Tool

Abstract

In order to be able to communicate with a reader regardless of the orientation and posture of the tool, the tool is provided with: a grip (10) to be gripped by a worker; a force acting member (20) provided on the tip side of the grip (10); a mounting member (30) provided on the rear end side of the grip (10); and an electronic tag (40) attached to the attachment member (30) or the rear end portion (14) of the grip (10) and provided continuously or intermittently in the circumferential direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to tools such as screwdrivers. Background Art

[0002] For example, at aircraft maintenance sites, the loss of tools such as screwdrivers directly affects safety, so thorough tool management is implemented.

[0003] As shown in Patent Document 1, a conventional screwdriver has a plug inserted into the handle. An electronic tag is placed in a rectangular slot formed in the plug, enabling wireless communication between the tag and a reader. This structure facilitates, for example, the management of whether a screwdriver has been returned to a tool box.

[0004] However, in the screwdriver disclosed in Patent Document 1, radio waves transmitted from the electronic tag are mainly directed toward the slot opening. Therefore, if the slot opening faces downward due to orientation or posture, communication with the reader may become impossible.

[0005] Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent No. 8,870,078 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and a main object of the present invention is to provide a tool that can communicate with a reader regardless of the orientation or posture of the tool.

[0007] That is, the tool of the present invention includes: a handle for the operator to hold; a force application member arranged on the front end side of the handle; a mounting member arranged on the rear end side of the handle; and an electronic tag mounted on the mounting member, and arranged continuously or intermittently along the circumference.

[0008] Since the tool thus configured is disposed continuously or intermittently along the circumferential direction, communication with the reader is possible regardless of the orientation or posture of the tool. Furthermore, since the electronic tag is mounted on the mounting member provided at the rear end portion or the rear end side of the handle, it is difficult for force to be applied to the electronic tag during operation, thereby preventing the electronic tag from being damaged.

[0009] However, in order to transmit radio waves in all directions, it is also conceivable to surround the tool with electronic tags all around. However, a structure that simply surrounds the electronic tags will cause other problems such as an increase in the size of the tool. Therefore, it is preferable that the mounting member has grooves formed continuously or intermittently along the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface, and the electronic tag is provided in the groove. With such a structure, since the electronic tag is provided in the groove on the outer peripheral surface of the mounting member, the tool can be kept compact and radio waves can be transmitted in all directions.

[0010] Preferably, the groove is continuously provided over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the mounting member, and the electronic tag is wound around the mounting member along the groove. With such a configuration, radio waves from the electronic tag can be transmitted in all directions, and communication between the electronic tag and the reader can be performed more reliably.

[0011] Since the electronic tag may be damaged by contact with water or the like, it is preferable that the tool further includes a sealing member for keeping the groove airtight.

[0012] Furthermore, if the mounting member is a metal mounting member such as a metal bottom cover, when the electronic tag is mounted on the mounting member, part of the radio waves transmitted from the electronic tag will be reflected by the mounting member, thereby canceling and weakening the radio waves, causing a problem of impairing communication stability. Therefore, when the mounting member is a metal mounting member, it is preferable that the tool further includes a non-metallic spacer provided in the groove, and the electronic tag is mounted on the mounting member via the spacer. With such a structure, since the electronic tag is attached via the non-metallic spacer, it is possible to suppress reflection of radio waves transmitted from the electronic tag by the shaft, thereby ensuring stable communication.

[0013] In order to further suppress the above-mentioned reflection of radio waves, etc., it is preferable that the mounting member is a mounting member made of resin.

[0014] However, when an electronic tag is installed in a groove on the outer peripheral surface of a mounting member as described above, the length of the antenna constituting the electronic tag is limited by the outer diameter of the mounting member. If a sufficient length cannot be ensured, the communication distance may be insufficient. Therefore, it is preferred that the rear end portion of the handle has a storage space for storing the electronic tag. With such a configuration, when the antenna is provided at the rear end of the grip, the circumference of the antenna can be lengthened compared to when the antenna is provided on the mounting member, thereby extending the communication distance.

[0015] Preferably, the accommodation space is a space formed by recessing the rear end surface of the handle. In this way, the accommodation space can be easily formed.

[0016] As a more specific embodiment, the following embodiment can be cited: the tool further includes an annular substrate provided in the housing space, and the electronic tag is an annular electronic tag provided on the substrate.

[0017] As another embodiment for lengthening the circumference of the antenna, there is a mode in which the electronic tag is provided on a blocking surface of the mounting member that blocks the rear end opening of the handle. With this structure, since the electronic tag is provided on the sealing surface, the circumference of the antenna can be lengthened compared to a structure in which the electronic tag is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the mounting member, thereby extending the communication distance.

[0018] Preferably, the electronic tag is accommodated in an accommodating space formed by recessing the sealing surface. Such a structure in which the accommodation space is provided on the blocking surface is easier to handle than a structure in which a groove is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the mounting member, and equipment investment can also be reduced.

[0019] However, when an electronic tag is provided on the mounting member, if an attempt is made to mold the handle (e.g., insert molding) after inserting the mounting member into the interior of the handle, there is a risk of force being applied to the electronic tag during molding, causing damage, so it is preferable to mold the handle in advance before inserting the mounting member.

[0020] However, in this case, there are other problems such as the internal space of the handle collapsing during the molding of the grip, making it difficult to smoothly insert the mounting member.

[0021] Therefore, preferably, the tool further includes a cylindrical spacer, the cylindrical spacer being inserted into the interior of the handle through the rear end opening of the handle, and the mounting member being inserted into the interior of the cylindrical spacer. With this structure, before inserting the mounting member, the cylindrical spacer is first fitted into the interior of the grip, and the grip is molded in this state, thereby preventing the interior space of the grip from collapsing. Furthermore, by providing such a cylindrical spacer, the diameter of the mounting member can be reduced, thereby facilitating handling when attaching the electronic tag to the mounting member, for example.

[0022] According to the present invention thus constituted, the tool can communicate with the reader regardless of its orientation or posture. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 It is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of a tool according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of a tool according to the same embodiment. Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the structure of the tool according to the same embodiment. Figure 4It is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of an electronic tag according to the same embodiment. Figure 5 It is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of an electronic tag according to a modified example of the first embodiment. Figure 6 It is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the structure of a tool according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 It is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the structure of an electronic tag according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of a tool according to a modified example of the third embodiment. Figure 9 It is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of a tool according to another embodiment. Figure 10 It is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of a tool according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] <<First embodiment>> A first embodiment of the tool of the present invention will be described below.

[0025] The tool of the present embodiment is used, for example, at a maintenance site of an aircraft, a vehicle, a railway vehicle, a ship, or the like, and is a screwdriver used for tightening a fastener.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the screwdriver 100 includes a handle 10 for the operator to hold, a force application member 20 provided at the front end side of the handle 10, and a mounting member 30 provided at the rear end side of the handle 10. Figure 1 A Phillips screwdriver is shown as an example of the screwdriver 100 , but a slotted screwdriver, a nut driver, a Torx screwdriver, or the like may also be used.

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown, the handle 10 has a portion for the operator to hold, namely a gripping portion 11, which is in an elongated strip shape.

[0028] like Figure 2 As shown, the handle 10 of this embodiment includes, for example, a main body 12 made of a hard resin and a grip 13 made of, for example, a soft resin covering the outer peripheral surface of the main body 12. However, the handle 10 is not necessarily composed of the main body 12 and the grip 13, and may be composed of, for example, a single member or three or more members, and may be made of various materials such as resin or wood.

[0029] Here, the handle 10 has a cylindrical shape, and a force application member 20 described later is inserted into the front end opening 10 a , and a mounting member 30 described later is mounted on the rear end opening 10 b .

[0030] The force application member 20 is as follows Figure 2 As shown, the distal end portion 21 functions as a portion for applying force to an object such as a fastener, and the proximal end portion 22 is inserted into the handle 10 through the distal end opening 10 a of the handle 10 and is constituted by a long metal shaft.

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, the mounting member 30 blocks the cylindrical rear end opening 10 b and includes an insertion body 31 inserted into the interior of the handle 10 through the rear end opening 10 b of the handle 10 and a cover body 32 blocking the rear end opening 10 b.

[0032] The mounting member 30 of this embodiment is formed integrally with the insert 31 and the cover 32, and is specifically a resin mounting member. In addition, the mounting member 30 is not necessarily made of resin, and can be made of, for example, wood or any other material as long as it does not reflect radio waves.

[0033] Moreover, if Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the screwdriver 100 of this embodiment further includes electronic tags 40 mounted on the mounting member 30 and continuously arranged along the circumferential direction. In addition, the circumferential direction is a direction surrounding the axial direction of the handle 10 as the central axis.

[0034] More specifically, in this embodiment, a groove 33 continuously extending in the circumferential direction is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the mounting member 30 , and the electronic tag 40 is provided in the groove 33 .

[0035] The groove 33 of the present embodiment is an annular groove continuously provided over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the mounting member 30 , and specifically, is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion body 31 .

[0036] Small grooves 34 are further provided on the outer peripheral surface of the insert 31 at the front and rear ends of the groove 33 . Sealing members 50 such as O-rings are provided in these small grooves 34 to keep the groove 33 airtight.

[0037] The electronic tag 40 is wound around the mounting member 30 along the groove 33 , performs wireless communication with a reader (not shown), and stores various information that can be read by the reader.

[0038] Specifically, if Figure 3 As shown, the electronic tag 40 includes at least an IC chip 41 and an antenna portion 42 on which the IC chip 41 is provided.

[0039] In this embodiment, the antenna unit 42 includes an inner antenna 43 located radially inward and an outer antenna 44 located radially outward of the inner antenna 43 , with an insulating sheet 45 interposed between the inner antenna 43 and the outer antenna 44 .

[0040] In this embodiment, the IC chip 41 is connected to the internal antenna 43 and is arranged to be housed in a recess formed in the insert 31. Alternatively, the IC chip 41 may be connected to the external antenna 44 instead of the internal antenna 43.

[0041] like Figure 4 As shown, the internal antenna 43 and the external antenna 44 are formed on an antenna substrate 46 such as a flexible substrate.

[0042] More specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the antenna substrate 46 perpendicular to the axial direction of the screwdriver 100 is C-shaped, which is obtained by cutting out a part of a circle.

[0043] In the present embodiment, the cutout portion 47 of the antenna substrate 46 on which the inner antenna 43 is formed and the cutout portion 47 of the antenna substrate 46 on which the outer antenna 44 is formed are arranged to face opposite directions to each other.

[0044] The inner antenna 43 and the outer antenna 44 are formed of, for example, photoresist and form a closed loop. The inner antenna 43 and the outer antenna 44 are not necessarily formed using photoresist, but can be formed using various methods such as cutting and laser processing.

[0045] In this embodiment, the inner antenna 43 and the outer antenna 44 are formed by four sides surrounding a rectangular area. The rectangular area surrounded by the inner antenna 43 and the rectangular area surrounded by the outer antenna 44 are arranged to face opposite directions.

[0046] The shapes and arrangements of the internal antenna 43 and the external antenna 44 and the shape and arrangement of the antenna substrate 46 are not limited thereto and can be modified as appropriate.

[0047] Since the screwdriver 100 configured in this manner is continuously arranged along the circumferential direction, communication with the reader can be performed regardless of the direction or posture of the screwdriver 100 .

[0048] Furthermore, since the electronic tag 40 is attached to the attachment member 30 provided on the rear end side of the handle 10 , it is difficult for force to be applied to the electronic tag 40 during operation, and it is possible to prevent the electronic tag 40 from being damaged.

[0049] Furthermore, since the electronic tag 40 is provided in the annular groove 33 formed in the mounting member 30 , the screwdriver 100 can be kept compact and radio waves can be transmitted in all directions.

[0050] Furthermore, since the sealing member 50 is provided to keep the groove 33 airtight, moisture can be prevented from entering the groove 33 and damaging the electronic tag 40 .

[0051] <<Modification of First Embodiment>> In addition, the present invention is not limited to the first embodiment.

[0052] For example, in the above embodiment, the mounting member 30 is described as being made of resin. However, the mounting member 30 may be made of metal, for example, and specifically used as a metal bottom cover for striking the screwdriver 100 with a hammer or the like.

[0053] In this case, if the electronic tag 40 is attached to the metal mounting member 30 , a portion of the radio waves transmitted from the electronic tag 40 is reflected by the mounting member 30 , thereby canceling and weakening the radio waves, causing a problem of impairing communication stability.

[0054] Therefore, it is preferable that the tool 100 (screwdriver) in this case further includes a non-metallic spacer provided in the groove 33 , and the electronic tag 40 is attached to the mounting member 30 via the spacer.

[0055] With such a structure, since the electronic tag 40 is attached via a non-metallic spacer, it is possible to suppress reflection of radio waves transmitted from the electronic tag 40 by the shaft, thereby ensuring stable communication.

[0056] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the groove 33 formed in the mounting member 30 is formed continuously throughout the entire circumference. However, the groove 33 may be formed continuously except for a portion of the circumference, or may be formed intermittently throughout the circumference. Depending on the shape of the groove 33 , the electronic tag 40 may be formed continuously except for a portion in the circumferential direction, or may be formed intermittently throughout the circumferential direction.

[0057] Furthermore, the electronic tag 40 may also be Figure 5 As shown, the antenna portion 42 has a helical shape. With such a structure, the length of the antenna unit 42 can be increased, thereby extending the communication distance.

[0058] <<Second embodiment>> Next, a second embodiment of the tool of the present invention will be described.

[0059] The tool 100 of this embodiment is a screwdriver as in the first embodiment, but differs from the first embodiment in the structure and arrangement of the electronic tag 40 , so this point will be described.

[0060] like Figure 6 As shown, the electronic tag 40 of this embodiment is provided at the rear end portion 14 of the handle 10 .

[0061] More specifically, the rear end portion 14 of the grip 10 has a storage space 15 for storing the electronic tag 40 . With the electronic tag 40 stored in the storage space 15 , the mounting member 30 is mounted on the rear end portion 14 .

[0062] The accommodation space 15 is a space formed by recessing the rear end surface 16 of the handle 10 , ie, the surface to which the mounting member 30 is mounted, and has, for example, an annular shape.

[0063] Here, a ring-shaped substrate is provided in the housing space 15 , and the electronic tag 40 is provided on the substrate.

[0064] The electronic tag 40 is electrically connected to the substrate, and specifically includes an IC chip 41 and an antenna unit 42 provided with the IC chip.

[0065] Here, the antenna portion 42 is in a ring shape continuously provided along the circumferential direction. Note that the circumferential direction is a direction that circles around the axial direction of the handle 10 as the central axis.

[0066] The mounting member 30 is made of resin, for example, and is mounted on the rear end portion 14 of the grip 10 to close the aforementioned accommodation space 15 .

[0067] With this structure, the electronic tag 40 of the present embodiment is disposed between the rear end portion 14 of the grip 10 and the mounting member 30 .

[0068] Since the screwdriver 100 configured in this manner is continuously arranged along the circumferential direction, communication with the reader can be performed regardless of the direction or posture of the screwdriver 100 .

[0069] Furthermore, since the electronic tag 40 is mounted on the mounting member 30 provided at the rear end portion 14 of the grip 10 , it is difficult to apply force to the electronic tag 40 during operation, thereby preventing the electronic tag 40 from being damaged.

[0070] Furthermore, since the antenna of the electronic tag 40 is in a loop shape, the screwdriver 100 can be kept compact and transmit radio waves in all directions.

[0071] Furthermore, compared with the configuration in which the electronic tag 40 is provided on the mounting member 30 as in the first embodiment, the configuration in which the electronic tag 40 is provided on the rear end portion 14 of the grip 10 can lengthen the circumference of the antenna portion 42 and thereby extend the communication distance.

[0072] <<Modification of Second Embodiment>> For example, in the above embodiment, the accommodation space 15 is provided at the rear end portion 14 , but the rear end surface 16 of the handle 10 may be preliminarily set as, for example, a flat surface, and the sealing surface of the mounting member 30 that seals the rear end side opening 10 b of the handle 10 may be recessed to provide the accommodation space 15 . In this case, the electronic tag 40 is housed in the housing space 15 by attaching the mounting member 30 to the rear end portion 14 with the electronic tag 40 provided on the flat rear end surface 16 of the rear end portion 14 . Alternatively, the accommodation space 15 may be formed by recessing both the rear end surface 16 of the handle 10 and the blocking surface of the mounting member 30 .

[0073] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the accommodation space 15 formed in the rear end portion 14 of the handle 10 is annular, but it may be formed continuously except for a portion in the circumferential direction, or may be formed intermittently throughout the circumferential direction. Depending on the shape of the storage space 15 , the antenna constituting the electronic tag 40 may be formed continuously except for a portion in the circumferential direction, or may be formed intermittently throughout the circumferential direction.

[0074] Furthermore, in the screwdriver 100 of the second embodiment, a sealing member 50 such as an O-ring may be provided between the rear end portion 14 of the handle 10 and the mounting member 30 to keep the housing space 15 airtight.

[0075] <<Third embodiment>> Next, a third embodiment of the tool of the present invention will be described.

[0076] The tool 100 of this embodiment is a screwdriver as in the above embodiments, but differs from the above embodiments in the structure and arrangement of the electronic tag 40 , so this point will be described.

[0077] The electronic tag 40 of this embodiment is as follows Figure 7 As shown, a blocking surface 35 of the mounting member 30 that blocks the rear end opening 10 b of the handle 10 is recessed to provide a housing space 15 , and the electronic tag 40 is housed in the housing space 15 .

[0078] The electronic tag 40 includes an IC chip 41 and an antenna unit 42 continuously provided along the circumference. The antenna unit 42 is composed of an internal antenna 43 and an external antenna 44. In this embodiment, the IC chip 41 is provided on the external antenna 44, but may be provided on the internal antenna 43.

[0079] The cross-section of the internal antenna 43 and the external antenna 44 perpendicular to the axial direction of the screwdriver 100 is C-shaped, formed by cutting out a part of a circle, and the internal antenna 43 and the external antenna 44 are arranged so that the cutout parts face opposite directions.

[0080] According to the screwdriver 100 configured in this manner, since the antenna portion 42 is continuously provided along the circumferential direction, communication with the reader can be performed regardless of the direction or posture of the screwdriver 100 .

[0081] Moreover, since the electronic tag 40 is accommodated in the accommodation space 15 provided on the sealing surface 35 of the mounting component 30, the circumference of the internal antenna 42 and the external antenna 43 can be lengthened compared to the structure in which the groove 33 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the mounting component 30 as in the first embodiment, thereby extending the communication distance.

[0082] However, if the structure is such as the second embodiment in which the electronic tag 40 is provided on the handle 10, the handle 10 consisting of the main body 12 and the grip 13 needs to be transported to the operation site where the electronic tag 40 is pasted, and after the handle 10 with the electronic tag 40 pasted is returned, the installation component 30 is installed. On the other hand, if the structure is such as the present embodiment in which the electronic tag 40 is provided on the mounting component 30, the mounting component 30 is transported to the work site where the electronic tag 40 is pasted, and the mounting component 30 with the electronic tag 40 pasted is returned. Therefore, compared with the method of handling the handle 10 as in the second embodiment, the transportation cost and transportation time can be reduced.

[0083] <<Modification of the Third Embodiment>> When an electronic tag 40 is provided on the mounting member 30, if an attempt is made to mold (e.g., insert mold) the handle 13 into the main body 12 after the mounting member 30 is inserted into the interior of the main body 12 through the rear end side opening 10b of the handle 10, there is a risk of force being applied to the electronic tag 40 during the molding, causing damage. Therefore, it is preferred to mold the handle 13 before inserting the mounting member 30.

[0084] However, in this case, other problems may arise, such as the internal space of the main body 12 being collapsed during the molding of the grip 13 , making it difficult to smoothly insert the mounting member 30 .

[0085] Therefore, the tool 100 can also be used as Figure 8 As shown, a cylindrical spacer 60 is further provided which is fitted into the interior of the main body 12 through the rear end opening 10 b of the grip 10 , and the mounting member 30 is inserted into the interior of the cylindrical spacer 60 .

[0086] According to this structure, before inserting the mounting member 30 , the cylindrical spacer 60 is first embedded in the interior of the main body 12 , and the grip 13 is molded on the main body 12 in this state, thereby preventing the internal space of the main body 12 from collapsing.

[0087] Moreover, by providing such a cylindrical spacer 60, the diameter of the insert 31 of the mounting member 30 can be reduced, so that, for example, when the electronic tag 40 is mounted on the sealing surface 35 of the mounting member 30, the insert 31 is less likely to cause interference and is easier to handle.

[0088] <<Other Implementation Methods>> In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0089] For example, in each of the above embodiments, a screwdriver is exemplified as the tool 100, but the tool 100 of the present invention may also be a screwdriver as long as it includes the handle 10, the force application member 20 and the mounting member 30. Figure 9 The ratchet shown, Figure 10 The hammer shown in the figure also includes the electronic tag 40 in these tools 100 , which is attached to the mounting member 30 or the rear end portion 14 of the handle 10 and is provided continuously or intermittently along the circumferential direction.

[0090] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Industrial Applicability

[0091] According to the present invention, the tool can communicate with the reader regardless of its orientation and posture. Description of Reference Numerals

[0092] 100 tools (screwdrivers) 10 Handle 11. Grip 12 Subject 13 Grip 14 rear end 20 Force acting components 30 Installation components 33 slots 40 Electronic Tags 41 IC chips 42 Antenna 50 Sealing member.

Claims

1. A tool, characterized in that: include: A handle for the operator to hold; A force application member, disposed at the front end side of the handle; A mounting member, disposed on the rear end side of the handle; as well as The electronic tag is mounted on the mounting member or the rear end of the handle and is disposed continuously or intermittently along the circumferential direction.

2. The tool according to claim 1, characterized in that The mounting member has grooves formed on its outer peripheral surface continuously or intermittently along the circumferential direction. The electronic tag is arranged in the slot.

3. The tool according to claim 2, characterized in that The groove is continuously provided over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the mounting member, and the electronic tag is wound around the mounting member along the groove.

4. The tool according to claim 2, characterized in that The tool also includes a sealing member that keeps the groove airtight.

5. The tool according to claim 2, characterized in that The mounting member is a metal mounting member, The tool further comprises a non-metallic spacer disposed in the groove, The electronic tag is mounted on the mounting member via the spacer.

6. The tool according to claim 1, characterized in that The mounting member is a mounting member made of resin.

7. The tool according to claim 1, characterized in that The rear end of the handle has a receiving space for receiving the electronic tag.

8. The tool according to claim 7, characterized in that The receiving space is a space formed by recessing the rear end surface of the handle.

9. The tool according to claim 7, characterized in that The tool also includes an annular substrate disposed in the receiving space, The electronic tag is a ring-shaped electronic tag provided on the substrate.

10. The tool according to claim 1, characterized in that The electronic tag is arranged on a blocking surface of the mounting component that blocks a rear end opening of the handle.

11. The tool according to claim 10, characterized in that The electronic tag is accommodated in an accommodation space formed by recessing the sealing surface.

12. The tool according to claim 1, characterized in that The tool further comprises a cylindrical spacer, wherein the cylindrical spacer is embedded in the interior of the handle through the rear end opening of the handle. The mounting member is inserted into the interior of the cylindrical spacer.

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