Non-path-variable element switch and method for feeding connecting elements

A feeding method for positive-lockingly guided connecting elements, which comprises the following steps:

• a. providing a plurality of different connecting elements which can each be fed via a main profiled track to a connecting tool,
• b. connecting the plurality of profiled tracks to a non-path-variable element switch, so that the plurality of different connecting elements are brought together in the main profiled track, and
• c. clocked feeding of the different connecting elements via the non-path-variable element switch to the connecting tool in such a way that at least one connecting element gets on the head side or shaft side into the main profiled track via a profiled track.

A processing tool for elements, in connection with a plurality of feeding sources for different elements, wherein the elements of the feeding sources can be fed to the processing tool via at least one profiled track and a main profiled track by a non-path-variable element switch which can be passed continuously by elements being positive-lockingly guided therein only in a feeding direction from a plurality of profiled tracks into a number of profiled tracks which is reduced compared to the plurality of profiled tracks, wherein the element switch fixedly connects a main profiled track to at least one first profiled track, and in which an element to be transported can be guided in a position-oriented manner in a profiled track by positive-locking between element and profiled track, wherein the main profiled track comprises a T-shaped cross-section with a head side and a shaft side and the at least one first profiled track opens in a connecting portion on the head side or shaft side into the main profiled track.