Punch rivet supply device and punch riveting device

A joining device for installing a joining element in a workpiece, the joining element including a shaft, which extends along a joining element axis and which has a first diameter, and an adjacent head, with a second diameter which is greater than the first diameter;

• and wherein the joining device comprises:
• a joining head operable for installing the joining element in the workpiece;
• a joining element supply arrangement operable for supplying the joining elements to the joining head, and the joining element supply arrangement includes a supply channel through which joining elements can be transported, and
• a supply device operable for connecting the joining head and the joining element supply arrangement;
• and wherein the supply device includes:
• a base which partially defines 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, and wherein 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° and wherein the first and the second joining element channels merge into the third joining element channel at a junction, and wherein the first, second, and third joining element channels are constructed as a polygon and each define a cross section including a head region and a shaft region with the shaft region is perpendicular to the head region;
• and
• a switching arrangement located in the base at the junction.

A supply device for a joining element, the joining element including a shaft, which extends along a joining element axis and which has a first diameter, and an adjacent head, with a second diameter which is greater than the first diameter;

• wherein the supply device comprises:
• a base which partially defines 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 elements and which each have an opening, and wherein 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°, and wherein the first and the second joining element channels merge into the third joining element channel at a junction;
• and
• a switching arrangement located in the base at the junction and including a switching element supported in the base and movable between a first position, wherein the first joining element channel is connected to the third joining element channel, and a second position, wherein the second joining element channel is connected to the third joining element channel, and further includes a catch device operable for temporarily holding the switching element in one of the first position or the second position.