Control device and tool system

Abstract

The problem of improving convenience is solved. The control device (4) comprises: a second communication unit (41) for receiving result information transmitted from a tool (2) comprising a first communication unit (25) for transmitting result information depending on the progress of the work; a first storage unit (45) as a volatile memory; a first storage processor (492) for causing the first storage unit (45) to store work progress information, which is information indicating the progress state of the work on the basis of the result information; a conventional power supply unit (471) to which external power is supplied from an external power source (AC1) through a power line, and which supplies operation power to the first storage unit (45) using the external power; a detector (48) for detecting a sign of interruption of the supply of the operating power from the normal power supply unit (471) to the first storage unit (45); a second storage unit (46) that is a non-volatile memory; and a second storage processor (494) for causing the second storage unit (46) to store work progress information when the detector (48) detects the sign.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a control device and a tool system. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a control device configured to communicate with a tool, and a tool system including the control device. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an electric tool control system.

[0003] The electric tool control system of Patent Document 1 includes: a center device configured to transmit preset screw tightening information to the electric tool via a network; and the electric tool configured to control rotation of a motor based on the received screw tightening information.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-334670 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to improve usability.

[0008] A control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a second communication unit, a first storage unit, a first storage processor, a normal power supply unit, a detector, a second storage unit, and a second storage processor. The second communication unit is configured to receive result information transmitted from a tool. The tool includes a first communication unit configured to transmit the result information depending on the progress of a job. The first storage unit is a volatile memory. The first storage processor is configured to cause the first storage unit to store job progress information. The job progress information is information based on the result information and indicates the progress status of the job. The normal power supply unit is configured to receive external power from an external power source via a power line and to supply operating power to the first storage unit using the external power. The detector is configured to detect a sign of an interruption in the supply of operating power from the normal power supply unit to the first storage unit. The second storage unit is a non-volatile memory. The second storage processor is configured to cause the second storage unit to store the job progress information if the detector detects the sign.

[0009] A tool system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the control device and the tool. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a tool system according to an embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2is a block diagram showing the structure of the tool system.

[0012] Figure 3 A is a perspective view of the tools included in the tool system as seen from the front side. Figure 3 B is a perspective view of the tool as seen from the back side.

[0013] Figure 4 is a sequence diagram of a first operation example of the tool system.

[0014] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram of the second operation example of the tool system.

[0015] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram of the third operation example of the tool system.

[0016] Figure 7 It is a continuation of the sequence diagram of the third operation example.

[0017] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing an operation example of the tool system according to the first modification.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a continuation of the sequence diagram for this operation example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to common elements in various embodiments, and repeated descriptions of these common elements may be omitted. Note that the embodiments to be described below are merely exemplary embodiments of the various embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be construed as restrictive. These embodiments may be easily modified in various ways according to design choices or any other factors, as long as the advantages of the present disclosure can be achieved. The accompanying drawings to be referred to in accordance with the present disclosure are all schematic representations. That is, the ratio of the size (including thickness) of the various constituent elements illustrated in the drawings does not always reflect their actual size ratios.

[0020] (1) Summary

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, the tool system 1 of this embodiment includes a tool 2 and a management system 3 including a control device 4. The control device 4 and the tool 2 are configured to communicate with each other wirelessly.

[0022] Tool 2 is a portable power tool and may be, for example, an impact wrench. Figure 2 As shown, the tool 2 includes a working unit 24 and a first communication unit 25 .

[0023] The working unit 24 is configured to perform a predetermined working operation. The working unit 24 includes, for example, a tightening unit 240. The tightening unit 240 is configured to rotate a screw such as a socket 242 (see Figure 3 A and Figure 3 B) and the like, and thereby perform a tightening operation (working operation) to tighten a fastener such as a bolt.

[0024] The first communication unit 25 includes a communication interface for wirelessly communicating with the control device 4. The first communication unit 25 is configured to transmit result information depending on the progress of the work performed by the working unit 24 to the control device 4. According to the present disclosure, "result information" refers to information for indicating the result of a single (one) working operation (tightening operation) performed by the tool 2.

[0025] The management system 3 is a system for managing work performed using the tool 2. In this embodiment, the management system 3 is configured to receive result information from the tool 2 to manage work performed using the tool 2.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, the management system 3 includes a control device 4 and a main device 5 .

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown, the control device 4 includes a second communication unit 41 , a first storage section 45 , a second storage section 46 , a power supply unit 47 , a detector 48 , a first storage processor 492 , and a second storage processor 494 .

[0028] The first storage unit 45 is a volatile memory. The volatile memory refers to a memory that cannot retain stored information when power supply to the memory is interrupted.

[0029] The second storage unit 46 is a nonvolatile memory. The nonvolatile memory refers to a memory that can retain stored information even when power is not supplied to the memory. Examples of the nonvolatile memory include a nonvolatile storage unit.

[0030] The second communication unit 41 includes a communication interface for wirelessly communicating with (the first communication unit 25 of) the tool 2. The second communication unit 41 is configured to receive result information transmitted from the tool 2.

[0031] The first storage processor 492 is configured to cause the first storage unit 45 to store job progress information. According to the present disclosure, "job progress information" refers to information that is based on the result information received from the tool 2 and indicates the progress status of the job. "Job progress information" may be result information received from the tool 2 itself, or may be information obtained by performing some processing on the result information. According to the present disclosure, a "job" includes a series of multiple job operations. "Job progress status" indicates information indicating the sequence number of the job operation that has just completed in the series of multiple job operations.

[0032] As described above, the first storage unit 45 is a volatile memory and therefore cannot retain information when power (operating power) to the memory is interrupted. In the control device 4 , operating power for the first storage unit 45 is supplied from the power supply unit 47 .

[0033] The power supply unit 47 includes a normal power supply unit 471. External power is supplied from an external power source AC1 through a power line to the normal power supply unit 471. The normal power supply unit 471 is configured to supply operating power to the first storage section 45 using the external power.

[0034] The detector 48 is configured to detect a sign of interruption of the supply of operating power from the normal power supply unit 471 to the first storage section 45. According to the present disclosure, "a sign of interruption of the supply of operating power from the normal power supply unit 471 to the first storage section 45" is an event indicating that the supply of operating power from the normal power supply unit 471 to the first storage section 45 will be interrupted after a predetermined time.

[0035] The second storage processor 494 is configured to cause the second storage section 46 to store the job progress information when the detector 48 detects the sign (ie, the sign of interruption of the supply of operating power from the normal power supply unit 471 to the first storage section 45 ).

[0036] According to the control device 4 of this embodiment, when an event occurs indicating that the supply of operating power from the normal power supply unit 471 to the first storage unit 45 is about to be interrupted, the work progress information is stored in the second storage unit 46. This prevents the work progress information from being lost even if the first storage unit 45 can no longer retain the work progress information due to the interruption of the supply of operating power. Furthermore, work progress information is normally stored in the first storage unit 45, which is volatile memory. This can extend the service life of the second storage unit 46, which is non-volatile memory, which generally has a shorter service life than volatile memory.

[0037] Therefore, the control device 4 of the present embodiment and the tool system 1 including the control device 4 can provide improved usability.

[0038] (2) Details

[0039] In the following, reference Figures 1 to 7 The details of the control device 4 and the tool system 1 of this embodiment will be described.

[0040] (2.1) Overall structure

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the tool system 1 includes a tool 2 and a management system 3. Alternatively, the tool system 1 may include a plurality of tools 2. As described above, the tool 2 and the management system 3 (control device 4) are configured to communicate wirelessly with each other.

[0042] The tool system 1 of this embodiment can be used, for example, in an assembly line in a factory where one or more users (one or more workers) perform work to assemble workpieces (such as electrical products or furniture). As described above, the tool 2 is, for example, an electric tool such as an impact wrench, and is used to tighten fasteners (such as screws, bolts, and nuts). However, the tool system 1 is not limited to use in assembly lines.

[0043] (2.2) Tools

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, the tool 2 includes an operating unit 24, a first communication unit 25, a tool end storage unit 26, a controller 27, a display unit 211 and an operation unit 231. The operating unit 24 includes a tightening unit 240 for tightening fasteners. In this embodiment, the tool 2 includes a battery pack 201 (see Figure 3 A) as its constituent element. However, the battery pack 201 does not necessarily have to be a constituent element of the tool 2. That is, the battery pack 201 may not be a constituent element of the tool 2. For example, the battery pack 201 may be a component separate from the tool 2 (tool body) and may be detachably attached to the tool 2 (tool body).

[0045] like Figure 3 A and Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1B , the tool 2 further includes a main body 20 . The main body 20 of the tool 2 includes a barrel portion 21 , a grip portion 22 and an attachment portion 23 .

[0046] The barrel portion 21 is formed in a barrel shape (in this embodiment, a cylindrical shape). The grip portion 22 extends from a portion of the circumference of the barrel portion 21 in one direction (in Figure 3 The attachment portion 23 is configured so that the battery pack 201 can be detachably attached to the attachment portion 23. The attachment portion 23 is provided at the end of the grip portion 22. In other words, the barrel portion 21 and the attachment portion 23 are connected together via the grip portion 22.

[0047] Tightening unit 240 (see Figure 2 ) is accommodated in the cylindrical portion 21. The output shaft 241 of the tightening unit 240 protrudes outward from one end surface of the cylindrical portion 21 in the axial direction.

[0048] The grip portion 22 is held by the user while performing the work. A trigger switch 221 is attached to the grip portion 22. The trigger switch 221 is a switch for controlling the operation of the tightening unit 240, switching between on and off. The trigger switch 221 has an initial position and an on position. When the trigger switch 221 is pulled or pushed to the on position by the user, the tightening unit 240 is activated. Furthermore, the rotational speed of the motor of the tightening unit 240 can be controlled by controlling the amount of pull (operation amount) of the trigger switch 221.

[0049] The attachment portion 23 is formed in a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape. The battery pack 201 is detachably attached to a surface of the attachment portion 23 that is opposite to the grip portion 22 .

[0050] The battery pack 201 includes, for example, a lithium-ion battery and supplies power to the working unit 24 , the first communication unit 25 , the tool-side storage unit 26 , the controller 27 , and the like.

[0051] The attachment portion 23 is provided with an operation unit 231. Through the operation unit 231, the condition of the tool 2 can be checked, and various settings of the tool 2 can be configured. The user can check the battery charge of the battery pack 201 by operating the operation unit 231, for example.

[0052] The display unit 211 includes, for example, one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The display unit 211 is provided at the end (rear end) of the barrel portion 21 of the main body 20 opposite the output shaft 241, thereby enabling the user to easily see the display unit 211 during operation. The display unit 211 can emit light of various colors, thereby providing the user with various information (e.g., whether the tool is currently tightening or the time for component replacement is approaching).

[0053] The tightening unit 240 includes a motor, a speed reducer mechanism, a drive shaft, an impact mechanism, an output shaft 241, and a socket 242. The tightening unit 240 is configured to operate using the power supplied to the motor from the battery pack 201. The tightening unit 240 is configured to tighten the fastener by rotating the front tool (socket 242) using the driving force of the motor. It should be noted that the socket 242 does not necessarily have to be a component of the tightening unit 240. In other words, the socket 242 may not be a component of the tightening unit 240.

[0054] The reducer mechanism is configured to transmit the rotational force of the motor's rotating shaft to the drive shaft. The reducer mechanism may include, for example, a planetary gear mechanism, and converts the rotational speed of the motor's rotating shaft and the torque provided by the motor's rotating shaft into the rotational speed and torque required for the tightening operation. The output shaft 241 receives the rotational force of the drive shaft to transmit it to the socket 242. The output shaft 241 rotates around a rotation axis Ax1 along the protruding direction of the output shaft 241. That is, the tightening unit 240 is configured to drive the output shaft 241 so that the output shaft 241 rotates around the rotation axis Ax1. In other words, through the operation of the tightening unit 240, torque is applied to the output shaft 241 and the output shaft 241 rotates.

[0055] The output shaft 241 is detachably attached with a socket 242 having a cylindrical shape for rotating a fastener (e.g., a bolt or a nut). The socket 242 rotates around the axis of the output shaft 241 together with the output shaft 241. The size of the socket 242 to be attached to the output shaft 241 can be appropriately selected by the user according to the size of the fastener. According to this structure, the output shaft 241 rotates by the operation of the tightening unit 240, and thus the socket 242 rotates together with the output shaft 241. When the socket 242 is assembled to the fastener, the fastener rotates together with the socket 242 to achieve the tightening operation of tightening the fastener. Therefore, the tool 2 can achieve the operation of tightening the fastener by the operation of the tightening unit 240.

[0056] Alternatively, a socket anvil chuck may be attached to the output shaft 241 in place of the socket 242. The socket anvil chuck may also be detachably attached to the output shaft 241. In this case, a tool bit (such as a screwdriver bit or a drill bit) may be attached using the socket anvil chuck.

[0057] The impact mechanism is configured to be driven by the power of a motor. It includes a hammer rotatably held by a drive shaft and an anvil disposed at the rear end of the output shaft 241. The hammer strikes the anvil in response to rotation of the drive shaft. When the tightening torque exceeds a predetermined level, the impact mechanism applies an impact to the output shaft 241 in the direction of rotation. Thus, the tool 2 can provide a greater tightening torque to the fastener. Alternatively, the tightening unit 240 may not include an impact mechanism.

[0058] The first communication unit 25 includes a communication interface configured to wirelessly communicate with the control device 4 (of the management system 3). The first communication unit 25 is configured to communicate with the control device 4 under a wireless communication scheme conforming to the standards of Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), or license-free low-power radio (specified low-power radio), for example.

[0059] The first communication unit 25 is configured to receive a job request from the control device 4. According to the present disclosure, a "job request" indicates information for indicating the content of the job to be performed by the tool 2. The "job request" contains information related to multiple job operations (tightening operations) included in the job to be performed by the tool 2, and information related to the job parameters used by the tool 2 when the tool 2 performs each of the multiple job operations. Examples of "information related to multiple job operations" include job quantity information indicating the number of fasteners on which the tool 2 performs tightening operations (job operations) (i.e., the number of tightening operations to be performed by the tool). Examples of "information related to job parameters" include parameter information indicating the target torque value of each tightening operation. That is, the "job request" contains job quantity information indicating the number of fasteners on which the tool 2 performs tightening operations, and parameter information indicating the target torque value of the tightening operation. Optionally, the "job request" may include position information indicating the position of the fasteners on which the tool 2 performs tightening operations or process information indicating the order in which multiple tightening operations are performed.

[0060] The first communication unit 25 is configured to transmit result information depending on the progress of the work to the control device 4 of the management system 3 under the control of the controller 27. Specifically, each time the tightening unit 240 performs a tightening operation, the first communication unit 25 transmits result information corresponding to the tightening operation performed.

[0061] As described above, the "result information" is information indicating the result of a single work operation (tightening operation) performed by the tool 2. The "result information" includes, for example, job number information indicating the job number and result details indicating the result of the work operation.

[0062] According to the present disclosure, the "job number" indicates the serial number of the job operation that has just been performed by the tightening unit 240 among the multiple job operations specified by the "job request". In the exemplary case where the tightening unit 240 tightens three fasteners (i.e., performs the tightening operation three times), the job number of the tightening operation performed for the first time is "1", the job number of the tightening operation performed for the second time is "2", and the job number of the tightening operation performed for the third time is "3". Therefore, the result information sent after the tool 2 performs the third tightening operation contains the job number information indicating "3" corresponding to the latest job number. In short, the result information contains a job number indicating what the serial number of the job operation that has just ended among the multiple job operations is. According to the present embodiment, the job number is represented by a number, but is not limited to this. Alternatively, the job number can be an identifier representing the serial number of the job operation that has just ended among the multiple job operations.

[0063] Examples of the result details include the magnitude of the tightening torque provided to the fastener during the tightening operation, the result of the determination of whether the tightening operation was performed correctly (eg, OK or NG), and the reason why the tightening operation was NG.

[0064] The first communication unit 25 is configured to transmit current status information to the control device 4 when the state of wireless communication with the control device 4 is restored from the communication disabled state to the communication enabled state. "Current status information" is information indicating the progress of the work performed by the tool 2. The current status information is, for example, information indicating the job number corresponding to the most recent tightening operation performed by the tool 2. In the exemplary case where the tool 2 has performed three tightening operations, the current status information is information indicating "3" as the most recent job number. That is, among the information included in the result information transmitted last, the current status information includes "job number information" but does not include "result details." However, this is merely an example and should not be construed as limiting. Alternatively, the current status information may include "result details."

[0065] The first communication unit 25 is configured to detect the restoration of wireless communication with the control device 4 and autonomously transmit the current status information. However, this is merely an example and should not be construed as limiting. Alternatively, the first communication unit 25 may be configured to receive a request from the control device 4 and transmit the current status information upon restoration of wireless communication with the control device 4.

[0066] The tool-side storage section 26 includes semiconductor memories such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), etc. The tool-side storage section 26 is not limited to semiconductor memories but may include a hard disk drive, etc.

[0067] The tool-side storage unit 26 stores result information (a combination of job number information and result details) related to each work operation (tightening operation) performed by the tightening unit 240. The tool-side storage unit 26 also stores current status information. For example, in response to job completion information transmitted from the control device 4 after the work performed by the tool 2 is completed, the controller 27 can delete the result information and current status information.

[0068] The controller 27 includes, for example, a computer system including one or more processors and one or more memories as its main components. The tool 2 performs the functions of the controller 27 by causing the one or more processors to execute a program stored in the memory. The program can be pre-stored in the memory, downloaded via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or distributed after being stored in a non-transitory storage medium such as a memory card.

[0069] The controller 27 controls operations of the working unit 24 , the first communication unit 25 , the tool-side storage 26 , and the display unit 211 .

[0070] The controller 27 controls the tightening unit 240 so that the tightening torque obtained by the tightening operation reaches the target torque value specified in the job request received by the first communication unit 25. For example, the controller 27 has a torque estimation function for estimating the magnitude of the tightening torque. In the example, the controller 27 estimates the magnitude of the tightening torque based on the rotational speed (of the motor) of the tightening unit 240 until the estimated value of the tightening torque reaches the in-place judgment level. After the estimated value of the tightening torque reaches the in-place judgment level, the controller 27 estimates the magnitude of the tightening torque based on the number of impacts performed by the impact mechanism. When the number of impacts performed by the impact mechanism reaches a threshold value depending on the target torque value, the controller 27 determines that the tightening torque has reached the target torque value and stops the operation of the tightening unit 240 (motor). Therefore, the tool 2 can tighten the fastener with the tightening torque of the target torque value.

[0071] The controller 27 is configured to cause the tool end storage unit 26 to store result information corresponding to the tightening operation performed each time the tightening unit 240 performs a tightening operation. In addition, the controller 27 is configured to control the first communication unit 25 to transmit the result information to the control device 4 each time the tightening unit 240 performs a tightening operation.

[0072] The controller 27 is configured to control the current status information to be transmitted from the first communication unit 25 to the control device 4 when the state of wireless communication between the first communication unit 25 and the control device 4 is restored from the communication disabled state to the communication enabled state.

[0073] (2.3) Management System

[0074] like Figure 1 As shown, the management system 3 includes a control device 4 and a main device 5 .

[0075] (2.3.1) Main device

[0076] The host device 5 can be implemented as a programmable logic controller (PLC), a personal computer (PC), or a server. The host device 5 has a function for communicating with the control device 4. The communication scheme between the host device 5 and the control device 4 can conform to the standard of a wired local area network (LAN) such as Ethernet (registered trademark). Alternatively, the host device 5 and the control device 4 can communicate with each other wirelessly. Alternatively, a single host device 5 can be configured to communicate with two or more control devices 4.

[0077] The host device 5 is configured to transmit a work instruction to the control device 4 based on, for example, an operation performed by an assembly line manager or a predetermined setting. A "work instruction" is information containing a "work request" to be transmitted to one or more tools 2. The host device 5 also has a function for collectively managing data transmitted from the control device 4. For example, the host device 5 stores result information transmitted from the control device 4 for each tightening operation, thereby managing the history of tightening operations performed by the tools 2.

[0078] (2.3.2) Control device

[0079] like Figure 2 As shown, the control device 4 includes a second communication unit 41 , a third communication unit 42 , a display unit 43 , an operation unit 44 , a first storage section 45 , a second storage section 46 , a power supply unit 47 , a detector 48 , and a controller 49 .

[0080] The second communication unit 41 includes a communication interface for wireless communication with (the first communication unit 25 of) the tool 2. As described above, the second communication unit 41 is configured to communicate with the tool 2 using a wireless communication scheme.

[0081] The second communication unit 41 is configured to transmit a job request to the tool 2 based on the job instruction received by the third communication unit 42 from the host device 5. The second communication unit 41 is configured to receive result information transmitted from the tool 2.

[0082] The second communication unit 41 is configured to receive the current status information transmitted from the tool 2 when the state of wireless communication with (the first communication unit 25 of) the tool 2 is restored from the communication disabled state to the communication enabled state.

[0083] The third communication unit 42 includes a communication interface for wired communication with the host device 5. The third communication unit 42 is configured to receive a job instruction from the host device 5.

[0084] The third communication unit 42 is configured to transmit the received result information to the host device 5 whenever the second communication unit 41 receives the result information. However, this is merely an example and should not be construed as limiting. Alternatively, the third communication unit 42 may transmit data to the host device 5 periodically (i.e., at regular intervals), may transmit data to the host device 5 when all jobs are completed, or may transmit data to the host device 5 upon request from the host device 5.

[0085] The display unit 43 includes, for example, one or more LEDs. The operation unit 44 includes, for example, a plurality of push-button switches. If the control device 4 includes a touch screen panel, the touch screen panel can be used as the display unit 43 and the operation unit 44.

[0086] The first storage unit 45 is a volatile memory and is, for example, a random access memory (RAM).

[0087] The first storage unit 45 stores the job instructions received by the third communication unit 42 from the host device 5. The first storage unit 45 stores the job requests sent to the tool 2. The first storage unit 45 stores the job progress information based on the result information received by the second communication unit 41 from the tool 2.

[0088] The second storage unit 46 is a nonvolatile memory. Examples of the second storage unit 46 include a read-only memory (ROM) and a magnetic storage unit such as a hard disk drive. The second storage unit 46 may be, for example, a flash memory.

[0089] The second storage section 46 is configured to store registered tool information related to the tool 2 managed by the management system 3 (control device 4 ), such as the model and identification information of the tool 2 .

[0090] The power supply unit 47 includes a normal power supply unit 471 and an emergency power supply unit 472 .

[0091] External power is supplied from an external power source AC1 through a power line to the normal power supply unit 471. For example, the external power source AC1 may be a commercial power source, and the external power may be alternating current power of AC100V or AC200V.

[0092] The conventional power supply unit 471 includes, for example, a power cord to be connected to the external power source AC1 or a connection terminal to be connected to the power cord. The conventional power supply unit 471 includes a power conversion circuit. The power conversion circuit may include an AC / DC converter and a DC / DC converter, etc. The power conversion circuit is configured to convert the supplied external power to generate operating power for operating the various components of the control device 4 (such as the second communication unit 41, the third communication unit 42, the display unit 43, the operating unit 44, the first storage unit 45, the second storage unit 46, and the controller 49). The operating power is supplied from the conventional power supply unit 471 to the various components of the control device 4. The voltage of the operating power supplied from the conventional power supply unit 471 can vary depending on the supply target.

[0093] Emergency power is supplied to the emergency power supply unit 472 from an emergency power supply 470 that is different from the external power supply AC1. For example, the emergency power supply 470 is a battery, and the emergency power is a DC power of DC1.5V or DC3V. The battery is a primary battery in the embodiment, but is not limited to this. Alternatively, the battery may be a secondary battery. The emergency power supply unit 472 includes, for example, a connection terminal to be connected to the emergency power supply 470. The connection terminal may, for example, be provided to a housing box that houses the emergency power supply 470 (battery). The emergency power supply unit 472 may include a power conversion circuit (such as a DC / DC converter, etc.) for converting the emergency power. According to an embodiment, the emergency power supply 470 is not a constituent element of the control device 4. Alternatively, the emergency power supply 470 may be a constituent element of the control device 4.

[0094] The power supply unit 47 is configured to generate operating power based on the external power when external power is supplied from the external power source AC1 to the normal power supply unit 471, and to supply the operating power to the various components of the control device 4. In the event of a power outage, in which the supply of external power from the external power source AC1 to the normal power supply unit 471 is interrupted, the power supply unit 47 is configured to supply operating power to the various components of the control device 4 based on the emergency power of the emergency power source 470. For example, when a power outage detector 481 (described later) detects a power outage, the power supply unit 47 is configured to switch an internal selector switch to thereby switch the power supply source from the external power source AC1 to the emergency power source 470. The power supply unit 47 may include a power storage device such as a capacitor, so that the supply of operating power can continue during the period in which the selector switch is switched.

[0095] The detector 48 is configured to detect a sign of interruption of the supply of operating power from the normal power supply unit 471 to the first storage section 45. The detector 48 is configured to detect the occurrence of an event indicating that the supply of operating power to the first storage section 45 will be interrupted after a predetermined time. For example, the predetermined time may be shorter than or equal to 10 seconds, shorter than or equal to 5 seconds, or shorter than or equal to 1 second.

[0096] like Figure 2 As shown, the detector 48 includes a power failure detector 481 and a restart detector 482 .

[0097] The power outage detector 481 is configured to detect a power outage. According to the present disclosure, a "power outage" indicates an interruption in the supply of external power from the external power source AC1 to the normal power supply unit 471. According to the present disclosure, a "power outage" may not be limited to a power failure of the commercial power source as the external power source AC1, but may include an interruption in the power supply to the control device 4 due to an open circuit occurring inside the factory, an interruption in the power supply to the control device 4 due to the power plug of the control device 4 being disconnected from the socket, and an interruption in the power supply to the normal power supply unit 471 due to a short circuit occurring in the control device 4.

[0098] When such a power outage occurs, external power is not supplied to the regular power supply unit 471, and as a result, the supply of operating power from the regular power supply unit 471 to the first storage unit 45 may be interrupted. Thus, the power outage detector 481 detects the power outage (an event in which a power outage occurs) as a sign of interruption in the supply of operating power from the regular power supply unit 471 to the first storage unit 45. The power outage detector 481 may be configured to detect the power outage based on the output of a voltage sensor for detecting the voltage applied to the regular power supply unit 471, for example. Alternatively, the power outage detector 481 may be configured to detect the power outage based on a signal for notifying the occurrence of a power outage transmitted from an external device such as the main device 5.

[0099] The restart detector 482 is configured to detect a precursor to a restart of the controller 49 (i.e., a precursor to the controller 49 being restarted). When the controller 49 is restarted, the normal power supply unit 471 temporarily stops generating operating power, and as a result, the supply of operating power to the first storage unit 45 may be interrupted. Therefore, the restart detector 482 detects the precursor to a restart of the controller 49 as a sign of an interruption in the supply of operating power from the normal power supply unit 471 to the first storage unit 45. According to the present disclosure, a "precursor to a restart" indicates an event with a high probability that the controller 49 will restart in a short period of time (e.g., within 10 seconds). The "precursor to a restart" may include the start of a program update process accompanying the restart of the controller 49. The "precursor to a restart" may include a situation where the controller 49 selects a soft reset to overcome a processing error. The "precursor to a restart" may include an operation performed on the operating unit 44 that includes an instruction to execute a restart process. The "precursor to a restart" may include receiving a signal including an instruction to execute a restart process from an external device such as the host device 5.

[0100] The restart detector 482 may be implemented as a function of a processor (described later) of the controller 49. The restart detector 482 may be configured to detect a restart to be performed together with an update process of a program of the controller 49, for example. The restart detector 482 may be configured to detect a restart to be performed as a result of a processing error of the controller 49. The restart detector 482 may be configured to detect a restart to be performed as a result of an operation given to the operation unit 44 of the control device 4.

[0101] The controller 49 includes, for example, a computer system including one or more processors and one or more memories as its main components. The control device 4 performs the functions of the controller 49 by causing the one or more processors to execute a program stored in the memory. The program can be pre-stored in the memory, downloaded via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or distributed after being stored in a non-transitory storage medium such as a memory card.

[0102] The controller 49 is configured to control operations of the second communication unit 41 , the third communication unit 42 , the display unit 43 , the first storage section 45 , the second storage section 46 , and the power supply unit 47 .

[0103] like Figure 2 As shown, the controller 49 includes a request instruction unit 491 , a first storage processor 492 , a determination unit 493 , a second storage processor 494 , a recovery processor 495 , and a re-instruction unit 496 .

[0104] The request instruction unit 491 is configured to generate a job request to be sent to the tool 2 based on the job instruction received from the host device 5 via the third communication unit 42 and with reference to the identification information of each tool 2. As described above, the job request includes job quantity information and parameter information. The request instruction unit 491 transmits the generated job request to the tool 2 via the second communication unit 41.

[0105] The controller 49 is configured to receive result information from the tool 2 through the second communication unit 41. As described above, the "result information" contains job number information and result details.

[0106] The controller 49 is configured to, upon receiving result information from the tool 2 , transmit the result information to the host device 5 through the third communication unit 42 .

[0107] Furthermore, upon receiving result information from tool 2, controller 49 generates work progress information, and first storage processor 492 causes first storage unit 45 to store the work progress information. The work progress information is based on the result information received from tool 2. In this embodiment, the work progress information includes: job quantity information (e.g., the number of fasteners tightened by tool 2) and parameter information (e.g., the target torque value for the tightening operation) included in the transmitted work request; and job number information (the latest job number) included in the result information.

[0108] Assume that the job request is an exemplary case of information requesting three tightening operations. In this case, if no result information is received from tool 2, the job number of the job progress information stored in the first storage unit 45 should be "0". When result information containing the job number "1" is received from tool 2, the first storage processor 492 changes the job number of the job progress information stored in the first storage unit 45 to "1" (for example, generates the changed job progress information and stores it in the first storage unit 45). In addition, when result information containing the job number "2" is received from tool 2, the first storage processor 492 changes the job number of the job progress information stored in the first storage unit 45 to "2". When result information containing the job number "3" is received from tool 2, the first storage processor 492 changes the job number of the job progress information stored in the first storage unit 45 to "3".

[0109] The determination unit 493 determines whether the work performed by the tool 2 is completed based on the work progress information. According to the present embodiment, "work to be performed by the tool 2" indicates "a plurality of work operations (tightening operations)" included in the work request.

[0110] In the exemplary case of a job request requesting three tightening operations, if the job number in the job progress information is "0," "1," or "2," the determination unit 493 determines that the job is incomplete. In this case, if the job number in the job progress information is "3," the determination unit 493 determines that the job performed by tool 2 is complete. Upon determining that the job performed by tool 2 is complete, the determination unit 493 transmits job completion information to tool 2 from the second communication unit 41.

[0111] The second storage processor 494 is configured to cause the second storage unit 46 to store the job progress information (i.e., write the job progress information to the second storage unit 46) when the detector 48 detects a sign of interruption in the supply of operating power from the normal power supply unit 471 to the first storage unit 45. In this embodiment, the second storage processor 494 reads the job progress information from the first storage unit 45 and causes the second storage unit 46 to store the job progress information thus read.

[0112] When the "sign" is a power outage, the supply of external power from the external power source AC1 is interrupted. Therefore, when the power outage detector 481 detects a power outage, the controller 49 (second storage processor 494) operates using emergency power and causes the second storage unit 46 to store the work progress information.

[0113] On the other hand, when the "symptom" is a precursor to a restart, external power is continuously supplied. Thus, when the restart detector 482 detects a precursor to a restart, the controller 49 (second storage processor 494) can operate with external power and cause the second storage unit 46 to store the job progress information. However, this is merely an example and should not be construed as limiting. Alternatively, even when the symptom is a precursor to a restart, the controller 49 (second storage processor 494) can operate with emergency power and cause the second storage unit 46 to store the job progress information. In short, the second storage processor 494 is configured to cause the second storage unit 46 to store the job progress information when the restart detector 482 detects a precursor to a restart.

[0114] It should be noted that if the "symptom" is, in particular, a power outage, the control device 4 can limit the target of operating power supplied from the power supply unit 47 to reduce the consumption of emergency power from the emergency power supply 470, thereby avoiding a situation where the second storage processor 494 is unable to complete processing due to, for example, insufficient emergency power. For example, if the symptom is a power outage, the control device 4 can stop the supply of power to the second communication unit 41, the third communication unit 42, and the display unit 43. The supply of power to the second communication unit 41, the third communication unit 42, and the display unit 43 can be stopped, for example, before the second storage processor 494 performs processing to cause the second storage unit 46 to store the work progress information. In other words, the emergency power supply unit 472 can be configured to stop supplying operating power to the second communication unit 41 before the second storage processor 494 performs processing to cause the second storage unit 46 to store the work progress information. Note that even in the case where the sign is a precursor to a restart, the power supply unit 47 (regular power supply unit 471 or emergency power supply unit 472) may stop supplying operating power to the second communication unit 41 before the second storage processor 494 performs processing to cause the second storage unit 46 to store job progress information.

[0115] After detector 48 detects a "sign," the supply of operating power to first storage unit 45 is interrupted, either due to the cessation of emergency power if the "sign" is a power outage, or due to the execution of a restart process if the "sign" is a precursor to a restart. When the supply of operating power is interrupted, the work progress information stored in first storage unit 45 may be deleted. Furthermore, since the supply of operating power to second communication unit 41 is interrupted, the communication connection between tool 2 and control device 4 is lost.

[0116] The restore processor 495 is configured to perform restore processing.

[0117] The resume processor 495 is configured to detect the resumption of the supply of operating power to the first storage section 45 during the resume process.

[0118] For example, the recovery processor 495 is configured to detect the resumption of supply of operating power to the first storage unit 45 by detecting recovery from a power outage (restoration of power). For example, the recovery processor 495 may be configured to detect restoration of power when the controller 49 resumes operation. For example, the recovery processor 495 may be configured to detect restoration of power by detecting the voltage applied to the normal power supply unit 471 using a voltage sensor.

[0119] The resume processor 495 is configured to detect the resumption of supply of operating power to the first storage section 45 by detecting completion of restart of the controller 49. Since the resume processor 495 is implemented as a function of the controller 49, the controller 49 can detect completion of restart.

[0120] According to the recovery processing, when the resumption of the supply of operating power to the first storage unit 45 is detected, the recovery processor 495 reads out the job progress information stored in the second storage unit 46 and causes the first storage unit 45 to store the job progress information thus read (loads the job progress information into the first storage unit 45).

[0121] According to the resumption process, the resumption processor 495 restarts (resumes) the wireless communication with the tool 2 through the second communication unit 41 .

[0122] Incidentally, the tool 2 operates using the power stored in the battery pack 201, which is a power source different from the power source (external power source AC1) of the control device 4. Therefore, the tool 2 can perform a tightening operation even during a power outage or a restart process of the control device 4. When performing the tightening operation, the tool 2 thereby sends result information. However, the control device 4 cannot receive the result information during a power outage or a restart process. Therefore, if the tool 2 performs a tightening operation during a power outage or a restart process of the control device 4, the job number of the job progress information maintained by the control device 4 may become different from the job number of the current status information maintained by the tool 2. For this reason, during the recovery process after the wireless communication is restored, the recovery processor 495 receives the current status information from the tool 2 and compares the current status information thus received with the job progress information loaded into the first storage unit 45.

[0123] If, as a result of the comparison, the job number of the job progress information and the job number of the current status information coincide with each other, the restoration processor 495 ends the restoration processing.

[0124] On the other hand, if the comparison results in a mismatch between the job number of the job progress information and the job number of the current status information, the recovery processor 495 sends a resend request to the tool 2, requesting resend of the result information that the control device 4 failed to receive. The resend request includes the job number of the result information requested for resend. Upon receiving the resend request, the tool 2 resends the result information requested by the resend request to the control device 4. The recovery processor 495 generates job progress information based on the result information thus received, causes the first storage unit 45 to store the job progress information, transmits the result information to the host device 5 via the third communication unit 42, and causes the determination unit 493 to determine whether the job to be performed by the tool 2 is complete based on the job progress information. The recovery processor 495 then terminates the recovery process.

[0125] After the recovery processor 495 completes processing, the re-instruction unit 496 transmits a revised job request, based on the job progress information stored in the second storage unit 46, to the tool 2 via the second communication unit 41. Assume the following exemplary situation: a job request requesting three tightening operations (i.e., a job request including job number information "3") is transmitted to the tool 2; upon receiving result information including job number "1" from the tool 2, a power outage or restart occurs; and the job number included in the job progress information and the job number included in the current status information match. In this case, the re-instruction unit 496 transmits a job request including job number information "2" (i.e., the revised job request) to the tool 2. This process allows the job that was already in progress before the power outage or restart to be resumed.

[0126] According to the control device 4 and the tool system 1 including the control device 4 of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the loss of work progress information and also to extend the service life of the second storage unit 46 as a nonvolatile memory. Therefore, it is possible to improve usability.

[0127] (3) Operation examples of tool systems

[0128] The first to third operation examples of the tool system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. In the following first to third operation examples, it is assumed that the operation request sent from the control device 4 to the tool 2 includes the number of tightening operations "3" and the operation parameter (target torque value) "A1".

[0129] (3.1) First Operation Example

[0130] According to the first operation example, reference Figure 4 The operation of the tool system 1 under normal circumstances in which neither a power outage nor a restart occurs during operation will be described.

[0131] First, the tool 2 and the control device 4 are connected to each other via wireless communication (ST1), and the control device 4 sends a work request to the tool 2 (ST2). Figure 4 Although not shown, the control device 4 transmits a work request to the tool 2 in response to, for example, a work instruction transmitted from the host device 5 to the control device 4. When the work request is transmitted, work progress information including work number "0" indicating the start of the work is stored in the first storage unit 45 of the control device 4.

[0132] Upon receiving the work request, the tool 2 performs the first tightening operation using the tightening unit 240 and the work parameters (parameter: A1) based on the work request (ST3). The first communication unit 25 of the tool 2 transmits result information including the work number "1" to the control device 4 (ST4).

[0133] Then, the control device 4 receives the result information including the job number "1". The job number "1" included in the received result information is the next number of the job number "0" included in the job progress information stored in the first storage unit 45. Therefore, the control device 4 updates the job progress information based on the received result information, and causes the first storage unit 45 to store the updated job progress information (ST5). In addition, the control device 4 uses the judgment unit 493 to judge whether the job is completed (ST6). In this case, since the job number included in the job progress information is "1", the judgment unit 493 judges that the job has not been completed. In addition, the control device 4 sends the received result information from the third communication unit 42 to the main device 5.

[0134] Subsequently, the tool 2 performs a second tightening operation using the tightening unit 240 and the work parameter (parameter: A1) based on the work request (ST7). The tool 2 then transmits result information including the work number "2" from the first communication unit 25 to the control device 4 (ST8).

[0135] The control device 4 receives result information including the job number "2". The job number "2" included in the received result information is the next number of the job number "1" included in the job progress information stored in the first storage unit 45. Therefore, the control device 4 updates the job progress information based on the received result information, and causes the first storage unit 45 to store the updated job progress information (ST9). In addition, the control device 4 uses the judgment unit 493 to judge whether the job is completed (ST10). In this case, since the job number included in the job progress information is "2", the judgment unit 493 judges that the job has not been completed. In addition, the control device 4 sends the received result information from the third communication unit 42 to the main device 5.

[0136] Furthermore, the tool 2 performs the third tightening operation using the tightening unit 240 and the work parameter (parameter: A1) based on the work request (ST11). The tool 2 then transmits result information including the work number "3" from the first communication unit 25 to the control device 4 (ST8).

[0137] The control device 4 receives result information including the job number "3". The job number "3" included in the received result information is the next number of the job number "2" included in the job progress information stored in the first storage unit 45. Therefore, the control device 4 updates the job progress information based on the received result information, and causes the first storage unit 45 to store the updated job progress information (ST13). In addition, the control device 4 uses the judgment unit 493 to judge whether the job is completed (ST14). In this case, since the job number included in the job progress information is "3", the judgment unit 493 judges that the job is completed. Then, the control device 4 sends the received result information together with the completion information indicating that the job is completed from the third communication unit 42 to the main device 5. The control device 4 also sends the job completion information to the tool 2.

[0138] (3.2) Second operation example

[0139] According to Operation Example 2 and Operation Example 3, the operation of the tool system 1 will be described in the case where the supply of operating power to the first storage unit 45 is interrupted during work performed by the tool 2 (i.e., a case where a power outage occurs or a case where the controller 49 performs a restart process). Figure 5A second operation example will be described, which is a case where the tool 2 is not performing a tightening operation while the supply of the operating power to the first storage unit 45 is interrupted.

[0140] Note that since steps ST101 to ST106 of the second operation example correspond to steps ST1 to ST6 of the first operation example, description thereof is omitted.

[0141] In this example, after the control device 4 receives the result information including the operation number “1”, the detector 48 of the control device 4 detects a sign (a precursor to a power outage or a restart) ( ST107 ).

[0142] When the sign is detected, the control device 4 causes the second storage unit 46 to store the work progress information using the second storage processor 494 (ST108). Subsequently, due to a power outage or a restart, the supply of operating power to the first storage unit 45 is interrupted, the stored information is deleted from the first storage unit 45, and the communication connection between the tool 2 and the control device 4 is also lost.

[0143] Then, the control device 4 detects the resumption of the supply of the operating power to the first storage section 45 (that is, detects the restoration of the power or the completion of the restart) using the restoration processor 495 (ST109).

[0144] In the control device 4, the job progress information stored in the second storage unit 46 is read out by the restoration processor 495 and then stored in the first storage unit 45 (loaded into the first storage unit 45) (ST110). Note that after being read out by the restoration processor 495, the job progress information stored in the second storage unit 46 may be deleted from the second storage unit 46 or retained as is, whichever is appropriate.

[0145] Then, the tool 2 and the control device 4 are wirelessly connected again (ST111). When wireless communication is restarted (resumed), the tool 2 transmits current status information to the control device 4 (ST112).

[0146] Upon receiving the current status information, the control device 4 compares it with the work progress information (ST113). In this operational example, tool 2 does not perform tightening operations during a power outage or restart. Therefore, the job number "1" included in the current status information and the job number "1" included in the work progress information match. Upon confirming that the job numbers match, the control device 4 modifies the work request based on the work progress information and transmits the modified work request from the second communication unit 41 to tool 2 (ST114).

[0147] Upon receiving the corrected work request, the tool 2 resumes the work according to the work request (ST115 and thereafter). Note that since the operations after step ST115 of the second operation example correspond to the operations after step ST7 of the first operation example, their description is omitted.

[0148] (3.3) Third Operation Example

[0149] Will refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 A third operation example will be described, in which the tool 2 performs a tightening operation while the supply of the operating power to the first storage unit 45 is interrupted.

[0150] Note that since steps ST201 to ST208 of the third operation example correspond to steps ST101 to ST108 of the second operation example, description thereof is omitted.

[0151] According to this operation example, tool 2 performs a second tightening operation (ST209) during a power outage or during a restart process of controller 49. While performing the tightening operation, tool 2 attempts to transmit result information to control device 4. However, since the communication connection between tool 2 and control device 4 is lost, control device 4 cannot receive the result information (ST210).

[0152] Thereafter, the control device 4 detects the resumption of the supply of operating power to the first storage unit 45 (i.e., detects the restoration of power or the completion of the restart) using the recovery processor 495 (ST211). The control device 4 then causes the work progress information stored in the second storage unit 46 to be stored (loaded) into the first storage unit 45 (ST212).

[0153] Then, the tool 2 and the control device 4 are wirelessly connected again (ST213), and the tool 2 transmits the current status information to the control device 4 (ST214).

[0154] Upon receiving the current status information, the control device 4 compares the received current status information with the job progress information (ST215). In this operational example, tool 2 has already been performing a tightening operation during a power outage or restart process. Therefore, the job number "2" included in the current status information and the job number "1" included in the job progress information do not match. Upon confirming that the job numbers do not match, the control device 4 requests tool 2 to resend the result information including job number "2" (ST216). Upon receiving the resend request, tool 2 resends the result information including job number "2" to the control device 4.

[0155] Upon receiving the result information containing the job number "2", the control device 4 updates the job progress information based on the result information thus received, and causes the first storage unit 45 to store the updated job progress information (ST218). The control device 4 uses the judgment unit 493 to judge whether the job is completed (ST219). Since the job has not been completed, the control device 4 corrects the job request based on the job progress information, and sends the corrected job request from the second communication unit 41 to the tool 2 (ST220). Upon receiving the corrected job request, the tool 2 resumes the job according to the job request (ST221 and thereafter). Note that since the operations after step ST221 of the third operation example correspond to the operations after step 11 of the first operation example, their description is omitted.

[0156] (4) Modification

[0157] The above embodiment is only one of various embodiments of the present disclosure and can be easily modified, changed, replaced, or combined with any other embodiment according to design selection or any other factors without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Modifications of the above embodiment will be listed one by one. Note that any of the modifications described below can be appropriately combined.

[0158] The controller 49 of the control device 4 according to the present disclosure includes a computer system. In this case, the computer system may include a processor and a memory as main hardware components. The functions of the controller 49 according to the present disclosure can be performed by causing the processor to execute a program stored in the memory of the computer system. The program may be pre-stored in the memory of the computer system. Alternatively, the program may also be downloaded via a telecommunications line, or distributed after being recorded in a non-transient storage medium such as a memory card, an optical disc or a hard disk drive (any of which is readable by the computer system). The processor of the computer system may be composed of a single or multiple electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). As used herein, "integrated circuits" such as IC or LSI are referred to by different names depending on the degree of their integration. Examples of integrated circuits include system LSI, very large-scale integrated circuits (VLSI) and ultra-large-scale integrated circuits (ULSI). Alternatively, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) to be programmed after the LSI is manufactured or a logic device that allows the reconfiguration of the connections or circuit segments inside the LSI can also be used as a processor. These electronic circuits can be integrated together on a single chip or distributed across multiple chips, whichever is appropriate. These multiple chips can be integrated together in a single device or distributed across multiple devices, without limitation. As used herein, a "computer system" includes a microcontroller comprising one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, a microcontroller can also be implemented as a single or multiple electronic circuits comprising a semiconductor integrated circuit or a large-scale integrated circuit.

[0159] In addition, in the above embodiment, multiple components (or functions) of the controller 49 are integrated together in a single housing. However, this is merely an example and should not be construed as limiting. Alternatively, these components (or functions) of the controller 49 may be dispersed across multiple different housings. Conversely, multiple functions of the controller 49 may be integrated together in a single housing. Still alternatively, at least a portion of the functions of the controller 49 may also be implemented as a cloud computing system.

[0160] (4.1) First Modification

[0161] The tool system 1 according to this modification is different from the tool system 1 according to the embodiment mainly in that the tool 2 does not send the current status information when resuming communication. Figure 8 and Figure 9 A tool system 1 according to this modification will be described.

[0162] Figure 8 and Figure 9 An example of the operation of the tool system 1 according to this modification is shown. Figure 8 and Figure 9 Steps ST301 to ST313 of the illustrated operation example according to the present modification correspond to steps ST201 to ST213 according to the third operation example of the embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

[0163] According to the present modification, after the resumption of communication (ST313), the tool 2 performs the next (third) tightening operation (ST314) without transmitting current status information, and then transmits result information to the control device 4 (ST315).

[0164] Upon receiving the result information, the control device 4 compares the result information thus received with the job progress information loaded into the first storage unit 45 (ST316). According to this operation example, the job number "3" contained in the received result information is not the next number of the job number "1" contained in the job progress information stored in the first storage unit 45. Therefore, the control device 4 determines that there is missing result information (that is, there is result information that the control device 4 failed to receive). The control device 4 requests the tool 2 to resend the unreceived result information (that is, the result information containing the job number "2") (ST317). The tool 2 resends the result information in response to the resending request (ST318). Note that since the operation after step ST319 of the operation example according to this variant corresponds to the operation after step ST223 of the third operation example according to the embodiment, its description is omitted.

[0165] (4.2) Other variations

[0166] In a modified example, the tool 2 is not limited to a structure in which the working unit 24 includes the tightening unit 240. Alternatively, for example, the tool 2 may be a cutting tool (such as a circular saw) in which the working unit 24 includes a cutting unit, or may be a grinder in which the working unit 24 includes a grinding unit.

[0167] In a modified example, the second storage processor 494 may be configured to cause the second storage unit 46 to store the job progress information without reading the job progress information from the first storage unit 45. The second storage processor 494 may be configured to generate the job progress information by using the result information last received by the second communication unit 41, and to cause the second storage unit 46 to store the generated job progress information.

[0168] In a modified example of the tool system 1 , the control device 4 may be configured not to send a work request to the tool 2 . For example, the tool 2 may be configured to repeat the operation of the “work request” pre-stored in the tool-side storage unit 26 .

[0169] In one variation, tool 2 can be configured to be prohibited from performing a work operation (tightening operation) when the communication connection with control device 4 is lost. In this case, tool 2 cannot perform a tightening operation if it cannot transmit result information. This reduces the likelihood of the current status information of tool 2 and the work progress information of control device 4 differing from each other, as described in the third operation example.

[0170] In one variation, the control device 4 can be configured to send an acknowledgment (ACK) to the tool 2 in response to receipt of the result information from the tool 2. In this case, the tool 2 can be prohibited from performing the next operation (tightening operation) until the acknowledgment is received. The tool 2 can repeatedly send the result information at regular intervals until the acknowledgment is received. In this case, the possibility of the current status information of the tool 2 and the work progress information of the control device 4 differing from each other can be reduced, as described in the third operation example.

[0171] In one variation, the job request transmitted from second communication unit 41 may include one or more job operations, among multiple job operations to be performed by tool 2, to be performed sequentially based on the same job parameters. In other words, job operations based on different job parameters can be transmitted via different job requests. This configuration allows the job parameters to be divided into smaller groups and transmitted at different times, compared to transmitting all the job parameters at once. This reduces the time required for a single transmission. According to this variation, tool 2 can immediately begin the operation.

[0172] (5) Aspects

[0173] As described above, the control device (4) of the first aspect includes a second communication unit (41), a first storage unit (45), a first storage processor (492), a normal power supply unit (471), a detector (48), a second storage unit (46), and a second storage processor (494). The second communication unit (41) is configured to receive result information transmitted from the tool (2). The tool (2) includes a first communication unit (25) configured to transmit result information depending on the progress of a job. The first storage unit (45) is a volatile memory. The first storage processor (492) is configured to cause the first storage unit (45) to store job progress information. The job progress information is information based on the result information and indicates the progress status of the job. The normal power supply unit (471) is configured to be supplied with external power from an external power source (AC1) via a power line, and to supply operating power to the first storage unit (45) using the external power. The detector (48) is configured to detect a sign of interruption in the supply of operating power from the normal power supply unit (471) to the first storage unit (45). The second storage unit (46) is a non-volatile memory. The second storage processor (494) is configured to cause the second storage unit (46) to store the work progress information when the detector (48) detects a sign.

[0174] According to this aspect, it is possible to avoid loss of work progress information and also to extend the service life of the second storage unit (46) as a non-volatile memory. Therefore, it is possible to improve usability.

[0175] The control device (4) of the second aspect implemented in combination with the first aspect further includes an emergency power supply unit (472) configured to receive emergency power from an emergency power supply (470) different from the external power supply (AC1). The detector (48) includes a power failure detector (481) configured to detect a power failure as a sign of interruption of the supply of external power from the external power supply (AC1). The second storage processor (494) is configured to operate using emergency power and cause the second storage unit (46) to store work progress information when the power failure detector (481) detects a power failure.

[0176] According to this aspect, it is possible to avoid loss of work progress information during a power outage, and also to extend the service life of the second storage unit (46) as a non-volatile memory. Therefore, it is possible to improve availability.

[0177] In the control device (4) of the third aspect implemented in combination with the second aspect, the emergency power supply unit (472) is configured to stop supplying operating power to the second communication unit (41) before the second storage processor (494) performs processing for causing the second storage unit (46) to store work progress information.

[0178] This aspect can reduce the consumption of emergency power to increase the likelihood that the second storage processor 494 can complete processing.

[0179] In the control device (4) of the fourth aspect achieved by combining the first to third aspects, the detector (48) includes a restart detector (482) configured to detect a precursor to restart of the controller (49) including the first storage processor (492) as a sign. The second storage processor (494) is configured to cause the second storage unit (46) to store the job progress information when the restart detector (482) detects the precursor to restart.

[0180] According to this aspect, it is possible to avoid loss of work progress information during the restart process, and also to extend the service life of the second storage unit (46) as a non-volatile memory. Therefore, it is possible to improve usability.

[0181] In the control device (4) of the fifth aspect implemented in combination with the first to fourth aspects, the second storage processor (494) is configured to read out the work progress information from the first storage unit (45) when the detector (48) detects a sign, and to cause the second storage unit (46) to store the work progress information thus read out.

[0182] According to this aspect, the processing for storing the work progress information in the second storage unit (46) can be performed without waiting for the transmission of the result information from the tool (2). Therefore, the work progress information can be backed up and saved with certainty.

[0183] The control device (4) of the sixth aspect, which is achieved by combining the first to fifth aspects, further includes a request instruction unit (491) configured to transmit a work request indicating the content of a work to be performed by the tool (2) to the tool (2) via the second communication unit (41). The work request includes information related to a plurality of work operations included in the work and information related to work parameters used by the tool (2) when the tool (2) performs each of the plurality of work operations.

[0184] This aspect can improve usability.

[0185] In the control device (4) of the seventh aspect implemented in combination with the sixth aspect, the result information includes a job number indicating the serial number of the job operation that has just ended among the plurality of job operations.

[0186] This aspect can improve usability.

[0187] The control device (4) of the eighth aspect implemented in combination with the sixth aspect or the seventh aspect further includes a re-instruction unit (496). The re-instruction unit (496) is configured to transmit a corrected operation request, which is a corrected operation request based on the operation progress information stored in the second storage unit (46), to the tool (2) via the second communication unit (41) when it is found that the supply of operating power to the first storage unit (45) is restarted.

[0188] This aspect can improve usability.

[0189] The tool system of the ninth aspect comprises the control device (4) of any one of the first to eighth aspects, and a tool (2).

[0190] This aspect can improve usability.

[0191] Description of Reference Numerals

[0192] 1 Tool System

[0193] 2 Tools

[0194] 25 First communication unit

[0195] 4 Control device

[0196] 41 Second communication unit

[0197] 45 First storage unit

[0198] 46 Second storage unit

[0199] 470 Emergency Power Supply

[0200] 471 Conventional power supply unit

[0201] 472 Emergency Power Supply Unit

[0202] 48 detectors

[0203] 481 Power Failure Detector

[0204] 482 Restart Detector

[0205] 49 Controller

[0206] 491 Request Instruction Department

[0207] 492 First Storage Processor

[0208] 494 Second Storage Processor

[0209] 496 Re-instruction Department

[0210] AC1 external power supply

Claims

1. A control device comprising: a second communication unit configured to receive result information transmitted from a tool, the tool including the first communication unit configured to transmit the result information depending on the progress of the job; a first storage unit serving as a volatile memory; a first storage processor configured to cause the first storage unit to store job progress information, the job progress information being information based on the result information and indicating a progress status of the job; a conventional power supply unit configured to be supplied with external power from an external power source through a power line and to supply operating power to the first storage section using the external power; a detector configured to detect a sign of interruption of supply of operating power from the normal power supply unit to the first storage section; a second storage unit serving as a nonvolatile memory; as well as The second storage processor is configured to cause the second storage unit to store the work progress information when the detector detects the sign.

2. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising an emergency power supply unit configured to receive emergency power from an emergency power source different from the external power source, in, The detector includes a power outage detector configured to detect a power outage that is an interruption of supply of external power from the external power source as the sign, and The second storage processor is configured to operate using the emergency power and cause the second storage unit to store the work progress information if the power outage detector detects the power outage.

3. The control device according to claim 2, wherein: The emergency power supply unit is configured to stop supplying operating power to the second communication unit before the second storage processor performs processing to cause the second storage section to store the work progress information.

4. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The detector includes a restart detector configured to detect a precursor of a restart of a controller including the first storage processor as the symptom, and The second storage processor is configured to cause the second storage unit to store the job progress information when the restart detector detects a sign of the restart.

5. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The second storage processor is configured to, when the detector detects the sign, read out the work progress information from the first storage unit and cause the second storage unit to store the work progress information thus read out.

6. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a request instruction unit configured to transmit a work request indicating content of a work to be performed by the tool to the tool through the second communication unit, in, The job request includes: information about the plurality of job operations included in the job, and Information regarding work parameters with which the tool operates when the tool performs each of the plurality of work operations.

7. The control device according to claim 6, wherein: The result information includes a job number indicating the sequence number of the job operation that has just ended among the plurality of job operations.

8. The control device according to claim 6 or 7 further includes a re-instruction unit, which is configured to send a corrected job request as a corrected job request based on the job progress information stored in the second storage unit to the tool through the second communication unit when it is found that the supply of operating power to the first storage unit is resumed.

9. A tool system comprising: The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8; as well as The tool.

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