Power tools and power tool systems

Abstract

To provide an electric tool and an electric tool system which have improved usability.SOLUTION: An electric tool 2 includes a fastening part 23, a sensor part 24, a communication part 25, and a storage part 27. The sensor part 24 measures at least a fastening torque by the fastening part 23, and acquires working data relating to the measurement result. The communication part 25 transmits the working data. The storage part 27 stores the working data. A communication mode in which the communication part 25 transmits the working data stored in the storage part 27 includes a first communication mode and a second communication mode. The communication part 25 transmits first working data that is partial data among the working data stored in the storage part 27 in the interval of the fastening work in the first communication mode, and the second communication mode transmits at least second working data that is data excluding the first working data among the working data stored in the storage part 27, after completion of all the fastening works.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power tool and a power tool system. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a power tool used by an operator for fastening work, and a power tool system including the power tool. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a power tool control system (power tool system) consisting of a power tool and a central device. The central device transmits preset screw tightening information to the power tool via a network. The power tool controls the rotation of the motor based on the received screw tightening information. The central device also receives a history of screw tightening operations performed up to that point from the power tool via the network, and controls the line speed at which the screw tightening target moves on the screw tightening line based on the history. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-334670 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the power tool control system described in Patent Document 1, screw tightening work history is wirelessly transmitted from the power tool to the central device while the power tool is being used, so if there is a lot of history information to be transmitted, it takes a long time for communication. If it takes a long time for the power tool to transmit the history information, screw tightening work cannot be performed during transmission, so the time when screw tightening work cannot be performed increases, which causes a problem of reduced usability of the power tool.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a power tool and a power tool system that are easy to use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An electric power tool according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a tightening unit, a sensor unit, a communication unit, a memory unit, and a portable tool body. The tightening unit tightens a member using the driving force of a power source. The sensor unit executes a measurement process. The measurement process is a process of measuring at least the tightening torque applied by the tightening unit and acquiring work data related to the measurement results. The communication unit transmits the work data. The memory unit stores the work data. The tool body houses the tightening unit, the sensor unit, the communication unit, and the memory unit. Communication modes in which the communication unit transmits the work data stored in the memory unit include a first communication mode and a second communication mode. In the first communication mode, the communication unit transmits first work data between the tightening operations, not transmitting second work data, which is data other than the first work data; In the second communication mode, at least second operation data is transmitted after all of the fastening operations are completed. The first operation data is a part of the operation data stored in the storage unit. 。

[0007] A power tool system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes the power tool and a receiver, the receiver receiving the work data transmitted from the wireless communication unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a power tool and a power tool system with improved usability. can be done. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a power tool system including a power tool according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the power tool. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a timing chart for explaining the relationship between a series of fastening operations performed by the power tool and the timing of transmitting the first operation data in the first communication mode. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic system configuration diagram of the power tool system. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the power tool. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view of the power tool, with a part cut away. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the main part of the power tool. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the power tool in the first communication mode (wireless communication mode). [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the power tool in the second communication mode (wired communication mode). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (Embodiment) The drawings described in the following embodiments are schematic drawings, and the ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of the components in the drawings do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0011] Power tools and power tool systems according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments and modifications described below are merely examples of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and modifications. Various modifications other than the embodiments and modifications may be made depending on the design, etc., as long as they do not deviate from the technical concept of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the following embodiments (including modifications) may be realized in appropriate combinations.

[0012] (1) Main part First, the main parts of a power tool 2 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0013] The power tool 2 includes a tightening unit 23, a control unit 21, a sensor unit 24, a communication unit 25, a storage unit 27, and a portable tool body 200. The tool body 200 houses the tightening unit 23, the control unit 21, the sensor unit 24, the communication unit 25, and the storage unit 27.

[0014] (1.1) Tightening work The fastening section 23 performs the fastening work of the members by the driving force of the power source.

[0015] Although details will be described later, tightening work is, for example, work to fasten a first member (e.g., a nut) to a second member (e.g., a bolt) on an assembly line where products are assembled in a factory. On the assembly line, such tightening work is performed at regular time intervals over a predetermined period (e.g., two hours from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM).

[0016] (1.1.1) A series of tightening operations In this embodiment, it is assumed that tightening operations are performed N times (N is an integer of 2 or more: for example, 100 times) within a predetermined period. Hereinafter, a plurality of tightening operations (N times) performed within a predetermined period will be referred to as a "series of tightening operations (N times)."

[0017] (1.1.2) Control of tightening operation The control unit 21 controls the operation of the tightening unit 23 .

[0018] The sensor unit 24 executes the measurement process.

[0019] (1.2) Measurement processing and work data The measurement process is a process of measuring at least the tightening torque applied by the tightening portion 23 and acquiring work data related to the measurement results.

[0020] The work data is data related to the tightening work performed by the tightening unit 23. The work data includes information related to the measurement results of the measurement process.

[0021] The measurement process includes, for example, a torque measurement process, a determination process, and a related measurement process, as will be described in detail later. The work data includes, for example, a tightening torque value, determination result data, and related values.

[0022] Furthermore, the measurement process is usually performed periodically (cyclically), but may be performed irregularly. The sensor unit 24 in this embodiment performs the measurement process consisting of the above three types of processes, for example, at 0.01 second intervals.

[0023] As a result, 100 sets of work data consisting of the above three types of information are acquired per second. If one tightening task takes 5 seconds, the measurement process will be executed 500 times for that one tightening task, resulting in 500 sets of work data being acquired.

[0024] The execution cycle of the measurement process is not limited to 0.01 seconds, but can be changed as appropriate to, for example, 0.05 seconds, 0.1 seconds, or the like.

[0025] (1.3) Sending work data The communication unit 25 transmits the work data acquired by the sensor unit 24.

[0026] (1.3.1) Destination The destination of the work data is, for example, the receiver 4, the terminal device 3, the higher-level device 5, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0027] (1.3.2) Communication method: Transmission using wireless communication method and wired communication method In this embodiment, a wireless communication method or a wired communication method is selectively used to transmit work data. The wireless communication method is, for example, ZigBee (registered trademark; the same applies hereinafter), but is not limited to this. The wired communication method is, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus), but is not limited to this.

[0028] However, only a wireless communication system or only a wired communication system may be used for transmission.

[0029] (1.3.3) First Modification of Communication Method: Two Types of Wireless Communication Methods In the case where only a wireless communication method is used, two types of wireless communication methods with different communication speeds may be selectively used. The two types of wireless communication methods with different communication speeds are, for example, two types (e.g., ZigBee and Wi-Fi) of ZigBee, Bluetooth (registered trademark: the same applies hereinafter), and Wi-Fi (registered trademark: the same applies hereinafter).

[0030] Alternatively, the two types of wireless communication methods with different communication speeds may be standards of the same type but with different communication speeds. Examples of such two types of wireless communication methods include BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) and general Bluetooth.

[0031] (1.3.4) Second variation of communication method: Two types of wired communication methods When only a wired communication method is used, two types of wired communication methods with different communication speeds may be selectively used. Examples of the two types of wired communication methods with different communication speeds include USB and Ethernet (registered trademark; the same applies below).

[0032] (1.4) Working data storage The storage unit 27 stores the work data acquired by the sensor unit 24.

[0033] The storage unit 27 normally stores all of the acquired work data, but may store only a portion of the data.

[0034] (1.5) Sending stored work data In this embodiment, the work data acquired by the sensor unit 24 is stored in the storage unit 27, and the communication unit 25 transmits the work data stored in the storage unit 27.

[0035] In this embodiment, as a series of tightening operations are performed, work data relating to the tightening operation currently being performed is acquired by the sensor unit 24 and stored by the memory unit 27 (for example, added to the memory that constitutes the memory unit 27).

[0036] Between tightening operations (for example, each time one or more tightening operations are completed), the communication unit 25 transmits some of the work data currently stored in the storage unit 27 (first work data: described below). After all tightening operations are completed, the communication unit 25 transmits at least the work data stored in the storage unit 27 (second work data: described below) excluding the data that has already been transmitted (i.e., the first work data).

[0037] (1.6) Communication Mode The communication mode in this embodiment is a mode in which the communication unit 25 transmits work data stored in the storage unit 27. The communication mode includes a first communication mode and a second communication mode.

[0038] (1.6.1) First communication mode and second communication mode The first communication mode is a mode in which the first operation data is transmitted during intervals between tightening operations, and the second communication mode is a mode in which at least the second operation data is transmitted after all tightening operations have been completed.

[0039] (1.6.2) First work data and second work data The first work data is a portion of the work data stored in the storage unit 27. The second work data is the work data stored in the storage unit 27 excluding the first work data.

[0040] As will be described in detail later, the first work data includes judgment result data, and the second work data includes a tightening torque value and a related value. However, the first work data may include a tightening torque value and judgment result data, and the second work data may include a related value. Alternatively, the first work data may include a tightening torque value, the second work data may include a related value, and the judgment result data may not be included in either the first work data or the second work data.

[0041] (1.6.3) Communication mode setting In this embodiment, the communication mode of the power tool 2 is set using the terminal device 3. However, the communication mode may be, for example, the first communication mode in an initial state before a series of tightening operations is started, and may automatically transition from the first communication mode to the second communication mode in response to a predetermined trigger.

[0042] The predetermined trigger may be, for example, when the first communication mode is a wireless communication mode and the second communication mode is a wired communication mode (see "(3) Specific Example"), the USB connector being connected (see step S7 in FIG. 9). Alternatively, the predetermined trigger may be, for example, the completion of all tightening operations.

[0043] (1.6.4) Communication operation in the first communication mode In the first communication mode, the communication unit 25 transmits the first operation data during intervals between fastening operations.

[0044] (1.6.4a) Between tightening operations The interval between tightening operations is the period from the end of one tightening operation to the start of the next tightening operation. Hereinafter, the period from the start of one tightening operation to the end of that tightening operation will be referred to as the "operation period." Furthermore, the period from the end of one tightening operation to the start of the next tightening operation will be referred to as the "waiting period."

[0045] Furthermore, each of the N work periods corresponding to a series of N tightening operations will be referred to as the first work period, the second work period, ..., the Nth work period, etc. Also, each of the N waiting periods between the series of N tightening operations will be referred to as the first waiting period, the second waiting period, ..., the Nth waiting period, etc.

[0046] Specifically, in the above-mentioned predetermined period, that is, the period including N work periods 1 to N corresponding to a series of N tightening operations as shown in Fig. 3, the first waiting period is the period from the end of the first work period corresponding to the first tightening operation (time Te1) to the start of the second work period corresponding to the second tightening operation (time Ts2). Also, the second waiting period is the period from the end of the second work period corresponding to the second tightening operation (time Te2) to the start of the third work period corresponding to the third tightening operation (time Ts3).

[0047] Similarly, the period from the end (time Tei) of the ith work period corresponding to the ith (i is a natural number equal to or less than N) fastening operation to the start (time Ts(i+1)) of the (i+1)th work period corresponding to the (i+1)th fastening operation is the ith standby period. The period from the end (time TeN) of the Nth work period corresponding to the Nth fastening operation to the time when a predetermined time ΔT has elapsed (time TsN+ΔT) is the Nth standby period.

[0048] In this embodiment, the intervals between tightening operations are each of the N waiting periods from 1 to N as described above. However, of the N waiting periods, the Nth waiting period may be excluded from the "intervals between tightening operations."

[0049] The intervals between tightening operations do not necessarily have to be each of the N waiting periods (i.e., every waiting period), but may be, for example, every other waiting period, every third waiting period, etc. Every other waiting period is, for example, the second waiting period, the fourth waiting period, the sixth waiting period, etc. Every third waiting period is, for example, the third waiting period, the sixth waiting period, the ninth waiting period, etc.

[0050] (1.6.4b) First operation data transmitted during fastening operations In the first communication mode, the communication unit 25 transmits the first work data corresponding to the most recent tightening work or the most recent multiple tightening works (the most recent tightening work in this embodiment) from the work data stored in the memory unit 27 between tightening works.

[0051] Specifically, at the end of the ith tightening operation (the end time Tei of the ith work period), the memory unit 27 stores work data corresponding to the ith tightening operations from the 1st to the ith tightening operations. In the first communication mode, for example, the communication unit 25 transmits, during the ith waiting period immediately following the ith work period, first work data corresponding to the most recent (i.e., ith) tightening operation out of the ith work data stored in the memory unit 27 (i.e., the first work data included in the work data acquired during the ith work period). Note that if the waiting period between tightening operations is every other time, the first work data corresponding to the two most recent (i.e., the (i-1)th and ith) tightening operations (i.e., the first work data included in the work data acquired during the (i-1)th and ith work periods) is transmitted during the ith waiting period (where i≧2).

[0052] For example, when automatically transitioning from the first communication mode to the second communication mode upon completion of all tightening operations, the first work data corresponding to the last (Nth) tightening operation may be included in the second work data and transmitted immediately after transitioning to the second communication mode.

[0053] (1.6.5) Communication operation in the second communication mode In the second communication mode, after all the fastening operations are completed, the communication unit 25 transmits at least the second operation data corresponding to all the fastening operations out of the operation data stored in the storage unit 27.

[0054] (1.6.6) After all tightening operations are completed "After all tightening operations have been completed" means after the final (Nth) operation in a series of (N) tightening operations has been completed.

[0055] (1.6.7) Sending at least the second operation data Transmitting at least the second work data includes a case where only the second work data is transmitted without transmitting the first work data, and a case where the first work data is transmitted in addition to the second work data.

[0056] In the second communication mode, the communication unit 25 in this embodiment transmits only the second work data and does not transmit the first work data. As a result, compared to when the first work data is also transmitted in the second communication mode, the first work data already transmitted in the first mode is not transmitted again in the second mode, which makes it possible to reduce the amount of work data transmitted in the second communication mode (and ultimately the total amount of work data transmitted in the first and second communication modes).

[0057] However, the communication unit 25 may transmit the first work data and the second work data in the second communication mode. In other words, all of the work data (detailed work data: described below), including the first work data already transmitted in the first communication mode, may be transmitted in the second communication mode.

[0058] (1.7) Example of operation The communication unit 25 of the power tool 2 operates, for example, according to the flowchart of Fig. 2. The process of this flowchart starts, for example, when the power tool 2 is turned on and ends when the power tool 2 is turned off. The process of this flowchart is based on the premise that the communication mode is initially the first communication mode before a series of tightening operations is started and transitions from the first communication mode to the second communication mode when the series of tightening operations is completed.

[0059] The communication unit 25 determines whether the communication mode is the first mode (step S21). If it is determined that the communication mode is not the first mode, the process proceeds to step S24 (described later).

[0060] If it is determined in step S21 that the communication mode is the first mode, the communication unit 25 determines whether one or more (i.e., a predetermined number of) tightening operations have been completed (step S22). If it is determined that one or more tightening operations have not yet been completed, the process returns to step S21.

[0061] If it is determined in step S22 that one or more tightening operations have been completed, the communication unit 25 transmits the first data corresponding to the one or more tightening operations using the first communication method (step S23). Thereafter, the process returns to step S21.

[0062] If it is determined in step S21 that the communication mode is not the first mode, the communication unit 25 determines whether the communication mode is the second mode. If it is determined that the communication mode is not the second mode, the process returns to step S21 (step S24).

[0063] If it is determined in step S24 that the communication mode is the second mode, the communication unit 25 determines whether all the tightening operations have been completed (i.e., the Nth tightening operation has been completed) (step S25). If it is determined that all the tightening operations have not been completed, the process returns to step S21.

[0064] If it is determined in step S25 that all the tightening operations have been completed, the communication unit 25 transmits at least the second data corresponding to all the tightening operations (step S26), after which the process returns to step S21.

[0065] Thus, in this example, the communication mode is initially set to the first communication mode, and as a result of the determination in step S21 being Yes during a series of tightening operations, a loop of steps S21 to S23 is executed. When the series of tightening operations is completed, the communication mode transitions from the first communication mode to the second communication mode, the determination result in step S21 changes from Yes to No, and steps S24 to S26 are executed.

[0066] (1.8) Advantages As described above, in this embodiment, the communication modes of the communication unit 25 include the first communication mode and the second communication mode, and in the first communication mode, a portion of the work data (first work data) is transmitted between tightening operations, and in the second communication mode, at least the remaining portion of the work data (second work data) is transmitted after all tightening operations are completed, thereby shortening the period during which tightening operations are not performed (i.e., the standby period). As a result, it is possible to provide a power tool 2 that is easy to use and prevents the transmission of work data from interfering with the tightening operations.

[0067] (2) Details Next, the power tool 2 will be described in detail.

[0068] (2.1) Measurement process The measurement process performed by the sensor unit 24 includes, for example, a torque measurement process, a determination process, and a related measurement process.

[0069] (2.1.1) Torque measurement process The torque measurement process is a process of measuring the tightening torque and acquiring the tightening torque value.

[0070] (2.1.2) Tightening torque value The tightening torque value is the result of the torque measurement.

[0071] (2.1.3) Judgment process The judgment process is a process of judging whether the tightening work is good or bad based on the tightening torque value and acquiring judgment result data.

[0072] (2.1.4) Judgment result data The judgment result data is data related to the result of the judgment. The judgment result data is, for example, either "OK" indicating that the judgment result is good, or "NOK" indicating that the judgment result is not good (i.e., bad) (hereinafter, written as "OK" / "NOK").

[0073] However, the judgment result data may be only "OK" indicating good or only "NOK" indicating bad.

[0074] (2.1.5) Related Measurement Processing The related measurement process is a process of performing related measurements related to torque measurement and acquiring related values.

[0075] (2.1.6) Related Measurements The related measurements include a primary related measurement and a secondary related measurement.

[0076] (2.1.6a) Primary related measurement The main related measurements are, for example, the measurement of the number of impacts, the measurement of the number of rotations, the measurement of the tightening time, and the measurement of the angle.

[0077] The number of impacts is the number of times that an impact force is generated on the output shaft 231 by an impact mechanism (not shown). The number of rotations is the number of rotations of the output shaft 231. The tightening time is the time required for one tightening operation.

[0078] The angle is the angle by which the first member rotates relative to the second member in response to the rotation of the output shaft 231. The angle includes, for example, an angle (before seating) and an angle (after seating). The angle (before seating) is the angle from the start of the tightening operation to seating, and the angle (after seating) is the angle from seating to the end of the tightening operation.

[0079] (2.1.6b) Sub-related measurements The secondary related measurements include, for example, measuring the remaining battery power, obtaining date and time information (work date and time), and the like.

[0080] The remaining battery capacity is the remaining capacity of the storage battery included in the power supply unit 26. The sensor unit 24 measures the remaining battery capacity via the power supply unit 26.

[0081] The date and time information is the date, start time, and end time of the day when a series of fastening operations was performed, etc. The sensor unit 24 acquires the date and time information from, for example, an internal clock of the processor or an NTP (Network Time Protocol) server.

[0082] (2.1.7) Associated values The related value is the result of the related measurement, and is, for example, a value indicating the result of the various related measurements described above.

[0083] (2.1.7a) Period of relevant measurements The main-related measurement is performed, for example, at a 0.01 second cycle, similar to the torque measurement, but the main-related measurement may be performed at a cycle different from the cycle of the torque measurement (for example, a cycle slower than the cycle of the torque measurement).

[0084] The sub-related measurement is performed, for example, at the start and end of a series of tightening operations. However, the sub-related measurement may be performed only at either the start or end of a series of tightening operations. Alternatively, the sub-related measurement may be performed at each of a plurality of tightening operations that make up the series of tightening operations.

[0085] (2.1.8) Details of the first work data and the second work data (2.1.8a) First operation data The first work data includes one or more types of information among the tightening torque value and the determination result data. As described above, the first work data in the embodiment includes the determination result data, but does not include the tightening torque value.

[0086] (2.1.8b) Second operation data The second work data includes one or more types of information from among the tightening torque value, the determination result data, and the related values, excluding one or more types of information included in the first work data. In this embodiment, the second work data includes the tightening torque value and the related values, but does not include the determination result data.

[0087] (2.1.8c) Advantages In this embodiment, the first work data includes the determination result data, and the second work data includes the tightening torque value and related values, so that the amount of work data transmitted in the first communication mode (hereinafter referred to as the "transmission amount") is reduced, and the standby period can be shortened. As a result, the transmission of the work data is further prevented from interfering with the tightening work, and usability can be improved.

[0088] Incidentally, as in "(2.6) First Modification of First Work Data and Second Work Data" described later, when the first work data includes a tightening torque value but does not include judgment result data, the amount of transmission in the first communication mode is also reduced. However, in this case, the receiver 4 (described later) determines whether the data is good or bad, which increases the processing load on the receiver 4. According to this embodiment, the processing load on the receiver 4 can be reduced compared to this case. The greater the number of power tools 2 communicating with the receiver 4, the more significant the reduction effect becomes.

[0089] (2.2) Operation of the communication unit in the first communication mode In the first communication mode, the communication unit 25 transmits the first work data corresponding to one or more tightening operations (a predetermined number of times: one in this embodiment) from the work data stored in the memory unit 27 each time one or more tightening operations are completed.

[0090] That is, in the first communication mode, for example, during the ith waiting period immediately after the ith tightening operation is completed, the first work data corresponding to the ith tightening operation (i.e., the first work data among the work data acquired during the ith work period) is transmitted from the ith work data stored in the memory unit 27.

[0091] (2.3) Operation of the communication unit in the second communication mode In the second communication mode, after all the tightening operations have been completed, the communication unit 25 transmits at least the second work data corresponding to all the tightening operations from among the work data stored in the memory unit 27.

[0092] As mentioned above, in this embodiment, in the second communication mode, only the second work data is transmitted, but as explained in "(2.8) Variant example of the operation of the communication unit in the second communication mode," detailed work data including the first work data may also be transmitted.

[0093] (2.4) Advantages of Transmission Using the First and Second Communication Modes In this way, each time one or more tightening operations are completed, the first operation data corresponding to that one or more tightening operations is sent, and after all tightening operations are completed, the second operation data corresponding to all of those tightening operations is sent, thereby enabling the entire waiting period to be shortened evenly.

[0094] (2.5) Deleting transmitted data The storage unit 27 deletes the data transmitted by the communication unit 25 (hereinafter referred to as "transmitted data") from among the stored work data.

[0095] In this way, by automatically deleting transmitted data, the storage capacity of the storage unit 27 can be reduced.

[0096] (2.6) First Modification of the First Work Data and the Second Work Data In this modification, the first work data includes a tightening torque value but does not include the judgment result data, and the second work data includes a related value. The judgment result data is also not included in the second work data.

[0097] In this case, the receiver 4 determines whether the fastening work is good or bad based on the fastening torque included in the first work data, and obtains the determination result data.

[0098] (2.7) Second Modification of the First Work Data and the Second Work Data In this modified example, the first work data includes a tightening torque value and judgment result data, and the second work data includes a related value.

[0099] (2.8) Modification of the operation of the communication unit in the second communication mode In this modification, in the second communication mode, the communication unit 25 transmits the detailed work data after all the fastening work is completed.

[0100] (2.8.1) Detailed work data The detailed work data is data relating to the details of a series of tightening operations, and includes first work data and second work data. The detailed work data includes judgment result data, tightening torque values, and related values ​​for all (N times) tightening operations that make up the series of tightening operations. In other words, in this modified example, the first work data transmitted in the first communication mode is a part of the detailed work data, and in the second communication mode, all of the detailed work data, including the first work data, is transmitted.

[0101] (2.8.2) Non-deletion of judgment result data and deletion of detailed work data In this modified example, in the first communication mode, even if the communication unit 25 transmits the determination result data, the storage unit 27 does not delete the transmitted determination result data.

[0102] Furthermore, in the second communication mode, when the communication unit 25 transmits detailed work data, the storage unit 27 deletes the transmitted detailed work data.

[0103] (2.8.3) Advantages According to this modification, in the first communication mode, only the determination result data, which is a part of the detailed work data, is transmitted, and in the second communication mode, all of the detailed work data, including the determination result data, is transmitted. In the first mode, the transmitted determination result data is not deleted from the storage unit 27, and in the second communication mode, all of the transmitted detailed work data is deleted. Therefore, it is possible to transmit all of the detailed work data in the second communication mode while suppressing the storage capacity of the storage unit 27.

[0104] However, in this modification, in the second communication mode, the storage unit 27 may continue to hold the transmitted detailed work data as long as possible without immediately deleting it. Specifically, for example, when the memory into which the detailed work data is written becomes full, the storage unit 27 may perform an operation of deleting the oldest detailed work data stored in the memory while storing new detailed work data.

[0105] Alternatively, in the second communication mode, the storage unit 27 may continue to hold the transmitted detailed work data without deleting it. Specifically, for example, when the memory becomes full, the storage unit 27 may stop storing new detailed work data.

[0106] (2.9) Details of communication method: wireless communication and wired communication Specifically, the communication unit 25 in this embodiment includes a wireless communication unit 251 that transmits work data by wireless communication, and a wired communication unit 252 that transmits work data by wired communication.

[0107] The first communication mode described above is a wireless communication mode, and the second communication mode described above is a wired communication mode. In the wireless communication mode, the wireless communication unit 251 transmits, via wireless communication, work data related to the measurement results output by the sensor unit 24 after one or more tightening operations are completed. In the wired communication mode, the wired communication unit 252 transmits, via wired communication, work data stored in the memory unit 27.

[0108] Here, the power tool 2 is used for tightening components. The power tool 2 is a portable tool that can be carried by a user. The "tightening operation" performed using the power tool 2 is, for example, tightening a nut, which is a first component, to a bolt, which is a second component. However, the first and second components are not limited to nuts and bolts, respectively, and can be changed as appropriate. The tightening operation may also be tightening multiple first components to one second component, and the multiple first components may be one type of component or multiple types of components. The "operation data" related to the measurement results of the sensor unit 24 may be the measured value (maximum or average value, etc.) of the tightening torque measured by the sensor unit 24, or may be time-series data (waveform data) showing the temporal change in the tightening torque during the tightening operation. The operation data may also be data such as a judgment result of whether the operation was successful or not, based on the measured value of the tightening torque measured by the sensor unit 24. Furthermore, the sensor unit 24 may measure the number of rotations of the motor that is the power source, the value of the current flowing through the motor, and the like, in addition to the tightening torque, and the measurement target of the sensor unit 24 can be changed as appropriate.

[0109] In this power tool 2, the communication modes of the communication unit 25 include at least a wireless communication mode and a wired communication mode. In the wired communication mode, the wired communication unit 252 transmits work data stored in the memory unit 27 via a wired communication method while operating in the wired communication mode. This has the advantage of preventing the transmission of work data from interfering with the tightening operation, thereby improving usability, compared to transmitting work data via a wireless communication method during breaks in the tightening operation. Furthermore, in an environment where wireless communication between the power tool 2 and the communication partner is poor, setting the communication mode of the communication unit 25 to the wired communication mode allows the work data to be transmitted via the wired communication mode, thereby improving usability. Furthermore, since wired communication generally has a faster transmission speed than wireless communication, work data stored in the memory unit 27 can be transmitted in a shorter time while operating in the wired communication mode, improving usability. In the wireless communication mode, the power tool 2 receives and operates work instruction information related to tightening work, but in the wired communication mode, after receiving work instruction information via wired communication, the power tool 2 operates independently, so the wired communication mode is also called the standalone mode.

[0110] When the communication mode is set to both the wireless communication mode and the wired communication mode, the communication unit 25 is in a state in which it can perform both wireless communication by the wireless communication unit 251 and wired communication by the wired communication unit 252. Wireless communication by the wireless communication unit 251 is always possible, and when the wired communication unit 252 and the terminal device 3 are connected by wire, wired communication by the wired communication unit 252 is also possible.

[0111] In the following embodiment, a case will be described in which the communication mode of the communication unit 25 is set to either the wireless communication mode or the wired communication mode.

[0112] 1 and 4, the power tool system 1 includes the power tool 2 and a receiver 4. The receiver 4 receives the work data transmitted from the power tool 2.

[0113] 1 and 4 show only one power tool 2, there may be more than one power tool 2. In other words, the power tool system 1 may include more than one power tool 2, and the receiver 4 may be capable of communicating with each of the more than one power tool 2.

[0114] (2.10) Details of the first variation of the communication method: Two types of wireless communication methods The communication unit 25 in this modification includes a first wireless communication unit (not shown) that transmits the first work data using a first wireless communication method, and a second wireless communication unit (not shown) that transmits the second work data using a second wireless communication method. The first wireless communication method is, for example, the ZigBee method, and the second wireless communication method is, for example, the Wi-Fi method.

[0115] The first communication mode described above is the first wireless communication mode, and the second communication mode described above is the second wireless communication mode. In the first wireless communication mode, when one or more tightening operations are completed, the first wireless communication unit transmits first work data corresponding to the one or more tightening operations using the first wireless communication method. In the second wireless communication mode, when all tightening operations are completed, the second wireless communication unit transmits second work data corresponding to all of the tightening operations using the second wireless communication method. This enables wireless transmission at a speed corresponding to the amount of information in each of the first work data and the second work data.

[0116] (2.11) Details of the second variation of the communication method: Two types of wired communication methods The communication unit 25 in this modification includes a first wired communication unit (not shown) that transmits the first work data using a first wired communication method, and a second wired communication unit (not shown) that transmits the second work data using a second wired communication method. The first wired communication method is, for example, a USB method, and the second wired communication method is, for example, an Ethernet method.

[0117] The first communication mode described above is the first wired communication mode, and the second communication mode described above is the second wired communication mode. In the first wired communication mode, when one or more tightening operations are completed, the first wired communication unit transmits first work data corresponding to the one or more tightening operations using the first wired communication method. In the second wired communication mode, when all tightening operations are completed, the second wired communication unit transmits second work data corresponding to all of the tightening operations using the second wired communication method. This enables wired transmission at a speed corresponding to the amount of information in each of the first work data and the second work data.

[0118] (3) Specific examples Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given of a specific example of a power tool 2 according to an embodiment and a power tool system 1 including the power tool 2 with reference to the drawings. Note that the following description is an example and various modifications are possible.

[0119] (3.1) Configuration The configuration of the power tool system 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0120] The power tool system 1 of this embodiment is used, for example, in an assembly line in a factory where products are assembled. The use of the power tool system 1 is not limited to a factory assembly line, and it may be used for other purposes. For example, the power tool system 1 may be used for work on a building at a construction site, such as a building work site.

[0121] As shown in Fig. 1, the power tool system 1 includes a power tool 2 and a receiver 4. The power tool system 1 may further include a higher-level device 5 that can communicate with the receiver 4 via a network 6. Here, it is not essential that the power tool system 1 includes the higher-level device 5, and the higher-level device 5 can be omitted as appropriate. A terminal device 3 can be connected to the power tool 2 via a communication line CB1 to perform wired communication with the power tool 2.

[0122] Next, the devices constituting the power tool system 1 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0123] (3.1.1) Power tools As shown in FIG. 1, the power tool 2 includes a control unit 21, an operation unit 22, a tightening unit 23, a sensor unit 24, a communication unit 25, a power supply unit 26, a memory unit 27, and a display unit 28.

[0124] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the power tool 2 includes a portable tool body 200 for housing or holding each component. The tool body 200 includes a cylindrical body 201 and a grip 202 that protrudes radially from the circumferential surface of the body 201. An output shaft 231 protrudes from one axial end of the body 201. A socket is attached to the output shaft 231 to which a tool tip (e.g., a torque wrench bit) suited to a first member to be worked on is detachably attached. Thus, a desired tool tip is attached to the output shaft 231 via the socket. A battery mounting seat 203 is provided at one end (the lower end in FIG. 5) of the grip 202. A battery pack 261, which houses a power supply unit 26 in a resin case, is detachably attached to the battery mounting seat 203.

[0125] The clamping unit 23 includes an output shaft 231, a motor that rotates the output shaft 231, and a drive circuit that drives the motor. The power tool 2 of this embodiment is an impact tool, and the clamping unit 23 includes an impact mechanism that generates an impact force on the output shaft 231. The impact mechanism is configured to reduce the rotation of the output shaft of the motor and transmit the reduced rotation to the output shaft 231 to rotate the first member when the output torque is equal to or less than a predetermined level. The impact mechanism is configured to apply an impact force to the output shaft 231 to rotate the first member when the output torque exceeds the predetermined level. The motor and impact mechanism are housed inside the body 201.

[0126] Control unit 21 controls the operation of tightening unit 23, sensor unit 24, communication unit 25, etc. Control unit 21 is realized by a computer system having one or more processors and memory, and the computer system functions as control unit 21 when one or more processors execute a program stored in the memory. Here, the program is pre-stored in the memory of control unit 21, but it may also be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet or recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card. Control unit 21 may be configured, for example, with an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). A microcontroller (such as a circuit board) constituting control unit 21 is housed, for example, inside grip portion 202.

[0127] The operation unit 22 includes a trigger switch 221 provided on the grip portion 202. When the trigger switch 221 is operated by a user, an operation signal having a magnitude proportional to the pull amount (operation amount) of the trigger switch 221 is input to the control unit 21. The control unit 21 adjusts the rotation speed of the motor included in the tightening unit 23 so that the output shaft 231 rotates at a rotation speed corresponding to the operation signal from the operation unit 22.

[0128] The sensor unit 24 measures the tightening torque applied by the tightening unit 23 and acquires the tightening torque value. The sensor unit 24 includes, for example, a magnetostrictive torque sensor attached to the output shaft 231. The magnetostrictive torque sensor detects a change in magnetic permeability corresponding to distortion caused by torque applied to the output shaft 231 using a coil installed in a non-rotating portion, and outputs a voltage signal proportional to the distortion. In this way, the sensor unit 24 measures the torque applied to the output shaft 231. In other words, the sensor unit 24 measures the torque (tightening torque) applied by the power tool 2 to the first member to be worked on. The sensor unit 24 outputs the measured torque value (tightening torque value) to the control unit 21. Note that the sensor unit 24 may measure the torque applied to the output shaft of the motor, or may measure the tightening torque applied to the output shaft 231 based on the torque applied to the output shaft of the motor, the reduction ratio of the reduction mechanism, etc. The sensor unit 24 is not limited to one equipped with a magnetostrictive torque sensor, and the means for realizing the sensor unit 24 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the sensor unit 24 may measure the tightening torque that tightens the first member to the second member by detecting the current flowing through a motor provided in the tightening unit 23.

[0129] The control unit 21 controls the tightening unit 23 so that the tightening torque value of the first member becomes a torque setting value that is set based on work instruction information input from the receiver 4 or the terminal device 3. For example, when the tightening torque value measured by the sensor unit 24 reaches the torque setting value, the control unit 21 stops the rotation of the motor of the tightening unit 23. The torque setting value is changeable and is changed by the control unit 21 based on the work instruction information transmitted from the receiver 4 or the terminal device 3 to the power tool 2. Here, the "work instruction information" preferably includes information regarding the work content of one or more tightening operations to be performed using the power tool 2. The work instruction information includes, for example, information indicating the work content corresponding to one or more tightening operations. When the work to be performed using the power tool 2 is a tightening operation, the work instruction information preferably includes information regarding the tightening torque. The information regarding the tightening torque may be a tightening torque setting value (torque setting value) or, if the power tool 2 is an impact tool, the information may be the number of impacts. Furthermore, when the tightening work performed using the power tool 2 includes so-called batch work in which a unit work having a predetermined work content is performed consecutively multiple times, the work instruction information preferably includes batch work information relating to the work content of the unit work (for example, the set value of the tightening torque) and number information relating to the number of times the unit work is to be performed consecutively. Note that performing a unit work consecutively multiple times is not limited to repeatedly performing the unit work without interruption, and the unit work may be performed with a time gap between them as long as there is no other work in between.

[0130] As described above, the communication unit 25 includes the wireless communication unit 251 and the wired communication unit 252.

[0131] The wireless communication unit 251 is a communication module that performs short-range wireless communication conforming to, for example, ZigBee. The wireless communication unit 251 performs wireless communication with the receiver 4 using this type of communication method. In the wireless communication mode, the wireless communication unit 251 transmits work data that is temporarily stored in a memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) of the control unit 21 to the receiver 4 using the wireless communication method. When the wireless communication unit 251 reads work data from the storage unit 27 such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read-Only Memory) and wirelessly transmits the work data to the receiver 4, it takes time to access the storage unit 27, and therefore it takes time to transmit the work data. Since the control unit 21 stops the tightening operation of the tightening unit 23 while the communication unit 25 is transmitting the work data, if it takes a long time to transmit the work data, it takes a long time until the next tightening operation can be started, which causes a problem of a long work cycle when tightening operations are repeated. In contrast, in this embodiment, the wireless communication unit 251 transmits work data temporarily stored in memory such as RAM to the receiver 4 via wireless communication, eliminating the need to spend time accessing the memory unit 27 such as EEPROM, shortening the time required to start tightening work and providing the advantage of shortening the work cycle when tightening work is performed repeatedly.

[0132] The method of wireless communication between wireless communication unit 251 and receiver 4 may be, for example, wireless communication using radio waves as a medium that complies with communication standards such as a 920 MHz band specific low-power radio station (a radio station that does not require a license), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. For example, wireless communication unit 251 is housed inside grip 202, and the antenna of wireless communication unit 251 is housed inside body 201.

[0133] The wired communication unit 252 communicates with the terminal device 3 connected to the power tool 2 via the communication line CB1, for example, via a wired communication method conforming to the USB standard. In the wired communication mode, the wired communication unit 252 reads work data stored in the memory unit 27 from the memory unit 27 and transmits the work data to the terminal device 3. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7 , a recess 204 is provided on the circumferential surface of the rear part of the body 201 of the power tool 2, and a female USB connector CN1 is exposed in a hole 205 on the bottom surface of the recess 204. Male USB connectors CN2 and CN3 are provided on both ends of the communication line CB1. The USB connector CN2 at the first end of the communication line CB1 is connected to the USB connector CN1 of the power tool 2, and the USB connector CN3 at the second end of the communication line CB1 is connected to the female USB connector of the terminal device 3, thereby connecting the power tool 2 to the terminal device 3 via the communication line CB1. In this state, communication is performed by wired communication between the wired communication unit 252 of the power tool 2 and the wired communication unit 31 (see FIG. 1) of the terminal device 3. When the USB connector CN2 or CN3 of the communication line CB1 is detached from the USB connector CN1, a flexible synthetic resin cover 206 is detachably attached to the recess 204 of the body 201, preventing dust, water, etc. from adhering to the USB connector CN1, etc.

[0134] The power supply unit 26 includes a storage battery. The power supply unit 26 is housed in a battery pack 261. The battery pack 261 is configured by housing the power supply unit 26 in a resin case. The storage battery of the power supply unit 26 can be charged by removing the battery pack 261 from the battery mounting seat 203 of the tool body 200 and connecting the removed battery pack 261 to a charger. The power supply unit 26 supplies the electric power required for operation to the electric circuit including the control unit 21 and the motor using the power stored in the storage battery.

[0135] The storage unit 27 includes, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) and a nonvolatile memory. Examples of nonvolatile memory include an EEPROM or a flash memory. The storage unit 27 stores a control program executed by the control unit 21. The storage unit 27 also stores work instruction information received from the receiver 4 or the terminal device 3 and work data related to the execution of work based on the work instruction information. The work data may be, for example, information indicating that the work has been executed, or information related to the execution results of the work (e.g., information such as the tightening torque value, the number of impacts, the number of rotations, the tightening time, the angle, and the date and time). When the work is a tightening work to tighten a first member to a second member, the information related to the execution results of the work preferably includes, for example, the tightening torque measurement value (tightening torque value) measured by the sensor unit 24 and the number of first members tightened (hereinafter also referred to as the number of completed works). The information related to the execution results of the work may also include judgment information (judgment result data) indicating whether the work performed based on the work instruction information was successful or not. The storage unit 27 also stores information (tool type information) such as identification information assigned to each power tool 2 and the model number (e.g., information including the manufacturer and the product number determined by the manufacturer) of each power tool 2. Here, the identification information preferably includes, for example, an IP address assigned to the power tool 2.

[0136] The display unit 28 has, for example, a two-digit seven-segment LED (Light Emitting Diode) that is exposed on the surface of the tool body 200 (for example, the upper surface of the battery mounting seat 203). The display unit 28 also has, for example, a blue light-emitting diode and a red light-emitting diode that are exposed on the surface of the tool body 200 (for example, the rear end surface of the trunk 201).

[0137] The battery mounting seat 203 houses a circuit board 101 on which circuit components such as a wired communication unit 252 are mounted. The body 201 houses a circuit board 102 on which circuit components such as light-emitting diodes provided in the display unit 28 are mounted, and a circuit board 103 on which circuit components such as a USB connector CN1 are mounted. As described above, the tool main body 200 houses a plurality of circuit boards including the circuit boards 101 to 103. However, it is not essential that the circuit components of the power tool 2 are mounted separately on a plurality of circuit boards, and they may be mounted together on a single circuit board.

[0138] (3.1.2) Receiver As shown in FIG. 1, the receiver 4 includes a wireless communication unit 41, a wired communication unit 42, a control unit 43, an operation unit 44, a display unit 45, and a storage unit 46.

[0139] The control unit 43 controls the operations of the wireless communication unit 41, the wired communication unit 42, the display unit 45, etc. The control unit 43 is realized by a computer system having one or more processors and a memory, and the computer system functions as the control unit 43 when the one or more processors execute a program stored in the memory. Here, the program is pre-recorded in the memory of the control unit 43, but it may also be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet or recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card. The control unit 43 may be configured, for example, by an FPGA, an ASIC, etc.

[0140] The wireless communication unit 41 is a communication module that performs short-range wireless communication using the same communication method (for example, ZigBee) as the wireless communication unit 251 of the power tool 2. The wireless communication unit 41 performs wireless communication with the wireless communication unit 251 of the power tool 2.

[0141] The wired communication unit 42 is a communication module that performs wired communication via a communication line. The wired communication unit 42 performs wired communication with the communication unit 51 of the higher-level device 5 via a network 6 such as Ethernet. The network 6 may be a local area network (LAN) provided in a facility such as a factory where the power tool 2 is used, or a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet.

[0142] The operation unit 44 includes an operation switch and the like that accepts user operations.

[0143] The display unit 45 includes, for example, a plurality of light-emitting diodes, and displays the operating state of the receiver 4 by turning on, blinking, or turning off the plurality of light-emitting diodes. The display unit 45 may include a display device such as a liquid crystal display.

[0144] The storage unit 46 includes, for example, a ROM, a RAM, and a non-volatile memory (for example, an EEPROM or a flash memory). The storage unit 46 stores work instruction information relating to the work content of a tightening work using the power tool 2, work data received from the power tool 2, and the like, in association with the identification information of the power tool 2. This allows the storage unit 46 to store, for each of a plurality of power tools 2, the work instruction information to be transmitted to the power tool 2 and the work information received from the power tool 2. The storage unit 46 also stores information such as the identification information assigned to each receiver 4 and the model of each receiver 4 (for example, information including the manufacturer and the product number determined by the manufacturer). Here, the identification information includes, for example, an IP address assigned to the receiver 4.

[0145] (3.1.3) Upper device The higher-level device 5 is, for example, a server. The higher-level device 5 includes a communication unit 51, a storage unit 52, and a control unit 53.

[0146] The communication unit 51 is a communication module that performs wired communication via a communication line. The communication unit 51 performs wired communication with the wired communication unit 42 of the receiver 4 via a network 6 such as Ethernet.

[0147] The storage unit 52 includes, for example, a ROM, a RAM, and a non-volatile memory (for example, an EEPROM or a flash memory). The storage unit 52 stores, for each of the multiple power tools 2, work instruction information relating to the work content of the tightening work using the power tool 2, a history of work data of the work performed by the power tool 2, and the like, in association with the identification information of the power tool 2.

[0148] The control unit 53 controls the operation of the communication unit 51 and the like. The control unit 53 is realized by a computer system having one or more processors and a memory, and the one or more processors execute a program stored in the memory, causing the computer system to function as the control unit 53. Here, the program is pre-recorded in the memory of the control unit 53, but it may also be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card. The control unit 53 may be configured, for example, by an FPGA, an ASIC, or the like.

[0149] The control unit 53 causes the communication unit 51 to transmit work instruction information relating to the work content of the fastening work using the power tool 2 to the receiver 4.

[0150] The control unit 53 also stores in the storage unit 52 the history of work data of work performed using the power tool 2, which the communication unit 51 receives from the receiver 4.

[0151] (3.1.4) Terminal Device The terminal device 3 is a computer terminal installed with a data import application (program) for setting the communication mode of the power tool 2 and receiving work data via wired communication from the power tool 2. The terminal device 3 may be a notebook computer, a tablet computer, or a communication terminal such as a smartphone.

[0152] The terminal device 3 includes a control unit 30, a wired communication unit 31, and an HMI (Human Machine Interface). )32 and

[0153] The wired communication unit 31 is connected to the power tool 2 via a communication line CB1. The wired communication unit 31 communicates with the wired communication unit 252 of the power tool 2 via the communication line CB1 using a wired communication method that complies with the USB standard, for example.

[0154] The HMI 32 includes an input unit that receives information input by an administrator using the terminal device 3, and an output unit that outputs information to the administrator using the terminal device 3. The input unit that receives information input by the administrator includes a keyboard, mouse, switch, microphone for voice input, etc. The output unit that outputs information to the administrator includes a display device such as an LCD display, a lamp such as an LED, a speaker for voice output, etc.

[0155] The control unit 30 controls the operations of the wired communication unit 31, the HMI 32, etc. The control unit 30 is realized by a computer system having one or more processors and memory, and the one or more processors execute a program stored in the memory, causing the computer system to function as the control unit 30. Here, the program is pre-recorded in the memory of the control unit 30, but it may also be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card. The control unit 30 may be configured, for example, with an FPGA, an ASIC, etc.

[0156] In the following, we will explain the example of a case where the administrator who uses the terminal device 3 and receiver 4 is a different person from the user who performs tightening work using the power tool 2, but the administrator who uses the terminal device 3 and receiver 4 and the user who performs tightening work using the power tool 2 may be the same person.

[0157] (3.2) Operation explanation Next, the operation of the power tool 2 included in the power tool system 1 will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. As described above, the communication modes in which the power tool 2 transmits work data include a wireless communication mode and a wired communication mode, and these two communication modes will be described below.

[0158] The communication mode of the power tool 2 is set using, for example, the terminal device 3. With the power tool 2 connected to the terminal device 3 via the communication line CB1, an administrator executes a data import app installed on the terminal device 3 and sets the communication mode in the data import app to either the wireless communication mode or the wired communication mode. When the administrator sets the communication mode in the data import app, the control unit 30 transmits mode setting information for setting the communication mode to the power tool 2 from the wired communication unit 31. When the wired communication unit 252 of the power tool 2 receives the mode setting information, the control unit 21 sets the communication mode to either the wireless communication mode or the wired communication mode based on the mode setting information. In other words, the control unit 21 sets the communication mode to either the wireless communication mode or the wired communication mode based on the mode setting information received by the wired communication unit 252 from the terminal device 3 connected to the wired communication unit 252 via the communication line CB1. This allows the communication mode of the power tool 2 to be set to either the wireless communication mode or the wired communication mode using the terminal device 3. When the administrator terminates the data import app and removes the communication line CB1 from the power tool 2, the power tool 2 starts operating in the set communication mode. The data import app executed by the terminal device 3 also allows the power tool 2 to select the type of work data to store in the memory unit 27. The data import app executed by the terminal device 3 also allows the type of work data to be extracted from the power tool 2 to be selected, and data type information specifying the type of work data to be acquired is also transmitted from the terminal device 3 to the power tool 2.

[0159] (3.2.1) Wireless communication mode operation The operation of the power tool 2 when it is set to the wireless communication mode will be described with reference to Fig. 8 etc. The power tool 2 is set to transmit information on the judgment result indicating whether the work was successful and time-series data on the tightening torque as work data to the receiver 4 based on the data type information input from the terminal device 3. The power tool 2 may also transmit a measured value of the tightening torque (such as a maximum value or an average value) as work data based on the data type information. It is not essential to transmit the measured value of the tightening torque as work data to the receiver 4, and the content of the work data can be changed as appropriate.

[0160] The receiver 4 transmits work instruction information to the power tool 2 operating in the wireless communication mode via wireless communication.

[0161] When an administrator using the receiver 4 uses the operation unit 44 to create work instruction information (e.g., information on the tightening torque, number of bolts, etc.) related to one or more tightening operations to be output to the power tool 2, the created work instruction information is transmitted from the wireless communication unit 41 to the power tool 2 to be set. The receiver 4 is configured to be able to communicate with the terminal device 3, and may obtain the work instruction information created in the terminal device 3 from the terminal device 3 and transmit it to the power tool 2 to be set. The receiver 4 may also obtain the work instruction information created in the higher-level device 5 from the higher-level device 5 and transmit it to the power tool 2 to be set.

[0162] When the wireless communication unit 251 of the power tool 2 receives the work instruction information transmitted from the receiver 4 (step S11: Yes), the control unit 21 stores the work instruction information in the storage unit 27. The control unit 21 also uses the 7-segment LED of the display unit 28 to indicate that the work instruction information has been received and that preparations are complete to start the tightening operation. While the wireless communication unit 251 is receiving the work instruction information from the receiver 4, the control unit 21 lights up the light-emitting diode for communication indication of the display unit 28 to indicate that communication with the receiver 4 is in progress. When the communication between the wireless communication unit 251 and the receiver 4 ends, the control unit 21 blinks the light-emitting diode for communication indication of the display unit 28 to indicate that communication with the receiver 4 has ended and that preparations are complete to start the tightening operation by the tightening unit 23.

[0163] When the user is ready to start the tightening operation using the tightening unit 23, he or she carries the power tool 2 to the work location. When the user places the tool tip attached to the output shaft 231 of the power tool 2 via a socket against the first member and pulls the trigger switch 221, the control unit 21 controls the tightening unit 23 based on the work instruction information, and the tightening operation of tightening the first member to the second member is performed (step S12). The work instruction information includes information on the tightening torque, and the control unit 21 controls the tightening unit 23 so that the measured value of the tightening torque (tightening torque value) measured by the sensor unit 24 matches the set value of the tightening torque (torque set value) included in the work instruction information. In this way, in the wireless communication mode, the wireless communication unit 251 receives the work instruction information related to the tightening operation, and the control unit 21 controls the tightening unit 23 based on the work instruction information. This allows work instruction information regarding tightening work to be transmitted from the receiver 4 to the power tool 2 located at a remote location, eliminating the need to connect the power tool 2 to the terminal device 3 via the communication line CB1 and receive work instruction information from the terminal device 3, improving usability.

[0164] When one tightening operation by the tightening unit 23 is completed, the control unit 21 temporarily stores, in the memory of the control unit 21, information on the determination result of whether the operation was successful based on the measurement results of the sensor unit 24, the measured tightening torque values ​​(average, maximum, etc.), and time-series data of the tightening torque from the start to the end of one tightening operation as work data. The control unit 21 also causes the wireless communication unit 251 to transmit the work data including the determination result information temporarily stored in the memory and the identification information of the power tool 2 to the receiver 4 (step S13). In other words, in the wireless communication mode, the wireless communication unit 251 transmits at least a portion of the work data by wireless communication after one tightening operation is completed. This allows the work data of the tightening operation performed using the power tool 2 to be transmitted to the receiver 4 after each tightening operation is completed. Therefore, the work data of the tightening operation performed using the power tool 2 can be transmitted to the receiver 4 after each tightening operation. Therefore, the success or failure of the tightening operation can be determined before the next tightening operation is started. If the tightening operation is unsatisfactory, the tightening operation can be redone and the information can be used to improve the quality of the next tightening operation. When the wireless communication unit 41 of the receiver 4 receives the work data transmitted from the power tool 2, the wireless communication unit 41 associates the received work data (information on the determination result) with the identification information of the power tool 2 that transmitted it and the time of reception, and stores them in the memory unit 46. Note that the control unit 21 stops the tightening operation by the tightening unit 23 during the transmission period in which the wireless communication unit 251 transmits the work data (note that the transmission period is at least a part of the standby period described above), thereby reducing the possibility of a communication error occurring in the wireless communication between the wireless communication unit 251 and the receiver 4 due to electromagnetic noise generated when the tightening unit 23 performs the tightening operation.

[0165] Furthermore, the control unit 21 can notify the user of the power tool 2 of the information on the determination result by lighting or blinking the display light emitting diode based on the information on the determination result.

[0166] If one or more tightening operations based on the work instruction information received in step S11 have not been completed (step S14: No), the power tool 2 returns to step S12 and repeats the tightening operations.

[0167] On the other hand, if one or more tightening operations based on the work instruction information received in step S11 have all been completed (step S14: Yes), the control unit 21 stops the tightening operation by the tightening unit 23 and returns to step S11 to wait for the reception of new work instruction information. In other words, when all tightening operations based on the work instruction information have all been completed, the control unit 21 stops the tightening operation by the tightening unit 23, and it is possible to reduce the possibility that the tightening operation by the power tool 2 will be continued in a state where work instruction information has not been set in the power tool 2.

[0168] Note that the memory of the control unit 21 also temporarily stores time-series data of tightening torque as work data, but because the amount of data in the time-series data of tightening torque is large, the time required to transmit the time-series data of tightening torque is longer than the time required to transmit information on the determination result. If the time-series data of tightening torque is transmitted while a tightening operation is being performed using the power tool 2, the transmission of the time-series data of tightening torque will result in a longer period during which the tightening operation cannot be performed. Therefore, the control unit 21 wirelessly transmits the time-series data of tightening torque from the wireless communication unit 251 to the receiver 4 after one or more tightening operations based on the work instruction information have all been completed, and by wirelessly transmitting the time-series data of tightening torque and the identification information of the power tool 2, the possibility of delays in the execution of the tightening operation can be reduced.

[0169] If the work instruction information input to the power tool 2 is a work instruction for batch work in which a predetermined unit work is repeated multiple times, the wireless communication unit 251 may transmit at least a portion of the work data temporarily stored in the memory of the control unit 21 (e.g., time-series data of tightening torque) to the receiver 4 when the batch work is completed. Also, if the work instruction information input to the power tool 2 is a work instruction for tightening multiple times, the wireless communication unit 251 may transmit at least a portion of the work data temporarily stored in the memory of the control unit 21 to the receiver 4 when the tightening multiple times indicated by the work instruction information are completed. In this way, in the wireless communication mode, the wireless communication unit 251 may transmit at least a portion of the work data wirelessly when multiple tightening operations are completed. By reducing the number of wireless communications, it is possible to eliminate interruptions to the tightening operation due to the transmission of work data, and it is also possible to handle tightening operations with short takt times. Furthermore, by reducing the number of wireless communications, it is possible to reduce power consumption. Furthermore, once multiple tightening operations have been completed, the work data of the tightening operations performed using the power tool 2 can be transmitted to the receiver 4, so that the quality of the tightening operations can be checked before the next tightening operation is started, and if the tightening operation is found to be unsatisfactory, the tightening operation can be redone.

[0170] In addition, in the wireless communication mode, the wireless communication unit 251 transmits work data that is temporarily stored in the memory of the control unit 21, and since the time required to access the memory unit 27 can be reduced compared to when the work data stored in the memory unit 27 is read out from the memory unit 27 and transmitted, there is also the advantage that the time required for wireless transmission can be reduced.

[0171] In this embodiment, each time one tightening operation is completed, the control unit 21 causes the wireless communication unit 251 to transmit information on the determination result as to whether the operation was successful or not to the receiver 4, but it may also cause the wireless communication unit 251 to transmit the measured value of the tightening torque to the receiver 4. Furthermore, each time one tightening operation is completed, the control unit 21 may cause the wireless communication unit 251 to transmit information on the determination result as to whether the operation was successful or not and the measured value of the tightening torque to the receiver 4.

[0172] (3.2.2) Wired communication mode operation The operation of the power tool 2 when it is set to the wired communication mode will be described with reference to Fig. 9 and other figures. The power tool 2 is set to transmit information on the judgment result indicating whether the work was successful and time-series data on the tightening torque as work data to the terminal device 3 based on the data type information input from the terminal device 3. The power tool 2 may also transmit a measured value of the tightening torque (such as a maximum value or an average value) as work data based on the data type information. It is not essential to transmit the measured value of the tightening torque to the receiver 4 as work data, and the content of the work data can be changed as appropriate.

[0173] The administrator connects the USB connector CN2 of the communication line CB1 to the USB connector CN1 of the power tool 2, and connects the USB connector CN3 of the communication line CB1 to the terminal device 3, thereby connecting the power tool 2 and the terminal device 3 via the communication line CB1 (step S1). When the power tool 2 and the terminal device 3 are connected via the communication line CB1 and the wired communication unit 252 is able to communicate with the wired communication unit 31, the control unit 21 lights up the light-emitting diode for communication indication provided in the display unit 28 to indicate that communication via the wired communication method has started.

[0174] The administrator runs the data import application using the HMI 32 of the terminal device 3 and selects the power tool 2 to be set. When the administrator uses the HMI 32 of the terminal device 3 to create work instruction information (e.g., information on the tightening torque, number of bolts, etc.) for one or more tightening operations to be set in the power tool 2, the wired communication unit 31 transmits the work instruction information to the power tool 2. When the wired communication unit 252 of the power tool 2 receives the work instruction information transmitted from the terminal device 3 (step S2), the control unit 21 stores the work instruction information in the memory unit 27. The control unit 21 also displays, using the 7-segment LED provided in the display unit 28, that the work instruction information has been received and preparations for starting the tightening operation are complete. The terminal device 3 may set the work instruction information obtained from the higher-level device 5 via the receiver 4 to the power tool 2.

[0175] When preparations for starting a tightening operation using the power tool 2 are complete, the user who will be performing the tightening operation using the power tool 2 detaches the USB connector CN2 from the USB connector CN1 of the power tool 2 (step S3), and attaches the cover member 206 to the recess 204 of the body 201. When the USB connector CN2 is detached from the USB connector CN1, communication between the wired communication unit 31 and the wired communication unit 252 is interrupted, and therefore the control unit 21 turns off the light-emitting diode for communication indication provided in the display unit 28, to indicate that communication of the wired communication unit 31 has stopped.

[0176] Thereafter, the user carries the power tool 2 to the work site, places the tool tip attached to the output shaft 231 of the power tool 2 via a socket against the first member, and pulls the trigger switch 221. The control unit 21 controls the tightening unit 23 based on the work instruction information, and performs a tightening operation to tighten the first member to the second member (step S4). When one tightening operation by the tightening unit 23 is completed, the control unit 21 stores, in the memory unit 27 as work data, information on the judgment result judging whether the operation was successful or not based on the measurement result of the sensor unit 24, the measured tightening torque, and the time-series data of the tightening torque from the start to the end of one tightening operation (step S5).

[0177] Here, the control unit 21 determines whether all fastening work based on the work instruction information has been completed (step S6), and if all fastening work has not been completed (step S6: No), the control unit 21 returns to step S4 and performs the next fastening work.

[0178] On the other hand, if all the tightening operations based on the work instruction information have been completed (step S6: Yes), the control unit 21 stops the tightening operation by the tightening unit 23 and does not rotate the tightening unit 23 even if the trigger switch 221 is pulled. The control unit 21 also displays, for example, using a 7-segment LED, that all the tightening operations have been completed.

[0179] Thereafter, the user carries the power tool 2 to the location where the terminal device 3 is placed, connects the USB connector CN2 of the communication line CB1 to the USB connector CN1 of the power tool 2, and connects the USB connector CN3 of the communication line CB1 to the terminal device 3, thereby connecting the power tool 2 and the terminal device 3 via the communication line CB1 (step S7). Once the power tool 2 and the terminal device 3 are connected via the communication line CB1 and the wired communication unit 252 is able to communicate with the wired communication unit 31, the control unit 21 lights up the light-emitting diode for communication indication provided in the display unit 28 to indicate that communication via the wired communication method has started.

[0180] When the user or administrator operates the HMI 32 of the terminal device 3 to execute the data import application and perform an operation to acquire work data from the power tool 2, the control unit 30 transmits transfer instruction information from the wired communication unit 31 to the power tool 2 to instruct the transfer of the work data. When the wired communication unit 252 of the power tool 2 receives the transfer instruction information from the terminal device 3, the control unit 21 reads out the work data (information on the determination result, the measured tightening torque, and the time-series data on the tightening torque) stored in the memory unit 27 and causes the wired communication unit 252 to transmit the work data to the terminal device 3 via wired communication (step S8). Here, when the transfer of the work data from the power tool 2 to the terminal device 3 is completed, the control unit 21 may erase the work data stored in the memory unit 27. The work data transferred from the power tool 2 to the terminal device 3 may be at least one of the information on the determination result, the measured tightening torque, and the time-series data on the tightening torque, or all of them.

[0181] When the transfer of the work data from the power tool 2 to the terminal device 3 is complete, the HMI 32 of the terminal device 3 outputs a message indicating that the work data transfer is complete. After confirming that the work data transfer is complete, the user or administrator removes the connector CN2 from the power tool 2 to finish the tightening work. The user or administrator may also operate the HMI 32 to set new work instruction information in the power tool 2, or start a new tightening work using the power tool 2.

[0182] In this way, in the wired communication mode, the work data stored in the memory unit 27 while the power tool 2 is operating in the wired communication mode is transmitted from the power tool 2 to the terminal device 3 when the power tool 2 and the terminal device 3 are connected via the communication line CB1. Therefore, compared to wirelessly transmitting work data while the power tool 2 is performing a tightening operation, the possibility of wireless communication interfering with the tightening operation is reduced, thereby improving usability. Furthermore, since the time-series data of the tightening torque is transmitted via a wired communication method, which has a faster transmission speed than a wireless communication method, the time required to transmit the time-series data of the tightening torque is reduced, thereby improving usability. Furthermore, when the wireless communication between the power tool 2 and the receiver 4 is poor, the communication mode of the communication unit 25 can be set to the wired communication mode, allowing the work data to be transmitted from the power tool 2 to the terminal device 3 in the wired communication mode, thereby improving usability. The terminal device 3 may be configured to be able to communicate with the receiver 4, and the terminal device 3 may transmit the work data stored in its memory to the receiver 4.

[0183] (4) Communication control methods, programs, etc. The same function as the power tool 2 possessed by the power tool system 1 may be embodied as a communication control method for the power tool 2, a computer program, or a non-transitory recording medium on which the program is recorded. In one embodiment of the communication control method for the power tool 2, the communication mode in which the communication unit 25 transmits work data is set to either a wireless communication mode or a wired communication mode. In the wireless communication mode, the wireless communication unit 251 transmits work data related to the measurement results output by the sensor unit 24 via wireless communication after one or more tightening operations are completed. In the wired communication mode, the wired communication unit 252 transmits work data stored in the memory unit 27 via wired communication while operating in the wired communication mode. In one embodiment of the (computer) program, a program for causing a computer system to execute the above-described communication control method for the power tool 2.

[0184] The power tool system 1 (specifically, the power tool 2, the receiver 4, and the higher-level device 5) and the terminal device 3 in the present disclosure include a computer system. The computer system is primarily composed of a processor and a memory as hardware. The processor executes a program stored in the memory of the computer system to realize the functions of the power tool system 1 (specifically, the power tool 2, the receiver 4, and the higher-level device 5) and the terminal device 3 in the present disclosure. The program may be pre-stored in the memory of the computer system, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided in a non-transitory recording medium readable by the computer system, such as a memory card, an optical disk, or a hard disk drive. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuits, such as ICs and LSIs, are referred to by different names depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, very large-scale integration (VLSI), and ultra-large-scale integration (ULSI). Furthermore, FPGAs, which are programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or logic devices that allow the reconfiguration of the connections within the LSI or the reconfiguration of the circuit partitions within the LSI, can also be employed as processors. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated into a single chip or distributed across multiple chips. Multiple chips may be integrated into a single device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, a microcontroller may also be composed of one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits or large-scale integrated circuits.

[0185] (5) Other variations The above embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure, and various modifications can be made to the above embodiment depending on the design and the like as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0186] Other variations of the above embodiment are listed below. The variations described below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

[0187] In the above embodiment, the communication modes of the communication unit 25 may further include a dual-use mode in addition to the wireless communication mode and the wired communication mode. In the dual-use mode, both wireless communication by the wireless communication unit 251 and wired communication by the wired communication unit 252 can be performed. In this case, the control unit 21 sets the communication mode to one of the wireless communication mode, the wired communication mode, and the dual-use mode based on mode setting information received from the terminal device 3. When the communication mode of the communication unit 25 is set to the dual-use mode, wireless communication by the wireless communication unit 251 is performed at a desired timing, and wired communication by the wired communication unit 252 can be performed when the power tool 2 is wiredly connected to the terminal device 3. Therefore, in the dual-use mode, wireless communication by the wireless communication unit 251 and wired communication by the wired communication unit 252 can be performed simultaneously.

[0188] In the above embodiment, at least some of the functions of the receiver 4 and the higher-level device 5 that are distributed across multiple devices may be integrated into one housing. For example, some of the functions that are distributed across the receiver 4 and the higher-level device 5 may be integrated into one housing. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the terminal device 3 and at least some of the functions of the receiver 4 and / or the higher-level device 5 may be integrated into one housing.

[0189] Furthermore, the functions of the receiver 4, the higher-level device 5, and the terminal device 3 may be integrated into one housing or may be distributed across multiple housings. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the receiver 4 (for example, some of the functions of the control unit 43) may be realized by the cloud (cloud computing) or the like.

[0190] 1 and 4, there is one power tool 2, but the number of power tools 2 with which one receiver 4 can communicate is not limited to one and may be two or more, and can be changed as appropriate. Also, there is one terminal device 3 in FIGS. 1 and 4, but the number of terminal devices 3 is not limited to one and can be changed as appropriate. Also, there is one receiver 4 in FIGS. 1 and 4, but multiple receivers 4 may be connected to one higher-level device 5, and the number of receivers 4 can be changed as appropriate.

[0191] In the above embodiment, the power tool 2 is an impact tool that performs the tightening operation of the tightening member, but the impact mechanism is not essential, and the power tool may not be equipped with an impact mechanism.

[0192] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the work performed using the power tool 2 was a tightening operation to tighten a first member to a second member, but the power tool 2 may also be a power tool used for work other than tightening (for example, drilling, cutting, cutting, etc.), and the content of the work data can be changed appropriately depending on the content of the work performed using the power tool 2.

[0193] (summary) As described above, the power tool (2) of the first aspect includes a tightening unit (23), a sensor unit (24), a communication unit (25), a memory unit (27), and a portable tool body (200). The tightening unit (23) tightens a member using the driving force of a power source. The sensor unit (24) performs a measurement process. The measurement process is a process of measuring at least the tightening torque applied by the tightening unit (23) and acquiring work data related to the measurement results. The communication unit (25) transmits the work data. The memory unit (27) stores the work data. The tool body (200) accommodates the tightening unit (23), the sensor unit (24), the communication unit (25), and the memory unit (27). Communication modes in which the communication unit (25) transmits the work data stored in the memory unit (27) include a first communication mode and a second communication mode. In the first communication mode, the communication unit (25) transmits first work data between the tightening operations, and in the second communication mode, transmits at least second work data after the completion of all the tightening operations. The first work data is part of the work data stored in the memory unit (27), and the second work data is the work data stored in the memory unit (27) excluding the first work data.

[0194] According to this aspect, the communication modes include a first communication mode and a second communication mode, and in the first communication mode, first work data, which is a part of the work data, is transmitted between tightening operations, and in the second communication mode, at least second work data, which is the remaining part of the work data, is transmitted after all tightening operations are completed, thereby shortening the period during which tightening operations are not performed (standby period).As a result, it is possible to provide a power tool (2) that is easy to use and prevents the tightening operations from being interrupted by the transmission of work data.

[0195] In the power tool (2) of the second aspect, in the first aspect, the communication unit (25) transmits, in the first communication mode, the first work data corresponding to one or more tightening operations out of the work data stored in the memory unit (27) each time one or more tightening operations are completed. In the second communication mode, the communication unit (25) transmits at least the second work data corresponding to all of the tightening operations out of the work data stored in the memory unit (27) after all of the tightening operations are completed.

[0196] According to this aspect, in the first communication mode, first work data corresponding to one or more tightening operations is transmitted each time one or more tightening operations are completed, and in the second communication mode, second work data corresponding to all tightening operations is transmitted after all tightening operations are completed, thereby enabling the entire waiting period to be shortened evenly.

[0197] In the power tool (2) of the third aspect, in the second aspect, the measurement process includes a torque measurement process, a judgment process, and an associated measurement process. The torque measurement process is a process of performing a torque measurement to measure the tightening torque and obtaining a tightening torque value that is the result of the torque measurement. The judgment process is a process of making a judgment as to whether the tightening work is successful or not based on the tightening torque value and obtaining judgment result data regarding the result of the judgment. The associated measurement process is a process of performing an associated measurement related to the torque measurement and obtaining an associated value that is the result of the associated measurement. The first work data includes one or more types of information from the tightening torque value and the judgment result data. The second work data includes one or more types of information from the tightening torque value, the judgment result data, and the associated value, excluding one or more types of information included in the first work data.

[0198] According to this aspect, when the tightening torque value, judgment result data, and related values ​​are acquired, the first work data includes one or more types of information from the tightening torque value and judgment result data, and the second work data includes one or more types of information excluding the one or more types of information included in the first work data, thereby effectively reducing the amount of information transmitted in the first communication mode and thereby shortening the waiting period.

[0199] In the power tool (2) of the fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the first work data includes the determination result data, and the second work data includes the tightening torque value and the associated value.

[0200] According to this aspect, the first work data includes judgment result data, and the second work data includes the tightening torque value and related values, thereby more effectively reducing the amount of information transmitted in the first communication mode and thereby shortening the waiting period.

[0201] In addition, when the first work data includes a tightening torque value but does not include determination result data, the determination is performed on the receiver 4 side, but compared to such a case, the processing load on the receiver 4 side can be reduced. The greater the number of power tools 2 communicating with the receiver 4, the more significant the reduction effect becomes.

[0202] In the power tool (2) of the fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, the communication unit (25) transmits detailed work data in the second communication mode. The detailed work data is work data including the first work data and the second work data.

[0203] According to this aspect, after the determination result data, which is a part of the detailed work data, is transmitted in the first communication mode, all of the detailed work data, including the determination result data, is transmitted in the second communication mode. In this way, by transmitting only the determination result data first in the first mode, the destination (e.g., the receiver 4, etc.) can perform control based on the determination result data in real time (e.g., line speed control, etc.). Furthermore, by transmitting the detailed work data including the determination result data later in the second communication mode, the destination (e.g., the terminal device 3, etc.) can easily manage and use the detailed work data (e.g., accumulate the detailed work data, improve processes based on the accumulated detailed work data, etc.).

[0204] In the power tool (2) of the sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, the storage unit (27) deletes the data transmitted by the communication unit (25) from the stored detailed work data.

[0205] According to this aspect, of the detailed work data stored in the storage unit (27), the transmitted work data is automatically deleted, so that the storage capacity of the storage unit (27) can be reduced.

[0206] In the seventh aspect of the power tool (2), in the sixth aspect, in the first communication mode, the memory unit (27) does not delete the judgment result data even if the communication unit (25) transmits the judgment result data, and in the second communication mode, when the communication unit (25) transmits the detailed work data, the memory unit (27) deletes the transmitted detailed work data.

[0207] According to this aspect, the transmitted determination result data is not deleted in the first communication mode, and all of the transmitted detailed work data is deleted in the second communication mode. Therefore, it is possible to transmit all of the detailed work data in the second communication mode while reducing the storage capacity of the storage unit (27).

[0208] In the power tool (2) according to the eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect, in the second communication mode, even if the communication unit (25) transmits the detailed work data, the memory unit (27) does not immediately delete the transmitted detailed work data but continues to retain it as much as possible.

[0209] According to this aspect, by continuing to store the detailed work data as much as possible, it becomes possible to resend the detailed work data, etc.

[0210] In a power tool (2) according to a ninth aspect, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the communication unit (25) includes a wireless communication unit (251) and a wired communication unit (252). The wireless communication unit (251) transmits the first work data by wireless communication. The wired communication unit (252) transmits the second work data by wired communication. The first communication mode is a wireless communication mode, and the second communication mode is a wired communication mode. In the wireless communication mode, the wireless communication unit (251) transmits the first work data by the wireless communication method between the tightening operations. In the wired communication mode, the wired communication unit (252) transmits at least the second work data by the wired communication method after all the tightening operations are completed.

[0211] According to this aspect, the first communication mode is a wireless communication mode, and the second communication mode is a wired communication mode. In the wireless communication mode, the wireless communication unit (251) transmits the first work data by wireless communication between the tightening operations, and in the wired communication mode, the wired communication unit (252) transmits the second work data by wired communication after all the tightening operations have been completed. This has the advantage of preventing the tightening operations from being interrupted by the transmission of work data, and improving usability, compared to when all the work data is transmitted by wireless communication between the tightening operations.

[0212] In the ninth aspect, in the wireless communication mode, the wireless communication unit (251) may transmit the first operation data by the wireless communication method when one tightening operation is completed.

[0213] In this way, the wireless communication unit (251) transmits the first work data by wireless communication every time one tightening operation is completed, thereby improving the real-time performance of control using the first work data (for example, control of the line speed, control of the tightening unit 23, etc.). Furthermore, when the first work data includes a tightening torque value but does not include judgment result data, the receiver (4) can judge whether the tightening operation is successful (make a judgment regarding the success or failure) based on the first work data before the next tightening operation is performed.

[0214] In the ninth aspect, in the wireless communication mode, the wireless communication unit (251) may transmit the first operation data by the wireless communication method after completing a plurality of tightening operations.

[0215] In this way, the wireless communication unit (251) transmits the first work data by wireless communication every time multiple tightening operations are completed, thereby reducing the number of wireless communications and improving the real-time nature of control using the first work data.

[0216] In the ninth aspect, the power tool (2) may further include a control unit (21). The control unit (21) controls the operation of the tightening unit (23). In the wireless communication mode, the wireless communication unit (251) may receive work instruction information related to the tightening work, and the control unit (21) may control the tightening unit (23) based on the work instruction information.

[0217] This has the advantage of improving usability, since work instruction information regarding a new tightening work can be transmitted to the power tool (2) located at a remote location.

[0218] Furthermore, the control unit (21) may stop the tightening work by the tightening unit (23) when all tightening work based on the work instruction information is completed.

[0219] This makes it possible to prevent the tightening section (23) from performing the tightening work without inputting work instruction information related to the tightening work.

[0220] In the ninth aspect, the control unit (21) may stop the tightening operation by the tightening unit (23) during a transmission period in which the wireless communication unit (251) transmits the operation data.

[0221] This reduces the possibility of a communication error occurring in the wireless communication unit (251) due to noise generated by the tightening operation of the tightening portion (23).

[0222] In the ninth aspect, the control unit (21) may set the communication mode to the wireless communication mode or the wired communication mode based on mode setting information received by the wired communication unit (252) from the terminal device (3) connected to the wired communication unit (252) via the communication line (CB1).

[0223] This allows the communication mode to be set using the terminal device (3).

[0224] A power tool system (1) of a tenth aspect includes the power tool (2) of any one of the first to ninth aspects and a receiver (4). The receiver (4) receives work data transmitted from the wireless communication unit (251).

[0225] According to this aspect, the communication modes of the communication unit (25) of the power tool (2) include a first communication mode and a second communication mode. In the first communication mode, the first work data is transmitted between tightening operations, and in the second communication mode, at least the second work data is transmitted after all tightening operations are completed, thereby shortening the period during which tightening operations are not performed (standby period). As a result, it is possible to provide a power tool system (1) including a power tool (2) that is easy to use and prevents the transmission of work data from interfering with tightening operations.

[0226] Not limited to the above-described aspects, various configurations (including modified examples) of the power tool (2) according to the above-described embodiment can be embodied as a control method for the power tool (2), a (computer) program, or a non-transitory recording medium on which a program is recorded, etc.

[0227] The configurations according to the second to tenth aspects are not essential for the power tool (2) and can be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0228] 1 Power Tool System 2 Power tools 3 Terminal Devices 4 Receiver 21 Control section 23 Fastening part 24 Sensor unit 25 Communications Department 27 Memory section 200 Tool body 251 Radio Communication Department 252 Wired Communications Department

Claims

1. a clamping unit that performs clamping work on members using the driving force of a power source; a sensor unit that performs a measurement process of measuring at least the tightening torque applied by the tightening unit and acquiring work data related to the measurement results; a communication unit that transmits the work data; a storage unit that stores the work data; a portable tool body that houses the tightening unit, the sensor unit, the communication unit, and the storage unit, a communication mode in which the communication unit transmits the work data stored in the storage unit includes a first communication mode and a second communication mode; The communication unit In the first communication mode, first work data that is part of the work data stored in the storage unit is transmitted during intervals between the fastening operations, and second work data that is data other than the first work data is not transmitted; In the second communication mode, after all of the fastening operations are completed, at least the second operation data among the operation data stored in the storage unit is transmitted. Power tools.

2. The communication unit In the first communication mode, each time one or more tightening operations are completed, the first operation data corresponding to the one or more tightening operations among the operation data stored in the storage unit is transmitted, In the second communication mode, after all of the fastening operations are completed, at least the second operation data corresponding to all of the fastening operations among the operation data stored in the storage unit is transmitted. The power tool according to claim 1 .

3. The measurement process includes: a torque measurement process for measuring the tightening torque and acquiring a tightening torque value as a result of the torque measurement; a determination process for determining whether the fastening work is good or bad based on the fastening torque value and acquiring determination result data regarding the result of the determination; a related measurement process for performing a related measurement related to the torque measurement and obtaining a related value that is a result of the related measurement; The first work data includes one or more types of information of the tightening torque value and the judgment result data, The second work data includes one or more types of information from among the tightening torque value, the judgment result data, and the related value, excluding one or more types of information included in the first work data. The power tool according to claim 2.

4. the first work data includes the determination result data, The second work data includes the tightening torque value and the related value. The power tool according to claim 3.

5. In the second communication mode, the communication unit transmits detailed work data including the first work data and the second work data. The power tool according to claim 4.

6. the storage unit deletes the data transmitted by the communication unit from the stored detailed work data. The power tool according to claim 5.

7. The storage unit In the first communication mode, even if the communication unit transmits the determination result data, the transmitted determination result data is not deleted, In the second communication mode, when the communication unit transmits the detailed work data, the transmitted detailed work data is deleted. The power tool according to claim 6.

8. In the second communication mode, even if the communication unit transmits the detailed work data, the storage unit does not immediately delete the transmitted detailed work data, but performs an operation of deleting old data that has already been transmitted from the stored detailed work data and storing new data. The power tool according to claim 7.

9. The communication unit a wireless communication unit that transmits the first work data by wireless communication; a wired communication unit that transmits the second work data by wired communication; the first communication mode is a wireless communication mode, the second communication mode is a wired communication mode, In the wireless communication mode, the wireless communication unit transmits the first work data by the wireless communication method during intervals between the fastening operations, and does not transmit the second work data, In the wired communication mode, the wired communication unit transmits at least the second operation data by wired communication after all of the fastening operations are completed. The power tool according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The power tool according to any one of claims 1 to 8, a receiver; The receiver receives the work data transmitted from the communication unit. Power tool system.

11. The power tool according to claim 9; a receiver; The receiver receives the work data transmitted from the communication unit. Power tool system.

Images