Fastening tool and program for fastening tool

Abstract

To display various kinds of information on a display without rewriting firmware written in an internal memory while reducing the capacity of the internal memory.SOLUTION: A fastening tool 100 includes communication means 30 for transmitting and receiving data between the fastening tool and an external device 200. The fastening tool includes: an internal memory which stores first image data indicating information related to a tool body 10; and a display control section C3 which acquires the first image data from the internal memory and displays the image data on a display D. The display control section C3 acquires second image data preliminarily stored in an external memory independently of the first image data and displays the image data on the display D.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tightening tool and a program for a tightening tool.

Background Art

[0002] As a conventional tightening tool, as shown in Patent Document 1, various information is displayed on a display during a tightening operation or a setting operation performed before the tightening operation, so that an operator can proceed with the operation while checking the display content of this display. There is something configured like this.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Under such circumstances, the inventor of the present application has considered various image data that is easy to visually recognize as information to be displayed on the display, such as icons showing the shape and size of heads, sockets, etc. used during work, and error marks when an abnormality occurs.

[0005] However, if we try to display a wide variety of information on the display from the perspective of work efficiency, we have to store that much more image data in the internal memory of the tightening tool, and a large-capacity internal memory is required, which hinders the miniaturization of the tightening tool. On the other hand, if we try to miniaturize the tightening tool, we have no choice but to use a small-capacity internal memory, making it difficult to store a lot of image data.

[0006] Furthermore, for example, if the operation procedure changes and it is desired to change the displayed icons or marks, it is necessary to rewrite the firmware previously written in the internal memory each time.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and its main object is to be able to display various kinds of information on a display while reducing the capacity of the internal memory and without rewriting the firmware written in the internal memory.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0008] That is, the fastening tool according to the present invention is a fastening tool provided with communication means for exchanging data with an external device, an internal memory for storing first image data indicating information related to the tool body, and a display control unit that acquires the first image data from the internal memory and displays it on a display, and the display control unit is characterized in that it acquires second image data stored in advance in an external memory separately from the first image data and displays it on the display.

[0009] According to the fastening tool configured as described above, the internal memory stores first image data indicating information related to the tool body that does not need to be rewritten, and other second image data indicating information that can be rewritten, for example, is acquired from the external memory and displayed. Therefore, while reducing the capacity of the internal memory, it is possible to display various kinds of information on the display without rewriting the firmware written in the internal memory.

[0010] It is preferable that the first image data indicates the state of the tool body as information related to the tool body. With such a configuration, for example, when an abnormality occurs in the tool body, even if the communication with the external device is interrupted, it is possible to notify the user that the abnormality has occurred.

[0011] It is preferable that the display control unit acquires an identification code related to the state of the tool body as the first image data and displays it on the display. With such a configuration, the state of the tool body can be grasped by reading the identification code with, for example, a mobile terminal or the like. And since the area for displaying the identification code can be narrow, the limited area of the display can be effectively utilized to convey various information related to the state of the tool body, such as a method for dealing with abnormalities, to the user.

[0012] It is preferable that the second image data is related to a work instruction and indicates information that can be rewritten by the user. With such a configuration, the user can display the second image data desired by the user on the display without rewriting the firmware written in the internal memory of the tightening tool.

[0013] It is preferable that the second image data indicates an attachment attached to the tip of the tool body. With such a configuration, attachments such as heads and sockets to be attached to the tool body can be visually confirmed, and attachment mistakes can be reduced.

[0014] The tightening tool further includes a torque calculation unit that calculates the tightening torque during the tightening operation. Effective length data in which an attachment attached to the tip of the tool body is associated with the effective length when the attachment is attached or a value related to this effective length is stored in an external memory. It is preferable that the torque calculation unit acquires the effective length data and calculates the tightening torque using the effective length data. With such a configuration, when an attachment such as a head or a socket is attached, the torque calculation unit automatically acquires the effective length data of the attachment and calculates the tightening torque using the effective length or a value related to the effective length. Therefore, it is not necessary for the user to correctly convert the tightening torque in consideration of the effective length, and the workability and traceability can be improved.

[0015] Further, the tightening tool program according to the present invention is a program used for a tightening tool provided with communication means for exchanging data with an external device, and includes a first image storage unit for storing first image data indicating information related to the tool body, a display control unit for acquiring the first image data from the first image storage unit and displaying it on a display, and causes a computer to exhibit functions as described above. The display control unit is characterized in that it acquires second image data stored in advance in an external memory separately from the first image data and displays it on the display. According to such a program, the same operational effects as those of the above-described tightening tool can be achieved.

Effects of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention configured as described above, it is possible to display various kinds of information on a display while reducing the capacity of the internal memory and without rewriting the firmware written in the internal memory.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] The tightening tool according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0019] The tightening tool 100 according to the present invention is used for tightening work on a tightening target (for example, bolts, nuts, screws, etc.). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, a tool body 10 whose base end is gripped by an operator, and an attachment 20 (for example, a head, socket, adapter, etc.) that is detachable from the tip of the tool body 10. It should be noted that the tightening tool 100 according to the present invention is not limited to a torque wrench, and may be various tools such as a torque driver.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, this tightening tool 100 includes a communication means 30 for exchanging data with an external device 200 such as a dedicated or general-purpose computer or a mobile terminal, a display D provided on the tool body 10, and a control device C for controlling the display content on the display D. In this embodiment, it is a so-called digital type further including a measuring means TS such as a torque sensor for measuring the tightening torque.

[0021] The communication means 30 is, for example, a wireless module or a wired module for transmitting and receiving various data to and from a dedicated or general-purpose computer or a mobile terminal. More specifically, it is hardware for Bluetooth (registered trademark), wireless LAN, or a mobile phone network. The communication means 30 of this embodiment receives work instruction data indicating a work instruction predetermined by the user from the external device 200, or transmits measurement data such as the tightening torque measured using the measuring means TS to the external device 200. The work instruction data includes information such as work content (for example, target torque, number of tightenings, etc.) and work procedures.

[0022] The display D is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the tool body 10, and the tightening torque of the tightening operation measured using the measuring means TS is digitally displayed during the tightening operation. The display D of the present embodiment is thin, specifically, a thin organic EL display equipped with an organic EL element, but a liquid crystal display may also be used.

[0023] The control device C is housed inside the tool body 10 and includes a CPU, an internal memory, etc. Then, based on the program stored in the internal memory, as shown in FIG. 3, the control device C exhibits at least the functions as the first image storage unit C1 and the display control unit C2.

[0024] The first image storage unit C1 is set in a predetermined area of the internal memory and stores first image data indicating information related to the tool body 10 (hereinafter also referred to as main body related information).

[0025] The main body related information is information that may be commonly required even when the user or the usage mode changes. For example, the state of the tool body 10, the inquiry destination regarding the tool body 10, the serial No. of the tool body 10, the specifications of the tool body 10, the credit regarding the technology used in the tool body 10 (for example, authentication information, copyright display, etc.) and the like can be mentioned.

[0026] The first image data indicating these main body related information is stored in the first image storage unit C1 in advance, for example, at the time of manufacturing the tightening tool 100 or at the time of factory shipment, and cannot be rewritten by the user.

[0027] More specifically, as the first image data indicating the state of the tool body 10, as shown in FIG. 4, there can be mentioned an error mark X1 indicating that an abnormality has occurred, a caution mark X2 indicating that normal tightening work cannot be performed in the future, or an information mark X3. As the caution mark X2, for example, one indicating that the remaining battery capacity is low can be mentioned, and as the information mark X3, one indicating that the number of tightening operations (usage times) until calibration is required is approaching can be mentioned. Further, although not shown, the display control unit C2 may be configured to, for example, always display a mark prompting repair on the display D when the tightening tool 100 has fallen or is in a state where repair is required.

[0028] Note that these first image data are not necessarily limited to those shown in FIG. 4, and various designs and shapes may be used. Also, although not shown, as the first image data indicating the inquiry destination regarding the tool body 10, there can be mentioned those consisting of character strings such as a URL or a telephone number.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 4, the display control unit C2 acquires the first image data from the first image storage unit C1 and displays it on the display D. Note that the display control unit C2 may display, on the display D, not only the first image data but also the tightening torque measured using the above-described measuring means TS.

[0030] The display control unit C2 of the present embodiment, as the first image data indicating the state of the tool body 10, simultaneously with the display of the above-described error mark X1, caution mark X2, or information mark X3, acquires an identification code X4 regarding the state of the tool body 10 from the first image storage unit C1 as the first image data and displays it on the display D.

[0031] The identification code X4 is, for example, a QR code or the like that can be read by the user's mobile terminal or the like. The identification code X4 includes, as information that can be read, the specific state of the tool body 10 indicated by the above-described error mark X1, caution mark X2, or information mark X3. Note that examples of the specific state of the tool body 10 that can be read by the identification code X4 include, for example, the location where an abnormality has occurred, the percentage indicating the remaining battery capacity, the number of tightening operations until calibration is required, and the like. Further, examples of the information included in the identification code X4 can include the contents described in the instruction manual of the tightening tool 100. Specifically, the description of the location corresponding to the occurred abnormality may be included as information that can be read.

[0032] However, the display control unit C2 of the present embodiment is configured to acquire second image data stored in advance in an external memory separately from the first image data and display it on the display D.

[0033] More specifically, the external memory here is provided in the above-described external device 200. As shown in FIG. 3, the second image data is stored in advance in a second image storage unit M1 set in a predetermined area of the external memory.

[0034] The second image data is information that is not related to or has a low relevance to the tool body 10, and is, for example, data indicating information associated with the user's request (hereinafter also referred to as additional information).

[0035] This additional information is information that the user wants to display on the display D, and examples include information related to work instructions, information related to the user, advertisements, subscription expiration dates, and the like.

[0036] The second image data indicating this additional information is stored in advance in the second image storage unit M1 by the user, for example, before using the tightening tool 100, and can be rewritten by the user, such as being corrected, added, or deleted.

[0037] More specifically, as the second image data indicating information regarding work instructions, as shown in FIG. 5, for example, it shows an attachment 20 such as a head, socket, or adapter used for the next work, and is composed of, for example, an icon X5 showing the shape of the attachment 20 and a character string X6 showing the size of the attachment 20. Although not shown in the figure, as the second image data indicating information regarding work instructions, it may show a tightening object such as a bolt or nut in the next tightening work, and may be composed of, for example, an icon showing the shape of the tightening object and a character string showing the type and size of the tightening object, or may be other things such as a character string showing the time until a break during work or a mark prompting a break. Although not shown in the figure, as the second image data indicating information regarding the user, for example, a splash image such as a logo displayed at startup or the like can be cited.

[0038] In the above-described configuration, based on the work instruction data transmitted from the external device 200, the display control unit C2 determines, for example, the timing when the attachment 20 needs to be replaced. At that time, as shown in FIG. 5, the second image data indicating the attachment 20 is acquired from the second image storage unit M1, and the icon X5 showing the shape of the attachment 20 and the character string X6 showing the size of the attachment 20 are displayed on the display D as described above.

[0039] By the way, as shown in FIG. 3, an effective length data storage unit M2 is provided in the external memory of the present embodiment. In this effective length data storage unit M2, effective length data in which an attachment 20 such as a head, socket, or adapter attached to the tip of the tool body 10 is associated with the effective length when the attachment 20 is attached is stored in advance. Here, the effective length is the length at which the tightening force by the user acts on the tightening object, and specifically, it is the length from the force point set on the tightening tool 100 to the acting point.

[0040] And as shown in FIG. 3, the control device C of the present embodiment further has a function as a torque calculation unit C3 that acquires a measurement signal from the measurement means TS and calculates the tightening torque. The torque calculation unit C3 is configured to acquire effective length data from the effective length data storage unit M2 and calculate the tightening torque using the effective length included in the effective length data.

[0041] More specifically, the torque calculation unit C3 calculates the tightening torque based on a predetermined torque calculation formula, and is configured to change the calculation formula using the acquired effective length data. In the present embodiment, the torque calculation unit C3 corrects the coefficient included in the torque calculation formula using the effective length included in the acquired effective length data, and calculates the tightening torque using the corrected coefficient. Examples of the coefficient included in the torque calculation formula include, for example, the ratio (conversion rate) between a predetermined reference effective length and the actual effective length when the attachment 20 is attached.

[0042] According to the tightening tool 100 configured as described above, the first image data indicating information related to the tool body 10 that does not need to be rewritten is stored in the first image storage unit C1 of the internal memory, and other second image data indicating information that can be rewritten, for example, is acquired from the external memory and displayed. Therefore, while reducing the capacity of the internal memory, a wide variety of information can be displayed on the display D without rewriting the firmware written in the internal memory.

[0043] In addition, since the first image data indicates the state of the tool body 10, for example, when an abnormality occurs in the tool body 10, even if the communication with the external device 200 is interrupted, the occurrence of the abnormality can be notified to the user.

[0044] Furthermore, since the display control unit C2 displays the identification code X4 regarding the state of the tool body 10 on the display D, by reading this identification code X4 with, for example, a mobile terminal or the like, the operator can grasp the state of the tool body 10 on the spot. And since the area for displaying the identification code X4 can be narrow, the limited area of the display D can be effectively utilized to convey various information regarding the state of the tool body 10, such as the countermeasure method in case of its abnormality, to the user.

[0045] Moreover, since the second image data is related to the work instruction and indicates information that can be rewritten by the user, the user can display the second image data desired by the user on the display D without rewriting the firmware written in the internal memory of the tightening tool 100.

[0046] In addition, since the second image data indicates the attachment 20 attached to the tip of the tool body 10, the attachment 20 such as the head or socket to be attached during the work can be visually confirmed, and the attachment mistake can be reduced.

[0047] Furthermore, when the attachment 20 such as the head or socket is attached, the torque calculation unit C3 automatically acquires the effective length data of the attachment 20 from the external memory and calculates the tightening torque using the effective length. Therefore, it is not necessary for the user to take the trouble to correctly convert the tightening torque in consideration of the effective length, and the workability and traceability can be improved.

[0048] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

[0049] For example, as the tightening tool 100 according to the present invention, as long as it can communicate with the external device 200, it is not necessarily required to be provided with the measuring means TS for measuring the tightening torque.

[0050] Further, as the first image storage unit C1, information not related to the tool body 10 may be stored as first image data.

[0051] Furthermore, as the second image storage unit M1, information related to the tool body 10 may be stored as second image data.

[0052] In addition, in the effective length data of the above embodiment, the attachment 20 and the effective length when the attachment 20 is attached are associated with each other. However, instead of the effective length, a value related to the effective length may be associated with each other. Specifically, examples of such related values include the ratio (conversion rate) between a predetermined reference effective length and the actual effective length when the attachment 20 is attached. That is, as the effective length data, the attachment 20 and the conversion rate when the attachment 20 is attached may be associated with each other.

[0053] Also, the second image storage unit M1 and the effective length data storage unit M2 do not necessarily have to be provided in the same external memory, and may be provided in separate external memories. Note that as the tightening tool 100 according to the present invention, it is not necessarily required to use the effective length data.

[0054] Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0055] 100 ··· Tightening tool 200 ··· External device 10 ··· Tool body 20 ··· Attachment 30 ··· Communication means TS ··· Measuring means D ··· Display C ··· Control device C1 ··· First image storage unit C2 ··· represents the control unit C3 ··· torque calculation unit M1 ··· second image storage unit M2 ··· effective length data storage unit X1 ··· error mark X2 ··· caution mark X3 ··· information mark X4 ··· identification code X5 ··· icon X6 ··· character string

Claims

1. A tightening tool equipped with communication means for exchanging data with an external device, an internal memory for storing first image data indicating information related to the tool body, which is information that may be commonly required even when the user and usage mode change, and a display control unit that acquires the first image data from the internal memory and displays it on a display. The tightening tool is characterized in that the display control unit acquires second image data indicating information other than the information related to the tool body, which is stored in an external memory in advance separately from the first image data, and displays it on the display.

2. The tightening tool according to claim 1, wherein the first image data indicates the state of the tool body as information related to the tool body.

3. The tightening tool according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit acquires an identification code related to the state of the tool body as the first image data and displays it on the display.

4. The tightening tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second image data is related to a work instruction and indicates information that can be rewritten by the user.

5. The tightening tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second image data indicates an attachment attached to the tip of the tool body.

6. measuring means for measuring the tightening torque at a predetermined effective length, and a torque calculation unit for correcting the tightening torque, effective length data in which an attachment attached to the tip of the tool body and the effective length when the attachment is attached or a value related to this effective length are associated is stored in an external memory, The tightening tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the torque calculation unit acquires the tightening torque from the measuring means and acquires the effective length data, and corrects the tightening torque using the effective length data.

7. A program used for a tightening tool provided with communication means for exchanging data with an external device, a first image storage unit that stores first image data indicating information related to the tool body, which is information that may be commonly required even when the user and usage mode change; a display control unit that acquires the first image data from the first image storage unit and displays it on a display, causing a computer to function as the display control unit; The program for a tightening tool, wherein the display control unit acquires second image data indicating information other than the information related to the tool body, which is stored in advance in an external memory separately from the first image data, and displays the second image data on the display.

Images