JP7694939B2 - Fastening tools and programs for fastening tools - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a tightening tool and a program for the tightening tool.

As shown in Patent Document 1, conventional tightening tools include those that display various information on a display, such as during tightening work and the setting work that is performed before that, so that the worker can proceed with the work while checking the contents of the display.

JP 2009-99100 A

In this context, the inventors of the present application are considering various image data to be displayed on the screen that will make information easier to visually recognize, such as icons showing the shape and size of heads and sockets used during work, and error marks when an abnormality occurs.

However, if a wide variety of information is to be displayed on the display from the standpoint of work efficiency, a large amount of image data must be stored in the internal memory of the tightening tool, which requires a large capacity internal memory and prevents the tightening tool from being made smaller. On the other hand, if the tightening tool is made smaller, a small capacity internal memory must be used, making it difficult to store a large amount of image data.

Furthermore, if you want to change the icons or marks displayed, for example because the work procedure changes, you will need to rewrite the firmware that has been pre-programmed into the internal memory each time.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its main objective is to make it possible to display a wide variety of information on the display while reducing the capacity of the internal memory and without rewriting the firmware written in the internal memory.

In other words, the tightening tool according to the present invention is a tightening tool equipped with a communication means for sending and receiving data to and from an external device, and is equipped with an internal memory that stores first image data indicating information related to the tool body, and a display control unit that acquires the first image data from the internal memory and displays it on a display, and is characterized in that the display control unit acquires second image data that has been stored in advance in an external memory separately from the first image data and displays it on the display.

With a fastening tool configured in this way, the internal memory stores first image data that indicates information related to the tool body that does not need to be rewritten, and the second image data that indicates other information, such as information that can be rewritten, is obtained from the external memory and displayed. This makes it possible to reduce the capacity of the internal memory while displaying a wide variety of information on the display without rewriting the firmware written in the internal memory.

It is preferable that the first image data indicates a state of the tool body as information related to the tool body.
With this configuration, for example, if an abnormality occurs in the tool body, the user can be notified of the occurrence of the abnormality even if communication with an external device is cut off.

It is preferable that the display control unit obtains an identification code relating to a state of the tool body as the first image data and displays it on the display.
With this configuration, the status of the tool body can be known by reading the identification code with, for example, a mobile terminal, etc. Furthermore, since the area for displaying the identification code is small, it is possible to effectively use the limited area of the display to convey various information about the status of the tool body, such as how to deal with abnormalities, to the user.

It is preferable that the second image data indicates information related to a work instruction and that can be rewritten by a user.
With this configuration, the second image data desired by the user can be displayed on the display without rewriting the firmware written in the internal memory of the fastening tool.

It is preferable that the second image data represents an attachment to be attached to the tip end of the tool body.
With this configuration, it is possible to visually confirm the attachments, such as the head and socket, that should be attached to the tool body, thereby reducing installation errors.

It is preferable that the tool further includes a torque calculation unit which calculates the tightening torque during tightening work, and that effective length data linking an attachment to be attached to the tip of the tool body with the effective length when the attachment is attached or a value related to this effective length is stored in an external memory, and that the torque calculation unit acquires the effective length data and calculates the tightening torque using the effective length data.
With this configuration, when an attachment such as a head or socket is attached, the torque calculation unit automatically acquires the effective length data of the attachment and calculates the tightening torque using that effective length or a value related to the effective length, eliminating the need for the user to take the time to correctly convert the tightening torque taking into account the effective length, thereby improving workability and traceability.

In addition, the program for a tightening tool according to the present invention is a program used in a tightening tool equipped with a communication means for transmitting and receiving data between an external device, and causes a computer to perform the functions of a first image storage unit that stores first image data indicating information related to the tool body, and a display control unit that acquires the first image data from the first image storage unit and displays it on a display, and is characterized in that the display control unit acquires second image data that has been stored in advance in an external memory separately from the first image data, and displays it on the display.
According to such a program, it is possible to achieve the same effects as the above-mentioned fastening tool.

The present invention, configured in this way, makes it possible to reduce the capacity of the internal memory while still being able to display a wide variety of information on the display without having to rewrite the firmware written in the internal memory.

1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a torque wrench according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an internal structure of the torque wrench of the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing functions of a control device and an external device according to the embodiment. 3A and 3B are diagrams showing display contents by the display control device of the embodiment. 3A and 3B are diagrams showing display contents by the display control device of the embodiment.

The tightening tool according to the present invention is described below with reference to the drawings.

The tightening tool 100 according to the present invention is used for tightening objects (e.g., bolts, nuts, screws, etc.), and is specifically a torque wrench equipped with a tool body 10 whose base end is held by an operator, and an attachment 20 (e.g., a head, socket, adapter, etc.) that can be attached to the tip of the tool body 10, as shown in FIG. 1. Note that the tightening tool 100 according to the present invention is not limited to a torque wrench, and may be various other objects, such as a torque driver.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, this tightening tool 100 is equipped with a communication means 30 for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device 200, such as a dedicated or general-purpose computer or a mobile terminal, a display D provided on the tool body 10, and a control device C for controlling the display content on the display D. In this embodiment, the tightening tool 100 is a so-called digital type that further includes a measuring means TS, such as a torque sensor, for measuring the tightening torque.

The communication means 30 is, for example, a wireless module or a wired module that transmits and receives various data between a dedicated or general-purpose computer or a mobile terminal, and more specifically, for example, hardware for Bluetooth (registered trademark), wireless LAN, or a mobile phone network. The communication means 30 in this embodiment receives, for example, work instruction data indicating a work instruction predetermined by a user from the external device 200, and transmits measurement data such as the fastening torque measured using the measurement means TS to the external device 200. The work instruction data includes information such as the work content (for example, the target torque and the number of fastenings) and the work procedure.

The display D is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the tool body 10, and digitally displays the tightening torque measured by the measuring means TS during the tightening operation. The display D in this embodiment is thin, and specifically, is a thin organic EL display equipped with an organic EL element, but a liquid crystal display may also be used.

The control device C is housed inside the tool body 10 and includes a CPU, internal memory, etc. Based on the program stored in the internal memory, the control device C performs at least the functions of a first image storage unit C1 and a display control unit C2, as shown in FIG. 3.

The first image storage unit C1 is set in a specified area of the internal memory and stores first image data indicating information related to the tool body 10 (hereinafter also referred to as body-related information).

Main body-related information is information that may be commonly required even if the user or mode of use changes, and examples include the condition of the tool main body 10, contact information for inquiries regarding the tool main body 10, the serial number of the tool main body 10, specifications of the tool main body 10, and credits related to the technology used in the tool main body 10 (e.g., authentication information, copyright notices, etc.).

The first image data indicating the main body-related information is stored in advance in the first image storage unit C1, for example, when the fastening tool 100 is manufactured or shipped from the factory, and cannot be rewritten by the user.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the first image data indicating the state of the tool body 10 may include an error mark X1 indicating that an abnormality has occurred, and a caution mark X2 or information mark X3 indicating that normal tightening work will not be possible in the future. An example of the caution mark X2 may be an indication that the remaining battery capacity is low, and an example of the information mark X3 may be an indication that the number of tightenings (usages) until calibration is required is approaching. Furthermore, although not shown, the display control unit C2 may be configured to constantly display a mark on the display D to prompt repairs when the tightening tool 100 is dropped and in a state where repairs are required.

The first image data is not necessarily limited to those shown in FIG. 4, and various designs and shapes may be used. Although not shown, the first image data indicating the contact information for inquiries regarding the tool body 10 may be, for example, a character string such as a URL or a telephone number.

As shown in FIG. 4, the display control unit C2 acquires the first image data from the first image storage unit C1 and displays it on the display D. Note that the display control unit C2 may also display the tightening torque measured using the measuring means TS described above on the display D, in addition to the first image data.

The display control unit C2 of this embodiment acquires an identification code X4 relating to the state of the tool body 10 as first image data indicating the state of the tool body 10 from the first image storage unit C1 and displays it on the display D at the same time as displaying the above-mentioned error mark X1, caution mark X2, or information mark X3.

The identification code X4 is, for example, a QR code that can be read by a user's mobile terminal, and the identification code X4 includes the specific state of the tool body 10 indicated by the error mark X1, the caution mark X2, or the information mark X3 as readable information. Examples of the specific state of the tool body 10 that can be read by the identification code X4 include the location where an abnormality has occurred, a percentage indicating the remaining battery capacity, and the number of tightening operations until calibration is required. Furthermore, examples of the information included in the identification code X4 include the contents of the instruction manual for the tightening tool 100. Specifically, the contents of the location corresponding to the abnormality that has occurred may be included as readable information.

The display control unit C2 of this embodiment is configured to acquire second image data that is stored in advance in an external memory separately from the first image data, and display it on the display D.

To be more specific, the external memory here is provided in the external device 200 described above, and as shown in Figure 3, the second image data is pre-stored in the second image storage section M1 set in a specified area of this external memory.

The second image data is information that is not related or has a low relevance to the tool body 10, for example, data that indicates information accompanying the user's request (hereinafter also referred to as additional information).

This additional information is information that the user wants to display on the display D, such as information about work instructions, information about the user, advertisements, and subscription expiration dates.

The second image data indicating these additional pieces of information is stored in advance in the second image storage unit M1 by the user, for example, before using the fastening tool 100, and can be rewritten by the user, such as by modifying, adding to, or deleting.

More specifically, as shown in Fig. 5, the second image data indicating the information regarding the work instruction indicates, for example, an attachment 20 such as a head, socket, or adapter to be used in the next work, and is composed of, for example, an icon X5 indicating the shape of the attachment 20 and a character string X6 indicating the size of the attachment 20. Although not shown, the second image data indicating the information regarding the work instruction indicates a fastening object such as a bolt or nut in the next fastening work, and may be composed of, for example, an icon indicating the shape of the fastening object or a character string indicating the type or size of the fastening object, or may be a character string indicating the time until a break during work or a mark encouraging a break.
Although not shown, the second image data indicating information about the user may be, for example, a splash image such as a logo that is displayed at the time of startup.

In the above-described configuration, the display control unit C2 determines, for example, the timing when the attachment 20 needs to be replaced based on the work instruction data transmitted from the external device 200, and at that time, as shown in FIG. 5, obtains second image data representing the attachment 20 from the second image storage unit M1, and displays an icon X5 indicating the shape of the attachment 20 and a character string X6 indicating the size of the attachment 20 on the display D as described above.

Incidentally, the external memory of this embodiment is provided with an effective length data storage section M2, as shown in Figure 3, and this effective length data storage section M2 pre-stores effective length data that links an attachment 20, such as a head, socket, or adapter, that is attached to the tip of the tool body 10, to the effective length when the attachment 20 is attached.
The effective length here refers to the length over which the tightening force applied by the user is applied to the object to be tightened, and more specifically, the length from the point of force set on the tightening tool 100 to the point of application.

The control device C of this embodiment further includes a function as a torque calculation unit C3 that acquires a measurement signal from the measurement means TS and calculates the tightening torque, as shown in FIG. 3. This torque calculation unit C3 is configured to acquire effective length data from the effective length data storage unit M2 and calculate the tightening torque using the effective length included in the effective length data.

More specifically, the torque calculation unit C3 calculates the tightening torque based on a predetermined torque calculation formula, and is configured to change the calculation formula using the acquired effective length data. In this embodiment, the torque calculation unit C3 corrects the coefficient included in the torque calculation formula using the effective length included in the acquired effective length data, and calculates the tightening torque using the corrected coefficient. Note that an example of the coefficient included in the torque calculation formula is the ratio (conversion rate) between a predetermined reference effective length and the actual effective length when the attachment 20 is attached.

According to the fastening tool 100 configured in this manner, the first image storage section C1 of the internal memory stores first image data indicating information related to the tool body 10 that does not need to be rewritten, and the second image data indicating other information, such as information that can be rewritten, is configured to be obtained from the external memory and displayed. This makes it possible to display a wide variety of information on the display D while reducing the capacity of the internal memory and without rewriting the firmware written in the internal memory.

In addition, since the first image data indicates the state of the tool body 10, for example, if an abnormality occurs in the tool body 10, the user can be notified of the occurrence of the abnormality even if communication with the external device 200 is cut off.

Furthermore, the display control unit C2 displays an identification code X4 relating to the status of the tool body 10 on the display D, and by reading this identification code X4, for example, with a mobile terminal or the like, the worker can grasp the status of the tool body 10 on the spot. And because only a small area is required for displaying the identification code X4, the limited area of the display D can be effectively used to convey various information to the user regarding the status of the tool body 10, such as how to deal with abnormalities.

In addition, since the second image data is related to the work instructions and indicates information that can be rewritten by the user, the second image data desired by the user can be displayed on the display D without rewriting the firmware written in the internal memory of the fastening tool 100.

In addition, since the second image data shows the attachment 20 to be attached to the tip of the tool body 10, the attachment 20 such as the head or socket to be attached during work can be visually confirmed, thereby reducing installation errors.

In addition, when an attachment 20 such as a head or socket is attached, the torque calculation unit C3 automatically acquires the effective length data of the attachment 20 from the external memory and calculates the tightening torque using the effective length, eliminating the need for the user to take the time to correctly convert the tightening torque taking the effective length into account, improving workability and traceability.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

For example, the tightening tool 100 according to the present invention does not necessarily need to be equipped with a measuring means TS for measuring the tightening torque, as long as it is capable of communicating with the external device 200.

The first image storage unit C1 may also store information not related to the tool body 10 as the first image data.

Furthermore, the second image storage unit M1 may store information related to the tool body 10 as second image data.

In addition, while the effective length data in the above embodiment was associated with the attachment 20 and the effective length when the attachment 20 was attached, it may also be associated with a value related to the effective length instead of the effective length.
Specifically, such a related value may be a ratio (conversion rate) between a predetermined reference effective length and an actual effective length when the attachment 20 is attached. In other words, the effective length data may be a value that links the attachment 20 with the conversion rate when the attachment 20 is attached.

Moreover, the second image storage section M1 and the effective length data storage section M2 do not necessarily need to be provided in the same external memory, and may be provided in separate external memories.
It should be noted that the fastening tool 100 according to the present invention does not necessarily need to use effective length data.

It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

100: Fastening tool 200: External device 10: Tool body 20: Attachment 30: Communication means TS: Measurement means D: Display C: Control device C1: First image storage unit C2: Display control unit C3: Torque calculation unit M1: Second image storage unit M2: Effective length data storage unit X1: Error mark X2: Caution mark X3: Information mark X4: Identification code X5: Icon X6: Character string

Claims (7)

A fastening tool equipped with a communication means for transmitting and receiving data between an external device,
an internal memory for storing first image data indicating information related to the tool body , which is information that may be commonly required even when a user or a usage mode is changed ;
a display control unit that acquires the first image data from the internal memory and displays the first image data on a display,
A tightening tool characterized in that the display control unit acquires second image data indicating information other than information related to the tool body, which is stored in advance in an external memory separately from the first image data, and displays it on the display. The tightening tool according to claim 1, wherein the first image data indicates the state of the tool body as information related to the tool body. The tightening tool according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit acquires an identification code relating to the state of the tool body as the first image data and displays it on the display. The tightening tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second image data indicates information related to a work instruction and that can be rewritten by a user. The tightening tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second image data represents an attachment to be attached to the tip of the tool body. A measuring means for measuring the tightening torque at a predetermined effective length;
and a torque calculation unit that corrects the tightening torque.
an external memory stores effective length data that associates an attachment to be attached to the tip of the tool body with an effective length when the attachment is attached or a value related to the effective length;
The tightening tool according to claim 1 , wherein the torque calculation section acquires the tightening torque from the measuring means and also acquires the effective length data, and corrects the tightening torque using the effective length data. A program used in a fastening tool having a communication means for transmitting and receiving data between an external device,
a first image storage unit for storing first image data indicating information related to the tool body , which is information that may be commonly required even when a user or a usage mode is changed ;
a display control unit that acquires the first image data from the first image storage unit and displays the first image data on a display,
The program for a tightening tool, characterized in that the display control unit acquires second image data indicating information other than information related to the tool body , which is stored in advance in an external memory separately from the first image data, and displays the second image data on the display.