Connecting structural components

Abstract

A tool (10) for connecting structural components (12) using a connecting bolt (14), comprising: - a pulling device (16) for applying a tensile force to a connecting bolt (14) to be installed; - a guide device (18) for temporarily supporting the tool (10) on a connecting bolt (14) to be installed; and - a crimping device (20) for applying a compressive force to a locking ring (22) to be crimped onto a connecting bolt (14); wherein the insertion device (16) is movable, and: i) can be arranged in a free-running position in which an insertion space (24) is provided between the retraction device (16) and the connecting bolt (14), through which a locking ring (22) can be fitted onto the end of the connecting bolt (14); and ii) can be arranged in a primary gripping position and can be slid onto an end of the connecting bolt (14) with a gripping area in order to grip the connecting bolt (14) and to pull off a portion of the connecting bolt (14) to be detached; wherein the intake device (16) can be supported by the guide device (18) on the connecting bolt (14) in the free-running position; wherein the guide device (18) has at least one support device (26) to bear against the connecting bolt (14) for position securing; and wherein the crimping device (20) can be slid onto the locking ring (22) after the positioning of the locking ring (22) in order to transfer a compressive force deforming the locking ring (22) to the locking ring (22).

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a tool for connecting structural components using a connecting bolt, and to a method for connecting structural components using a connecting bolt. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Various methods are known for joining structural components, such as bonding, welding, bolting, and riveting. Riveting utilizes fasteners consisting of a connecting bolt and a locking ring. The locking ring is crimped onto the connecting bolt to create the connection between the structural components. However, this method requires several manual steps for each connecting bolt when handling the tool. Experience has shown that this can be cumbersome and time-consuming in the production process, for example, in the manufacture of aircraft structural components such as fuselages and wings.

[0003] US 2007 / 0157453A1 describes a system and method for feeding collar elements to a fastening system for the assembly of aircraft and similar large mechanical assemblies.

[0004] WO 89 / 02 798 A1 relates to a manually operated fastener installation tool equipped with a self-contained cartridge or magazine for feeding locking rings to an installation position next to the tool nozzle.

[0005] DE 200 02 354 U1 discloses a device for setting retaining ring bolts. The device comprises gripping jaws for pulling the bolt and a sleeve with an anvil for cold-working the retaining ring. A support device is arranged on the device, projecting beyond the anvil, which is movable against the force FM:bb of a spring element parallel to the longitudinal direction of the bolt in the direction of the device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] One object of the present invention is therefore to enable a simpler joining of structural components.

[0007] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further examples are given in the dependent claims. The aspects described below also apply to the tool for joining structural components and to the method.

[0008] According to the invention, a tool for connecting structural components using a connecting bolt is provided. The tool comprises a feed device, a guide device, and a crimping device. The feed device is designed to apply a tensile force to a connecting bolt to be installed. The guide device is designed to temporarily support the tool against a connecting bolt to be installed. The crimping device is designed to apply a compressive force to a locking ring, which is to be crimped onto a connecting bolt to be installed. The feed device is movable and can be arranged in a free-running position in which an insertion space is provided between the feed device and a connecting bolt, through which a locking ring can be applied to the end of the connecting bolt.The pulling device can also (ii) be arranged in a primary gripping position and slid onto one end of a connecting bolt with a gripping area in order to grip the connecting bolt and pull off a portion of the connecting bolt to be separated. In the free-running position, the pulling device can be supported against the connecting bolt by the guide device. The guide device has at least one support device to bear against the connecting bolt for positional stability. Furthermore, after the positioning of a locking ring, the crimping device can be slid onto the locking ring to transmit a compressive force to the locking ring that deforms it.

[0009] This simplifies the joining process, as the positioning of the tool is simplified by the temporary support.

[0010] The part to be detached is, for example, a protruding end of the connecting bolt, also known as a shear pin. The detached part can then be disposed of, for example.

[0011] The term "free travel position" refers to a position with, so to speak, maximum distance to the workpiece and connecting bolt, while simultaneously maintaining contact and holding the component to be joined. The term "primary gripping position" refers to a position close to the gripping point on the connecting bolt to be removed. The primary gripping position is intended for removing one end of the connecting bolt. The free travel position can also be referred to as the free travel position, and the primary gripping position as a subsequent gripping position. In terms of sequence, the free travel position is therefore used first, followed by the primary gripping position, and then a clamping position.

[0012] The connecting bolt is designed to join at least two component elements. The connecting bolt can also be referred to as a "lock bolt" or rivet bolt.

[0013] The locking ring can also be called a locking ring or "collar".

[0014] The term "structural components" refers, for example, to plate-shaped components manufactured from materials commonly used in the aircraft industry, such as metallic alloys or fiber-reinforced composites. Once assembled, these components form structural, i.e., load-bearing, parts of an aircraft structure.

[0015] In another example, the insertion device can be attached only to pull in the bolt. The insertion device can be positioned in a secondary gripping position and slid onto one end of a connecting bolt with a gripping area. The end piece can then be gripped by the device to pull the connecting bolt into the component to be joined, and the end piece of the connecting bolt can be pulled off after crimping, as described above. After gripping the connecting bolt, the insertion device can be positioned in a pull-in position where the connecting bolt can be pulled in. During the pull-in process, the insertion device is guided and held in relation to the bolt. Through a further, i.e.,Continuous guidance of the feed device makes it possible not only to enable the feeding of a locking ring, but also to keep the tool in position, so that repositioning of the tool for squeezing and pulling is not necessary.

[0016] According to one example, the retraction device can be positioned in a secondary gripping position before the free-travel position and can be pushed onto one end of a connecting bolt with a gripping area to grasp the connecting bolt. The retraction device can also be positioned in a retraction position in which the connecting bolt can be retracted. During this process, the retraction device moves from the retraction position to the free-travel position. During the transition to the free-travel position at the connecting bolt, the retraction device is supported by the component.

[0017] The term "secondary gripping position" refers to a position close to the bolt to be pulled.

[0018] The term "draw-in position" refers to a position that is pulled away again in the direction of pull. The application of the pulling force with the pulling device is used to pull in the connecting bolt.

[0019] The secondary gripping position is therefore closer to the workpiece than the free-travel position.

[0020] In terms of sequence, the secondary gripping position is therefore planned first, followed by the insertion position, then the free-running position, followed by the primary gripping position and the crushing position.

[0021] In one example, the tool features a pneumatic, electric, or electrically controlled hydraulic drive.

[0022] According to one example, the support device has at least two clamping levers which, when the feed device is moved into the primary gripping position, engage the connecting bolt and the component to center the feed device on the component, and a guide device to ensure the distance from the feed device to the component.

[0023] In another example, it is possible to ensure the correct distance via a hook on the support device and a corresponding attachment point on the feed device.

[0024] According to one example, the locking ring is fed to the connecting bolt to be installed via a feeding device.

[0025] In one example, a support is provided in the free-running position on which the locking ring can be placed so that it is positioned in front of the free bolt end. In another example, the support is provided on the clamping levers so that it can be folded away with the clamping levers. In a further embodiment, the support can be designed as a spring and fixed to the guide device.

[0026] In another example, it is possible to place the locking ring in front of the connecting bolt via a guide arm and a gripper.

[0027] In another example, it is possible to guide the locking ring through the insertion device with a punch in front of the connecting bolt and to position it in front of the connecting bolt.

[0028] In another example, it is possible to guide the locking ring through the intake device using a punch. The punch retracts the moment the intake device moves forward, thereby spreading the intake device.

[0029] According to one example, the feeding device is arranged above the insertion area.

[0030] In one example, a locking ring can be fed from a hose magazine to the feeding device. The magazine can be located externally, for example a hose magazine, and be pneumatically triggered.

[0031] In another example, the locking ring can be triggered or fed from a magazine in the form of a drum feeder (i.e., a drum feeding device). The drum feeder can also be connected to an external magazine, for example, via a hose.

[0032] In another example, the magazine can be arranged locally at the tool, as described above, i.e., as a local storage unit. In another example, the magazine is designed as an external storage unit, i.e., as an external feeding system. The locking rings can be fed to the feeding device, i.e., inserted from the magazine into the feeding device. The locking rings can thus be inserted into the feeding device. The locking rings can, for example, be blown in. The locking rings can also be inserted into the feeding device by a spring mechanism. For example, the locking rings are brought into position in front of the bolt using compressed air. The locking rings can also be fed by a spring or by gravity. With magnetic materials for the locking ring, feeding and positioning can also be achieved by magnetic force, for example, by electromagnetic positioning and feeding devices.In one example, the locking ring is drawn into position in front of the bolt using a vacuum. For instance, a vacuum device is used to generate this vacuum. In another example, the locking ring is positioned in front of the bolt using a gripping device.

[0033] According to one example, the insertion device includes a setting device that is supported against the component during insertion of the connecting bolt. Additionally or alternatively, the insertion device includes a gripping device with which a connecting bolt can be grasped at an end piece to insert the connecting bolt into the component to be joined and to remove the end piece of the connecting bolt. Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, the crimping device includes a crimping device and a crimping actuator. The crimping device has at least one contact surface to apply an axial compressive force to a locking ring. The crimping actuator can generate a relative force between the gripping device and the crimping device to crimp the locking ring onto the end piece of the connecting bolt.In one example, a spacer device is provided, either additionally or alternatively, allowing the gripping device to be positioned at a distance from the structural component. An additional function of the spacer device is to release the crimping device after the crimping process. The setting device and the crimping device can alternatively be integrated into a single component.

[0034] According to the invention, a method for connecting structural components using a connecting bolt is also provided, which in a first step a) arranges the insertion device for applying a tensile force to a connecting bolt to be installed in a free-running position in which an insertion space is provided between the insertion device and a connecting bolt for inserting a locking ring. The insertion device is supported on the connecting bolt by a guide device in the free-running position. In a second step b), the locking ring is inserted between the insertion device and the connecting bolt. In a third step c), the locking ring is pushed onto the connecting bolt and crimped.In a fourth step d), the retraction device is arranged in a primary gripping position, in which a gripping area is pushed onto one end of the connecting bolt in order to pull off a part of the connecting bolt to be detached (breakaway mandrel) in a fifth step e).

[0035] In one example, the tear-off mandrel can be disposed of in a collection container using vacuum assistance or other methods.

[0036] In one example, the insertion device is attached to achieve positioning on the bolt. In this position, the tool is guided against the bolt, as described above. The insertion space allows the locking ring to be inserted or fed into the bolt. Because the insertion device is held in relation to the bolt, crimping can occur after positioning the locking ring without requiring repositioning of the tool.

[0037] As an example, it is possible to pull the connecting bolt into the component using the tool; that is, the following steps are performed before the free-travel position. In a first step a1), the pulling device is positioned in the secondary gripping position, in which the gripping area is pushed onto one end of the connecting bolt and grips the connecting bolt. In a second step a2), a tensile force is applied to the connecting bolt to be inserted, pulling it into the component to be joined. The pulling device is then moved into the free-travel position, with the guide device supporting the pulling device on the connecting bolt during this process.

[0038] In this example, the retraction device is guided during the retraction process.

[0039] In one example, the support device rests against the component during the insertion process, and the guide device guides the insertion device and ensures a defined distance from the component and the centering of the insertion device relative to the connecting bolt.

[0040] In one example, the connecting bolt is drawn in by the gripping device with a first defined force or pressure. The bolt is then pulled out with a second defined force or pressure.

[0041] For example, the insertion of the connecting bolt during the insertion of the insertion device and the removal of the connecting bolt during the retraction of the insertion device are carried out with different tensile forces.

[0042] In one example, a push button is activated throughout the entire process, whereby the lack of activation aborts the process from all operating states and the tool returns to the starting position of the feed device.

[0043] The process can be carried out with handheld devices with an end effector or, for example, with a robot.

[0044] According to one aspect of the invention, a tool connects a connecting bolt to at least two component elements. The tool is placed onto the connecting bolt using a guide device. A locking ring is guided in front of the connecting bolt and crimped onto it without the tool being removed. The guide device facilitates the correct placement of the tool onto the connecting bolt because it centers the tool relative to the connecting bolt and ensures the correct distance to the component. Feeding the locking ring does not require removing the tool. In another example, it is possible to insert and remove the connecting bolt, including the insertion of a locking ring, without removing the tool from the component. In this case, the tool pulls the loosely inserted connecting bolt into the component.During the insertion process, a locking ring is placed in front of the connecting bolt without removing the tool and pushed onto the connecting bolt by the insertion device. A crimping device then compresses the locking ring onto the connecting bolt. Simultaneously, the gripping device grasps the connecting bolt at a portion to be cut off, in order to pull this portion off during the insertion process.

[0045] It should be noted that the features of the exemplary embodiments of the tool also apply to embodiments of the method and uses of the device, and vice versa. Furthermore, features not explicitly mentioned can also be freely combined. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] The following section describes exemplary embodiments of the invention in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a tool for connecting structural components in a free-running position; Fig. 2 a tool in the free-running position and a locking ring that is inserted into an insertion chamber; Fig. 2a an alternative for inserting the locking ring; Fig. 2b another alternative for inserting the locking ring; Fig. 3. Sliding the locking ring on; Fig. 4. Starting the compression of the locking ring; Fig. 5 one end of the squeezing of the locking ring and a primary gripping position; Fig. 6. Retracting the retraction device and removing part of the connecting bolt; Fig. 7. a release of the retraction device from the connecting bolt; Fig. 8 a starting position of the tool; Fig. 9. Positioning the retraction device into a secondary gripping position; Fig. 10. Retracting the retracting device into a retraction position; Fig. 11 an example of a method for joining structural components; and Fig. 12 an alternative method for joining structural components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXECUTION FORMS

[0047] Fig. Figure 1 shows a tool 10 for connecting structural components 12 using a connecting bolt. The tool 10 has a draw-in device 16 for applying a tensile force to a connecting bolt 14 to be inserted. The tool 10 also has a guide device 18 for temporarily supporting the tool against a connecting bolt to be inserted. The tool 10 also has a crimping device 20 for applying a compressive force to a locking ring 22 to be crimped onto a connecting bolt to be inserted. The draw-in device 16 is movable and can be arranged in a free-running position in which an insertion space 24 is provided between the draw-in device 16 and a connecting bolt 14, over which a locking ring 22 (see Figure 1) can be inserted. Fig. 2) can be applied to the end of the connecting bolt 14. The retraction device 16 can also ii) be in a primary gripping position (see also Fig. 5) are arranged and slid onto one end of a connecting bolt 14 with a gripping area in order to grip the connecting bolt 14 and to pull off a portion of the connecting bolt to be cut off. The feed device is supported on the connecting bolt by the guide device 18 in the free-running position. The guide device 18 has at least one support device 26 to bear against the connecting bolt for positional security. The crimping device 20 is slid onto the locking ring 22 after the locking ring 22 has been positioned, in order to transmit a compressive force to the locking ring 22 that deforms it. When the tool is applied, the support device 26 engages the component.At least one or at least two clamping levers 28 are positioned against the connecting bolt to center the insertion device 16 relative to the connecting bolt 14, and a guide device 30 ensures the correct distance between the component and the insertion device 16. The clamping levers have a rest 32 to guide or hold a locking ring in front of the connecting bolt. The insertion device 16 has a setting device 34, a gripping device 36, and a spacer device 38 (see figure). Fig. 4) and a crushing device 40.

[0048] Fig. Figure 2 shows the feeding of the locking ring 22 with a feeding device 42 into the insertion chamber 24 between the connecting bolt 14 and the insertion device 16.

[0049] In one example, one of the locking rings 22 is blown from a magazine (not shown) into the feed device 42. Alternatively, a spring can be attached to the guide device 30 as a support 32 ( Fig. 2a). In another example, a punch can also place the locking ring in front of the connecting bolt through the feed device 16 ( Fig. 2b).

[0050] Fig. Figure 3 shows how the insertion device 16 advances, and the setting device 34 pushes the locking ring onto the connecting bolt. The clamping levers 28 are retracted in time to push the locking ring 22 up against the component 12. The setting device 34 and the crimping device can also form a single component (see Figures 34 and 40). Fig. 4).

[0051] Fig. Figure 4 shows how the crimping device 40 advances to crimp the locking ring 22 onto the connecting bolt 14. The crimping device 20 comprises a crimping device 40 and a crimping actuator (not shown). To crimp the locking ring 22 onto the connecting bolt 14, the crimping device 40 can be slid onto the locking ring 22 to transmit a compressive force to deform the locking ring 22. The crimping device 40 has at least one contact surface to apply an axial compressive force to the locking ring. The crimping actuator generates a relative force between the gripping device 36 and the crimping device 40 to crimp the locking ring 22 onto the end of the connecting bolt, filling the grooves of the connecting bolt with the material of the locking ring.In one example, the crimping device 40 and component 12 do not touch. If the installation is carried out with maximum overlap, i.e., the locking ring 22 and the shank of the connecting bolt overlap, the crimping device may slightly touch the component. In one example, the crimping force is a radially acting force that crimps the locking ring onto the bolt transversely to the bolt's longitudinal axis. In another example, a spacer device 38 is provided, which allows the gripping device 36 to be positioned at a distance from the structural component 12.

[0052] Fig. Figure 5 shows the arrangement of the gripping device 36, the spacer device 38, and the crimping device 40 at the end of the crimping process of the locking ring. During the crimping process, the gripping device 36 grips the connecting bolt 14 at a portion of the connecting bolt to be cut off. In one example, a spacer device 38 is provided, which allows the gripping device 36 to be positioned at a distance from the structural component. This spacer device 38 prevents the crimping device 40 from projecting directly onto the setting device.

[0053] Fig. Figure 6 shows how the gripping device 36 retracts to pull off a portion of the connecting bolt (shear pin) 13. The crimping device 40 remains supported against the locking ring 22 to maintain a relative tensile force between the component and the connecting bolt. In one example, the shear pin 13 can be disposed of in a collection container using vacuum assistance or other methods (not shown).

[0054] Fig. Figure 7 shows the retraction of the retracting device 16 from the connecting bolt after completion of the connecting process.

[0055] Fig. Figure 8 shows the tool in its starting position. The guide device is not in contact with the workpiece.

[0056] Fig. Figure 9 shows the insertion device 16 in a secondary gripping position. This position can be optionally performed with the tool to insert the connecting bolt if, for example, it could not be manually inserted into the component. This can be the case, for example, if hole tolerances have been maximized and manual insertion of the connecting bolt is not possible.

[0057] The insertion device 16 can be arranged in the secondary gripping position and can be slid onto one end of a connecting bolt with a gripping area, and the end piece can be gripped with the gripping device 36 in order to pull the connecting bolt into the component to be joined and to pull off the end piece of the connecting bolt after crimping.

[0058] Fig. Figure 10 shows the gripping device 36 during the insertion process. After gripping the connecting bolt, the insertion device 16 can be positioned in an insertion position in which the connecting bolt can be inserted, i.e., pulled in. The insertion device has a setting device 34 which is supported against the component during insertion of the connecting bolt. The setting device 34 serves to apply a relative force.

[0059] Fig. Figure 11 shows a method 100 for connecting structural components using a connecting bolt. The method 100 comprises the following steps: In a first step 102, also referred to as step a), a pulling device for applying a tensile force to a connecting bolt to be installed is arranged in a free-travel position in which an insertion space is provided between the pulling device and a connecting bolt to insert a locking ring. The pulling device is supported on the connecting bolt by a guide device in the free-travel position. In a second step 104, also referred to as step b), a locking ring is inserted between the pulling device and the connecting bolt. In a third step 106, also referred to as step c), the locking ring is pushed onto the connecting bolt and crimped.In a fourth step 108, also referred to as step d), the retraction device is positioned in a primary gripping position in which a gripping area is pushed onto one end of the connecting bolt to pull off a portion of the connecting bolt to be severed. In a fifth step, also referred to as step e), the portion of the connecting bolt to be severed is pulled off.

[0060] Fig.Figure 12 shows another example of the method as method 110. In this example, it is possible to pull the connecting bolt into the component using the tool; that is, the following steps are performed before method step 102. Method 110 differs from method 100 in that it performs steps 112 and 114 before steps 102, 104, 106, and 108. The pulling device is positioned in the secondary gripping position 112, in which the gripping area is pushed onto one end of the connecting bolt and grips the connecting bolt. By applying a tensile force to the connecting bolt to be inserted, it pulls the connecting bolt into the component to be joined 114. The pulling device is then moved into the free-running position, with the pulling device being supported on the connecting bolt by the guide device. In this example, the pulling device is guided during the pulling process.The support device rests against the component during the insertion process, and the guide device guides the insertion device and ensures a defined distance from the component and the centering of the insertion device relative to the connecting bolt.

[0061] The embodiments described above can be combined in various ways. In particular, aspects of the method can also be used for embodiments of the devices as well as for the use of the devices, and vice versa.

[0062] It should also be noted that "comprehensive" does not exclude any other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps from other embodiments described above. Reference numerals in the claims are not to be considered as limitations.

Claims

[1] A tool (10) for connecting structural components (12) using a connecting bolt (14), comprising: - a pulling device (16) for applying a tensile force to a connecting bolt (14) to be installed; - a guide device (18) for temporarily supporting the tool (10) on a connecting bolt (14) to be installed; and - a crimping device (20) for applying a compressive force to a locking ring (22) to be crimped onto a connecting bolt (14); wherein the insertion device (16) is movable, and: i) can be arranged in a free-running position in which an insertion space (24) is provided between the retraction device (16) and the connecting bolt (14), through which a locking ring (22) can be fitted onto the end of the connecting bolt (14); and ii) can be arranged in a primary gripping position and can be slid onto an end of the connecting bolt (14) with a gripping area in order to grip the connecting bolt (14) and to pull off a portion of the connecting bolt (14) to be detached; wherein the intake device (16) can be supported by the guide device (18) on the connecting bolt (14) in the free-running position; wherein the guide device (18) has at least one support device (26) to bear against the connecting bolt (14) for position securing; and wherein the crimping device (20) can be slid onto the locking ring (22) after the positioning of the locking ring (22) in order to transfer a compressive force deforming the locking ring (22) to the locking ring (22). [2] Tool (10) according to claim 1, wherein the feed device (16) is located in front of the free travel position: - can be arranged in a secondary gripping position and can be slid onto one end of a connecting bolt (14) with the gripping area in order to grip the connecting bolt (14) to FM:bb; - can be arranged in a retraction position in which the connecting bolt (14) can be retracted; and wherein the retraction device (16): - can be moved from the retraction position to the free travel position and can be supported on the connecting bolt (14) during the transition to the free travel position. [3] Tool (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support device (26) has at least two clamping levers (28) which in the free-running position bear against the connecting bolt (14) and the component, for centering the feed device (16) to the connecting bolt (14) and a guide device (30) for ensuring the distance of the feed device (16) to the component. [4] Tool (10) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein a feeding device (42) is provided for feeding the locking ring (22) to the connecting bolts (14) to be installed. [5] Tool (10) according to claim 4, wherein a storage area (32) is provided in the free-running position on which the locking ring (22) can be placed in order to be arranged in the placed position in front of the free bolt end. [6] Tool (10) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the feeding device (42) is arranged above the insertion chamber (24); and wherein, preferably, the locking ring (22) can be fed from a magazine of the feeding unit. [7] Tool (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insertion device (16) has a setting device (34) which is supported on the component when the connecting bolt (14) is inserted (114); and / or wherein the insertion device (16) has a gripping device (36) with which the connecting bolt (14) can be gripped at an end piece in order to insert the connecting bolt (14) into the component to be joined and to remove the end piece of the connecting bolt (14); and / or wherein the crimping device (20) comprises a crimping device (40) and a crimping actuator device; wherein the crimping device (40) has at least one contact surface to apply an axial compressive force to the locking ring (22); wherein the crimping actuator device can generate a relative force between the gripping device (36) and the crimping device (40) to crimp the locking ring (22) onto the end piece of the connecting bolt (14); and / or wherein, preferably, a spacer device (38) is provided with which the gripping device (36) can be arranged at a distance from the structural component (12). [8] A method (100) for connecting structural components (12) using a connecting bolt (14) comprising the following steps: a) Arranging (102) a retraction device (16) for applying a tensile force to a connecting bolt (14) to be installed in a free-traveling position in which an insertion space (24) is provided between the retraction device (16) and the connecting bolt (14) for inserting a locking ring (22); wherein the retraction device (16) is supported in the free-traveling position by a guide device (18) on the connecting bolt (14); b) Inserting (104) the locking ring (22) between the insertion device (16) and the connecting bolt (14); c) Slide and squeeze (106) the locking ring (22) onto the connecting bolt (14); d) Arranging (108) the retraction device (16) in a primary gripping position in which a gripping area is pushed onto one end of the connecting bolt (14) in order to pull off a portion of the connecting bolt (14) to be detached; and e) Pulling off the part of the connecting bolt to be detached (14). [9] Method (100) according to claim 8, prior to step a) being provided: a1) Arranging (112) the retraction device (16) in a secondary gripping position in which the gripping area is pushed onto one end of the connecting bolt (14), and a2) Pulling in (114) the connecting bolt (14) by applying a tensile force to the connecting bolt (14) to be set; in order to subsequently move the pulling device (16) into the free-running position in accordance with step a), whereby the pulling device (16) is supported by the guide device (18) on the connecting bolt (14). [10] Method (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the insertion (114) of the connecting bolt (14) during the insertion of the insertion device (16) and the removal of the connecting bolt (14) during the retraction of the insertion device (16) are carried out with different tensile forces.

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