Sensor unit, work machine, communication method, and management method

Abstract

A sensor unit, a work machine, a communication method, and a management method are provided to improve the convenience of a work machine. A nameplate (15) displays a two-dimensional code (15a) and a manufacturing number (15b). The two-dimensional code (15a) displays inherent information such as the manufacturing number of the work machine (1) in a two-dimensional code. A communication adapter (30) is connected to a battery assembly portion (2c) of the work machine (1). The communication adapter (30) has a function of supplying power to the work machine (1) and a function of communicating with the work machine (1) and a PLC (60). A camera (67) reads the two-dimensional code (15a) of the work machine (1) and transmits the manufacturing number of the work machine (1) to the PLC (60). The PLC (60) transmits the manufacturing number to the communication adapter (30). The work machine (1) stores the received manufacturing number in a built-in memory thereof.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor unit configured to be mounted on a work machine, a work machine capable of communicating with the sensor unit, a communication method between the sensor unit and the work machine, and a management method for the work machine. Background Technology

[0002] To improve the convenience of working machines such as power tools, it is considered beneficial to be able to input various information to the working machine from the outside. Patent Document 1 below discloses a system that inputs settings set by the user via a computer into the power tool through a communication cable and a communication connector, thereby changing the settings of the power tool.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-240169 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] To improve the convenience of the machine, it is also beneficial to input physical information collected by external sensor devices into the machine. For example, if a barcode reader can be used to collect the machine's inherent information represented by barcodes or QR codes and store it in the internal storage unit of the machine, the management of the machine becomes easier.

[0008] The first objective of this invention is to improve the convenience of the work machine. Furthermore, the second objective of this invention is to simplify the management of the work machine.

[0009] Technical means to solve the problem

[0010] One embodiment of the present invention is a sensor unit configured to be mounted on a work machine, characterized by comprising: a sensor device for collecting physical information existing outside the sensor unit, converting the collected physical information into collected data and outputting it; a second interface configured to be connected to the work machine; and a sensor unit control unit configured to input the collected data output from the sensor device and output the collected data and / or generated data based on the collected data to the work machine via the second interface.

[0011] According to the embodiment described, by assembling the sensor unit into the work machine, the sensor unit can input physical information collected from the outside into the work machine. This improves the convenience of the work machine.

[0012] The sensor unit may include a communication adapter configured to relay communication between the sensor device and the machine. The communication adapter may include a first interface, a second interface, and a control unit for connection to the sensor device. According to this embodiment, the sensor device can be positioned away from the machine and the communication adapter, facilitating the collection of various physical information.

[0013] The sensor device may be configured as an optical sensor device, which collects light-related information as physical information existing outside the sensor unit.

[0014] It can be configured as follows: the first interface can be connected to a computer device, and the sensor unit control unit can communicate with the sensor device via the computer device.

[0015] The second interface may be configured in a manner that includes: a first communication terminal configured to be mounted on the battery assembly of the work machine and configured to communicate with the work machine; and a first power terminal configured to supply power to the work machine.

[0016] Another embodiment of the present invention is a work machine capable of being equipped with the sensor unit, characterized by comprising: a third interface configured to communicate with the second interface; a work machine control unit configured to communicate with the sensor unit control unit via the third interface; and a work machine storage unit configured as a non-volatile memory capable of communicating with the work machine control unit, wherein the work machine control unit stores the collected data and / or the generated data input from the sensor unit via the third interface in the work machine storage unit.

[0017] According to the embodiment described, the collected data from the sensor device can be stored in the machine storage unit of the machine. This improves the convenience of the machine and simplifies its management.

[0018] Another embodiment of the present invention is a communication method for communication between the sensor unit and the machine, characterized in that: the collected data collected by the sensor device is input to the sensor unit control unit; the collected data and / or the generated data generated based on the collected data are input to the machine control unit via the second interface and the third interface; and the collected data and / or the generated data input to the machine control unit are stored in the machine storage unit.

[0019] According to the embodiment described above, the collected data obtained by the sensor device can be stored in the machine storage unit of the machine. This improves the convenience of the machine.

[0020] The work machine may include: a work machine frame configured to house the work machine control unit and the work machine storage unit; and an inherent information display unit disposed on the outer surface of the work machine frame, displaying inherent data, i.e., inherent information, of the work machine. This allows inherent information collected by sensor devices to be stored in the work machine storage unit. Consequently, the convenience of the work machine is improved. Furthermore, the management of the work machine becomes easier.

[0021] Another embodiment of the present invention is a communication method for communication between the sensor unit and the work machine, characterized in that: the inherent information displayed on the inherent information display section of the work machine is collected by the sensor device as the collected data; the collected data collected by the sensor device is input to the sensor unit control unit; the collected data and / or the generated data generated based on the collected data are input to the work machine control unit via the second interface and the third interface; and the collected data and / or the generated data input to the work machine control unit are stored in the work machine storage unit.

[0022] According to the embodiment described above, the inherent information displayed on the inherent status display unit of the work machine can be easily stored in the work machine's storage unit. This improves the convenience of the work machine and simplifies its management.

[0023] Another embodiment of the present invention is a management method for managing the work machine, characterized in that: a portable terminal is connected to the work machine control unit in a manner that enables direct or indirect wireless communication between them; the collected data and / or generated data stored in the work machine's storage unit are transmitted to the portable terminal via wireless communication and stored therein. Thus, information detected by sensor devices can be stored in both the work machine and the portable terminal, thereby improving the convenience of the work machine.

[0024] Another embodiment of the present invention is a management method for managing the work machine, characterized in that: a portable terminal is connected to the work machine control unit in a manner that enables direct or indirect wireless communication between them, and the inherent information stored in the work machine storage unit is transmitted to the portable terminal via wireless communication and stored in the portable terminal.

[0025] According to the embodiment described above, the inherent information of the work machine can be stored on the owner's portable terminal. Therefore, even if the first inherent information display unit of the work machine is detached and lost, or if the work machine is stolen, the owner can use the first inherent information stored in the portable terminal as a clue to confirm their ownership of the work machine. This improves the convenience of the work machine and simplifies its management.

[0026] In this management method, the sensor device collects inherent information displayed on the inherent information display unit of the machine, and the sensor device also collects inherent information of the packaging box used to house the machine. A computer device connected to the sensor device determines whether the inherent information read by the sensor device and the inherent information of the packaging box are pre-associated. If the inherent information and the inherent information of the packaging box are pre-associated, the computer device reports a normal operation; if the inherent information and the inherent information of the packaging box are not pre-associated, the computer device reports an error. This prevents the machine from being placed in the wrong packaging box, thus simplifying the management of the machine.

[0027] In the management method, the inherent information and the inherent information of the packaging box can be at least partially different from each other. Therefore, if the inherent information of the machine is read incorrectly twice, an anomaly will be reported by the computer equipment, thus more reliably preventing the machine from being placed in the wrong packaging box. This simplifies the management of the machine.

[0028] Another embodiment of the present invention is a work machine. The work machine includes: a driving unit; a driven unit driven by the driving unit; and a frame unit housing the driving unit and the driven unit. The work machine is characterized by including: a first inherent information display unit disposed on the outer surface of the frame unit, displaying inherent information allocated to each work machine, i.e., first inherent information; a first inherent information storage unit assembled in the frame unit, storing the first inherent information; and a communication unit assembled in the frame unit, configured to enable communication between the first inherent information storage unit and an external device.

[0029] According to the embodiment described above, the first inherent information of the work machine can be obtained from both the first inherent information display unit disposed on the outer surface of the frame and the first inherent information communication unit disposed inside the frame. This simplifies the management of the work machine.

[0030] Another embodiment of the present invention is a management method for storing first inherent information displayed in the form of a barcode or QR code in a work machine, characterized in that: the first inherent information is collected by a barcode reader as a sensor device; the first inherent information collected by the barcode reader, or generated information generated based on the first inherent information, is input into the work machine through a communication adapter assembled in the work machine; and the first inherent information input through the communication adapter is stored in a work machine storage unit assembled in the work machine.

[0031] According to the embodiment described above, the inherent information displayed on the inherent status display unit of the work machine can be easily stored in the work machine's storage unit. This improves the convenience of the work machine and simplifies its management.

[0032] Furthermore, any combination of the above-mentioned structural elements, or any transformation of the present invention into systems, etc., are also valid embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] [The effects of the invention]

[0034] According to the present invention, the convenience of the machine can be improved, and / or the management of the machine can be made easier. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the management method according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the process of storing the inherent information of the work machine 1 in the work machine 1.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the management method, illustrating the process of packaging the work machine 1 in a packaging box 70 having inherent information corresponding to the inherent information of the work machine 1.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the management method, illustrating the process of storing the inherent information of the work machine 1 in the portable terminal 80.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a table showing an example of the inherent information of the machine 1 and the inherent information of the packaging box 70, and the corresponding quick response (QR) code (registered trademark).

[0039] Figure 5 This is a view of the battery pack assembly section 2c of the work machine 1 from below.

[0040] Figure 6 This is a view from above of the communication adapter 30 connected to the battery pack assembly section 2c.

[0041] Figure 7 This is a side cross-sectional view of the work machine 1 connected to the battery pack 20.

[0042] Figure 8 This is a circuit block diagram of the first management system for managing machine 1.

[0043] Figure 9 This is a timing diagram representing an example of the actions of the first management system, showing the actions under no-abnormal conditions.

[0044] Figure 10 This is a timing diagram representing an example of the actions of the first management system, showing the actions when the inherent information of the packaging box 70 does not correspond to the inherent information of the work machine 1.

[0045] Figure 11 This is a timing diagram representing an example of the actions of the first management system. It is a timing diagram showing the actions when the inherent information of the packaging box 70 should be read, but the inherent information of the work machine 1 is read instead.

[0046] Figure 12 This is a circuit block diagram of the second management system for managing machine 1.

[0047] Figure 13 This is a sequence diagram representing an example of the actions of the second management system.

[0048] Figure 14 It means Figure 8 The circuit block diagram of a modified example of the first management system is shown.

[0049] [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] 1: Work machine

[0051] 2: Shell

[0052] 2a: Main body part (cylindrical part)

[0053] 2b: Handle (grip)

[0054] 2c: Battery pack assembly section

[0055] 3: Motor (Electric Motor)

[0056] 3a: Output shaft (rotation shaft)

[0057] 4: Fan

[0058] 5: Planetary gear mechanism (reduction mechanism)

[0059] 6: Shaft

[0060] 7: Hammer

[0061] 8: Anvil

[0062] 9: Trigger switch

[0063] 10: Machine control board

[0064] 11: Mode Switching Unit

[0065] 12: Sensor / Inverter Circuit Board

[0066] 13: Magnetic Sensor (Hall IC)

[0067] 14: Switching elements

[0068] 15: Nameplate (Sign)

[0069] 15a: QR code

[0070] 15b: Manufacturing number

[0071] 16: Terminal (Third Interface)

[0072] 20: Battery Pack

[0073] 21: Cell battery

[0074] 22: Computing Unit (Battery Control Unit)

[0075] 23: Storage Department (Battery Storage Department)

[0076] 25: Battery control board

[0077] 26: Communications Department (Battery Communications Department)

[0078] 27: Panel Section

[0079] 30: Communication Adapter

[0080] 31: Terminal (Second Interface)

[0081] 32: Cable (First Interface)

[0082] 33: Power Supply Section

[0083] 34: Computing / Communications Department

[0084] 40: Computing Department (Workstation Control Department)

[0085] 41: Current detection circuit

[0086] 42: Switch operation detection circuit

[0087] 43: Control signal circuit

[0088] 44: Rotational position detection circuit

[0089] 45: Speed ​​Detection Circuit

[0090] 46: Storage Department (Workstation Storage Department)

[0091] 60: PLC (Programmable Logic Controller)

[0092] 61: Power Supply Section

[0093] 62: Computing / Communications Department

[0094] 65: Lamp (Reporting Department)

[0095] 67: Camera (Optical Sensor Device)

[0096] 68: Sensor Unit

[0097] 70: Packaging box

[0098] 70a: QR code

[0099] 70b: Manufacturing number

[0100] 80: Portable terminal

[0101] 81: Control Department (Terminal Control Department)

[0102] 82: Storage Department (Terminal Storage Department)

[0103] 83: Display Section

[0104] 84: Operations Department

[0105] 85: Communications Department (Terminal Communications Department)

[0106] 86: Battery Detailed Implementation

[0107] Hereinafter, the same or equivalent structural elements, components, processes, etc., shown in the various figures will be labeled with the same symbols, and repeated descriptions will be omitted where appropriate. The embodiments are illustrative and do not limit the invention. All features or combinations thereof described in the embodiments may not constitute the essence of the invention.

[0108] This embodiment relates to a sensor unit 68 including a camera 67 and a communication adapter (dedicated fixture) 30, a work machine 1 capable of mounting the sensor unit 68, a communication method for communication between the sensor unit 68 and the work machine 1, and a management method for the work machine 1. Figure 1 (A) indicates the assembled machine 1 and the nameplate (label) 15 affixed to the machine 1. Figure 1In (A), the nameplate 15 is enlarged in scale compared to the work machine 1. The work machine 1 includes a housing 2, which serves as the frame of the work machine. The housing 2 includes a main body (cylindrical part) 2a, a handle part 2b, and a battery pack assembly part 2c. Figure 1 (B) indicates the state after the nameplate 15 is affixed to the outer surface of the main body 2a. The nameplate 15 displays a QR code 15a and a manufacturing number 15b. The QR code 15a is, for example, a QR code (registered trademark). The QR code 15a and the manufacturing number 15b are, for example, printed on a label and affixed to the nameplate 15. Alternatively, the nameplate 15 may be a label printed with the QR code 15a and the manufacturing number 15b.

[0109] QR code 15a is an example of an inherent information display unit, which displays inherent information that is inherent to the workpiece 1 using a QR code. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the inherent information of machine 1 includes, for example, its model name, manufacturing number, and identification mark. The model name can be represented as a type name or model designation. The manufacturing number is a unique identifier for machine 1 (a number assigned to each machine). The identification mark is used to distinguish machine 1 from its storage container. Figure 2 The packaging box 70 is marked. Identification mark "A" indicates machine 1. Identification mark "B" indicates packaging box 70. The presence of these identification marks allows PLC 60 to distinguish between the case where camera 67 reads the QR code 15a from machine 1 and the case where it reads... Figure 2 The situation regarding the QR code 70a on the packaging box 70.

[0110] Figure 1 (C) schematically represents the case where the inherent information of the work machine 1 is stored in the work machine 1. Figure 1 (C) is also the following text Figure 8 The conceptual diagram of the first management system is described. A communication adapter 30, constituting the sensor unit 68, is connected to the battery pack assembly section 2c of the work machine 1. The communication adapter 30 is connected to the power supply of the work machine 1. Figure 7 The battery pack 20 shown can also be connected to the battery pack assembly 2c. The communication adapter 30 has the function of supplying power to the work machine 1 and communicating with the work machine 1 and the programmable logic controller (PLC) 60. The communication adapter 30 is configured to relay communication between the work machine 1, the PLC 60, and the camera 67. The PLC 60 is an example of a computer device or external device. The PLC 60 is electrically connected to the camera 67 and is electrically connected to the communication adapter 30 via a cable 32, exemplified as a first interface. The camera 67 is an example of a sensor device or an optical sensor device. The camera 67 may be a dedicated camera specialized for code reading or may be referred to as a scanner, barcode reader, etc.

[0111] Camera 67 reads the QR code 15a of the work machine 1 and sends the collected data, i.e., the inherent information of the work machine 1, to PLC 60. Camera 67 collects (scans) the QR code 15a as light-related information. The information collected (scanned) by camera 67 is converted into image data by camera 67 and becomes collected data. In this embodiment, the collected data is the inherent information of the work machine 1 that camera 67 reads from the QR code 15a (obtained by converting the image data of the QR code 15a). Light-related information is an example of physical information collected by camera 67 as a sensor device. The sensor device is not limited to camera 67, and it is also considered to be a sensor device that collects any of the following information: light-related information, sound-related information, electromagnetic wave-related information, and acceleration-related information. Moreover, as physical information collected by the sensor device, it is also considered to collect two-dimensional physical information such as images, pictures, sounds, distances, positions, tilts, and vibrations calculated based on one-dimensional physical information such as light, sound, electromagnetic waves, and acceleration. The physical information collected by the sensor device includes physical information existing outside the sensor unit 68, such as images, videos, and sounds. It also includes physical information representing the distance between the sensor unit 68 and the object, or the position or movement of the sensor unit 68, such as its position, tilt, and vibration. This physical information is considered as historical information representing the operating status of the machine 1. It is believed that inputting this physical information into the machine improves its convenience and simplifies its management. Furthermore, the sensor unit 68 can be configured such that the camera 67 and the communication adapter 30 are connected via a cable, or the camera 67 and the communication adapter 30 can be integrated into one unit. The PLC 60 sends generated data, excluding identification marks, from the received collected data to the communication adapter 30. Additionally, collected data can be sent from the PLC 60 to the communication adapter 30. The communication adapter 30 sends the received generated data to the machine 1. The machine 1 stores the received generated data in its built-in memory. Figure 8 The storage unit 46 is configured with a non-volatile memory that can retain stored information even when power is off. After correct storage, the PLC 60 causes the reporting unit 65 to flash (intermittently illuminate) blue to report to the operator.

[0112] Figure 2(A) indicates the state before the machine 1 is packaged in the packaging box 70. The packaging box 70 displays a QR code 70a and a manufacturing number 70b. The QR code 70a and manufacturing number 70b may be printed on a label and affixed to the packaging box 70, for example. Alternatively, the QR code 70a and manufacturing number 70b may be printed directly on the packaging box 70. The QR code 70a may be, for example, a QR code (registered trademark). The QR code 70a is an example of a packaging box-specific information display section, displaying data inherent to the packaging box 70, i.e., the packaging box's inherent information, via a QR code. Figure 4 As shown, the inherent information of the packaging box includes, for example, the model name and manufacturing number of the machine 1 to be packaged in the packaging box 70, and the identification mark of the packaging box 70. The difference between the inherent information of the machine 1 and the corresponding inherent information of the packaging box is that the identification mark of the inherent information of the machine 1 is "A", while the identification mark of the inherent information of the packaging box is "B".

[0113] Camera 67 reads the QR code 70a of packaging box 70 and sends the read content, i.e., the inherent information of the packaging box, to PLC 60. PLC 60 determines whether the received inherent information of the packaging box corresponds to the previously received collected data (inherent information of machine 1) (data that has been pre-associated). Whether they correspond is determined by whether the manufacturing numbers included in the collected data and the inherent information of the packaging box are consistent. If the manufacturing numbers of the two are consistent, they correspond; if they are inconsistent, they do not correspond. If the received inherent information of the packaging box corresponds to the collected data, PLC 60 turns light 65 blue to report normal to the operator. If the received inherent information of the packaging box does not correspond to the collected data, PLC 60 turns light 65 red to report an anomaly to the operator. If QR code 70a of packaging box 70 should be read but QR code 15a of machine 1 is read instead, i.e., QR code 15a of machine 1 is read twice, the identification mark of the read information of both becomes "A". In this case, PLC 60 also turns light 65 red to report an anomaly to the operator. The operator confirmed that light 65 was lit in blue. Figure 2 As shown in (B), the work machine 1 is packaged in the packaging box 70. At this time, the battery pack 20, which will become the power source for the work machine 1, is packaged together with the work machine 1 in the packaging box 70 as needed.

[0114] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The management method shown is implemented, for example, on the assembly line of machine 1. In contrast, Figure 3 The management method shown is implemented, for example, on the user side of the purchased workstation 1. Figure 3 (A) represents the process of storing the inherent information of the work machine 1 in the portable terminal 80. Figure 3 (A) is also in the following text Figure 12The conceptual diagram of the second management system is shown below. The portable terminal 80 is, for example, a smartphone or tablet. The portable terminal 80 has a management application (hereinafter referred to as the "management application") installed. The battery pack 20 is connected to the work machine 1. The portable terminal 80 and the battery pack 20 each have short-range wireless communication capabilities such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), and can communicate wirelessly with each other. Through wireless communication with the battery pack 20, the portable terminal 80 obtains the inherent information of the battery pack 20's connection destination, i.e., the work machine 1, and stores it in its own built-in memory. Figure 12 In the storage section 82). Figure 3 (B) is an enlarged representation of the display content of the management application of the portable terminal 80, which stores the inherent information of the work machine 1.

[0115] Figure 5 This is a view of the battery pack assembly section 2c of the work machine 1 from below. Figure 6 This is a top view of the communication adapter 30 connected to the battery pack assembly section 2c. The battery pack assembly section 2c has a plurality of terminals 16, exemplified as a third interface. At least a portion of the plurality of terminals 16 are shared for electrical connection with the battery pack 20 and electrical connection with the communication adapter 30. The communication adapter 30 has a plurality of terminals 31, exemplified as a second interface. Figure 1 When the work machine 1 and the communication adapter 30 are connected to each other as in (C), terminals 16 and 31 are in contact with each other and electrically connected, enabling them to communicate.

[0116] Figure 7 This is a side cross-sectional view of the work machine 1 connected to the battery pack 20. According to... Figure 7 The forward / backward and up / down directions of the working machine 1 are defined as mutually orthogonal. The forward / backward direction is parallel to the central axis of the output shaft 3a of the motor 3. The working machine 1 is a power tool, specifically a cordless impact screwdriver. The main body 2a of the housing 2 is cylindrical, with its central axis parallel to the forward / backward direction. The handle 2b extends downward from the middle of the main body 2a. A battery pack assembly 2c is provided at the lower end of the handle 2b.

[0117] Inside the main body 2a, from rear to front, are arranged in sequence: a fan 4, the stator and rotor of the motor 3 (which serves as the drive unit), a sensor / inverter circuit board 12, a planetary gear mechanism (reduction mechanism) 5, a rotating shaft 6, a hammer 7, and an anvil 8. The fan 4 is directly connected to the output shaft 3a of the motor 3 and rotates together with the motor 3, thereby generating cooling air within the housing 2. Here, the motor 3 is an internal rotor type brushless motor. The sensor / inverter circuit board 12 is supported by the main body 2a in a manner perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The sensor / inverter circuit board 12 has a magnetic sensor 13, such as a Hall IC, mounted on its back side and multiple switching elements 14 mounted on its front surface. The magnetic sensor 13 is used to detect the rotational position of the motor 3. The switching elements 14 are used to supply current to the motor 3. The multiple switching elements 14 correspond to... Figure 8 Switching elements Q1 to Q6 are included. The output shaft 3a of the motor 3 extends forward through the sensor / inverter circuit board 12. The planetary gear mechanism 5 reduces the rotation of the motor 3 and transmits it to the rotating shaft 6. The hammer 7 rotates together with the rotating shaft 6, causing the anvil 8 to rotate or strike it. A front-end tool such as a bit (not shown) is mounted on the anvil 8. The rotating shaft 6, hammer 7, and anvil 8 are examples of driven parts, constituting a well-known rotary striking mechanism (impact mechanism).

[0118] A trigger switch 9 is provided at the upper front of the handle section 2b. The trigger switch 9 is an operating part used by the operator to switch the drive and stop of the motor 3. A work machine control board 10 is provided at the upper part inside the battery pack assembly section 2c. The work machine control board 10 is equipped with... Figure 8 The arithmetic unit 40 shown is an example. A mode switching unit 11 is provided on the upper surface of the battery pack assembly unit 2c. The mode switching unit 11 is an operation unit used to switch the operating mode of the work machine 1 between, for example, strong (high speed), medium (medium speed), and weak (low speed) modes.

[0119] Battery pack 20 is connected to battery pack assembly section 2c. Battery pack 20 collects... Figure 12 The battery pack 21 shown houses a battery control board 25. The battery control board 25 is equipped with a communication unit (battery communication unit) 26 for near-field wireless communication. The communication unit 26 is, for example, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module. A panel 27 is provided on the outer surface of the battery pack 20. The panel 27 has a button for displaying the remaining battery power of the battery pack 20 or a button for switching the near-field wireless communication function.

[0120] Figure 8 This is a circuit block diagram of the first management system for managing the work machine 1. The first management system stores the inherent information of the work machine 1 in the storage unit 46 of the work machine 1. The communication adapter 30 connects via... Figure 5 and Figure 6The terminals 16 and 31 shown are interconnected to electrically connect to the work machine 1, enabling power supply to and communication with the work machine 1. The communication adapter 30 includes a power supply unit 33 and an arithmetic / communication unit 34, which serves as an adapter-side control unit (sensor unit control unit). The power supply unit 33 converts AC power supplied by an external AC power source into DC power and supplies it to the work machine 1 and the arithmetic / communication unit 34. The arithmetic / communication unit 34 includes a microcontroller, etc., and communicates with the arithmetic / communication unit 62 of the PLC 60 and the arithmetic unit 40 of the work machine 1.

[0121] The PLC 60 includes a power supply unit 61 and an arithmetic / communication unit 62, which serves as the equipment-side control unit. The power supply unit 61 converts AC power supplied from an external AC power source into DC power and supplies it to the arithmetic / communication unit 62. The arithmetic / communication unit 62 includes a microcontroller, etc., and communicates with the arithmetic / communication unit 34 of the communication adapter 30 and the camera 67, and controls the operation (lighting state) of the lamp 65. Furthermore, the arithmetic / communication unit 62 is connected to the factory network.

[0122] In the machine 1, the switching elements Q1 to Q6, which are installed on the sensor / inverter circuit board 12, are connected in a three-phase bridge to form an inverter circuit. The switching elements Q1 to Q6 switch on and off according to the control of the arithmetic unit 40, supplying drive power to the motor 3. The magnetic sensor 13, which is installed on the sensor / inverter circuit board 12, sends an electrical signal corresponding to the rotational position of the motor 3 to the rotational position detection circuit 44. The machine control board 10 is equipped with the arithmetic unit 40 (which serves as the machine control unit), a current detection circuit 41, a switch operation detection circuit 42, a control signal circuit (control signal output circuit) 43, a rotational position detection circuit 44, a speed detection circuit 45, and a storage unit (machine storage unit) 46.

[0123] The current detection circuit 41 detects the current of the motor 3 by measuring the voltage across the resistor R in the current path of the motor 3 and sends the signal to the arithmetic unit 40. The switch operation detection circuit 42 detects the operation of the trigger switch 9 and sends the signal to the arithmetic unit 40. The control signal circuit 43 applies control signals (e.g., pulse width modulation (PWM) signals) to the control terminals of the switching elements Q1 to Q6 according to the control of the arithmetic unit 40. The rotational position detection circuit 44 detects the rotational position of the motor 3 by measuring the signal from the magnetic sensor 13 and sends the signal to the arithmetic unit 40. The speed detection circuit 45 detects the speed of the motor 3 by measuring the signal from the rotational position detection circuit 44 and sends the signal to the arithmetic unit 40. The storage unit 46 stores the inherent information of the machine 1 or the usage history information of the machine 1. The storage unit 46 may be separate from the arithmetic unit 40 or may be built into the arithmetic unit 40. The arithmetic unit 40 controls the switching of switching elements Q1 to Q6 via the control signal circuit 43 (e.g., PWM control) based on the operation of the trigger switch 9, the rotational position and speed of the motor 3, and the current of the motor 3, thereby controlling the drive of the motor 3.

[0124] Figure 9 It means Figure 8 The timing diagram shown is an example of the operation of the first management system, illustrating the operation under normal conditions. Here, it is assumed that work machine 1 with manufacturing number "J9100251" and its corresponding packaging box 70 have been prepared. An assembly line operator (hereinafter referred to as "operator") is... Figure 1 After connecting the communication adapter 30 to the work machine 1 as shown in (C), the camera 67 reads the QR code 15a of the work machine 1 (S1). This reads the manufacturing number "J9100251" and the identification mark "A". The camera 67 sends the read manufacturing number "J9100251" and identification mark "A" to the arithmetic / communication unit 62 of the PLC 60 (S2). The arithmetic / communication unit 62 stores the received manufacturing number "J9100251" and identification mark "A", and sends the manufacturing number "J9100251" to the arithmetic / communication unit 34 of the communication adapter 30 (S3). The arithmetic / communication unit 34 sends the received manufacturing number "J9100251" to the arithmetic unit 40 of the work machine 1 (S4). The arithmetic unit 40 writes the received manufacturing number "J9100251" into (stores) the storage unit 46, and sends a signal indicating that the writing is complete (hereinafter referred to as the "writing completion signal") to the arithmetic / communication unit 34 of the communication adapter 30 (S5). The arithmetic / communication unit 34 sends the writing completion signal to the PLC 60 (S6). Upon receiving the writing completion signal, the PLC 60 causes the light 65 to flash blue (S7), reporting the normal writing completion to the operator.

[0125] Upon confirming the flashing blue light 65, the operator removes the communication adapter 30 from the work machine 1, and the camera 67 reads the QR code 70a on the packaging box 70 (S8). From this, the manufacturing number "J9100251" and the identification mark "B" are read. The camera 67 sends the read manufacturing number "J9100251" and identification mark "B" to the calculation / communication unit 62 of the PLC 60 (S9). The computing / communication unit 62 compares the received manufacturing number "J9100251" and identification mark "B" with the manufacturing number "J9100251" and identification mark "A" of the work machine 1 previously received in S2. It determines that the manufacturing numbers of the two received data are consistent, both being "J9100251", but the identification marks are different, being "A" and "B" respectively (S10). The unit then lights up the lamp 65 blue (continuous illumination) (S11), reporting to the operator that everything is normal, i.e., that the work machine 1 can be packaged in the packaging box 70. Furthermore, while some details have been omitted in this description, the model name of the work machine 1 can also be stored as a communication object in the storage unit 46.

[0126] Figure 10 This is a timing diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the first management system, specifically a timing diagram illustrating the operation when the manufacturing number "J9100252" included in the inherent information of packaging box 70 is inconsistent with the manufacturing number "J9100251" included in the inherent information of machine 1. Figure 10 In the middle, the actions of S1 to S7 are... Figure 9 The operator reads the QR code 70a on the packaging box 70 using camera 67 (S18). This retrieves the manufacturing number "J9100252" and the identification mark "B". Camera 67 sends the retrieved manufacturing number "J9100252" and identification mark "B" to the calculation / communication unit 62 of PLC 60 (S19). The calculation / communication unit 62 compares the received manufacturing number "J9100252" and identification mark "B" with the manufacturing number "J9100251" and identification mark "A" previously received from work machine 1 in S2. It determines that the manufacturing numbers of the two received data are different, namely "J9100252" and "J9100251" (S20), and causes light 65 to turn red (S21), reporting an abnormality to the operator.

[0127] Figure 11 This is a timing diagram illustrating an example of the actions of the first management system, specifically a timing diagram showing the actions taken when the inherent information of the packaging box 70 should be read, but the inherent information of the work machine 1 is read instead. Figure 11 In the middle, the actions of S1 to S7 are... Figure 9The operator reads the QR code 15a of the machine 1 again using camera 67, instead of the QR code 70a of the packaging box 70 (S28). This retrieves the manufacturing number "J9100251" and the identification mark "A". Camera 67 sends the retrieved manufacturing number "J9100251" and identification mark "A" to the calculation / communication unit 62 of PLC 60 (S29). The calculation / communication unit 62 compares the received manufacturing number "J9100251" and identification mark "A" with the manufacturing number "J9100251" and identification mark "A" of the machine 1 previously received in S2. It determines that the manufacturing number of both received data is the same, both being "J9100251", and the identification mark is the same, both being "A" (S30), causing light 65 to turn red (S31), reporting an abnormality to the operator. Alternatively, in one of S21 and S31, the lamp 65 can be made to flash red, and in the other, the lamp 65 can be made to light up red.

[0128] Figure 12 This is a circuit block diagram of the second management system for managing the workstation 1. The battery pack 20 includes a unit battery pack 21, an arithmetic unit 22 serving as a battery control unit, a storage unit 23 serving as a battery storage unit, and a communication unit 26 serving as a battery communication unit. The unit battery pack 21 includes multiple unit batteries, such as lithium-ion secondary unit batteries. The number of series and parallel connections of the multiple unit batteries is arbitrary. The arithmetic unit 22 includes a microcontroller, etc., and communicates with the arithmetic unit 40 of the workstation 1 (wired communication) and controls the communication unit 26. The storage unit 23 stores inherent information of the battery pack 20, such as model name and manufacturing number. The communication unit 26 communicates with the communication unit 85 of the portable terminal 80 (wireless communication).

[0129] The portable terminal 80 includes a control unit 81 as a terminal control unit, a storage unit 82 as a terminal storage unit, a display unit 83, an operation unit 84, a communication unit 85 as a terminal communication unit, and a battery 86. If the portable terminal 80 is a smartphone or tablet terminal, the screen of the smartphone or tablet terminal can serve as both the display unit 83 and the operation unit 84. The communication unit 85 has short-range wireless communication capabilities such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and communicates with the communication unit 26 of the battery pack 20. A management application is installed in the storage unit 82. The control unit 81 executes the various functions of the management application.

[0130] Figure 13This is a timing diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the second management system. The user connects the battery pack 20 to the work machine 1 (S41). The user operates the panel 27 of the battery pack 20 to activate its short-range wireless communication function (S42). The user temporarily turns on the trigger switch 9 of the work machine 1, activating the work machine 1's processing unit 40 (S43). This establishes communication between the processing unit 22 of the battery pack 20 and the processing unit 40 of the work machine 1 (S44). The user operates the portable terminal 80 to launch the management application (S45). Through the functions of the management application, short-range wireless communication is established between the communication unit 85 of the portable terminal 80 and the communication unit 26 of the battery pack 20 (S46). Furthermore, communication is also established between the portable terminal 80 via the battery pack 20 and the work machine 1 (S47).

[0131] The user performs a tool registration operation on the management application (S48). The management application requests battery pack 20 to register via communication unit 85 (S49). Upon receiving the request, the computing unit 22 of battery pack 20 sends the battery pack 20's information to the portable terminal 80 via communication unit 26 (S50). The information sent includes, for example, the battery pack 20's model name, manufacturing number, software version, registration date, and last connection date and time. The management application stores (registers) the received battery pack 20 information (S51). The management application requests workstation 1 to register via battery pack 20 (S52). Upon receiving the request, the computing unit 40 of workstation 1 sends workstation 1's information to the portable terminal 80 via battery pack 20 (S53). The information sent includes, for example, the workstation 1's model name, manufacturing number, registration date, and last connection date and time. The management application stores (registers) the received battery pack 20 information (S54). The management application disconnects the short-range wireless communication between the communication unit 85 of the portable terminal 80 and the communication unit 26 of the battery pack 20 (S55). The arithmetic unit 22 of the battery pack 20 disconnects the communication between the workstation 1 and the arithmetic unit 40 (S56). The user operates the portable terminal 80 and terminates the management application (S57). After logging in, the user starts the management application and performs the prescribed operations as needed (S58), thereby confirming the information of the workstation 1 and the battery pack 20 (S59).

[0132] According to this embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0133] (1) A QR code 15a, representing the manufacturing number and other inherent information of the work machine 1, is pre-set on the outer surface of the housing 2 of the work machine 1. The camera 67 reads the QR code 15a and stores the read manufacturing number of the work machine 1 in the work machine 1 via the communication adapter 30. Here, the communication adapter 30 relays the communication between the camera 67 and the work machine 1, thereby making it easy to store the manufacturing number of the work machine 1 represented by the QR code 15a in the work machine 1. This improves the convenience of the work machine 1 and simplifies its management. In addition, it is also considered to store the manufacturing number in the storage unit 46 of the work machine 1 before assembly. However, at the assembly line site, it is assumed that the label with the QR code 15a is delivered by the printing company, and the storage unit 46 is delivered by other companies. Therefore, it is difficult to manage the consistency between the manufacturing number of the work machine 1 represented by the QR code 15a and the manufacturing number stored in the storage unit 46 of the work machine 1 with the QR code 15a. In contrast, if the method described above is used to read the QR code 15a attached to the assembled machine 1 and store the manufacturing number in the machine 1 via the communication adapter 30 connected to the machine 1, then the manufacturing number of the machine 1 represented by the QR code 15a can be easily matched with the manufacturing number stored in the storage unit 46 of the machine 1 with the QR code 15a attached.

[0134] (2) There is no need to prepare a separate power supply for the work machine 1 in order to supply power to the work machine 1 via the communication adapter 30. Therefore, the manufacturing number of the work machine 1, represented by the QR code 15a, is stored in the work machine 1's operating manual.

[0135] (3) The portable terminal 80, through its management application, can receive and store the manufacturing number of the work machine 1 via communication with the work machine 1, which is convenient. For example, when multiple or a large number of identical work machines are logged into the management application of the portable terminal 80, management becomes easier by associating each work machine with its manufacturing number. The portable terminal 80 can also be configured to read the QR code 15a of the work machine 1 and store its manufacturing number using its own QR code reading function. In this case, the method for storing the manufacturing number of the work machine 1 is increased and made more convenient. The portable terminal 80 can also be configured to receive and store usage history information of the work machine 1 through its management application. In this case, management becomes easier by associating the manufacturing number with usage history information. Moreover, even if, for example, the work machine 1 is stolen, the information of the work machine 1 can be confirmed through the management application, which is convenient.

[0136] (4) In a POS system at the store where the machine 1 is sold, the machine 1 can be managed for sale using the QR code 15a, including the machine 1’s manufacturing number. In post-sale support, the machine 1’s manufacturing number and usage history information can be read from the machine 1’s storage unit 46 and used, thereby improving the convenience of the machine 1 and making the management of the machine 1 easier.

[0137] (5) A QR code 70a, containing packaging box information including the manufacturing number of the machine 1 to be packaged in the packaging box 70, is pre-set on the outer surface of the packaging box 70. The camera 67 reads the QR code 70a, and the PLC 60 compares the inherent information of the machine 1 with the inherent information of the packaging box to determine whether the packaging box 70 corresponds to the machine 1. Based on whether they correspond, the lights 65 are lit in different forms (different colors). Thus, the operator can confirm whether the packaging box 70 to be loaded into the machine 1 corresponds to the machine 1 by using the lights 65. Therefore, the error of incorrectly packaging the machine 1 in a packaging box 70 with a different manufacturing number than the machine 1 can be prevented, and the management of the machine 1 becomes easier. At this time, since the inherent information of the machine 1 and the corresponding inherent information of the packaging box are set in a way that the identification marks are different, namely "A" and "B", it is possible to distinguish which inherent information of the machine 1 or the packaging box 70 is read. Therefore, the PLC 60 can report an error when the operator reads the QR code 15a of the work machine 1 twice, thereby preventing incorrect packaging. Furthermore, since the lighting pattern of the light 65 (flashing) when the inherent information of the work machine 1 is written correctly is different from the lighting pattern of the light 65 (continuous lighting) when the inherent information of the packaging box is read correctly, the operator can understand the next step (reading the QR code 70a of the packaging box 70 or packaging the work machine 1 into the packaging box 70) by the lighting pattern of the light 65, resulting in good operability.

[0138] The present invention has been described above using embodiments as examples, but those skilled in the art will understand that the various structural elements or processing techniques of the embodiments can be modified in various ways within the scope of the claims. Hereinafter, some examples of modifications will be described.

[0139] Figure 14 It means Figure 8 The circuit block diagram of a modified example of the first management system is shown. Hereinafter, it will be described differently from... Figure 8The explanation focuses on the following aspects. Camera 67 is connected to the arithmetic / communication unit 34 of communication adapter 30, without going through PLC 60. Information read by camera 67 is sent to the arithmetic / communication unit 34 of communication adapter 30, without going through PLC 60. The lighting state of lamp 65 is controlled by the arithmetic / communication unit 34 of communication adapter 30. Communication adapter 30 determines whether the inherent information of work machine 1 corresponds to the inherent information of packaging box. As described above, the series of operations described in this embodiment can also be performed without going through PLC 60.

[0140] QR codes 15a and 70a can be replaced with other codes, such as barcodes. QR code 15a on machine 1 may also not include an identification mark. In this case, it will not prevent the storage of the inherent information of machine 1. To make the inherent information of machine 1 different from the inherent information of the packaging box, additional text may be added to the manufacturing number only for the inherent information of the packaging box.

Claims

1. A sensor unit comprising a sensor device and a communication adapter, the communication adapter being configured to be mounted on a work machine, characterized in that, The sensor device is separate from the work machine and the communication adapter. The sensor device collects the first inherent information of the work machine that is displayed on the first inherent information display unit disposed on the outer surface of the work machine, and uses it as physical information existing outside the sensor unit. The collected physical information is converted into collected data and output. and The communication adapter is configured to be detachable from the work machine and, when assembled with the work machine, to relay communication between the sensor device and the work machine. The communication adapter includes: The first interface is configured in a manner that allows it to be connected to the sensor device; The second interface is configured to be separate from the first interface and electrically connected to the work machine by assembling the communication adapter onto the work machine; and The sensor unit control unit is configured to input the collected data output from the sensor device, and output the collected data and / or generated data based on the collected data to the work machine via the second interface. The first inherent information of the work machine, displayed on the first inherent information display unit disposed on the outer surface of the work machine, is collected as physical information by the sensor device, output to the work machine by the sensor unit control unit of the communication adapter, and stored in the work machine storage unit of the work machine. The physical information or the collected data includes the first inherent information of the work machine displayed on the first inherent information display unit disposed on the outer surface of the work machine. The collected data and / or generated data output by the sensor unit control unit to the work machine and stored in the work machine storage unit of the work machine include the first inherent information.

2. The sensor unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sensor device is configured as an optical sensor device, which collects light-related information displayed as a QR code or barcode as the physical information existing outside the sensor unit.

3. The sensor unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It is composed of the following: The first interface can be connected to a computer device, and the sensor unit control unit can communicate with the sensor device via the computer device.

4. The sensor unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The second interface includes: a first communication terminal configured to be mounted on the battery assembly of the work machine and configured to communicate with the work machine; and a first power terminal configured to supply power to the work machine.

5. A work machine capable of being equipped with the communication adapter of the sensor unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, include: The third interface is configured to communicate with the second interface. The machine control unit is configured to communicate with the sensor unit control unit via the third interface; and The machine storage unit is configured as a non-volatile memory capable of communicating with the machine control unit. The machine control unit stores the collected data and / or generated data input from the communication adapter of the sensor unit via the third interface in the machine storage unit.

6. A communication method for communicating between a sensor unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 4 and a work machine as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The collected data from the sensor device is input into the sensor unit control unit. The collected data and / or the generated data based on the collected data are input to the machine control unit via the second interface and the third interface. The collected data and / or the generated data input to the machine control unit are stored in the machine storage unit.

7. A work machine capable of being equipped with a communication adapter for a sensor unit, the sensor unit comprising a sensor device and the communication adapter, the communication adapter being configured to relay communication between the sensor device and the work machine, the communication adapter being separate from the sensor device and comprising: The first interface is configured in a manner that allows it to be connected to the sensor device; The second interface is configured to be able to connect to the work machine; The work machine includes a sensor unit control unit: The third interface is configured to communicate with the second interface. The machine control unit is configured to communicate with the sensor unit control unit via the third interface; The machine storage unit is configured as a non-volatile memory capable of communicating with the machine control unit; The machine frame is configured to house the machine control unit and the machine storage unit; and An inherent information display unit is disposed on the outer surface of the frame of the work machine, and displays the inherent data, i.e., inherent information, of the work machine. The machine's storage unit is configured to input and store the inherent information from the sensor device via the second interface and the third interface. The inherent information is data inherent to the machine collected by the sensor device. The inherent information displayed on the inherent information display unit is the same as the inherent information stored in the work machine storage unit.

8. A communication method, which is a communication method for communication between a machine and its sensor unit according to claim 7, characterized in that: The sensor device collects the inherent information displayed on the inherent information display section of the machine as a QR code or barcode as collected data. The collected data from the sensor device is input into the sensor unit control unit. The collected data and / or the generated data based on the collected data are input to the machine control unit via the second interface and the third interface. The collected data and / or the generated data input to the machine control unit are stored in the machine storage unit.

9. A management method for managing the work machine as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The portable terminal is connected to the control unit of the work machine in a manner that enables direct or indirect wireless communication between them. The collected data and / or generated data stored in the storage unit of the work machine are transmitted to the portable terminal via wireless communication and stored in the portable terminal.

10. A management method for managing the work machine as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The portable terminal is connected to the control unit of the work machine in a manner that enables direct or indirect wireless communication between them. The inherent information stored in the storage unit of the work machine is transmitted to the portable terminal via wireless communication and stored in the portable terminal.

11. The management method according to claim 10, characterized in that: The inherent information collected by the sensor device and displayed on the inherent information display unit of the machine is used to... The sensor device collects and displays information inherent to the packaging box used to house the machine. A computer device connected to the sensor device determines whether the inherent information read by the sensor device and the inherent information of the packaging box are pre-associated data. If it is determined that the inherent information and the inherent information of the packaging box are data that have been pre-associated, the computer device reports that everything is normal. If it is determined that the inherent information and the inherent information of the packaging box are not data that have been pre-associated with each other through the computer device, the computer device shall report an anomaly.

12. The management method according to claim 11, characterized in that: The inherent information and the inherent information of the packaging box are data that are at least partially different from each other.

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