Supply device for joining elements, setting tool with the supply device and associated supply and setting method

Abstract

A supply device for joining elements. The supply device includes a receiving portion for at least one joining element, in which a joining element is receivable and positionable in front of a first opening, a circumferentially closed hose of a flexible material which on a first end is connected with the receiving portion and on an opposite, second end with a discharge portion, as well as a flexible thrust element which is movable back and forth using a drive means through the hose between a retracted position in which a front end of the thrust element is located in the receiving portion and an extended position in which the front end is located in the discharge portion, so that the joining element which is positioned in front of the first opening is pushable with the thrust element out of the receiving portion through the hose into the discharge portion.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.