Abstract: A transfer station for temporarily storing at least one interchangeable die. The die can be removed by a joining tool to carry out a joining operation and can be returned back into the transfer station after the joining operation. The transfer station including a carriage that is movable between a first position, wherein a first die receptacle is in a standby position, and a second position, wherein a second die receptacle is in the standby position. In the standby position the chosen die receptacle is accessible by the joining tool when in its transfer position.

Abstract: An interchangeable die for a joining tool includes a die head partially defining a die feature, and a die shank which extends from the die head in an axial direction and is insertable into a shank receptacle of a die receiving portion of a joining tool. A fastening contour is partially defined on the interchangeable die for fastening the interchangeable die on the joining tool. The fastening contour is structured for fastening the interchangeable die on the joining tool by a motion including an insert movement and a rotate movement.

Abstract: A supply device for a joining element which has a shaft, extending along a joining element axis with a first diameter, and an adjacent head with a second diameter which is greater than the first diameter. The supply device comprising a base enclosing a first joining element channel, a second joining element channel and a third joining element channel, which are at least partially arranged in a common channel plane, and which each have a cross-section which is adapted to the shape of the joining element. And the first and the second joining element channels are orientated relative to each other at a switching angle which is in a range from 5° to 45°, while the first and the second joining element channels merge into the third joining element channel at a junction with a switching arrangement.

Abstract: A supply device for a joining element which has a shaft, extending along a joining element axis with a first diameter, and an adjacent head with a second diameter which is greater than the first diameter. The supply device comprising a base enclosing a first joining element channel, a second joining element channel and a third joining element channel, which are at least partially arranged in a common channel plane, and which each have a cross-section which is adapted to the shape of the joining element. And the first and the second joining element channels are orientated relative to each other at a switching angle which is in a range from 5° to 45°, while the first and the second joining element channels merge into the third joining element channel at a junction with a switching arrangement.

Abstract: A transfer station for temporarily storing at least one interchangeable die. The die can be removed by a joining tool to carry out a joining operation and can be returned back into the transfer station after the joining operation. The transfer station including a carriage that is movable between a first position, wherein a first die receptacle is in a standby position, and a second position, wherein a second die receptacle is in the standby position. In the standby position the chosen die receptacle is accessible by the joining tool when in its transfer position.

Abstract: A transfer station for temporarily storing at least one interchangeable die. The die can be removed by a joining tool to carry out a joining operation, and can be returned back into the transfer station after the joining operation. The transfer station including a die receptacle for holding the die, and a rotating device for rotating the die in the receptacle in order to establish an axial engagement between the die and the joining tool.

Abstract: A supply device for a joining element which has a shaft, extending along a joining element axis with a first diameter, and an adjacent head with a second diameter which is greater than the first diameter. The supply device comprising a base enclosing a first joining element channel, a second joining element channel and a third joining element channel, which are at least partially arranged in a common channel plane, and which each have a cross-section which is adapted to the shape of the joining element. And the first and the second joining element channels are orientated relative to each other at a switching angle which is in a range from 5° to 45°, while the first and the second joining element channels merge into the third joining element channel at a junction with a switching arrangement.

Abstract: An interchangeable die for a joining tool includes a die head partially defining a die feature, and a die shank which extends from the die head in an axial direction and is insertable into a shank receptacle of a die receiving portion of a joining tool. A fastening contour is partially defined on the interchangeable die for fastening the interchangeable die on the joining tool. The fastening contour is structured for fastening the interchangeable die on the joining tool by a motion including an insert movement and a rotate movement.

Abstract: A transfer station for temporarily storing at least one interchangeable die. The die can be removed by a joining tool to carry out a joining operation, and can be returned back into the transfer station after the joining operation. The transfer station including a die receptacle for holding the die, and a rotating device for rotating the die in the receptacle in order to establish an axial engagement between the die and the joining tool.