Welding-type power supply with noise control function

Abstract

Providing welding-type power supplies. [Solution] The present invention discloses a welding power supply equipped with a noise control function. In some examples, the noise control function includes the ability to estimate the amount and / or level of audible noise currently being generated (or being generated) by the power supply (and / or a specific device of the power supply). In some examples, the noise control function further includes the ability to adjust the power supply (and / or a specific device of the power supply) so that the noise generated falls below a set threshold. These noise control functions may be useful, for example, when the welding power supply operates in a noise-sensitive area (e.g., near a hospital, school, etc.) and / or when there are labor standards and / or local government regulations that prohibit / regulate noise levels above a given threshold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 754,097, filed on February 5, 2025, entitled "WELDING - TYPE POWER SUPPLIES WITH NOISE MANAGEMENT CAPABILITIES". The entire content of this U.S. Provisional Patent Application is incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this application.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to welding - type power supplies, and more particularly to welding - type power supplies with noise management capabilities.

Background Art

[0003] A welding power supply supplies power to a welding tool used during an arc - welding operation. Some welding power supplies use a commercial power supply. Some power supplies use an engine to generate power.

[0004] By comparing such systems with the present disclosure described in the remainder of this application with reference to the drawings, the limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a welding - type power supply having noise management capabilities that are substantially illustrated by and / or described with respect to at least one of the figures and more fully described in the claims.

[0006] In addition to these and other advantages, aspects, and novel features of the present disclosure, the detailed content of the illustrated examples of the present disclosure will be more fully understood from the following description and the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] [Figure 1]This figure shows an example of a welded system according to the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0008] [Figure 2] This block diagram shows an example of a welding power source that can be used in the welding system shown in Figure 1 according to an aspect of this disclosure.

[0009] [Figure 3] This flowchart shows an example of the noise control process for the welding-type power supply shown in Figure 2, according to an aspect of this disclosure.

[0010] [Figure 4a] This figure shows an example output of the user interface of the welding-type power supply shown in Figure 2, which may occur during the noise control process shown in Figure 3 according to an aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 4b] This figure shows an example output of the user interface of the welding-type power supply shown in Figure 2, which may occur during the noise control process shown in Figure 3 according to an aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 4c] This figure shows an example output of the user interface of the welding-type power supply shown in Figure 2, which may occur during the noise control process shown in Figure 3 according to an aspect of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The figures are not necessarily on a uniform scale. Where appropriate, the same or similar reference numerals are used in the figures to refer to the same or identical elements. For example, reference numerals with letters (e.g., first welding power supply 200a, second welding power supply 200b) refer to the same reference numerals without letters (e.g., welding power supply 200).

[0012] Some examples of this disclosure relate to welding power supplies equipped with noise control functions. In some examples, the noise control function includes the ability to estimate the amount and / or level of audible noise currently being emitted by the power supply (and / or specific devices of the power supply). For example, if the power supply has an engine (e.g., a diesel engine, a gasoline engine, etc.) or another device that generates significant audible noise (e.g., a hydraulic pump, an air compressor, etc.), the power supply may be able to estimate the amount of audible noise currently being emitted by each and / or all of the devices and report this to the operator.

[0013] In some cases, noise control functions further include the ability to estimate the amount of audible noise that a power source (and / or specific equipment of the power source) will emit in the future. In some cases, noise control functions further include the ability to adjust the power source (and / or specific equipment of the power source) so that the noise generated falls below a set threshold. These noise control functions may be useful, for example, when a welding power source operates in a noise-sensitive area (e.g., near a hospital, school, etc.) and / or when there are labor standards and / or local government regulations that prohibit or otherwise regulate noise levels above a given threshold.

[0014] Some examples of the present disclosure relate to a welding power supply comprising: a power conversion circuit configured to convert input power into welding output power suitable for use by a welding tool during welding operation; a noise generator; a control circuit configured to estimate the noise level of the welding power supply or the noise generator; and a user interface configured to output a display of the noise level.

[0015] In some examples, the noise generator includes an engine generator, a hydraulic pump, or an air compressor. In some examples, the control circuit is configured to estimate the noise level based on sound sensor data captured by a sound sensor, and the sound sensor data relates to the audible noise of a welding power supply or noise generator. In some examples, the noise generator is configured to produce an output, and the control circuit is configured to estimate the noise level based on the amount of output from the noise generator.

[0016] In some examples, the welding power supply further comprises a memory circuit section that stores one or more associations between multiple output quantities and one or more different noise levels, and the control circuit section is configured to estimate the noise level based on one or more associations and the output quantity of the noise generator. In some examples, the control circuit section is further configured to identify a noise threshold, determine whether the noise level exceeds the noise threshold, and, in response to the determination that the noise level exceeds the noise threshold, output a notification via the user interface, control the noise generator to reduce its output, or disable the welding power supply. In some examples, the control circuit section is further configured to identify a noise threshold, identify output demand, estimate the future noise level generated by the welding power supply based on the output demand, determine whether the future noise level exceeds the noise threshold, and, in response to the determination that the future engine noise level exceeds the noise threshold, output a notification via the user interface or recommend a different power supply setting.

[0017] Some examples of the present disclosure relate to a welding power supply comprising: a power conversion circuit configured to convert input power into welding output power suitable for use by a welding tool during welding operation; a noise generator configured to produce an output, including an engine generator, a hydraulic pump, or an air compressor; a control circuit configured to estimate the noise level of the welding power supply or the noise generator based on sound sensor data captured by a sound sensor or the amount of output from the noise generator; and a user interface configured to output a display of the noise level.

[0018] In some examples, the output includes mechanical engine power, generator power, hydraulic fluid flow, or compressed air. In some examples, the welding power supply further comprises a memory circuit section that stores one or more associations between multiple output quantities and one or more different noise levels, and a control circuit section is configured to estimate the noise level based on one or more associations and the output quantity of the noise generator. In some examples, the control circuit section is further configured to identify a noise threshold, determine whether the noise level exceeds the noise threshold, and, in response to the determination that the noise level exceeds the noise threshold, output a notification via a user interface, control the noise generator to reduce the output, or disable the welding power supply.

[0019] In some examples, the control circuit is further configured to identify a noise threshold, identify output demand based on power supply settings, estimate future noise levels generated by a welding-type power supply based on output demand, determine whether the future noise levels will exceed the noise threshold, and, in response to determining that the future noise levels will exceed the noise threshold, output a notification or recommend different power supply settings via the user interface.

[0020] In some examples, the noise generator includes an engine generator, the output includes mechanical engine power or generator power, the engine generator comprises an engine configured to output mechanical engine power and a generator configured to generate generator power from mechanical engine power, the user interface is further configured to receive noise settings, and the control circuit is further configured to determine a noise threshold based on the noise settings, estimate a power threshold based on the noise threshold, control the engine so that the mechanical engine power output by the engine is below the power threshold or the generator power generated by the generator is below the power threshold, and use at least a portion of the generator power generated by the generator to replenish electrical energy stored in an internal energy storage device of the welding power supply or an external storage device electrically connected to the welding power supply.

[0021] In some examples, the noise generator includes an engine generator, the output includes mechanical engine power or generator power, the engine generator comprises an engine configured to output mechanical engine power and a generator configured to generate generator power from the mechanical engine power, the welded power further comprises an energy storage device configured to store electrical energy, the control circuit is further configured to identify a noise threshold, estimate a power threshold based on the noise threshold, control the engine so that the mechanical engine power output by the engine is below the power threshold or the generator power generated by the generator is below the power threshold, identify a power demand, control a power conversion circuit to use the generator power generated by the generator as a first part of the input power to satisfy a portion of the power demand, and control a power conversion circuit to use the electrical energy stored by the energy storage device as a second part of the input power to satisfy the remaining portion of the power demand.

[0022] Some examples of the present disclosure relate to a welding power source, comprising: an engine configured to output mechanical power; a generator configured to generate electric power from the mechanical power output by the engine; a power conversion circuit unit configured to convert input power into welding output power suitable for use by a welding tool during a welding operation, the power conversion circuit unit being configured to use the electric power generated by the generator as the input power; a control circuit unit configured to estimate the noise level of the welding power source or a noise generating device based on sound sensor data captured by a sound sensor, a first amount of mechanical power output by the engine, or a second amount of electric power generated by the generator; and a user interface configured to output a display of the noise level.

[0023] In some examples, the welding power source further comprises a hydraulic pump or a pneumatic compressor, and the control circuit unit is configured to estimate the noise level based on (i) a first amount of mechanical power output by the engine or a second amount of electric power generated by the generator, and (ii) a third amount of hydraulic fluid output by the hydraulic pump or a fourth amount of compressed air output by the pneumatic compressor. In some examples, the welding power source further comprises a memory circuit unit configured to store one or more associations between a plurality of output amounts and one or more different noise levels, and the control circuit unit is configured to estimate the noise level based on (i) the one or more associations and (ii) a first amount of mechanical power output by the engine or a second amount of electric power generated by the generator.

[0024] In some examples, the control circuit unit is further configured to identify a noise threshold, determine whether the noise level exceeds the noise threshold, and in response to determining that the noise level exceeds the noise threshold, output a notification via the user interface, control the engine to reduce the mechanical power output by the engine, or deactivate the welding power source. In some examples, the control circuit unit is further configured to identify a noise threshold, identify a power demand based on a power setting, estimate a future noise level generated by the welding power source based on the power demand, determine whether the future noise level exceeds the noise threshold, and in response to determining that the future noise level exceeds the noise threshold, output a notification or recommend a different power setting via the user interface.

[0025] In some examples, the welding power source further includes an energy storage device configured to store electrical energy, and the control circuit unit is configured to identify a noise threshold, estimate a power threshold based on the noise threshold, control the engine such that the mechanical power output by the engine is below the power threshold or the power generated by the generator is below the power threshold, identify a power demand, control the power conversion circuit unit to use the power generated by the generator as a first portion of the input power to satisfy a part of the power demand, and control the power conversion circuit unit to use the electrical energy stored by the energy storage device as a second portion of the input power to satisfy the remaining part of the power demand.

[0026] Figure 1 shows an example of a welding die system 100. As shown, the welding die system 100 comprises a first welding die power supply 200a and a second welding die power supply 200b connected via a power cable 102. In some examples, the first welding die power supply 200a supplies input power to the second welding die power supply via the power cable 102. In some examples, the first welding die power supply 200a may be omitted, and / or the second welding die power supply 200b may use an internal device to generate input power.

[0027] In some examples, a second weld die power supply 200b generates weld die output power using input power from the first weld die power supply 200a and / or the second weld die power supply 200b. In some examples, the weld die output power is used to power the weld die tool 104 during the execution of a weld die operation on the workpiece 106 (for example, in response to a trigger signal or other operating signal received from the weld die tool 104).

[0028] Although the welding tool 104 is shown in Figure 1 as a welding torch or gun configured for gas metal arc welding (GMAW), in some examples a different welding tool 104 may be used instead. For example, the welding tool 104 may be an electrode holder (i.e., a stinger) configured for shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), a torch and / or filler rod configured for gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), a welding gun and / or plasma cutter configured for flux-cored arc welding (FCAW).

[0029] In some examples, the second welding power supply 200b additionally or alternatively generates auxiliary output power using input power from the first welding power supply 200a and / or the second welding power supply 200b. In some examples, the auxiliary output power may be provided and / or used to power one or more auxiliary devices 108 (e.g., an external battery, a smartphone, lighting, etc.). In the example in Figure 1, both welding power supplies 200 are shown as being connected (e.g., electrically) to the auxiliary devices 108. In addition, in some examples, the auxiliary output power from the first welding power supply 200a is delivered to the second welding power supply 200b via the power cable 102 to be used as input power by the second welding power supply 200b.

[0030] In the example in Figure 1, the second welding power supply 200b is shown only as being attached to one auxiliary device 108, but in some examples, the second welding power supply 200b may be attached to several auxiliary devices 108. In fact, in some examples, the first welding power supply 200a may be considered to be attached to several auxiliary devices 108 by its connection to the auxiliary devices 108 and the second welding power supply 200b (to which the first welding power supply 200a delivers auxiliary output power).

[0031] In some examples, the first welding power supply 200a and / or the second welding power supply 200b may also output and / or generate other forms of power (e.g., other than electric power). For example, the first welding power supply 200a and / or the second welding power supply 200b may output hydraulic fluid that can be used to supply power to a hydraulic device 100, for example, the hydraulic device 100 (e.g., a hydraulic crane) shown attached to the power supply 200 in Figure 1. In another example, the first welding power supply 200a and / or the second welding power supply 200b may output compressed air that can be used to supply power to a pneumatic device 112, for example, the pneumatic device 112 (e.g., a pneumatic wrench) shown attached to the power supply 200 in Figure 1.

[0032] In the example in Figure 1, each welding die power supply 200 is shown connected only to one hydraulic system 110 and one pneumatic system 112, but in some examples, one or more of the welding die power supplies 200 may be connected to two or more hydraulic systems 110 and / or pneumatic systems 112. In some examples, one or more of the auxiliary devices 108, hydraulic systems 110, and / or pneumatic systems 112 may be omitted from the welding die system 100.

[0033] In the example shown in Figure 1, the second welding die power supply 200b is shown as being connected to a gas supply tank 114 and a welding wire feeder 116. In some examples, the gas supply tank 114 provides shielding and / or other gases to the welding die tool 104 via the welding die power supply 200 (and / or the welding wire feeder 116). In some examples, the welding wire feeder 116 comprises a wire spool and one or more electric rollers that feed the welding wire from the wire spool to the welding die tool 104.

[0034] In some examples, the welding wire feeder 116 further supplies welding power (e.g., from a second welding die power source 200b) and / or gas (e.g., from a gas supply tank 114 and / or a second welding die power source) to the welding die tool 104. In some examples, the welding die tool 104 uses the welding wire, shielding gas, and / or welding die power to perform welding die operations.

[0035] Although not shown for simplification, in some examples the weld wire feeder 116 is also connected (e.g., electrically) to the welding table 118 on which the workpiece 106 is placed, and / or to the workpiece 106 itself. In some examples the weld wire feeder 116 is omitted (or integrated into a second weld power supply 200b), which delivers shielding gas and / or weld power directly to the weld tool 104, and / or is connected (e.g., electrically) to the welding table 118 and / or to the workpiece 106.

[0036] In some examples, the first welding power supply 200a is omitted, and / or the second welding power supply 200b instead generates its own input power via the engine 204 and generator 222 (see Figure 2). In some examples, the second welding power supply 200b further comprises a hydraulic pump 206 and / or air compressor 208 (see, for example, Figure 2) to supply hydraulic fluid and / or compressed air to one or more hydraulic devices 110 and / or one or more pneumatic devices 112.

[0037] In some cases, the engine 204, hydraulic pump 206, and / or air compressor 208 generate a significant amount of audible noise during operation. In some cases, the welding power supply 200 may also include other devices that generate a significant amount of noise during operation. This can be problematic, for example, if the welding power supply 200 is operating in a noise-sensitive area (e.g., near a hospital, school, etc.) and / or if there are labor standards or local regulations that prohibit or otherwise restrict noise levels exceeding a given limit.

[0038] Accordingly, this disclosure envisions a welding power supply 200 equipped with noise control functions. In some examples, the noise control functions include the ability to estimate the amount and / or level of audible noise currently being generated by the power supply 200 (and / or the engine 204, hydraulic pump 206, air compressor 208, and / or other noise generators of the power supply 200). In some examples, the noise control functions additionally or alternatively include the ability to estimate the amount of audible noise that the power supply 200 (and / or the engine 204, hydraulic pump 206, air compressor 208, and / or other noise generators of the power supply 200) will generate in the future. In some examples, the noise control functions additionally or alternatively include the ability to adjust the power supply 200 (and / or the engine 204, hydraulic pump 206, air compressor 208, and / or other noise generators of the power supply 200) (e.g., its output) so that the noise generated falls below a set threshold.

[0039] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the components of an exemplary welding power supply 200 with noise control functionality. In some examples, the welding power supply 200 shown in Figure 2 may be used to implement the first welding power supply 200a and / or the second welding power supply 200b of Figure 2.

[0040] In the example shown in Figure 2, the welding power supply 200 includes several sensors 202 that can be used to estimate the amount and / or level of noise currently being generated by the welding power supply 200 (and / or the engine 204, hydraulic pump 206, air compressor 208, and / or other noise-generating devices of the power supply 200). As shown, some of the sensors 202 are enclosed within the housing 210 of the welding power supply 200, while others extend outside the housing 210. In some examples, one or more external sensors may also be used.

[0041] In some examples, one or more of the sensors 202 are sound / voice / acoustic sensors (e.g., including one or more microphones, piezoelectric elements, and / or associated circuitry). In some examples, one or more of the sensors 202 are temperature sensors, fluid flow sensors, fluid volume sensors, current sensors, voltage sensors, electrical impedance sensors, accelerometers, magnetometers, rotation sensors, pressure sensors, and / or other sensors. In some examples, (e.g., sound) sensor 202 is configured to detect noise and / or sound generated by the entire welding power supply 200 (and / or capture sensor data related to noise / sound).

[0042] In some examples, one or more (e.g., sound) sensors 202 (e.g., positioned in close proximity to the engine 204) detect noise and / or sounds generated particularly by the engine 204 (and / or capture sensor data related to noise / sound). In some examples, one or more (e.g., sound) sensors 202 (e.g., positioned in close proximity to the air compressor 208) detect noise and / or sounds generated particularly by the air compressor 208 (and / or capture sensor data related to noise / sound). In some examples, one or more (e.g., sound) sensors 202 (e.g., positioned in close proximity to the hydraulic pump 206) detect noise and / or sounds generated particularly by the hydraulic pump 206 (and / or capture sensor data related to noise / sound).

[0043] In the example shown in Figure 2, the control circuit unit 212 of the welding power supply 200 is electrically connected to and / or communicates electrically with the sensor 202. In some examples, the sensor data captured by the sensor 202 is received and / or evaluated by the control circuit unit 212.

[0044] In some examples, the control circuit 212 uses sensor data (e.g., sound) captured by one or more (e.g., sound) sensors 202 to estimate the current amount / level of audible noise generated by the entire welding power supply 200 and / or individually by the engine 204, air compressor 208, hydraulic pump 206, and / or other noise generators (one or more). In some examples, the control circuit 212 sums the individual noise estimates to determine an overall noise level estimate. In some examples, the control circuit 212 is configured to output the current estimated noise level via the user interface (UI) 214 of the welding power supply 200.

[0045] In some examples, the UI214 comprises one or more input and / or output devices. Examples of input devices include touchscreens, keyboards, microphones, buttons, knobs, levers, switches, dials, slides, and / or other input devices. Examples of output devices include display screens, speakers, lighting, tactile devices, and / or other output devices. In some examples, one or more of the output devices of the UI214 may be used to output the current estimated noise level.

[0046] Figure 4a shows the display screen 400 of the UI214, which outputs, for example, the current estimated noise level of 89 decibels (dB). While Figure 4a shows the overall noise level estimate, in some examples the UI214 additionally or alternatively outputs individual noise level estimates for each noise-generating device of the welding power supply 200 (e.g., engine 204, air compressor 208, hydraulic pump 206, etc.).

[0047] In the example in Figure 4a, the display screen 400 further shows a noise threshold of 100 decibels. Although Figure 4a shows that the noise level and noise threshold are determined and / or output in decibels, in some examples the noise level and / or noise threshold may be determined / output in terms of (and / or units of) sound power (e.g., Lw) and / or sound pressure (e.g., Lp). Although Figure 4a shows a numerical display of the noise level / threshold, in some examples the noise level and / or noise threshold may be displayed using text (e.g., high, medium, low, etc.), gauges, instruments, and / or some other means (e.g., non-numerical).

[0048] Figure 4b further illustrates a display screen 400 that outputs an additional notification when the current estimated noise level exceeds a noise threshold, which can warn the operator 120 that there may be a problem and / or that one or more power supply settings may need to be changed. Although one noise threshold is illustrated in the examples of Figures 4a and 4b, in some examples there may be multiple specific and / or illustrated noise thresholds (e.g., different noise thresholds for each of the welding power supplies 200, engine 204, air compressor 208, hydraulic pump 206, etc.).

[0049] In some cases, the noise threshold is manually entered by the operator 120, for example, via one or more input devices of the UI214. In some cases, the noise threshold is automatically determined by the control circuit unit 212.

[0050] In some examples, the control circuit unit 212 uses a sound map 299 to automatically determine noise thresholds. In the example in Figure 2, the sound map 299 is illustrated as part of the memory circuit unit 216 of the control circuit unit 212 and / or as being stored by the memory circuit unit 216 of the control circuit unit 212. In some examples, the sound map 299 includes one or more data structures (e.g., tables, graphs, matrices, etc.) that map and / or associate different noise thresholds with different geographical locations and / or times.

[0051] In some examples, a communication circuit 218 of the welding power supply 200 is used to determine the geographic location of the welding power supply 200. For example, the communication circuit 218 may be configured for interaction with and / or communication with the Global Positioning System (GPS) and / or other positioning systems. In some examples, a control circuit 212 is configured to determine the geographic location / position of the welding power supply 200 based on data (and / or electrical signals) received from (and / or received via) the communication circuit 218.

[0052] In some examples, a clock circuit (e.g., of control circuit unit 212) is used to determine the time. In some examples, the clock circuit is part of the processing circuit unit 220 of control circuit unit 212. In some examples, control circuit unit 212 automatically determines applicable noise thresholds by determining noise thresholds associated with specific geographical locations and / or times within the sound map 299.

[0053] In the examples in Figures 4a and 4b, the display screen 400 shows that the noise threshold corresponds to a geographical location in Orange County, California. The display screen 400 further shows that the noise threshold corresponds to a daytime. In some examples, the UI 214 may additionally or alternatively provide a more granular and / or general description of the location and / or time (e.g., location by latitude / longitude, state, time of day / minute, AM / PM, etc.) corresponding to the noise threshold. In some examples, the sound map 299 and / or control circuit unit 212 may additionally or alternatively identify and / or determine a more granular location and / or time and / or a more general location and / or time.

[0054] In some examples, the sound map 299 may also be used to estimate the current and / or future noise levels of the entire welding power supply 200, and / or individually of the engine 204, air compressor 208, hydraulic pump 206, and / or other noise-generating devices. For example, the sound map 299 may additionally or alternatively map and / or associate different device outputs and / or different (e.g., non-sound) sensor data with different noise levels.

[0055] In such examples, one or more of the sensors 202 may be configured to detect, detect, measure, and / or capture sensor data (e.g., non-sound) related to the device's (e.g., non-sound) output. The control circuit 212 may then estimate the current / future noise level by determining the noise level in the sound map 299 associated with the sensor data (and / or information represented by the sensor data) captured by the sensor(s) 202. In some examples where there is no one-to-one correlation (and / or direct match) between the sensor data / information in the sound map 299 and the sensor data / information captured by the sensor(s) 202, the control circuit 212 may use interpolation to estimate the noise level (e.g., based on the closest match, such as one, two, three, four, etc., in the sound map 299).

[0056] In some examples, an estimation algorithm is used to estimate current and / or future noise levels (e.g., instead of using, or in addition to, the sound map 299). For example, the control circuit 212 may dynamically estimate the noise level based on sensor data captured by one or more of the sensors 202, using its own estimation algorithm (e.g., stored in the memory circuit 216). In some examples, there may be multiple algorithms (e.g., one for each noise generator).

[0057] In some examples, one or more of the algorithms may be machine learning algorithms that are continuously updated and / or improved by the data input to the sound map 299. In some examples, if there is no relevant entry in the sound map 299 corresponding to the captured sensor data (and / or within some threshold range of the captured sensor data), the algorithm(s) may be used. In some examples, the algorithm(s) may be used for estimation until threshold amount data is compiled in the sound map 299. In some examples, the control circuit unit 212 may use the algorithm(s) by default, or may choose to use the algorithm or the sound map 299 based on input from the operator 120 (e.g., received via the UI 214).

[0058] In some examples, multiple sound maps 299 exist. For example, different sound maps 299 may exist for noise thresholds and noise estimates. In another example, different sound maps 299 may exist for different noise estimates. In some examples, different sound maps 299 exist for the noise estimates of each noise generator of the welding power supply 200. In some examples, different sound maps 299 exist for one or more different types of data / information associated with the noise level of a particular noise generator.

[0059] In some examples, the data in the sound map 299 may be compiled over time using sensor data captured by one or more (e.g., sound and / or non-sound) sensors 202 of the welding power supply 200. For example, one or more (e.g., sound) sensors 202 may capture sensor data related to the noise levels of the entire welding power supply 200 and / or individually of the engine 204, air compressor 208, hydraulic pump 206, and / or other noise generators. Almost simultaneously, one or more (e.g., non-sound) sensors 202 may capture sensor data related to one or more inputs / outputs of the equipment of the welding power supply 200, and the input / output levels may be associated with noise levels.

[0060] In the example in Figure 2, the welding power supply 200 comprises several devices whose inputs, outputs, and / or other characteristics may be associated with (and / or subsequently used to estimate) noise levels, even if the device itself does not generate a significant amount of noise. For example, in Figure 2, the engine 204 is shown as being coupled (e.g. mechanically) to the generator 222 (e.g., via a rotor). In some examples, the engine 204 outputs mechanical power in the form of rotation of a rotor. In some examples, the generator 222 generates electricity using the mechanical power output by the engine 204 (e.g., via a stationary magnetic stator and magnets rotated by the rotor). In some examples, the generator 222 itself generates little noise, but the electrical output produced by the generator 222 depends directly on the mechanical output of the engine 204 (e.g., rotor rotation speed). Because there is a direct relationship between the operation of the engine 204 and the operation of the generator 222, in some examples, the electrical output of the generator 222 can be used to estimate the noise level of the engine 204.

[0061] In the example in Figure 2, the sensor 202 is positioned in close proximity to the engine 204 and the generator 222. In some examples, the sensor data captured by these sensors 202 is used by the control circuit 212 to estimate the characteristics (other than sound) of the engine 204 and / or the generator 222. For example, the sensor data may include, and / or relate to, the mechanical power output of the engine 204 (e.g., rotor speed), the electrical output of the generator 222 (e.g., current, voltage, power, etc.), and / or other characteristics of the engine 204 and / or the generator 222 (e.g., temperature, electrical impedance, etc.).

[0062] In some examples, sensor data / information related to one or more inputs, outputs, and / or other characteristics of the engine 204 and / or generator 222 are associated with one or more (e.g., measured) noise levels in the sound map 299. Once this association occurs in the sound map 299, the sound map 299 may be referenced in the future to estimate current and / or future noise levels, given target and / or measured inputs / outputs / characteristics of the engine 204 and / or generator 222.

[0063] In the example in Figure 2, the welding power supply 200 also includes several other devices whose input, output, and / or other characteristics may be detected and / or associated with (and / or subsequently used to estimate) the noise level, even if the device itself does not generate a significant amount of noise. For example, the welding power supply 200 is shown to include a valve 223, an energy storage device 224, a welding power conversion circuit 226, and an auxiliary power conversion circuit 228.

[0064] In some examples, valve 223 includes an electrically controllable (e.g., solenoid) valve configured to control the flow of shielding gas through the weld-type power supply 200 (e.g., in response to one or more control signals from the control circuit unit 212). In some examples, energy storage device 224 includes a battery or other storage mechanism capable of storing (e.g., electrical) energy. In some examples, weld-type power conversion circuit unit 226 includes a circuit configured to receive input power and convert the input power into weld-type output power. In some examples, auxiliary power conversion circuit unit 228 includes a circuit configured to receive input power and convert the input power into auxiliary output power.

[0065] In some examples, the welded power conversion circuit 226 and / or the auxiliary power conversion circuit 228 include circuit elements (e.g., transformers, rectifiers, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors, switches, etc.) capable of converting input power into output power. In some examples, the welded power conversion circuit 226 and / or the auxiliary power conversion circuit 228 also include one or more controllable circuit elements (e.g., switches, relays, transistors, etc.) configured to change their state (e.g., firing, on / off, closed / open, etc.) based on one or more control signals (e.g., received from the control circuit 212). In some examples, the state(s) of the controllable circuit elements may affect the operation of the welded power conversion circuit 226 and / or the auxiliary power conversion circuit 228 and / or affect the characteristics of the output power provided by the welded power conversion circuit 226 and / or the auxiliary power conversion circuit 228 (e.g., current / voltage magnitude, frequency, waveform, etc.). In some examples, the control circuit unit 212 is configured to control the operation of the welded power conversion circuit unit 226 and / or the auxiliary power conversion circuit unit 228 via one or more control signals that control the operation of controllable circuit elements.

[0066] In some examples, the inputs, outputs, and / or other characteristics of the valve 223, energy storage device 224, welded power conversion circuit 226, and / or auxiliary power conversion circuit 228 can be used to estimate the current / future noise level of the engine 204. In some examples, sensor data captured by sensors 202 positioned in close proximity to the valve 223, energy storage device 224, welded power conversion circuit 226, and / or auxiliary power conversion circuit 228 is used by the control circuit 212 to estimate the characteristics (e.g., other than sound) of the valve 223, energy storage device 224, welded power conversion circuit 226, and / or auxiliary power conversion circuit 228.

[0067] For example, the sensor data may include and / or relate to the gas input / output of valve 223 (e.g., gas flow rate, gas content / composition, gas temperature, gas pressure, etc.). As another example, the sensor data may include and / or relate to the electrical input / output of energy storage device 224 (e.g., current, voltage, power, etc.). As yet another example, the sensor data may include and / or relate to the electrical input / output of welded power conversion circuit unit 226. As yet another example, the sensor data may include and / or relate to the electrical input / output of auxiliary power conversion circuit unit 228. As yet another example, the sensor data may include and / or relate to other characteristics of valve 223, energy storage device 224, welded power conversion circuit unit 226, and / or auxiliary power conversion circuit unit 228 (e.g., temperature, electrical impedance, etc.).

[0068] In some examples, sensor data / information related to one or more inputs, outputs, and / or other characteristics of the valve 223, energy storage device 224, welded power conversion circuit unit 226, and / or auxiliary power conversion circuit unit 228 are associated with one or more (e.g., measured) noise levels in the sound map 299. Once this association occurs in the sound map 299, the sound map 299 may be referenced in the future to estimate current and / or future noise levels, given the target and / or measured inputs / outputs / characteristics of the energy storage device 224, welded power conversion circuit unit 226, and / or auxiliary power conversion circuit unit 228.

[0069] In some examples, the current / future noise levels of the air compressor 208 and / or hydraulic pump 206 can be estimated using sensor data / information related to one or more inputs, outputs, and / or other characteristics of the air compressor 208 and / or hydraulic pump 206. In some examples, sensor data captured by a sensor 202 positioned in close proximity to the air compressor 208 and / or hydraulic pump 206 is used by the control circuit 212 to estimate (e.g., non-sound) characteristics of the air compressor 208 and / or hydraulic pump 206. For example, the sensor data may include, and / or be related to, fluid flow rate, fluid volume, fluid temperature, fluid humidity, and / or other data / information.

[0070] In some examples, sensor data / information related to one or more inputs, outputs, and / or other characteristics of the air compressor 208 and / or hydraulic pump 206 are associated with one or more (e.g., measured) noise levels in the sound map 299. Once this association occurs in the sound map 299, the sound map 299 may be referenced in the future to estimate current and / or future noise levels, given the target and / or measured inputs / outputs / characteristics of the air compressor 208 and / or hydraulic pump 206.

[0071] In some examples, data recorded and / or associated with the sound map 299 may be used to control and / or regulate the engine 204, generator 222, hydraulic pump 206, air compressor 208, and / or other noise-generating devices (one or more). For example, once a noise threshold is identified, the control circuit 212 may identify input / output / characteristics in the sound map 299 (e.g., engine 204, generator 222, hydraulic pump 206, air compressor 208, etc.) that produce a noise level equal to (or within some threshold range above or below the noise threshold). The input / output / characteristics corresponding to the noise level (corresponding to the noise threshold) may be used as the input / output / characteristic threshold. Subsequently, the control circuit unit 212 may control and / or adjust the engine 204, generator 222, hydraulic pump 206, air compressor 208, and / or other noise generating devices (one or more) so that their input / output / characteristics fall below the input / output / characteristic thresholds identified from the sound map 299, thereby ensuring that the noise level falls below the noise threshold.

[0072] In some examples, the data recorded and / or associated with the sound map 299 may also be used to estimate the future noise levels of the welding power supply 200, engine 204, air compressor 208, and / or other noise generators. For example, the control circuit 212 may estimate the target output and / or output demand and, in order to meet the target / demand, estimate the amount / level of audible noise generated by the welding power supply 200 and / or its noise generators. In some examples, the target output and / or output demand may also be used to estimate the current noise level as well as the future noise level.

[0073] In some examples, the control circuit 212 may estimate output targets / demands based on geographical location, time, and / or operating schedule (e.g., stored in the memory circuit 216 and / or obtained from a remote device via the communication circuit 218). In some examples, the control circuit 212 may estimate future output targets / demands based on data input by the operator 120.

[0074] For example, operator 120 may input and / or configure one or more power settings from which the control circuit unit 212 can determine the target current and / or voltage output by the welding power conversion circuit unit 226. In some examples, the power settings may include welding process (e.g., flux-cored, MIG stainless, MIG steel, MIG aluminum, TIG, stick, etc.), current, voltage, gas type, gas flow rate, gas pressure, hydraulic fluid type, hydraulic fluid flow rate, hydraulic fluid pressure, compressed air volume, compressed air flow rate, compressed air pressure, electrode diameter, material thickness, and / or other information related to the operation of the welding power supply 200.

[0075] In some examples, the control circuit 212 may determine, from the power supply settings (one or more) in addition to the target current / voltage, the target speed and / or amount at which the energy storage device 224 (and / or external battery auxiliary device 108) should be recharged and / or replenished with electrical energy. The control circuit 212 may estimate the overall power demand of the welding power supply 200 from the target current / voltage and / or recharge information. In some examples, the control circuit 212 may estimate the amount of audible noise generated by the engine 204 (e.g., via the sound map 299 and / or sound algorithm) to meet the output power demand.

[0076] Figure 4c shows an example of a display screen 400 that outputs an estimated future noise level exceeding a specified noise threshold. As illustrated, the specified noise threshold is lower because it is for nighttime (rather than the higher noise threshold for daytime shown in Figures 4a and 4b). The display screen 400 also displays an additional notification indicating that the estimated future noise level (determined, for example, based on the input power settings and / or target output) is likely to exceed the specified noise threshold.

[0077] In the example in Figure 4c, recommendations to change some specific power settings and / or wait until another time are also illustrated. While the example in Figure 4c illustrates simple recommendations, in some examples, recommendations may be more detailed. In some examples, the recommendation(s) may be determined based on estimated noise levels(single or multiple), sound maps(single or multiple), algorithms(single or multiple), identified noise thresholds(single or multiple), and / or other information.

[0078] In some examples, the control circuit 212 may control various components of the welding power supply 200 (e.g., engine 204, generator 222, energy storage device 224, air compressor 208, hydraulic pump 206, etc.) to ensure that the noise generated by the welding power supply 200 is (e.g., wherever possible) below a specified noise threshold and / or (e.g., where it is not possible to be below a noise threshold) as close as possible to the noise threshold. In some examples, this control may be performed continuously. In some examples, this control may be performed in response to the current noise level exceeding the noise threshold. In some examples, the control circuit 212 may disable the entire welding power supply 200 in response to the current noise level exceeding the noise threshold (e.g., by some threshold amount).

[0079] In some examples, the control circuit 212 may reduce the output of a noise-generating device (e.g., engine 204) and / or compensate for the reduced output using the output of another device (e.g., energy storage device 224). For example, if the power generated by the generator 222 is too little to meet the determined power demand by keeping the engine 204 at an output low enough to be below a noise threshold, the control circuit 212 may use the power output by the generator 222 as part of the input power to the welded power conversion circuit 226 (to meet part of the power demand) and use the stored electrical energy of the energy storage device 224 (or auxiliary power from the first welded power source 200a) as the remainder of the input power (to meet the remaining power demand).

[0080] In some examples, the welding power supply 200 uses a switch circuit 230 to control whether the welding power conversion circuit 226 (and / or auxiliary power conversion circuit 228) uses electrical energy from the generator 222, electrical energy from the energy storage device 224, or electrical energy from an external device (e.g., a first welding power supply 200a) as input power at any given moment. In some examples, the welding power supply 200 further uses the switch circuit 230 to control whether power is delivered to the energy storage device 224 for recharging (e.g., via output power from the generator 222).

[0081] In some examples, the switch circuit 230 comprises one or more electrically controllable switching elements configured to open and close a circuit path in response to an electrical signal (for example, received from the control circuit 212). In some examples, one or more of the electrically controllable switching elements are switches. In some examples, one or more of the electrically controllable switching elements are transistors.

[0082] In the example in Figure 2, the control circuit unit is electrically connected to (and / or electrically communicates with) the switch circuit unit 230. In addition, the switch circuit unit 230 is shown positioned between the generator 222 and the energy storage device 224, and at the input of the welded power conversion circuit unit 226 (and auxiliary power conversion circuit unit 228). Although the switch circuit unit 230 (or at least a portion thereof) is shown as a separate circuit unit in the example in Figure 2, in some examples it may be considered as part of the energy storage device 224, the welded power conversion circuit unit 226, and / or the auxiliary power conversion circuit unit 228.

[0083] In the example in Figure 2, the memory circuit section 216 of the control circuit section 212 includes and / or stores a noise management process 300. In some examples, the noise management process 300 includes an analog circuit section (e.g., of the control circuit section 212). In some examples, the noise management process 300 includes machine-readable instructions configured to be executed by the processing circuit section 220.

[0084] Although not shown in the example in Figure 2, in some examples the memory circuit 216 may also include (and / or store) machine-readable instructions including counter and / or clock programs. In some examples the memory circuit 216 may also include (and / or store) one or more determined power settings, target power settings, current power settings, and / or past power settings (e.g., associated with timestamp information). In some examples the noise management process 300 may use and / or update one or more of the stored power settings during operation.

[0085] In some examples, the noise management process 300 is a process of estimating the amount / level of noise currently being emitted (or will be emitted in the future) by the welding power supply 200, engine 204, air compressor 208, hydraulic pump 206, and / or other noise-generating devices. In some examples, one or more noise thresholds are further identified, and / or the operation of the welding power supply 200 is controlled in terms of the noise threshold(s) during the execution of the noise management process 300.

[0086] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an example noise control process 300. While the noise control process 300 may be described below as performing certain specific actions for the sake of understanding, it should be understood that one or more of the aforementioned components of the welding power supply 200 may perform actions on behalf of (and / or in accordance with) the noise control process 300.

[0087] In the example in Figure 3, the noise management process 300 begins in block 302, where the control circuit unit 212 estimates the amount and / or level of audible noise generated by the entire welding power supply 200 and / or individually by one or more specific noise generators of the welding power supply 200 (e.g., engine 204, air compressor 208, hydraulic pump 206, etc.). In some examples, the noise level is estimated based on (e.g., sound) sensor data captured by one or more (e.g., sound) sensors 202, as described above. In some examples, the noise level is estimated based on (e.g., non-sound) sensor data captured by one or more (e.g., non-sound) sensors 202, in conjunction with one or more estimation algorithms and / or sound maps 299, as described above. In some examples where the noise level is estimated based on captured (e.g., sound) sensor data, one or more of the sound maps 299 (and / or algorithms) are updated based on the captured sensor data and estimated noise level, as described above.

[0088] Following block 302, the noise management process 300 proceeds to block 304, in which the control circuit unit 212 outputs a display of the current estimated noise level to the operator 120 via the UI 214, as described above. An example of this is shown in Figures 4a and 4b, as described above.

[0089] Following block 304, in block 306 of the noise management process 300, the control circuit unit 212 identifies the noise threshold as described above. Then, in block 308, the control circuit unit 212 compares the current estimated noise level with the identified noise threshold to determine whether the current noise level exceeds the noise threshold. If the current noise level exceeds the noise threshold, in block 310, the control circuit unit 212 outputs a notification as described above. As described above, an example of a notification that can be output when the current noise level exceeds the noise threshold is shown in Figure 4b.

[0090] In some cases, if the current noise level exceeds the noise threshold, the control circuit 212 in block 311 attempts to reduce the current noise to a level below the noise threshold by reducing the output of one or more noise generators of the welding power supply 200. This possibility is illustrated by a dotted line in the example in Figure 3 because such reduction may adversely affect the ongoing welding operation.

[0091] In some examples, block 311 may be performed only if the output change does not cause the target output(s) and / or setting(s) of the power supply 300 to deviate (otherwise, the output change could adversely affect the ongoing welding operation). In some examples, block 311 may be performed only in response to some input from operator 120 confirming that the output from all or one or more specific devices should be changed (e.g., in response to a query). If block 311 is performed as illustrated, the noise control process 300 may loop back to block 308.

[0092] In the example in Figure 3, if the current noise level does not exceed the noise threshold and / or block 311 is not performed, the noise control process 300 proceeds to block 312. In block 312 of the noise control process 300, the control circuit 212 identifies one or more target outputs / settings of the welding power supply 200 and / or one or more target outputs of one or more devices of the welding power supply 200, as described above. In some examples, one or more of the target outputs are determined based on the settings of the welding power supply 200. In some examples (for example, if block 311 is performed), block 312 may be performed earlier in the noise control process 300 (for example, so that the control circuit 212 can determine in block 311 whether the reduction of one or more outputs causes the target outputs to deviate).

[0093] After block 312, the noise management process 300 proceeds to block 314, in which the control circuit unit 212 estimates the amount / level of noise that the welding power supply 200 and / or one or more noise-generating devices of the welding power supply 200 (e.g., engine 204, air compressor 208, hydraulic pump 206, etc.) will generate in the future (e.g., based on a target output (single or multiple)). After block 314, the noise management process 300 proceeds to block 316, in which the control circuit unit 212 outputs a display of the estimated future noise level to the operator 120 via the UI 214, as described above. As described above, an example of the output in block 316 is shown, for example, in Figure 4c.

[0094] After block 316, the noise management process 300 proceeds to block 318, in which the control circuit unit 212 compares the estimated future noise level with a specified noise threshold to determine whether the future noise level will exceed the noise threshold. If the future noise level exceeds the noise threshold, in block 320, the control circuit unit 212 outputs a notification as described above. If the future noise level exceeds the noise threshold, the control circuit unit 212 additionally (in block 322) determines and / or recommends (e.g., via UI 214) one or more changes that may help keep the future noise level below the noise threshold. An example of a notification and / or recommendation that may be output when the future noise level exceeds the noise threshold, as described above, is shown in Figure 4c.

[0095] In some examples, one or more of the recommendations provided in block 322 are automatically implemented in block 322 (e.g., by the control circuit unit 212). In some examples, one or more recommendations are automatically implemented only in response to some input (e.g., confirmation) from operator 120 (e.g., entered via UI 214 in response to a query). In examples where one or more of the recommendations provided in block 322 are automatically implemented, the noise management process 300 returns to block 316 (e.g., as indicated by the dotted arrow).

[0096] If in block 318 it is estimated that future noise levels will be below (or may be below) the noise threshold, and / or if one or more of the recommendations in block 322 are not automatically implemented, the noise management process 300 proceeds to block 324. In block 324, the control circuit 212 controls and / or manages the output(s) of the noise generators of the welding power supply 200 so that the amount / level of noise generated is below the noise threshold. Although the noise management process 300 is illustrated as ending after block 324, in some examples it returns to block 302 instead.

[0097] In some examples, the noise control process 300 enables the disclosed welding power supply 200 (and / or welding system 100) to estimate the amount / level of audible noise currently being generated (and / or will be generated) by one or more of its noise-generating devices (e.g., engine 204, air compressor 208, hydraulic pump 206, etc.). In some examples, during the noise control process 300, one or more noise thresholds are further identified, and / or the operation of the welding power supply 200 is controlled in terms of noise thresholds (one or more). This may be useful for the operator 120, for example, if the welding power supply 200 is operating in a noise-sensitive area (e.g., near a hospital, school, etc.), and / or if there are labor standards or local regulations prohibiting noise levels exceeding a given limit.

[0098] The method and / or system can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The method and / or system can be implemented centrally in at least one computing system, or in a distributed manner in which different elements are distributed across several interconnected computing or cloud systems. Any type of computing system or other device adapted to perform the method described herein is suitable. A typical combination of hardware and software may be a general-purpose computing system with a program or other code that, once loaded and executed, controls the computing system to perform the method described herein. Another typical embodiment may include an application-specific integrated circuit or chip. Some embodiments may include a non-temporary machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) medium (e.g., flash drive, optical disk, magnetic storage disk, etc.) which stores one or more lines of machine-executable code, thereby causing a machine to perform a process such as that described herein.

[0099] While the Method and / or System has been described with reference to several specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of the Method and / or System. In addition, many modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the Disclosure to adapt the teachings of the Disclosure to specific circumstances or materials. Thus, the Method and / or System is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but is intended to include all embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0100] In the context of this application, "and / or" means any one or more items in the list linked by "and / or". For example, "x and / or y" means any element of the set of three elements {(x), (y), (x,y)}. In other words, "x and / or y" means "one or both of x and y". As another example, "x, y and / or z" means any element of the set of seven elements {(x), (y), (z), (x,y), (x,z), (y,z), (x,y,z)}. In other words, "x, y and / or z" means "one or more of x, y and z".

[0101] As used in this application, the term “for example” commences a list of one or more non-limiting examples, cases, or illustrations.

[0102] As used in this application, the terms "coupled," "coupled to," and "coupled with" mean structural and / or electrical connections, whether mounting, attachment, connection, joining, fastening, linking, and / or other fastening. As used in this application, the term "attach" means to attach, connect, join, fasten, link, and / or other fasten. As used in this application, the term "connect" means to attach, connect, join, fasten, link, and / or other fasten.

[0103] As used in this Application, the terms “circuit” and “circuit section” refer to physical electronic components (i.e., hardware) and any software and / or firmware ("code") that can constitute the hardware, that the hardware can execute, and / or that can otherwise be associated with the hardware. As used in this Application, for example, a particular processor and memory may include a first “circuit” when executing one or more first lines of code, and a second “circuit” when executing one or more second lines of code. As used in this Application, whenever a circuit section includes hardware and / or code (if either is required) necessary to perform a certain function, the circuit section is “operable” and / or “configured” to perform that function, regardless of whether the performance of that function is disabled or enabled (e.g., by user-configurable settings, factory trim, etc.).

[0104] When used in this application, the control circuit may include digital and / or analog circuitry, discrete and / or integrated circuits, a microprocessor, a DSP, software, hardware and / or firmware, located on one or more boards used to constitute part or all of the controller and / or to control equipment such as a welding process and / or a power supply or wire feeder.

[0105] As used in this application, the term “processor” means a processing unit, device, program, circuit, component, system, and subsystem, whether implemented in hardware, in tangibly embodied software, or both, and whether programmable or not. As used in this application, the term “processor” includes, but is not limited to, one or more computing devices, wired circuits, devices and systems for modifying signals, devices and machines for controlling systems, central processing units, programmable devices and systems, field-programmable gate arrays, application-specific integrated circuits, systems on a chip, systems comprising individual elements and / or circuits, state machines, virtual machines, data processors, processing equipment, and any combination thereof. A processor may be, for example, any type of general-purpose microprocessor or general-purpose microcontroller, a digital signal processing (DSP) processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a reduced instruction set computer (RISC) processor with an advanced RISC machine (ARM) core, etc. A processor may be coupled to and / or integrated into a memory device.

[0106] As used in this application, the terms “memory” and / or “memory device” mean computer hardware or circuitry that stores information for use by a processor and / or other digital device. Memory and / or memory device may be any suitable type of computer memory or any other type of electronic storage medium, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), cache memory, compact disk read-only memory (CDROM), electro-optical memory, magneto-optical memory, programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), computer-readable media, etc. Examples of memory include non-temporary memory, non-temporary processor-readable media, non-temporary computer-readable media, non-volatile memory, dynamic RAM (DRAM), volatile memory, ferroelectric RAM (FRAM®), first-in, first-out (FIFO) memory, last-in, first-out (LIFO) memory, stack memory, non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), static RAM (SRAM), cache, buffer, semiconductor memory, magnetic memory, optical memory, flash memory, flash card, CompactFlash® card, memory card, secure digital memory card, microcard, minicard, expansion card, smart card, memory stick, multimedia card, picture card, flash storage, subscriber identification module (SIM) card, hard drive (HDD), solid state drive (SSD), etc. Memory can be configured to store code, instructions, applications, software, firmware and / or data, and can be external, internal, or both to the processor.

[0107] The term “power” is used throughout this specification for convenience, but also includes related measures such as energy, current, voltage, and enthalpy. For example, controlling “power” may include controlling voltage, current, energy, and / or enthalpy, and / or controlling based on “power” may include controlling based on voltage, current, energy, and / or enthalpy.

[0108] In the context of this application, "welding type" refers to welding (including laser welding and / or hot wire welding), cladding (including laser cladding), brazing, plasma cutting, induction heating, carbon arc cutting or gouging, hot wire preheating, and / or resistance preheating.

[0109] In the context of this application, a welding-type tool means a tool suitable for and / or capable of welding (including laser welding and / or hot wire welding), cladding (including laser cladding), brazing, plasma cutting, induction heating, carbon arc cutting or gouging, hot wire preheating, and / or resistance preheating.

[0110] In the context of this application, welding power refers to power suitable for welding (including laser welding and / or hot wire welding), cladding (including laser cladding), brazing, plasma cutting, induction heating, carbon arc cutting or gouging, hot wire preheating, and / or resistance preheating.

[0111] In the context of this application, a welding-type power supply and / or welding-type power source refers to a device that, when input power is applied to the welding-type power supply, can supply output power suitable for welding (including laser welding and / or hot wire welding), cladding (including laser cladding), brazing, plasma cutting, induction heating, carbon arc cutting or gouging, hot wire preheating, and / or resistance preheating, and includes, but is not limited to, transformers, rectifiers, inverters, converters, resonant power supplies, pseudo-resonant power supplies, switch-mode power supplies, etc., as well as related control circuits and other auxiliary circuits.

[0112] In the context of this application, "deactivate" may mean to stop, disable, and / or render inoperable. In the context of this application, "activate" may mean to start and / or make operational.

[0113] Disabling of circuitry, actuators, and / or other hardware may be performed via hardware, software (including firmware), or a combination of hardware and software, and may include software control that restricts the execution of commands to physically disconnect, unpower, and / or activate the circuitry, actuators, and / or other hardware. Similarly, enabling of circuitry, actuators, and / or other hardware may be performed via hardware, software (including firmware), or a combination of hardware and software, using the same mechanisms used for disabling.

[0114] In the context of this application, "deactivate" may mean to stop, disable, and / or render inoperable. In the context of this application, "activate" may mean to start and / or make operational.

[0115] Disabling of circuitry, actuators, and / or other hardware may be performed via hardware, software (including firmware), or a combination of hardware and software, and may include software control that restricts the execution of commands to physically disconnect, unpower, and / or activate the circuitry, actuators, and / or other hardware. Similarly, enabling of circuitry, actuators, and / or other hardware may be performed via hardware, software (including firmware), or a combination of hardware and software, using the same mechanisms used for disabling.

Claims

1. It is a welding-type power supply, A power conversion circuit section configured to convert input power into welding output power suitable for use by welding tools during welding operation, Noise generator and A control circuit unit configured to estimate the noise level of the welding power supply or the noise generating device, A user interface configured to output the noise level display, A welding-type power supply equipped with the following features.

2. The welding-type power supply according to claim 1, wherein the noise generating device includes an engine generator, a hydraulic pump, or an air compressor.

3. The control circuit unit is configured to estimate the noise level based on sound sensor data captured by the sound sensor, and the sound sensor data relates to the audible noise of the welding power supply or the noise generating device, as described in claim 1.

4. The welding-type power supply according to claim 1, wherein the noise generating device is configured to generate an output, and the control circuit is configured to estimate the noise level based on the amount of the output of the noise generating device.

5. The welding-type power supply according to claim 4, further comprising a memory circuit section for storing one or more associations between multiple output amounts and one or more different noise levels, wherein the control circuit section is configured to estimate the noise level based on the one or more associations and the output amount of the noise generator.

6. The aforementioned control circuit unit is Identifying the noise threshold, To determine whether the noise level exceeds the noise threshold, In response to the determination that the noise level exceeds the noise threshold, The user interface outputs a notification. Control the noise generator to reduce the output of the noise generator, or To disable the aforementioned welding power supply, That thing, A welding power supply according to claim 1, further configured to perform the following:

7. The aforementioned control circuit unit is Identifying the noise threshold, Identifying output demand, To estimate the future noise level generated by the welding-type power supply based on the output demand, To determine whether the aforementioned future noise level exceeds the aforementioned noise threshold, In response to determining that the future engine noise level exceeds the noise threshold, the system outputs a notification via the user interface or recommends a different power setting. A welding power supply according to claim 1, further configured to perform the following:

8. It is a welding-type power supply, A power conversion circuit section configured to convert input power into welding output power suitable for use by welding tools during welding operation, A noise generator configured to produce an output, including an engine generator, a hydraulic pump, or an air compressor, A control circuit unit configured to estimate the noise level of the welding power supply or the noise generator based on sound sensor data captured by a sound sensor, or the amount of output of the noise generator, A user interface configured to output the noise level display, A welding-type power supply equipped with the following features.

9. The welding-type power supply according to claim 8, wherein the output includes mechanical engine power, generator power, hydraulic fluid flow, or compressed air.

10. The welding power supply according to claim 8, further comprising a memory circuit section for storing one or more associations between multiple output quantities and one or more different noise levels, wherein the control circuit section is configured to estimate the noise level based on the one or more associations and the output quantity of the noise generator.

11. The aforementioned control circuit unit is Identifying the noise threshold, To determine whether the noise level exceeds the noise threshold, In response to the determination that the noise level exceeds the noise threshold, The user interface outputs a notification. Control the noise generator to reduce the output, or To disable the aforementioned welding power supply, That thing, A welding power supply according to claim 8, further configured to perform the following:

12. The aforementioned control circuit unit is Identifying the noise threshold, Identifying output demand based on power supply settings, Based on the aforementioned output demand, estimate the future noise level generated by the welding-type power supply, To determine whether the aforementioned future noise level exceeds the aforementioned noise threshold, In response to determining that the aforementioned future noise level exceeds the aforementioned noise threshold, the system outputs a notification via the user interface or recommends a different power setting, A welding power supply according to claim 8, further configured to perform the following:

13. The noise generating device includes the engine generator, and the output includes mechanical engine power or generator power. The engine generator comprises an engine configured to output the mechanical engine power and a generator configured to generate the generator power from the mechanical engine power. The user interface is further configured to receive noise settings, The aforementioned control circuit unit is The noise threshold is determined based on the aforementioned noise setting, Estimating the power threshold based on the aforementioned noise threshold, Controlling the engine such that the mechanical engine power output by the engine remains below the power threshold, or the generator power generated by the generator remains below the power threshold, Using at least a portion of the generator power generated by the generator, the electrical energy stored in the internal energy storage device of the welding power supply, or in an external storage device electrically connected to the welding power supply, A welding power supply according to claim 8, further configured to perform the following:

14. The noise generating device includes the engine generator, and the output includes mechanical engine power or generator power. The engine generator comprises an engine configured to output the mechanical engine power and a generator configured to generate the generator power from the mechanical engine power. The welding-type power supply further comprises an energy storage device configured to store electrical energy, The aforementioned control circuit unit is Identifying the noise threshold, Estimating the power threshold based on the aforementioned noise threshold, Controlling the engine such that the mechanical engine power output by the engine remains below the power threshold, or the generator power generated by the generator remains below the power threshold, Identifying power demand, To satisfy a portion of the aforementioned power demand, the power conversion circuit is controlled to use the generator power generated by the generator as a first portion of the input power, To meet the remaining portion of the power demand, the power conversion circuit is controlled to use the electrical energy stored by the energy storage device as a second portion of the input power. A welding power supply according to claim 8, further configured to perform the following:

15. It is a welding-type power supply, An engine configured to output mechanical power, A generator configured to generate electricity from the mechanical power output by the engine, A power conversion circuit unit configured to convert input power into welding die output power suitable for use by a welding die tool during welding die operation, wherein the power generated by the generator is used as the input power, A control circuit unit configured to estimate the noise level of the welding power supply or the noise generator based on sound sensor data captured by a sound sensor, a first amount of mechanical power output by the engine, or a second amount of power generated by the generator, A user interface configured to output the noise level display, A welding-type power supply equipped with the following features.

16. The welding power supply according to claim 15, further comprising a hydraulic pump or an air compressor, wherein the control circuit is configured to estimate the noise level based on (i) a first amount of the mechanical power output by the engine or a second amount of the power generated by the generator, and (ii) a third amount of hydraulic fluid output by the hydraulic pump or a fourth amount of compressed air output by the air compressor.

17. The welding power supply according to claim 15, further comprising a memory circuit section for storing one or more associations between multiple output quantities and one or more different noise levels, wherein the control circuit section is configured to estimate the noise level based on (i) the one or more associations and (ii) the first amount of mechanical power output by the engine or the second amount of power generated by the generator.

18. The aforementioned control circuit unit is Identifying the noise threshold, To determine whether the noise level exceeds the noise threshold, In response to the determination that the noise level exceeds the noise threshold, The user interface outputs a notification. Control the engine to reduce the mechanical power output by the engine, or To disable the aforementioned welding power supply, That thing, A welding power supply according to claim 15, further configured to perform the following:

19. The aforementioned control circuit unit is Identifying the noise threshold, Identifying power demand based on power settings, To estimate the future noise level generated by the welding-type power supply based on the aforementioned power demand, To determine whether the aforementioned future noise level exceeds the aforementioned noise threshold, In response to determining that the future noise level exceeds the noise threshold, the system outputs a notification via the user interface or recommends a different power setting. A welding power supply according to claim 15, further configured to perform the following:

20. The system further comprises an energy storage device configured to store electrical energy, and the control circuit section is: Identifying the noise threshold, Estimating the power threshold based on the aforementioned noise threshold, Controlling the engine such that the mechanical power output by the engine remains below the power threshold, or the electricity generated by the generator remains below the power threshold, Identifying power demand, To satisfy a portion of the aforementioned power demand, the power conversion circuit is controlled to use the power generated by the generator as a first portion of the input power, To meet the remaining portion of the power demand, the power conversion circuit is controlled to use the electrical energy stored by the energy storage device as a second portion of the input power. A welding power supply according to claim 15, further configured to perform the following:

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