JP2023032928A - Electric tool system, control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an electric tool system easily performing setting of communication between an electric tool capable of performing wireless communication and a receiver, and provide a control method and a program.SOLUTION: An electric tool system 1 includes an electric tool 2, a relay machine 3, and a receiver 4. The electric tool 2 has first identification information as unique identification information. The relay machine 3 has second identification information as unique identification information, and can communicate with the electric tool 2. The receiver 4 has third identification information as unique identification information, and is connected with the relay machine 3. The receiver 4 has a first communication part 41 and a second communication part 42. The electric tool 2 and the first communication part 41 send and receive work information relating to work contents by the electric tool 2 by performing communication via the relay machine 3. The electric tool 2 and the second communication part 42 send and receive communication information relating to communication between the electric tool 2 and the receiver 4 by performing wireless communication. The communication information comprises the first identification information, the second identification information, and the third identification information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present disclosure relates generally to power tool systems, control methods and programs. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a power tool system including a power tool capable of wireless communication, a control method for this power tool system, and a program.

Patent Document 1 discloses an electric power tool that controls the rotation of a motor based on received screw tightening information, and a center device that transmits preset screw tightening information to the electric tool via a network.

JP-A-2000-334670

In the electric power tool and the center device as described in Patent Document 1, when there are a plurality of power tools and a plurality of center devices, it is desired to simplify communication settings between the plurality of power tools and the plurality of center devices. was rare.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above reasons, and aims to provide an electric power tool system, control method, and program capable of easily setting communication between an electric power tool capable of wireless communication and a receiver.

A power tool system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a power tool, a repeater, and a receiver. The power tool has first identification information, which is unique identification information, and is capable of wireless communication. The repeater has second identification information, which is unique identification information, and is capable of wireless communication with the power tool. The receiver has third identification information, which is unique identification information, and is connected to the repeater. The receiver has a first communication section and a second communication section. The power tool and the first communication unit communicate with each other via the relay device to exchange work information related to the work content of the power tool. The power tool and the second communication unit perform wireless communication to exchange communication information related to communication between the power tool and the receiver. The communication information includes the first identification information, the second identification information held by the relay device that wirelessly communicates with the power tool having the first identification information, and the relay device having the second identification information. and the third identification information possessed by the connected receiver.

A control method according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for a power tool system. The power tool system includes a power tool, a repeater, and a receiver. The power tool has first identification information, which is unique identification information, and is capable of wireless communication. The repeater has second identification information, which is unique identification information, and is capable of wireless communication with the power tool. The receiver has third identification information, which is unique identification information, and is connected to the repeater. The control method includes a first communication step and a second communication step. In the first communication step, the power tool and the receiver communicate with each other via the relay device to exchange work information related to the work performed by the power tool. In the second communication step, communication information related to communication between the power tool and the receiver is exchanged by wireless communication between the power tool and the receiver. The communication information includes the first identification information, the second identification information held by the relay device that wirelessly communicates with the power tool having the first identification information, and the relay device having the second identification information. and the third identification information possessed by the connected receiver.

A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer system to execute the control method.

Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an electric power tool system, a control method, and a program that enable easy setting of communication between an electric power tool capable of wireless communication and a receiver.

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a power tool system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the power tool system of the same. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an electric power tool included in the electric power tool system. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation in the pairing mode of the power tool system; FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the power tool system in the working mode. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating operations in the pairing mode of the power tool system of Modification 1. FIG. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating operations in the work mode of the power tool system of Modification 1. FIG. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating operations in the pairing mode of the power tool system of Modification 2. FIG. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation in the work mode of the power tool system of Modification 2. As shown in FIG.

A power tool system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments and modifications described below are merely examples of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and modifications. Other than this embodiment and modifications, various modifications can be made according to the design and the like within the scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure. Moreover, the following embodiments (including modifications) may be combined as appropriate and implemented.

(1) Overview First, an overview of the power tool system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the electric power tool system 1 includes an electric power tool 2 , a repeater 3 and a receiver 4 .

The electric power tool 2 is a business tool used in factories, construction sites, and the like, for example. The power tool 2 is used, for example, to perform an installation work of attaching an object to be attached (such as a solar cell panel) to a member to be attached (such as a frame) by tightening the object to be worked (for example, fastening members such as bolts and screws). be done. The power tool 2 here is an electric impact wrench that tightens by rotating a bolt or the like as a working object and applying an impact force. The power tool 2 is not limited to an electric impact wrench, and may be an electric impact driver, an electric torque wrench that does not apply impact force, an electric drill driver, or the like.

The power tool 2 is capable of wireless communication, and has first identification information such as an IP address, which is individual identification information on the network.

The relay device 3 is capable of wireless communication with the power tool 2 and is a so-called wireless access point that relays communication between the power tool 2 and the receiver 4 . The repeater 3 has second identification information such as an SSID (Service Set Identifier), which is individual identification information on the network, and a password corresponding to the SSID.

The receiver 4 is connected to the repeater 3 via a wired network such as Ethernet (registered trademark). The receiver 4 has third identification information such as an IP address, which is unique identification information on the network.

The receiver 4 also has a first communication section 41 and a second communication section 42 .

The power tool 2 and the first communication unit 41 of the receiver 4 communicate with each other via the relay device 3 to exchange work information related to the work performed by the power tool 2 .

The power tool 2 and the second communication unit 42 of the receiver 4 exchange communication information related to communication between the power tool 2 and the receiver 4 by performing wireless communication.

Here, the communication information includes the first identification information, the second identification information held by the relay device 3 that performs wireless communication with the power tool 2 having the first identification information, and the relay device 3 having the second identification information. and third identification information possessed by the receiver 4 .

With the above configuration, it is possible to collectively exchange the first to third identification information necessary for setting communication between the power tool 2 and the receiver 4. Communication setting can be simplified as compared with the case where identification information is individually exchanged among the power tool 2, the receiver 4, and the relay device 3. In addition, this can reduce the possibility of communication setting errors occurring.

(2) Details Details of the power tool system 1 according to the embodiment will be described below.

(2.1) Configuration of Power Tool System The configuration of the power tool system 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the power tool system 1 includes a plurality (four in the drawing) of power tools 2 (2A to 2D), a plurality (two in the drawing) of repeaters 3 (3A, 3B), and a plurality of (2 in the figure) receivers 4 (4A, 4B). The power tool system 1 further includes a host device 5 and a HUB device 6 . As shown in FIG. 1, a host device 5 and a plurality of receivers 4, and a plurality of receivers 4 and a plurality of repeaters 3 are connected via a HUB device 6 via a wired network such as Ethernet. It should be noted that it is not essential that the power tool system 1 include the host device 5 and the HUB device 6, and they can be omitted as appropriate.

Next, details of each device constituting the power tool system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 . In FIG. 2, illustration of the HUB device 6 is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 2, the power tool 2 includes a control unit 21, an operation unit 22, a tightening unit 23, a sensor unit 24, a communication unit 25, a power supply unit 26, a storage unit 27, and a display unit. 28 and a switching operation unit 29 .

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the power tool 2 has a body 200 for housing or holding each part. The body 200 includes a cylindrical trunk portion 201 and a grip portion 202 radially protruding from the peripheral surface of the trunk portion 201 . An output shaft 231 protrudes from one end side of the body portion 201 in the axial direction. The output shaft 231 is provided with a socket 232 to which a tip tool (for example, a torque wrench bit or the like) suitable for a tightening member to be worked is detachably attached. A battery pack 203 containing a power supply unit 26 in a resin case is detachably attached to one end (lower end in FIG. 3) of the grip portion 202 .

The control unit 21 controls operations of the tightening unit 23, the sensor unit 24, the communication unit 25, and the like. The control unit 21 is realized by a computer system having one or more processors and memory, and the computer system functions as the control unit 21 by executing a program stored in the memory by the one or more processors. Although the program is pre-recorded in the memory of the control unit 21 here, it may be provided through an electric communication line such as the Internet or recorded in a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card. The control unit 21 may be configured by, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). A microcontroller (circuit board, etc.) that constitutes the control unit 21 is housed inside the grip portion 202 .

The operating section 22 includes a trigger switch 221 provided on the grip section 202 . When the trigger switch 221 is operated by a user or the like, an operation signal having a magnitude proportional to the pull-in amount (operation amount) of the trigger switch 221 is input to the control unit 21 . The controller 21 adjusts the speed of the motor 233 so that it rotates at a speed corresponding to the operation signal from the operation unit 22 .

The tightening section 23 includes a drive circuit (not shown), an impact mechanism 234 and an output shaft 231 in addition to the motor 233 . The drive circuit controls rotation of the motor 233 according to a control signal input from the control section 21 . Rotation of the motor 233 is transmitted to the output shaft 231 via the impact mechanism 234 . If the output torque is equal to or less than the predetermined level, the impact mechanism 234 decelerates the rotation of the output shaft of the motor 233 and transmits it to the output shaft 231 . When the output torque exceeds a predetermined level, the impact mechanism 234 is configured to apply impact force to the output shaft 231 to rotate the fastening part (bolt or the like) to be worked. As shown in FIG. 3, the motor 233 and the impact mechanism 234 are housed inside the body portion 201 .

The sensor section 24 measures the tightening torque by the tightening section 23 . The sensor unit 24 has a magnetostrictive torque sensor 241 attached to the output shaft 231 . The magnetostrictive torque sensor 241 detects the change in magnetic permeability according to the strain generated by the torque applied to the output shaft of the motor 233 with a coil installed in the non-rotating portion, and outputs a voltage signal proportional to the strain. do. The sensor unit 24 thereby measures the torque applied to the output shaft 231 . That is, the sensor unit 24 measures the torque (tightening torque) that the power tool 2 applies to the work target. The sensor unit 24 transmits the measured torque (tightening torque) to the control unit 21 .

The control unit 21 controls the tightening unit 23 so that the tightening torque becomes the torque set value. For example, when the tightening torque measured by the torque sensor 241 reaches the set torque value, the control unit 21 stops the rotation of the motor 233 . Note that the torque setting value can be changed, and is changed by the control unit 21 based on torque value information transmitted from the receiver 4 to the power tool 2 .

The communication unit 25 is a communication module that performs short-range wireless communication based on, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The communication unit 25 performs wireless communication with the relay device 3 and the receiver 4 using this type of communication method. The method of wireless communication between the communication unit 25 and the repeater 3 and between the communication unit 25 and the receiver 4 is, for example, a 920 MHz band specified low-power radio station (a radio station that does not require a license), Bluetooth (registered It may be wireless communication using radio waves as a medium conforming to a communication standard such as a trademark).

The power supply unit 26 includes a storage battery. The power supply unit 26 is housed inside the battery pack 203 . The battery pack 203 is configured by housing the power supply unit 26 in a resin case. By removing the battery pack 203 from the grip portion 202 and connecting the removed battery pack 203 to a charger, the storage battery of the power supply portion 26 can be charged. The power supply unit 26 supplies electric power required for operation to the electric circuit including the control unit 21 and the motor 233 with the electric power charged in the storage battery.

The storage unit 27 includes ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and the like. The storage unit 27 stores control programs executed by the control unit 21 . The storage unit 27 also stores identification information (first identification information) assigned to each electric power tool 2 and the type of each electric power tool 2 (for example, information including the manufacturer and the product number determined by the manufacturer). and other information (tool type information). Here, the first identification information includes an IP address assigned to the power tool 2, for example.

The display unit 28 has, for example, a blue light emitting diode and a red light emitting diode that are exposed on the surface of the body 200 .

The switching operation unit 29 includes a pairing switch 291 provided on the upper surface of the body 200, as shown in FIG. The pairing switch 291 is, for example, a push button switch that performs an alternate operation. The operation of the power tool 2 when the pairing switch 291 is operated will be described in "(2.2) Description of operation".

The repeater 3 includes a first communication section 31, a second communication section 32, a control section 33, and a storage section 34, as shown in FIG.

The control unit 33 controls operations of the first communication unit 31, the second communication unit 32, and the like. The control unit 33 is realized by a computer system having one or more processors and memory, and the computer system functions as the control unit 33 by executing a program stored in the memory by the one or more processors. Although the program is pre-recorded in the memory of the control unit 33 here, it may be provided through an electric communication line such as the Internet or recorded in a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card. The control unit 33 may be configured by, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

The first communication unit 31 is a communication module that performs wired communication via a communication line. The first communication unit 31 performs wired communication with the first communication unit 41 of the receiver 4 via a wired network such as Ethernet.

The second communication unit 32 is a communication module that performs short-range wireless communication using the same communication method (for example, Wi-Fi) as the communication method of the communication unit 25 of the power tool 2 . The second communication section 32 wirelessly communicates with the communication section 25 of the power tool 2 .

The storage unit 34 includes ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and the like. The storage unit 34 stores identification information (second identification information) assigned to each repeater 3, the type of each repeater 3 (for example, information including the manufacturer and the product number determined by the manufacturer), and the like. store the information of Here, the second identification information includes, for example, the SSID assigned to the repeater 3 and the password corresponding to the SSID.

The receiver 4 includes a first communication section 41, a second communication section 42, a control section 43, an operation section 44, a display section 45, and a storage section 46, as shown in FIG. .

The control unit 43 controls operations of the first communication unit 41, the second communication unit 42, the display unit 45, and the like. The control unit 43 is implemented by a computer system having one or more processors and memory, and the computer system functions as the control unit 43 by executing a program stored in the memory by the one or more processors. Although the program is pre-recorded in the memory of the control unit 43 here, it may be provided through an electric communication line such as the Internet or recorded in a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card. The control unit 43 may be configured by, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

The first communication unit 41 is a communication module that performs wired communication via a communication line. The first communication section 41 communicates with the communication section 25 of the power tool 2 via the relay device 3 . Specifically, the first communication unit 41 performs wired communication with the first communication unit 31 of the repeater 3 via a wired network such as Ethernet, and the second communication unit 32 of the repeater 3 and the communication unit of the power tool 2 communicate with each other. 25 performs short-range wireless communication based on, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Thereby, the first communication unit 41 communicates with the communication unit 25 of the power tool 2 .

Also, the first communication unit 41 performs wired communication with the communication unit 51 of the host device 5 via a wired network such as Ethernet.

The second communication unit 42 is a communication module that performs short-distance wireless communication using the same communication method (for example, Wi-Fi) as the communication method of the communication unit 25 of the power tool 2 . The second communication section 42 wirelessly communicates with the communication section 25 of the power tool 2 .

The operation unit 44 includes a pairing switch 441, for example. The pairing switch 441 is, for example, a push button switch that performs an alternate operation. The operation of the receiver 4 when the pairing switch 441 is operated will be described in "(2.2) Description of operation".

The display unit 45 includes, for example, eight light emitting units 451 to 458 (see FIG. 1). Each of the light emitting units 451-458 includes, for example, a light emitting diode. The display unit 45 may include a display device such as a liquid crystal display.

The storage unit 46 includes ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and the like. The storage unit 46 stores identification information (third identification information) assigned to each receiver 4, the type of each receiver 4 (for example, information including the manufacturer and the product number determined by the manufacturer), and the like. store the information of Here, the third identification information includes an IP address assigned to the receiver 4, for example. The storage unit 46 may also store second identification information (identification information assigned to each relay device 3).

The host device 5 is, for example, a server. The host device 5 includes a communication section 51 , a storage section 52 and a control section 53 .

The communication unit 51 is a communication module that performs wired communication via a communication line. The communication unit 51 performs wired communication with the first communication unit 41 of the receiver 4 via a wired network such as Ethernet.

The storage unit 52 includes ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and the like. The storage unit 52 stores the contents of work performed by the power tool 2, the history of the work performed by the power tool 2, and the like.

The control unit 53 controls operations of the communication unit 51 and the like. The control unit 53 is implemented by a computer system having one or more processors and memory, and the computer system functions as the control unit 53 by executing a program stored in the memory by the one or more processors. Although the program is pre-recorded in the memory of the control unit 53 here, it may be provided through an electric communication line such as the Internet or recorded in a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card. The control unit 53 may be configured by, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

The control unit 53 causes the communication unit 51 to transmit the details of the work performed by the power tool 2 to the receiver 4 .

Further, the control unit 53 causes the storage unit 52 to store the history of work performed by the power tool 2 transmitted from the receiver 4 .

(2.2) Description of Operation The operation of the power tool system 1 of this embodiment will be described below.

(2.2.1) Pairing mode First, see FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIG. 4, which is a sequence diagram, for the operation of the power tool system 1 in the pairing mode in which the power tool 2 and the receiver 4 are paired. and explain. As described above, the power tool 2 and the receiver 4 are paired in order to exchange work information related to the work content of the power tool 2 .

Pairing is performed by the user of the power tool 2, for example, at the beginning of the day or at the time of switching work. Here, it is assumed that the user of the power tool 2 is, for example, a worker who performs work (mounting work) for mounting a solar panel on a frame with bolts. Note that the pairing may be performed by a person other than the user of the power tool 2, such as a site supervisor.

First, the user brings the power tool 2 (2A) used for the installation work closer to the receiver 4 (4A) to be paired. Specifically, the user brings the power tool 2A and the receiver 4A closer to a distance at which they can be visually recognized at the same time. As a result, the possibility of unintended pairing between the power tool 2 and the receiver 4 can be reduced.

The user presses the pairing switch 441 of the receiver 4A while the power tool 2A and the receiver 4A are brought close to each other. When the pairing switch 441 is pressed by the user, for example, the light emitting unit 451 among the light emitting units 451 to 458 provided in the receiver 4A starts blinking.

In this embodiment, a maximum of eight power tools 2 can be paired with the receiver 4A. to No. 8, respectively.

When the user presses the pairing switch 441 again, the light emitting unit 451 turns off and the light emitting unit 452 starts blinking. In this way, each time the user presses the pairing switch 441, the light emitting units 451 to 458 start blinking one by one.

Here, it is assumed that the user assigns the pairing number No. 1 to the power tool 2A. The user presses and holds the pairing switch 441 for a predetermined period of time (for example, 3 seconds) while the light emitting unit 451 corresponding to the pairing number No. 1 is blinking. As a result, the receiver 4A enters the pairing mode (step S1), assigns the pairing number No. 1, and starts detecting the power tool 2 to be paired. When the receiver 4A enters the pairing mode, for example, the flashing period of the light emitting unit 451 becomes faster to notify the user of the pairing mode.

The user presses the pairing switch 291 (see FIG. 3) included in the switching operation section 29 of the power tool 2A when the receiver 4A is in the pairing mode. As a result, the power tool 2A enters the pairing mode (step S2) and is detected as a pairing target by the receiver 4A. At this time, the electric power tool 2A flashes, for example, a blue light-emitting diode of the display unit 28 to notify the user that the electric power tool 2A has entered the pairing mode. Note that the power tool 2A may enter the pairing mode by operating the trigger switch 221, for example. In this case, for example, the operation of the trigger switch 221 immediately after the battery pack 203 is attached to the grip portion 202 is the operation of shifting to the pairing mode.

When detected by the receiver 4A, the power tool 2A is assigned the pairing number No. 1 by the receiver 4A. Thereafter, the pairing number No. 1 is not assigned to another electric power tool 2 until the pairing between the receiver 4A and the electric power tool 2A is cancelled. In other words, while the receiver 4A and the power tool 2A are paired, if another power tool 2 is paired with the receiver 4A, the other power tools 2 have pairing numbers No. 2 to No. 8. one is assigned.

When the power tool 2A is detected by the receiver 4A, the power tool 2A and the receiver 4A start pairing.

First, the power tool 2A and the receiver 4A establish communication (step S3). Here, establishing communication means setting a state in which data can be exchanged between the power tool 2A and the receiver 4A. Specifically, establishment of communication includes, for example, establishment of wireless communication connection conforming to Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and establishment of encrypted connection using a communication protocol such as TSL (Transport Layer Security).

When communication is established, the power tool 2A transmits a connection start request to the receiver 4A via the communication unit 25 (step S4).

When receiving the connection start request from the power tool 2A via the second communication unit 42, the receiver 4A transmits communication information to the power tool 2A via the second communication unit 42 (step S5). Here, the communication information includes, for example, an IP address (third identification information) assigned in advance to the receiver 4A, and the repeater 3 (for example, the repeater 3A) closest to the place where the installation work using the power tool 2A is performed. and a password (second identification information) corresponding to the SSID assigned to the SSID. The communication information also includes an IP address (first identification information) automatically assigned from the receiver 4A to the power tool 2A using a communication protocol such as DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). The communication information transmitted from the receiver 4A to the power tool 2A is stored in the storage unit 27 of the power tool 2A.

As described above, wireless communication between the electric power tool 2A and the receiver 4A during pairing is performed by keeping the electric power tool 2A and the receiver 4A at a distance (for example, several tens of centimeters) at which the user can visually recognize both at the same time. It is performed close to On the other hand, the repeater 3A is, for example, several meters away from the work place where the power tool 2A is used so as not to interfere with the mounting work using the power tool 2A in the work mode described in "(2.2.2) Work mode". installed in a place where the distance between Here, the power tool 2A preferably performs wireless communication with the second communication unit 42 of the receiver 4A with lower output power than wireless communication with the repeater 3A. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the wireless signal transmitted from the power tool 2A to the receiver 4A is received by a receiver 4 other than the receiver 4A to be paired. The adjustment of the output power of the radio signal transmitted from the electric power tool 2A to the receiver 4A is controlled by the control section 21, for example. Specifically, the control unit 21 reduces the transmission power of the communication unit 25 during operation in the pairing mode compared to during operation in a mode other than the pairing mode.

When the power tool 2A completes receiving the communication information from the receiver 4A, the power tool 2A and the receiver 4A disconnect the communication (step S6).

Next, the power tool 2A switches the communication target to the repeater 3A (step S7).

The power tool 2A establishes communication with the relay device 3A using the SSID of the relay device 3A and the password corresponding to the SSID included in the communication information (step S8).

When the establishment of communication is completed, the power tool 2A transmits a connection start request to the relay device 3A (step S9). When the relay device 3A receives the connection start request from the power tool 2 via the second communication unit 32, it transmits the connection start request to the receiver 4A via the first communication unit 31 (step S10). As a result, the power tool 2A notifies the receiver 4A that it is ready to communicate with the receiver 4A via the relay device 3A.

When the receiver 4A receives the connection start request from the repeater 3A via the first communication unit 41, it transmits a response signal to the repeater 3A (step S11). Further, when the receiver 4A transmits the response signal to the repeater 3A, the pairing mode is terminated (step S12). When the pairing mode ends, the light emitting unit 451 included in the receiver 4A switches from a blinking state to, for example, a constantly lit state.

When the pairing mode ends, the receiver 4A stops the function of the second communication section 42 (step S13). In other words, the second communication unit 42 is controlled to operate when exchanging communication information with the power tool 2A in the pairing mode. As a result, the energy consumed by the receiver 4A can be reduced when the receiver 4A is in a mode other than the pairing mode (hereinafter referred to as work mode). Moreover, it is possible to suppress an unnecessary increase in communication traffic due to wireless communication performed by the receiver 4A in the work mode.

Upon receiving the response signal from the receiver 4A via the first communication section 31, the relay device 3A transmits the response signal to the power tool 2A via the second communication section 32 (step S14).

When the electric power tool 2A receives the response signal from the relay device 3A, it terminates the pairing mode (step S15). When the pairing mode ends, the blue light-emitting diode of the display unit 28 switches from a blinking state to, for example, a constantly lit state.

Pairing between the power tool 2A and the receiver 4A is performed by the procedure described above.

When the power tool 2A and the receiver 4A end the pairing mode, they enter a work mode in which work information is exchanged via the relay device 3A.

(2.2.2) Work Mode Next, the operation of the power tool system 1 in the work mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIG. 5, which is a sequence diagram.

The user starts using the power tool 2A, which has been paired with the receiver 4A, at a place where, for example, the work of mounting the power tool 2A on the mounting frame of the solar battery panel is performed.

The installation work performed by the user using the power tool 2A includes a plurality of steps. In this embodiment, each of the plurality of steps corresponds to, for example, fastening work of one bolt. Note that each of the plurality of steps may correspond to a plurality of bolt fastening operations, or may correspond to operations other than the bolt fastening operations.

The process order of a plurality of processes is stored in the host device 5 in advance. Further, the contents of each of the plurality of steps (bolt type, bolt tightening position, torque value, etc.) are stored in advance in the receiver 4A.

First, the host device 5 transmits work start information for starting the work by the power tool 2A to the receiver 4A (step S20).

The work start information includes information for instructing a process (execution process) to be performed by the power tool 2A from now on. The host device 5 stores the work history of the power tool 2A so far, and the host device 5 selects the power tool 2A from among a plurality of processes based on the work history etc. of the power tool 2A so far. Select the execution process of

When receiving the work start information via the first communication unit 41, the receiver 4A transmits a response signal to the host device 5 (step S21).

Further, when receiving the work start information, the receiver 4A reads, for example, a torque value corresponding to the execution process instructed by the work start information from the storage unit 46 (step S22).

The receiver 4A transmits information (torque value information) including the read torque value to the repeaters 3A and 3B via the first communication unit 41 (step S23). Here, in the present embodiment, IP addresses are not set for the repeater 3A and the repeater 3B, so the receiver 4A cannot specify the repeater 3 to which the torque value information is to be transmitted. An IP address may be assigned to the repeater 3 so that the receiver 4A can designate the repeater 3 to which the torque value information is to be transmitted. In this case, the repeater 3 is a device that operates as a wireless router.

Upon receiving the torque value information via their respective first communication units 31, the relay devices 3A and 3B transmit the torque value information to the power tool 2A via their respective second communication units 32 (step S24). . At this time, the torque value information transmitted from each of the repeaters 3A and 3B includes information on the SSID of each of the repeaters 3A and 3B. Thereby, the power tool 2A can selectively receive only the torque value information transmitted from the relay device 3A paired with the power tool 2A.

When the power tool 2A receives the torque value information transmitted from the relay device 3A, the power tool 2A causes the communication unit 25 to transmit a response signal (step S25). At this time, the response signal includes information about the SSID of the repeater 3A. As a result, the response signal transmitted from the power tool 2A can be selectively received only by the relay device 3A. The power tool 2A may cause the communication unit 25 to transmit a response signal after setting the torque setting value.

Upon receiving the response signal transmitted from the power tool 2A via the second communication unit 32, the relay device 3A transmits the response signal to the receiver 4A via the first communication unit 31 (step S26).

After transmitting the response signal, the power tool 2A sets the torque setting value based on the received torque value information (step S27). Setting of the torque set value is performed by the control section 21 of the power tool 2A. The red light emitting diode of the display unit 28 of the power tool 2A blinks for a predetermined period of time, for example, when the setting of the torque setting value is completed.

When the user confirms that the setting of the torque setting value has been completed by blinking the red light emitting diode of the display unit 28, the user uses the power tool 2A to perform, for example, one bolt fastening work corresponding to the execution process ( step S28).

The electric power tool 2A transmits work result information to the relay device 3A when, for example, one bolt fastening work corresponding to the execution process is completed (step S29). Completion of the fastening work corresponding to the execution process is determined by the control unit 21 of the power tool 2A when the fastening torque measured by the torque sensor 241 reaches the torque set value. The work result information includes, for example, the tightening torque value measured by the torque sensor 241, the time required for the tightening work, and the like.

Upon receiving the work result information from the power tool 2A, the relay device 3A transmits the work result information to the receiver 4A (step S30). That is, the relay device 3A relays transmission of work result information from the power tool 2A to the receiver device 4A.

Upon receiving the work result information from the repeater 3A, the receiver 4A transmits a response signal to the repeater 3A (step S31).

Upon receiving the response signal from the receiver 4A, the relay device 3A transmits the response signal to the power tool 2A (step S32). That is, the relay device 3A relays the transmission of the response signal from the receiver 4A to the power tool 2A.

The receiver 4A transmits work result information to the host device 5 (step S33).

Upon receiving the work result information from the receiver 4A, the host device 5 stores the work result information in the storage unit 52 (step S34), and transmits a response signal to the receiver 4A (step S35).

By repeating the procedure as described above, the user uses the power tool 2A to perform a plurality of steps of the mounting work.

(3) Modifications Modifications of the above embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and 6 to 9. FIG. However, the same reference numerals are attached to the components common to the above embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. Moreover, each configuration of the modified example described below can be applied in appropriate combination with each configuration described in the above embodiment.

(3.1) Modification 1
The power tool system 1 according to Modification 1 is controlled to operate even when the second communication unit 42 of the receiver 4 exchanges work information with the power tool 2 in the work mode. It differs from the power tool system 1 in terms of form. In other words, the power tool system 1 according to the present embodiment is similar to the power tool system 1 according to the first embodiment in that the power tool 2 and the second communication unit 42 of the receiver 4 communicate wirelessly to exchange work information. It differs from the power tool system 1 . In the following, configurations similar to those of the first embodiment are denoted by common reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted as appropriate.

In Modification 1, the power tool 2 and the second communication unit 42 of the receiver 4 exchange work information via the relay device 3 (indirect communication mode) or by direct wireless communication (direct communication mode). ) before pairing between the power tool 2 and the receiver 4. In Modification 1, the switching operation unit 29 of the power tool 2 includes a switch (not shown) for switching between starting and ending wireless communication with the second communication unit 42, and switching between the indirect communication mode and the direct communication mode. is performed by operating a changeover switch. The selector switch is, for example, a push button switch that performs an alternate operation. It communicates with the second communication unit 42 in direct communication mode. Note that the pairing switch 291 may also function as a changeover switch.

In Modified Example 1, it is assumed that the user performs the installation work of, for example, a solar panel on a stand in a place where wireless communication is possible between the power tool 2 and the receiver 4 without using the repeater 3 . .

The operations of the power tool 2 and the receiver 4 in the pairing mode will be described below with reference to FIG. 6, which is a sequence diagram. It is assumed that the selector switch is off and the power tool 2 and the receiver 4 are in the indirect communication mode before pairing.

Before pairing the power tool 2 (2A) used for the installation work with the receiver 4 (4A), the user turns on the switch of the power tool 2A to switch the power tool 2A to the direct communication mode ( step S40). After that, the user pairs the power tool 2A and the receiver 4A.

The procedures from steps S41 to S43 for establishing communication between the electric power tool 2A and the receiver 4A are the same as steps S1 to S3 in the embodiment, so description thereof will be omitted.

When communication is established, the power tool 2A transmits a connection start request to the receiver 4A (step S44). Here, the connection start request includes information notifying that the power tool 2A is in the direct communication mode.

When receiving the connection start request from the power tool 2A, the receiver 4A transmits communication information to the power tool 2A (step S45). Here, the communication information includes, for example, an IP address assigned in advance to the receiver 4A and an IP address automatically assigned from the receiver 4A to the power tool 2A.

After transmitting the communication information to the power tool 2A, the receiver 4A terminates the pairing mode (step S46). Unlike the embodiment, the receiver 4A operates the second communication unit 42 even after ending the pairing mode.

When the power tool 2A receives the communication information from the receiver 4A, it ends the pairing mode (step S47).

Next, operations of the power tool 2A and the receiver 4A in the work mode will be described with reference to FIG. 7, which is a sequence diagram.

The host device 5 transmits work start information to the receiver 4A (step S50).

When receiving the work start information, the receiver 4A transmits a response signal to the host device 5 (step S51).

Further, when receiving the work start information, the receiver 4A reads, for example, a torque value corresponding to the execution process instructed by the work start information from the storage unit 46 (step S52).

The receiver 4A transmits information (torque value information) including the read torque value to the power tool 2A via the second communication unit 42 (step S53).

The power tool 2A, upon receiving the torque value information transmitted from the receiver 4A, transmits a response signal to the receiver 4A (step S54).

After transmitting the response signal, the power tool 2A sets the torque setting value based on the received torque value information (step S55).

After confirming that the setting of the torque setting value is completed, the user uses the power tool 2A to perform, for example, one bolt fastening operation corresponding to the execution process (step S56).

The power tool 2A transmits work result information to the receiver 4A when, for example, one bolt fastening work corresponding to the execution process is completed (step S57).

When receiving the work result information from the power tool 2A, the receiver 4A transmits a response signal to the power tool 2A (step S58), and transmits the work result information to the host device 5 (step S59).

Upon receiving the work result information from the receiver 4A, the host device 5 stores the work result information in the storage unit 52 (step S60), and transmits a response signal to the receiver 4A (step S61).

(3.2) Modification 2
The electric power tool system 1 according to Modification 2 operates similarly to Modification 1 when the second communication unit 42 of the receiver 4 exchanges work information with the electric power tool 2 in the work mode. It differs from the power tool system 1 of the embodiment in that it is controlled. Modification 2 is different from Modification 1 in that the indirect communication mode and the direct communication mode can be switched as appropriate depending on the communication status between the power tool 2 and the second communication unit 42 in the work mode after pairing. differ.

In Modified Example 2, when the user uses the power tool 2 to attach the solar panel to the mounting frame, for example, the power tool 2 and the receiver 4 can directly communicate with each other by wireless communication. and a place where the repeater 3 is required for wireless communication with the receiver 4.

First, the user pairs the power tool 2 (2A) and the receiver 4 (4A) used for the installation work in the sequence shown in FIG. 8, which is a sequence diagram. Note that steps S70 to S81 are the same as steps S1 to S12 in the embodiment, and steps S82 and S83 are the same as steps S14 and S15, so a description thereof will be omitted. In other words, the pairing procedure in Modification 2 differs from the embodiment in that the second communication unit 42 is operated without being stopped even after the receiver 4A exits the pairing mode. Accordingly, in the work mode, the power tool 2A and the second communication unit 42 can communicate with each other at predetermined time intervals (for example, 5 seconds) to check the communication status. The "communication status" referred to here is, for example, the frequency of occurrence of communication errors, the strength of radio signals, and the like.

The operation in the work mode will be described below with reference to FIG. 9, which is a sequence diagram.

After the electric power tool 2A and the receiver 4A are in the work mode, the user performs, for example, fastening of one bolt, which is included in the mounting work, at a place where the electric power tool 2A and the receiver 4A can directly communicate with each other. Start. At this time, it is assumed that the selector switch is off and the power tool 2A is in the indirect communication mode.

The power tool 2A confirms the communication status with the second communication unit 42, for example, blinks the blue light emitting diode of the display unit 28 in a predetermined pattern to notify the user that the direct communication mode is available.

Upon receiving the notification from the display unit 28, the user turns on the switch to switch the power tool 2A to the direct communication mode (step S90). Note that switching to the direct communication mode may be automatically performed by the control section 21 of the power tool 2A based on the communication status.

The procedure of steps S91 to S102 is the same as that of steps S50 to S61, so the description is omitted here.

Here, as the user proceeds with the work of attaching the solar panel to the mounting frame by repeating steps S91 to S102, the user needs, for example, a repeater 3A for wireless communication between the power tool 2A and the receiver 4A. Suppose you move to a certain place.

At this time, the electric power tool 2A checks the communication status with the second communication unit 42, for example, blinks the red light emitting diode of the display unit 28 in a predetermined pattern, and informs the user that the direct communication mode is unavailable. to notify you.

Upon receiving the notification from the display unit 28, the user turns off the switch to switch the power tool 2A to the indirect communication mode. Note that switching to the indirect communication mode may be automatically performed by the control unit 21 of the power tool 2A based on the communication status. The power tool 2A switched to the indirect communication mode communicates with the receiver 4A via the relay device 3A in the same procedure as steps S20 to S35, and performs the fastening work of, for example, one bolt included in the mounting work. conduct.

(3.3) Other Modifications Hereinafter, other modifications of the embodiment will be listed. The following modified examples may be implemented in combination as appropriate.

A function similar to that of the power tool system 1 may be embodied by a control method, a (computer) program, a non-temporary recording medium recording the program, or the like.

The control method according to the above embodiment is a control method for the power tool system 1 . A power tool system 1 includes a power tool 2 , a repeater 3 , and a receiver 4 . The power tool 2 is capable of wireless communication, and has first identification information such as an IP address, which is individual identification information on the network. The repeater 3 is capable of wireless communication with the power tool 2, and has second identification information such as an SSID, which is individual identification information on the network, and a password corresponding to the SSID. The receiver 4 is connected to the repeater 3 via a wired network such as Ethernet. The receiver 4 has third identification information such as an IP address, which is unique identification information on the network. The control method includes a first communication step and a second communication step. In the first communication step, the power tool 2 and the receiver 4 communicate with each other via the relay device 3 to exchange work information related to the work performed by the power tool 2 . In the second communication step, communication information related to communication between the power tool 2 and the receiver 4 is exchanged by wireless communication between the power tool 2 and the receiver 4 . The communication information includes first identification information, second identification information held by the relay device 3 that performs wireless communication with the power tool 2 having the first identification information, and a receiver connected to the relay device 3 having the second identification information. and the third identification information that 4 has.

Further, the (computer) program according to the above embodiment is a program for causing a computer system to execute the above control method.

A power tool system 1 in the present disclosure includes a computer system. A computer system is mainly composed of a processor and a memory as hardware. The functions of the power tool system 1 of the present disclosure are realized by the processor executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be recorded in advance in the memory of the computer system, may be provided through an electric communication line, or may be recorded in a non-temporary recording medium such as a computer system-readable memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive. may be provided. A processor in a computer system consists of one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) or large scale integrated circuits (LSIs). The integrated circuit such as IC or LSI referred to here is called differently depending on the degree of integration, and includes integrated circuits called system LSI, VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration). In addition, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) that is programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or a logic device capable of reconfiguring the bonding relationship inside the LSI or reconfiguring the circuit partitions inside the LSI may also be adopted as the processor. can be done. A plurality of electronic circuits may be integrated into one chip, or may be distributed over a plurality of chips. A plurality of chips may be integrated in one device, or may be distributed in a plurality of devices. A computer system, as used herein, includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Accordingly, the microcontroller also consists of one or more electronic circuits including semiconductor integrated circuits or large scale integrated circuits.

(4) Summary As described above, the power tool system (1) according to the first aspect includes the power tool (2), the repeater (3), and the receiver (4). The power tool (2) has first identification information, which is unique identification information, and is capable of wireless communication. The repeater (3) has second identification information, which is unique identification information, and is capable of wireless communication with the power tool (2). The receiver (4) has third identification information, which is unique identification information, and is connected to the repeater (3). The receiver (4) has a first communication section (41) and a second communication section (42). The power tool (2) and the first communication unit (41) communicate with each other via the relay device (3) to exchange work information related to the work performed by the power tool (2). The power tool (2) and the second communication unit (42) exchange communication information related to communication between the power tool (2) and the receiver (4) by wireless communication. The communication information includes first identification information, second identification information held by a relay device (3) that wirelessly communicates with the power tool (2) having the first identification information, and relay device (3) having the second identification information. and third identification information possessed by the receiver (4) connected to.

According to this aspect, it is possible to easily set the communication between the power tool (2) capable of wireless communication and the receiver (4).

In the electric power tool system (1) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the electric power tool (2) performs wireless communication with the second communication unit (42) as wireless communication with the repeater (3). By comparison, at a lower output power.

According to this aspect, by narrowing the wireless communication range, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the communication information is erroneously set to the power tool (2) that is set for communication at another location.

In the electric power tool system (1) according to the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the second communication unit (42) operates when exchanging communication information with the electric power tool (2). controlled.

According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the possibility of wireless communication between the power tool (2) and the second communication unit (42) for purposes other than sending and receiving communication information, and the power consumption of the power tool (2) can be reduced. can be reduced.

In the electric power tool system (1) according to the fourth aspect, in the first or second aspect, the electric power tool (2) and the second communication unit (42) perform wireless communication to exchange work information. further.

According to this aspect, the power tool (2) and the receiver (4) can exchange work information without going through the repeater (3).

In the power tool system (1) according to the fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the power tool (2) switches between starting and ending wireless communication with the second communication unit (42). A switching operation part (29) is provided.

According to this aspect, the user of the power tool (2) can appropriately select whether or not to wirelessly communicate between the power tool (2) and the second communication section (42).

A control method according to a sixth aspect is a control method for a power tool system (1). A power tool system (1) includes a power tool (2), a repeater (3), and a receiver (4). The power tool (2) has first identification information, which is unique identification information, and is capable of wireless communication. The repeater (3) has second identification information, which is unique identification information, and is capable of wireless communication with the power tool (2). The receiver (4) has third identification information, which is unique identification information, and is connected to the repeater (3). The control method includes a first communication step and a second communication step. In the first communication step, the power tool (2) and the receiver (4) communicate with each other via the relay device (3) to exchange work information related to the work performed by the power tool (2). conduct. In the second communication step, communication information related to communication between the power tool (2) and the receiver (4) is exchanged by wireless communication between the power tool (2) and the receiver (4). The communication information includes first identification information, second identification information held by a relay device (3) that wirelessly communicates with the power tool (2) having the first identification information, and relay device (3) having the second identification information. and third identification information possessed by the receiver (4) connected to.

According to this aspect, it is possible to easily set the communication between the power tool (2) capable of wireless communication and the receiver (4).

A program according to a seventh aspect is a program for causing a computer system to execute the control method according to the sixth aspect.

According to this aspect, it is possible to easily set the communication between the power tool (2) capable of wireless communication and the receiver (4).

1 electric tool system 2 electric tool 3 repeater 4 receiver 29 switching operation unit 41 first communication unit 42 second communication unit

Claims (7)

a power tool capable of wireless communication having first identification information that is unique identification information;
a repeater having second identification information, which is unique identification information, and capable of wireless communication with the power tool;
a receiver having third identification information that is unique identification information and connected to the repeater;
The receiver has a first communication unit and a second communication unit,
The power tool and the first communication unit communicate with each other via the relay device to exchange work information related to work content of the power tool,
The power tool and the second communication unit perform wireless communication to exchange communication information related to communication between the power tool and the receiver,
The communication information includes the first identification information, the second identification information held by the relay device that wirelessly communicates with the power tool having the first identification information, and the relay device having the second identification information. and the third identification information held by the connected receiver. The power tool system according to claim 1, wherein the power tool performs wireless communication with the second communication unit with lower output power than wireless communication with the repeater. The power tool system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second communication unit is controlled to operate when exchanging the communication information with the power tool. The power tool system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the power tool and the second communication unit further exchange the work information by wireless communication. The power tool system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the power tool includes a switching operation section that switches between starting and ending wireless communication with the second communication section. A control method for a power tool system, comprising:
The power tool system includes:
a power tool capable of wireless communication having first identification information that is unique identification information;
a repeater having second identification information, which is unique identification information, and capable of wireless communication with the power tool;
a receiver having third identification information that is unique identification information and connected to the repeater;
a first communication step of exchanging work information related to work content of the power tool by communicating between the power tool and the receiver via the relay device;
a second communication step of exchanging communication information related to communication between the power tool and the receiver by wireless communication between the power tool and the receiver;
The communication information includes the first identification information, the second identification information held by the relay device that wirelessly communicates with the power tool having the first identification information, and the relay device having the second identification information. and said third identification information possessed by said connected receiver. A program for causing a computer system to execute the control method according to claim 6.

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