Ray Ihde

Joseph N Helf

Logan Matthew VandeCorput

Logan Mathew Vandecorput

Randall J Duval

Christopher J Wierschke

Configurations of internal components of a welder-generator are provided to improve efficiency of the cooling of the internal components. Configurations are provided in which a single fan, such as an engine fan, drives a single airflow path through the welder-generator. Configurations are provided in which a primary engine fan drives a first airflow path and a secondary generator fan drives a second airflow path through the welder-generator. Internal components are thermally aligned such that air circulates first through components with low critical operating temperatures and last through components with higher critical operating temperatures.

Air flow methods and systems for a welder-generator

Disclosed systems include an enclosure comprising a base, a lift structure coupled to the base and comprising a first leg, a second leg, and a cross member, and one or more of, within the enclosure, an engine, a generator configured to convert mechanical power to electrical power, welding-type conversion circuitry configured to convert electrical power to welding-type power, an air compressor configured to output compressed air, a hydraulic pump configured to generate hydraulic flow, or auxiliary power conversion circuitry configured to convert electrical to at least one of AC output power or DC output power. The cross member, the first leg, and the second leg of the lift structure are a one piece structure.

Power systems and lift structures for power systems

Power systems having reduced operating noise and associated methods are disclosed. An example non-synchronous power system includes an engine, a generator, a driveshaft, and a pulley system. The engine may be configured to output, to the driveshaft, a rotational force at a first rotational speed. The pulley system may be configured to receive the rotational force at the first rotational speed at a first pulley and to output the rotational force at a second rotational speed via a second pulley. The first and second pulleys may be drivingly coupled to one another at a fixed pulley ratio. The generator may be configured to receive the rotational force at the second rotational speed to generate electric power.

Low noise power systems and associated method

An example engine-driven welding-type power supply includes: an engine; a generator configured to convert mechanical power from the engine to electrical power; power conversion circuitry to convert the electrical power to welding power and to output the welding power via output terminals; and control circuitry configured to, while the engine is stopped, automatically start the engine in response to detecting a welding circuit scratch via the output terminals.

Engine-driven power systems and methods for automatic engine starting

Power systems and methods of controlling an engine driven air compressor include an air compressor driven by an engine via a clutch. A first pressure sensor configured to sense a pressure level at an outlet of the air compressor. An inlet valve configured to close in response to the first pressure sensor sensing a pressure level above a first pressure level. In addition, a second pressure sensor to sense a pressure level below a second pressure level at a housing of the air compressor, wherein the clutch is configured to disengage in response to the second pressure level, wherein the first pressure level is higher than the second pressure level.

Methods and systems for air compressor and engine driven control

Welding device

Disclosed power systems include an engine configured to output mechanical power via an engine shaft, a generator, and a fan. The generator includes a rotor shaft coupled to a rotor assembly and is configured to be coupled to the engine shaft via a threaded connection. One of the engine shaft or the rotor shaft includes an outer diameter thread and the other of the engine shaft or the rotor shaft comprises an inner diameter thread to form the threaded connection. The fan includes a first aperture configured to receive one of the engine shaft or the rotor shaft. The threaded connection is configured to axially compress the fan between the one of the engine shaft and the rotor shaft having the inner diameter threads of the threaded connection and an abutting surface on the one of the engine shaft or the rotor shaft having the outer diameter threads of the threaded connection, such that the fan rotates to generate an airflow through the generator when the engine shaft turns the rotor shaft.

Power systems having axially clamped fans

An example engine-driven generators includes: a stator assembly having first mounting holes; a first generator housing configured to couple the stator assembly to an engine, and having second mounting holes; first stator alignment hardware configured to align the first mounting holes of the stator assembly with corresponding ones of the second mounting holes of the first generator housing; stator securing hardware configured to secure the stator assembly in cooperation with the first stator alignment hardware; first locating faces configured to mate with mating faces of corresponding ones of the second mounting holes to locate the first mounting holes with the second mounting holes; and first housing securing hardware configured to secure the first generator housing to the stator assembly.

Engine-driven generators and power systems having generator housing alignment and locating hardware

Disclosed power systems include an enclosure comprising a panel formed from a single sheet of metal. The panel comprises a first formed portion facing a first direction, a second formed portion facing a second direction opposite the first direction, and a center surface. The power system further includes an engine within the enclosure and a generator within the enclosure and configured to convert mechanical power from the engine to electrical power.

Power systems and enclosures for power systems

Power systems having reduced operating noise and associated methods are disclosed. An example power system includes an engine, a generator, a driveshaft, and a pulley system. The driveshaft may include at least one coupler configured to dampen vibration transferred by the driveshaft. The pulley system may include a first pulley and a second pulley that are drivingly coupled to one another via one or more belts. The generator may be configured to generate electric power using a rotational force received form the engine via the driveshaft and pulley system.

Low noise power systems and associated methods

Example generator brush adapters include a plate configured to mount to a static support structure and to couple to a brush assembly, such that the brush assembly is mounted to the static support structure along a single degree of freedom.

Generator brush adapters and power systems having generator brush adapters

Disclosed power systems include an enclosure, an engine within the enclosure, a generator within the enclosure and configured to convert mechanical power from the engine to electrical power, an exhaust system, and one or more of, within the enclosure, welding-type conversion circuitry, an air compressor, a hydraulic pump, or auxiliary power conversion circuitry configured to convert the electrical power from the generator to at least one of AC output power or DC output power. The enclosure defines a rear surface when installed in a predetermined orientation. The exhaust system includes a muffler and a tail pipe, where an exhaust end of the tail pipe is at or near the rear surface of the enclosure.

Power systems with a rear surface exhaust

An output control for a welding-type power supply includes a first contactor associated with a first weld output range. A second contactor associated with a second weld output range. An input device configured to select a weld output value from the first weld output range and the second weld output range. A control circuit configured to control the first contactor and the second contactor based on a selected weld output value, and adjust a weld output based on the selected weld output value of the input device.

Systems and methods for automatic range control

Methods and apparatus to power a crane on a work truck using an engine-powered service pack are disclosed. An example auxiliary power system for a vehicle includes an engine, a generator configured to convert mechanical energy from the engine to electrical energy, and power conversion circuitry configured to provide electrical power to a crane to enable the crane to lift at least a portion of a rated load, and configured to convert the electrical energy from the generator to output DC power.

Methods and apparatus to power a crane on a work truck using an engine-powered service pack

Systems are disclosed for providing a work vehicle with a second air conditioning compressor driven by a small engine mounted on the work vehicle. The second compressor shares a refrigeration loop with the primary air conditioning compressor of the work vehicle. The small engine may be configured to drive various loads, and accordingly may include control circuitry to manage the power provided to the various loads, including the second compressor.

Growing community of inventors

Appleton, WI, United States of America

Nathan Joe Jochman