Electric tool system

Abstract

The problem addressed by the present invention is to facilitate, at a transmission destination, the distinction of the use of a first measurement value from an electric power tool and, in turn, the association of the first measurement value with a second measurement value from an inspection device. A presentation unit (11) constituting an electric tool (1) presents tool identification information. A first measurement unit (13) measures the tightening torque of a tightening unit (12) and outputs a first measurement value. A first communication unit (14) transmits the first measurement value together with the tool identification information. A take-in unit (21) constituting an inspection device (2) takes in the tool identification information from the presentation unit (11) during a period in which the electric tool (1) is undergoing an inspection by the inspection device (2) A second measurement unit (22) measures the tightening torque of the tightening unit (12) and outputs a second measurement value. A second communication unit (25) transmits the second measurement value together with the tool identification information that has been taken in.

Description

Power Tool System

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power tool system, and more particularly to a power tool system including a power tool and an inspection device.

[0002] Patent Literature 1 describes a power tool system including a power tool and an inspection device that inspects the tightening torque of the power tool. In this power tool system, a first torque measurement value from the power tool and a second torque measurement value from the inspection device are transmitted to a management system at approximately the same time, and the first torque measurement value and the second torque measurement value received by the management system at approximately the same time are linked to each other.

[0003] In the power tool system of Patent Document 1, it may be difficult for a transmission destination, such as a management system (external system), to distinguish whether the first torque measurement value (first measurement value) from the power tool is a first measurement value for inspection or a first measurement value for a purpose other than inspection (for example, for monitoring tightening torque during work). If such a distinction becomes difficult, it also becomes difficult to link the first measurement value from the power tool with the second measurement value from the inspection device.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-10963

[0005] The object of the present disclosure is to provide a power tool system that makes it easy for the destination to distinguish whether a first measurement value from a power tool is a first measurement value for inspection or a first measurement value for a purpose other than inspection, and thereby to link the first measurement value from the power tool with a second measurement value from an inspection device.

[0006] A power tool system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a power tool and an inspection device. The inspection device performs at least a portion of a torque inspection of the power tool. The power tool includes a presentation unit, a tightening unit, a first measurement unit, and a first communication unit. The presentation unit presents tool identification information that identifies the power tool. The tightening unit tightens a target object to a workpiece using the driving force of a power source. The first measurement unit measures the tightening torque of the tightening unit and outputs a first measurement value. The first communication unit transmits the first measurement value together with the tool identification information to an external system. The inspection device includes an acquisition unit, a second measurement unit, and a second communication unit. The acquisition unit acquires the tool identification information from the presentation unit included in the power tool during an inspection period in which the power tool is being inspected by the inspection device. The second measurement unit measures the tightening torque of the tightening unit included in the power tool and outputs a second measurement value. The second communication unit transmits the second measurement value to the external system together with the tool identification information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a management system implemented by a power tool system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure and an external system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the management system. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of each of a plurality of power tools included in the power tool system. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an inspection device included in the power tool system. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the external system. FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram showing a first modified example of the inspection device, and FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram showing a second modified example of the inspection device. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of a management system implemented by a power tool system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure and an external system. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the management system. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of each of a plurality of power tools included in the power tool system. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the inspection device included in the power tool system. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the external system.

[0008] (1) First Embodiment The structures of the power tool and the inspection device, the positional relationship between the presentation unit and the capture unit, and the configuration of the external system described below are all examples and can be modified as appropriate.

[0009] (1-1) System Configuration As shown in Fig. 1, a power tool system 10 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of power tools 1 and an inspection device 2. The power tools 1 and the inspection device 2 are used, for example, in a workroom in a building such as a factory. Each of the power tools 1 and the inspection device 2 is communicatively connected to an external system 30 via a wireless communication medium such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0010] (1-1-1) Power Tool The power tool 1 is a portable device for performing a tightening operation to tighten a tightening target to a workpiece. As shown in Fig. 1, the power tool 1 has a tool body 100, a battery pack 103, an output shaft 113, and a trigger switch 141. The battery pack 103 is attached to the tool body 100 and supplies power for operating various components housed in the tool body 100. The various components include, for example, a motor for rotating the output shaft 113 and a control circuit for controlling the motor in response to operation of the trigger switch 141.

[0011] 1, a presenting unit 11 is provided on the front surface of the lower end of the tool body 100 (a surface normal to the direction toward the tip of the output shaft 113). The presenting unit 11 includes, for example, an optically readable code such as a QR code (registered trademark; the same applies hereinafter) or a barcode, or an IC tag (also referred to as an IC chip) capable of contactless communication such as near field communication (NFC). Information such as tool identification information is embedded in the code so that it can be optically read. Information such as tool identification information is stored in the IC tag so that it can be received (read) via contactless communication.

[0012] At least one of a display and a speaker may be provided at an appropriate position on the tool body 100 to notify the user of the completion of calibration (described later).

[0013] In this way, in the power tool 1, the presentation unit 11 including a code or IC tag can present information such as tool identification information to the input unit 21 (by optically reading it or transmitting it via contactless communication).

[0014] (1-1-2) Inspection Device The inspection device 2 is a device that performs at least a part of the torque inspection (described later) of the power tool 1. The inspection device 2 of this embodiment realizes the torque inspection in cooperation with the power tool 1 and the external system 30. However, the inspection device 2 may also perform the entire torque inspection.

[0015] The inspection device 2 includes a base 201, a main body 202, a second measuring unit 22, a support member 205, an intake unit 21, a display unit 23, and a reception unit 24. In the inspection device 2 of this embodiment, the lower surface of a rectangular parallelepiped main body 202 is attached to the upper surface of the plate-shaped base 201. The second measuring unit 22 is provided in the center of the upper surface of the main body 202. The second measuring unit 22 has an insertion hole 203 into which the output shaft 113 of the power tool 1 is inserted. In addition, a display unit 23 including a display is provided on one end side of the upper surface of the main body 202.

[0016] Of the four sides of the main body 202, a reception unit 24 including an operation button is provided on the first side 202a on the side where the display unit 23 is provided, and an inverted L-shaped support member 205 is provided on the second side 202b opposite the first side 202a.

[0017] The capture unit 21 is provided on the upper surface of the support member 205. The capture unit 21 includes, for example, a code reader that optically reads information such as tool identification information embedded in a code, or a tag reader that receives information such as tool identification information from an IC tag by non-contact communication.

[0018] 1 , when the output shaft 113 of the power tool 1 is inserted into the insertion hole 203 of the inspection device 2, the presenting unit 11 provided on the front surface of the lower end of the tool body 100 faces the taking-in unit 21 provided on the upper surface of the support member 205. In this state, the taking-in unit 21 of the inspection device 2 can take in information such as tool identification information from the presenting unit 11 of the power tool 1 (optical reading or reception by non-contact communication).

[0019] (1-1-3) External System The external system 30 is a system that performs part of the management of the power tools 1 (described later). As shown in FIG. 1 , the external system 30 includes a communication device 4 and a server 5. As described above, the communication device 4 can communicate with each of the multiple power tools 1 and the inspection device 2 via a wireless communication medium. The communication device 4 is also communicatively connected to the server 5 via a wide area communication network NT1 such as the Internet. The communication device 4 has a display 44 and displays various information on the display 44. Examples of the various information include first measurement values ​​received from each of the multiple power tools 1 and second measurement values ​​received from the inspection device 2. The server 5 is installed, for example, in a management office within a building. However, the server 5 may be a cloud server on the Internet, and its location does not matter.

[0020] (1-1-4) Management System The power tool system 10 and the external system 30 described above realize a management system that performs management including torque inspection of a plurality of power tools 1.

[0021] The torque inspection is an inspection of the power tool 1 to determine whether the first measurement value, which is obtained by measuring the tightening torque by the tightening unit 12 by the first measurement unit 13, is an appropriate value. If the first measurement value is not an appropriate value, that is, if it is determined that the first measurement value does not match the second measurement value, which is obtained by measuring the tightening torque by the tightening unit 12 by the second measurement unit 22, then calibration is performed on the first measurement unit 13. More specifically, if the difference between the first measurement value and the second measurement value is equal to or greater than a threshold value, it is determined that the first measurement value does not match the second measurement value, and calibration is performed on the first measurement unit 13.

[0022] The management further includes, for the torque inspection as described above, determining whether each of the multiple tool identification information corresponding to the multiple power tools 1 is in an inspected state, and obtaining inspection information by linking the tool identification information determined to be in an inspected state to a set of a first measurement value by the first measuring unit 13 of the power tool 1 and status information indicating the inspected state.

[0023] The management further includes linking each of the plurality of pieces of tool identification information to a second measurement value obtained by the second measuring unit 22 of the inspection device 2. The management further includes obtaining a difference between the first measurement value and the second measurement value constituting the inspection information between the inspection information and the second measurement value linked to the same tool identification information, and calibrating the first measuring unit 13 of the power tool 1 identified by the tool identification information based on the obtained difference.

[0024] (1-2) Details (1-2-1) Details of the Power Tool Each of the multiple power tools 1 includes a presentation unit 11, a tightening unit 12, a first measurement unit 13, a first communication unit 14, and a first processing unit 15, as shown in FIG.

[0025] The presentation unit 11 presents various types of information. The various types of information include, for example, tool identification information for identifying the power tool 1. The various types of information may further include, for example, attribute information related to the attributes of the power tool 1. The attribute information is, for example, information related to the type or affiliation (user, place of use) of the power tool 1.

[0026] The tightening unit 12 performs tightening. Tightening is the operation of tightening a tightening object, such as a screw, to a workpiece using the driving force of a power source such as a battery. The tightening unit 12 tightens the tightening object via the output shaft 113. The first measuring unit 13 includes, for example, a first torque sensor that outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the strain generated in the output shaft 113 in response to tightening by the tightening unit 12. The first measuring unit 13 measures the tightening torque applied by the tightening unit 12 based on the output of the first torque sensor, and obtains a first measurement value indicating the measurement result.

[0027] The first communication unit 14 performs wireless communication with the external system 30 (external communication unit 31). For example, when the first processing unit 15 described later determines that the power tool 1 is not in an inspected state (i.e., is in a state different from the inspected state, such as a working state), the first communication unit 14 transmits the first measurement value obtained by the first measuring unit 13 to the external system 30 together with tool identification information that identifies the power tool 1.

[0028] Furthermore, when the first processing unit 15 determines that the power tool 1 is in an inspected state, the first communication unit 14 transmits the first measurement value measured by the first measuring unit 13 together with state information indicating the inspected state and tool identification information for identifying the power tool to the external system 30. However, the communication partner of the first communication unit 14 (the destination of the first measurement value, etc.) is not limited to the external system 30.

[0029] The first processing unit 15 executes various processes. The various processes are, for example, processes of the calibration unit 151. The first processing unit 15 also performs various determinations, etc., which will be explained in the flowchart of Fig. 3. The various determinations include, for example, determining whether or not the device is in an inspected state (see step S13).

[0030] The first processing unit 15 includes a calibration unit 151. The calibration unit 151 calibrates the first measuring unit 13 based on the difference notified from the external system 30. The calibration is to adjust the first torque sensor or correct the output of the first torque sensor so that the notified difference approaches zero.

[0031] When the calibration is completed, the calibration unit 151 may notify the user of the completion of the calibration. The notification may be, for example, a display on the display provided in the tool body 100, a sound output from a speaker provided in the tool body 100, or the like.

[0032] (1-2-2) Details of the Inspection Device As shown in FIG. 2, the inspection device 2 includes an acquisition unit 21, a second measurement unit 22, a display unit 23, a reception unit 24, a second communication unit 25, and a second processing unit 26.

[0033] The import unit 21 imports information such as tool identification information from the presentation unit 11 of one of the power tools 1 when the output shaft 113 of the one of the power tools 1 is inserted into the insertion hole 203.

[0034] The second measuring unit 22 includes a second torque sensor. The second torque sensor outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the strain generated in the output shaft 113 of one of the power tools 1 in response to tightening by the tightening unit 12 when the output shaft 113 of the one of the power tools 1 is inserted into the insertion hole 203. Note that, hereinafter, the power tool 1 of the multiple power tools 1 in which the output shaft 113 is inserted into the insertion hole 203 may be referred to as the "power tool 1 in an inspected state."

[0035] The second measuring unit 22 measures the tightening torque applied by the tightening unit 12 of the power tool 1 in the inspected state based on the output of the second torque sensor, and obtains a second measurement value indicating the measurement result.

[0036] The display unit 23 includes a display and displays on the display the second measurement value acquired by the second measurement unit 22. The reception unit 24 includes an operation button and receives, via the operation button, an authorization operation for permitting transmission of the second measurement value displayed by the display unit 23 to the external system 30.

[0037] The second communication unit 25 performs wireless communication with the external system 30 (external communication unit 31). For example, when the display unit 23 displays the second measurement value acquired by the second measurement unit 22 and the accepting unit 24 accepts an authorization operation, the second communication unit 25 associates the acquired second measurement value with the tool identification information acquired by the acquiring unit 21 from the presentation unit 11 of the power tool 1 in the inspected state and transmits the associated second measurement value to the external system 30. However, the communication partner of the second communication unit 25 (the destination of the second measurement value, etc.) is not limited to the external system 30.

[0038] The second processing unit 26 executes various processes, such as the various determinations described in the flowchart of FIG.

[0039] (1-2-3) Details of the External System As shown in FIG. 2, the external system 30 includes an external communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, and an external processing unit 33.

[0040] The external communication unit 31 performs wireless communication with each of the multiple first communication units 14 corresponding to the multiple power tools 1 and the second communication unit of the inspection device 2 .

[0041] The storage unit 32 stores various types of information, such as information received by the external communication unit 31 from each of the power tools 1 and the inspection device 2, specifically, first measurement values, second measurement values, tool identification information, and status information.

[0042] The external processing unit 33 executes various processes, such as the process of a linking unit 331 and the process of a difference notification unit 332. The external processing unit 33 also performs various determinations, which will be explained in the flowchart of FIG.

[0043] The external processing unit 33 includes a linking unit 331 and a difference notification unit 332. The linking unit 331 links the tool identification information with various information, such as inspection information including the first measurement value and status information, and the second measurement value.

[0044] For example, when the external communication unit 31 receives tool identification information along with the first measurement value, the linking unit 331 links the tool identification information to the first measurement value by storing the first measurement value in the memory unit 32 in correspondence with the tool identification information.

[0045] In addition, for example, when the external communication unit 31 receives tool identification information and status information along with the first measurement value, the linking unit 331 links the tool identification information with the inspection information by storing inspection information including the first measurement value and status information in the memory unit 32 in association with the tool identification information.

[0046] Furthermore, for example, when the external communication unit 31 receives tool identification information together with the second measurement value, the linking unit 331 links the tool identification information with the second measurement value by storing the second measurement value in the memory unit 32 in correspondence with the tool identification information.

[0047] The linking unit 331 links the tool identification information with the inspection information and the tool identification information with the second measurement value, so that the first measurement value and the second measurement value included in the inspection information are linked between the inspection information and the second measurement value associated with the same tool identifier, thereby enabling the difference notifying unit 332 to calculate the difference.

[0048] The difference notification unit 332 calculates the difference between the first measurement value and the second measurement value included in the inspection information between the inspection information and the second measurement value associated with the same tool identifier, and then notifies the power tool 1 identified by the tool identifier of the difference via the external communication unit 31.

[0049] (1-3) Operation Example (1-3-1) Operation Example of Power Tool Each of the multiple power tools 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as "power tool 1") operates, for example, according to the flowchart in Fig. 3. The process in Fig. 3 is started, for example, when the power tool 1 is started and ended when the power tool 1 is stopped.

[0050] The first processing unit 15 determines whether tightening has been performed by the tightening unit 12 (step S11). If it is determined that tightening has not been performed by the tightening unit 12 (No in step S11), the process proceeds to step S16.

[0051] If it is determined in step S11 that the tightening unit 12 has performed tightening (Yes), the first measuring unit 13 measures the tightening torque of the tightening unit 12 (step S12).

[0052] Next, the first processing unit 15 determines whether the power tool 1 is in an inspected state (step S13). If it is determined that the power tool 1 is not in an inspected state (No in step S13), the process proceeds to step S15.

[0053] If it is determined in step S13 that the power tool 1 is in the inspected state (Yes), the first communication unit 14 transmits the first measurement value obtained by the first measurement unit 13 to the external system 30 together with state information indicating the inspected state and tool identification information for identifying the power tool 1 (step S14). Then, the process returns to step S11.

[0054] If it is determined in step S13 that the power tool 1 is not in an inspected state (No: that is, the power tool 1 is in an operating state), the first communication unit 14 transmits the first measurement value obtained by the first measurement unit 13 to the external system 30 together with tool identification information for identifying the power tool 1 (step S15). Then, the process returns to step S11.

[0055] If it is determined in step S11 that tightening by the tightening unit 12 has not been performed (No), the first processing unit 15 determines whether the first communication unit 14 has received a difference from the external system 30 (step S16). If it is determined that the first communication unit 14 has not received a difference from the external system 30 (No in step S16), the processing returns to step S11.

[0056] If it is determined in step S16 that the first communication unit 14 has received the difference from the external system 30 (Yes), the calibration unit 151 calibrates the first measurement unit 13 based on the received difference (step S17). Then, the process returns to step S11.

[0057] (1-3-2) Example of Operation of Inspection Device The inspection device 2 operates, for example, according to the flowchart in Fig. 4. The process in Fig. 4 is started, for example, when the inspection device 2 is started, and is ended when the operation is stopped.

[0058] The second processing unit 26 determines whether or not the power tool 1 is attached to the inspection device 2 (step S21). If it is determined that the power tool 1 is not attached (No in step S21), the process returns to step S21.

[0059] If it is determined in step S21 that the power tool 1 is attached to the inspection device 2 (Yes), the acquisition unit 21 acquires the tool identification information from the presentation unit 11 of the power tool 1 (step S22).

[0060] Next, the second measuring unit 22 measures the tightening torque applied by the tightening unit 12 of the power tool 1 (step S23).

[0061] Next, the display unit 23 displays the second measurement value measured in step S23 (step S24).

[0062] The second processing unit 26 determines whether the permission operation has been accepted by the accepting unit 24 (step S25). If it is determined that the permission operation has not been accepted by the accepting unit 24 (No in step S25), the process proceeds to step S27.

[0063] If it is determined in step S25 that the permission operation has been accepted by the accepting unit 24 (Yes), the second measurement value measured in step S23 is transmitted to the external system 30 together with tool identification information for identifying the power tool 1 (step S26). Then, the process returns to step S21.

[0064] If it is determined in step S25 that the permission operation has not been accepted by the accepting unit 24 (No), the second processing unit 26 determines (step S27) whether the power tool 1 has been detached from the inspection device 2. If it is determined that the power tool 1 has not been detached from the inspection device 2 (No in step S27), the processing returns to step S25.

[0065] If it is determined in step S27 that the power tool 1 has been detached from the inspection device 2 (Yes), the process returns to step S21.

[0066] (1-3-3) Example of Operation of External System The external system 30 operates, for example, according to the flowchart in Fig. 5. The process in Fig. 5 is started, for example, when the external system 30 is started, and is ended when the operation of the external system 30 is stopped.

[0067] The external processing unit 33 determines whether the external communication unit 31 has received the first measurement value and the tool identification information (step S31). If it is determined that the external communication unit 31 has not received the first measurement value and the tool identification information (No in step S31), the process proceeds to step S33.

[0068] If it is determined in step S31 that the external communication unit 31 has received the first measurement value and the tool identification information (Yes), the associating unit 331 associates the first measurement value with the tool identification information and stores the first measurement value in the storage unit 32 (step S32). Then, the process proceeds to step S33.

[0069] In step S33, the external processing unit 33 determines whether or not the first measurement value, the status information, and the tool identification information have been received by the external communication unit 31. If it is determined that the external communication unit 31 has not received the first measurement value, the status information, and the tool identification information (No in step S33), the processing proceeds to step S35.

[0070] If it is determined in step S33 that the external communication unit 31 has received the first measurement value, the status information, and the tool identification information (Yes), the associating unit 331 associates the tool identification information with the inspection information by storing the inspection information including the first measurement value and the status information in the storage unit 32 (step S34). Then, the process proceeds to step S35.

[0071] In step S35, the external processing unit 33 determines whether or not the second measurement value and the tool identification information have been received by the external communication unit 31. If it is determined that the external communication unit 31 has not received the second measurement value and the tool identification information (No in step S35), the processing proceeds to step S37.

[0072] If it is determined in step S35 that the external communication unit 31 has received the second measurement value and the tool identification information (Yes), the associating unit 331 associates the second measurement value with the tool identification information and stores it in the storage unit 32 (step S36). Then, the process proceeds to step S37.

[0073] In step S37, the external processing unit 33 determines whether the inspection information and the second measurement value associated with the common tool identification information are stored in the storage unit 32. If it is determined that the inspection information and the second measurement value associated with the common tool identification information are not stored in the storage unit 32 (No in step S37), the processing proceeds to step S40.

[0074] If it is determined in step S37 that the inspection information and the second measurement value associated with the common tool identification information are stored in the storage unit 32 (Yes), the difference notification unit 332 calculates the difference between the first measurement value and the second measurement value included in the inspection information (step S38). Next, the difference notification unit 332 notifies the power tool 1 identified by the tool identification information of the difference via the external communication unit 31 (step S39). Then, the process returns to step S31.

[0075] In step S40, the external processing unit 33 performs other processing, after which the processing returns to step S31.

[0076] (1-4) Modifications In the modifications, the explanation of the matters common to the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified, and the differences will be explained in detail.

[0077] (1-4-1) First Modification In the power tool system 10 of this modification, as shown in Fig. 6A , a wall member 206 is provided along the first side surface 202a of the main body 202 of the inspection device 2, which is opposite to the second side surface 202b on which the support member 205 is provided. The presentation unit 11 of the power tool 1 is provided on the top surface of the tool main body 100, and the take-up unit 21 of the inspection device 2 is provided at a predetermined position on the upper end side of the wall member 206. The predetermined position is a position where the take-up unit 21 and the presentation unit 11 face each other when the power tool 1 is attached to the inspection device 2 (when the output shaft 113 is inserted into the insertion hole 203).

[0078] Note that the positions facing each other do not necessarily have to be completely opposite to each other, but may be opposite to the extent that the acquisition unit 21 can acquire the tool identification information from the presentation unit 11 (the same applies to the second modified example).

[0079] In this modification, the display unit 23 and the reception unit 24 are provided on one of a pair of third side surfaces 202c sandwiched between the first side surface 202a and the second side surface 202b.

[0080] In this modified example, the inspection device 2 does not have to include the support member 205 (the same applies to the second modified example).

[0081] (1-4-2) Second Modification In the power tool system 10 of this modification, as shown in FIG. 6B , a wall member 206 is provided along one of the pair of third side surfaces 202c. The presentation unit 11 of the power tool 1 is provided on the side surface of the tool body 100. The take-up unit 21 of the inspection device 2 is provided at a predetermined position on the upper end side of the wall member 206. The predetermined position is a position where the take-up unit 21 and the presentation unit 11 face each other when the power tool 1 is attached to the inspection device 2 (when the output shaft 113 is inserted into the insertion hole 203).

[0082] (1-4-3) Positional Relationship Between the Presentation Unit and the Capture Unit Generally, the presentation unit 11 and the capture unit 21 may be positioned such that the capture unit 21 can capture the tool identification information from the presentation unit 11 when the power tool 1 is in the inspected state, i.e., when the output shaft 113 is inserted into the insertion hole 203. For example, as described in the first embodiment and the first and second modified examples, this positional relationship is such that the capture unit 21 and the presentation unit 11 face each other when the output shaft 113 is inserted into the insertion hole 203. However, the inspected state does not necessarily have to be a state in which the output shaft 113 is inserted into the insertion hole 203, as long as the inspection device 2 can measure the tightening torque applied to the output shaft 113. Furthermore, the capture unit 21 and the presentation unit 11 do not necessarily have to face each other in the inspected state, as long as the capture unit 21 can capture the tool identification information from the presentation unit 11.

[0083] (2) Second Embodiment In the following, the description of the matters common to the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified, and the differences will be described in detail.

[0084] (2-1) System configuration As shown in FIG. 7, in the power tool system 10 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the multiple power tools 1 and the inspection device 2 is communicatively connected to an external system 30 via a wireless communication medium, and each of the multiple power tools 1 and the inspection device 2 is also communicatively connected to each other via a wireless communication medium.

[0085] (2-1-1) Power Tool In the power tool 1 of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7, a setting unit 16 is provided on the front surface of the lower end of the tool body 100 instead of the presenting unit 11. The setting unit 16 includes a setting button, and sets and cancels an inspection mode corresponding to the inspection state in the first embodiment in response to pressing of the setting button. Note that the setting and cancellation of the inspection mode may be to set a mode different from the inspection mode (for example, a work mode corresponding to the work state in the first embodiment).

[0086] For example, when the setting button is pressed while the inspection mode is canceled (or the work mode is set), the setting unit 16 sets the inspection mode. Also, when the setting button is pressed while the inspection mode is set, the setting unit 16 cancels the inspection mode (or sets the work mode).

[0087] (2-1-2) Inspection device In the inspection device 2 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the intake section 21 is not provided on the upper surface of the support member 205, and the inspection device 2 acquires tool identification information from the power tool 1 by wirelessly communicating with the power tool 1 in response to the output shaft 113 of the tool body 100 being inserted into the insertion hole 203 of the inspection device 2.

[0088] (2-1-3) External System The external system 30 in this embodiment is the same as the external system 30 in the first embodiment.

[0089] (2-1-4) Management System The power tool system 10 and the external system 30 described above realize a management system that performs management, including torque inspection, of multiple power tools 1. The torque inspection in this embodiment is the same as the torque inspection in the first embodiment, except for the following points.

[0090] That is, in the torque inspection of this embodiment, the calculation of the difference between the first measurement value and the second measurement value is performed in the power tool 1, not in the external system 30. More specifically, when the inspection device 2 of this embodiment transmits the second measurement value together with the tool identification information to the external system 30, it notifies the power tool 1 identified by the tool identification information of the second measurement value. The power tool 1 calculates the difference between the first measurement value it has measured and the second measurement value notified by the inspection device 2, and if the calculated difference is equal to or greater than a threshold, it determines that the first measurement value is not appropriate and calibrates the first measurement unit 13.

[0091] Another difference is that while the management in the first embodiment was based on the state of the inspection device 2 (whether it was in an inspected state or in an operating state), the management in this embodiment is based on the mode set in the inspection device 2 (whether it was in an inspected mode or in an operating mode).

[0092] In other words, management in this embodiment includes determining whether each of multiple tool identification information corresponding to multiple power tools 1 is in the inspection mode, and obtaining inspection information by linking the tool identification information determined to be in the inspection mode with a set of the first measurement value by the first measuring unit 13 of the power tool 1 and mode information indicating the inspection mode.

[0093] Similarly to the management in the first embodiment, the management further includes associating the second measurement value with each of the plurality of pieces of tool identification information. The management further includes obtaining a difference between the first measurement value and the second measurement value between the inspection information and the second measurement value associated with the same tool identification information, and calibrating the first measuring unit 13 based on the obtained difference.

[0094] (2-2) Details (2-2-1) Power Tools As shown in Fig. 8, each of the power tools 1 includes a setting unit 16, a tightening unit 12, a first measuring unit 13, a first communication unit 14, and a first processing unit 15. The first processing unit 15 includes a calibration unit 151.

[0095] That is, the power tool 1 of this embodiment includes a setting unit 16 instead of the presenting unit 11 of the power tool 1 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 2 ). The setting unit 16 sets and cancels the inspection mode. The power tool 1 is set to the inspection mode via the setting unit 16 before undergoing inspection by the inspection device 2. After undergoing inspection by the inspection device 2, the power tool 1 is canceled from the inspection mode (returning to the work mode) via the setting unit 16.

[0096] The first communication unit 14 performs wireless communication with each of the external system 30 (external communication unit 31) and the inspection device 2 (second communication unit 25). For example, when the first processing unit 15 determines that the power tool 1 is not in the inspection mode (i.e., in the work mode), the first communication unit 14 transmits the first measurement value obtained by the first measuring unit 13 to the external system 30 together with tool identification information that identifies the power tool 1.

[0097] In addition, when the first processing unit 15 determines that the power tool 1 attached to the inspection device 2 is in the inspection mode, the first communication unit 14 transmits the first measurement value by the first measuring unit 13 to the external system 30 together with mode information indicating the inspection mode and tool identification information that identifies the power tool 1.

[0098] The first processing unit 15 executes various processes including the process of the calibration unit 151. The first processing unit 15 also performs various determinations, which will be explained in the flowchart of Fig. 9. The various determinations include determining whether the power tool 1 attached to the inspection device 2 is in the inspection mode (see step S13).

[0099] In this embodiment, the calibration unit 151 calculates the difference between the first measurement value measured by the first measurement unit 13 and the second measurement value notified from the inspection device 2, and performs calibration on the first measurement unit 13 based on the calculated difference.

[0100] Note that the calibration unit 151 may notify the inspection device 2 of the completion of calibration when the calibration is completed, similar to the calibration unit 151 of the first embodiment. Alternatively, the calibration unit 151 of this embodiment may notify the inspection device 2, for example, via the first communication unit 14. That is, the calibration unit 151 may notify the inspection device 2 of the completion of calibration via the first communication unit 14, and in response to this notification, the display unit 23 of the inspection device 2 may notify the inspection device 2 of the completion of calibration.

[0101] 8, the inspection device 2 includes a second measurement unit 22, a display unit 23, a reception unit 24, a second communication unit 25, and a second processing unit 26. The second processing unit 26 includes a measurement value notification unit 261 and an acquisition unit 262.

[0102] That is, the inspection device 2 in this embodiment does not include the acquisition unit 21 in the inspection device 2 in the first embodiment (see FIG. 2 ), and instead includes a second processing unit 26 that includes a measurement value notification unit 261 and an acquisition unit 262. The second measurement unit 22, display unit 23, and reception unit 24 perform the same operations as the second measurement unit 22, display unit 23, and reception unit 24 in the first embodiment.

[0103] The second communication unit 25 performs wireless communication not only with the external system 30 (external communication unit 31) but also with each of the multiple power tools 1 (multiple first communication units 14). Specifically, when one of the multiple power tools 1 is set to the inspection mode, the power tool 1 set to the inspection mode is attached to the inspection device 2, the second measurement value is displayed on the display unit 23, and an authorization operation is accepted by the acceptance unit 24, the second communication unit 25 transmits the second measurement value to the external system 30 together with tool identification information that identifies the power tool 1 in the inspection mode attached to the inspection device 2. In this embodiment, in addition to this, the measurement value notification unit 261 notifies the power tool 1 identified by the tool identification information of the second measurement value via the second communication unit 25.

[0104] The second processing unit 26 performs various types of processing, including, for example, processing by a measurement value notification unit 261, processing by an acquisition unit 262, and various determinations described in the flowchart of FIG.

[0105] (2-2-3) External System As shown in Fig. 8, the external system 30 includes an external communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, and an external processing unit 33. The external processing unit 33 includes a linking unit 331. That is, the external system 30 in this embodiment has a configuration in which the difference notification unit 332 is omitted from the external system 30 in the first embodiment (see Fig. 2).

[0106] Similar to the external communication unit 31 in the first embodiment, the external communication unit 31 performs wireless communication with each of the plurality of first communication units 14 and second communication units 25. The storage unit 32 stores information such as first measurement values, second measurement values, tool identification information, and mode information.

[0107] The external processing unit 33 executes various processes including the process of the linking unit 331 and various determinations explained in the flowchart of FIG.

[0108] The linking unit 331 links the tool identification information with various types of information, such as inspection information including first measurement values ​​and mode information, and second measurement values.

[0109] Similar to the linking unit 331 in the first embodiment, when the external communication unit 31 receives tool identification information together with the first measurement value, the linking unit 331 stores the first measurement value in the memory unit 32 in association with the tool identification information, and when the external communication unit 31 receives tool identification information together with the second measurement value, the linking unit 331 stores the second measurement value in the memory unit 32 in association with the tool identification information.

[0110] Then, for example, when the external communication unit 31 receives tool identification information and mode information along with the first measurement value, the linking unit 331 stores inspection information including the first measurement value and mode information in the memory unit 32, correlating it with the tool identification information.

[0111] (2-3) Operation Example (2-3-1) Operation Example of Power Tool Each of the multiple power tools 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as "power tool 1") operates, for example, according to the flowchart of Fig. 9. The flowchart of Fig. 9 is the same as the flowchart of Fig. 3, except that two steps S10A and S10B are added immediately before step S11, and step S16 is replaced with step S16a and step S17 is replaced with step S17a. The process of Fig. 9 is started, for example, when the power tool 1 is started and ended when the power tool 1 is stopped.

[0112] The first processing unit 15 determines whether or not a setting operation has been accepted (step S10A). If it is determined that a setting operation has not been accepted (No in step S10A), the process proceeds to step S11.

[0113] If it is determined in step S10A that the setting operation has been accepted (Yes), the setting unit 16 sets the mode (step S10B). Then, the process proceeds to step S11. Note that steps S11 to S15 are the same as steps S11 to S15 in the first embodiment. However, after each of steps S14 and S15 is executed, the process returns to step S10A.

[0114] If it is determined in step S11 that tightening by the tightening unit 12 has not been performed (No), the first processing unit 15 determines (step S16a) whether the first communication unit 14 has received the second measurement value from the inspection device 2. If it is determined that the first communication unit 14 has not received the second measurement value from the inspection device 2 (No in step S16a), the processing returns to step S10A.

[0115] If it is determined in step S16a that the first communication unit 14 has received the second measurement value from the inspection device 2 (Yes), the calibration unit 151 calculates the difference between the first measurement value acquired in step S12 and the second measurement value received in step S16a, and calibrates the first measurement unit 13 based on the calculated difference (step S17a). Then, the process returns to step S10A.

[0116] (2-3-2) Example of Operation of Inspection Device The inspection device 2 operates, for example, according to the flowchart in Fig. 10. The flowchart in Fig. 10 is the flowchart in Fig. 4, with step S22 replaced by step S22a and step S26A added immediately after step S26. The process in Fig. 10 is started, for example, when the inspection device 2 is started, and ended when the operation is stopped.

[0117] Step S21 is the same as step S21 in the first embodiment.

[0118] If it is determined in step S21 that the power tool 1 is attached to the inspection device 2 (Yes), the acquisition unit 262 acquires the tool identification information from the power tool 1 by wirelessly communicating with the first communication unit 14 via the second communication unit 25 (step S22a). The subsequent steps S23 to S27 are similar to steps S23 to S27 in the first embodiment.

[0119] In step S26, the second measurement value is transmitted to the external system 30 together with the tool identification information. Then, the measurement value notification unit 261 notifies the power tool 1 identified by the tool identification information of the second measurement value via the second communication unit 25. Then, the process returns to step S21.

[0120] (2-3-3) Example of Operation of External System The external system 30 operates, for example, according to the flowchart in Fig. 11. The flowchart in Fig. 11 is the flowchart in Fig. 5, in which step S33 is replaced with step S33a and step S34 is replaced with step S34a, and steps S37 to S39 are omitted. The processing in Fig. 11 is started, for example, when the external system 30 is started, and ended when the operation is stopped.

[0121] Steps S31 and S32 are the same as steps S31 and S32 in the first embodiment.

[0122] In step S33a, the external processing unit 33 determines whether or not the first measurement value, the mode information, and the tool identification information have been received by the external communication unit 31. If it is determined that the first measurement value, the mode information, and the tool identification information have not been received by the external communication unit 31 (No in step S33a), the processing proceeds to step S35.

[0123] If it is determined in step S33a that the external communication unit 31 has received the first measurement value, the mode information, and the tool identification information (Yes), the associating unit 331 associates the tool identification information with the inspection information by storing the inspection information including the first measurement value and the mode information in the storage unit 32 (step S34a). Then, the process proceeds to step S35.

[0124] Steps S35 and S36 are the same as steps S35 and S36 in the first embodiment. If it is determined in step S35 that the external communication unit 31 has not received the second measurement value and the tool identification information (No), the process proceeds to step S40. After the linking unit 331 stores the second measurement value in the memory unit 32 in association with the tool identification information in step S36, the process proceeds to step S40.

[0125] Step S40 is the same as step S40 in the first embodiment.

[0126] (3) Other Modifications In this modification, the power tool system 10 may be configured with one power tool 1 and an inspection device 2 .

[0127] When the first communication unit 14 determines that the power tool 1 is in an inspected state (or inspected mode), it may transmit first state information indicating the inspected state (or first mode information indicating the inspected mode) together with the first measurement value, and when it determines that the power tool 1 is in a working state (or working mode), it may transmit second state information indicating the working state (or second mode information indicating the working mode) together with the first measurement value.

[0128] Alternatively, when the first communication unit 14 determines that the power tool 1 is in a working state (or working mode), it may transmit status information indicating the working state (or mode information indicating the working mode) together with the first measurement value, and when it determines that the power tool 1 is in an inspected state (or inspected mode), it may transmit the first measurement value without the status information (or mode information).

[0129] In other words, the first communication unit 14 only needs to be able to distinguish between the first measurement value (first measurement value for inspection) from the inspection period in the inspection state (or inspection mode) at the destination of the first measurement value and the first measurement value (first measurement value for use other than inspection) from the period other than the inspection period (e.g., a work period).

[0130] In this modification, the inspection device 2 may have some of the functions of the external system 30. For example, in the modification of the first embodiment, the inspection device 2 may have a linking function and a difference notification function corresponding to the linking unit 331 and the difference notification unit 332 provided in the external system 30. In this case, the external system 30 can be omitted.

[0131] (4) Summary A power tool system (10) according to a first aspect includes a power tool (1) and an inspection device (2). The inspection device (2) performs at least a portion of a torque inspection of the power tool (1). The power tool (1) includes a presentation unit (11), a tightening unit (12), a first measurement unit (13), and a first communication unit (14). The presentation unit (11) presents tool identification information for identifying the power tool (1). The tightening unit (12) tightens a target workpiece using the driving force of the power source. The first measurement unit (13) measures the tightening torque of the tightening unit (12) and outputs a first measurement value. The first communication unit (14) transmits the first measurement value together with the tool identification information to an external system (30). The inspection device (2) includes an acquisition unit (21), a second measurement unit (22), and a second communication unit (25). The acquisition unit (21) acquires tool identification information from a presentation unit (11) provided in the power tool (1) during an inspection period in which the power tool (1) is being inspected by the inspection device (2). The second measurement unit (22) measures the tightening torque of a tightening unit (12) provided in the power tool (1) and outputs a second measurement value. The second communication unit (25) transmits the second measurement value together with the tool identification information acquired by the acquisition unit (21) to an external system (30).

[0132] This aspect corresponds to the first embodiment. According to this aspect, it is possible to easily distinguish whether the first measurement value from the power tool (1) is a first measurement value for inspection or a first measurement value for a purpose other than inspection at the transmission destination, and thus to easily link the first measurement value from the power tool (1) with the second measurement value from the inspection device (2).

[0133] In the power tool system (10) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the power tool (1) has an output shaft (113). The inspection device (2) has an insertion hole (203) into which the output shaft (113) is inserted. The inspection period is a period corresponding to an inspection state. The inspection state is a state in which the output shaft (113) of the power tool (1) is inserted into the insertion hole (203) of the inspection device (2). The presentation unit (11) and the capture unit (21) are positioned such that the capture unit (21) can capture tool identification information from the presentation unit (11) when the power tool (1) is in the inspection state.

[0134] This aspect corresponds to the first embodiment. According to this aspect, simply by placing the power tool (1) in the inspected state, the tool identification information from the power tool (1) is automatically imported into the inspection device (2), thereby improving workability and facilitating the association of the first torque measurement value and the second torque measurement value.

[0135] In the power tool system (10) according to the third aspect, in the second aspect, the torque test is performed by each of the first measuring unit (13) and the second measuring unit (22) measuring the tightening torque of the tightening unit (12) on the output shaft (113) while the output shaft (113) is inserted into the insertion hole (203).

[0136] This aspect corresponds to the first embodiment. According to this aspect, the tightening torque of the power tool (1) in a state where the output shaft (113) is inserted into the insertion hole (203) can be measured simultaneously by each of the power tool (1) and the inspection device (2).

[0137] In the power tool system (10) according to the fourth aspect, the power tool (1) is each of a plurality of power tools (1) in the third aspect. Each of the first measuring unit (13) and the second measuring unit (22) measures the tightening torque of the tightening unit (12) on the output shaft (113) of the power tool (1) that is in an inspected state among the plurality of power tools.

[0138] This aspect corresponds to the first embodiment. According to this aspect, in the external system (30), it is possible to link the first measurement value obtained by the power tool (1) in the inspected state among the multiple power tools (1) with the second measurement value obtained by the inspection device (2).

[0139] In the power tool system (10) according to the fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, the acquisition unit (21) acquires tool identification information from a presentation unit (11) included in a power tool (1) in an inspected state among the multiple power tools (1). The first communication unit (14) of the power tool (1) in an inspected state among the multiple power tools (1) transmits a first measurement value together with the tool identification information and status information to an external system (30). The tool identification information is information that identifies the power tool (1) in the inspected state. The status information is information that indicates the inspected state. The first communication unit (14) of the power tool (1) in a state different from the inspected state transmits the first measurement value together with tool identification information that identifies the power tool (1) in the state different from the inspected state to the external system (30). The second communication unit (25) transmits the second measurement value together with the tool identification information acquired by the acquisition unit (21) to the external system (30).

[0140] This aspect corresponds to the first embodiment. According to this aspect, the acquisition unit (21) of the inspection device (2) acquires tool identification information from the presentation unit (11) of the power tool (1) that is in an inspected state among the multiple power tools (1), thereby facilitating the linking of the first measurement value and the second measurement value via the tool identification information. Furthermore, the first communication unit (14) transmits the first measurement value together with the tool identification information of the power tool (1) in an inspected state and status information indicating the inspected state to the external system (30), thereby enabling the external system (30) to link the first measurement value during the inspected period taken by the power tool (1) with the second measurement value taken by the inspection device (2).

[0141] In the power tool system (10) according to the sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, the external system (30) includes an external communication unit (31), a linking unit (331), and a difference notification unit (332). The external communication unit (31) receives a first measurement value together with status information and tool identification information from each of the multiple power tools (1), and receives a second measurement value together with the tool identification information from the inspection device (2). The linking unit (331) links the first measurement value received by the external communication unit (31) together with the status information and tool identification information with the second measurement value received by the external communication unit (31) together with the tool identification information. The difference notification unit (332) notifies the power tool (1) identified by the tool identification information of the difference between the first measurement value and the second measurement value linked by the linking unit (331). Each of the multiple power tools (1) further includes a calibration unit (151). The calibration section (151) calibrates the first measurement section (13) based on the difference.

[0142] This aspect corresponds to the first embodiment. According to this aspect, the external system (30) links the first measurement value and the second measurement value via the tool identification information, and the external system (30) notifies the power tool (1) of the difference between the linked first measurement value and the linked second measurement value, thereby allowing the power tool (1) to calibrate the first measurement unit (13) based on the notified difference.

[0143] In the power tool system (10) according to the seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, the calibration unit (151) notifies the user of the completion of calibration when the calibration is completed.

[0144] This aspect corresponds to the first embodiment. According to this aspect, it is possible to facilitate the operator's recognition that the calibration of the power tool (1) has been completed.

[0145] In the power tool system (10) according to an eighth aspect, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the inspection device (2) further includes a display unit (23) and a reception unit (24). The display unit (23) displays the second measurement value. The reception unit (24) receives an authorization operation for the second measurement value. When the reception unit (24) receives the authorization operation, the second communication unit (25) transmits the second measurement value together with the tool identification information acquired by the acquisition unit (21) to the external system (30).

[0146] This aspect corresponds to the first embodiment. According to this aspect, only the second measurement value authorized by the operator is transmitted to the external system (30) together with the tool identification information, so that it is possible to avoid associating an inappropriate second measurement value with the first measurement value.

[0147] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Power tool system 1 Power tool 11 Presentation unit 12 Tightening unit 13 First measurement unit (measurement unit) 14 First communication unit (communication unit) 16 Setting unit 151 Calibration unit 2 Inspection device 21 Import unit 22 Second measurement unit 23 Display unit 24 Reception unit 25 Second communication unit 261 Measurement value notification unit 262 Acquisition unit 30 External system 31 External communication unit 331 Linking unit 332 Difference notification unit 113 Output shaft 203 Insertion hole

Claims

1. A power tool system comprising: an electric power tool; and an inspection device which performs at least a part of a torque inspection of the power tool, wherein the power tool comprises: a presentation unit which presents tool identification information which identifies the power tool; a tightening unit which tightens the tightening target to a workpiece using the driving force of a power source; a first measurement unit which measures the tightening torque of the tightening unit and outputs a first measurement value; and a first communication unit which transmits the first measurement value together with the tool identification information to an external system, and the inspection device comprises: an import unit which imports the tool identification information from the presentation unit included in the power tool during an inspection period in which the power tool is inspected by the inspection device; a second measurement unit which measures the tightening torque of the tightening unit included in the power tool and outputs a second measurement value; and a second communication unit which transmits the second measurement value together with the tool identification information imported by the import unit to the external system.

2. The power tool system of claim 1, wherein the power tool has an output shaft, the inspection device has an insertion hole into which the output shaft is inserted, the inspection period is a period corresponding to an inspected state in which the output shaft of the power tool is inserted into the insertion hole of the inspection device, and the presentation unit and the import unit are positioned such that the import unit can import the tool identification information from the presentation unit when the power tool is in the inspected state.

3. The power tool system according to claim 2, wherein the torque inspection is performed by each of the first measuring unit and the second measuring unit measuring the tightening torque of the tightening unit on the output shaft while the output shaft is inserted into the insertion hole.

4. The power tool system according to claim 3, wherein the power tool is each of a plurality of power tools, and each of the first measuring unit and the second measuring unit measures the tightening torque applied to the output shaft by the tightening unit of the power tool in the inspected state among the plurality of power tools.

5. The power tool system according to claim 4, wherein the import unit imports the tool identification information from the presentation unit provided in a power tool in the inspected state among the plurality of power tools; the first communication unit of a power tool in the inspected state among the plurality of power tools transmits the first measurement value to the external system together with the tool identification information identifying the power tool in the inspected state and state information indicating the inspected state; the first communication unit of a power tool in a state other than the inspected state transmits the first measurement value to the external system together with the tool identification information identifying the power tool in the state other than the inspected state; and the second communication unit transmits the second measurement value to the external system together with the tool identification information imported by the import unit.

6. The power tool system described in claim 5, wherein the external system comprises: an external communication unit that receives the first measurement value together with the status information and the tool identification information from each of the plurality of power tools, and receives the second measurement value from the inspection device together with the tool identification information; a linking unit that links the first measurement value received by the external communication unit together with the status information and the tool identification information to the second measurement value received by the external communication unit together with the tool identification information; and a difference notification unit that notifies the power tool identified by the tool identification information of the difference between the first measurement value and the second measurement value linked by the linking unit, and each of the plurality of power tools further comprises a calibration unit that calibrates the first measurement unit based on the difference.

7. The power tool system according to claim 6, wherein the calibration unit issues a notification of calibration completion when the calibration is completed.

8. The power tool system described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the inspection device further comprises a display unit that displays the second measurement value; and a reception unit that receives an authorization operation for the second measurement value, and when the reception unit receives the authorization operation, the second communication unit transmits the second measurement value to the external system together with the tool identification information imported by the import unit.

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