Attachment for fastening tool and tool system

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing an attachment for a fastening tool that is capable of contributing to realization of traceability of fastening work merely by connecting to a fastening tool. An attachment (1) for a fastening tool comprises a body connection part, a shaft, a measurement unit (14), a communication unit (15), a control unit (16), and a power supply unit (17). The body connection part is connected to a tool body of a fastening tool (2) for fastening an object. The shaft interlocks with the movement of the tool tip end of the fastening tool (2). The measurement unit (14) performs a measurement operation for measuring the fastening torque of the shaft. The communication unit (15) performs a transmission operation for transmitting the measurement value of the fastening torque measured by the measurement unit (14) to an external device (3). The control unit (16) performs a measurement control operation for controlling the measurement operation and a transmission control operation for controlling the transmission operation. The power supply unit (17) performs a power supply operation for supplying electric power (EP1) to the measurement unit (14), the communication unit (15), and the control unit (16).

Description

Fastening tool attachments and tool systems

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tightening tool attachment and a tool system, and more particularly to a tightening tool attachment that connects to a tightening tool and a tool system that includes a tightening tool attachment.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a rotary impact tool that includes an impact force generating unit that generates an impact force, an output shaft that rotates due to the impact force, a first measuring unit that measures the torque applied to the output shaft, a second measuring unit that measures the circumferential acceleration and angular velocity of the output shaft, and a torque calculating unit that calculates the tightening torque using the torque measured by the first measuring unit and the acceleration measured value and the angular velocity measured value by the second measuring unit. This rotary impact tool includes a main body and a case that is detachably attached to the main body, and the main body houses the impact force generating unit, and the case houses the first measuring unit, the second measuring unit, and the torque calculating unit.

[0003] In the rotary impact tool described in Patent Document 1, a function of measuring the tightening torque more accurately is added by attaching a case to the main body.

[0004] In recent years, there has been a demand for traceability in tightening work using tightening tools, that is, the ability to trace tightening work using tightening tools.

[0005] JP 2015-66620 A

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an attachment for a tightening tool that can contribute to realizing traceability of tightening work simply by connecting it to a tightening tool, and a tool system including such an attachment for a tightening tool.

[0007] A tightening tool attachment according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a main body connection unit, a shaft, a measurement unit, a communication unit, a control unit, and a power supply unit. The main body connection unit connects to the tool tip of a tightening tool that tightens an object. The shaft moves in conjunction with the movement of the tool tip of the tightening tool. The measurement unit performs a measurement operation to measure the tightening torque of the shaft. The communication unit performs a transmission operation to transmit the measurement value of the tightening torque measured by the measurement unit to an external device. The control unit performs a measurement control operation to control the measurement operation and a transmission control operation to control the transmission operation. The power supply unit performs a power supply operation to supply power to the measurement unit, the communication unit, and the control unit.

[0008] A tool system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the tightening tool attachment and the tightening tool.

[0009] Fig. 1 is an external view showing the external appearance of a tool system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a disconnected state in which a tightening tool attachment is not connected to a tightening tool. Fig. 2 is an external view showing the external appearance of the tool system in a connected state in which the tightening tool attachment is connected to a tightening tool. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross-section of a tightening tool attachment in the tool system in a connected state. Fig. 4 is a block diagram of a traceability system including the tool system in a connected state and an external device. Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a control unit provided in the tightening tool attachment.

[0010] (1) Overview of Tool System First, an overview of a tool system 10 including a fastening tool attachment 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0011] 1 to 4, the tool system 10 includes a tightening tool attachment 1 and a tightening tool 2. The tightening tool attachment 1 is an attachment that is connected to the tightening tool 2. The attachment is a component that packages together functions to be added to the tightening tool 2.

[0012] (1-1) Tightening Tool The tightening tool 2 is a tool used to tighten an object. The object is, for example, a nut or a screw, but is not limited to this.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the tightening tool 2 includes a tool body 200 and a tool tip 201 , and a battery pack 202 is detachably attached to the tool body 200 .

[0014] (1-1-1) Tool Body The tool body 200 incorporates a motor, a tool-side shaft, etc. The motor receives power from a battery pack 202 attached to the tool body 200 and generates a rotational force around the axis of the tool-side shaft. The tool-side shaft is a shaft on the tightening tool 2 side, and receives the rotational force from the motor to rotate around its axis.

[0015] (1-1-2) Tool Tip The tool tip 201 is attached to the tool side shaft of the tool body 200 and rotates around the axis together with the tool side shaft.

[0016] (1-2) Tightening Tool Attachment The tightening tool attachment 1 includes a main body connection section 11, a shaft 13, a measuring section 14, a communication section 15, a control section 16, and a power supply section 17, as shown in FIGS.

[0017] 2, the body connection part 11 is connected to the tool body 200 of the fastening tool 2. More specifically, the end of the tool body 200 on the tool tip 201 side is screwed or fitted into the body connection part 11, whereby the body connection part 11 grips the end of the tool body 200 on the tool tip 201 side, and as a result, the body connection part 11 is connected to the tool body 200.

[0018] (1-2-2) Shaft As shown in Fig. 3, the shaft 13 moves in conjunction with the movement of the tool tip 201 of the tightening tool 2. More specifically, in the tightening tool 2, the tool-side shaft in the tool body 200 receives rotational force from the motor and rotates together with the tool tip 201. In conjunction with this rotation of the tool tip 201 of the tightening tool 2, the shaft 13 of the tightening tool attachment 1 also rotates.

[0019] (1-2-3) Measurement Unit The measurement unit 14 performs a measurement operation. The measurement operation is an operation of measuring the tightening torque of the shaft 13. The measurement unit 14 repeatedly performs the measurement operation under the control of the control unit 16.

[0020] (1-2-4) Communication Unit The communication unit 15 performs a transmission operation. The transmission operation is an operation of transmitting the tightening torque measurement value measured by the measurement unit 14 to the external device 3, as shown in FIG.

[0021] The communication unit 15 repeatedly performs a transmission operation under the control of the control unit 16. The external device 3 receives the measurement values ​​of the tightening torque from the tightening tool attachment 1 and stores the received measurement values ​​in chronological order.

[0022] (1-2-5) Control Unit The control unit 16 performs a measurement control operation and a transmission control operation. The measurement control operation is an operation that controls the measurement operation of the measurement unit 14. The transmission control operation is an operation that controls the transmission operation of the communication unit 15.

[0023] The measurement control operation is, for example, a control operation that causes the measurement unit 14 to perform a measurement operation every time the tightening operation of the tightening tool 2 is completed. For example, the control unit 16 may determine that the tightening operation of the tightening tool 2 is completed when a rotation sensor included in the sensor 14a shown in Fig. 4 detects that the rotation of the shaft 13 has stopped.

[0024] The transmission control operation is, for example, a control operation that causes the communication unit 15 to perform a transmission operation every time a measurement value is acquired by the measurement operation of the measurement unit 14.

[0025] That is, the control unit 16 sequentially causes the measurement unit 14 to perform a measurement operation and the communication unit 15 to perform a transmission operation each time the tightening operation of the tightening tool 2 is completed. This control will be referred to as "trace control" in the detailed description.

[0026] The control unit 16 also performs a power supply control operation to control the power supply operation of the power supply unit 17. The power supply control operation will be described in detail later.

[0027] (1-2-6) Power Supply Unit The power supply unit 17 performs a power supply operation. The power supply operation is an operation of supplying power EP1 (see FIG. 4) to the measurement unit 14, communication unit 15, and control unit 16. The measurement unit 14, communication unit 15, and control unit 16 receive power from the power supply unit 17 and perform measurement, transmission, and control operations.

[0028] (1-3) Advantages According to the tightening tool attachment 1 or the tool system 10 including the tightening tool attachment 1 configured as described above, simply by connecting the tightening tool attachment 1 to the tightening tool 2, the tightening tool 2 is given the function of measuring tightening torque and the transmission function of transmitting the measurement value to an external device 3, thereby contributing to realizing traceability of tightening work.

[0029] The traceability of the fastening work is realized through cooperation between the tool system 10 and the external device 3, and the method for realizing the traceability will be described later.

[0030] (2) Details of the Tool System Next, details of the tool system 10 will be described. Note that, in the following, descriptions of previously mentioned matters will be omitted or simplified.

[0031] (2-1) Tip Connection Portion As shown in Fig. 3, the tightening tool attachment 1 further includes a tip connection portion 12. The tip connection portion 12 is connected to the tool tip 201 of the tightening tool 2. In this embodiment, the tip connection portion 12 is a part of the shaft 13. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 3, the tip connection portion 12 is an insertion hole that is formed on the rear end side of the shaft 13 and into which the tool tip 201 is inserted.

[0032] When the tip connection portion 12 is connected to the tool tip 201 , the shaft 13 moves in conjunction with the tool tip 201 .

[0033] (2-2) Housing The fastening tool attachment 1 further includes a housing 1A. The housing 1A houses the tip connector 12, the shaft 13, the measuring unit 14, the communication unit 15, the control unit 16, and the power supply unit 17. However, each of the tip connector 12, the shaft 13, the measuring unit 14, the communication unit 15, the control unit 16, and the power supply unit 17 does not have to be housed entirely inside the housing 1A. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , a portion of the tip side of the shaft 13 is exposed to the outside of the housing 1A.

[0034] (2-3) Relationship Between Body Connector and Housing The housing 1A has a body connector 11. In this embodiment, the housing 1A is attached to the body connector 11 as shown in FIGS.

[0035] According to this configuration, by connecting the body connecting portion 11 attached to the housing 1A to the tool body 200, the housing 1A can be fixed to the tool body 200.

[0036] (2-4) Hardware for Realizing Each Unit (2-4-1) Measurement Unit The measurement unit 14 is realized, for example, by a sensor 14a and a processing circuit 14b shown in Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 3, the sensor 14a is provided in the housing 1A near the shaft 13. The sensor 14a illustrated in Fig. 3 is a cross section of a single coil that constitutes a magnetostrictive sensor, which will be described later.

[0037] The processing circuit 14b is provided at an appropriate position within the housing 1A. Although the processing circuit 14b is provided near the sensor 14a in the example of Fig. 3, the positional relationship between the processing circuit 14b and the sensor 14a is not important.

[0038] (2-4-1a) Sensor The sensor 14a in this embodiment includes a magnetostrictive sensor. The magnetostrictive sensor is a sensor that magnetically detects strain that occurs in the shaft 13 in response to the tightening operation of the tightening tool 2. The magnetostrictive sensor is realized, for example, by a magnetostrictive film applied to the surface of the shaft 13 and a coil wound around the shaft 13.

[0039] The sensor 14a in this embodiment further includes a rotation sensor. The rotation sensor is a sensor that detects the rotation of the shaft 13. The detection of the rotation in this embodiment includes detection of the stop of rotation and detection of the start of rotation.

[0040] However, the detection of rotation may further include, for example, one or more types of detection of the rotation angle or number of rotations and the rotation speed. The detection of the rotation of the shaft 13 is performed, for example, optically, but may also be performed magnetically or electrically. Furthermore, the sensor 14a does not need to include a rotation sensor.

[0041] (2-4-1b) Processing Circuit The processing circuit 14b processes the output signal of the sensor 14a to obtain the processing result. More specifically, the processing circuit 14b processes the output signal of the magnetostrictive sensor included in the sensor 14a to obtain the measured value of the tightening torque.

[0042] Furthermore, the processing circuit 14b in this embodiment detects the stop and start of rotation based on the output signal of the rotation sensor included in the sensor 14a, and outputs a signal indicating the detection result.

[0043] (2-4-2) Communication Unit The communication unit 15 is realized by a communication module 15a shown in Fig. 3. The communication module 15a is provided in an appropriate location within the housing 1A. In the example of Fig. 3, the communication module 15a is provided near the control board 16a, but the positional relationship between the communication module 15a and the control board 16a is not important.

[0044] The communication module 15a performs at least a transmission operation, and in this embodiment, the communication module 15a also performs a reception operation (described later).

[0045] (2-4-3) Control Unit The control unit 16 is realized by a control board 16a shown in Fig. 3. The control board 16a has a processor and a memory. The memory stores a program for causing the processor to operate as the control unit 16. The memory is a rewritable memory that can add new conditions notified from the external device 3 and rewrite existing conditions with new conditions.

[0046] According to this configuration, software control can be achieved simply by connecting the tightening tool attachment 1 to the tightening tool 2. Furthermore, software control can facilitate setting conditions (new settings and setting changes).

[0047] (2-4-4) Power Supply Unit The power supply unit 17 is realized by a battery 17a shown in Fig. 3. The battery 17a is preferably a rechargeable secondary battery, but may also be a disposable primary battery.

[0048] (2-5) Power Supply Control Operation The control unit 16 further executes a power supply control operation. The power supply control operation is an operation for controlling the power supply operation of the power supply unit 17 based on conditions. The conditions will be described later.

[0049] (2-6) Receiving Operation The communication unit 15 further performs a receiving operation. The receiving operation is an operation of receiving information related to conditions from the external device 3. The information related to conditions is, for example, an upper limit value of the tightening torque. The upper limit value of the tightening torque will be described later. With this configuration, the conditions for power supply control can be set from the external device 3.

[0050] (2-7) Conditions Conditions are conditions related to the execution of power supply control. The conditions may be existing conditions written in the program in advance, or new conditions received from the external device 3. The received new conditions are added to the memory. Alternatively, the existing conditions written in the program in advance may be updated with the received new conditions.

[0051] (2-7-1) Stop Conditions The conditions include stop conditions. The stop conditions are conditions related to the stop of the power supply operation. Examples of the stop conditions include "the measured value of the tightening torque reaches an upper limit value," "a start command is received from the external device 3," and "the tool body 200 stops the tightening operation."

[0052] Whether the measured value of the tightening torque has reached the upper limit can be determined based on the detection result of the magnetostrictive sensor included in the sensor 14a. Whether the tightening operation has stopped can be determined based on, for example, the detection result of the rotation sensor included in the sensor 14a (stop of rotation of the shaft 13).

[0053] (2-7-2) Start condition When the stop condition is satisfied, for example, even if the power supply operation from the power supply unit 17 to the measurement unit 14 and the communication unit 15 (first power supply operation and second power supply operation: described later) is stopped, the power supply operation from the power supply unit 17 to the control unit 16 (third power supply operation: described later) continues, in other words, when the control unit 16 is always operable, the condition may further include a start condition.

[0054] The start condition is a condition related to the start of the power supply operation. The start includes the initial start and the restart of the power supply operation after it has finished. The start condition is, for example, "receiving a start command from the external device 3" and "the tool body 200 starting the tightening operation."

[0055] Whether or not the tightening operation has started can be determined based on, for example, the detection result of a rotation sensor included in the sensor 14a (start of rotation of the shaft 13).

[0056] (2-8) Details of Control Operations In addition to the measurement control operation, transmission control operation, and power supply control operation described above, the control unit 16 also performs a stop control operation and a start control operation.

[0057] (2-8-1) Stop Control Operation The stop control operation is an operation for stopping at least a part of the power supply operation based on a stop condition.

[0058] Note that stopping at least a part of the power supply operation may be rephrased as "shutting off the power supply unit 17." Shutting off the power supply unit 17 includes stopping all of the power supply operation of the power supply unit 17 ("First Modified Example of Shutting Off the Power Supply Unit" described later) and stopping only a part of the power supply operation (this embodiment and "Second Modified Example of Shutting Off the Power Supply Unit" described later).

[0059] In this embodiment, when the power supply unit 17 is shut off, of the first, second and third power supply operations, the first power supply operation and the operation of supplying transmission power within the second power supply operation are stopped, while the operation of supplying reception power within the second power supply operation and the third power supply operation are continued (see the specific example described below).

[0060] By performing a stop control operation based on a stop condition to stop at least a part of the power supply operation (for example, power supply for tracing, which will be described later), it is possible to reduce power consumption.

[0061] (2-8-2) Start Control Operation The stop control operation is an operation for starting a stopped power supply operation based on a start condition.

[0062] In this embodiment, even if the power supply unit 17 is shut off, the second power supply operation to the communication unit 15, which is the power supply operation for receiving power, and the third power supply operation to the control unit 16 continue, so it is possible to resume the power supply operation either by a judgment based on the conditions of the control unit 16 or by a start command from the external device 3.

[0063] Note that resuming the power supply operation after shutoff may be rephrased as "restarting the power supply unit 17." In this embodiment, restarting the power supply unit 17 restarts the power supply operation that was stopped, that is, the first power supply operation and the operation of supplying transmission power in the second power supply operation.

[0064] A measurement control operation and a transmission control operation (for example, trace control) that have been stopped can be restarted by a start control operation based on a start condition.

[0065] (3) Specific Example The following describes a specific example of the tool system 10. Note that in this specific example, the description of previously mentioned items is omitted or simplified.

[0066] (3-1) Traceability System The tool system 10 in this example is used in a traceability system 100 shown in Fig. 4. The traceability system 100 is a system that realizes traceability of the tightening work performed by the tightening tool 2.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 4 , the traceability system 100 includes a tool system 10 and an external device 3 .

[0068] (3-2) Tool System As shown in Fig. 1, the tool system 10 in this example includes a tightening tool attachment 1 and a tightening tool 2. When measuring the tightening torque of the tightening tool 2, the tightening tool attachment 1 is connected to the tightening tool 2 as shown in Figs.

[0069] The housing 1A in this example has the main body connector 11 attached externally, and houses the tip connector 12, shaft 13, measuring unit 14, communication unit 15, control unit 16 and power supply unit 17 inside.

[0070] (3-3) Trace Control The control unit 16 of the tightening tool attachment 1 performs trace control. Trace control is control for realizing traceability of the tightening work by the tightening tool 2. As described above, trace control is control for sequentially causing the measurement unit 14 to perform a measurement operation and the communication unit 15 to perform a transmission operation each time the tightening operation of the tightening tool 2 is completed. In response to the trace control, the measurement operation by the measurement unit 14 and the transmission operation by the communication unit 15 are repeatedly performed.

[0071] (3-4) External Device The external device 3 can communicate with the tightening tool attachment 1 via a communication medium such as a communication line or a network, and cooperates with the tightening tool attachment 1 to realize traceability of the tightening work performed by the tightening tool 2.

[0072] Specifically, the external device 3 is, for example, a communication device, a personal computer or a server with a communication function, etc. The external device 3 has, for example, a processor, a memory, and a communication module. The memory of the external device 3 stores a program for realizing traceability in cooperation with the fastening tool attachment 1.

[0073] (3-5) Method of achieving traceability In the tightening tool attachment 1, under trace control by the control unit 16, the measurement operation by the measurement unit 14 and the transmission operation by the communication unit 15 are repeatedly performed each time the tightening operation of the tightening tool 2 is completed. The external device 3 repeatedly receives the measurement values ​​of the tightening torque from the tightening tool attachment 1 and stores the received measurement values ​​in chronological order.

[0074] More specifically, the external device 3 receives the measurement values ​​from the tightening tool attachment 1 and acquires time information indicating the current time at the time of reception. The time information can be acquired, for example, from a built-in clock in the processor of the external device 3. The external device 3 then stores the received measurement values ​​in association with the acquired time information. In this way, multiple pairs of measurement values ​​and time information are accumulated in the memory of the external device 3. By using the collection of pairs of measurement values ​​and time information stored in this way in the memory, it is possible to track a series of tightening operations performed by the tightening tool 2.

[0075] As a result, the tightening tool attachment 1 or the tool system 10 can cooperate with the external device 3 to achieve traceability regarding tightening work performed by the tightening tool 2.

[0076] (3-6) Details of Power Supply Operation The power supply operation includes a first power supply operation, a second power supply operation, and a third power supply operation.

[0077] The first power supply operation is an operation of supplying power from the power supply unit 17 to the measurement unit 14. The first power supply operation is an operation in which the power supply unit 17 supplies the measurement unit 14 with a first power EP11 (see FIG. 4 ), which is a part of the power EP1.

[0078] The second power supply operation is an operation of supplying power from the power supply unit 17 to the communication unit 15. The second power supply operation is an operation in which the power supply unit 17 supplies the communication unit 15 with second power EP12 (see FIG. 4 ), which is another part of the power EP1.

[0079] The third power supply operation is an operation of supplying power from the power supply unit 17 to the control unit 16. The third power supply operation is an operation in which the power supply unit 17 supplies the control unit 16 with third power EP13 (see FIG. 4 ), which is another part of the power EP1.

[0080] (3-6-1) Details of the Second Power Supply Operation The second power supply operation includes a power supply operation for transmitting power and a power supply operation for receiving power. The transmission power is the power for the transmitting operation out of the second power EP12. The reception power is the power for the receiving operation out of the second power EP12.

[0081] In other words, the second power EP12 to the communication unit 15 includes transmission power for the communication unit 15 to transmit the measurement value by the measurement unit 14 to the external device 3, and reception power for the communication unit 15 to receive information (e.g., conditions and commands) from the external device 3.

[0082] (3-6-2) Power Supply for Tracing The power supply unit 17 of the fastening tool attachment 1 performs power supply for tracing under the control of the control unit 16. Power supply for tracing is the supply of power necessary to achieve traceability. In this specific example, the power supply for tracing includes a first power supply operation and a power supply operation for supplying transmission power among the second power supply operations.

[0083] (3-6-3) Stop Control Operation and Start Control Operation of Tracing Power Supply When a stop command is received or a stop condition is satisfied, the control unit 16 performs a stop control operation to stop the tracing power supply in the ongoing power supply operation. Also, when a start command is received or a start condition is satisfied, the control unit 16 performs a start control operation to start the tracing power supply that is currently stopped.

[0084] The power supply unit 17 stops the power supply for tracing under the stop control control operation of the control unit 16. Also, the power supply unit 17 starts (restarts) the power supply for tracing that has been stopped under the start control control operation of the control unit 16.

[0085] (3-6-4) Specific examples of stop control operation and start control operation The stop control operation in this specific example is an operation of stopping the first power supply operation and the power supply operation for transmitting power within the second power supply operation among the first power supply operation, the second power supply operation, and the power supply operation for receiving power within the second power supply operation, and continuing the third power supply operation.

[0086] When a stop command is received or a stop condition is satisfied, the control unit 16 stops the first power supply operation and the operation of supplying transmission power within the second power supply operation among the first, second, and third power supply operations, and continues the operation of supplying reception power within the second power supply operation and the third power supply operation.

[0087] The start control operation in this specific example is an operation for starting the power supply operation that has been stopped by the stop control operation, that is, the first power supply operation and the transmission power supply operation of the second power supply operation.

[0088] When a start command is received or a start condition is satisfied, the control unit 16 starts the first power supply operation and the transmission power supply operation of the second power supply operation.

[0089] According to this configuration, even if the stop condition is satisfied, the receiving power supply operation of the second power supply operation and the third power supply operation continue, which allows the communication unit 15 to receive a start command from the external device 3 and the control unit 16 to make a judgment. Therefore, the control unit 16 can resume the first power supply operation and the second power supply operation, and therefore the measurement operation and the transmission operation, in response to the start command, and can also resume the first power supply operation and the second power supply operation, and therefore the measurement operation and the transmission operation, when the condition is satisfied.

[0090] (4) Example of Operation of the Control Unit The control unit 16 of the tightening tool attachment 1 operates, for example, according to the flowchart of Fig. 5. The process of Fig. 5 is started, for example, when the secondary battery 17a is fully charged or when the primary battery 17a is attached. The process of Fig. 5 is executed repeatedly at a predetermined cycle. The process of Fig. 5 is ended, for example, when the power of the battery 17a falls below a predetermined value.

[0091] The control unit 16 determines whether the communication unit 15 has received a condition (step S1). If it is determined that the communication unit 15 has not received a condition (No in step S1), the process proceeds to step S3.

[0092] If it is determined in step S1 that the communication unit 15 has received the conditions (Yes), the control unit 16 stores the received conditions (step S2), after which the process returns to step S1.

[0093] In step S3, the control unit 16 determines whether the communication unit 15 has received a start command or whether the start condition has been satisfied. If it is determined that the communication unit 15 has not received a start command and the start condition has not been satisfied (No in step S3), the process proceeds to step S6.

[0094] If the communication unit 15 determines in step S3 that the start command has been received or the start condition has been met (Yes), the control unit 16 causes the power supply unit 17 to start the tracing power supply that had been stopped (step S4), which returns the power supply unit 17 to the state before it was shut off (the tracing power supply was stopped).

[0095] Next, the control unit 16 starts the trace control that was stopped (step S5), after which the process returns to step S1.

[0096] In step S6, the control unit 16 determines whether the communication unit 15 has received a stop command or whether the stop condition has been satisfied. If it is determined that the communication unit 15 has not received a stop command and the stop condition has not been satisfied (No in step S6), the process returns to step S1.

[0097] If it is determined in step S6 that the communication unit 15 has received a stop command or that the stop condition has been satisfied (Yes), the control unit 16 stops the trace control (step S7).

[0098] Next, the control unit 16 stops the tracing power supply to the power supply unit 17 (step S8), which shuts off the power supply unit 17. Thereafter, the process returns to step S1.

[0099] (5) Modifications (5-1) Modifications of the Tip Connection Portion The tip connection portion 12 is not limited to being a part of the shaft 13, and may be separate from the shaft 13. The tip connection portion 12 may be attached to the rear end side of the shaft 13 (i.e., the side connected to the tool tip 201), for example.

[0100] (5-2) Modifications Regarding the Relationship Between the Main Body Connector and the Housing In the embodiment, the main body connector 11 is separate from the housing 1A and attached to the housing 1A (see FIG. 3), but it may also be molded integrally with the housing 1A. In other words, "the housing 1A has the main body connector 11" may mean that the main body connector 11 is attached to the housing 1A, or that the main body connector 11 and the housing 1A are molded integrally.

[0101] 3, the main body connecting portion 11 is attached to the outside of the housing 1A, but a part or all of the main body connecting portion 11 may be housed inside the housing 1A. Even when the main body connecting portion 11 is integrally molded with the housing 1A, a part or all of the main body connecting portion 11 may be housed inside the housing 1A.

[0102] That is, the main body connection unit 11 may or may not be housed in the housing 1A. When the main body connection unit 11 is housed in the housing 1A, the entire main body connection unit 11 may be housed in the housing 1A, or only a part of the main body connection unit 11 may be housed in the housing 1A.

[0103] (5-3) Modified Examples of Sensor The sensor 14a may be a strain sensor other than a magnetostrictive sensor, such as a strain gauge that electrically detects strain. The sensor 14a may also be a sensor other than a strain sensor (such as a sensor that optically detects torsion of the shaft 13).

[0104] (5-4) Modifications of the Communication Module The communication module 15a may be mounted on the control board 16a together with the processor and memory. Alternatively, the fastening tool attachment 1 may further include a board separate from the control board 16a, and the communication module 15a may be mounted on that board.

[0105] The communication module 15a may only perform a transmission operation and not a reception operation. In this case, the fastening tool attachment 1 may further include a communication module that performs a reception operation, separate from the communication module 15a.

[0106] (5-5) Modified Examples of Memory The memory of the tightening tool attachment 1 (control board 16a) may be a write-once storage medium that can only add new conditions notified from the external device 3, but cannot overwrite existing conditions with new conditions. Alternatively, if new conditions are not notified from the external device 3, the memory may be a read-only storage medium that stores a program in which existing conditions are pre-written.

[0107] (5-6) Modified example of program provision method In the embodiment, the program is stored in advance in the memory of the fastening tool attachment 1 (control board 16a), but for example, a program provided from the external device 3 may be stored in the memory of the control board 16a via the communication module 15a.

[0108] (5-7) Modified Example of Trace Control The control unit 16 may cause the measurement unit 14 to acquire a measurement value of the tightening torque, acquire time information at the time the measurement value was acquired, and transmit a pair of the acquired measurement value and the acquired time information to the external device 3. In other words, the time information in this modified example is information that indicates the time at which the tightening torque was measured. The external device 3 may receive a pair of the measurement value and the time information from the tightening tool attachment 1, and store the received pair of the measurement value and the time information.

[0109] (5-8) First Modification of Shutting Off of Power Supply Unit In this modification, shutting off the power supply unit 17 stops all of the power supply operations (first power supply operation, second power supply operation, and third power supply operation) to the measurement unit 14, communication unit 15, and control unit 16. In this case, it becomes impossible to resume the power supply operation based on a condition determined by the control unit 16 or a start command from the external device 3.

[0110] (5-9) Second Modification of Shut-Off of Power Supply Unit In this modification, among the power supply operations, shut-off stops the first power supply operation to the measurement unit 14 and the second power supply operation (both power supply for transmission and power supply for reception) to the communication unit 15, while continuing the third power supply operation to the control unit 16. In this case, restart based on a start command from the external device 3 is not possible, but restart based on a start condition other than "receiving a start command from the external device 3" is possible.

[0111] (5-10) Modified Example of Traceability System The traceability system 100 of this modified example includes a plurality of tool systems 10 and an external device 3.

[0112] In each of the plurality of tool systems 10, a tool identifier for identifying a tightening tool 2 to which the tightening tool attachment 1 is connected is stored in the memory of the tightening tool attachment 1. The communication unit 15 of the tightening tool attachment 1 associates the measurement value obtained by the measurement unit 14 with the tool identifier and transmits the measurement value to the external device 3.

[0113] The memory of the external device 3 stores a plurality of tool identifiers corresponding to a plurality of tightening tool attachments 1 that constitute the traceability system 100. The external device 3 receives pairs of measurement values ​​and tool identifiers from each of the plurality of tightening tool attachments 1, and acquires time information indicating the current time at the time of reception. The external device 3 then stores the pair of received measurement values ​​and acquired time information in association with the received tool identifier from the plurality of tool identifiers stored in the memory. In this way, the memory of the external device 3 accumulates a plurality of pairs of measurement values ​​and time information in association with each of the plurality of tool identifiers.

[0114] As a result, the plurality of tightening tool attachments 1 or the plurality of tool systems 10 can cooperate with the external device 3 to achieve traceability regarding tightening work performed by each of the plurality of tightening tools 2.

[0115] (5-11) Modified Examples of the Tightening Tool The tightening tool 2 may be a rotary impact tool. The tool body 200 of this modified example includes a motor, a hammer that receives rotational force from the motor and outputs rotational impact force, and an anvil to which a tool tip 201 is attached and that receives the rotational impact force from the hammer and rotates together with the tool tip 201.

[0116] The tip connection portion 12 of the tightening tool attachment 1 may be linked to the tool tip 201 of such a tightening tool 2. The operations of the measurement unit 14, communication unit 15, control unit 16, and power supply unit 17 in this modified example are the same as those in the embodiment.

[0117] (5-12) Modified Examples of Transmission Operation by Communication Unit In the transmission operation by the communication unit 15, not only the tightening torque measurement value but also, for example, information regarding the rotational state of the shaft 13 may be transmitted to the external device 3. The information regarding the rotational state of the shaft 13 is information acquired based on the output signal of the rotation sensor, such as the number of rotations, the rotational speed, the start and end times of rotation, the time from the start of rotation to the stop of rotation, etc. This makes it possible to track the rotational state of the shaft 13 in addition to the tightening torque, thereby achieving more detailed traceability of the tightening work.

[0118] (6) Summary The tightening tool attachment (1) according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes a body connection unit (11), a shaft (13), a measurement unit (14), a communication unit (15), a control unit (16), and a power supply unit (17). The body connection unit (11) connects to the tool body (200) of the tightening tool (2) that tightens an object. The shaft (13) moves in conjunction with the movement of the tool tip (201) of the tightening tool (2). The measurement unit (14) performs a measurement operation to measure the tightening torque of the shaft (13). The communication unit (15) performs a transmission operation to transmit the tightening torque measurement value measured by the measurement unit (14) to an external device (3). The control unit (16) performs a measurement control operation to control the measurement operation and a transmission control operation to control the transmission operation. The power supply unit (17) performs a power supply operation to supply power (EP1) to the measurement unit (14), the communication unit (15), and the control unit (16).

[0119] According to this aspect, simply by connecting to the tightening tool (2), the tightening tool (2) is provided with a measurement function for measuring the tightening torque and a transmission function for transmitting the measurement value to an external device (3), thereby contributing to realizing traceability of the tightening work.

[0120] The tightening tool attachment (1) according to the second aspect is the first aspect, and further includes a tip connection portion (12). The tip connection portion (12) connects to the tool tip (201) of the tightening tool (2). By connecting the tip connection portion (12) to the tool tip (201), the shaft (13) moves in conjunction with the tool tip (201).

[0121] According to this embodiment, the shaft (13) can be interlocked with the tool tip (201).

[0122] The fastening tool attachment (1) according to the third aspect is the attachment according to the first or second aspect, further comprising a housing (1A). The housing (1A) houses a shaft (13), a power supply unit (17), a measuring unit (14), a communication unit (15), and a control unit (16).

[0123] According to this aspect, by providing a housing (1A) that houses the shaft (13), the power supply unit (17), the measuring unit (14), the communication unit (15), and the control unit (16), the fastening tool attachment (1) can be packaged in one package.

[0124] In the attachment (1) for a fastening tool according to the fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the housing (1A) has a main body connecting portion (11).

[0125] According to this aspect, by connecting the body connecting portion (11) of the housing (1A) to the tool body (200), the housing (1A) can be fixed to the tool body (200).

[0126] The main body connector (11) may or may not be housed in the housing (1A). In the former case, that is, when the main body connector (11) is housed in the housing (1A), the main body connector (11) may be housed entirely or only partially.

[0127] In the fastening tool attachment (1) according to the fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the control unit (16) is realized by a control board (16a). The control board (16a) has a processor and a memory. The memory stores a program for causing the processor to operate as the control unit (16).

[0128] According to this aspect, software control can be achieved simply by connecting to the tightening tool 2. Furthermore, software control can facilitate setting conditions (new settings and setting changes).

[0129] In the tightening tool attachment (1) according to a sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the control unit (16) further performs a power supply control operation to control the power supply operation of the power supply unit (17) based on a condition. The communication unit (15) further performs a receiving operation to receive information regarding the condition from the external device (3).

[0130] According to this aspect, the conditions for power supply control can be set from the external device (3).

[0131] In the tightening tool attachment (1) according to the seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, the condition includes a stop condition for stopping the power supply operation, and the control unit (16) further performs a stop control operation for stopping at least a part of the power supply operation based on the stop condition.

[0132] According to this aspect, power consumption can be reduced by stopping at least a part of the power supply operation based on the stop condition.

[0133] In the tightening tool attachment (1) according to the eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect, the stop condition includes a condition that the measured value reaches an upper limit of the tightening torque. The receiving operation includes an operation of receiving the upper limit from the external device (3). The control unit (16) performs a stop control operation when the measured value reaches the upper limit.

[0134] According to this aspect, when the measured value of the tightening torque reaches the upper limit value, at least a part of the power supply operation can be stopped.

[0135] A ninth aspect of the tightening tool attachment (1) is the seventh or eighth aspect, wherein the power supply operation includes a first power supply operation, a second power supply operation, and a third power supply operation. The first power supply operation is an operation of supplying power to a measurement unit (14). The second power supply operation is an operation of supplying power to a communication unit (15). The third power supply operation is an operation of supplying power to a control unit (16). The stop control operation is an operation of stopping the first power supply operation and at least a part of the second power supply operation, and continuing the third power supply operation.

[0136] According to this aspect, by continuing the third power supply operation, the control unit (16) can resume the first power supply operation and the second power supply operation, and therefore the measurement operation and the transmission operation.

[0137] In the fastening tool attachment (1) according to the tenth aspect, in the ninth aspect, the second power supply operation includes a power supply operation for supplying transmitting power for the transmitting operation and a power supply operation for supplying receiving power for the receiving operation. The stop control operation is an operation for stopping the first power supply operation and the power supply operation for supplying transmitting power of the second power supply operation, and continuing the power supply operation for supplying receiving power of the second power supply operation and the third power supply operation.

[0138] According to this aspect, by continuing the operation of feeding power for reception during the second power feeding operation, the control unit (16) can resume the first power feeding operation and the second power feeding operation, and thus the measurement operation and the transmission operation, in response to a start command from the external device (3).

[0139] A tool system (10) according to an eleventh aspect includes the tightening tool attachment (1) according to any one of the first to tenth aspects and a tightening tool (2).

[0140] According to this aspect, simply by connecting the tightening tool attachment (1) to the tightening tool (2), the tightening tool (2) is provided with a function for measuring tightening torque and a transmission function for transmitting the measurement value to an external device (3), thereby contributing to realizing traceability of the tightening work.

[0141] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Tool system 1 Fastening tool attachment 1A Housing 11 Main body connection part 12 Tip connection part 13 Shaft 14 Measurement part 15 Communication part 16 Control part 16a Control board 17 Power supply part 2 Fastening tool 200 Tool main body 201 Tool tip 3 External device

Claims

1. An attachment for a tightening tool comprising: a body connection section that connects to a tool body of a tightening tool that tightens an object; a shaft that moves in conjunction with the movement of the tool tip of the tightening tool; a measurement section that performs a measurement operation to measure the tightening torque of the shaft; a communication section that performs a transmission operation to transmit the measurement value of the tightening torque measured by the measurement section to an external device; a control section that performs a measurement control operation to control the measurement operation and a transmission control operation to control the transmission operation; and a power supply section that performs a power supply operation to supply power to the measurement section, the communication section, and the control section.

2. An attachment for a tightening tool as described in claim 1, further comprising a tip connection portion that connects to the tool tip of the tightening tool, and wherein the shaft moves in conjunction with the tool tip by connecting the tip connection portion to the tool tip.

3. The attachment for a fastening tool according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a housing that houses the shaft, the power supply unit, the measuring unit, the communication unit and the control unit.

4. The attachment for a fastening tool according to claim 3, wherein the housing has the main body connection portion.

5. A fastening tool attachment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit is realized by a control board having a processor and a memory for storing a program for causing the processor to operate as the control unit.

6. An attachment for a fastening tool as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit further executes a power supply control operation for controlling the power supply operation of the power supply unit based on conditions, and the communication unit further performs a receiving operation for receiving information relating to the conditions from the external device.

7. An attachment for a fastening tool as described in claim 6, wherein the condition includes a stop condition for stopping the power supply operation, and the control unit further performs a stop control operation for stopping at least a part of the power supply operation based on the stop condition.

8. An attachment for a tightening tool as described in claim 7, wherein the stop condition includes the condition that the measured value has reached an upper limit value of the tightening torque, the receiving operation includes an operation of receiving the upper limit value from the external device, and the control unit performs the stop control operation when the measured value has reached the upper limit value.

9. An attachment for a fastening tool as described in claim 7 or 8, wherein the power supplying operation includes a first power supplying operation for supplying power to the measuring unit, a second power supplying operation for supplying power to the communication unit, and a third power supplying operation for supplying power to the control unit, and the stop control operation is an operation for stopping the first power supplying operation and at least a part of the second power supplying operation, and continuing the third power supplying operation.

10. An attachment for a fastening tool as described in claim 9, wherein the second power supply operation includes the power supply operation for transmitting power for the transmitting operation and the power supply operation for receiving power for the receiving operation, and the stop control operation is an operation for stopping the first power supply operation and the power supply operation of the transmitting power of the second power supply operation, and continuing the power supply operation of the receiving power of the second power supply operation, and the third power supply operation.

11. A tool system comprising: an attachment for a tightening tool according to any one of claims 1 to 10; and the tightening tool.

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