JP2005231001A - Thread fastening number management method and thread fastening number management device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a thread fastening number management method and device dispensing with a specific structure such as a pin provided at a torque bar in fastening thread using a torque wrench provided with the torque bar operated to generate vibration every completion of thread fastening at a predetermined torque value. <P>SOLUTION: In the thread fastening number management method used for the torque wrench 1 provided with the torque bar 14 operated to generate vibration every completion of thread fastening at the predetermined torque value, vibration generated by the torque bar is detected using an acceleration sensor 3 or the like, and the detected vibration is analyzed to determine whether one thread fastening is completed, thus managing the number of thread fastening. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for accumulating the number of screw tightening completions when screw tightening is performed using a torque wrench having a torque bar that generates vibrations every time screw tightening with a predetermined torque value is completed. It is.

  Conventionally, when screw tightening is performed using a torque wrench having a torque bar that operates and generates vibration every time screw tightening at a predetermined torque value is completed, a technique for accumulating the number of screw tightening completed is as follows. It is disclosed in documents such as JP 2000-108047 (Patent Document 1), JP 2000-42937 (Patent Document 2), JP-B 50-32149 (Patent Document 3), JP 2000-108048 (Patent Document 4) and the like. Yes.

JP 2000-108047 A JP 2000-42937 JP-B-50-32149 JP2000-108048

Patent Documents 1 to 4 require a torque wrench having a specific structure such as a pin protruding from a torque bar, and can be used only for a dedicated torque wrench.
Moreover, since the display part is a structure integrated with the torque wrench and the position described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 is fixed with respect to the torque wrench body, when the work space for tightening the screw is narrow, There is a problem that it is difficult to rotate the torque wrench because the display unit is in the way.
Moreover, the thing of patent document 3, 4 employ | adopts a wired or wireless system in order to send a signal to the display part separately provided from the torque wrench. Since there is a cable in the wired system, there is a problem that when the torque wrench is rotated, care must be taken so that the cable does not get caught in surrounding objects and the like, and there is a risk of disconnection. Another problem is that it is difficult to use because the working range is limited by the length of the cable. In addition, the wireless system has a problem that a signal is affected by noise and a range in which the signal reaches is limited.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made for the purpose of providing a screw tightening number management method and apparatus that do not require a specific structure such as a pin provided on a torque bar.

Claim 1 of the screw tightening number management method according to the present invention comprises:
A screw tightening number management method used for a torque wrench having a torque bar that operates and generates vibration every time screw tightening at a predetermined torque value is completed,
The present invention is characterized in that the number of screw tightening is managed by detecting vibration generated in the torque bar and analyzing the detected vibration to determine whether or not one screw tightening is completed.
Therefore, the number of screws that have been tightened may be accumulated on the torque wrench side, the holder unit, or the host computer side.
And the method of claim 2 comprises:
A torque bar that operates and emits vibration every time screw tightening at a predetermined torque value is completed, determines that one screw tightening is completed based on the operation of the torque bar, and accumulates the number of screw tightening completions A screw tightening number management method used for a torque wrench having a function of
The integrated value of the number of screws tightened by the torque wrench is stored in a host computer and managed.
Therefore, the means for detecting the operation of the torque bar is not limited to the acceleration sensor, and the specific structure described in Patent Documents 1 to 4 may be used.
And the third aspect of the screw tightening number management device is as follows:
A screw tightening number management device used for a torque wrench having a torque bar that operates and generates vibration every time screw tightening at a predetermined torque value is completed,
Detection means for detecting vibration generated by the torque bar and outputting a detection signal;
Determination means for analyzing the detection signal and determining whether one screw tightening is completed;
Integration means for integrating and outputting the number of screw tightening completions each time it is determined by the determination means that one screw tightening is completed;
The detection means, the determination means, and a power supply means comprising a battery or a power storage means for supplying the necessary power to the integrating means.
Therefore, the screw tightening number management device may be integrated with the torque wrench or detachable from the torque wrench.
And the device of claim 4 comprises:
A screw tightening number management device that can be attached to a torque wrench having a torque bar that operates and generates vibration every time screw tightening at a predetermined torque value is completed,
A mounting means for mounting vibration transmission to the torque wrench;
Detecting means for detecting vibration generated by the torque bar via the mounting means and outputting a detection signal;
Determination means for analyzing the detection signal and determining whether one screw tightening is completed;
Integration means for integrating and outputting the number of screw tightening completions each time it is determined by the determination means that one screw tightening is completed;
The detection means, the determination means, and a power supply means comprising a battery or a power storage means for supplying the necessary power to the integrating means.
And the device of claim 5 comprises:
A torque bar that operates and emits vibration every time screw tightening at a predetermined torque value is completed, determines that one screw tightening is completed based on the operation of the torque bar, and accumulates the number of screw tightening completions A screw tightening number management device used for a torque wrench having a function of outputting
A holder for placing the torque wrench;
The holder part is provided with a communication means for reading the screw tightening completion number output from the mounted torque wrench.
And the device of claim 6 comprises:
A torque bar that operates and emits vibration every time screw tightening at a predetermined torque value is completed, determines that one screw tightening is completed based on the operation of the torque bar, and accumulates the number of screw tightening completions A screw tightening number management device used for a torque wrench having a function of outputting
A holder unit on which the torque wrench is placed; and a host computer connected to the holder unit so as to communicate with each other.
The holder portion includes a communication unit that reads the number of screw tightening completions output from the mounted torque wrench and transmits it to the host computer.
Therefore, the means for detecting the operation of the torque bar is not limited to the acceleration sensor, and the specific structure described in Patent Documents 1 to 4 may be used.

The method of claim 1 detects the vibration generated in the torque bar and analyzes the detected vibration to determine whether one screw tightening is completed. Even if it is not a torque wrench having a specific structure, the operation of the torque bar can be indirectly detected by vibration to determine whether or not one screw tightening is completed, and the number of screw tightening can be managed. .
According to the method of claim 2, since the integrated value of the number of screw tightening completed by the torque wrench is taken into the host computer and managed, the work by the plurality of torque wrench can be systematically managed.
Since the apparatus according to claim 3 detects vibration generated by the torque bar and adds and outputs the number of screw tightening completions every time it is determined that one screw tightening is completed, the apparatus can transmit vibration. Even if it is not a torque wrench with a specific structure, the operation of the torque bar can be indirectly detected by vibration to determine whether or not one screw tightening is completed, and to manage the number of screw tightening it can. Further, since the power supply means is provided, a power cord is not required and workability is improved.
Since the apparatus according to the fourth aspect includes the mounting means for mounting on the torque wrench, it can be mounted on a torque wrench having a general structure that does not include the specific structure, and the number of screw tightening can be managed.
The apparatus according to claim 5 includes a holder portion on which a torque wrench is mounted, and the holder portion includes a communication means for reading the number of screw tightening completions output from the mounted torque wrench. Can be managed by the holder part.
The apparatus according to claim 6 includes a holder portion on which a torque wrench is placed, and a host computer connected to the holder portion so as to be able to communicate with the holder portion. Screw tightening output from the torque wrench placed on the holder portion is completed. Since the communication means for reading the number and transmitting it to the host computer is provided, work by a plurality of torque wrenches can be systematically managed.

Hereinafter, a screw tightening number management method and apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof.
In FIG.
Reference numeral 1 denotes a torque wrench, which is arranged inside the handle member 12, a head member 11, a handle member 12, and a grip 13 formed at the end of the handle member 12 having a function of being attached to a screw to be operated. A torque bar 14, a thruster 15, a link 16 connecting the torque bar 14 and the thruster 15, a spring 17 and the like are provided. When a predetermined torque set by the spring 17 is reached in screw tightening (clockwise tightening in FIG. 1), the thruster 15 is pushed by the link 16 constituting a torque transmission mechanism, and the spring 17 At the same time, the handle member 12 suddenly rotates clockwise around the head pin 18, and the torque bar 14 maintains its position. Therefore, the torque bar 14 collides with the inner wall of the handle member 12 to generate vibration.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a sensor unit, which includes an acceleration sensor 3, a microcomputer 4, a battery 5, and LED lamps 61 and 62 and a buzzer 7 as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, when the vibration generated by the torque wrench 1 is transmitted to the case of the sensor unit 2 via the mounting member 8, the voltage of the acceleration sensor 3 changes according to the vibration waveform. It is fixed to the case of the sensor unit 2 so as to output a detection signal. Moreover, you may provide the display means which displays numerical values, such as the number of screw fastening, in the sensor unit 2 or the holder part mentioned later.
The microcomputer 4 has an input port for capturing the detection signal output from the acceleration sensor 3, a memory in which a signal analysis program is written, and operating the signal analysis program, so that the captured detection signal When the waveform is analyzed and it is determined that one screw tightening is completed, the number of screw tightening completions is incremented by one and integrated, and when the total number of screw tightening completions reaches a preset scheduled quantity And a CPU for controlling the LED lamp or the buzzer to be driven in a specific pattern, and a communication port for communicating with the outside.
The CPU analyzes the waveform of the captured detection signal and outputs a screw tightening completion signal every time it is determined that one screw tightening is completed, and the LED lamp or buzzer is turned on the specific pattern. Alternatively, it may be configured to be driven for a short time with a different pattern.

  The signal analysis program that analyzes the detection signal and determines whether or not one screw tightening is completed is based on a shock such as a simple impact by analyzing a specific feature of the detection signal. Can be distinguished from vibration. For example, it has been found that the waveform of the detection signal generated when the torque bar 14 is actuated when one screw tightening is completed has a waveform pattern that suddenly swings in both positive and negative directions. By extracting features such as the timing of crossing points, it is possible to distinguish shocks caused by falling.

  The pattern to be driven each time it is determined that one screw tightening is completed is, for example, a pattern in which one LED lamp is lit for a short time and the buzzer is sounded to “beep”, and the screw tightening is completed. The pattern to be driven when the number reaches the planned quantity is, for example, a pattern in which the other LED lamp blinks continuously and a buzzer is continuously sounded as “beep-beep-beep ...” or a synthesized voice is notified. Pattern. Note that all such notification functions may not be provided in the sensor unit 2, but may be provided in a holder unit or a host computer described later.

  The scheduled quantity set in the microcomputer 4 is input from a host computer, which will be described later, but input means for setting the scheduled quantity may be provided in the sensor unit 2 or a holder part, which will be described later.

Reference numeral 9 denotes a holder portion for mounting the torque wrench 1, which has a communication function between the charging circuit 91 having a charging function of the battery 5 of the sensor unit 2 and the torque wrench 1 and a host computer PC described later. A communication circuit 92 as a built-in communication means is built in, and an AC adapter 93 is connected to supply power to the charging circuit 91 and the communication circuit 92 from a commercial power source.
The PC is a host computer connected to the holder unit 9 via the cable C, communicates with the sensor unit 2 via the holder unit 9, and transmits a set tightening number data as a planned quantity, and complete tightening And a function of receiving the number data.
Note that the communication method of the communication circuit 92 includes a communication method between the holder unit 9 and the sensor unit 2 of the torque wrench 1 and a communication method between the holder unit 9 and the host computer using cable communication. Not only a method but also a wireless communication method is possible. In the case of a wired communication method, serial communication and parallel communication using various cables are possible, and in the case of a wireless communication method, communication using electromagnetic waves (radio waves, infrared rays, etc.) of various wavelengths is possible. . Also, an Ethernet (registered trademark) type LAN, various types of wireless LANs, and the like can be employed.
In this way, the torque wrench 1 is battery-driven, and is configured to communicate when placed on the holder unit 9, so that it is less susceptible to noise in signal communication and the power cord does not get in the way. The effect is obtained.

  When the torque wrench 1 is placed on the holder portion 9, the placed state is detected and the holder portion 9 is activated, and the sensor unit 2 and the holder portion 9 serve as a charging electrode and a communication electrode. And are configured to start charging and communication.

  The sensor unit 2 has a configuration corresponding to the screw tightening number management device described in the claims, the attachment member 8 has a configuration corresponding to the mounting means described in the claims, and the acceleration sensor Reference numeral 3 denotes a configuration corresponding to the detection means described in the claims, the microcomputer 4 corresponds to a determination means and an integration means described in the claims, and the battery 5 is claimed. It is the structure corresponding to the power supply means described in the range.

Instead of the battery 5, various primary batteries, solar batteries, or large-capacity capacitors such as supercapacitors can be used. When a large-capacity capacitor is used, a storage circuit may be used instead of the charging circuit 91.
Depending on the work environment for screw tightening, a power cord may be provided.
Moreover, it is also possible to employ non-contact type power transmission means using an electromagnetic induction action or the like instead of the charging electrode. If the communication reliability is high, non-contact type information transmission means using radio waves, infrared rays or the like can be employed instead of the communication electrode.

In this manner, when the number of screw tightening operations scheduled by the operator is completed and the torque wrench 1 is placed on the holder unit 9, the communication with the host computer PC is started at the same time as charging is started, and the sensor unit The screw tightening completion number accumulated in 2 is transmitted to the host computer PC, and the host computer PC notifies the “OK signal” by blinking the LED lamp or ringing of the buzzer if there is no excess or shortage compared to the planned number. If it is insufficient, an “insufficient signal” is notified by blinking of an LED lamp or a buzzer.
When the number of screw tightening completions transmitted to the host computer PC matches the planned number, the next number of screws tightening is determined from the host computer PC via the holder unit 9 in the torque wrench 1. It is configured to be transmitted to a microcomputer in the sensor unit 2.

The torque wrench 1 described above is configured to detect that the torque bar 14 is actuated when one screw tightening is completed by the acceleration sensor. However, a pin or the like as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 4 is used. Even in the case of a torque wrench configured to operate a switch with a specific structure, the number of units compared to the planned number is adopted in the holder unit or a host computer that communicates with the holder unit using the holder unit as described above. You may comprise so that it may alert | report whether it is insufficient.
In this case, the torque wrench side only needs to have a function for detecting the operation of the torque bar and a communication function.

Next, the operation of the microcomputer of the sensor unit 2 used in the screw tightening number management apparatus of the first embodiment will be described.
First, in the screw tightening operation, the planned number of screws to be tightened is set. The planned number may be input to the torque wrench 1 from the host computer PC via the holder unit 9, but may be directly input by providing the torque wrench with input means. Further, the holder unit may be provided with an input means, and when the torque wrench is placed on the holder part, the expected number may be input by operating the input means of the holder part.
Next, when the screw tightening operation is started, the detection signal is analyzed every time it is detected that the torque bar 14 is actuated when one screw tightening is completed, and the number of screws tightened is integrated.
When it is notified that the planned number has been reached, or when the operator thinks that the planned number has been completed, a torque wrench is placed on the holder portion 9.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3 </ b> B, and 3 </ b> C, the attachment member 8 for attaching the sensor unit 2 to the torque wrench 1 does not fix the both, but is attached to be rotatable. Therefore, the sensor unit 2 can be rotated around the axis of the torque wrench 1. Therefore, when the work space is small, the sensor unit 2 can be rotated to a desired position according to the situation so as not to obstruct the screw tightening operation.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, the sensor unit 2A may be attached to the end of the grip portion 13A of the torque wrench 1A. In this way, the distance from the head pin 18A to the sensor unit 2A is increased, the relative movement amount between the torque bar and the handle member 12 is increased, and the signal is easily detected.
As shown in FIG. 3, in order to be able to detect an accurate signal by the acceleration sensor even if the sensor unit 2 is rotated around the axis of the torque wrench 1, a plane orthogonal to the axis of the torque wrench 1 is used. It is preferable to use an acceleration sensor having a plurality of detection axes in two or more axial directions that are inside and orthogonal to each other. For example, in FIG. 3, when an acceleration sensor having a detection axis in two axial directions as illustrated by two orthogonal arrows X and Y is used, as shown in FIG. Detecting the operation of the torque bar at the completion of screw tightening when screw tightening is performed as shown by the arrow Θ by synthesizing signals in two axes when screwing in a state in which the screw is rotated obliquely Can do.

The torque wrench 1B shown in FIG. 5 (a) is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-136418, and FIG. 5 (b) shows the main part thereof.
The torque wrench 1B shown in these drawings has a structure in which a torque bar 14B fixed integrally with a head member 11B is externally mounted on a handle member 12B which is rotatably provided by a head pin 18B. A roller-like body 161 on the side and a roller-like body 162 on the handle member 12B side, the roller-like body on the handle member 12B side is pressed by a thruster 15B pressed by a spring 17B, and a screw tightening torque is set When the torque exceeds the torque, the spring 17B is compressed, and the roller-like body 162 on the handle member 12B side gets over the roller-like body 161 on the torque bar 14B side to generate vibration. .
The vibration generated in this way is detected by an acceleration sensor of the sensor unit 2B attached in the vicinity of the grip 13B, and a detection signal is output.

It is the block diagram which showed the structure of embodiment of the screw tightening number management apparatus concerning this invention. It is the block diagram which showed the other structure of the screw fastening number management apparatus concerning this invention. It is explanatory drawing which showed the usage pattern of the said screw fastening number management apparatus. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of Example 2. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of Example 3.

Explanation of symbols

1 Torque wrench
14 Torque bar 2 Sensor unit 3 Acceleration sensor 4 Microcomputer 5 Battery 8 Mounting member 9 Holder part PC Host computer

Claims (6)

A screw tightening number management method used for a torque wrench having a torque bar that operates and generates vibration every time screw tightening at a predetermined torque value is completed,
The number of screw tightening is controlled by detecting the vibration generated in the torque bar, and analyzing the detected vibration to determine whether one screw tightening is completed or not. Management method. A torque bar that operates and emits vibration every time screw tightening at a predetermined torque value is completed, determines that one screw tightening is completed based on the operation of the torque bar, and accumulates the number of screw tightening completions A screw tightening number management method used for a torque wrench having a function of
A screw tightening number managing method, wherein an integrated value of the number of screw tightening by the torque wrench is taken in and managed by a host computer. A screw tightening number management device used for a torque wrench having a torque bar that operates and generates vibration every time screw tightening at a predetermined torque value is completed,
Detection means for detecting vibration generated by the torque bar and outputting a detection signal;
Determination means for analyzing the detection signal and determining whether one screw tightening is completed;
Integration means for integrating and outputting the number of screw tightening completions each time it is determined by the determination means that one screw tightening is completed;
A screw tightening number managing apparatus comprising: a battery for supplying necessary power to the detecting means, determining means, and integrating means, or power supply means comprising power storage means. A screw tightening number management device that can be attached to a torque wrench having a torque bar that operates and generates vibration every time screw tightening at a predetermined torque value is completed,
A mounting means for mounting vibration transmission to the torque wrench;
Detecting means for detecting vibration generated by the torque bar via the mounting means and outputting a detection signal;
Determination means for analyzing the detection signal and determining whether one screw tightening is completed;
Integration means for integrating and outputting the number of screw tightening completions each time it is determined by the determination means that one screw tightening is completed;
A screw tightening number managing apparatus comprising: a battery for supplying necessary power to the detecting means, determining means, and integrating means, or power supply means comprising power storage means. A torque bar that operates and emits vibration every time screw tightening at a predetermined torque value is completed, determines that one screw tightening is completed based on the operation of the torque bar, and accumulates the number of screw tightening completions A screw tightening number management device used for a torque wrench having a function of outputting
A holder for placing the torque wrench;
The screw tightening number management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the holder portion includes a communication unit that reads a screw tightening completion number output from the torque wrench placed thereon. A torque bar that operates and emits vibration every time screw tightening at a predetermined torque value is completed, determines that one screw tightening is completed based on the operation of the torque bar, and accumulates the number of screw tightening completions A screw tightening number management device used for a torque wrench having a function of outputting
A holder portion for placing the torque wrench;
A host computer communicably connected to the holder unit,
The screw tightening number management apparatus, wherein the holder unit includes a communication unit that reads a screw tightening completion number output from the mounted torque wrench and transmits it to the host computer.

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