Power-assisted hand tool, and method for ordering an article

Abstract

The invention relates to a power-assisted hand tool, in particular an electrically or pneumatically operated hand tool, in particular a cordless screwdriver, pneumatic nailer, caulking gun, drill, saw, or angle grinder, said hand tool comprising: an identification device for identifying an article, in particular an article which is driven and / or can be processed by the hand tool; and a transmission device for transmitting a data record which identifies the article.

Description

[0001] Auxiliary-powered hand tool and method for ordering an item

[0002] The invention relates to an auxiliary power tool, in particular an electrically or pneumatically operated hand tool, in particular a cordless screwdriver, a pneumatic nailer, a cartridge gun, a drill, a saw, or an angle grinder. The invention also relates to a method for ordering an article using an auxiliary power tool according to the invention.

[0003] Auxiliary hand tools are used for things like screwing in screws, driving nails or grouting. A worker takes the items to be processed, such as screws, to their workplace. With advance planning, the worker takes their daily requirement or slightly more than their daily requirement to their workplace. At the workplace, for example on a construction site, there is usually no easy way to reorder items that have run out. The worker then usually has to either make a phone call or leave their workplace and get the missing item in person. If the worker realizes that they are likely to run out of the required item the next day or during the week, they must remember to reorder the missing item in the evening after returning to their workshop or in the morning.

[0004] The invention is intended to improve an auxiliary power-operated hand tool and a method for ordering an article using an auxiliary power-operated hand tool.

[0005] According to the invention, an auxiliary power-operated hand tool, in particular an electrically or pneumatically operated hand tool, in particular a cordless screwdriver, a pneumatic nailer, a cartridge gun, a drill, a saw or an angle grinder, is provided for this purpose, with an identification device for identifying an article, in particular an article driven and / or processable with the hand tool, and with a transmitting device for transmitting a data set that identifies the article.

[0006] With the hand tool according to the invention, an article can be identified, and a data set that identifies the article can be sent using the transmitting device. This creates the prerequisites for ordering the identified article using the hand tool itself. For example, a worker can identify the screws they have used at their workstation on the construction site and then reorder these screws by sending a data set that identifies the screws. However, the worker does not have to leave their workstation to place the order. This not only saves time, but also prevents the worker from having to worry about reordering items outside of their normal working hours. The transmitting device can, for example, operate wirelessly via WLAN, wired via LAN, via Bluetooth, GSM, LTE, or even 5G.For example, the transmitting device can also send the data set to a mobile phone, especially a smartphone, of the worker, and an application running on the smartphone can then execute the actual order.

[0007] In a further development of the invention, an interface device is provided for triggering the transmission of the data set by means of the transmission device by an operator of the hand tool.

[0008] If the data set should not be sent automatically after an item has been identified, a button on the hand tool or an interface device such as a touch-sensitive display can be provided. The worker can then check on the display whether the item has been correctly identified and then send the data set, which then also contains, for example, a quantity of the required item.

[0009] In a further development of the invention, the interface device is designed to generate information concerning an urgency or prioritization of an order for the article.

[0010] For example, different priorities can be set so that a standard delivery is made to the workshop, or an express delivery is made to the construction site itself if the work needs to be completed as quickly as possible.

[0011] In a further development of the invention, the interface device has an actuating button for triggering the transmission of the data set.

[0012] In a further development of the invention, the interface device has a display device, in particular a display.

[0013] In a further development of the invention, the identification device has an RFID reading device, a reading device for reading a code on the article and / or at least one camera and an electronic image processing unit. If the article is provided with an RFID chip, the RFID chip can be read. RFID chips usually send a unique identifier when read. This identifier can then in turn be assigned to a data set in order to identify an article. In the context of the invention, an article is considered to be a product, a component or small part, in particular a screw, a nut or a dowel, but also a package containing several small parts, for example a package containing several screws, nuts or the like. In the case of small parts, the packaging can be provided with an RFID chip, which is then read by the identification device.The identification device can, for example, also read a code, in particular a QR code, a barcode, or a numerical code, on the article, for example on a cartridge or on packaging, and thereby identify the article. The identification device can also have a camera and an electronic image processing unit. For example, a screw itself or another small part can be identified using a camera and an electronic image processing unit. However, a numerical code, a QR code, or a barcode on an article, for example a cartridge or packaging containing several small parts, can also be read and identified using a camera and electronic image processing.

[0014] In a further development of the invention, a control unit is provided for setting processing parameters for the article based on the identification of the article.

[0015] After the article has been identified using the identification unit, processing parameters for the identified article can be set automatically or only after confirmation by the operator on the hand tool. These processing parameters can either be stored in the memory of the hand tool itself or a query can be made to a database to obtain processing parameters for the identified article. Processing parameters can be, for example, a speed, torque, impact force, feed rate, or the like.

[0016] In a further development of the invention, a data record is created when the article is identified, wherein the created data record contains processing parameters for the product.

[0017] The processing parameters can include, for example, speed, change in speed over time, torque, change in torque over time, impact force, or the like. In a further development of the invention, the hand tool has a device for identifying an operator of the hand tool.

[0018] In this way, a work process performed with the hand tool can be documented. Identification of an operator can be achieved, for example, using a fingerprint sensor, a reader for an employee ID card, or an interface device for entering a personal identification number (PIN).

[0019] In a further development of the invention, the hand tool has a mobile unit and a base station, wherein the base station has a receiving device for receiving the data set from the transmitting device.

[0020] In this way, the hand tool itself can be easily and simply constructed, since only the identification device and the transmitter need to be incorporated into the hand tool itself. The receiver device can then be located in the base station. The base station can, for example, be formed by the charging station of a battery-operated hand tool.

[0021] The problem underlying the invention is also solved by a method for ordering an article by means of an auxiliary power-operated hand tool according to the invention, wherein the steps of identifying the article by means of an identification device on the hand tool, creating a data record identifying the article and transmitting the data record by means of a transmitting device on the hand tool are provided.

[0022] In this way, an item can be ordered using the hand tool itself. After identifying the item, a data record identifying the item can be sent, and this data record can either immediately trigger an order or be further processed, not necessarily automatically, to ultimately lead to an order. For example, the data record sent by the hand tool can also be saved on a workshop computer and then added by an operator to a collective order, for example, on a daily basis.

[0023] In a further development of the invention, the reception and processing of the data set is provided in a base station of the handheld tool or in a computer unit separate from the handheld tool. In the case of a battery-operated handheld tool, the base station of the handheld tool can be, for example, the battery charging station. A computer unit separate from the handheld tool can be, for example, a tablet or notebook belonging to the worker, or even a workshop computer. In this way, the order can be checked, a delivery can be initiated, and / or the order can be forwarded to a warehouse on the construction site or to a central warehouse.

[0024] In a further development of the invention, the order authorization is checked when the data record is processed.

[0025] In this way, unauthorized orders can be avoided.

[0026] In a further development of the invention, the determination of an order quantity takes place taking into account an average consumption of the article when processing the data set.

[0027] For example, when processing the data set, the quantity of the ordered item that was consumed in a given period, such as the previous work week, is checked. The order quantity can then be determined accordingly, for example, by ordering the weekly requirement.

[0028] In a further development of the invention, the urgency or prioritization of the order is taken into account when processing the data record.

[0029] In a further development of the invention, the order is forwarded to different storage locations depending on the urgency or prioritization.

[0030] For example, very urgent orders are forwarded to a construction site warehouse, whereas less urgent orders are sent to a central warehouse.

[0031] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the claims and the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention in conjunction with the drawing. The drawing shows:

[0032] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a hand tool according to the invention.

[0033] Fig. 1 shows a hand tool 10 according to the invention, which is designed as a so-called cordless screwdriver. The hand tool 10 has an electric motor (not shown) and a battery 12 attached to a housing 14 of the hand tool. For example, screws 16 can be screwed in or unscrewed with the hand tool 10. To rotate a screwdriver bit 18 of the hand tool 10, a trigger switch 20 is provided on the handle of the hand tool 10.

[0034] Within the scope of the invention, the screw 16 constitutes a so-called article. The screw 16 can be processed with the hand tool 10. Within the scope of the invention, packages containing multiple screws 16 are also referred to as articles. Within the scope of the invention, the hand tool 10 can also be designed, for example, as a pneumatic nailer, cartridge press, angle grinder, drill, or the like.

[0035] If items, such as screws 16, are processed with the hand tool 10, it is possible that the supply of screws 16 runs out during work. To facilitate reordering the item, the hand tool 10 is provided with an identification device 22. The identification device 22 is designed as an RFID reader. The identification device 22 thus emits an electric field that is received by the antenna of an RFID chip. The electrical energy generated by receiving the transmission signal is then used to cause the RFID chip to emit a signal. This signal contains a unique identifier, usually a number, that is assigned to the RFID chip. Since the identifier of the RFID chip only exists once, a specific article can be assigned to this identifier.

[0036] Fig. 1 shows an article 24 in the form of a package for several screws 16, wherein the package 24 is provided with an RFID chip 30. The identifier of the RFID chip 30 can be read by means of the identification device 22. The identifier itself can represent the data set that identifies the article 24, since, as explained, the identifier exists only once and is unique.

[0037] Within the scope of the invention, however, it is also possible for a memory 32 to be provided in the hand tool 10, with which the identifier of the RFID chip 30 is then assigned to a data set, which in turn then identifies the article. Processing parameters for the article 24 or the screws 16 of the article 24 contained in the packaging can also be stored in the memory 32. These processing parameters can relate, for example, to speed, torque, speed curve, torque curve, and the like. Within the scope of the invention, it is provided that the processing parameters determined by means of the memory 32 are set on the hand tool 10 automatically or only after confirmation by the operator. After the article 24 has been identified by means of the identification device 22, an operator has the option of reordering the article 24 using the hand tool 10.For this purpose, an interface device with an actuation button 34 and a display unit 36 ​​is provided on the hand tool 10. For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that the actuation button 34 differs from the trigger switch 20 for operating the hand tool 10.

[0038] If an operator or worker wishes to reorder item 24, i.e., the packaging containing several screws 16, they can press the actuation button 34. The display 36 shows, for example, the order number of item 24. Within the scope of the invention, however, the display device 36 can also be omitted. Pressing the actuation button 34 activates a transmitting device 38, which then sends a data set identifying item 24 to a computing unit 40. The transmission of the data set by the transmitting device 38 is symbolized by a dashed arrow. The computing unit 40 can, for example, be arranged in a base station of the hand tool 10, for example in a charging station for the battery 12. The computing unit 40 can, however, also be a workshop computer or a mobile computing unit, for example a smartphone, a tablet, or a notebook.

[0039] In the computer unit 40, the data set received from the hand tool 10 can be reviewed and / or further processed. For example, an order can be initiated immediately. Data sets from multiple hand tools or multiple data sets from the hand tool 10 can also be collected and then compiled into an order. The order is then forwarded to another computer unit 42, for example, a warehouse management computer or the like, to initiate the order.

[0040] The invention enables an operator or worker to directly place an order for reordering an article, for example, the screw 16 or the article 24 in the form of a package for several screws 16, directly at their workplace, for example on the construction site, using the hand tool 10. This saves the worker time, and especially when they need additional screws 16 very quickly, they can place such a hasty and urgent order directly using the hand tool 10.

Claims

Claims: A power-assisted hand tool (10), in particular an electrically or pneumatically operated hand tool, especially a cordless screwdriver, pneumatic nailer, caulking gun, drill, saw, or angle grinder, characterized by an identification device (22) for identifying an article (24), in particular an article driven and / or processable by the hand tool, and a transmitting device for sending a data record that identifies the article (24). A power-assisted hand tool according to claim 1, characterized by an interface device for triggering the transmission of the data record by means of the transmitting device (38) by an operator of the hand tool (10). A power-assisted hand tool according to claim 2, characterized in that the interface device is configured to generate information regarding the urgency or prioritization of an order for the article (24).A power-operated hand tool according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the interface device has an actuation button (34) for triggering the transmission of the data set. A power-operated hand tool according to claim 2, 3, or 4, characterized in that the interface device has a display device (36), in particular a display. A power-operated hand tool according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the identification device (22) has an RFID reader, a reader for reading a code on the article, and / or at least one camera and an electronic image processing unit. A power-operated hand tool according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by a control unit for setting processing parameters of the hand tool (10) for the article (24) based on the identification of the article (24).

8. Augmented hand tool according to claim 7, characterized in that a data record is created when the article (24) is identified and that the created data record contains processing parameters for the article (24).

9. A power-operated hand tool according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hand tool (10) has a device for identifying an operator of the hand tool.

10. Auxiliary-powered hand tool according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hand tool (10) comprises a mobile unit and a base station, wherein the base station comprises a receiving device for receiving the data set from the transmitting device (38).

11. Procedure for ordering an item using a power-assisted device Hand tool (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by identifying the article (24) by means of an identification device (22) on the hand tool (10), creating a data record identifying the article (24) and sending the data record by means of a sending device on the hand tool.

12. Method according to claim 11, characterized by receiving and processing the data set in a base station of the hand tool or in a computer unit (40) separate from the hand tool.

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized by checking an ordering authorization when processing the data set.

14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized by determining an order quantity taking into account an average consumption of the article (24) when processing the data set.

15. Method according to claim 12, 13 or 14, characterized by taking into account the urgency or prioritization of the order when processing the data set.

16. Method according to claim 15, characterized by forwarding the order to different storage locations depending on the urgency or prioritization when processing the data set.

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