Attachment for tightening tool and tool system

Abstract

To provide an attachment for a tightening tool that is able to contribute to the realization of traceability of tightening work simply by connecting to the tightening tool.SOLUTION: An attachment 1 for a tightening tool includes a body connection unit, a shaft, a measurement unit 14, a communication unit 15, a control unit 16, and a power supply unit 17. The body connection unit is connected to a tool body of a tightening tool 2 for tightening an object. The shaft is interlocked with movement of a tool tip of the tightening tool 2. The measurement unit 14 performs a measurement operation of measuring the tightening torque of the shaft. The communication unit 15 performs a transmission operation of transmitting a measurement value of the tighten torque measured by the measurement unit 14 to an external device 3. The control unit 16 performs a measurement control operation of controlling the measurement operation and a transmission control operation of controlling the transmission operation. The power supply unit 17 performs a power feed operation of supplying power EP1 to the measurement unit 14, the communication unit 15, and the control unit 16.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an attachment for a fastening tool and a tool system, and more particularly to an attachment for a fastening tool that connects to a fastening tool and a tool system including the attachment for a fastening tool.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an impact rotary tool including an impact force generating unit that generates an impact force, an output shaft that rotates by the impact force, a first measurement unit that measures torque applied to the output shaft, a second measurement unit that measures acceleration and angular velocity in the circumferential direction of the output shaft, and a torque calculation unit that obtains a fastening torque using a measured value of torque by the first measurement unit and measured values of acceleration and angular velocity by the second measurement unit. This impact rotary tool includes a main body and a case that is detachably attached to the main body. The main body houses the impact force generating unit, and the case houses the first measurement unit, the second measurement unit, and the torque calculation unit, respectively.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the impact rotary tool described in Patent Document 1, by attaching the case to the main body, a function of more accurately measuring the fastening torque is added.

[0005] In recent years, for fastening operations with fastening tools, the realization of traceability, that is, the ability to track the fastening operations with fastening tools, has been demanded.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an attachment for a tightening tool that can contribute to the realization of traceability of tightening work only by connecting to a tightening tool, and a tool system including such an attachment for a tightening tool. **Means for Solving the Problems**

[0007] An attachment for a tightening tool according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a main body connection portion, a shaft, a measurement portion, a communication portion, a control portion, and a power supply portion. The main body connection portion is connected to the tool tip of a tightening tool that tightens an object. The shaft is interlocked with the movement of the tool tip of the tightening tool. The measurement portion performs a measurement operation of measuring the tightening torque of the shaft. The communication portion performs a transmission operation of transmitting the measured value of the tightening torque measured by the measurement portion to an external device. The control portion performs a measurement control operation of controlling the measurement operation and a transmission control operation of controlling the transmission operation. The power supply portion performs a power supply operation of supplying power to the measurement portion, the communication portion, and the control portion.

[0008] A tool system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes the attachment for a tightening tool and the tightening tool. **Advantages of the Invention**

[0009] The attachment for a tightening tool and the tool system of the present disclosure have an effect that they can contribute to the realization of traceability of tightening work only by connecting to a tightening tool. **Brief Description of the Drawings**

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] (1) Overview of the tool system First, an overview of the tool system 10 including the attachment 1 for the tightening tool according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the tool system 10 includes an attachment 1 for the tightening tool and a tightening tool 2. The attachment 1 for the tightening tool is an attachment connected to the tightening tool 2. An attachment is a member that packages the functions to be added to the tightening tool 2 in one package.

[0013] (1-1) Tightening tool The tightening tool 2 is a tool for tightening an object. The object is, for example, a nut, a screw, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the tightening tool 2 includes a tool body 200 and a tool tip 201, and a battery pack 202 is detachable from the tool body 200.

[0015] (1-1-1) Tool body The tool body 200 incorporates a motor and a tool-side shaft, etc. The motor receives power supply from the battery pack 202 attached to the tool body 200 and generates a rotational force around the axis of the tool-side shaft. The tool-side shaft is the shaft on the tightening tool 2 side and rotates around the axis receiving the rotational force from the motor.

[0016] (1-1-2) Tool tip The tool tip 201 is attached to the tool-side shaft of the tool body 200 and rotates around the axis together with the tool-side shaft.

[0017] (1-2) Attachment for tightening tool As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the attachment 1 for the tightening tool includes a main body connection portion 11, a shaft 13, a measurement portion 14, a communication portion 15, a control portion 16, and a power supply portion 17.

[0018] (1-2-1) Main body connection portion As shown in FIG. 2, the main body connection portion 11 is connected to the tool body 200 of the tightening tool 2. Specifically, as a result of the main body connection portion 11 gripping the end portion on the tool tip 201 side of the tool body 200 by screwing or fitting the end portion on the tool tip 201 side of the tool body 200 into the main body connection portion 11, the main body connection portion 11 is connected to the tool body 200.

[0019] (1-2-2) Shaft As shown in FIG. 3, the shaft 13 is interlocked with the movement of the tool tip 201 of the tightening tool 2. Specifically, in the tightening tool 2, the tool-side shaft in the tool body 200 receives the rotational force from the motor and rotates together with the tool tip 201. In conjunction with the rotation of the tool tip 201 of the tightening tool 2, the shaft 13 of the attachment 1 for the tightening tool also rotates.

[0020] (1-2-3) Measurement portion The measurement portion 14 performs a measurement operation. The measurement operation is an operation of measuring the tightening torque of the shaft 13. The measurement portion 14 repeatedly performs the measurement operation under the control of the control portion 16.

[0021] (1-2-4) Communication portion The communication portion 15 performs a transmission operation. The transmission operation is an operation of transmitting the measured value of the tightening torque measured by the measurement portion 14 to the external device 3 as shown in FIG. 4.

[0022] The communication unit 15 repeatedly performs a transmission operation under the control of the control unit 16. The external device 3 receives the measured value of the tightening torque from the attachment 1 for the tightening tool and stores the received measured values in time series.

[0023] (1-2-5) Control Unit The control unit 16 performs a measurement control operation and a transmission control operation. The measurement control operation is an operation for controlling the measurement operation of the measurement unit 14. The transmission control operation is an operation for controlling the transmission operation of the communication unit 15.

[0024] The measurement control operation is, for example, a control operation that causes the measurement unit 14 to perform a measurement operation each time the tightening operation of the tightening tool 2 ends. The control unit 16 may determine that the tightening operation of the tightening tool 2 has ended, for example, when the rotation sensor included in the sensor 14a shown in FIG. 4 detects the stop of the rotation of the shaft 13.

[0025] The transmission control operation is, for example, a control operation that causes the communication unit 15 to perform a transmission operation each time a measurement value is acquired by the measurement operation of the measurement unit 14.

[0026] That is, the control unit 16 causes the measurement unit 14 to perform a measurement operation and the communication unit 15 to perform a transmission operation sequentially each time the tightening operation of the tightening tool 2 ends. Note that this control is referred to as "trace control" in the detailed description.

[0027] In addition, the control unit 16 further performs a power supply control operation for controlling the power supply operation of the power supply unit 17. Details of the power supply control operation will be described later.

[0028] (1-2-6) Power Supply Unit The power supply unit 17 performs a power supply operation. The power supply operation is an operation for supplying electric power EP1 (see FIG. 4) to the measurement unit 14, the communication unit 15, and the control unit 16. The measurement unit 14, the communication unit 15, and the control unit 16 receive power supply from the power supply unit 17 and perform measurement operations, transmission operations, and control operations.

[0029] (1-3) Advantages According to the attachment 1 for fastening tools or the tool system 10 including the attachment 1 for fastening tools configured as described above, by simply connecting the attachment 1 for fastening tools to the fastening tool 2, the function of measuring the fastening torque and the transmission function of transmitting the measured value to the external device 3 are added to the fastening tool 2, so that it can contribute to the realization of the traceability of the fastening operation.

[0030] Note that the traceability of the fastening operation is realized by the cooperation between the tool system 10 and the external device 3, and the method for realizing the traceability will be described later.

[0031] (2) Details of the tool system Next, the details of the tool system 10 will be described. In the following, the description of the known matters is omitted or simplified.

[0032] (2-1) Tip connection part As shown in FIG. 3, the attachment 1 for fastening tools further includes a tip connection part 12. The tip connection part 12 is connected to the tool tip 201 of the fastening tool 2. The tip connection part 12 in this embodiment is a part of the shaft 13. Specifically, the tip connection part 12 is an insertion hole formed on the rear end side of the shaft 13 as shown in FIG. 3 and into which the tool tip 201 is inserted.

[0033] By connecting the tip connection part 12 to the tool tip 201, the shaft 13 is interlocked with the tool tip 201.

[0034] (2-2) Housing The attachment 1 for fastening tools further includes a housing 1A. The housing 1A houses the tip connection part 12, the shaft 13, the measurement part 14, the communication part 15, the control part 16, and the power supply part 17. However, each of the tip connection part 12, the shaft 13, the measurement part 14, the communication part 15, the control part 16, and the power supply part 17 does not necessarily need to be entirely housed inside the housing 1A. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a part of the tip side of the shaft 13 is exposed outside the housing 1A.

[0035] (2-3) Relationship between the main body connection part and the housing The housing 1A has a main body connection part 11. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the housing 1A is attached to the main body connection part 11.

[0036] According to this configuration, by connecting the main body connection part 11 attached to the housing 1A to the tool main body 200, the housing 1A can be fixed to the tool main body 200.

[0037] (2-4) Hardware for realizing each part (2-4-1) Measuring part The measuring part 14 is realized by, for example, the sensor 14a and the processing circuit 14b shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the sensor 14a is provided near the shaft 13 inside the housing 1A. Note that the sensor 14a illustrated in FIG. 3 is a cross section of a single coil that constitutes a magnetostrictive sensor described later.

[0038] The processing circuit 14b is provided at an appropriate position inside the housing 1A. In the example of FIG. 3, the processing circuit 14b is provided near the sensor 14a, but the positional relationship with the sensor 14a is not limited.

[0039] (2-4-1a) Sensor The sensor 14a in this embodiment includes a magnetostrictive sensor. A magnetostrictive sensor is a sensor that magnetically detects the strain generated in the shaft 13 in response to the tightening operation of the tightening tool 2. The magnetostrictive sensor is realized by, for example, a magnetostrictive film applied to the surface of the shaft 13 and a coil wound around the shaft 13.

[0040] Also, the sensor 14a in this embodiment further includes a rotation sensor. A rotation sensor is a sensor that detects the rotation of the shaft 13. The detection of rotation in this embodiment is the detection of the stop of rotation and the detection of the start of rotation.

[0041] However, the detection related to rotation may further include one or more types of detections such as detection of the rotation angle or the number of rotations and detection of the rotation speed. The detection related to the rotation of the shaft 13 is performed optically, for example, but may be performed magnetically or electrically. Further, the sensor 14a may not include a rotation sensor.

[0042] (2-4-1b) Processing Circuit The processing circuit 14b processes the output signal of the sensor 14a to obtain a processing result. Specifically, the processing circuit 14b processes, for example, the output signal of the magnetostrictive sensor included in the sensor 14a to obtain a measured value of the tightening torque.

[0043] Further, the processing circuit 14b in the present embodiment detects the stop and start of rotation based on the output signal of the rotation sensor included in the sensor 14a, and outputs a signal indicating the detection result.

[0044] (2-4-2) Communication Unit The communication unit 15 is realized by the communication module 15a shown in FIG. 3. The communication module 15a is provided at an appropriate location within the housing 1A. In the example of FIG. 3, the communication module 15a is provided in the vicinity of the control board 16a, but the positional relationship with the control board 16a is not limited.

[0045] The communication module 15a performs at least a transmission operation. The communication module 15a in the present embodiment further performs a reception operation (described later).

[0046] (2-4-3) Control Unit The control unit 16 is realized by the control board 16a shown in FIG. 3. The control board 16a has a processor and a memory. The memory stores a program for operating the processor as the control unit 16. Note that the memory is a rewritable memory capable of appending new conditions notified from the external device 3 and rewriting existing conditions to new conditions.

[0047] According to this configuration, by simply connecting the attachment 1 for the tightening tool to the tightening tool 2, control by software can be achieved. Also, in software control, it is possible to facilitate the setting of conditions (new setting and setting change).

[0048] (2-4-4) Power supply unit The power supply unit 17 is realized by the battery 17a shown in FIG. 3. The battery 17a is preferably a rechargeable secondary battery, but a disposable primary battery may also be used.

[0049] (2-5) Power supply control operation The control unit 16 further executes a power supply control operation. The power supply control operation is an operation of controlling the power supply operation of the power supply unit 17 based on conditions. The conditions will be described later.

[0050] (2-6) Reception operation The communication unit 15 further performs a reception operation. The reception operation is an operation of receiving information regarding conditions from the external device 3. The information regarding conditions is, for example, the upper limit value of the tightening torque. The upper limit value of the tightening torque will be described later. According to this configuration, the setting of conditions in the power supply control can be performed from the external device 3.

[0051] (2-7) Conditions The conditions are conditions regarding the execution of the power supply control. The conditions may be existing conditions described in a program in advance or new conditions received from the external device 3. The received new conditions are appended to the memory. Or, the existing conditions described in a program in advance may be updated with the received new conditions.

[0052] (2-7-1) Stop conditions The conditions include stop conditions. The stop conditions are conditions regarding the stop of the power supply operation. The stop conditions are, for example, "the measured value of the tightening torque has reached the upper limit value", "receiving a start command from the external device 3", and "the tool body 200 has stopped the tightening operation", etc.

[0053] Whether the measured value of the tightening torque has reached the upper limit value can be determined based on the detection result of the magnetostrictive sensor included in the sensor 14a. Also, whether the tightening operation has stopped can be determined based on, for example, the detection result of the rotation sensor (rotation stop of the shaft 13) included in the sensor 14a.

[0054] (2-7-2) Start condition In response to the stop condition being satisfied, for example, even if the power supply operations (first power supply operation and second power supply operation: described later) from the power supply unit 17 to the measurement unit 14 and the communication unit 15 are stopped, if the power supply operation (third power supply operation: described later) from the power supply unit 17 to the control unit 16 continues, in other words, if the control unit 16 can always operate, the condition may further include the start condition.

[0055] The start condition is a condition regarding the start of the power supply operation. The start includes the first start and the restart of the terminated power supply operation. The start condition is, for example, "receiving a start command from the external device 3" and "the tool body 200 starting the tightening operation".

[0056] Whether the tightening operation has started can be determined based on, for example, the detection result of the rotation sensor (rotation start of the shaft 13) included in the sensor 14a.

[0057] (2-8) Details of the control operation In addition to the measurement control operation, transmission control operation, and power supply control operation described above, the control unit 16 further performs a stop control operation and a start control operation.

[0058] (2-8-1) Stop control operation The stop control operation is an operation to stop at least a part of the power supply operation based on the stop condition.

[0059] Note that stopping at least a part of the power supply operation may be rephrased as "shutting off the power supply unit 17". Shutting off the power supply unit 17 includes both the case of stopping all of the power supply operations of the power supply unit 17 (the "first modification example of the power supply unit shutdown" described later) and the case of stopping only a part thereof (the present embodiment and the "second modification example of the power supply unit shutdown" described later).

[0060] In the present embodiment, when the power supply unit 17 is shut off, among the first power supply operation, the second power supply operation, and the third power supply operation, the first power supply operation and the power supply operation for transmission power among the second power supply operations are stopped, and the power supply operation for reception power among the second power supply operations and the third power supply operation are continued (see the specific examples described later).

[0061] By performing a stop control operation based on a stop condition to stop at least a part of the power supply operation (for example, the power supply for tracing described later), it is possible to suppress power consumption.

[0062] (2-8-2) Start control operation The stop control operation is an operation to start a stopped power supply operation based on a start condition.

[0063] In the present embodiment, even when the power supply unit 17 is shut off, the power supply operation for reception power among the second power supply operations to the communication unit 15 and the third power supply operation to the control unit 16 continue. Therefore, the power supply operation can be restarted depending on either the determination based on the conditions of the control unit 16 or the start command from the external device 3.

[0064] Note that restarting the power supply operation after shutdown may be rephrased as "restarting the power supply unit 17". In the present embodiment, when the power supply unit 17 is restarted, the stopped power supply operations, that is, the first power supply operation and the power supply operation for transmission power among the second power supply operations, are started.

[0065] By performing a start control operation based on a start condition, the stopped measurement control operation and transmission control operation (for example, trace control) can be restarted.

[0066] (3) Specific Example Hereinafter, a specific example of the tool system 10 will be described. In this specific example, descriptions of known matters are omitted or simplified.

[0067] (3-1) Traceability System The tool system 10 in this specific example is used for the traceability system 100 shown in FIG. 4. The traceability system 100 is a system that realizes the traceability of the tightening operation with the tightening tool 2.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 4, the traceability system 100 includes the tool system 10 and the external device 3.

[0069] (3-2) Tool System As shown in FIG. 1, the tool system 10 in this specific example includes the attachment 1 for the tightening tool and the tightening tool 2. When measuring the tightening torque of the tightening tool 2, the attachment 1 for the tightening tool is connected to the tightening tool 2 as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4.

[0070] In this specific example, the housing 1A has the main body connection portion 11 externally attached, and houses the tip connection portion 12, the shaft 13, the measurement portion 14, the communication portion 15, the control portion 16, and the power supply portion 17 inside.

[0071] (3-3) Trace Control The control portion 16 of the attachment 1 for the tightening tool performs trace control. Trace control is control for realizing the traceability of the tightening operation with the tightening tool 2. As described above, trace control is control that sequentially causes the measurement portion 14 to perform a measurement operation and the communication portion 15 to perform a transmission operation each time the tightening operation of the tightening tool 2 ends. In response to the trace control, the measurement operation by the measurement portion 14 and the transmission operation by the communication portion 15 are repeatedly executed.

[0072] (3-4) External Device The external device 3 can communicate with the attachment 1 for fastening tools via a communication medium such as a communication line or a network, and cooperates with the attachment 1 for fastening tools to realize the traceability of the fastening operation with the fastening tool 2.

[0073] Specifically, the external device 3 is, for example, a communication device or a personal computer or a server having a communication function. The external device 3 has, for example, a processor, a memory, and a communication module. A program for realizing traceability in cooperation with the attachment 1 for fastening tools is stored in the memory of the external device 3.

[0074] (3-5) Method for realizing traceability In the attachment 1 for fastening tools, under the trace control by the control unit 16, each time the fastening operation of the fastening tool 2 ends, the measurement operation by the measurement unit 14 and the transmission operation by the communication unit 15 are repeatedly executed. The external device 3 repeatedly receives the measured value of the fastening torque from the attachment 1 for fastening tools and stores the received measured values in time series.

[0075] Specifically, the external device 3 receives the measured value from the attachment 1 for fastening tools and acquires time information indicating the current time at the reception time. The time information can be acquired, for example, from the built-in clock of the processor of the external device 3. Then, the external device 3 stores the received measured value in association with the acquired time information. In this way, a plurality of sets of measured values and time information are accumulated in the memory of the external device 3. By using the set of the measured values and time information stored in the memory in this way, it is possible to track a series of fastening operations by the fastening tool 2.

[0076] Thereby, the attachment 1 for fastening tools or the tool system 10 can realize the traceability regarding the fastening operation with the fastening tool 2 in cooperation with the external device 3.

[0077] (3-6) Details of the power supply operation The power supply operation includes a first power supply operation, a second power supply operation, and a third power supply operation.

[0078] The first power supply operation is a power supply operation from the power supply unit 17 to the measurement unit 14. The first power supply operation is an operation in which the power supply unit 17 supplies the measurement unit 14 with the first power EP11 (see FIG. 4), which is a part of the power EP1.

[0079] The second power supply operation is a power supply operation from the power supply unit 17 to the communication unit 15. The second power supply operation is an operation in which the power supply unit 17 supplies the communication unit 15 with the second power EP12 (see FIG. 4), which is another part of the power EP1.

[0080] The third power supply operation is a power supply operation from the power supply unit 17 to the control unit 16. The third power supply operation is an operation in which the power supply unit 17 supplies the control unit 16 with the third power EP13 (see FIG. 4), which is the other part of the power EP1.

[0081] (3-6-1) Details of the second power supply operation The second power supply operation includes a power supply operation for transmission power and a power supply operation for reception power. The transmission power is the power for the transmission operation among the second power EP12. The reception power is the power for the reception operation among the second power EP12.

[0082] In other words, the second power EP12 to the communication unit 15 includes the transmission power for the communication unit 15 to transmit the measurement value by the measurement unit 14 to the external device 3 and the reception power for the communication unit 15 to receive information (for example, conditions and commands, etc.) from the external device 3.

[0083] (3-6-2) Power supply for tracing The power supply unit 17 of the attachment 1 for the tightening tool performs power supply for tracing under the control of the control unit 16. The power supply for tracing is the supply of power necessary for realizing traceability. The power supply for tracing in this specific example includes the first power supply operation and the power supply operation for the transmission power among the second power supply operations.

[0084] (3-6-3) Stop control operation and start control operation of power supply for tracing When a stop command is received or a stop condition is satisfied, the control unit 16 performs a stop control operation to stop the power supply for tracing among the power supply operations being executed. Also, when a start command is received or a start condition is satisfied, the control unit 16 performs a start control operation to start the power supply for tracing that is in a stopped state.

[0085] The power supply unit 17 stops the power supply for tracing under the stop control operation of the control unit 16. Also, the power supply unit 17 starts (resumes) the power supply for tracing that is in a stopped state under the start control operation of the control unit 16.

[0086] (3-6-4) Specific examples of the stop control operation and the start control operation In this specific example, the stop control operation is an operation of stopping the first power supply operation and the power supply operation of the transmission power among the second power supply operations, and continuing the power supply operation of the reception power among the second power supply operations and the third power supply operation, among the first power supply operation, the second power supply operation, and the third power supply operation.

[0087] When a stop command is received or a stop condition is satisfied, the control unit 16 stops the first power supply operation and the power supply operation of the transmission power among the second power supply operations, and continues the power supply operation of the reception power among the second power supply operations and the third power supply operation, among the first power supply operation, the second power supply operation, and the third power supply operation.

[0088] In this specific example, the start control operation is an operation of starting the power supply operations that were stopped by the stop control operation, that is, the first power supply operation and the power supply operation of the transmission power among the second power supply operations.

[0089] When a start command is received or a start condition is satisfied, the control unit 16 starts the first power supply operation and the power supply operation of the transmission power among the second power supply operations.

[0090] According to this configuration, even when the stop condition is satisfied, the power supply operation for reception power among the second power supply operations and the third power supply operation continue, enabling the communication unit 15 to receive a start command from the external device 3 and the control unit 16 to make a determination. Therefore, the control unit 16 can resume the first power supply operation, the second power supply operation, and thus the measurement operation and the transmission operation in response to the start command, and can also resume the first power supply operation, the second power supply operation, and thus the measurement operation and the transmission operation when the conditions are satisfied.

[0091] (4) Operation example of the control unit The control unit 16 of the attachment 1 for the fastening tool operates, for example, according to the flowchart of FIG. 5. The process of FIG. 5 is started, for example, in response to the completion of charging of the battery 17a which is a secondary battery or in response to the attachment of the battery 17a which is a primary battery. Further, the process of FIG. 5 is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle. Furthermore, the process of FIG. 5 ends, for example, when the power of the battery 17a falls below a predetermined value.

[0092] The control unit 16 determines whether the communication unit 15 has received a condition (step S1). If it is determined that the communication unit 15 has not received a condition (No in step S1), the process proceeds to step S3.

[0093] If it is determined in step S1 that the communication unit 15 has received a condition (Yes), the control unit 16 stores the received condition (step S2). Thereafter, the process returns to step S1.

[0094] In step S3, the control unit 16 determines whether "the communication unit 15 has received a start command or the start condition is satisfied". If it is determined that the communication unit 15 has not received a start command and the start condition is not satisfied (No in step S3), the process proceeds to step S6.

[0095] When it is determined in step S3 that the communication unit 15 has received a start command or the start condition is satisfied (Yes), the control unit 16 causes the power supply unit 17 to start the power supply for tracing that was in the stopped state (step S4). As a result, the power supply unit 17 returns to the state before being shut off (the power supply for tracing is stopped).

[0096] Next, the control unit 16 starts the trace control that was in the stopped state (step S5). After that, the process returns to step S1.

[0097] In step S6, the control unit 16 determines whether "the communication unit 15 has received a stop command or the stop condition is satisfied". If it is determined that the communication unit 15 has not received a stop command and the stop condition is not satisfied (No in step S6), the process returns to step S1.

[0098] When it is determined in step S6 that the communication unit 15 has received a stop command or the stop condition is satisfied (Yes), the control unit 16 stops the trace control (step S7).

[0099] Next, the control unit 16 causes the power supply unit 17 to stop the power supply for tracing (step S8). As a result, the power supply unit 17 is in a shut-off state. After that, the process returns to step S1.

[0100] (5) Variation (5-1) Variation of the tip connection part The tip connection part 12 is not limited to being a part of the shaft 13 and may be separate from the shaft 13. The tip connection part 12 may be attached, for example, to the rear end side of the shaft 13 (that is, the side connected to the tool tip 201).

[0101] (5-2) Variation regarding the relationship between the main body connection part and the housing In the embodiment, the main body connection part 11 is separate from the housing 1A and is attached to the housing 1A (see FIG. 3), but it may be integrally formed with the housing 1A. That is, "the housing 1A has the main body connection part 11" may mean that the main body connection part 11 is attached to the housing 1A or that the main body connection part 11 and the housing 1A are integrally formed.

[0102] Also, in the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the main body connection part 11 is attached to the outside of the housing 1A, but part or all of the main body connection part 11 may be housed inside the housing 1A. Even when the main body connection part 11 is integrally formed with the housing 1A, part or all of the main body connection part 11 may be housed inside the housing 1A.

[0103] That is, the main body connection part 11 may or may not be housed in the housing 1A. When the main body connection part 11 is housed in the housing 1A, the whole of the main body connection part 11 may be housed in the housing 1A, or only part of the main body connection part 11 may be housed in the housing 1A.

[0104] (5-3) Modified Example of Sensor The sensor 14a may be a strain sensor other than the magnetostrictive sensor, for example, a strain gauge that electrically detects strain. Also, the sensor 14a may be a sensor other than the strain sensor (for example, a sensor that optically detects the twist of the shaft 13).

[0105] (5-4) Modified Example of Communication Module The communication module 15a may be mounted on the control board 16a together with the processor and the memory. Alternatively, the attachment 1 for the tightening tool further includes a board different from the control board 16a, and the communication module 15a may be mounted on the different board.

[0106] The communication module 15a may perform only the transmission operation and not perform the reception operation. In that case, the attachment 1 for the tightening tool may further have a communication module that performs the reception operation and is different from the communication module 15a.

[0107] (5-5) Variation example of the memory The memory of the attachment 1 (control board 16a) for the tightening tool may be a write-only storage medium that allows only the addition of new conditions notified from the external device 3 and does not allow the rewriting of existing conditions to new conditions. Alternatively, when the external device 3 does not notify new conditions, the memory may be a read-only storage medium that stores a program in which existing conditions are described in advance.

[0108] (5-6) Variation example of the program providing method In the embodiment, the program is stored in advance in the memory of the attachment 1 (control board 16a) for the tightening tool. However, for example, a program provided from the external device 3 may be stored in the memory of the control board 16a via the communication module 15a.

[0109] (5-7) Variation example of the trace control The control unit 16 may cause the measurement unit 14 to acquire the measured value of the tightening torque, acquire the time information at the time of acquisition, and transmit the pair of the acquired measured value and the acquired time information to the external device 3. That is, the time information in this variation example is information indicating the time when the tightening torque was measured. The external device 3 may receive the pair of the measured value and the time information from the attachment 1 for the tightening tool and store the received pair of the measured value and the time information.

[0110] (5-8) First variation example of the power supply unit shutdown In this variation example, when the power supply unit 17 is shut off, all of the power supply operations (the first power supply operation, the second power supply operation, and the third power supply operation) to the measurement unit 14, the communication unit 15, and the control unit 16 stop. In this case, restarting the power supply operation based on the determination by the control unit 16 and restarting the power supply operation by the start command from the external device 3 are both impossible.

[0111] (5-9) Second variation example of the power supply unit shutdown In this modification example, due to the shut-off, among the power supply operations, the first power supply operation to the measurement unit 14 and the second power supply operation to the communication unit 15 (both power supply for transmission and power supply for reception) are stopped, and the third power supply operation to the control unit 16 is continued. In this case, restart based on a start command from the external device 3 becomes impossible, but restart based on start conditions other than "receiving a start command from the external device 3" is possible.

[0112] (5-10) Modification Example of Traceability System The traceability system 100 of this modification example includes a plurality of tool systems 10 and an external device 3.

[0113] In each of the plurality of tool systems 10, a tool identifier for identifying the tightening tool 2 to which the tightening tool attachment 1 is connected is stored in the memory of the tightening tool attachment 1. The communication unit 15 of the tightening tool attachment 1 transmits the measured value by the measurement unit 14 to the external device 3 in association with the tool identifier.

[0114] In the memory of the external device 3, a plurality of tool identifiers corresponding to the plurality of tightening tool attachments 1 constituting the traceability system 100 are stored. The external device 3 receives a pair of a measured value and a tool identifier from each of the plurality of tightening tool attachments 1, and acquires time information indicating the current time at the time of reception. Then, the external device 3 stores the pair of the received measured value and the acquired time information in association with the received tool identifier among the plurality of tool identifiers stored in the memory. In this way, a plurality of sets of the pair of the measured value and the time information are accumulated in the memory of the external device 3 in association with each of the plurality of tool identifiers.

[0115] Thereby, the plurality of tightening tool attachments 1 to the plurality of tool systems 10 can, in cooperation with the external device 3, realize the traceability regarding the tightening operation at each of the plurality of tightening tools 2.

[0116] (5-11) Modification Example of Tightening Tool The tightening tool 2 may be an impact rotary tool. The tool body 200 of this modification includes a motor, a hammer that receives a rotational force from the motor and outputs an impact rotational force, and an anvil to which the tool tip 201 is attached and that rotates together with the tool tip 201 upon receiving the impact rotational force from the hammer.

[0117] The tip connection portion 12 of the attachment 1 for the tightening tool may be interlocked with the tool tip 201 of such a tightening tool 2. The operations of the measurement unit 14, the communication unit 15, the control unit 16, and the power supply unit 17 in this modification are the same as those in the embodiment.

[0118] (5-12) Modification of the transmission operation by the communication unit In the transmission operation by the communication unit 15, not limited to the measured value of the tightening torque, for example, information regarding the rotational state of the shaft 13 may be further transmitted to the external device 3. The information regarding the rotational state of the shaft 13 is information acquired based on the output signal of the rotation sensor, and includes, for example, the number of rotations, the rotational speed, the start time and end time of rotation, the time from the start of rotation to the stop of rotation, and the like. As a result, in addition to the tightening torque, it becomes possible to track the rotational state of the shaft 13, and more detailed traceability of the tightening operation is achieved.

[0119] (6) Summary The attachment (1) for a tightening tool according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes a body connection portion (11), a shaft (13), a measurement unit (14), a communication unit (15), a control unit (16), and a power supply unit (17). The body connection portion (11) is connected to the tool body (200) of a tightening tool (2) that tightens an object. The shaft (13) is interlocked with the movement of the tool tip (201) of the tightening tool (2). The measurement unit (14) performs a measurement operation of measuring the tightening torque of the shaft (13). The communication unit (15) performs a transmission operation of transmitting the measured value of the tightening torque measured by the measurement unit (14) to an external device (3). The control unit (16) performs a measurement control operation for controlling the measurement operation and a transmission control operation for controlling the transmission operation. The power supply unit (17) performs a power supply operation of supplying power (EP1) to the measurement unit (14), the communication unit (15), and the control unit (16).

[0120] According to this aspect, by simply connecting to the tightening tool (2), a measurement function for measuring the tightening torque and a transmission function for transmitting the measured value to an external device (3) are added to the tightening tool (2), which can contribute to the realization of traceability of the tightening operation.

[0121] The attachment (1) for a tightening tool according to the second aspect further includes a tip connection portion (12) in the first aspect. The tip connection portion (12) is connected to the tool tip (201) of the tightening tool (2). By connecting the tip connection portion (12) to the tool tip (201), the shaft (13) is interlocked with the tool tip (201).

[0122] According to this aspect, the shaft (13) can be interlocked with the tool tip (201).

[0123] The attachment (1) for a tightening tool according to the third aspect further includes a housing (1A) in the first or second aspect. The housing (1A) houses the shaft (13), the power supply unit (17), the measurement unit (14), the communication unit (15), and the control unit (16).

[0124] According to this aspect, by providing a housing (1A) that houses the shaft (13), the power supply unit (17), the measurement unit (14), the communication unit (15), and the control unit (16), the attachment (1) for a tightening tool can be made into one package.

[0125] In the attachment (1) for a tightening tool according to the fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the housing (1A) has a main body connection portion (11).

[0126] According to this aspect, by connecting the main body connection portion (11) provided in the housing (1A) to the tool main body (200), the housing (1A) can be fixed to the tool main body (200).

[0127] Note that the main body connection part (11) may or may not be housed in the housing (1A). In the former case, that is, when the main body connection part (11) is housed in the housing (1A), the whole of the main body connection part (11) may be housed or only a part of it may be housed.

[0128] In the attachment (1) for a fastening tool according to the fifth aspect, in any of the first to fourth aspects, the control unit (16) is realized by a control board (16a). The control board (16a) has a processor and a memory. The memory stores a program for operating the processor as the control unit (16).

[0129] According to this aspect, it is possible to achieve software-based control only by connecting to the fastening tool (2). Also, in software-based control, it is possible to facilitate the setting of conditions (new setting and setting change).

[0130] In the attachment (1) for a fastening tool according to the sixth aspect, in any of the first to fifth aspects, the control unit (16) further executes a power supply control operation for controlling the power supply operation of the power supply unit (17) based on conditions. The communication unit (15) further performs a reception operation for receiving information regarding conditions from the external device (3).

[0131] According to this aspect, the setting of conditions in the power supply control can be performed from the external device (3).

[0132] In the attachment (1) for a fastening tool according to the seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, the conditions include stop conditions regarding the stop of the power supply operation. The control unit (16) further performs a stop control operation for stopping at least a part of the power supply operation based on the stop conditions.

[0133] According to this aspect, it is possible to suppress power consumption by stopping at least a part of the power supply operation based on the stop conditions.

[0134] In the attachment (1) for a tightening tool according to the eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect, the stop condition includes the condition that the measured value has reached the upper limit value of the tightening torque. The reception operation includes the operation of receiving the upper limit value from the external device (3). The control unit (16) performs a stop control operation when the measured value reaches the upper limit value.

[0135] According to this aspect, when the measured value of the tightening torque reaches the upper limit value, at least a part of the power supply operation can be stopped.

[0136] The attachment (1) for a tightening tool according to the ninth aspect, in the seventh or eighth aspect, the power supply operation includes a first power supply operation, a second power supply operation, and a third power supply operation. The first power supply operation is an operation of supplying power to the measurement unit (14). The second power supply operation is an operation of supplying power to the communication unit (15). The third power supply operation is an operation of supplying power to the control unit (16). The stop control operation is an operation of stopping the first power supply operation and at least a part of the second power supply operation and continuing the third power supply operation.

[0137] According to this aspect, by continuing the third power supply operation, the control unit (16) can resume the first power supply operation and the second power supply operation, and thus the measurement operation and the transmission operation.

[0138] In the attachment (1) for a tightening tool according to the tenth aspect, in the ninth aspect, the second power supply operation includes a power supply operation for transmission power for the transmission operation and a power supply operation for reception power for the reception operation. The stop control operation is an operation of stopping the first power supply operation and the power supply operation for transmission power among the second power supply operations and continuing the power supply operation for reception power among the second power supply operations and the third power supply operation.

[0139] According to this aspect, by further continuing the power supply operation for reception power among the second power supply operations, the control unit (16) can resume the first power supply operation and the second power supply operation, and thus the measurement operation and the transmission operation, in response to a start command from the external device (3).

[0140] The tool system (10) according to the 11th aspect includes an attachment (1) for a fastening tool according to any one of the 1st to 10th aspects and a fastening tool (2).

[0141] According to this aspect, by simply connecting the attachment (1) for the fastening tool to the fastening tool (2), a function of measuring the fastening torque and a transmission function of transmitting the measured value to an external device (3) are added to the fastening tool (2), so that it can contribute to the realization of traceability of the fastening operation.

Explanation of Signs

[0142] 10 Tool system 1 Attachment for fastening tool 1A Housing 11 Body connection part 12 Tip connection part 13 Shaft 14 Measuring part 15 Communication part 16 Control part 16a Control board 17 Power supply part 2 Fastening tool 200 Tool body 201 Tool tip 3 External device

Claims

1. a main body connection part connected to a tool main body of a tightening tool for tightening an object; a shaft interlocking with the movement of the tool tip of the tightening tool; a measuring part performing a measuring operation for measuring the tightening torque of the shaft; a communication part performing a transmission operation for transmitting a measured value of the tightening torque measured by the measuring part to an external device; a control part performing a measurement control operation for controlling the measuring operation and a transmission control operation for controlling the transmission operation; a power supply part performing a power supply operation for supplying power to the measuring part, the communication part, and the control part; and an attachment for a tightening tool.

2. further comprising a tip connection part connected to the tool tip of the tightening tool, wherein the shaft interlocks with the tool tip when the tip connection part is connected to the tool tip, the attachment for a tightening tool according to Claim 1.

3. further comprising a housing accommodating the shaft, the power supply part, the measuring part, the communication part, and the control part; the attachment for a tightening tool according to Claim 1.

4. the housing has the main body connection part; the attachment for a tightening tool according to Claim 3.

5. the control part is realized by a control board having a processor and a memory storing a program for operating the processor as the control part; the attachment for a tightening tool according to Claim 1.

6. the control part further executes a power supply control operation for controlling the power supply operation of the power supply part based on a condition, and the communication part further performs a reception operation for receiving information regarding the condition from the external device; the attachment for a tightening tool according to Claim 1.

7. the condition includes a stop condition regarding the stop of the power supply operation, and the control part further performs a stop control operation for stopping at least a part of the power supply operation based on the stop condition; the attachment for a tightening tool according to Claim 6.

8. the stop condition includes the condition that the measured value has reached an upper limit value of the tightening torque, the reception operation includes an operation for receiving the upper limit value from the external device, and the control part performs the stop control operation when the measured value reaches the upper limit value; the attachment for a tightening tool according to Claim 7.

9. the power supply operation includes a first power supply operation for supplying power to the measuring part, a second power supply operation for supplying power to the communication part, and a third power supply operation for supplying power to the control part, and the stop control operation includes An operation of stopping at least a part of the first power supply operation and the second power supply operation, and continuing the third power supply operation, The attachment for a fastening tool according to claim 7.

10. The second power supply operation includes the power supply operation for transmission power for the transmission operation and the power supply operation for reception power for the reception operation, The stop control operation is stopping the first power supply operation and the power supply operation for the transmission power among the second power supply operations, and continuing the power supply operation for the reception power among the second power supply operations and the third power supply operation, The attachment for a fastening tool according to claim 9.

11. An attachment for a fastening tool according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and the fastening tool, A tool system.

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