Element supply apparatus for a setting welding device, an element nest and a retrofit kit for the setting welding device as well as corresponding supply methods of a welding auxiliary joining part

An element nest of a welding auxiliary joining part with a head and a shaft, wherein the element nest is configured for use in a setting welding device having an electrode punch, wherein

• the element nest comprises two element jaws that are arranged opposite to each other and spring relative to each other, with which the welding auxiliary joining part is releasably holdable and which are supported in a floating manner in a plane perpendicular to a joining direction of the setting welding device,
• as a mechanical stop alignment, the element nest comprises a contour piece with an abutment contour face that is adapted to an outer shape of the electrode punch, and
• the element jaws of the element nest are laterally fastened at the contour piece in a springy manner and the contour piece is arranged in a springingly, deflectable manner in at least two directions within a plane perpendicularly to the joining direction, wherein
• the element nest is supported in a plane approximately perpendicular to the joining direction of the setting welding device in a floating manner, in order to be positionable via the mechanical stop alignment in abutment with the electrode punch of the setting welding device in the joining direction below the electrode punch.