Server, Program, Server Control Method, and Tool System

Abstract

We provide a server that can send solutions to errors that occur with tools to terminal devices. [Solution] The server 101 is connected to a rebar tying machine and a terminal device linked to the rebar tying machine in a communication manner, and includes a first receiving unit 111 that receives error information from the rebar tying machine 1, a specification unit 113 that identifies a method for resolving the error corresponding to the error information received by the first receiving unit 111, and a first transmitting unit 114 that transmits the resolving method identified by the specification unit 113 to the terminal device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Relates to a server, a program, a server control method, and a tool system that can identify and transmit a method for resolving errors generated by a tool.

Background Art

[0002] Reinforcing bars are used in concrete structures to improve their strength, and are tied with wires so that the reinforcing bars do not shift from their predetermined positions during concrete placement.

[0003] Conventionally, a tool called a reinforcing bar tying machine has been proposed, which winds a wire around two or more reinforcing bars and twists the wire wound around the reinforcing bars to tie the two or more reinforcing bars with the wire.

[0004] The reinforcing bar tying machine twists the wire sent by the driving force of a motor and wound around the reinforcing bar with a tying portion that rotates by the driving force of the motor, so that the reinforcing bar is tied with the wire (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Conventional rebar tying machines are designed to notify the user of errors such as wire feeding problems through warning sounds (such as buzzers) or flashing lights. The websites of manufacturers that produce and sell rebar tying machines also provide information on how to resolve errors. Instruction manuals also include information on how to resolve errors. However, when an error occurs with a rebar tying machine, the user has to search for the solution on the manufacturer's website or elsewhere through their own operation. Having to refer to the solution every time an error occurs hinders the progress of the work.

[0007] The present invention was made to solve these problems and aims to provide a server, a program, a server control method, and a tool system that can transmit methods for resolving errors that occur in a tool to a terminal device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a server to which at least one tool is connected in a communicative manner, and to which at least one terminal device associated with the tool is connected in a communicative manner, the server comprising: receiving means for receiving error information from the tool; identifying means for identifying a method for resolving the error corresponding to the error information received by the receiving means; and transmitting means for transmitting the resolving method identified by the identifying means to the terminal device.

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a program that runs on a control unit of a server to which at least one tool is connected in a communicative manner and to which at least one terminal device associated with the tool is connected in a communicative manner, the program causing the control unit to perform the steps of receiving error information from the tool, identifying a method for resolving the error corresponding to the received error information, and transmitting the identified resolving method to the terminal device.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a server control method to which at least one tool is communicatively connected and at least one terminal device associated with the tool is also communicatively connected, the server control method comprising the steps of receiving error information from the tool, identifying a method for resolving the error corresponding to the received error information, and transmitting the identified resolving method to the terminal device.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a tool system comprising at least one tool, at least one terminal device associated with the tool, and a server to which the tool is communicatively connected and to which the terminal device is communicatively connected, wherein the server comprises receiving means for receiving error information from the tool, identifying means for identifying a method for resolving an error corresponding to the error information received by the receiving means, and transmitting means for transmitting the resolving method identified by the identifying means to the terminal device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] In this invention, when an error occurs in a tool, the server identifies a method to resolve the error, and this method is transmitted to a terminal device linked to the tool, allowing the terminal device to output the error resolution method. This enables the tool user to view the terminal device at the worksite and perform the necessary operations to resolve the error. In this case, the tool user does not need to search for the error resolution method on the manufacturer's website or elsewhere, and can obtain the appropriate solution. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] Block diagram showing an example of the tool system of this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing an example of a server in this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing an example of a terminal device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing an example of a rebar tying machine according to this embodiment. [Figure 5]It is an internal configuration diagram seen from the side showing an example of the reinforcing bar bundling machine of the present embodiment. [Figure 6] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the condition table database. [Figure 7] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the condition table database. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the tool system of the present embodiment. [Figure 9] It is an explanatory diagram showing an output example of the error resolution method. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the tool system of the present embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing still another example of the operation of the tool system of the present embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, an example of a tool system of the present invention, a server constituting the tool system, a terminal device, and a reinforcing bar bundling machine as an embodiment of the tool will be described.

[0015] <Configuration Example of the Tool System of the Present Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the tool system of the present embodiment. The tool system 100 of the present embodiment includes at least one reinforcing bar bundling machine 1 as a tool, a server 101, and at least one terminal device 201.

[0016] In the tool system 1, at least one reinforcing bar bundling machine 1 and the server 101 are communicably connected via a wireless communication line 300. Also, in the tool system 1, the server 101 and at least one terminal device 201 are communicably connected via a wireless communication line 300.

[0017] <Configuration Example of the Server of the Present Embodiment> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a server according to the present embodiment. Server 101 includes a first control unit 110 and a first storage unit 120. The first control unit 110 is an example of a control unit, and includes a first reception unit 111, a storage processing unit 112, a specifying unit 113, a first transmission unit 114, and a linking unit 115.

[0018] The first reception unit 111 is an example of reception means, and receives error information transmitted from the rebar tying machine 1 due to an error occurring in the rebar tying machine 1. The first reception unit 111 also receives identification information for identifying the rebar tying machine 1, such as the serial number of the rebar tying machine 1. The first reception unit 111 also receives request information for requesting an output of a method for resolving an error that occurred in the rebar tying machine 1 from the terminal device 201. Further, the first reception unit 111 receives identification information of the terminal device 201, such as login information such as a password for the terminal device 201 to log in to the server 101, the serial number of the terminal device 201, and user information for identifying the user using the terminal device 201.

[0019] The storage processing unit 112 stores the error information received from the rebar tying machine 1, the identification information of the rebar tying machine 1, the error time information, etc. in the first storage unit 120.

[0020] The specifying unit 113 is an example of specifying means, and specifies a method for resolving an error corresponding to the model specified by the error information received from the rebar tying machine 1 and the identification information of the rebar tying machine 1. The method for resolution is error resolution information indicating an operation for resolving the error, and may be an image output by the terminal device 201, may be voice, or may be text. Further, the method for resolution may be a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) associated with the error resolution information, etc. Furthermore, the method for resolution may be an email in which a URL etc. associated with the error resolution information is described. Also, the specifying unit 113 may specify the method for resolving the error based on the history of the error information stored in the first storage unit 120.

[0021] The first transmitting unit 114 is an example of a transmission means that transmits error resolution methods to a terminal device 201 that is pre-linked to the rebar tying machine 1 identified by identification information. When an error occurs in the rebar tying machine 1, if it is registered that the terminal device 201 linked to the rebar tying machine 1 should receive error resolution methods, the first receiving unit 111 receives error information from the rebar tying machine 1, and when the identification unit 113 identifies a resolution method corresponding to the error information, it transmits the resolution method to the terminal device 201 linked to the rebar tying machine 1 that received the error information.

[0022] Furthermore, when the first receiving unit 111 receives request information from the terminal device 201 requesting the output of a method for resolving an error that occurred in the rebar tying machine 1, the first transmitting unit 114 transmits the resolution method identified by the identification unit 113 to the terminal device 201 associated with the rebar tying machine 1 that received the error information. In addition, when the terminal device 201 logs into the server 101 using identification information such as login information, the first transmitting unit 114 may transmit screen information to the logged-in terminal device 201 that displays a website where information related to the rebar tying machine 1 identified by the identification information can be obtained, and the terminal device 201 may use this screen to send request information requesting the output of a method for resolving an error that occurred in the rebar tying machine 1 from the terminal device 201.

[0023] The linking unit 115 stores the identification information of the rebar tying machine 1 in the tool information database 124 and the identification information of the terminal device 201 in the user information database 125. This links the rebar tying machine 1 and the server 101. It also links the terminal device 201 and the server 101. For example, when the terminal device 201 logs into the server 101 using identification information such as login information, the terminal device 201 and the server 101 are linked. Furthermore, the linking unit 115 may store the identification information of the rebar tying machine 1 and the identification information of the terminal device 201 in association. This links the rebar tying machine 1 and the terminal device 201. The identification information of the rebar tying machine 1 and the identification information of the terminal device 201 may be stored in a one-to-one correspondence. Furthermore, considering the case where one user uses multiple rebar tying machines 1, the identification information of each of the multiple rebar tying machines 1 may be associated with the identification information of one terminal device 201 and stored accordingly. In addition, in order to enable one rebar tying machine 1 to be managed by both the user and the administrator, the identification information of one rebar tying machine 1 may be associated with the identification information of each of the multiple terminal devices 201 and stored accordingly. Furthermore, in order to enable multiple rebar tying machines 1 to be managed by both the user and the administrator, the identification information of each of the multiple rebar tying machines 1 may be associated with the identification information of each of the multiple terminal devices 201 and stored accordingly.

[0024] The first storage unit 120 is an example of a storage means, and stores a history database (DB) 121, a condition table database (DB) 122, a guidance display database (DB) 123, a tool information database (DB) 124, a user information database (DB) 125, location information 126, time information 127, and a first program 128.

[0025] The history database 121 stores error information received from the rebar tying machine 1, etc., via the storage processing unit 112. The history database 121 stores error information for a predetermined period, and the history of error information is accumulated.

[0026] The condition table database 122 stores conditions that the identification unit 113 uses to identify how to resolve errors based on error information.

[0027] The guidance display database 123 stores error information received from the rebar tying machine 1 and information identifying how to resolve the error corresponding to the model identified by the rebar tying machine's identification information.

[0028] The tool information database 124 stores identification information for the rebar tying machine 1. The tool information database 124 also stores information that identifies the model based on the identification information.

[0029] The user information database 125 stores identification information for the terminal device 201. The user information database 125 also stores user information that identifies the user of the rebar tying machine 1 and the terminal device 201.

[0030] Location information 126 stores location information received from the rebar tying machine 1. Location information 126 may also be associated with error information stored in the history database 121. In addition, location information 126 stores location information received from the terminal device 201.

[0031] Time information 127 stores time information for various operations received from the rebar tying machine 1, such as the time when an error occurred in the rebar tying machine 1.

[0032] <Examples of program functionality running on the server> The first control unit 110 executes the first program 128 stored in the first storage unit 120 to realize the functions of the first receiving unit 111, the storage processing unit 112, the identification unit 113, and the first transmitting unit 114 described above.

[0033] The first program 128 realizes the first receiving unit 111 by having the first control unit 110 execute a process to receive error information and the serial number of the rebar tying machine 1 from the rebar tying machine 1. Furthermore, the first program 128 realizes the first receiving unit 111 by having the first control unit 110 execute a process to receive request information from the terminal device 201 requesting the output of a method for resolving the error that occurred in the rebar tying machine 1.

[0034] Furthermore, the first program 128 implements a memory processing unit 112 by having the first control unit 110 execute a process to store the error information received from the rebar tying machine 1, the identification information of the rebar tying machine 1, the time information of the error, etc., in the history database 121 of the first storage unit 120.

[0035] Furthermore, the first program 128 implements the identification unit 113 by having the first control unit 110 execute a process that identifies a method for resolving an error corresponding to the model identified by the error information and identification information received from the rebar tying machine 1, by referring to the condition table database 122, the guidance display database 123, the tool information database 124, etc.

[0036] Furthermore, the first program 128 realizes the first transmission unit 114 by having the first control unit 110 execute a process to send the resolution method to the terminal device 201 to which the rebar tying machine 1 identified by the identification information is pre-associated, by referring to the tool information database 124, the user information database 125, etc.

[0037] The first program 128, when an error occurs in the rebar tying machine 1, and if it is registered that the terminal device 201 linked to the rebar tying machine 1 should receive a method to resolve the error, will have the first receiving unit 111 receive error information from the rebar tying machine 1, and when the identification unit 113 identifies a method to resolve the error information, the first control unit 110 will execute a process to send the method to the terminal device 201 linked to the rebar tying machine 1 that received the error information.

[0038] Furthermore, when the first receiving unit 111 receives request information from the terminal device 201 requesting the output of a method for resolving an error that occurred in the rebar tying machine 1, the first control unit 110 executes a process to transmit the resolution method identified by the identification unit 113 to the terminal device 201 associated with the rebar tying machine 1 that received the error information.

[0039] <Specific example of the first control unit> The first control unit 110 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like. Some or all of the first receiving unit 111, memory processing unit 112, identification unit 113, and first transmitting unit 114 of the first control unit 110 may be implemented by program processing by the CPU. Furthermore, some or all of the above functions of the first control unit 110 may be implemented by processing by a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) instead of, or in conjunction with, the CPU. In addition, some or all of the above functions may be implemented by processing by a dedicated hardware circuit instead of, or in conjunction with, software processing.

[0040] <Example of the configuration of the terminal device in this embodiment> Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a terminal device according to this embodiment. The terminal device 201 is a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or tablet that a user will have at the work site. The terminal device 201 includes a second control unit 210, a second storage unit 220, an output unit 230, an input unit 240, and a location information acquisition unit 250.

[0041] The second control unit 210 includes a second receiving unit 211, an output control unit 212, and a second transmitting unit 213. The second storage unit 220 stores the second program 221.

[0042] The second receiving unit 211 receives the error resolution method from the server 101. The output control unit 212 outputs the error resolution method using the output unit 230. The second transmitting unit 213 transmits request information requesting the output of the error resolution method. The second transmitting unit 213 also transmits completion information indicating that the error resolution operation has been performed on the rebar tying machine 1.

[0043] The output unit 230 includes a display output unit 231 and an audio output unit 232. The display output unit 231 is composed of a display or the like. The display output unit 231 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. Alternatively, the display output unit 231 may be an organic light-emitting diode display (OLED display), a plasma display, or the like instead of an OLED display.

[0044] The output control unit 212 outputs the error resolution method as image information via the display output unit 231. The image information is, for example, a still image. The image information may be a video, or it may be a still image that changes over time. In addition, a URL that guides the user to view the video may be displayed along with the still image information.

[0045] Furthermore, the output control unit 212 may output the error resolution method as audio information via the sound output unit 232. In addition, the output control unit 212 may output the resolution method as image information via the display output unit 231, and simultaneously output it as audio information via the sound output unit 232.

[0046] The input unit 240 may be, for example, a touch panel provided on the display output unit 231, and a URL for displaying the solution may be input by user operation, such as touching the URL display area. The input unit 240 may also be provided with an error resolution operation completion button, displayed by the display output unit 231, etc., so that the user can input that an operation to resolve the error has been performed on the rebar tying machine 1, and the output control unit 212 may stop outputting the error resolution method when it receives input that an operation to resolve the error has been performed on the rebar tying machine 1. Furthermore, the input unit 240 may be provided with a history display button, displayed by the display output unit 231, etc., so that the history of previously resolved error information and its resolution method may be output by display, etc., at the user's operation.

[0047] Furthermore, the output control unit 212 may display identification information, such as the serial number of the rebar tying machine 1 that received the error information, depending on the resolution method. This is to allow the user to recognize which rebar tying machine 1 the error occurred in, especially if the user is using multiple rebar tying machines 1. The output control unit 212 may also display the date and time the error occurred, depending on the resolution method. This is to allow the user to recognize when the error occurred and how the resolution method relates to it.

[0048] <Examples of program functions executed on terminal devices> The second control unit 210 executes the second program 221 stored in the second storage unit 220 to realize the functions of the second receiving unit 211, the output control unit 212, and the second transmitting unit 213 described above.

[0049] The second program 221 implements the second receiving unit 211 by having the second control unit 210 execute a process to receive error resolution methods from the server 101.

[0050] Furthermore, the second program 221 implements the output control unit 212 by having the second control unit 210 execute a process that outputs the method for resolving the error in the output unit 230.

[0051] Furthermore, the second program 221 realizes the second transmission unit 213 by having the second control unit 210 execute a process to send request information requesting the output of a method for resolving the error. In addition, the second program 221 realizes the second transmission unit 213 by having the second control unit 210 execute a process to send completion information indicating that an operation to resolve the error has been performed in the rebar tying machine 1.

[0052] The second program 221 may be one that displays a browser. Alternatively, the second program 221 may be a dedicated application that performs a series of processes to output how to resolve an error.

[0053] <Example of the configuration of the rebar tying machine according to this embodiment> Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the rebar tying machine of this embodiment, and Figure 5 is a side view of the internal configuration of an example of the rebar tying machine of this embodiment.

[0054] As an example of a tool, the rebar tying machine 1 is designed to be held and used by a worker, and comprises a main body 10 and a handle 11. The rebar tying machine 1 feeds the wire W in the forward direction indicated by arrow F, wraps it around the rebar S to be tied, feeds the wire W in the reverse direction indicated by arrow R to wrap it around the rebar S, then twists the wire W to tie the rebar S with the wire W. The rebar tying machine 1 ties the rebar S with multiple wires W, in this example, two wires W.

[0055] To achieve the functions described above, the rebar tying machine 1 includes a magazine 2 for storing wire W, a wire feeding unit 3 for feeding wire W, and a wire guide unit 4 for guiding the wire W being fed to the wire feeding unit 3. The rebar tying machine 1 also includes a curl forming unit 5 that forms an annular feeding path for winding the wire W fed by the wire feeding unit 3 around the rebar S, and a cutting unit 6 for cutting the wire W wrapped around the rebar S. Furthermore, the rebar tying machine 1 includes a tying unit 7 for twisting the wire W wrapped around the rebar S, and a drive unit 8 for driving the tying unit 7.

[0056] Magazine 2 is an example of a storage unit, in which a reel 20, on which a long wire W is wound so that it can be dispensed, is stored in a rotatable and detachable manner. The wire W can be made of a metal wire that can be plastically deformed, a metal wire coated with resin, or a stranded wire. In a configuration in which two wires W are used to tie together reinforcing bars S, the reel 20 is wound with two wires W, and the reel 20 is designed so that two wires W can be pulled out simultaneously.

[0057] The wire feeding unit 3 is an example of a feeding unit and includes a pair of feeding gears 30 that grip and feed the wire W. In the wire feeding unit 3, the rotational motion of the feeding motor 31 is transmitted to the feeding gears 30, causing the feeding gears 30 to rotate. In addition, the rotational direction of the feeding gears 30 is switched by switching the forward and reverse direction of rotation of the feeding motor 31, thereby switching the forward and reverse direction of wire W feeding. In a configuration in which reinforcing bars S are bound together with two wires W, the wire feeding unit 3 feeds the two wires W side by side in the radial direction of the wires W. The wire feeding unit 3 is equipped with an openable and closable window 32 that exposes the parts where the pair of feeding gears 30 face each other. By opening the window 32, the wire W gripped between the pair of feeding gears 30 can be visually inspected, and operations such as adjusting the position of the wire W can be performed.

[0058] The wire guide section 4 is positioned upstream and downstream of the feed gear 30 with respect to the feeding direction of the wire W being fed in the forward direction. In a configuration in which two wires W are used to tie together a reinforcing bar S, the wire guide section 4 guides the two incoming wires W in parallel along the direction in which the pair of feed gears 30 are aligned, between the pair of feed gears 30.

[0059] The curl-forming section 5 includes an arm section 50 that gives the wire W, which is fed by the wire feeding section 3, a curl guide section 51 that guides the wire W, which has been given the curl by the arm section 50, to the binding section 7.

[0060] The cutting unit 6 comprises a fixed blade section 60, a movable blade section 61 that cuts the wire W in cooperation with the fixed blade section 60, and a transmission mechanism 62 that transmits the operation of the binding unit 7 to the movable blade section 61. The cutting unit 6 cuts the wire W by the rotational movement of the movable blade section 61 with the fixed blade section 60 as the pivot axis.

[0061] The binding section 7 includes a wire locking body 70, also called a hook, to which the wire W is locked, and a sleeve 71 that operates the wire locking body 70. The drive section 8 includes a torsion motor 80 and a reduction gear 81 that performs reduction and torque amplification.

[0062] The rebar tying machine 1 has a handle 11 that extends downward from the main body 10. Furthermore, a battery 15 is detachably attached to the lower part of the handle 11.

[0063] The rebar tying machine 1 has a trigger 12 on the front side of the handle 11.

[0064] Furthermore, the rebar tying machine 1 is equipped with abutment section 14 at the front of the main body 10 against which the rebar S abuts. The abutment section 14 is provided in pairs on the left and right sides between the arm section 50 and the curl guide section 51.

[0065] The rebar tying machine 1 includes a third control unit 90. The third control unit 90 controls the feed motor 31 and the torsion motor 80 according to the state of the trigger switch 13 which is pressed by the operation of the trigger 12. The trigger switch 13 is located, for example, behind the trigger 12.

[0066] The third control unit 90 includes an error detection unit 91, an error information generation unit 92, a time information acquisition unit 93, a third transmission unit 94, a third reception unit 95, and a position information acquisition unit 96. The rebar tying machine 1 also includes a consumable detection sensor 97 and a setting unit 98. The consumable detection sensor 97 detects, for example, the presence or absence of a reel 20, which is a consumable stored in the magazine 2, and whether or not the reel 20 is properly loaded. The setting unit 98 receives an operation to set the tying force, which is also called a torque dial, for example.

[0067] The error detection unit 91 detects errors based on the outputs of the feed motor 31, the torsion motor 80, etc. The error information generation unit 92 generates error information that specifies the content of the error. The time information acquisition unit 93 acquires time information that specifies the time when the error was detected. The time information may include the year, month, and day.

[0068] The third transmitting unit 94 transmits error information, identification information that identifies the rebar tying machine 1, such as the serial number of the rebar tying machine 1, and time information of the error to the server 101. The third transmitting unit 94 may also transmit the location information of the rebar tying machine 1 at the time the error was detected to the server 101. In addition, if the tying operation is completed successfully, the third transmitting unit 94 transmits tying completion information to the server 110 to indicate that the tying is complete.

[0069] The third receiving unit 95 receives information transmitted from the server 101. For example, the third receiving unit 95 receives error information reception completion information from the server 101. After the third transmitting unit 94 transmits the error information, if there is no response signal of reception completion information from the server 101 after the tool has transmitted the information, the third transmitting unit 94 retries transmitting the error information up to a predetermined number of times (for example, 3 times). If the third receiving unit 95 does not receive error information reception completion information from the server 101 even after retries transmitting the error information a predetermined number of times, the error information is stored as untransmitted information in a storage unit (not shown) of the rebar tying machine 1. The error information stored as untransmitted information may be transmitted at the same time as the next error information transmission. Alternatively, the error information stored as untransmitted information may be transmitted at the same time as the tying operation completion information transmission.

[0070] The location information acquisition unit 96 acquires location information of the rebar tying machine 1, for example, by using GPS (Global Positioning System).

[0071] The rebar tying machine 1 can be switched on and off by operating the main switch 16. The main switch 16 is located, for example, below the setting unit 98. The rebar tying machine 1 includes a circuit board 99. The circuit board 99 is located, for example, above the drive unit 8. The third control unit 90 is located on the circuit board 99. All of the functions of the third control unit 90 may be located on the circuit board 99, or some of the functions of the third control unit 90 may be located on the circuit board 99 and the remainder on a circuit board not shown. For example, the third transmitting unit 94, the third receiving unit 95, and the position information acquisition unit 90 may be located on a circuit board not shown, located on the side of the drive unit 8.

[0072] <Example of the rebar tying operation of the rebar tying machine of this embodiment> When the reinforcing bar S is placed between the arm section 50 and the curl guide section 51 and the trigger 12 is operated, the feed motor 31 is driven in the forward rotation direction under the control of the third control section 90, and the wire W, which is held between the pair of feed gears 30, is fed in the forward direction indicated by the arrow F.

[0073] In a configuration where reinforcing bars S are bound together with two wires W, the wire feeding unit 3 and the wire guide unit 4 feed the two wires W in parallel along the axial direction of the annular feeding path Ru.

[0074] The wire W, which is fed in the forward direction, passes through the wire locking body 70 of the binding section 7 and is fed to the arm section 50. As the wire W passes through the arm section 50, it acquires a coiling tendency so that it is wound around the reinforcing bar S along the annular feeding path Ru.

[0075] The wire W, which has been coiled in the arm section 50, is further fed in the forward direction by the wire feeding section 3, which guides it to the curl guide section 51, and then to the binding section 7 in the curl guide section 51.

[0076] As the wire W is further fed in the forward direction by the wire feeding unit 3, the wire W passes through the wire locking body 70, and when the tip of the wire W is fed to a predetermined position, the drive of the feed motor 31 is stopped by the control of the third control unit 90.

[0077] After stopping the forward feeding of the wire W, the torsion motor 80 is driven in the forward rotation direction by the control of the third control unit 90. The rotation of the sleeve 71 is restricted in the operating range where the wire W is locked by the wire locking body 70. As a result, the rotation of the torsion motor 80 is converted into linear motion, and the sleeve 71 moves in the forward direction, arrow D1. When the sleeve 71 moves forward, the wire W is locked by a predetermined operation of the wire locking body 70.

[0078] After the sleeve 71 is advanced to the position where the wire W is locked by the wire locking body 70, the rotation of the torsion motor 80 is temporarily stopped by the control of the third control unit 90, and the feed motor 31 is driven in the reverse direction.

[0079] This causes the pair of feed gears 30 to reverse direction, and the wire W, which is held between the pair of feed gears 30, is fed in the opposite direction indicated by arrow R. This reverse feeding motion of the wire W causes it to wrap around the reinforcing bar S.

[0080] The current value of the feed motor 31 detects that the wire W has been wrapped around the reinforcing bar S, and the third control unit 90 stops the feed motor 31 from rotating in the reverse direction. Then, the torsion motor 80 is driven in the forward direction, causing the sleeve 71 to move further forward as indicated by arrow D1. The forward movement of the sleeve 71 is transmitted to the cutting unit 6 by the transmission mechanism 62, causing the movable blade 61 to rotate, and the wire W is cut at a predetermined position by the operation of the fixed blade 60 and the movable blade 61.

[0081] By driving the torsion motor 80 in the forward rotation direction, the sleeve 71 is moved forward as indicated by arrow D1, cutting the two wires W. Almost simultaneously, the wire locking body 70 pushes the wires W forward, bending the tip and end ends of the wires W toward the reinforcing bars S.

[0082] After the tip and end of the wire W are bent toward the reinforcing bar S, the torsion motor 80 is further driven in the forward rotation direction, causing the sleeve 71 to move further forward. Once the sleeve 71 has moved to the predetermined position, the restriction on the rotation of the sleeve 71 is released.

[0083] As a result, the torsion motor 80 is driven further in the forward rotation direction, causing the sleeve 71 to rotate and initiating the twisting of the wire W locked by the wire locking body 70. When it is detected that the load on the torsion motor 80 has reached its maximum due to the twisting of the wire W, the forward rotation of the torsion motor 80 is stopped by the control of the third control unit 90. Next, when the torsion motor 80 is driven in the reverse rotation direction, the sleeve 71 moves in the direction of arrow D2, which is the rear direction, with its rotation restricted.

[0084] When the sleeve 71 moves backward, the wire locking body 70 releases the wire W from being locked, and the wire W that has tied the reinforcing bar S comes out of the wire locking body 70. Once the wire W that has tied the reinforcing bar S comes out of the wire locking body 70, it becomes possible to remove the arm portion 50 and the curl guide portion 51 from the point where the wire W is tied.

[0085] <Example of a conditional table database for errors detected by a rebar tying machine> The third control unit 90 uses the current value of the feed motor 31 to detect, via the error detection unit 91, that the wire W has become jammed in the wire locking body 70, or that there is a malfunction in the wire feeding unit 3. The third control unit 90 also uses the current value of the torsion motor 80 to detect, via the error detection unit 91, that there is a malfunction in the wire locking body 70, such as the wire W becoming entangled in the wire locking body 70.

[0086] Furthermore, the third control unit 90 detects from the output of the consumable detection sensor 97 that a loading error has occurred in the reel 20 using the error detection unit 91. Also, the third control unit 90 detects from the output of the setting unit 98 that sets the binding force, etc., that a setting error has occurred in the setting unit 98 using the error detection unit 91.

[0087] In addition, the third control unit 90 may use the error detection unit 91 to detect when a malfunction occurs due to the voltage value of the battery 15, the temperature of each part, or the like.

[0088] The condition table database 122 stores conditions that the identification unit 113 uses to identify how to resolve various errors detected by the error detection unit 91, based on the identified error information.

[0089] Figures 6 and 7 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a condition table database. The condition table database 122a shown in Figure 6 stores a single error information as a condition and a resolution method corresponding to each error information. The error information includes wire jamming in the wire locking body 70 or wire feeding failure in the wire feeding unit 3. The condition table database 122b shown in Figure 7 stores a combination of multiple error information as a condition and a resolution method corresponding to when multiple error information is combined. The combination of multiple error information includes a combination of wire jamming in the wire locking body 70 and wire feeding failure in the wire feeding unit 3.

[0090] <Example of operation of the tool system of this embodiment> First, the rebar tying machine 1 and the server 101 are linked by registering information that identifies the rebar tying machine 1 with the server 101. For example, when a user inputs identification information such as the serial number of the rebar tying machine 1 into the input unit 240 of the terminal device 201, the second transmission unit 213 sends the identification information of the rebar tying machine 1 to the server 101. The server 101 stores the identification information of the rebar tying machine 1 in the tool information database 124 of the storage unit 120. Furthermore, the terminal device 201 and the server 101 are linked by registering information that identifies the terminal device 201 and the user with the server 101. For example, when a user inputs identification information of the terminal device 201, such as login information, into the input unit 240, the second transmission unit 213 sends the identification information of the terminal device 201 to the server 101. The server 101 stores the identification information of the terminal device 201 in the user information database 125 of the storage unit 120. This allows the terminal device 201, which receives error resolution instructions, to be linked to a specific rebar tying machine 1. Note that linking the rebar tying machine 1 and the terminal device 201 does not necessarily require direct input of serial numbers or similar information. For example, the linking could be done using the location and time information of both the rebar tying machine 1 and the terminal device 201 to identify nearby rebar tying machines 1 and terminal devices 201 at the same time.

[0091] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the tool system in this embodiment. When the rebar tying machine 1's error detection unit 91 detects an error and the error information generation unit 92 generates error information, the third transmission unit 94 transmits the error information, the identification information of the rebar tying machine 1, the time of the error, and other information to the server 101.

[0092] When the first receiving unit 111 of the server 101 receives error information and identification information from the rebar tying machine 1 (step SA1), the identification unit 113 identifies a method for resolving the error corresponding to the model identified by the error information received from the rebar tying machine 1 and the identification information of the rebar tying machine 1, based on the condition table database 122a shown in Figure 6 (step SA2).

[0093] If the error information in the current instance is error information a, the identification unit 113 identifies resolution method A1 as the method for resolving the error. Similarly, if the error information in the current instance is error information b, the identification unit 113 identifies resolution method B1 as the method for resolving the error. Furthermore, if the error information in the current instance is error information c, the identification unit 113 identifies resolution method C1 as the method for resolving the error.

[0094] When the first receiving unit 111 of the server 101 receives error information and identification information from the rebar tying machine 1, the storage processing unit 112 stores the error information received from the rebar tying machine 1, the identification information of the rebar tying machine 1, and the time information of the error in the history database 121 of the first storage unit 120.

[0095] When a user performs an operation on the input unit 240 of the terminal device 201 to request the output of a method for resolving an error, the second transmission unit 213 transmits request information requesting the output of a method for resolving the error.

[0096] When the server 101 receives request information from the terminal device 201 via the first receiving unit 111 requesting the output of a method to resolve the error, the first transmitting unit 114 transmits the error resolution method identified by the identification unit 113 to the terminal device 201 linked to the rebar tying machine 1 that received the error information (step SA3).

[0097] When the terminal device 201 receives a method for resolving an error in the linked rebar tying machine 1 from the server 101 via the second receiving unit 211, the output control unit 212 outputs the error resolution method, for example, as image information via the display output unit 231.

[0098] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an error resolution output. The resolution screen displayed on the display output unit 231 of the terminal device 201 consists of an error cause display unit 231a and an error resolution method display unit 231b, etc. The error cause display unit 231a displays the cause of the error, for example, in text. The error resolution method display unit 231b consists of a text display area 231b1 where the error resolution method is displayed in text and an image display area 231b2 where the error resolution method is displayed as an image. In addition, if a still image is displayed in the image display area 231b2, a URL display area 213b3 may be provided where a URL to guide the user to display a video is displayed.

[0099] Furthermore, if the server 101 is registered to receive a method for resolving the error at the terminal device 201 linked to the rebar tying machine 1 when an error occurs in the rebar tying machine 1, the first transmission unit 114 will transmit the error resolution method identified by the identification unit 113 to the terminal device 201 linked to the rebar tying machine 1 that received the error information.

[0100] In this way, when an error occurs in the rebar tying machine 1, the server 101 identifies a method to resolve the error, and the identified error resolution method is transmitted to the terminal device 201 linked to the rebar tying machine 1. The terminal device 201 outputs the information via display or other means, allowing the user of the rebar tying machine 1 to view the terminal device 201 at the work site and perform the operation to resolve the error. In this case, the user of the rebar tying machine 1 does not need to search for the error resolution method on the manufacturer's website or elsewhere through their own operation, and can obtain the appropriate resolution method.

[0101] Furthermore, if an error is detected in the rebar tying machine 1, an output unit such as a buzzer or lamp (not shown) on the rebar tying machine 1 will notify that an error has occurred. In addition, the error notification from the rebar tying machine 1 may be stopped when the power is turned off or on using the main switch 16.

[0102] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the tool system of this embodiment. When the rebar tying machine 1's error detection unit 91 detects an error and the error information generation unit 92 generates error information, the third transmission unit 94 transmits the error information, the identification information of the rebar tying machine 1, the time of the error, etc., to the server 101.

[0103] When the first receiving unit 111 of the server 101 receives error information and identification information from the rebar tying machine 1 (step SB1), the storage processing unit 112 stores the error information received from the rebar tying machine 1, the identification information of the rebar tying machine 1, and the time information of the error in the history database 121 of the first storage unit 120 (step SB2).

[0104] Furthermore, when the first receiving unit 111 of the server 101 receives error information and identification information from the rebar tying machine 1, the identification unit 113 adds the number of times the same error information has been accumulated in the same rebar tying machine 1, based on the history database 121. For example, when error information a is received, 1 is added to the number of times error information a has been accumulated.

[0105] The server 101 determines, based on the condition table database 122b shown in Figure 7, the most recent combination of error information received from the rebar tying machine 1 and the error resolution method corresponding to the model identified by the identification information of the rebar tying machine 1.

[0106] Server 101 determines that the current error information is error information a, and that condition a1 is that the number of times error information a has been accumulated is 2 or less. The identification unit 113 then identifies error resolution method A1 as a method for resolving the error (step SB3). The first transmission unit 114 then transmits the error resolution method A1 identified by the identification unit 113 to the terminal device 201, which is linked to the rebar tying machine 1 that received the error information (step SB4).

[0107] Server 101 determines that the current error information is error information a, and that condition a2 is that the number of times error information a has been accumulated is between 3 and 5, so the identification unit 113 changes the error resolution method A1 to resolution method A2 (step SB5). Then, the first transmission unit 114 transmits the error resolution method A2, which was changed by the identification unit 113, to the terminal device 201 linked to the rebar tying machine 1 that received the error information (step SB6).

[0108] Server 101 determines that the current error information is error information a, and that condition a3 is met, meaning the number of times error information a has been accumulated is between 6 and 8, so the identification unit 113 changes the error resolution method from resolution method A2 to resolution method A3 (step SB7). Then, the first transmission unit 114 transmits the error resolution method A3, which was changed by the identification unit 113, to the terminal device 201 linked to the rebar tying machine 1 that received the error information (step SB8).

[0109] Server 101 determines that the current error information is error information a, and that condition a4 is met if the number of times error information a has been accumulated is 9 or more, so the identification unit 113 changes the error resolution method from resolution method A3 to resolution method A4 (step SB9). Then, the first transmission unit 114 transmits the error resolution method A4, which was changed by the identification unit 113, to the terminal device 201 linked to the rebar tying machine 1 that received the error information (step SB10).

[0110] Furthermore, if the server 101 does not receive a predetermined number of successful tying completion messages from the rebar tying machine 1 for a predetermined number of consecutive times, it counts this as an error. In other words, if the server does not receive a predetermined number of successful tying completion messages for a predetermined number of consecutive times, it determines that the error may not have been resolved. In other words, if the server receives a predetermined number of successful tying completion messages for a predetermined number of consecutive times, it determines that the error has been resolved.

[0111] When the terminal device 201 receives a method for resolving an error in the linked rebar tying machine 1 from the server 101 via the second receiving unit 211, the output control unit 212 outputs the error resolution method, for example, as image information via the display output unit 231.

[0112] In this way, when an error occurs in the rebar tying machine 1, the server 101 identifies a method to resolve the error, and the identified error resolution method is transmitted to the terminal device 201 linked to the rebar tying machine 1. The terminal device 201 outputs the information via display or other means, allowing the user of the rebar tying machine 1 to view the terminal device 201 at the work site and perform the operation to resolve the error. In this case, the user of the rebar tying machine 1 does not need to search for the error resolution method on the manufacturer's website or elsewhere through their own operation, and can obtain the appropriate resolution method.

[0113] Furthermore, if the same error occurs repeatedly, the same resolution method may not resolve the error. Therefore, the server 101 changes the resolution method according to the number of times the same error occurs consecutively and sends it to the terminal device 201, thereby enabling more reliable error resolution.

[0114] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the tool system of this embodiment. When the rebar tying machine 1's error detection unit 91 detects an error and the error information generation unit 92 generates error information, the third transmission unit 94 transmits the error information, the identification information of the rebar tying machine 1, the time of the error, and other information to the server 101.

[0115] When the first receiving unit 111 of the server 101 receives error information and identification information from the rebar tying machine 1 (step SC1), the storage processing unit 112 stores the error information received from the rebar tying machine 1, the identification information of the rebar tying machine 1, and the time information of the error in the history database 121 of the first storage unit 120.

[0116] Furthermore, when the first receiving unit 111 of the server 101 receives error information and identification information from the rebar tying machine 1, the identification unit 113 adds the number of times the same error information has been accumulated in the same rebar tying machine 1, based on the history database 121. For example, when error information a is received, 1 is added to the number of times error information a has been accumulated (step SC2). Similarly, when error information b is received, 1 is added to the number of times error information b has been accumulated (step SC3), and when error information c is received, 1 is added to the number of times error information c has been accumulated (step SC4).

[0117] The server 101 determines, based on the condition table database 122a shown in Figure 7, how to resolve the error using the combination of the most recent error information received from the rebar tying machine 1 and the model identified by the identification information of the rebar tying machine 1.

[0118] Server 101 determines that the current error information is error information a (step SC1), and whether the combination of the most recent error information received from the rebar tying machine 1 satisfies the first condition (step SC5). If the first condition is met, such as the number of times error information a has been accumulated being 2 or less, the identification unit 113 identifies error resolution method A1 as a method for resolving the error. Then, the first transmission unit 114 transmits the error resolution method A1 identified by the identification unit 113 to the terminal device 201 linked to the rebar tying machine 1 that received the error information (step SC6).

[0119] Server 101 identifies a method to resolve the error corresponding to the second condition if the current error information is error information a and the combination of the most recent error information received from the rebar tying machine 1 satisfies any of the second conditions. Then, Server 101 transmits the error resolution method corresponding to the second condition identified by the identification unit 113 to the terminal device 201 linked to the rebar tying machine 1 that received the error information, via the first transmission unit 114 (step SC7).

[0120] Server 101 determines that the current error information is error information b (step SC1) and whether the combination of the most recent error information received from the rebar tying machine 1 satisfies the first condition (step SC8). If the first condition is met, such as the number of times error information b has been accumulated being 2 or less, the identification unit 113 identifies error resolution method B1 as a method for resolving the error. Then, the first transmission unit 114 transmits the error resolution method B1 identified by the identification unit 113 to the terminal device 201 linked to the rebar tying machine 1 that received the error information (step SC9).

[0121] Server 101 identifies a method to resolve the error corresponding to the second condition if the current error information is error information b and the combination of the most recent error information received from the rebar tying machine 1 satisfies any of the second conditions. Then, Server 101 transmits the method to resolve the error corresponding to the second condition identified by the identification unit 113 to the terminal device 201 linked to the rebar tying machine 1 that received the error information, via the first transmission unit 114 (step SC10).

[0122] Server 101 determines that the current error information is error information c (step SC1), and whether the combination of the most recent error information received from the rebar tying machine 1 satisfies the first condition (step SC11). If the first condition is met, such as the number of times error information c has been accumulated being 2 or less, the identification unit 113 identifies a resolution method C1 as a method for resolving the error. Then, the first transmission unit 114 transmits the error resolution method C1 identified by the identification unit 113 to the terminal device 201 linked to the rebar tying machine 1 that received the error information (step SC12).

[0123] Server 101 identifies a method to resolve the error corresponding to the second condition if the current error information is error information c and the combination of the most recent error information received from the rebar tying machine 1 satisfies any of the second conditions. Then, Server 101 transmits the method to resolve the error corresponding to the second condition identified by the identification unit 113 to the terminal device 201 linked to the rebar tying machine 1 that received the error information, via the first transmission unit 114 (step SC13).

[0124] For example, if the server 101 finds that the current error information is error information a, and that the combination of the most recent error information received from the rebar tying machine 1 satisfies the second condition that the number of times error information a has been accumulated is between 3 and 5, then the identification unit 113 identifies error resolution method A2 as a method for resolving the error. The server 101 then transmits the error resolution method A2 identified by the identification unit 113 to the terminal device 201 linked to the rebar tying machine 1 that received the error information, via the first transmission unit 114.

[0125] Furthermore, if the error information in question satisfies any of the third conditions, the server 101 identifies a method to resolve the error corresponding to the third condition. The server 101 then transmits the error resolution method corresponding to the third condition identified by the identification unit 113 to the terminal device 201 linked to the rebar tying machine 1 that received the error information, via the first transmission unit 114.

[0126] When the terminal device 201 receives a method for resolving an error in the linked rebar tying machine 1 from the server 101 via the second receiving unit 211, the output control unit 212 outputs the error resolution method, for example, as image information via the display output unit 231.

[0127] In this way, when an error occurs in the rebar tying machine 1, the server 101 identifies a method to resolve the error, and the identified error resolution method is transmitted to the terminal device 201 linked to the rebar tying machine 1. The terminal device 201 outputs the information via display or other means, allowing the user of the rebar tying machine 1 to view the terminal device 201 at the work site and perform the operation to resolve the error. In this case, the user of the rebar tying machine 1 does not need to search for the error resolution method on the manufacturer's website or elsewhere through their own operation, and can obtain the appropriate resolution method.

[0128] Furthermore, if the most recent combination of error information is a different combination of error information, the resolution method corresponding to the current error information may not resolve the error. Therefore, the server 101 changes the resolution method according to the condition that the combination of error information is a different combination of error information and sends it to the terminal device 201, thereby enabling more reliable error resolution. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 1... Rebar tying machine (tool), 10... Main unit, 2... Magazine, 20... Reel, 3... Wire feeding unit (feeding unit), 30... Feed gear, 31... Feed motor, 5... Curl forming unit, 50... Arm unit, 51... Curl guide unit, 6... Cutting unit, 7... Tying unit, 8... Drive unit, 80... Torsion motor, 90... Third control unit, 91... 92...Error detection unit, 93...Error information generation unit, 94...Time information acquisition unit, 95...Third transmission unit, 96...Third reception unit, 97...Location information acquisition unit, 98...Consumable detection sensor, 100...Tool system, 101...Server, 110...First control unit, 111...First reception unit (receiving means), 112...Storage processing unit, 113...Specification unit (specification means), 114...First transmission unit (transmission means), 115...Linking unit, 120...First storage unit (storage means), 121...History database, 122...Condition table database, 123...Guidance display database, 124...Tool information database, 125...User information database, 126...Location information, 127... ...Time information, 128...First program, 201...Terminal device, 210...Second control unit, 211...Second receiving unit, 212...Output control unit, 213...Second transmitting unit, 220...Second storage unit, 221...Second program, 230...Output unit, 231...Display output unit, 232...Sound output unit, 240...Input unit, 250...Location information acquisition unit

Claims

1. A server to which at least one tool is connected in a communicative manner, and to which at least one terminal device associated with the tool is connected in a communicative manner, Receiving means for receiving error information from the aforementioned tool, A means for identifying a method for resolving an error corresponding to the error information received by the receiving means, A transmission means for transmitting the resolution method identified by the specified means to the terminal device. A server equipped with this feature.

2. The receiving means includes a storage means for storing error information received by the receiving means, The specified means modifies the method for resolving errors corresponding to error information received by the receiving means based on a combination of multiple error information stored in the storage means. The server according to claim 1.

3. The specified means, if a combination of multiple error information stored in the storage means is a consecutive combination of the same error information, changes the error resolution method corresponding to the error information received by the receiving means to a resolution method corresponding to the condition that it is a consecutive combination of the same error information. The server according to claim 2.

4. The specified means, if the combination of multiple error information stored in the storage means is a combination of different error information, changes the error resolution method corresponding to the error information received by the receiving means to a resolution method corresponding to the condition that the combination is a predetermined combination of different error information. The server according to claim 2.

5. The tool that transmits the error information received by the receiving means is a rebar tying machine that has a wire feeding section and a wire locking body for locking the wire, and a tying section for twisting the wire locked by the wire locking body, and wraps the wire around the rebar to tie it. The server according to claim 2.

6. The error information includes wire jamming in the wire locking body or wire feeding failure in the wire feeding section. The server according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned combination of error information includes a combination of wire jamming in the wire locking body and a wire feeding malfunction in the wire feeding section. The server according to claim 5.

8. A program executed in the control unit of a server to which at least one tool is connected in a communicative manner, and to which at least one terminal device associated with the tool is connected in a communicative manner, The steps include receiving error information from the aforementioned tool, The steps include identifying a method for resolving the error corresponding to the received error information, The steps include transmitting the identified resolution method to the terminal device. The control unit is instructed to execute the above. program.

9. A control method for a server to which at least one tool is connected in a communicative manner, and at least one terminal device associated with the tool is also connected in a communicative manner, The steps include receiving error information from the aforementioned tool, The steps include identifying a method for resolving the error corresponding to the received error information, The steps include: transmitting the identified resolution method to the terminal device. Server control methods

10. At least one tool, At least one terminal device linked to the aforementioned tool, A tool system comprising the tool being connected to a server that is communicatively connected to the terminal device, The aforementioned server is Receiving means for receiving error information from the aforementioned tool, A means for identifying a method for resolving an error corresponding to the error information received by the receiving means, The system comprises a transmission means for transmitting the resolution method identified by the specified means to the terminal device. Tool system.

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