Abstract: The invention relates to a joining unit (10, 40) for an articulated arm robot (12, 44) for joining a component (24, 58) with a joining element (28, 60) by applying an axial force. The joining unit (10, 40) comprises a base element (14, 42) for connecting to an articulated arm robot (12, 44). The base element (12, 42) is connected to an advancing unit (13, 46), which can be moved relative to the base element (14, 42) in an axial direction in and against a setting direction. The advancing unit (13, 46) is connected to a setting device (16, 54), which can be moved together with the advancing unit (13, 46). Furthermore, a pressure piece (26, 50) mounted for movement relative to the advancing unit (13, 46) in and against the setting direction is connected to the advancing unit (13, 46) by means of a coupling unit (17, 48).

Abstract: The invention relates to a joining unit (10, 40) for an articulated arm robot (12, 44) for joining a component (24, 58) with a joining element (28, 60) by applying an axial force. The joining unit (10, 40) comprises a base element (14, 42) for connecting to an articulated arm robot (12, 44). The base element (12, 42) is connected to an advancing unit (13, 46), which can be moved relative to the base element (14, 42) in an axial direction in and against a setting direction. The advancing unit (13, 46) is connected to a setting device (16, 54), which can be moved together with the advancing unit (13, 46). Furthermore, a pressure piece (26, 50) mounted for movement relative to the advancing unit (13, 46) in and against the setting direction is connected to the advancing unit (13, 46) by means of a coupling unit (17, 48).

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 friction welding element (10, 30, 40) comprising a friction welding geometry (14, 15) and a head (12, 24, 32, 42) with a driving geometry (16, 34) for connection to a component (18, 20, 50) wherein heat originates during the friction welding process, characterized in that, at the head (12, 24, 32, 42), a material (22 26, 36, 44) is applied which is at least partially melting by means of the heat generated by the friction welding process upon contact with the surface of a component (18, 50) arranged closest to the head, and which material solidifies during cooling whereby the transition from the friction welding element (10, 30, 40) to the component (18, 50) arranged closest to the head, is sealed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a friction welding element (10, 30, 40) comprising a friction welding geometry (14, 15) and a head (12, 24, 32, 42) with a driving geometry (16, 34) for connection to a component (18, 20, 50) wherein heat originates during the friction welding process, characterized in that, at the head (12, 24, 32, 42), a material (22 26, 36, 44) is applied which is at least partially melting by means of the heat generated by the friction welding process upon contact with the surface of a component (18, 50) arranged closest to the head, and which material solidifies during cooling whereby the transition from the friction welding element (10, 30, 40) to the component (18, 50) arranged closest to the head, is sealed.

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.