Abstract: A loading pin, for a joining device, having a first axial end portion connectable to an axial drive, and having a second axial end portion which is realized for the purpose of exerting an axial force onto a joining element in order to push the joining element into a holding device and/or in order to support the joining element axially during a joining process, wherein the loading pin comprises an axial hollow channel portion through which a joining element is guidable in an axial feed direction. The loading pin partially defines a lateral joining element feed opening, via which a joining element is feedable into the hollow channel portion.

Abstract: A device for holding a stud with a radially flange and an axial shank. The holding device comprising a collet including a clamping section and a hollow insertion section defining an insertion axis such that the stud can be inserted via the insertion section to the clamping section. The holding device further comprising a tubular securing sleeve located radially inward of and concentric with the insertion section. A clearance is defined between a bottom end of the securing sleeve and a top end of the clamping section and is adapted to releasably receive the stud flange. A first air flow channel in a first direction is adapted to blow feed the stud into the collet; and a second airflow channel oriented in a second different direction is adapted to maintain the stud shank substantially in line with the insertion axis.

Abstract: A joining head for the joining of a joining element to a workpiece, wherein the joining head) has a fluid cylinder that acts in an axial direction for actuating a loading pin, and the fluid cylinder has a cross-sectional area and defines a dimension of the joining head in a predetermined radial direction, and the cross-sectional area of the fluid cylinder deviates from a circular shape in order to reduce the dimension of the joining head in the predetermined radial direction.

Abstract: A loading pin, for a joining device, having a first axial end portion connectable to an axial drive, and having a second axial end portion which is realized for the purpose of exerting an axial force onto a joining element in order to push the joining element into a holding device and/or in order to support the joining element axially during a joining process, wherein the loading pin comprises an axial hollow channel portion through which a joining element is guidable in an axial feed direction. The loading pin partially defines a lateral joining element feed opening, via which a joining element is feedable into the hollow channel portion.

Abstract: A method for carrying out a stud joining process by a tool performing a working step on a workpiece and the working step is carried out while taking into account at least one parameter value which is selected from a set of values, and the working step is to be carried out at a certain position on the workpiece, and the position determines the parameter value. The method comprises the steps of: storing the parameter value for the position in an RFID transponder; locating the RFID transponder on the workpiece in the region of the position before the working step is carried out, reading the parameter value out from the RFID transponder with an RFID communication device associated with the tool.

Abstract: A joining element feed device comprises a supply unit that supplies a joining process with joining elements from a container. The container includes a cover movable between a closed position and an open filling position. The joining element feed device includes an identification device able to identify joining elements that are to be poured into the container and/or a person who intends to pour the joining elements into the container. The identification device includes a reading device for reading an identification code on the joining elements or person and a control unit for verifying or recording the identification code. The joining element feed device further comprises a closing device actuated by the control unit for moving the cover to or locking the cover in the closed position.

Abstract: In a method of supplying connecting elements to a processing unit, in which the connecting elements are placed in readiness by a supply unit and conveyed individually by a passage to a loading device arranged on the processing unit, the conveyance of the connecting elements takes place in two separate steps, a first step in which the connecting elements are individually conveyed by the supply unit into a intermediate reservoir arranged near the loading device, and a second step in which a single connecting element at a time is conveyed from the intermediate reservoir into the loading device of the processing unit. Specifically, at least two different connecting elements are picked up by the intermediate reservoir, and of the several connecting elements accommodated in the intermediate reservoir an arbitrary one determined by the processing operation is selected for the second step and conveyed to the loading device.

Abstract: In a method of supplying connecting elements to a processing unit, in which the connecting elements are placed in readiness by a supply unit and conveyed individually by a passage to a loading device arranged on the processing unit, the conveyance of the connecting elements takes place in two separate steps, a first step in which the connecting elements are individually conveyed by the supply unit into a intermediate reservoir arranged near the loading device, and a second step in which a single connecting element at a time is conveyed from the intermediate reservoir into the loading device of the processing unit. Specifically, at least two different connecting elements are picked up by the intermediate reservoir, and of the several connecting elements accommodated in the intermediate reservoir an arbitrary one determined by the processing operation is selected for the second step and conveyed to the loading device.

Abstract: A method of feeding a stud to a joining head including a stud shank clamp and operable to join the stud to a workpiece, and wherein the method of feeding the stud comprises the steps of providing a stud holding device including a securing sleeve and a plurality of collet arms; feeding the stud into the stud holding device to a first position wherein the flange is arranged above the free end of the plurality of arms and below the securing sleeve; and securing the stud in the first position by engaging the securing sleeve behind the flange.

Abstract: A method of feeding a stud to a joining head including a stud shank clamp and operable to join the stud to a workpiece, and wherein the method of feeding the stud comprises the steps of providing a stud holding device including a securing sleeve and a plurality of collet arms; feeding the stud into the stud holding device to a first position wherein the flange is arranged above the free end of the plurality of arms and below the securing sleeve; and securing the stud in the first position by engaging the securing sleeve behind the flange.

Abstract: A method for carrying out a stud joining process by a tool performing a working step on a workpiece and the working step is carried out while taking into account at least one parameter value which is selected from a set of values, and the working step is to be carried out at a certain position on the workpiece, and the position determines the parameter value. The method comprises the steps of: storing the parameter value for the position in an RFID transponder; locating the RFID transponder on the workpiece in the region of the position before the working step is carried out, reading the parameter value out from the RFID transponder with an RFID communication device associated with the tool.

Abstract: A holding device for holding a stud, which includes a radially projecting flange in a securing position, comprises a collet component including a hollow tubular insertion section defining an insertion axis, and a clamping section operable to exert a radially inwardly directed clamping force for clamping the stud. A securing device is arranged on the insertion section and includes a securing sleeve formed of plurality of separate securing-sleeve sections that are radially movable relative to one another. A clearance space is defined between a bottom end of the securing-sleeve sections and a top end of the clamping section, and the clearance space is operable for holding a flange of a stud in the securing position.

Abstract: A fastening arrangement having a first fastening part which is connected to a metal sheet and has a first threaded section, and having a second fastening part which has a second threaded section which engages with the first threaded section, with the fastening parts fixing an electrical connecting part such that an electrical connection is formed between the connecting part and the metal sheet. A cover part is fixed to the first fastening part in an end position and, in a covering position, has covered at least a part of the first threaded section until the second threaded section has engaged with the first threaded section and, in the process, the cover part has been moved from the covering position to the end position.

Abstract: A fastening arrangement having a first fastening part which is connected to a metal sheet and has a first threaded section, and having a second fastening part which has a second threaded section which engages with the first threaded section, with the fastening parts fixing an electrical connecting part such that an electrical connection is formed between the connecting part and the metal sheet. A cover part is fixed to the first fastening part in an end position and, in a covering position, has covered at least a part of the first threaded section until the second threaded section has engaged with the first threaded section and, in the process, the cover part has been moved from the covering position to the end position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a joining head arrangement for joining components, such as studs, onto a workpiece. The joining head arrangement comprises a housing and a slide that is mounted on the housing and is movable, by means of a linear drive, in a joining direction in relation to the housing. The joining head further comprises a component holder, arranged on the slide, and operable to hold a component during a joining operation. A feed device delivers components, at a transfer location, to the component holder. The component holder is rotatable about an axis, which is aligned transversely relative to the joining direction, from a transfer position to a joining position.

Abstract: A fastening arrangement having a first fastening part which is connected to a metal sheet and has a first threaded section, and having a second fastening part which has a second threaded section which engages with the first threaded section, with the fastening parts fixing an electrical connecting part such that an electrical connection is formed between the connecting part and the metal sheet. A cover part is fixed to the first fastening part in an end position and, in a covering position, has covered at least a part of the first threaded section until the second threaded section has engaged with the first threaded section and, in the process, the cover part has been moved from the covering position to the end position.

Abstract: A method for attaching at least one connection part on a workpiece comprises the steps of: providing a premounted contact-making unit including a first attachment element and a holding unit on which the first attachment element is held rotatable relative to the holding unit; inserting at least one connection part into the holding unit so that the connection part makes contact with the first attachment element; and connecting the first attachment element to a second attachment element which is secured to the workpiece.

Abstract: A contact-making unit including a holding unit and a screw with a head and a shank. The holding unit includes a connection part-holding section into which at least one connection part can be inserted, and a screw-holding section into which the screw is inserted in a longitudinal direction of the holding unit in such a way that the screw is held captively in the screw-holding section in the longitudinal direction but in a rotatable fashion, and in that a connection part which is inserted into the connection part-holding section can make electrical contact with the inserted screw. A radially protruding bearing section is formed on the head of the screw, and the screw-holding section has a shoulder section which axially supports the bearing section on the holding unit.

Abstract: In a method of supplying connecting elements to a processing unit, in which the connecting elements are placed in readiness by a supply unit and conveyed individually by a passage to a loading device arranged on the processing unit, the conveyance of the connecting elements takes place in two separate steps, a first step in which the connecting elements are individually conveyed by the supply unit into a intermediate reservoir arranged near the loading device, and a second step in which a single connecting element at a time is conveyed from the intermediate reservoir into the loading device of the processing unit. Specifically, at least two different connecting elements are picked up by the intermediate reservoir, and of the several connecting elements accommodated in the intermediate reservoir an arbitrary one determined by the processing operation is selected for the second step and conveyed to the loading device.

Abstract: In a method of supplying connecting elements to a processing unit, in which the connecting elements are placed in readiness by a supply unit and conveyed individually by a passage to a loading device arranged on the processing unit, the conveyance of the connecting elements takes place in two separate steps, a first step in which the connecting elements are individually conveyed by the supply unit into a intermediate reservoir arranged near the loading device, and a second step in which a single connecting element at a time is conveyed from the intermediate reservoir into the loading device of the processing unit. Specifically, at least two different connecting elements are picked up by the intermediate reservoir, and of the several connecting elements accommodated in the intermediate reservoir an arbitrary one determined by the processing operation is selected for the second step and conveyed to the loading device.