Device and method for setting a setting element

Abstract

This application relates to an apparatus for setting setting elements, particularly blind rivet nuts, blind rivet pins, or sealing plugs, said apparatus comprising: a mounting base for a tool; a stop capable of contacting the setting element during setting to restrict axial movement of a portion of the setting element; a rotary drive for rotating the tool; and a linear drive for moving the tool or the stop axially, wherein a sensor is provided, configured to determine the orientation, presence, and / or condition of the tool and / or setting element. This application also relates to corresponding methods for determining the characteristics of the tool or setting element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to apparatus and methods for setting setting elements. Specifically, this application relates to apparatus for setting blind rivet nuts, blind rivet pins, sealing plugs, or similar setting elements. Background Technology

[0002] Such devices typically have a mounting base into which tools, such as traction mandrels, can be inserted. During setup, a setting element, such as a blind rivet nut, is screwed onto the traction mandrel. The setting element is then inserted into the component, and deformed by means of the relative movement between the tool and a stop for the blind rivet nut. Various types of interference can occur during such setup.

[0003] When a non-circular mounting element is to be inserted into a suitable corresponding non-circular hole in a component, the inventors observed a problem with the orientation of the non-circular mounting element. It is possible that the non-circular mounting element is inserted into the hole while rotating relative to it. In such cases, damage to the mounting element or component may occur, or the mounting element may not be rotated securely connected to the component. This would result in the product to be manufactured having to be scrapped.

[0004] Another source of error observed by the inventors occurs when the setting element is incorrectly not placed on the tool, but the setting process is still performed. Furthermore, the source of error can also include the setting element not being correctly placed on the tool.

[0005] If the setting element is damaged or does not match the parameters entered in the device, additional error sources can occur when setting the setting element.

[0006] Furthermore, if the tool wears out, i.e., becomes worn, and the required force can no longer be transmitted from the tool to the setting element, an error will occur when setting the setting element. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of this invention is to provide an apparatus by means of which setting elements can be performed in a more reliable manner. Another object of this invention is to provide a method by means of which setting elements can be performed in a more reliable manner.

[0008] The objective of this invention is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims define the embodiments of this invention.

[0009] The objective is achieved, in particular, by a device for setting setting elements, especially blind rivet nuts, blind rivet pins, or sealing plugs, the device comprising a mounting base for a tool, wherein, for example, the tool has a threaded segment configured to engage with a threaded segment of the setting element during setting; a stop capable of contacting the setting element during setting to restrict axial movement of a segment of the setting element; a rotary drive for rotaryly driving the tool; and a linear drive for axially moving the tool or the stop. Furthermore, a sensor is provided, configured to determine the following of the tool and / or the setting element: -orientation, - Exists, and / or -situation.

[0010] For example, by using a sensor to determine the orientation of the setting element, and by subsequently adjusting the orientation if necessary, it is possible to avoid inserting a non-circular setting element into the hole while rotating relative to the corresponding non-circular hole.

[0011] The presence of sensor inspection tools and / or setting elements can also eliminate sources of error and thus improve process reliability.

[0012] By using sensors to inspect the condition of tools, wear and tear can be automatically detected, allowing for timely identification of tools that need replacement through so-called "predictive maintenance." Furthermore, by using sensors to inspect the condition of setting tools, for example, even before setting, sensors can identify and remove setting elements that should not be used.

[0013] Different inspections can be performed using a single sensor or using multiple different sensors.

[0014] Advantageous embodiments of the invention can be seen from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the sensor is configured as a non-contact sensor. A particular advantage of this is that the sensor requires less frequent maintenance. Alternatively, the sensor can also be configured as a tactile sensor.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the sensor is configured as an optical sensor. For example, the sensor can be configured as a laser sensor, a grating, or a camera.

[0017] The sensor has an emitter, such as a laser, and a receiver, such as a CCD line. The emitter is preferably oriented toward the axis of rotation of the tool or setting element. In other words, the emitter can be configured to emit toward the central axis of the tool or setting element. Specifically, the emitter can be configured to emit radially toward the axis of rotation of the tool or setting element. The emitter can be oriented at an angle of less than 90° relative to the axis of rotation, such that, for example, a laser beam is incident on the tool or setting element at an angle of less than 90°.

[0018] The receiver can be aligned substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the tool or setting element.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the device is configured to set a non-circular setting element. The sensor can be configured to determine the rotational orientation of the setting element on the tool. In other words, the sensor can be configured to determine the rotational orientation of the setting element when it is attached to the tool. Thus, the device can be configured to determine whether the setting element has, for example, presented or has a desired rotational orientation relative to a component. The device can be configured to control a rotational drive based on the determination of the setting element's orientation, thereby changing or correcting the rotational orientation of the setting element relative to the component. Preferably, the device is configured to automatically, i.e., in a fully automated manner, control the rotational drive based on the determination of the setting element's orientation, thereby changing or correcting the rotational orientation of the setting element relative to the component.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment, the sensor is configured as a distance sensor, particularly a laser distance sensor. According to one embodiment, the distance sensor is arranged and configured such that it measures different distances depending on the orientation of the non-circular setting element, and thus the orientation of the non-circular setting element can be inferred from the data determined by the distance sensor.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the sensor is configured to determine the presence of the setting element on the tool. Preferably, the sensor is configured to send a signal to the control unit based on the presence or absence of the setting element. For example, a distance sensor can also be used for this purpose. If the distance measured by the distance sensor is greater than a threshold, this indicates that the setting element is not present, and conversely, if the distance measured by the distance sensor is less than the threshold, this indicates that the setting element is present.

[0022] According to another embodiment, the sensor is configured to determine the condition of the threaded section of the tool. For example, the sensor can be configured as a distance sensor, and can be configured to measure the path difference between the thread root and the thread flank, i.e., the thread depth, and thereby determine the degree of wear on the tool thread. The sensor can be movably or pivotally arranged along the tool at the device, thereby enabling the determination of the condition of the entire threaded section of the tool. Alternatively, the sensor can be configured, for example, as a camera, and the condition of the threaded section can be determined automatically by means of image recognition software. The sensor can be configured to send a signal to a control unit based on the determined condition. For example, the sensor can be configured to send a signal to the control unit if the quality of the threaded section condition is below a threshold, such as if the wear of the threaded section exceeds a threshold.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the sensor is configured to determine the condition of the setting element. For example, the setting element can be rotated about its axis by means of a rotary drive, and the sensor can determine the external shape of the setting element in this regard. The external shape can be determined, for example, by means of a distance sensor or a camera. For example, the determined data regarding the external shape of the setting element can be compared with data in a database to determine the deviation. The sensor can be configured to send a signal to a control unit based on the determined condition. For example, the sensor can be configured to send a signal to the control unit if the quality of the setting element's condition is below a threshold.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the linear drive includes a planetary roller screw drive. The linear drive may include a servo motor configured to linearly move a drive shaft and / or tool via the planetary roller screw drive.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the rotary drive is configured to sequentially drive the drive shaft and / or the tool in two opposite directions of rotation. Therefore, if the setting element can be threaded onto the tool, the setting element can be automatically threaded onto, i.e., screwed onto, the tool, and the tool can be automatically released from the setting element after setting.

[0026] Preferably, the sensor is configured to determine at least two characteristics from the following of the tool and / or the setting element: 1) orientation, 2) presence, and 3) condition. For example, the sensor can be configured to determine at least two characteristics from the following of the setting element: 1) orientation, 2) presence, and 3) condition. Optionally, the sensor can be configured to determine at least two characteristics from the following of the tool: 1) orientation, 2) presence, and 3) condition. The sensor can also be configured to determine at least one characteristic from the following group of characteristics of the setting element: 1) orientation, 2) presence, and 3) condition, and at least one characteristic from the following group of characteristics of the tool: 1) orientation, 2) presence, and 3) condition. If the sensor is configured to measure multiple characteristics, this has the advantage of being able to better monitor the setting process without having to provide installation space for multiple sensors.

[0027] Furthermore, this application relates to a method for determining the characteristics of a tool, particularly a traction mandrel, or for determining the characteristics of a setting element, particularly a blind rivet nut, blind rivet pin, or sealing plug, comprising: - Provides an apparatus for setting the setting element using a tool having a threaded segment, wherein the threaded segment is configured to engage with a threaded segment of the setting element during the setting process, the apparatus comprising: A stop member that can contact the setting element during the setting process to restrict a portion of the setting element from moving in the axial direction; A rotary drive for driving the tool in a rotary manner; Linear drive element for moving the tool in the axial direction; and sensor; - Determining the tool and / or the setting element by means of the sensor -orientation, -Existence, or -situation.

[0028] The provision of the device preferably includes a device having one or more features mentioned above or below.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the sensor is configured as a non-contact sensor. In this case, the orientation, presence, or condition of the tool and / or setting element can be determined in a non-contact manner.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the sensor is configured as an optical sensor, particularly a laser sensor, a grating, or a camera. In this case, the orientation, presence, or condition of the tool and / or the setting element is determined by means of the optical sensor, particularly a laser sensor, a grating, or a camera. Alternatively, the sensor can be configured as a capacitive sensor, and the orientation, presence, or condition of the tool and / or the setting element can be determined by means of the capacitive sensor.

[0031] The sensor can have a transmitter such as a laser and a receiver such as a CCD line. Determining the orientation, presence, or condition of the tool and / or setting element can include emission from the transmitter toward the axis of rotation of the tool or setting element, particularly emission from the radial direction toward the axis of rotation.

[0032] The determination of the orientation, presence, or condition of the tool and / or setting element can also include reception by means of a receiver. In this respect, the receiver can be aligned parallel to the axis of rotation of the tool or setting element.

[0033] According to one embodiment, a non-circular setting element is screwed or threaded onto the tool, and the sensor determines the rotational orientation of the setting element on the tool. In other words, the sensor is able to determine the rotational orientation of the setting element when it is attached to the tool. Thus, the device can determine whether the setting element, for example, has presented or has a desired rotational orientation relative to a component.

[0034] The device can control a rotary drive member based on a determined orientation of the setting element, thereby changing or correcting the rotational orientation of the setting element relative to the component. In other words, the method can include: - The setting element is rotated by means of the rotary drive to rotate the setting element to the desired rotational orientation.

[0035] Therefore, non-circular setting elements can be oriented to match corresponding non-circular holes in the component.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the sensor is configured as a distance sensor, particularly a laser distance sensor. In this case, the distance sensor is capable of measuring the distance between the outer peripheral surface of the setting element and the distance sensor, thereby determining, for example, the rotational orientation of the setting element.

[0037] Optionally, or additionally, the distance sensor can selectively measure the distance between the tool or (if present) the outer peripheral surface of the setting element, thereby determining the presence or absence of the setting element. Typically, according to one embodiment, the sensor is capable of determining whether the setting element is present on the tool, and, for example, sending a signal to the control unit based on the presence or absence of the setting element on the tool.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the sensor determines the condition of the threaded section of the tool. Therefore, when the tool needs to be replaced due to wear, it can be identified at an early stage. The sensor can send a signal to the control unit based on the determined condition. For example, if the quality of the threaded section condition is below a threshold, or if the wear of the threaded section exceeds a threshold, a signal to replace the tool can be sent. Preferably, the device is then moved to the vicinity of a replacement station, for example by means of a robotic arm, and the tool is replaced. The tool replacement can be performed automatically by the device in a fully automated manner.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the sensor determines the condition of the setting element. Preferably, the condition of the setting element is determined when it is positioned on the tool. The sensor can send a signal to the control unit based on the determined condition. For example, if the condition of the setting element is below a threshold, the sensor can send a signal to the control unit. The setting element can then be, for example, determined to be scrap, and can be disengaged from the tool again without being set, for example, by disengaging from the threaded connection.

[0040] The method can also include setting a setting element. In this respect, the setting can include moving a tool relative to a stop. The movement of the tool relative to the stop can be achieved by means of a linear drive. In this respect, the linear drive can include a planetary roller screw drive.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the sensor determines at least two characteristics from the following characteristics of the tool and / or setting element: 1) orientation, 2) presence, and 3) condition. For example, the sensor can determine two characteristics from the following characteristics of the setting element: 1) orientation, 2) presence, and 3) condition. Optionally, the sensor can determine two characteristics from the following characteristics of the tool: 1) orientation, 2) presence, and 3) condition. The sensor can also determine at least one characteristic from the following group of characteristics of the setting element: 1) orientation, 2) presence, and 3) condition, and at least one characteristic from the following group of characteristics of the tool: 1) orientation, 2) presence, and 3) condition. Attached Figure Description

[0042] The present invention will now be described with reference to exemplary embodiments and accompanying drawings. As shown: Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the end region of the device used to set the setting element; and Figure 2 For those with sensors Figure 1 A side view of the device. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Figure 1A side sectional view of an end section of the device 10 for setting the setting element 22 is shown. In the example of the embodiment shown, the device 10 is used to set a threaded setting element 22, such as a blind rivet nut, blind rivet pin, or sealing plug, i.e., to insert the setting element into another component.

[0044] Device 10 includes a mounting base 12 having threads 12a. A tool 14, such as a traction mandrel, is screwed onto the threads 12a. In this embodiment, the tool 14 has a threaded segment 14a extending along the entire outer tool surface of the tool 14. The threaded segment 14a has a dual function: on one hand, it is used to screw the tool 14 onto the threads 12a of the mounting base 12; on the other hand, it is used to attach the setting element 22 (see [link to original document]). Figure 2 For example, a blind rivet nut, screwed onto tool 14 or screwed into tool 14.

[0045] The device 10 further includes a rotary drive (not shown) for rotatably driving the drive shaft 18, even as it rotates. The rotary drive can be configured, for example, as an electric motor. The rotary drive is configured to drive the drive shaft 18 in two opposing rotational directions.

[0046] The device 10 also includes a linear drive (not shown). The linear drive can, for example, include a planetary roller screw drive that converts rotary movement into linear movement. However, the linear drive can also be designed in another manner. The linear drive is used to move the drive shaft 18 along a first direction 24 and along a second direction 26 oriented opposite to the first direction 24, along the main extension axis of the drive shaft 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive shaft 18 forms a mounting base 12 for the tool 14. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, linear movement of the drive shaft 18 always results in linear movement of the tool 14 coupled to the drive shaft 18. In other words, the linear drive is used to move the tool 14 along the first direction 24 and the second direction 26.

[0047] The device 10 also includes a coupling 20. The coupling 20 is used to selectively connect the tool 14 to the drive shaft 18 or to disconnect the tool 14 from the drive shaft 18. The coupling 20 includes a coupling element 20a. The coupling element 20a has a non-circular, for example, hexagonal outer peripheral shape 20b. The non-circular outer peripheral shape 20b is used to engage a corresponding non-circular outer peripheral shape of the tool 14, thereby connecting the coupling element 20a and the tool 14 to each other in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0048] The connecting element 20a is connected to the annular element 36 via a pin 34. The annular element 36 surrounds the connecting element 20a and serves to limit the axial movement of the connecting element 20a when the drive shaft 18 moves axially in the second direction 26. For this purpose, the annular element 36 has a stop surface 36a. This stop surface 36a is configured to contact the stop surface 28b of the support element 28 when the drive shaft 18 moves beyond a certain path distance in the second direction 26.

[0049] In this embodiment, the support element 28 is formed of a sleeve. The support element 28 forms an annular end face 28b. The end face 28b serves as a stop for the annular element 36, that is, the end face 28b is configured to contact the stop surface 36a of the annular element 36 and prevent further movement of the annular element 36, thereby preventing further movement of the connecting element 20a.

[0050] As the drive shaft moves along the second direction 26, the stop surface 36a of the annular element 36 impacts the end face 28b of the support element 28, thereby preventing the annular element 36 and thus the connecting element 20a from continuing to move along the second direction 26. Due to subsequent relative movement between the drive shaft 18 and the tool 14 connected to the drive shaft 18 on the one hand, and the connecting element 20a on the other hand, the tool 14 can be rotatably disengaged from the connecting element 20a. The tool 14 can then be unscrewed from the mounting base 12.

[0051] The support element 28 also forms a stop 28a, which is capable of contacting the setting element 22 during installation, thereby restricting the axial movement of a segment of the setting element 22. Therefore, as is typical with blind rivet nuts, the threaded segment of the setting element 22 can be moved toward the segment contacting the support element 28 by moving the tool 14 with the aid of a linear drive, thereby causing plastic deformation of the setting element 22. The stop 28a is formed from the end face contact surface of the support element 28.

[0052] The support element 28 also has a guide surface to limit the movement of the tool 14 during axial movement of the tool 14 in the radial direction along the guide surface. The support element 28 can be fastened to the housing 30 of the device 10 by means of threads during use. Therefore, the support element 28 can be easily replaced and is thus suitable for different types of tools 14.

[0053] Figure 2A device 10 including a sensor 16 is shown. The sensor 16 is arranged at the horizontal height of the tool 14. In this embodiment, the sensor 16 is used to determine the rotational orientation of a non-circular setting element 22 threaded onto the tool 14. For this purpose, the sensor 16 is configured as a non-contact distance sensor. The sensor 16 includes an emitter 16a that emits a laser beam 38 radially toward the rotation axis 22a of the non-circular setting element 22. The laser beam 38 is reflected by the outer peripheral surface of the non-circular setting element 22 and then incident on a receiver 16b of the sensor 16. Based on the measurement time between the emission and reception of the laser beam, the sensor 16 measures the distance between the sensor 16 and a point on the outer peripheral surface of the setting element 22. In this respect, the measured distance depends on the rotational orientation of the non-circular setting element 22. Therefore, the orientation of the non-circular setting element 22 can be determined or checked by means of the distance sensor 16.

[0054] Alternatively, or additionally, distance can be measured using laser triangulation.

[0055] If the setting element 22 is not present on the tool 14, it can also be detected by means of the sensor 16. In other words, the presence or absence of the setting element 22 can also be detected by means of the distance sensor 16. This is because, in such a case, the distance sensor 16 measures the distance between the distance sensor 16 and a point on the outer peripheral surface of the tool 14, thereby concluding that the setting element 22 is not arranged on the tool 14.

[0056] The distance sensor 16 can also be used to check whether the device 10 is equipped with a tool 14, and if so, to check the diameter of the tool 14.

[0057] Because of sensor 16, the orientation of non-circular setting elements and / or the orientation of tool 14, which is at least partially non-circular, can be determined. Furthermore, the presence of tool 14 and / or setting element 22 can be determined by means of sensor 16.

[0058] Furthermore, it is conceivable to determine or inspect the condition of tool 14 and / or setting element 22. Since tool 14 and / or setting element 22 are rotated by means of a rotary drive, the contours of tool 14 and / or setting element 22 can be inspected. In order to inspect the entire surface of tool 14 and / or setting element 22 by means of sensor 16, sensor 16 can be moved relative to tool 14 in an axial direction, i.e., along a first direction 24 and a second direction 26. In this respect, tool 14 or sensor 16 can be driven by means of a drive along axial directions 24 / 26.

[0059] The data acquired by sensor 16 can be transmitted to a control unit (not shown) via transmission device 40 for evaluation. For example, the data can be used to drive a rotary actuator, causing the setting element 22 to exhibit a desired rotational orientation.

[0060] List of reference numerals 10 devices 12 mounting brackets 12a thread 14 tools 14a Threaded section 14b Rotation Axis 16 sensors 16a transmitter 16b receiver 18 drive shafts 20 connectors 20a Connecting Components 22 Setting Elements 22a Rotation axis 22b head 24 First Direction 26 Second Direction 28 support elements 28a stop 28b stop surface 30 housing 32 Spring Components 34 sales 36 ring elements 36a stop surface 38 laser beams 40 transmission devices

Claims

1. An apparatus (10) for setting setting elements (22), particularly blind rivet nuts, blind rivet pins, or sealing plugs, said apparatus (10) comprising: Mounting base (12) for tool (14), wherein the tool (14) has a threaded segment (14a) configured to engage with a threaded segment of the setting element (22) during setting. A stop (28a) is capable of contacting the setting element (22) during the setting process to restrict a segment of the setting element (22) from moving in the axial direction; A rotary drive for rotating the tool (14); and A linear drive for moving the tool (14) or the stop (28a) in the axial direction. Its features are, A sensor (16) is provided, the sensor (16) being configured to determine the tool (14) and / or the setting element (22): - Orientation, - Existence, and / or - Situation.

2. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor (16) is configured as a non-contact sensor.

3. The device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sensor (16) is configured as an optical sensor, particularly a laser sensor, grating, or camera.

4. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The sensor (16) has an emitter (16a) such as a laser and a receiver (16b) such as a CCD line, and the emitter (16a) is oriented toward the axis of rotation (14b) of the tool (14) or the setting element (22), particularly toward the axis of rotation (14b) in the radial direction, and / or The receiver (16b) is aligned parallel to the axis of rotation (14b) of the tool (14) or the setting element (22).

5. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The device (10) is configured to provide a non-circular setting element (22), and The sensor (16) is configured to determine the rotational orientation of the setting element (22) arranged on the tool (14).

6. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The sensor (16) is configured as a distance sensor, particularly a laser distance sensor.

7. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The sensor (16) is configured to determine the presence of the setting element (22) on the tool (14), and in particular, is configured to send a signal to the control unit based on the presence or absence of the setting element (22).

8. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The sensor (16) is configured to determine the condition of the threaded section (14a) of the tool (14), and in particular, is configured to send a signal to the control unit based on the determined condition.

9. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The sensor (16) is configured to determine the condition of the setting element (22), and in particular, is configured to send a signal to the control unit based on the determined condition.

10. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The linear drive includes a planetary roller screw drive.

11. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The sensor (16) is configured to determine at least two characteristics from the following characteristics of the tool (14) and / or the setting element (22): - Orientation, - Existence, and - Situation.

12. A method for determining the characteristics of a tool (14), particularly a traction mandrel, or for determining the characteristics of a setting element (22), particularly a blind rivet nut, blind rivet pin, or sealing plug, comprising: - A device (10) is provided for setting the setting element (22) using a tool (14) having a threaded segment (14a), wherein the threaded segment (14a) is configured to engage with a threaded segment of the setting element (22) during setting, the device (10) comprising: A stop (28a) is capable of contacting the setting element (22) during the setting process to restrict a segment of the setting element (22) from moving in the axial direction; A rotary drive for driving the tool (14) in a rotary manner. Linear drive for moving the tool (14) in the axial direction; and Sensor (16); and - The sensor (16) is used to determine the tool (14) and / or the setting element (22): - Orientation, - Existence, or - Situation.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The orientation, presence, or condition of the tool (14) and / or the setting element (22) is determined by means of a non-contact sensor (16).

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The orientation, presence, or condition of the tool (14) and / or the setting element (22) is determined by means of an optical sensor (16), particularly a laser sensor, a grating, or a camera.

15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The sensor (16) has an emitter (16a) such as a laser and a receiver (16b) such as a CCD line, and the emitter (16a) emits toward the rotation axis (14b, 22a) of the tool (14) or the setting element (22), particularly in the radial direction toward the rotation axis (14b, 22a), and / or The receiver (16b) is aligned parallel to the rotation axis (14b, 22a) of the tool (14) or the setting element (22).

16. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The non-circular setting element (22) is screwed or threaded onto the tool (14), and The sensor (16) determines the rotational orientation of the setting element (22) on the tool (14).

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: - The setting element (22) is rotated by means of the rotation drive to rotate the setting element (22) to the desired rotation orientation.

18. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The sensor (16) is configured as a distance sensor, particularly a laser distance sensor.

19. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The sensor (16) determines whether the setting element (22) is present on the tool (14), and in particular sends a signal to the control unit based on whether the setting element (22) is present on the tool (14).

20. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The sensor (16) determines the condition of the threaded section (14a) of the tool (14) and, in particular, sends a signal to the control unit based on the determined condition.

21. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The sensor (16) determines the condition of the setting element (22) and, in particular, sends a signal to the control unit based on the determined condition.

22. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The linear drive includes a planetary roller screw drive.

23. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The method includes: - Using the sensor (16), at least two characteristics are determined from the following set of characteristics of the tool (14) and / or the setting element (22): - Orientation, - Existence, and - Situation.

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