JP2012007508A - Engine-driven generator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an engine-driven generator reliably fulfilling an engine automatic stop function even if a charging apparatus and a plurality of electric apparatuses are connected.SOLUTION: This engine-driven generator 1 includes: an engine 10; a power generation body 20; an output terminal 42 connecting an external load 2; a current detection section 33 detecting the current value of a current flowing along an output line 41; and a control section 31 performing automatic stop control stopping the engine 10 based on the detected current value. The automatic stop control includes a charging completion determination process detecting that the charging of the external load 2 is completed. In the charging completion determination process, the control section 31 determines that the charging of the external load 2 is completed when a first condition that the detected current value is smaller than a first set current value I1 and the time variation of the detected current value is within a predetermined allowance a continues for a first predetermined period T1, and stops the engine 10 based on determination of charging completion.

Description

  The present invention relates to an engine-driven generator, and more particularly to an engine-driven generator having an automatic stop device.

  The engine-driven generator generates power with a power generator by driving the power generator with an engine, and supplies the generated power to an electric device (electric load) or a welding load. The engine-driven generator is used as a power source particularly when electric devices such as an electric tool, a submersible pump, a lighting fixture, and a blower are used in a construction site or a place where there is no commercial power supply facility.

  The worker can use the electric device by connecting the input terminal (plug) of the electric device to the output terminal (plug receptacle, socket) of the engine drive generator. Conventionally, in such an engine-driven generator, when an electric device is not used, it is known that the engine is automatically stopped or slowed down in order to suppress useless fuel consumption (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  In the engine-driven generator described in Patent Document 1, an output terminal is provided from the power generator through an output line, and an electric device is connected to the output terminal. When the electric device is not used, the current flowing through the output line becomes almost zero. Therefore, the engine-driven generator can determine the use of the electric device by detecting the current flowing through the output line. Specifically, the engine-driven generator disclosed in Patent Document 1 automatically stops the engine assuming that the electrical device is not used when a state where the detected current value is smaller than the set current value continues for a predetermined time. Thereby, in this engine drive generator, since the engine is automatically stopped when the electric device is not used, it is possible to suppress wasteful fuel consumption and reduce CO2.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 05-296078 JP 2009-018343 A

  On the other hand, among electrical devices, there is a charging device including a charger, a rechargeable battery, and an electrical load. The charging device can supply the operating power to the electric load by the charging battery or the external power source, and the charger can charge the charging battery by flowing the charging current to the charging battery using the power from the external power source. ing.

  When such a charging device is connected to the engine-driven generator, the charging device is not in use (no power is supplied to the electric load) and the charging battery is fully charged (the charger is driven by the engine). Even when the charging of the rechargeable battery is completed by the power from the generator, a weak current smaller than the charging current related to the charging operation flows through the charging device via the output line.

  In other words, the charger is provided with a lamp for notifying the charging state (a lamp for notifying that the power supply is being connected, a lamp for notifying that the battery is being charged, a lamp notifying that the charging is complete, etc.) related to the charging operation. Even after the charging is completed, for example, a weak current flows in order to turn on a lamp that notifies the completion of the charging. Moreover, the magnitude (current value) of such a weak current varies depending on the charging device.

  Since such a weak current continues to flow, the detected current value does not become substantially zero. Therefore, it is difficult to detect the completion of charging on the engine-driven generator side, that is, to determine whether charging is complete. It was. Furthermore, depending on the magnitude of the weak current, it is determined that the weak current is the operating current supplied to the electrical load of the charging equipment or the charging current supplied to the charging battery, so that the charging equipment is in use. There was a risk of misjudgment.

  Therefore, when a charging device is connected to an engine-driven generator with an automatic stop function as in Patent Document 1, the weak current is used even though the charging device is not used and charging is completed. May exceed the set current value, and if it exceeds, it is erroneously determined that the operating current or the charging current is flowing, and there is a problem that the engine automatic stop function is not executed.

  Further, even in an electric device that is not a charging device, a weak current may flow due to a lamp or the like that informs the connection to the output terminal. Therefore, even in an electrical device that is not a charging device, if this electrical device is of a type in which a weak current flows when not in use, it is erroneously determined to be in use due to this weak current even when not in use, There was a problem that the automatic engine stop function might not be executed.

  Furthermore, when a plurality of electric devices and charging devices are connected to the engine-driven generator via cable taps, the total current of weak currents flowing through the respective electric devices flows through the output line. Therefore, even if each weak current is almost zero, if the total current of the weak currents exceeds the set current value, it may be erroneously determined that an electric device or a charging device is being used. .

  As described above, conventionally, in an engine-driven generator with an automatic stop function, when a charging device or a plurality of electric devices are connected, the automatic engine stop function cannot be properly functioned, and wasteful fuel consumption is reduced. There was a problem that it could not be suppressed.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and even when a charging device or a plurality of electric devices are connected, an automatic engine stop function is provided regardless of the type or number of devices. It aims at providing the engine drive generator which can be made to function reliably.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes an engine, a power generator driven by the engine to generate electric power, an output terminal to which an external load can be connected to supply power to the external load from the power generator, A current detection unit that detects a current value of a current flowing through an output line connecting the output terminal and the power generator, and automatic stop control that stops the engine based on the detected current value detected by the current detection circuit And an automatic stop control including a charge completion determination process for detecting that charging of an external load connected to the output terminal is completed, and the control unit completes charging. In the determination process, when the first state in which the detected current value is smaller than the first set current value and the temporal fluctuation amount of the detected current value is within the predetermined allowable amount continues for the first predetermined period, the charging of the external load is completed. And the determined and is characterized by stopping the engine on the basis of this charging completion determination.

  According to the present invention configured as described above, the detected current value is smaller than the first set current value set to be smaller than the operating current of the normal electric device, and the temporal variation amount of the detected current value is a predetermined allowable value. When the first state that is stable within the capacity is reached, when this state continues for the first predetermined period, it can be determined that charging of the charging device that is the external load is completed. When charging of the connected charging device is completed, there is no adverse effect on the external load (charging device) even if power supply is stopped. Therefore, the engine can be stopped by detecting the completion of charging. .

  Further, even when the external load is not a charging device and is a type of external load in which a weak current continues to flow through the external load when not in use, the weak current matches the first state, and this state is the first state. When it continues for a predetermined period, it is determined that charging is completed, and the engine can be stopped.

  Thus, in the present invention, when a charging device is connected as an external load, when an external load that is not a charging device is connected, or when a plurality of external loads are connected, engine stop processing is appropriately performed. be able to.

  Preferably, in the present invention, the automatic stop control includes a non-use determination process for detecting that the external load connected to the output terminal is in a non-use state, and the control unit performs the first operation in the non-use determination process. When the second state in which the detected current value is smaller than the second set current value set to a value smaller than the set current value continues for the second predetermined period, it is determined that the external load is not in use. The engine is stopped based on the usage determination.

  According to the present invention configured as described above, when the connected external load is not of a type in which a weak current flows when not in use, the detected current value becomes substantially zero when not in use and the second set current is set. Since the second state is lower than the value, it can be determined that the external load is not used when the second state continues for the second predetermined period. If the external load is not used, there is no adverse effect on the external load even if the power supply is stopped. Therefore, the engine can be stopped by detecting the completion of charging.

In the present invention, preferably, the control unit executes the non-use determination process with priority over the charge completion determination process.
According to the present invention configured as described above, the first state is detected by detecting the second state at an early stage only by the magnitude of the detected current value regardless of the magnitude of the temporal fluctuation of the detected current value. Since it can be determined that the external load is not in use without waiting for the engine, the engine can be stopped earlier.

  Preferably, in the present invention, the automatic stop function has an on position for instructing execution of automatic stop control and an off position for instructing non-execution of automatic stop control, and can select either the on position or the off position. The switch further includes a selection switch, and the control unit monitors whether the on / off position of the automatic stop function selection switch is selected, and the automatic stop function selection switch is moved from the off position during engine operation. It is configured to enable execution of automatic stop control on condition that the switch is turned to the ON position.

Assuming that automatic stop control is performed only when the automatic stop function selection switch is in the on position, if the operator starts the engine with the switch forgotten to switch to the off position, the engine An undesired engine stop occurs during operation.
However, according to the present invention configured as described above, the automatic stop control is not validated unless the switch is intentionally switched from the off position to the on position during operation of the engine. Thereby, in this invention, it can prevent that an undesired engine stop arises.

Specifically, the automatic stop function selection switch is a stationary switch having an on position and an off position.
According to the present invention configured as described above, since the automatic stop function selection switch is a stationary switch, when the engine is stopped by the automatic stop control, the switch is not changed unless the switch position is switched to the OFF position. The engine will be started next time while is kept in the on position. Even in such a case, according to the present invention, unless the switch is once returned to the off position and then switched to the on position, the automatic stop control is not effective. Can be prevented.

  Preferably, in the present invention, an engine, a power generator that is driven by the engine and generates power, an output terminal to which an external load can be connected to supply power to the external load from the power generator, and a predetermined stop condition of the engine An engine-driven generator having an automatic stop control that automatically stops based on the on position for instructing the execution of the automatic stop control and the off position for instructing the non-execution of the automatic stop control. And an automatic stop function selection switch that can select either the on position or the off position, and the control unit determines whether the on position or the off position of the automatic stop function selection switch is selected. Enables automatic stop control execution on condition that the automatic stop function selection switch is switched from the OFF position to the ON position while the engine is running. It is characterized by being configured to so that.

  According to the present invention configured as described above, it is possible to select whether or not the automatic stop control is executed by the automatic stop function selection switch. However, the automatic stop function selection switch is switched from the OFF position to the ON position during engine operation. Unless it is intentionally switched to, automatic stop control is not activated. Thus, in the present invention, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of an undesired engine stop that would occur when the engine is started in a state where the switch is forgotten to be returned to the off position.

  Preferably, in the present invention, an engine, a power generator that is driven by the engine and generates power, an output terminal to which an external load can be connected to supply power to the external load from the power generator, and a predetermined stop condition of the engine An engine-driven generator including an automatic stop function selection switch for enabling execution of the automatic stop control. The function selection switch has an on position and an off position, and is normally urged to the off position, and the control unit invalidates the execution of the automatic stop control when the engine is stopped or started, and during operation of the engine. When the automatic stop function selection switch is switched from the OFF position to the ON position, the automatic stop control is configured to switch between enabling and disabling. It is characterized by a door.

  According to the present invention configured as described above, the execution of the automatic stop control can be switched between validation and invalidation by operating the automatic stop function selection switch from the off position to the on position. Further, at least when the engine is started, the automatic stop control is disabled. Thus, when the operator manually stops the engine, or when the engine is automatically stopped by the automatic stop control, the operator does not need to invalidate the automatic stop control by operating the automatic stop function selection switch. Since the engine is invalidated at the time of starting, an undesired engine stop can be avoided.

  According to the engine-driven generator of the present invention, the automatic stop function can be reliably functioned even when a charging device or a plurality of electric devices are connected.

It is an electrical block diagram of the engine drive generator by embodiment of this invention. It is a graph which shows the time change of the detection current value according to the electric load by the embodiment of the present invention. It is an electrical block diagram of the charging device by embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the engine automatic stop control by embodiment of this invention. It is a graph which shows the time change of the detection current value of the electric load by the embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is an electric block diagram of an engine-driven generator, FIG. 2 is a graph showing a time change of a detected current value according to an electric load, FIG. 3 is an electric block diagram of a charging device, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart of engine automatic stop control. FIG. 5 is a graph showing the change over time of the detected current value of the electric load.

An engine-driven generator 1 according to this embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes an engine 10, a power generator 20, and a control device 30 that controls them.
The engine 10 operates by combustion of the supplied fuel, and transmits driving force to the power generator 20 via the output shaft.
The power generator 20 includes a rotor driven by the output shaft of the engine 10 and a stator (both not shown). The power generator 20 generates power by rotating the rotor in the stator, and controls the generated power to the control device 30. To the electric load (external load) 2 via

The control device 30 includes a control unit 31, an output adjustment means (inverter circuit) 32, a current detection circuit 33, a notification control circuit 34, and an engine stop device 35.
The control unit 31 is configured by a microcomputer, and controls the rotational speed of the engine 10 and the excitation current of the power generator 20 so that a desired output power can be obtained. In addition, a predetermined stop condition is set as described below. The engine is configured to perform automatic engine stop control (automatic stop control associated with detection of completion of charging, forced automatic stop control using a timer) or the like based on automatic stop of the engine.

The output adjusting means 32 converts the AC output of the power generator 20 into a DC output once, and converts the DC output converted by the rectifier into an AC output having a predetermined frequency and outputs the AC output to the electric load 2. An inverter circuit is provided. The output power of the output adjustment unit 32 is supplied to the output terminal 42 via the output line 41.
The electrical load 2 is operable by receiving power supply by connecting the input terminal 2a to the output terminal 42.

The current detection circuit 33 is a circuit for detecting the current value of the current flowing through the output line 41, and outputs the detected current value to the control unit 31.
The notification control circuit 34 is configured to operate the notification means 45 disposed in the operation unit (not shown) of the engine-driven generator 1 based on a control signal from the control unit 31.

  The engine stop device 35 is for stopping the engine 10 based on a control signal from the control unit 31. The engine stop device 35 may be a functional part that has been conventionally mounted on an engine-driven generator, such as an automatic stop due to a decrease in oil level, or may be a newly added functional part. Good.

The operation unit of the engine-driven generator 1 is provided with a timer time setting unit 43, a control method selection unit 44, a notification unit 45, and an automatic stop function selection switch 46.
The timer time setting means 43 is for the operator to set the engine operating time until the engine 10 is automatically stopped. For example, when the charging time of the charging device connected to the engine-driven generator 1 is known in advance, a known charging time can be set as the timer setting time. When the time set by the operator using the timer time setting means 43 has elapsed, the control unit 31 sends a control signal for stopping the engine to the engine stop device 35. Thereby, the engine stop device 35 executes stop control of the engine 10. After the timer is set, the worker can work in another place while charging the charging device, and the work is made more efficient, and the engine 10 is automatically stopped after the charging is completed. Consumption can be suppressed.

  The control method selection means 44 is for selecting a desired control method from a plurality of engine automatic stop control methods. In the present embodiment, the engine automatic stop control method includes an automatic stop control method that accompanies detection of charging completion, and a forced automatic stop control method that uses a timer. The control method selection unit 44 may be a dedicated switch provided in the operation unit, or may select a control method using a liquid crystal operation surface provided in the operation unit.

  The notification means 45 is for notifying an operator that the engine automatic stop control is valid (or in an execution state or a use state), and is a notification lamp in this embodiment. The operator can visually recognize that the engine automatic stop control is in an effective state, that is, that the engine automatic stop control is in an execution state, because the lamp that is the notification unit 45 is turned on. Note that the notification means 45 may be constituted by, for example, a liquid crystal display device or a buzzer other than the lamp.

The automatic stop function selection switch 46 is for the operator to select whether to enable the engine automatic stop control and cause the control unit 31 to execute the control in order to automatically stop the engine 10. The automatic stop function selection switch 46 is, for example, a switch having an on position that instructs execution (validation) of engine automatic stop control and an off position that instructs non-execution (invalidation) of engine automatic stop control. Can be configured.
The operator can automatically stop the engine 10 when a predetermined stop condition is satisfied by setting the automatic stop function selection switch 46 to the on position, and can continue the engine 10 by setting it to the off position. Can be driven.

  More specifically, the automatic stop function selection switch 46 can be constituted by a stationary switch having at least an on position and an off position. The stationery switch may be a toggle type or lever type switch, or may be a push button type switch that is pressed. In this case, the operator can execute the engine automatic stop function by switching the switch from the off position to the on position.

  The stationery switch is held in the on position unless the operator returns the switch to the off position, and conversely, the stationery switch is held in the off position unless switched to the on position. Therefore, when such a stationery switch is simply provided, the operator keeps the switch in the ON position when the engine is in the operating state again after the engine is automatically stopped after the switch is turned on. However, there is a risk that the engine will suddenly stop automatically without requiring automatic stop. This is undesirable because it causes an undesired stop of the connected electrical load.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the engine automatic stop control is validated on the condition that the operator switches the automatic stop function selection switch 46, which is a stationary switch, from the OFF position to the ON position while the engine 10 is operating. It is comprised so that. That is, the control unit 31 monitors the switch position of the automatic stop function selection switch 46, and starts the execution of the engine automatic stop control when the switch position is switched from the off position to the on position during the operation of the engine 10. Is configured to do.

Next, with reference to FIG. 2, automatic stop control (hereinafter also referred to as “charging completion detection mode”) accompanying charging completion detection of the engine-driven generator 1 of the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the charge completion detection mode includes automatic stop control based on the charge completion determination process and automatic stop control based on the non-use determination process.
FIG. 2 shows the change over time of the detected current value detected by the current detection circuit 33 in a state where the electrical device is connected.

First, an outline of the non-use determination process will be described. This process is almost the same as a conventionally performed process.
A line L <b> 1 in FIG. 2 indicates a change in the detected current value when an electric tool such as a grinder or a drill is connected to the output terminal 42 as the electric load 2. During use of the power tool, a large current exceeding the predetermined second set current value I2 flows through the output line 41. The second set current value I2 is set to a value smaller than the minimum current value required for normal electric equipment to operate normally, and is a value close to zero.

While the power tool is in use, the current flowing through the output line 41 increases, but when the power tool is not in use, the current drops to almost zero. At this time, the detected current value becomes smaller than the second set current value I2, and this state (second state) continues.
In the non-use determination process of the electrical device based on the detected current value, the control unit 31 as the non-use determination unit has a detected current value smaller than the second set current value I2, and this second state is a predetermined second When it continues only for the predetermined period T2, it determines with the electric load 2 not being used. Based on this determination, the control unit 31 outputs a control signal for stopping the engine, and stops the engine 10.

Next, an outline of the charging completion determination process will be described.
A line L <b> 2 in FIG. 2 indicates a change in the detected current value when the charging device 2 </ b> A is connected as the electric load 2. While the charging device 2A is in use, the detected current value is a large value that greatly exceeds the second set current value I2, as in the example of the electric power tool.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the charging device 2 </ b> A includes a charger 2 b and a rechargeable battery 2 c in addition to the electric load 2 and the input terminal 2 a. Input power from the input terminal 2a is supplied to the electric load 2 through the charger 2b and the rechargeable battery 2c.

  On the other hand, if the charging operation of the rechargeable battery 2c is continuously performed when the charging device 2A is changed from the use state to the non-use state, the detected current value does not decrease to almost zero. During the charging period, a current corresponding to the charging current is supplied from the engine drive generator 1 to the charging device 2A, and the charging operation of the charging battery 2c is performed by the charger 2b supplying the charging current to the charging battery 2c. Is called. Although the charging current value is smaller than the operating current value during use of the charging device 2A, but larger than the second set current value I2, it is not determined that it is not used in the non-use determination process.

  At the end of the charging period, the charging current value (detected current value) is smaller than a predetermined first set current value I1 set to a value larger than the second set current value I2, but the second set current value It is larger than I2 and is not stable in time and becomes a fluctuation state.

Further, when charging is completed, a weak current flows to turn on a lamp or the like (not shown) indicating the charging state provided in the charger 2b, so that the detected current value is a weak magnitude that hardly fluctuates with time. It becomes.
The first set current value I1 is a value smaller than the minimum current value required for normal electric equipment to operate normally, and a value larger than the weak current flowing after charging. Is set to

  Thus, since the charging current during the charging period and the weak current after completion of charging flow through the output line 41, the detected current value may not be smaller than the second set current value I2. Therefore, when only one set current value (corresponding to the second set current value I2) is set as in the prior art and only the electric load non-use determination process is performed based on this set current value, the charging Completion determination cannot be performed, and it is erroneously determined that the electric load is not in use due to the charging current and the weak current after completion of charging.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the control part 31 as a charge completion determination means is comprised so that the charge completion of a charging device may be determined. Specifically, the control unit 31 is in a state in which the detected current value is smaller than the first set current value I1 and the detected current value is stable at a predetermined current value fluctuation allowable amount a or less in time (first 1 state) continues for the first predetermined period T1, it is determined that charging is complete. Based on this determination, the control unit 31 outputs a control signal for stopping the engine, and stops the engine 10.
In the present embodiment, the first predetermined period T1 and the second predetermined period T2 are set to the same time length. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and one may be set longer than the other.

  In the charging completion determination process, the control unit 31 samples the detected current value every sampling time and stores it in the memory, and erases the oldest detected current value from the memory every time sampling is performed, so that a constant number of detected currents are always obtained Holds the value. When the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the stored detection current value is equal to or less than the current value fluctuation allowable amount a width, the control unit 31 determines that the detection current value is stable over time and the fluctuation amount is small. judge.

  It should be noted that the amount of variation in the detected current value is small, such as the fact that the stored detected current values are all constant values, and that the difference between the detected current values before and after the time is less than or equal to a predetermined current value difference. It is good also as conditions which judge that it is stable.

A line L3 in FIG. 2 indicates a change in the detected current value in a state where a plurality of charging devices 2A are connected via the cable tap as the electric load 2.
When a plurality of charging devices 2A are connected, the detected current value gradually decreases according to the timing of completion of charging of each charging device 2A, and finally charging of all the charging devices 2A is completed. As shown by a line L3 in FIG. 2, the detected current value is smaller than the first set current value I1 and stable with respect to the current value fluctuation allowable amount a or less. Thus, when a plurality of charging devices 2A are connected, the weak currents flowing through the respective charging devices 2A are summed, so that the detected current value is also detected as the sum of the weak currents.

  Further, if the electrical device that is not the charging device 2A is provided with a connection state instruction lamp or the like indicating that the input terminal 2a is connected to the output terminal 42 of the engine drive generator 1, it is weak as in the charging device 2A. Current may flow. Even if the weak current exceeds the second set current value I2, in this embodiment, if the weak current value is temporally stable in a range smaller than the first set current value I1, the charging completion determination process is performed. Since it is determined that the charging has been completed, the engine 10 can be automatically stopped. That is, the charging completion determination process of the present embodiment can be applied to a general electric device.

Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the automatic stop control of the engine drive generator 1 of the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of the engine automatic stop control in the present embodiment. This processing flow is repeatedly executed by the control device 30 during the operation of the engine-driven generator 1.
When the engine 10 enters the operating state, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the switch position of the automatic stop function selection switch 46 has been switched from the off position to the on position (step S1).

  In this process, when the automatic stop function selection switch 46 is in the on position before the engine 10 starts operating, and the switch position is continuously held in the on position, the control unit 31 determines that the switch position is in the off position. It is not determined that the position has been switched to the ON position. Therefore, when the automatic stop function selection switch 46 is in the ON position before the engine 10 starts operating, the operator once returns the switch to the OFF position and then returns to the ON position in order to execute the automatic stop control. It is necessary to switch.

When the switch position of the automatic stop function selection switch 46 is not switched from the off position to the on position (step S1; No), the control unit 31 repeats the process of step S1 again.
On the other hand, when the switch position of the automatic stop function selection switch 46 is switched from the off position to the on position (step S1; Yes), the control unit 31 sets the enable flag in the memory from “0” to “1”. At the same time, a control signal is output to the notification control circuit 34. As a result, the notification control circuit 34 turns on the lamp as the notification means 45, and the operator can visually recognize that the automatic stop control has been activated by the lighting of the lamp, that is, that the automatic stop control is in an execution state. it can. The enable flag is provided in the memory in the control unit 31, and when it is set to “0”, the engine automatic stop control is in an invalid state, and is enabled when it is set to “1”. It becomes a state. The validation flag is configured to be reset to “0” when the engine 10 is stopped.

Next, the control unit 31 uses the control method selection unit 44 to perform a forced engine automatic stop control mode using a timer (hereinafter referred to as “timer mode”) and an engine automatic stop control mode (hereinafter referred to as “charge completion detection mode”) associated with detection of completion of charging. ) Is determined (step S3).
When the timer mode is selected (step S3; “timer”), the control unit 31 proceeds to the process of step S4, and when the charge completion detection mode is selected (step S3; “charge completed”). Then, the process proceeds to step S12.

For example, when the charging time of the connected charging device 2A is known in advance, the worker can select the timer mode to automatically shut down the engine 10 after charging.
In the timer mode, the control unit 31 first reads the timer time set in the timer time setting means 43 (step S4) and starts the timer (step S5).
Next, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the automatic stop function selection switch 46 has been returned to the off position (step S6). If the automatic stop function selection switch 46 has been returned to the off position (step S6; Yes), the process proceeds to step S7. If it is not returned to the off position (step S6; No), the process proceeds to step S9.

  When the automatic stop function selection switch 46 is returned to the OFF position in order for the operator to invalidate the automatic stop control (step S6; Yes), the control unit 31 resets the enable flag to “0”, The count of the activated timer is reset (step S7), a control signal for not operating the notification means 45 is output to the notification control circuit 34 (step S8), and the process returns to step S1 again. Thereby, the lamp as the notification means 45 is turned off, and the operator can visually recognize that the automatic stop control is invalidated by turning off the lamp, that is, the automatic stop control is not executed.

  On the other hand, when the operator has not switched the automatic stop function selection switch 46 to the OFF position so as to continue execution of the automatic stop control (step S6; No), the control unit 31 sets the activation flag to “1”. The state is maintained, the activated timer is counted up (step S9), and it is determined whether or not the timer time set for the timer count has been reached (step S10).

When the timer time has not elapsed (step S10; No), the control unit 31 again proceeds to step S6, repeats steps S9 and S10, and waits for the timer time to elapse.
On the other hand, when the timer time has elapsed (step S10; Yes), the control unit 31 outputs a control signal to the engine stop device 35 (step S11), resets the validation flag to “0”, and ends the process. . Thereby, the engine stop device 35 executes processing for stopping the engine 10.

Next, the worker can select the charging completion detection mode when the charging time of the charging device 2A is unknown or when a plurality of charging devices 2A are connected.
In the charging completion detection mode, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the automatic stop function selection switch 46 has been returned to the off position (step S12), and when it has been returned to the off position (step S12). ; Yes) moves to step S13, and if not returned to the off position (step S12; No), moves to step S15.

  When the automatic stop function selection switch 46 is returned to the OFF position in order for the operator to invalidate the automatic stop control (step S12; Yes), the control unit 31 resets the enable flag to “0”, A count value of a time counter, which will be described later, is reset (step S13), a control signal for not operating the notification means 45 is output to the notification control circuit 34 (step S14), and the process returns to step S1 again. As a result, the lamp as the notification means 45 is turned off, and the operator can visually recognize that the automatic stop control has been invalidated by turning off the lamp.

  On the other hand, when the operator has not switched the automatic stop function selection switch 46 to the OFF position in order to continue execution of the automatic stop control (step S12; No), the control unit 31 sets the activation flag to “1”. The state is maintained, and it is determined whether or not the detected current value is smaller than the second set current value I2 (step S15: nonuse determination process). If the detected current value is smaller than the second set current value (step S15) ; Yes) The process proceeds to step S19, and if the detected current value is greater than or equal to the second set current value (step S15; No), the process proceeds to step S16.

  In step S16, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the detected current value is smaller than the first set current value (step S16: charging completion determination process), and if the detected current value is smaller than the first set current value. (Step S16; Yes) The process proceeds to step S17, and if the detected current value is equal to or greater than the first set current value (step S16; No), the process proceeds to step S18.

  In step S17, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the time variation of the detected current value is stable below the current value variation allowable amount a (step S17: charging completion determination process), and the detected current value is temporally determined. If stable (step S17; Yes), the process proceeds to step S19. If the detected current value is not temporally stable (step S17; No), the process proceeds to step S18.

Step S19 is executed when the detected current value is smaller than the second set current value and when the detected current value is not smaller than the second set current value but smaller than the first set current value and temporally. This is the case when the fluctuation amount is small.
In these cases, the control unit 31 counts up the time counter (step S19: nonuse determination process and charge completion determination process), and determines whether or not the count value of the time counter has reached a predetermined set time ( Step S20: Nonuse determination process and charge completion determination process).
When it is determined in step S15 that the detected current value is smaller than the first set current value (step S15; Yes), the predetermined set time is the first predetermined period T1, and the detected current value is determined in steps S16 and S17. Is the second predetermined period T2 when it is determined that is smaller than the second set current value and the temporal fluctuation width is small. In this embodiment, T1 and T2 are the same value.

When the count value of the time counter has not reached the predetermined set time (step S20; No), the control unit 31 returns to step S12 again, and the state where any of the conditions is satisfied continues for the set time. wait.
On the other hand, when the count value of the time counter reaches a predetermined set time (step S20; Yes), the control unit 31 outputs a control signal to the engine stop device 35 (step S21), and sets the validation flag to “0”. To reset to end. Thereby, the engine stop device 35 executes processing for stopping the engine 10.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, in the charge completion detection mode, the non-use determination control process causes the detected current value to be smaller than the second set current value I2, and this state continues for the second predetermined period T2. Thus, the engine 10 can be stopped immediately.

  Further, in the charge completion detection mode, a detection current value that is equal to or larger than the second set current value I2 but smaller than the first set current value is detected by the charge completion determination control process, and the temporal variation amount of the detected current value is small. The engine 10 can be stopped by continuing the state for the first predetermined period T1. In this way, it is possible to detect the charging completion of the charging device using the magnitude of the weak current that flows after the charging is completed and the stability of the time fluctuation, and to automatically stop the engine 10 after the charging is completed.

  Also, in the charge completion detection mode, depending on the magnitude of the weak current, even if it is not a charging device or an electric device that has a connection state indicator lamp or the like and a weak current flows when not in use. Since the non-use is determined by the non-use determination control process or the charge completion determination control process determines that the charging is complete, the engine 10 can be automatically stopped by any of the control processes.

  With reference to FIG. 5, the relationship between the non-use determination control process and the charge completion determination control process in the charge completion detection mode will be described. FIG. 5 shows a typical time change of the detected current value when the connected electrical device is not in use. Here, the detected current value is lower than the second set current value I2 and is substantially reduced to near zero.

  In the example of FIG. 5, with respect to the charging completion determination control process, the amount of temporal fluctuation of the detected current value becomes small after time t3 (corresponding to “Yes” in step S16 and “Yes” in step S17). The first state is detected, the time counter for the first predetermined period T1 is started, and the stop process of the engine 10 is started at time t4 after the first predetermined period T1 has elapsed.

  On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 5, regarding the non-use determination control process, the detected current value becomes smaller than the second set current value I2 at time t1, the second state is detected, and the time counter for the second predetermined period T2 is started ( In step S15, “Yes”), the stop process of the engine 10 is started at time t2 when the second predetermined period T2 has elapsed from time t1.

Here, in this embodiment, since the start condition of the charge completion determination control process is that the amount of time fluctuation is small in a range where the detected current value is at least smaller than the first set current value I1, in the example of FIG. The non-use determination control process is started first at time t1 when the current value becomes smaller than the second set current value I2.
Further, as can be seen from the processing flow of FIG. 4, when it is determined in step S15 that the detected current value is smaller than the second set current value I2 (step S15; Yes), the step is a charge completion determination control process. S16 and S17 are skipped.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, in the case of a typical time change as shown in FIG. 5, the execution of the non-use determination control process is charged by prioritizing the detection of the second state over the detection of the first state. By giving priority over the execution of the completion determination control process, the stop process of the engine 10 can be executed earlier.

  Further, the engine-driven generator 1 of the present embodiment is configured so that the engine automatic stop control is not executed unless the operator switches the automatic stop function selection switch 46 from the off position to the on position while the engine 10 is operating. ing.

  If the engine automatic stop control is unconditionally executed when the automatic stop function selection switch 46 is in the on position, the operator forgets to operate the automatic stop function selection switch 46 to the off position. In this case, an undesired engine stop occurs regardless of which of the timer mode and the charging completion detection mode is selected by the control method selection unit 44.

  For example, when the timer mode is selected, an undesired forced stop process of the engine 10 is executed after the timer time has elapsed. Further, when the charge completion detection mode is selected, for example, when the air volume of the blower fan connected as the electric load 2 is reduced to a very small value, the detected current value becomes small and the time of the detected current value Therefore, there is a possibility that the determination condition for the completion of charging is apparently satisfied. Thus, if it is erroneously determined that the charging is complete, an undesired automatic stop process of the engine 10 is executed.

  In order to prevent such inconvenience, the engine-driven generator 1 of the present embodiment automatically stops the engine on condition that the automatic stop function selection switch 46 is switched from the off position to the on position during the operation of the engine 10. The control is configured to be validated and executed, thereby preventing the occurrence of an undesired engine stop.

Next, a second embodiment of the engine drive generator 1 of the present invention will be described.
In the second embodiment, the automatic stop function selection switch 46 is not a stationary switch but a momentary switch having an on position and an off position, and the switch is always urged to the off position. In this embodiment, the momentary switch is composed of a push button type switch. In addition, you may comprise a toggle type or a lever type switch. In the following, differences between the second embodiment and the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and overlapping description will be omitted.

  In this embodiment, every time the automatic stop function selection switch 46 is operated from the off position to the on position during the operation of the engine 10 (every time the push button type switch is pressed), the control unit 31 When the validation flag is “0”, the validation flag is changed to “1”, and when it is “1”, the validation flag is changed to “0”. That is, every time the automatic stop function selection switch 46 is operated, the engine automatic stop control is switched between being enabled and disabled. In this case, the operator cannot confirm whether the automatic stop control is in the enabled state or the disabled state by looking at the switch.

  By adopting such a momentary switch, in the second embodiment, in the process of step S1 in the control flow of FIG. 4, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the automatic stop function selection switch 46 is pressed, If it is pressed (step S1; Yes), the activation flag is reset from “0” to “1” to enable execution of the automatic stop control of the engine 10, and the process proceeds to step S2 and is not pressed. If this is the case (step S1; No), the activation flag is kept “0” to maintain the state where the automatic stop control of the engine 10 is invalidated, and the process of step S1 is repeated.

  In the second embodiment, in the process of step S6 of the control flow of FIG. 4, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the automatic stop function selection switch 46 is pressed (step S6; Yes). ) Resets the activation flag from “1” to “0” to stop the automatic stop control of the engine 10 and proceeds to the process of step S7. If not pressed (step S6; No), the engine In order to continue the automatic stop control of No. 10, the validation flag is maintained at “1” and the process proceeds to Step S9.

  In the second embodiment, in the process of step S12 in the control flow of FIG. 4, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the automatic stop function selection switch 46 is pressed (step S12; Yes). ) Resets the activation flag from “1” to “0” to stop the automatic stop control of the engine 10 and proceeds to the process of step S13. If not pressed (step S12; No), the engine In order to continue the automatic stop control of No. 10, the validation flag is maintained at “1”, and the process proceeds to Step S15.

  With this configuration, when the engine 10 is stopped by the automatic stop control (steps S11 and S21), and after the automatic stop control is intentionally stopped halfway by the operator (steps S6 → S7 → S8, Steps S12 → S13 → S14) Even if the engine 10 is manually stopped, the validation flag is zero-reset process (invalidation process) or controlled by stopping the engine. When the power supply to the memory of the unit 31 is stopped, the stored activation flag is reset. Alternatively, the control unit 31 may perform a zero reset process for the activation flag in the engine stop process, or perform a zero reset process for the activation flag when the engine is started. Thus, when the engine 10 is restarted, the automatic stop control is invalidated. Therefore, also in the present embodiment, similarly to the case where the automatic stop function selection switch 46 is constituted by a stationary switch, an undesired engine stop due to forgetting to operate the switch after the engine restart can be avoided.

1 Engine-driven generator 2 Electric load (external load)
2A Charging equipment 10 Engine 20 Power generator 30 Control device 31 Control unit 32 Output adjustment means 33 Current detection circuit (current detection unit)
34 Notification control circuit 35 Engine stop device 41 Output line 42 Output terminal 43 Timer time setting means 44 Control method selection means 45 Notification means 46 Automatic stop function selection switch

Claims (7)

Engine,
A power generator driven by this engine to generate power;
An output terminal to which an external load can be connected to supply power to the external load from the power generator;
A current detector for detecting a current value of a current flowing through an output line connecting the output terminal and the power generator;
A control unit that performs automatic stop control for stopping the engine based on a detected current value detected by the current detection circuit;
The automatic stop control includes a charging completion determination process for detecting that charging of an external load connected to the output terminal is completed,
In the charging completion determination process, the control unit determines that a first state in which the detected current value is smaller than a first set current value and a temporal variation amount of the detected current value is within a predetermined allowable amount is a first predetermined period. An engine-driven generator that determines that charging of the external load has been completed when the charging is continued and stops the engine based on the determination of completion of charging. The automatic stop control includes a non-use determination process for detecting that an external load connected to the output terminal is in a non-use state,
In the non-use determination process, the control unit continues a second state in which the detected current value is smaller than a second set current value set to a value smaller than the first set current value for a second predetermined period. The engine-driven generator according to claim 1, wherein it is determined that the external load is not in use, and the engine is stopped based on the non-use determination.   The engine-driven generator according to claim 2, wherein the control unit executes the non-use determination process with priority over the charge completion determination process. An automatic stop function selection switch having an ON position for instructing execution of the automatic stop control and an OFF position for instructing non-execution of the automatic stop control, and capable of selecting either the ON position or the OFF position; ,
The control unit monitors whether an on position or an off position of the automatic stop function selection switch is selected, and the automatic stop function selection switch is moved from the off position to the position during the operation of the engine. The engine-driven generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the engine-driven generator is configured to validate execution of the automatic stop control on condition that the position is switched to an on position.   The engine-driven generator according to claim 4, wherein the automatic stop function selection switch is a stationary switch having the on position and the off position. Engine,
A power generator driven by this engine to generate power;
An output terminal to which an external load can be connected to supply power to the external load from the power generator;
A control unit that executes automatic stop control for automatically stopping the engine based on a predetermined stop condition;
An automatic stop function selection switch having an ON position for instructing execution of the automatic stop control and an OFF position for instructing non-execution of the automatic stop control, and capable of selecting either the ON position or the OFF position; ,
The control unit monitors whether an on position or an off position of the automatic stop function selection switch is selected, and the automatic stop function selection switch is moved from the off position to the position during the operation of the engine. An engine-driven generator configured to enable execution of the automatic stop control on condition that the switch is turned to an on position. Engine,
A power generator driven by this engine to generate power;
An output terminal to which an external load can be connected to supply power to the external load from the power generator;
A control unit that executes automatic stop control for automatically stopping the engine based on a predetermined stop condition;
An automatic stop function selection switch for enabling execution of the automatic stop control;
This automatic stop function selection switch has an on position and an off position, and is normally biased to the off position.
The control unit invalidates the execution of the automatic stop control when the engine is stopped or started, and when the automatic stop function selection switch is switched from the off position to the on position during operation of the engine, An engine-driven generator configured to switch execution of the automatic stop control between validation and invalidation.

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