Abstract: A joining apparatus for the joining of a joining element to a workpiece on a joining surface, the joining apparatus comprising: a joining head that defines a joining axis; a cleaning device for cleaning the joining surface; and a drive unit for moving the cleaning device in relation to the joining head between a waiting position and a cleaning position.

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: Protective gas mouthpiece for a connection device, having a base member which has an axial opening and a mouth arranged around the opening and which can be placed on a workpiece on which a connection process is intended to be carried out, wherein the opening adjacent to the mouth defines a cleaning space into which protective gas can be introduced and which, when the connection process is carried out, can be axially delimited by the workpiece which covers the opening. The protective gas is introduced into the cleaning space in such a manner that a main flow direction of the protective gas in a radial centre of the cleaning space is orientated in a substantially radial and unidirectional manner.