Patent ID: 8312622

Claim:
A punching head for insertion of joining parts into workpieces, the punching head having a loading channel, which is a component of a feed for feeding the joining parts from an external supply unit and which ends at a readiness position formed in a joining channel, the joining channel having a joining channel inlet at an axial distance from the readiness position, and with a plunger which can be moved between an initial position in which a plunger surface of the plunger is located outside the joining channel and outside the readiness position on a side of the readiness position facing away from the joining opening, and a joining position, in which the plunger with the plunger surface is located in the joining channel, means on the punching head or in the area of the punching head for moving the joining parts within the punching head, wherein the means for moving the joining parts within the loading channel is delivery air produced on the punching head or in the area of the punching head, the loading channel extending impediment free into the readiness position, and spring loaded catches having top sides in the readiness position, the top sides of the catches forming impediment free continuations of the guide surface of the loading channel in the readiness position, such that the top sides of the catches are arranged in a common plane with the at least one guide surface of the loading channel, wherein each catch has a first leg and a second leg and is pivotally supported against the action of a reset spring on the first leg, the second leg projecting laterally into the joining channel, the top side of the second leg forming the continuation of the guide surface of the loading channel in the readiness position.