Methods and systems for air compressor and engine driven control
AssigneeIllinois Tool Works Inc.
InventorNathan Joe Jochman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
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.
Claims18
A welding-type power system to control an engine driven air compressor, comprising:
- a first pressure sensor configured to measure a first pressure level that exceeds a first threshold pressure level;
- a bleed down valve configured to activate in response to the first pressure level, which in turn controls an inlet valve to close, causing the air compressor to stop pumping air;
- and
- a controller to:
- control the engine to idle in response to information indicating the air compressor is not in use;
- and
- control a clutch to disengage based on a signal from a second pressure sensor indicating a second pressure level has lowered to a desired level.
A welding-type power system to control an engine driven air compressor, comprising:
- a first pressure sensor configured to measure a first pressure level that exceeds a first threshold pressure level;
- a bleed down valve configured to activate in response to the first pressure level, which in turn controls an inlet valve to close, causing the air compressor to stop pumping air;
- and
- a controller to control a clutch to disengage based on a signal from a second pressure sensor indicating a second pressure level has lowered to a desired level, wherein the second pressure sensor is a mechanical pressure switch or an electronic pressure sensor.
A welding-type power system to control an engine driven air compressor, comprising:
- an inlet valve to allow air to flow into the air compressor;
- a blowdown valve connected to a blowdown orifice;
- an adjustable first switch configured to measure a pressure level of the air compressor;
- a second switch configured to sense a second, low-pressure level in the air compressor;
- a control valve incorporating a check valve configured to maintain pressure downstream during blowdown of a case of the air compressor, wherein the blowdown valve is configured to open in response to the first switch sensing a pressure above a predetermined threshold level;
- and
- an inlet valve configured to close in response to the blowdown valve opening.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.