Abstract: The invention relates to a joining element (10, 50, 70, 100, 130) for connection to at least one component layer (34, 62, 84, 112), comprising a head (12, 52) having a head supporting surface (16, 140) for abutment against a component layer and at least one drive feature (14), via which the joining element can be rotated. The joining element further comprises a shaft (17), which ends via a hole forming element (18, 54, 90, 106) in a point (38), wherein the length of the shaft, from the head supporting surface to the point, is shorter than five times the maximum shaft outer diameter (DMax), wherein the shaft has a holding region (H) for connection to the component layer. A removal region having a removal profile (20, 56, 72, 102, 134) extends on the shaft, subsequent to the holding region in the direction of the point (38), and the removal region starts spaced apart from the head supporting surface at a distance of at least once the maximum shaft outer diameter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a joining element (10, 50, 70, 100, 130) for connection to at least one component layer (34, 62, 84, 112), comprising a head (12, 52) having a head supporting surface (16, 140) for abutment against a component layer and at least one drive feature (14), via which the joining element can be rotated. The joining element further comprises a shaft (17), which ends via a hole forming element (18, 54, 90, 106) in a point (38), wherein the length of the shaft, from the head supporting surface to the point, is shorter than five times the maximum shaft outer diameter (DMax), wherein the shaft has a holding region (H) for connection to the component layer. A removal region having a removal profile (20, 56, 72, 102, 134) extends on the shaft, subsequent to the holding region in the direction of the point (38), and the removal region starts spaced apart from the head supporting surface at a distance of at least once the maximum shaft outer diameter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting element (10, 20, 30, 50) for producing a component connection (70) of two components (72, 74; 92) lying against each other by means of the connecting element (10, 20, 30, 50), which is welded to the lower layer (74)—the base layer—by friction, wherein the connecting element (10, 20, 30, 50) has a shaft (18), which has a shaft segment (14) and a head (12) having a flat surface (20) lying on the top side of the head for transmitting the axial force, wherein a drive cutout (22, 32) is introduced into the flat surface (20) in order to transmit a torque.

Abstract: A method for supplying, positioning and processing fixing elements using a transport means which moves the fixing elements from a starting position to a processing position whereby the individual fixing elements are introduced into a chuck provided with two clamping jaws, are held by the clamping jaws in an engaging position and, once the chuck has been positioned, are taken up from this position by a driving element and the chuck presses them against a locating device and a connection is made to a component part by the driving element when the chuck is opened, wherein the upward motion of the chuck, while feeding the fixing element to the locating device, prevents the supply of further fixing elements to the chuck.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting element (10, 20, 30, 50) for producing a component connection (70) of two components (72, 74; 92) lying against each other by means of the connecting element (IO, 20, 30, 50), which is welded to the lower layer (74)—the base layer—by friction, wherein the connecting element (10, 20, 30, 50) has a shaft (18), which has a shaft segment (14) and a head (12) having a flat surface (20) lying on the top side of the head for transmitting the axial force, wherein a drive cutout (22, 32) is introduced into the flat surface (20) in order to transmit a torque.

Abstract: A method for supplying, positioning and processing fixing elements using a transport means which moves the fixing elements from a starting position to a processing position whereby the individual fixing elements are introduced into a chuck provided with two clamping jaws, are held by the clamping jaws in an engaging position and, once the chuck has been positioned, are taken up from this position by a driving element and the chuck presses them against a locating device and a connection is made to a component part by the driving element when the chuck is opened, wherein the upward motion of the chuck, while feeding the fixing element to the locating device, prevents the supply of further fixing elements to the chuck.

Abstract: A device for supplying and positioning fixing elements which includes, a chuck provided with two spring loaded clamping jaws that hold one fixing element therebetween for further processing, wherein the clamping jaws are operatively associated with an actuating element that extends between the clamping jaws, the actuating element being provided in an axial direction with a narrow section and two neighboring extension sections. The actuation element is connected to an axial slide for axially moving the actuation element and to open and close the chuck by forcing the camping jaws apart, releasing the fixing element for processing when the chuck is opened.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supplying and positioning fixing elements (8), comprising a chuck (18) that is provided with two spring-loaded stopper parts (1, 2) and that holds one fixing element (8) respectively for further processing. The invention is characterised in that the stopper parts are design as clamping jaws (1, 2) with which an actuation element (3) is associated that reaches between these jaws and that is provided with a narrow section (6) and two neighbouring extensions (4, 5) in an axial direction. Said actuation element is connected to an axial slide (21) for axially moving said actuation element (3), and is used to open and close the chuck (18) by forcing the clamping jaws (1, 2) apart, releasing the fixing element (8) for processing when the chuck (18) is opened.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting element (1) for a friction-welded connection for connecting at least two panel-like components (8,9), comprising a rotating and pressurised mandrel (2, 13), the length of which is adapted to the thickness of the upper component(s) (7, 8) in order to penetrate the upper components(s) (7, 8), and which has a polygonal noncircular profile having rounded corner regions (5a, 5b). The noncircular profile has a thread-like design and has a pitch, the length of which is shorter than a complete thread turn.