JP7611569B2 - Torque wrenches and programs for torque wrenches - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a torque wrench and a program for a torque wrench.

Conventional torque wrenches include so-called digital torque wrenches, which show the tightening torque during tightening work on a display, as shown in Patent Document 1.

In this digital torque wrench, for example, multiple operation buttons are provided near the display, and various operations can be performed via these operation buttons, such as setting the target torque, setting the operation mode, and setting the display method.

In such a configuration, in order to allow various operations without increasing the number of operation buttons more than necessary, one operation button may be assigned to perform multiple operations. Specifically, an example of such an operation button is one that functions to increase or decrease the target torque when the target torque is set, and one that functions to switch the set work mode when the work mode is set.

When multiple operations are assigned to one operation button in this way, in order to improve usability, it is desirable for the operator to be able to understand the operation being performed at any given time. One possible embodiment for this purpose is to have the display described above show characters or icons indicating the operation of the operation button.

However, due to the size and cost of torque wrenches, displays are often small, and it is difficult to display all the characters and icons indicating various operation details at once in the limited area of such a display.

JP 2009-99100 A

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its main objective is to effectively utilize the limited narrow area of the display to convey to the operator the various operations that can be performed using the operation buttons.

In other words, the torque wrench according to the present invention is a torque wrench equipped with a display on which the tightening torque is digitally displayed during tightening, one or more operation buttons that are operated at least during the setting work before tightening, and a display control unit that displays a symbol indicating the operation of the operation button on the display, and is configured so that the operation of the operation button is changed depending on the usage situation, and the display control unit switches the symbol in response to the change in the operation of the operation button.

With such a torque wrench, the display control unit switches the symbol of the operation content in response to changes in the operation content of the operation button, so various operation contents via the operation button can be displayed in a limited, narrow area of the display. This makes it possible to effectively use the limited, narrow area of the display and to communicate the operation content of the operation button at each moment to the operator.

Since the operation button is rarely operated during tightening, in order to make effective use of the display during tightening, it is preferable that the display control unit erases the symbol from the display during tightening.

It is preferable that when a setting operation before a fastening operation is completed, the display control unit erases the symbol from the display when the completion of the setting operation is input via the operation button.
With this configuration, when shifting from the setting operation to the tightening operation, the symbols can be erased from the display, and the display can be used effectively during the tightening operation.

It is preferable that, when the operation button for transmitting measurement data during fastening work to the outside is operated, the display control unit erases the symbol from the display.
With this configuration, the symbol is erased from the display after the measurement data is transmitted, so that the display can be effectively utilized again during the next tightening operation.

It is preferable that, when the fastening torque during the fastening operation falls below a predetermined threshold value, the display control unit displays, on the display, the symbol of the operation button for transmitting measurement data during the fastening operation.
With this configuration, an icon of an operation button for transmitting measurement data is displayed at the appropriate timing for transmitting the measurement data, thereby improving operability.

In a configuration in which a bar graph that expands and contracts according to fluctuations in the fastening torque during the fastening operation is displayed on the display, it is preferable that a predetermined area of the display is used both as a symbol display area in which the symbol is displayed and as a bar display area in which the bar graph is displayed.
With this configuration, the predetermined area is used both as the symbol display area and the bar display area, so that the limited narrow area can be effectively utilized to display more information on the display.

In addition, the torque wrench program of the present invention is a program for use with a torque wrench that has a display on which the tightening torque is digitally displayed during tightening operations, and one or more operation buttons that are operated at least during setting operations prior to the tightening operation, and is configured so that the operation content of the operation buttons is changed depending on the usage situation, and causes a computer to perform the function of a display control unit that displays symbols indicating the operation content of the operation buttons on the display, and is characterized in that the display control unit switches the symbols in response to changes in the operation content of the operation buttons.
Such a torque wrench program can also provide the same effects as the torque wrench described above.

The present invention, configured in this way, makes effective use of the limited narrow area of the display to convey various operation details to the operator using the operation buttons.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of a torque wrench according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the torque wrench of the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing functions of a control device according to the embodiment. 3A and 3B are diagrams showing display contents by the display control device of the embodiment. 3A and 3B are diagrams showing display contents by the display control device of the embodiment. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating display contents by a display control device according to another embodiment.

The torque wrench according to the present invention is described below with reference to the drawings.

The torque wrench 100 according to the present invention is used to tighten or loosen objects such as screws and bolts, and is specifically a so-called digital type equipped with a measuring means TS, such as a torque sensor, for measuring the tightening torque, as shown in FIG. 1.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the torque wrench 100 further includes a display D on which the above-mentioned tightening torque is displayed, operation buttons B used for various operations, and a control device C that receives input signals input via the operation buttons B and controls the display content of the display D.

The display D is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the casing 10, and digitally displays the tightening torque measured by the measuring means TS during the tightening operation. The display D in this embodiment is thin, and specifically, is a thin organic EL display equipped with an organic EL element, but a liquid crystal display may also be used.

The operation buttons B are provided, for example, in a row, at multiple locations on the outer circumferential surface of the casing 10, for example, near the display D, and are operated at least during the setting work prior to the tightening work.

More specifically, these operation buttons B are operated during the setup process, for example, to set the target torque, the operation mode, and the display method.

When setting the target torque, one of the operation buttons B functions to increase the target torque, and another operation button B functions to decrease the target torque. Yet another operation button B functions as a completion button for inputting completion of setting the target torque.

When setting the work mode, multiple work modes can be selected, such as a peak hold that continues to display the peak value of the fastening torque measured during the fastening operation on the display D. One of the operation buttons B functions to advance the multiple work modes in a predetermined order, and another operation button B functions to rewind the multiple work modes in the reverse order of the predetermined order. Yet another operation button B functions as a completion button for inputting that the work mode setting has been completed.

In addition, in this embodiment, one of the operation buttons B is operated after the tightening torque measurement is completed, and functions as a transmission button for transmitting the measured tightening torque to the outside.

In this way, the function, i.e., the operation content, of some or all of the multiple operation buttons B changes from time to time. In other words, the torque wrench 100 of this embodiment is configured so that the operation content of the operation buttons B changes depending on the usage status of the torque wrench 100. Specifically, for example, when one of the operation buttons B is operated, the operation content of that operation button B or another operation button B changes, and even if the operation button B is not operated, the operation content of at least one operation button B changes, for example, while communication with an external device is being established, or when an external device capable of communication has not been found or has been found.

The control device C is housed in the casing 10 and includes a CPU, memory, and the like. Based on the program stored in the memory, the control device C performs at least the functions of an input signal receiving unit C1 and a display control unit C2, as shown in FIG. 3.

When the operator operates operation button B, the input signal receiving unit C1 receives an input signal indicating that operation button B has been operated. Specifically, when the input signal receiving unit C1 receives an input signal, the display D switches, for example, from a display mode for setting work to a display mode for work mode. In this embodiment, when the input signal receiving unit C1 receives an input signal, the operation content of operation button B switches to the operation content corresponding to the next operation.

The display control unit C2 receives the measurement signal from the measuring means TS described above and displays the tightening torque during tightening work on the display D in real time.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, the display control unit C2 displays a symbol S indicating the operation content of the operation button B on the display D on which the fastening torque is displayed. The symbol S may be one or more characters, symbols, icons, or a combination of these, and is stored in a symbol storage unit C3 (see FIG. 3) set in a predetermined area of the memory.

The display control unit C2 of this embodiment is configured to change the symbol S in response to a change in the content of the operation button B.

More specifically, when the input signal receiving unit C1 receives an input signal, the display control unit C2 retrieves a symbol S indicating the next operation from the symbol storage unit C3 and displays it on the display D.

As shown in FIG. 4, the display control unit C2 displays symbols S indicating the operation content of each operation button B in a predetermined area (hereinafter also referred to as the symbol display area A1) of the display D in accordance with the arrangement of those operation buttons B.

For example, as described above, the operation buttons B used when setting the target torque include those that increase the target torque and those that decrease the target torque, and the display control unit C2 displays symbols S such as "+" and "-" indicating these operation contents in the symbol display area A1 on the target torque setting screen.

In this target torque setting screen, the target torque value is displayed in a predetermined area (hereinafter also referred to as the target torque display area A2) of the display D, and the symbol display area A1 described above is set as a narrower area than the target torque display area A2. Note that in this embodiment, the symbol display area A1 is set below the target torque display area A2, but the arrangement of these areas A1 and A2 may be changed as appropriate.

When all the setting operations during the setting process, including the setting of the target torque described above, setting of the work mode, and setting of the display method, are completed, one of the operation buttons B functions as a setting completion button for inputting that the setting operations have been completed.

When this setting completion button is operated, the display control unit C2, as shown in FIG. 5(A), erases the symbol S indicating the operation content of the operation button B from the display D, and switches the previous setting screen to a torque measurement screen. That is, the display control unit C2 of this embodiment is configured to erase the symbol S from the display D while the measurement means TS is measuring the tightening torque. Note that the display control unit C2 may erase the symbol S for the entire time period during which the tightening torque is being measured, or may erase the symbol S for a part of the time period.

In this torque measurement screen, the display control unit C2 displays the tightening torque value measured by the measuring means TS in a predefined area (hereinafter also referred to as the measured torque display area A3) of the display D, as shown in Figures 5(B) and (C).

The display control unit C2 of this embodiment also displays a bar graph that expands and contracts in accordance with the fluctuation of the tightening torque during tightening work in a predetermined area (hereinafter also referred to as the bar display area A4) of the display D, as shown in Figures 5(B) and (C).

This bar display area A4 is set as an area narrower than the measured torque display area A3 described above. In this embodiment, the bar display area A4 is set below the measured torque display area A3, but the arrangement of these areas A3 and A4 may be changed as appropriate.

In this embodiment, the symbol display area A1 and the bar display area A4 overlap each other; in other words, a specific area is used as both the symbol display area A1 and the bar display area A4.

While the tightening torque is being measured during tightening work, the display control unit C2 changes the measured tightening torque value and bar graph from moment to moment.

However, if peak hold is set as the working mode in the setting work described above, the display control unit C2 will continue to display, after the measured tightening torque reaches its peak, either or both of the peak value and a bar graph of a length corresponding to that peak value without changing it for a predetermined period of time, as shown in FIG. 5(C).

Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the control device C in this embodiment has the function of a comparison unit C4 that compares the measured torque measured during the tightening operation with a predetermined threshold value.

When the comparison unit C4 determines that the tightening torque measured during the tightening operation is below a predetermined threshold, the display control unit C2 displays the symbol (REC)S of the operation button B, which functions as a transmission button for transmitting the measurement data during the tightening operation, in the symbol display area A1 of the display D, as shown in FIG. 5(D). Note that, apart from this transmission button, one of the operation buttons B functions as a cancel button for canceling transmission, and the display control unit C2 also displays the symbol (CAN)S indicating the operation content of this cancel button in the symbol display area A1 of the display D.

When the operator operates this transmission button, the measured tightening torque and other measurement data are transmitted to the outside via the communication function of the torque wrench 100. Note that the communication function may be achieved by any of a variety of means using a wired or wireless connection.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the send button or cancel button described above is pressed, the display control unit C2 erases the symbol S indicating the operation content of the operation button B that functions as the send button or cancel button, and returns to the display state shown in FIG. 5(A).

According to the torque wrench 100 configured in this manner, the display control unit C2 switches the symbol S of the operation content in response to changes in the operation content of the operation button B, so that various operation contents by the operation button B can be displayed in a limited narrow area of the display D. This makes it possible to effectively utilize the limited narrow area of the display D, and to convey to the operator the operation content of the operation button B at each moment without leaving anything out.

In addition, when tightening work begins after the setting work is completed, the display control unit C2 erases the symbol S from the display D, allowing the display D to be used effectively during tightening work.

Furthermore, when the tightening torque during tightening operation falls below a predetermined threshold, the display control unit C2 displays the send button symbol S on the display D. This means that the icon is displayed at the appropriate time for the worker to send the measurement data, improving operability.

In addition, a certain area of the display D is used as both the symbol display area A1 and the bar display area A4, so that the limited narrow area can be effectively utilized to display more information on the display D.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

For example, in the above embodiment, the torque wrench 100 according to the present invention is equipped with a communication function for transmitting measurement data to the outside, but it may not be equipped with such a communication function.

In addition to the displays described in the above embodiment, the display control unit C2 may display a waveform showing the change in tightening torque over time, the number of tightenings, and a guide to calibration during work. Furthermore, the display control unit C2 may display a list of the lap number indicating the number of tightenings and the tightening torque value for that lap number.

Operation button B may be provided as an abnormality button that is operated when various abnormalities related to the tightening tool occur, for example.

The display control unit C2 may be configured to display the units of the measured tightening torque in the unit display area A5 as shown in FIG. 6(A), and to switch the display of the units when the operation button B functioning as the unit switching button is operated. In this case, the display control unit C2 does not need to continue to display the bar graph displayed in the bar display area A4, and may erase the bar graph and display a symbol indicating the operation of the unit switching button described above when a predetermined time has elapsed since the bar graph in FIG. 6(A) was displayed or when the user operates the operation button B.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6(B), the display control unit C2 may be configured to display additional information such as the work mode and date and time in the additional information display area A6, and to switch the display of the additional information when the operation button B functioning as the additional information switching button is operated. In this case, the display control unit C2 may display a symbol indicating the operation content of the additional information switching button. Note that the display of this additional information display area A6 may be switched between the upper, middle, and lower displays of FIG. 6(B) at predetermined time intervals, not just when the operation button B is operated.

It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

100... Torque wrench TS... Measuring means D... Display B... Operation button C... Control device 10... Casing C1... Input signal receiving section C2... Display control section C3... Symbol storage section C4... Comparison section A1... Symbol display area A2... Target torque display area A3... Measured torque display area A4... Bar display area A5... Unit display area A6... Additional information display area

Claims (6)

A display that digitally displays the tightening torque during tightening work,
One or more operation buttons that are operated at least during a setting operation before a fastening operation;
A display control unit that displays a symbol indicating an operation content of the operation button on the display.
The operation of the operation button is changed depending on the usage situation.
The display control unit switches the symbol in response to a change in the operation content of the operation button , and erases the symbol from the display during a tightening operation . 2. The torque wrench according to claim 1 , wherein when a setting operation before a tightening operation is completed, the display control unit erases the symbol from the display when the completion of the setting operation is input via the operation button. 3. The torque wrench according to claim 1 , wherein when the operation button for transmitting measurement data during a tightening operation to an outside source is operated, the display control unit erases the symbol from the display. 4. The torque wrench according to claim 1, wherein, when a tightening torque during a tightening operation falls below a predetermined threshold value, the display control unit displays, on the display, the symbol of the operation button for transmitting measurement data during the tightening operation . In a configuration in which a bar graph that expands and contracts according to fluctuations in the tightening torque during tightening work is displayed on the display,
5. The torque wrench according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined area of the display is used both as a symbol display area in which the symbol is displayed and as a bar display area in which the bar graph is displayed. A program for use with a torque wrench that is equipped with a display on which a tightening torque is digitally displayed during tightening operation, and one or more operation buttons that are operated at least during a setting operation before tightening operation, and that is configured so that the operation content of the operation buttons is changed depending on the usage situation,
a display control unit that causes a computer to function as a display control unit that displays a symbol indicating an operation content of the operation button on the display;
A program for a torque wrench , wherein the display control unit switches the symbol in response to a change in the operation content of the operation button, and erases the symbol from the display during a tightening operation .