Bonding method, bonded body, and bonding apparatus

Abstract

An overlapping portion (30) of a first member (31) and a second member (32) is joined using a tool (1) for friction stir joining and a rivet (5). The first member (31) is arranged on the side where the tool (1) is initially pressed in, and the second member (32) is arranged on the side where the tool (1) is finally pressed in, forming the overlapping portion (30). The tool (1) is pressed into the overlapping portion (30) and friction stirring is performed, thereby forming a friction stir portion (4) in the overlapping portion (30). The rivet (5) is pressed into the friction stir portion (4) from the first member (31) side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a joining method for joining overlapping portions of two or more components by means of friction stirring and a fastening solid, a joining body employing the method, and a joining device for the joining method. Background Technology

[0002] Components used in structures such as aircraft, railway vehicles, or automobiles are made of metal, resin, or thermoplastic resin mixed with fiber reinforcement. In manufacturing these structures, it is sometimes necessary to join two or more components together. Known joining methods include those using fasteners such as rivets or those using friction stirring.

[0003] Patent Document 1 is cited as an example of a document that discloses a joining technique for fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin components. Patent Document 1 discloses a method for joining resin components using a special lower mold that heat-treats the resin component and using self-piercing rivets.

[0004] However, even with the aforementioned joining methods, sufficient bond strength or joint quality may not be achieved depending on the materials of the components to be joined. For example, when joining resin components made by impregnating thermoplastic resin in continuous fibers, simply using self-piercing rivets may result in rivets that do not deform sufficiently to provide anchoring. Furthermore, even when a joint is formed by forcibly deforming the self-piercing rivets using a special die, delamination or other defects may occur, leading to a decrease in the strength or appearance quality of the base material. Moreover, joints joined solely by friction stirring may sometimes fail to achieve sufficient peel strength.

[0005] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0006] [Patent Documents]

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5333584 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide a joining method that can more firmly join the overlapping portions of two or more components compared to conventional techniques, a joining body using the method, and a joining device for the joining method.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] One aspect of the present invention relates to a joining method that uses a friction stirring joining tool and a fastener to join an overlap, the overlap being formed by comprising a first member on the tool side and a second member disposed below the first member, the tool being pressed into the overlap and friction stirring being performed to form a friction stirring section in the overlap, and the fastener being pressed into the friction stirring section from the first member side.

[0012] According to this joining method, a bond with excellent strength can be obtained by combining friction stirring and a fastener. Specifically, a friction stirring section is formed at the overlapping portion, into which the fastener is then pressed. In this friction stirring section, the constituent materials of the overlapping portion are mixed and stirred based on friction stirring, and the constituent materials become softened. With such a friction stirring section, the fastener can be easily pressed in. Therefore, the fastening effect of the fastener becomes easily achieved. For example, if the constituent materials are not sufficiently softened or if reinforcing materials and fillers are present, it is difficult to deform the fastener as intended. This difficulty is eliminated by the friction stirring section, thus the fastener can easily undergo its intended deformation based on pressing. Therefore, a bond with high strength can be obtained.

[0013] Another aspect of the invention relates to a joint comprising an overlapping portion formed by a first member and a second member, and comprising: an overlapping portion, wherein the first member is disposed at one end of the overlapping direction and the second member is disposed at the other end of the overlapping direction; a friction stirring portion disposed in the overlapping portion; and a fastening body, pressed into the friction stirring portion.

[0014] According to this joint, the overlapping portion is given a bonding force based on the friction stirring portion formed in the overlapping portion and the fastening solid pressed into the friction stirring portion. That is, the first component and the second component can be firmly engaged not only by friction stirring but also by the fastening effect of the fastening solid. Therefore, a joint with excellent bonding strength can be constructed.

[0015] In another aspect, the invention relates to a joining device that joins an overlap formed by a first member and a second member, and includes: a cylindrical pin member movable in an axial direction; a cylindrical shoulder member located at a position covering the outer periphery of the pin member, rotatable about the same axis as the pin member and movable in the axial direction; and a fastener, inserted into a receiving space created by the rising of the pin member and pressed by the pin member into a friction stirring portion formed in the overlap.

[0016] By using this joining device, the pressing of the solid can be smoothly performed in a continuous operation by frictionally agitating the overlapping portion.

[0017] The effects of the invention

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to firmly join the overlapping portions of two or more components by using friction stirring and compaction. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a compound friction stirring point joining device capable of performing the joining method involved in this invention.

[0020] Figure 1B This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of rivets being loaded onto a tool.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the structure of the first and second components joined together using a joining method.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a step diagram illustrating the joining method according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view showing the implementation status of the preparation steps of the joining method.

[0024] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view showing the implementation of the steps in forming the overlapping part.

[0025] Figure 6A It is a cross-sectional view showing the implementation of the friction stirring step.

[0026] Figure 6B It is a cross-sectional view showing the implementation of the friction stirring step.

[0027] Figure 7A This is a sectional view showing the steps involved in installing rivets.

[0028] Figure 7B It is a cross-sectional view showing the implementation status of the formation steps of the interlocking part.

[0029] Figure 8A This is a cross-sectional view of the joint formed by the joining method.

[0030] Figure 8B This is a cross-sectional view of the joint formed by the joining method.

[0031] Figure 8C This is a cross-sectional view of the joint formed by the joining method.

[0032] Figure 9 Steps (A) to (D) are cross-sectional views showing the implementation status of the joining method according to the second embodiment.

[0033] Figure 10Steps (A) to (C) are cross-sectional views showing the implementation status of the joining method according to the second embodiment.

[0034] Figure 11A This is a cross-sectional view showing the implementation status of the joining method according to the third embodiment.

[0035] Figure 11B This is a cross-sectional view showing the implementation status of the joining method according to the third embodiment.

[0036] Figure 12A This is a longitudinal sectional view of a modified rivet.

[0037] Figure 12B This is a cross-sectional view showing the implementation status of the joining method according to the fourth embodiment.

[0038] Figure 12C This is a cross-sectional view showing the implementation status of the joining method according to the fourth embodiment.

[0039] Figure 13A This is a cross-sectional view showing the implementation status of the joining method according to the fifth embodiment.

[0040] Figure 13B This is a cross-sectional view showing the implementation status of the joining method according to the fifth embodiment.

[0041] Figure 13C This is a cross-sectional view showing the implementation status of the joining method according to the fifth embodiment.

[0042] Figure 14A This is a cross-sectional view showing the implementation status of the joining method according to the fifth embodiment.

[0043] Figure 14B This is a cross-sectional view of the joint obtained by the fifth embodiment.

[0044] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view showing the joint involved in other variations.

[0045] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view showing the joint involved in other variations.

[0046] Figure 17 (A) and (B) are perspective views of the cylindrical rivet and pin components used in the joining method according to the sixth embodiment. Figure 17 (C) is a cross-sectional view showing the implementation status of the joining method according to the sixth embodiment.

[0047] Figure 18(A) and (B) are perspective views of the cylindrical rivet and pin components used in the joining method according to the seventh embodiment. Figure 18 (C) is a cross-sectional view showing the preparation status of the joining method according to the seventh embodiment.

[0048] Figure 19 Steps (A) to (D) are cross-sectional views showing the implementation status of the joining method according to the seventh embodiment.

[0049] Figure 20A This is a perspective view of the threaded rivet used in the joining method according to the 8th embodiment.

[0050] Figure 20B This is a cross-sectional view showing the implementation status of the joining method according to the eighth embodiment.

[0051] Figure 21 This is a cross-sectional view showing the joint involved in other variations. Detailed Implementation

[0052] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The joining method of the present invention is applicable to the manufacture of various joints formed by stacking and point-jointing two or more structural components such as plates, skeletons, outer materials, or columnar materials formed from metals, thermoplastic resins, thermoplastic composites, etc. The thermoplastic composite material is a composite material containing fiber reinforcements such as carbon fiber. The manufactured joints are, for example, components of structures such as aircraft, railway vehicles, or automobiles.

[0053] [Composition of the compound friction stirring point engagement device]

[0054] First, refer to Figure 1A This section describes an example of the configuration of a compound friction stirring point joining device M capable of performing the joining method involved in this invention. The friction stirring point joining device M includes: a tool 1 for compound friction stirring point joining; a tool drive unit 2 for rotating and lifting the tool 1; and a controller C for controlling the movement of the tool drive unit 2. Furthermore, while "up" and "down" are indicated in FIG1, this is merely for illustrative purposes and is not intended to limit the actual direction of use of the tool 1.

[0055] Tool 1 is supported based on a tool fixing part (not shown). This tool fixing part can be, for example, the distal end of a multi-joint robot. Support member 15 is disposed facing the lower end face of tool 1. At least two components are disposed between tool 1 and support member 15 as engaging parts. Figure 1AThe diagram illustrates an example where a portion of a first member 31, formed of a flat plate, and a portion of a second member 32, also formed of a flat plate, are overlapped vertically, forming an overlapping portion 30 disposed between a tool 1 and a support member 15. This overlapping portion 30 is joined using a method combining friction stirring and rivets 5 (fasteners), thereby forming a joint 3 of the first member 31 and the second member 32. The overlapping portion 30 may also be an overlapping portion where one or more members are further interposed between the first member 31 and the second member 32.

[0056] Tool 1 includes a pin member 11, a shoulder member 12, a clamping member 13, and a spring 14. The pin member 11 is formed into a cylindrical shape and is arranged to extend vertically along its axial direction. The pin member 11 can rotate about the axis as a pivot R and can move up and down along the pivot R, that is, it can move forward and backward. Furthermore, when using tool 1, the pivot R is aligned with the point engagement position W on the overlapping portion 30.

[0057] The shoulder member 12 is located on the outer periphery of the covering pin member 11. The shoulder member 12 is a cylindrical member having a hollow portion into which the pin member 11 is inserted. The axis of the shoulder member 12 is coaxial with the axis of rotation R of the pin member 11. The shoulder member 12 can rotate about the same axis of rotation R as the pin member 11 and can move up and down along the axis of rotation R, that is, it can move forward and backward. The shoulder member 12 and the pin member 11 inserted into the hollow portion can rotate together about the axis of rotation R and can move relative to each other in the direction of the axis of rotation R. That is, the pin member 11 and the shoulder member 12 can not only move up and down simultaneously along the axis of rotation R, but also can move independently, such as one moving down while the other moves up.

[0058] The clamping member 13 is a cylindrical member with a hollow portion inserted into the shoulder member 12. The axis of the clamping member 13 is coaxial with the rotation axis R. Although the clamping member 13 does not rotate around its axis, it can move up and down along the rotation axis R, i.e., it can move forward and backward. The clamping member 13 functions to surround the outer periphery of the pin member 11 or the shoulder member 12 during frictional stirring. Due to the surrounding effect of the clamping member 13, the friction-stirring material is prevented from scattering, allowing for a smooth connection at the friction-stirring point.

[0059] A spring 14 is mounted on the upper end of the clamping member 13, applying a force to the clamping member 13 in the direction (downward) toward the overlapping portion 30. The clamping member 13 is mounted to the tool fixing portion via the spring 14. The support member 15 has a plane that abuts against the lower side of the overlapping portion 30, which is the object of engagement. The support member 15 is a back pad member that supports the overlapping portion 30 when the pin member 11 or the shoulder member 12 is pressed into the overlapping portion 30. The clamping member 13, which is subjected to force by the spring 14, presses the overlapping portion 30 against the support member 15.

[0060] The tool drive unit 2 includes a rotation drive unit 21, a pin drive unit 22, a shoulder drive unit 23, and a clamping drive unit 24. The rotation drive unit 21 includes a motor and drive gears, driving the pin member 11 and the shoulder member 12 to rotate around the axis R. The pin drive unit 22 is a mechanism that moves the pin member 11 forward and backward along the axis R. The pin drive unit 22 drives the pin member 11 to press into and retract from the overlapping portion 30. The shoulder drive unit 23 is a mechanism that moves the shoulder member 12 forward and backward along the axis R, pressing the shoulder member 12 relative to the overlapping portion 30 and retracting it. The clamping drive unit 24 is a mechanism that moves the clamping member 13 forward and backward along the axis R. The clamping drive unit 24 moves the clamping member 13 toward the overlapping portion 30, pressing the overlapping portion 30 against the support member 15. At this time, the force of the spring 14 is generated.

[0061] The controller C, equipped with a microcomputer, controls the movement of each part of the tool drive unit 2 by executing a specified control program. Specifically, the controller C controls the rotation drive unit 21 to cause the pin member 11 and the shoulder member 12 to perform the required rotational movements. Furthermore, the controller C controls the pin drive unit 22, the shoulder drive unit 23, and the clamping drive unit 24 to cause the pin member 11, the shoulder member 12, and the clamping member 13 to perform the required forward and backward movements.

[0062] As for the method of using the aforementioned compound friction stirring point engagement tool 1, there are two processes: a pin-first process and a shoulder-first process. In the pin-first process, the pin member 11 of the tool 1 is first pressed into the overlapping portion 30 to perform friction stirring, while the shoulder member 12 is raised, i.e., retracted. In the subsequent backfilling step, the pin member 11 is raised to retract, while the shoulder member 12 is lowered. Conversely, in the shoulder-first process, the shoulder member 12 of the tool 1 is first pressed into the overlapping portion 30 to perform friction stirring, while the pin member 11 is raised, i.e., retracted. In the subsequent backfilling step, the shoulder member 12 is raised to retract, while the pin member 11 is lowered.

[0063] In this embodiment, based on the relationship between friction stirring and the engagement of rivets 5, it is ideal to have the friction stirring point engagement device M equipped with a mechanism that can pre-load rivets 5 into tool 1. Figure 1B This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of rivet 5 being loaded onto tool 1. A supply opening 121 for supplying rivet 5 into the hollow portion of shoulder member 12 is provided near the upper end of shoulder member 12. The friction stirring point engagement device M includes a supply mechanism (not shown) that continuously feeds rivet 5 into supply opening 121.

[0064] The pin drive 22 raises the lower end 11T of the pin member 11 above the height of the supply opening 121. The shoulder drive 23 raises the shoulder member 12 to a position where the supply opening 121 is higher than the upper end 132 of the clamping member 13. After the rivet 5 is supplied into the shoulder member 12 from the supply opening 121, the pin member 11 descends. (See schematic diagram) Figure 1B As shown near the lower end of tool 1, rivet 5 is pressed down by the lower end 11T of pin member 11 and driven into overlap 30.

[0065] [Components of the joined objects]

[0066] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the configuration of the overlapping portion 30 joined using the joining method of this embodiment. The first member 31 and the second member 32 are stacked vertically to form the overlapping portion 30. The first member 31 has a thickness t1 in the stacking direction. The second member 32 has a thickness t2 that is the same as thickness t1 (t1 = t2). t1 and t2 can be any thickness sufficient for friction-stirring joining, and t1 and t2 can be different thicknesses.

[0067] As described above, there are no particular limitations on the components used as the connecting objects in this invention, and components formed of metal, thermoplastic resin, or thermoplastic composite materials can be selected. Ideally, both the first component 31 and the second component 32 are molded bodies formed of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin. Examples of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin molded bodies include: molded bodies in which short or long fibers, serving as fiber reinforcement, are mixed with thermoplastic resin; and molded bodies formed by impregnating thermoplastic resin in a fiber arrangement or a fabric of continuous fibers arranged in a specified direction.

[0068] Examples of thermoplastic resins that can be used as constituent materials of the first component 31 and the second component 32 include polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA), polystyrene (PS), polyaryletherketone (PEAK), polyacetal (POM), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), ABS resin, and thermoplastic epoxy resin. Fiber reinforcement materials can be, for example, carbon fiber, glass fiber, ceramic fiber, metal fiber, or organic fiber.

[0069] The first component 31 and the second component 32 can each be formed from a single fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin molded body, but ideally they are formed from a laminate of multiple thin sheets. Figure 2 The example shown illustrates a molded body, such as a prepreg, used as the first component 31 and the second component 32, which is formed by stacking multiple layers of sheets in which thermoplastic resin is impregnated in an arrangement of continuous fibers.

[0070] exist Figure 2 The image shows a portion of the sheet laminate 33 constituting the first member 31. The sheet laminate 33 includes a first sheet layer 33A, a second sheet layer 33B, and a third sheet layer 33C, which are sheets formed by impregnating thermoplastic resin into an arrangement of continuous fibers. The first sheet layer 33A is a sheet with a thickness of approximately 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, formed by arranging multiple continuous fibers 34 in a specified orientation and impregnating the arrangement with thermoplastic resin. The second sheet layer 33B and the third sheet layer 33C are also the same sheets, but the orientations of the continuous fibers 34 are different from each other. Thus, by laminating multiple layers of three types of sheets with different orientations of the continuous fibers 34 in three axes, the first member 31 possesses pseudo-isotropy. The second component 32 is also a plate formed by multiple layers of the same sheet material as the first component 31.

[0071] As the continuous fiber 34, it can be made of, for example, carbon fiber, glass fiber, ceramic fiber, metal fiber, or organic fiber. Figure 2 The example shown is a sheet in which continuous fibers 34 are arranged in one direction. However, a fabric-type sheet can also be made by impregnating the continuous fibers, which are used as warp and weft yarns, with a thermoplastic resin. Alternatively, instead of continuous fibers 34, a sheet or board made by mixing long or short fibers with a length of about 2 mm to 20 mm with a thermoplastic resin can be used.

[0072] The first component 31 and the second component 32 can be components made of the same material, as in the example above, but they can also be components made of different materials. For example, one of the first component 31 and the second component 32 can be a molded body of thermoplastic resin, while the other is a molded body of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin. In this case, it is more ideal for the second component 32, which is located on the side last pressed in by the pin component 11 or the shoulder component 12 of the tool 1, to be a molded body of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin or a molded body of continuous fibers impregnated with thermoplastic resin. Alternatively, one of the first component 31 and the second component 32 can be a molded body of a specific thermoplastic resin or metal, while the other is a molded body of a thermoplastic resin or metal of a different material.

[0073] As an example Figure 1A As an example of a fastener, the rivet 5 can be, for example, a self-piercing rivet. The rivet 5 is driven into the overlap 30 and undergoes local deformation, generating an engaging force that integrates the first member 31 and the second member 32. As detailed later, in this embodiment, the rivet 5 is driven into the area of ​​the overlap 30 that is agitated by the tool 1, and the engaging force is generated based on its local penetration into the un-aggregated portion of the base material. There are no particular limitations on the material of the rivet 5; rivets made of metals such as titanium, thermoplastic resins, or thermoplastic composites can be used. Various locally deformable joints can also be used as the fastener instead of self-piercing rivets.

[0074] [First Embodiment of the Joining Method]

[0075] Figure 3 This is a step diagram illustrating the joining method according to the first embodiment. The joining method of this embodiment is a joining method including the overlapping portion 30 of the first member 31 and the second member 32, and includes the following steps S1 to S6.

[0076] • Step S1: Preparatory step of pre-loading the rivets 5 to be installed into tool 1.

[0077] • Step S2: The step of forming the overlapping portion of the overlapping portion 30 including the first member 31 and the second member 32.

[0078] • Step S3: A friction stirring step in which the shoulder member 12 of tool 1 is pressed into the overlapping part 30 to perform friction stirring.

[0079] Step S4: Using the pin component 11 of tool 1, press the rivet 5 from the side of the first component 31 into the friction stirring part to set the rivet.

[0080] Step S5: The step of locally deforming the installed rivet 5 to form an interlocking part.

[0081] Step S6: Riveting the rivet head as needed.

[0082] The following is a detailed explanation of each step S1 to S6 described above. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing the preparation steps of step S1 above. Figure 4 The image shows a longitudinal section of the rivet 5. The rivet 5 is formed, for example, of a titanium alloy such as Ti-6Al-4V, and includes a head 51 and a shaft portion 52 connected to the lower part of the head 51. The head 51 is made of a solid body and has a crown surface 51H that receives the pressing force from the tool 1. The shaft portion 52 includes an upper end portion 521 integrally connected to the head 51 and a lower end portion 522 that becomes the distal end portion when driven into the overlap portion 30. The shaft portion 52 has a cylindrical hollow region 523 inside to provide deformability. The lower end portion 522 is also the opening edge of the hollow region 523 and has an annular end edge shape.

[0083] On the tool 1 side, an action is performed to load the rivet 5. Specifically, the controller C (Fig. 1) actuates the pin drive 22, causing the pin member 11 to rise, creating a receiving space H for the rivet 5 within the hollow portion of the shoulder member 12. That is, by raising the lower end 11T of the pin member 11 relative to the lower end 12T of the shoulder member 12 above the height of the rivet 5, the receiving space H is positioned near the lower end opening of the shoulder member 12. Of course, the rivet 5 is selected to have an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow portion of the shoulder member 12. Then, the rivet 5 is loaded into the receiving space H. The above preparation steps are based on the premise of using a shoulder-first process for friction stirring.

[0084] The tool 1 in the preparation step of step S1 described above is a joining device for implementing the joining method of this embodiment. The joining device is a device that includes: a pin member 11; a shoulder member 12; and a rivet 5 (fastener), which is inserted into a receiving space H made in the shoulder member 12 based on the rise of the pin member, and is pressed into the friction stirring part based on the pin member 11.

[0085] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the implementation of the overlapping portion 30 formation step in step S2. In step S2, the first member 31 and the second member 32 are configured to form an overlapping portion 30 in a state where at least a portion of the two are in contact with each other. In this embodiment, an example is shown where a portion of the plate-shaped first member 31 is a top member and a portion of the plate-shaped second member 32 is a bottom member, and the two are overlapped vertically.

[0086] A tool 1 with rivets 5 inserted is positioned on the upper side of the overlapping portion 30. That is, the overlapping portion 30 is formed by positioning the first member 31 on the side where the tool 1 is initially pressed in and the second member 32 on the side where the tool 1 is last pressed in. In other words, the first member 31 is positioned on the tool 1 side, and the second member 32 is positioned on the lower side of the first member. The lower side of the overlapping portion 30 is supported by the support member 15. Alternatively, the overlapping portion 30 can also be formed by intervening one or more other members between the first member 31 and the second member 32, as will be discussed later. Figure 15 Examples will be provided.

[0087] Also refer to Figure 2 In the overlapping portion 30, a mating surface BD is formed by the direct contact between the mating surface 31A (lower side) of the first member 31 and the mating surface 32A (upper side) of the second member 32. In this double-layered overlapping portion 30, the tool 1 performs friction stirring around the desired point of engagement W, and the rivet 5 is pressed in. Therefore, with the rotation axis R (Fig. 1) of the tool 1 aligned with the point of engagement W, the lower end face of the tool 1 abuts against the upper side of the first member 31. Figure 5 The image shows the state in which the lower end 12T of the shoulder member 12 and the lower end 13T of the clamping member 13 are in contact with the upper side surface 30U of the overlapping portion 30. The clamping member 13 presses the overlapping portion 30 against the supporting member 15 based on the force of the spring 14.

[0088] Figure 6A and Figure 6B This is a cross-sectional view showing the implementation status of the friction stirring step in step S3. Figure 6A This indicates that the tool 1 is subjected to a shoulder-first process, and the shoulder member 12 is pressed into the overlapping portion 30. After the tool 1 has completed the alignment of the overlapping portion 30, the controller C controls the rotation drive 21 and the shoulder drive 23, causing the shoulder member 12 to rotate at high speed around the axis while descending, thus initiating the pressing of the shoulder member 12 into the overlapping portion 30. On the other hand, the controller C controls the pin drive 22, causing the pin member 11 to retract upwards to release the resin material that overflowed due to the pressing. The clamping member 13 remains stationary. Thus, friction stirring is performed centered on the point of contact W. Furthermore, since the pin member 11 has already moved upwards to the point where the receiving space H is formed, the aforementioned retraction action of the pin member 11 can be omitted.

[0089] The pressing depth d of the shoulder member 12, which is equivalent to the pressing depth of the tool, is the amount of descent of the lower end 12T from the upper side 30U, and is set according to the thickness t1 of the first member 31 and the thickness t2 of the second member 32. The pressing depth d is set to at least a depth that penetrates the first member 31 and reaches a portion of the second member 32. Alternatively, the pressing depth d can be set to be less than the thickness t1 of the first member 31, as will be discussed later. Figure 11A To narrate.

[0090] After the high-speed rotating shoulder member 12 presses into the overlapping portion 30, the material of the overlapping portion 30 is frictionally agitated in the pressing area of ​​the shoulder member 12. Material overflowing from the overlapping portion 30 due to the pressing of the shoulder member 12 is released into the hollow portion within the shoulder member 12. Through this frictional agitation, the material in the pressing area softens, forming a friction agitation section 4 in the overlapping portion 30. In this friction agitation section 4, continuous fibers 34 are cut and pulverized. This facilitates the subsequent installation and deformation of the rivets 5.

[0091] Figure 6B This diagram illustrates the backfilling step of the overflow material in the friction stirring step of step S3. In the backfilling step, the shoulder drive 23 raises the shoulder member 12. With the pin member 11 already raised, it is lowered. Based on this action, in the friction stirring section 4, softened material flows into the area occupied by the portion near the lower end 12T of the shoulder member 12. Therefore, the material overflowing from the overlapping portion 30 is also backfilled into the pressed-in area.

[0092] Based on step S3 above, a friction stirring section 4 with a cylindrical side circumferential surface 41 and a circular plate-shaped bottom surface 42 having a depth d is formed in the overlapping section 30. The material of the friction stirring section 4 softens, while the first member 31 and the second member 32 maintain their original hardness in the base material portion around the friction stirring section 4, and the reinforcing structure of the continuous fiber 34 is also maintained.

[0093] Figure 7A This is a cross-sectional view showing the implementation of step S4, the rivet installation step. Step S4 is the step of pressing the rivet 5 into the friction stirring part 4 from the first member 31 side. In this embodiment, the friction stirring point joining tool 1 is used as the tool for pressing in the rivet 5. Therefore, the joining method of this embodiment can be performed without preparing a separate tool for installing the rivet 5.

[0094] Specifically, in the riveting step, the pin drive 22 lowers the pin member 11 and applies a pressing force to the head 51, pressing the rivet 5 into the overlapping portion 30. The rivet 5 is pre-installed in the receiving space H with the crown surface 51H of the head 51 facing the lower end 11T of the pin member 11. Therefore, when the pin member 11 lowers, the rivet 5 also lowers, thus entering the interior of the friction stirring portion 4 from the side of the lower end 522. Furthermore, it is preferable that the riveting step be performed before the material of the friction stirring portion 4 has solidified.

[0095] Figure 7B This is a cross-sectional view showing the implementation of the interlocking part formation step S5. In step S5, after the rivet 5 reaches the second member 32, the interlocking part 53 is formed by deforming the rivet 5 so that a portion of the rivet 5 partially enters the base material portion surrounding the friction stirring part 4 in the second member 32. In this embodiment, the interlocking part 53 is formed by deforming the cylindrical shaft portion 52 into a bell shape with an expanded lower end portion 522 and pressing the expanded lower end portion 522 into the base material portion.

[0096] When from Figure 7A When the rivet 5 is pressed down by the pin member 11, the lower end 522 of the rivet 5 reaches the bottom surface 42 of the friction stirring part 4. The base material portion located below the bottom surface 42 is not softened. Furthermore, based on the support member 15, the overlapping part 30 is supported at a position directly below the bottom surface 42. Moreover, the area near the lower end 522 of the shaft part 52 is tapered, causing the inner diameter of the hollow region 523 to gradually expand, and the lower end 522 to become sharp.

[0097] Therefore, after reaching the bottom surface 42, if the rivet 5 is further pressed down by the pin component 11, then as... Figure 7B As shown, the shaft portion 52 is deformed into a bell shape. That is, the lower end portion 522 not only extends beyond the bottom surface 42 and is pressed into the base material portion below the friction stirring part 4, but is also radially expanded and extends beyond the side circumferential surface 41 and is pressed into the base material portion to the side of the friction stirring part 4. The portion extending beyond the side circumferential surface 41 and pressed into the base material portion becomes the interlocking portion 53, which has an anchoring effect on the peeling direction of the first member 31 and the second member 32, i.e., the vertical direction. Furthermore, the deformation of the shaft portion 52 of the rivet 5 can also occur before reaching the second member 32. For example, the following deformation scheme can be adopted: after being pressed into the friction stirring part 4, the shaft portion 52 gradually begins to expand and deform in the region of the first member 31, and further expands and deforms after reaching the bottom surface 42.

[0098] Step S6, performed as needed, is the step of pressing the head 51 of the rivet 5 into place. In step S6, from... Figure 7BThe head 51 is further subjected to downward pressing pressure. At the end of step S5, the head 51 is in a state where it protrudes upward from the upper side 30U of the overlapping portion 30. In addition, the radial dimension of the head 51 is smaller than the upper end 521 of the shaft portion 52. The pressing pressure is applied to such a head 51, causing it to deform in such a way that its diameter expands to the size that engages with the upper side of the friction stirring portion 4 or with the upper side 30U of the overlapping portion 30 (first member 31).

[0099] Tool 1 can be used directly as the tool for riveting the head 51 in step S6. In this case, the pin member 11 is moved from... Figure 7B The state is further lowered and the shoulder member 12 is raised to ensure the amount of deformation of the head 51. Alternatively, other stamping tools capable of riveting the head 51 can be used.

[0100] According to the joining method described in the first embodiment above, the overlapping portion 30 can be joined with excellent joining strength by using friction stirring performed by tool 1 and rivet 5. That is, a friction stirring portion 4 is formed in the overlapping portion 30, into which rivet 5 is then pressed in. In this friction stirring portion 4, the constituent materials of the first component 31 and the second component 32 are mixed and stirred based on friction stirring, and the constituent materials become softened.

[0101] In such a friction stirring section 4, factors hindering the deformation of the rivet 5 can be reduced. For example, if the constituent material is not sufficiently softened or if reinforcing materials and fillers are present, it is difficult to deform the rivet 5 as expected. This difficulty is eliminated by the friction stirring section 4, thus allowing the rivet 5 to easily undergo its intended deformation through pressing, and enabling the lower end 522 of the shaft portion 52 of the rivet 5 to smoothly enter the base material portion of the second member 32. Therefore, the interlocking portion 53 can be reliably formed, and a high-strength joint 3 can be obtained.

[0102] Especially in this embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the first component 31 and the second component 32 are formed from a sheet laminate 33 consisting of multiple layers of thermoplastic resin sheets containing reinforcing fibers, i.e., continuous fibers 34. When such components are joined together by pressing in the rivet 5, the deformation of the rivet 5 is sometimes hindered by the entanglement of the continuous fibers 34, thus preventing the formation of an interlocking portion 53 that allows the rivet 5 to anchor the overlapping portion 30. However, according to the joining method described above, the rivet 5 is driven into a friction stirring portion 4 where the continuous fibers 34 are cut by friction stirring and the thermoplastic resin is softened. Therefore, the rivet 5 can undergo its original deformation within the friction stirring portion 4, allowing the lower end 522 to easily enter the base material portion surrounding the friction stirring portion 4. Thus, an interlocking portion 53 that provides an anchoring effect can be formed.

[0103] Furthermore, the rivet 5 can be directly pressed into the friction stirring section 4 using the tool 1 for friction stirring point engagement. Therefore, there is no need to prepare a separate special tool for inserting the rivet 5. Moreover, with the rivet 5 pre-installed in the tool 1, friction stirring is performed by the shoulder member 12, followed by pressing the rivet 5 in using the pin member 11. Therefore, the pressing in of the rivet 5 can be smoothly performed in a continuous operation from friction stirring.

[0104] [Structure of the joint]

[0105] Figure 8A This is a cross-sectional view showing the joint 3 of the first member 31 and the second member 32 manufactured based on the joining method of this embodiment. The joint 3 shown here corresponds to... Figure 7B The state after step S5 is completed is the state before step S6 is implemented.

[0106] The coupling body 3 includes an overlapping portion 30, a friction stirring portion 4, a rivet 5, and an interlocking portion 53. The overlapping portion 30 is formed by stacking a first member 31 on the upper side (one end in the overlapping direction) and a second member 32 on the lower side (the other end in the overlapping direction). The friction stirring portion 4 is provided in the overlapping portion 30 and is formed such that it penetrates the first member 31 in the vertical direction and reaches a portion of the second member 32. The rivet 5 is driven into the friction stirring portion 4. The portion that actually enters the friction stirring portion 4 is the shaft portion 52 of the rivet 5. As described above, the shaft portion 52 has a bell-shaped form with a gradually increasing diameter from the upper end portion 521 to the lower end portion 522.

[0107] The interlocking portion 53 is a deformed portion near the lower end 522 of the shaft portion 52, protruding radially outward from the side peripheral surface 41 of the friction stirring portion 4 in the second member 32 and entering the base material portion surrounding the side peripheral surface 41. When viewed in the vertical direction, the interlocking portion 53 enters the base material portion below the bottom surface 42. The hollow region 523 of the shaft portion 52 is filled with friction-stirred material.

[0108] The joint 3 having the above-described structure first imparts a bonding force to the overlapping portion 30 based on the friction stirring part 4. That is, the friction stirring part 4 penetrates the first member 31 and reaches a depth of about the upper half of the second member 32, serving as a bonding element between the first member 31 and the second member 32. Furthermore, the interlocking part 53 based on the rivet 5 also imparts a bonding force to the overlapping portion 30. The interlocking part 53 is shaped to extend from the friction stirring part 4 into the base material portion of the second member 32 located on the side of the side peripheral surface 41. Therefore, the bonding is not achieved solely through friction stirring, but rather through the anchoring effect produced by the interlocking part 53, which secures the friction stirring part 4, where the rivet 5 is driven, to the base material portion. Therefore, the joint 3 of this embodiment has excellent bonding strength.

[0109] Figure 8B This is a cross-sectional view of the joint 3 constructed after the riveting step of step S6 described above. In the setting step of step S4, the head 51, to which a pressing force is applied, is riveted and deformed into a generally circular plate shape. The head 51 has a flange 54 that engages with the upper side of the friction stirring part 4. The head 51 is originally a portion with a diameter smaller than the shaft portion 52, but based on the riveting step of step S6, it is deformed to have a diameter larger than the shaft portion 52. The portion that extends radially outward relative to the shaft portion 52 is the flange 54. The lower side of the flange 54 abuts against the upper side of the friction stirring part 4.

[0110] The coupling body 3, having such a flange portion 54, is configured to clamp the friction stirring part 4 based on the interlocking portion 53 and the flange portion 54. That is, the interlocking portion 53, which provides a strong anchoring effect based on the base material portion pressed into the second member 32, serves as a holding base point, thereby achieving a structure in which the upper side of the friction stirring part 4 is locked by the flange portion 54. Therefore, the fixation of the friction stirring part 4 in the overlapping portion 30 can be improved, resulting in a coupling body 3 with excellent stability.

[0111] Figure 8C This is a cross-sectional view showing the joint 3 manufactured through the same riveting step S6. The head 51 shown here is rolled to a diameter ratio... Figure 8B The flange portion 54A of the head 51 has a size that extends beyond the friction stirring portion 4 and engages with the upper side of the first member 31 at the periphery of the friction stirring portion 4. Based on the joint 3 having such a flange portion 54A, the friction stirring portion 4 is sandwiched between the interlocking portion 53 that enters the base material portion of the second member 32 and the flange portion 54A that engages with the upper side of the base material portion of the first member 31. Therefore, the fixation of the friction stirring portion 4 at the overlapping portion 30 can be further improved, and a joint 3 with superior stability can be obtained.

[0112] [Second Embodiment of the Joining Method]

[0113] Figure 9 and Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing the implementation status of the joining method according to the second embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment is that the preparation step of pre-loading the rivet 5 to be installed into the tool 1 is not performed. Figure 3 Step S1. Therefore, it has the advantage of increasing the degree of freedom in the friction stirring operation using tool 1 and the pressing operation of rivet 5.

[0114] Figure 9 Step (A) describes the implementation of the forming step of the overlapping portion 30. With the first member 31 and the second member 32 abutting against each other, an overlapping portion 30 is formed, stacked vertically. Tool 1 is positioned on the upper side 30U side of the overlapping portion 30. The first member 31 is positioned on the side where tool 1 is initially pressed in, and the second member 32 is positioned on the side where tool 1 is last pressed in. The lower side of the overlapping portion 30 is supported by the support member 15. The lower ends 12T and 13T, which are the lower end faces of tool 1, contact the upper side 30U surface of the overlapping portion 30. The clamping member 13 is based on... Figure 1A The force of the spring 14 shown presses the overlapping part 30 against the support member 15.

[0115] Figure 9 Step (B) represents the state in which friction stirring is performed on the overlapping portion 30 through a shoulder-first process. The shoulder member 12 is pressed into the overlapping portion 30 and friction stirring is performed. On the other hand, the pin member 11 is retracted upwards to release the material overflowing from the overlapping portion 30. The pressing depth of the lower end 12T of the shoulder member 12 is set to a depth that penetrates through the first member 31 and reaches approximately the middle of the thickness direction of the second member 32.

[0116] This friction stirring step can also be performed using a pin-first process. Figure 9 Step (C) represents the state in which friction stirring is performed on the overlapping portion 30 by a pin-first process. The pin member 11 is pressed into the overlapping portion 30 and friction stirring is performed. On the other hand, the shoulder member 12 retracts upward, releasing the material overflowing from the overlapping portion 30. The pressing depth of the lower end 11T of the pin member 11 is set to a depth that also penetrates the first member 31 and reaches approximately the middle in the thickness direction of the second member 32.

[0117] Figure 9Step (D) represents the state of the backfilling step in the friction stirring step following the pressing of the shoulder member 12 in step (B). The lower end 12T of the shoulder member 12 pressed into the overlapping portion 30 and the lower end 11T of the pin member 11 that has been retracted to the upper side 30U respectively return to the height position. As a result, a friction stirring portion 4 with a side peripheral surface 41 and a bottom surface 42 is formed in the overlapping portion 30. Furthermore, in the case of using the pin-first process in step (C), in the backfilling step, the pin member 11 is raised and the shoulder member 12 is lowered.

[0118] Figure 10 Step (A) refers to the step of setting the rivet 5 on the tool 1. The pin member 11 and the shoulder member 12 of the tool 1 are raised by the height of the rivet 5. The rivet 5 is received in the cylindrical space inside the clamping member 13 created therefrom. That is, the rivet 5 is positioned below the pin member 11 or between the pin member 11 and the shoulder member 12 and the upper side of the friction stirring part 4.

[0119] Figure 10 Step (B) indicates the state of performing the rivet 5 driving step and the interlocking part 53 forming step. The pin member 11 and the shoulder member 12 both descend, and the lower ends 11T and 12T press down on the crown surface 51H of the rivet 5. The shaft part 52 of the rivet 5 enters the friction stirring part 4, and the interlocking part 53 enters the base material part of the second member 32 that exists around the friction stirring part 4.

[0120] Figure 10 Step (B) can replace Figure 10 Step (C). In Figure 10 Step (C) shows only the shoulder member 12 descending to press down the rivet 5. Although the illustration is omitted, it is also possible to press down the rivet 5 by only lowering the pin member 11. Furthermore, in the installation step, other stamping tools can be used instead of tool 1. In addition, it is preferable that the installation step of the rivet 5 and the formation step of the interlocking part 53 are performed after the formation of the friction stirring part 4 and before the friction stirring part 4 solidifies.

[0121] [Third Embodiment of the Joining Method]

[0122] Figure 11A and Figure 11B These are cross-sectional views showing the implementation of the joining method according to the third embodiment. In the first and second embodiments described above, examples are shown where the friction stirring part 4 is formed with a partial pressing depth d that penetrates the first member 31 and reaches the second member 32. The friction stirring part 4 may not necessarily reach the second member 32, as long as the rivet 5 reaches the second member 32 to form the interlocking part 53. In the third embodiment, it is shown that in... Figure 3An example of a friction stirring section 4A formed in the friction stirring step S3, which is within the thickness range of the first member 31.

[0123] like Figure 11A As shown, a friction stirring section 4A is formed in the overlapping portion 30 of the first member 31 and the second member 32 with an indentation depth d1. The indentation depth d1 is slightly smaller than the thickness of the first member 31, and the friction stirring section 4A is formed only within the region of the first member 31. That is, the side peripheral surface 41A and the bottom surface 42A of the friction stirring section 4A are within the thickness range of the first member 31. However, the bottom surface 42A is located close to the upper side surface of the second member 32, and the base material portion of the second member 32 exists around the friction stirring section 4A. Figure 11A The diagram shows the state in which the rivet 5 is pressed into the friction stirring part 4A by lowering the pin member 11 of the tool 1.

[0124] Figure 11B This indicates the completion of the interlocking part formation step in step S5. If from... Figure 11A When the rivet 5 is pressed into the friction stirring part 4A, the lower end 522 of the shaft portion 52 of the rivet 5 reaches the bottom surface 42A of the friction stirring part 4A. If the rivet 5 is pressed in further, the lower end 522 passes over the bottom surface 42A and enters the second member 32, expanding in the radial direction. As a result, the shaft portion 52 deforms into a bell shape with the lower end 522 expanded in diameter, forming an interlocking part 53 that is pressed into the base material portion of the second member 32 that is not being friction stirred. The interlocking part 53 provides an anchoring effect in the peeling direction of the first member 31 and the second member 32.

[0125] [Fourth embodiment of the joining method]

[0126] In the above embodiment, it is shown that the head 51 of the rivet 5 is subjected to... Figure 3 The example shown in step S6 is a riveting step to form the flange portion 54. Alternatively, a rivet 5 having a portion corresponding to the flange portion 54 can be used beforehand. This configuration is illustrated in the fourth embodiment.

[0127] Figure 12A This is a longitudinal sectional view of the rivet 5A used in the fourth embodiment. The rivet 5A has a head 51A and a shaft portion 52. The upper end portion 521 of the shaft portion 52 is connected to the head 51A, and the lower end portion 522 forms the open end of the cylindrical shaft portion 52. Figure 4 The rivet 5 shown is different; the diameter of the head 51A is larger than the diameter of the shaft portion 52. This larger diameter portion becomes the flange portion 54A that engages with the upper side of the friction stirring portion 4.

[0128] Figure 12B and Figure 12CThis is a cross-sectional view showing the implementation status of the joining method according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 12B This is a cross-sectional view showing the state after the formation of the overlapping portion 30 in step S2 is completed. In tool 1, the pin member 11 rises, and the rivet 5A is pre-accommodated in the hollow portion of the shoulder member 12. The head 51A of the rivet 5A has an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow portion of the shoulder member 12. Thereafter, the shoulder member 12 is pressed into the overlapping portion 30, forming the friction stirring portion 4.

[0129] Figure 12C This is a cross-sectional view showing the implementation of the interlocking part formation step S5. The pin member 11 descends, pressing down the head 51A. The shaft portion 52 of the rivet 5A is pressed into the friction stirring portion 4, deforming into a bell shape. Thus, an interlocking part 53 is formed at the lower end of the shaft portion 52, pressed into the base material portion of the second member 32. Afterwards, the tool 1 is removed from the overlapping portion 30.

[0130] The joint 3 formed based on the fourth embodiment is with Figure 8B The joint body 3 shown has essentially the same shape. That is, the lower side of the portion of the head 51A that is larger in diameter than the shaft portion 52, i.e., the flange portion 54A, abuts against the upper side of the friction stirring portion 4. Thus, based on the interlocking portion 53 and the flange portion 54A, a joint body 3 having a joint shape that clamps the friction stirring portion 4 can be obtained. According to the fourth embodiment, the riveting step of the rivet head in step S6 described above can be omitted.

[0131] [Fifth Embodiment of the Joining Method]

[0132] In the fifth embodiment, an example of a joining method is shown that utilizes the rivet 5A illustrated in the fourth embodiment and performs a welding process on the head 51A. Figures 13A to 13C and Figure 14A This is a cross-sectional view showing the implementation of the joining method according to the fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, a tool 1A is used, which has a chamfered portion 131 with a C-shaped chamfer on the inner peripheral side edge of the lower end 13T of the clamping member 13.

[0133] Figure 13A This is a cross-sectional view showing the state after the formation of the overlapping portion 30 of the first member 31 and the second member 32 is completed. With the pin member 11 raised and the rivet 5A pre-accommodated in the hollow portion of the shoulder member 12, the tool 1A abuts against the upper side of the overlapping portion 30. Since a chamfered portion 131 is formed at the lower end 13T of the clamping member 13, an annular space exists on the outer periphery of the lower end 12T of the shoulder member 12.

[0134] Figure 13BThis illustrates a friction stirring step based on tool 1A. The shoulder member 12 is pressed into the overlapping portion 30 to form a friction stirring portion 4A. Here, an example is shown where the lower end portion 12T of the shoulder member 12 passes through the first member 31 and is pressed into the upper portion of the second member 32. Figure 13C This indicates the state after the shoulder member 12 is retracted from the overlapping part 30 and the backfilling step of the friction stirring part 4A is performed, and the pin member 11 is lowered to perform the rivet setting step of pressing the rivet 5A into the friction stirring part 4A.

[0135] Figure 14A This indicates that the pin member 11 is further lowered, the rivet 5A is further pressed into the friction stirring part 4A, and the lower end portion 522 of the shaft portion 52 is expanded to form the interlocking part 53. Here, the lower end portion 12T of the shoulder member 12, which is at the same height as the upper side surface 30U of the overlapping part 30, rises to a specified height. Based on this action, the space of the chamfered part 131 is filled with the softened material of the friction stirring part 4A.

[0136] Figure 14B This is a cross-sectional view of the joined body 3A obtained based on the joining method of the fifth embodiment described above. The joined body 3A includes a friction stirring part 4A with a weld overlay part 43. The weld overlay part 43 covers the side periphery of the head 51A at the same height as the head 51A of the rivet 5A. Alternatively, the weld overlay part 43 may be set at a different height than the head 51A of the rivet 5A. The outer periphery of the weld overlay part 43 is a tapered shape with a C-shaped chamfer along the chamfer 131. According to the joined body 3A, the weld overlay part 43 is configured to engage with the upper side surface 30U of the overlapping part 30. Therefore, it is possible to achieve a structure in which breakage is unlikely to occur between the side peripheral surface 41 of the friction stirring part 4A and the base material portion of the overlapping part 30.

[0137] [Sixth Embodiment of the Joining Method]

[0138] In the sixth embodiment, an example of using a simple cylindrical rivet with low cost is shown. Figure 17 (A) and (B) are perspective views of the cylindrical rivet 5C and the pin member 11A used in the joining method according to the sixth embodiment, respectively. Figure 17 (C) is a cross-sectional view showing the implementation status of the joining method according to the sixth embodiment.

[0139] The cylindrical rivet 5C (fastening solid) is a cylindrical rivet with a constant inner diameter before being pressed into the friction stirring part 4. The pin member 11A has a partial annular groove 11G at its lower end 11T that can accommodate the cylindrical rivet 5C. The annular groove 11G opens at the lower end face of the pin member 11A and extends a specified length in the axial direction of the pin member 11A, and has a groove width that can accommodate the cylindrical rivet 5C with a small gap.

[0140] The cylindrical rivet 5C, with its simple cylindrical shape, is easy to manufacture and can be purchased inexpensively, thus helping to reduce the cost of the friction-stirring joint. However, unlike the aforementioned rivet 5, the cylindrical rivet 5C is not divided into a head 51 and a shaft portion 52. Therefore, there is a concern that the position of the bending start point of the expansion deformation on the distal end of the cylindrical rivet 5C becomes unstable. If the bending start point is unstable, there is a possibility that insufficient expansion or buckling may occur, preventing the formation of a proper interlocking portion 53.

[0141] In view of the aforementioned undesirable conditions, in the sixth embodiment, with the upper region of the cylindrical rivet 5C engaged in the annular groove 11G, the pin member 11A is lowered to press the cylindrical rivet 5C into the friction stirring section 4. Figure 17 As shown in (C), the upper region of the cylindrical rivet 5C is considered as the fitted portion 5C1, and the lower region is considered as the press-in portion 5C2. Furthermore, with the fitted portion 5C1 engaged in the annular groove 11G, the pin member 11A is lowered to press the press-in portion 5C2 into the friction stirring portion 4. The axial length of the fitted portion 5C1 is approximately 1 / 4 to 1 / 2 of the total length of the cylindrical rivet 5C. During press-in, the upper edge of the cylindrical rivet 5C abuts against the inner wall of the annular groove 11G.

[0142] The fitted portion 5C1 of the cylindrical rivet 5C is supported by its engagement with the annular groove 11G, thus becoming a non-deformable region. On the other hand, the press-in portion 5C2 protrudes from the lower end 11T and therefore lacks this support, becoming a deformable region. In this case, since the stress is most concentrated at the boundary between the fitted portion 5C1 and the press-in portion 5C2, this boundary becomes the bending point 5C3. That is, as... Figure 17 As shown by the dashed line in (C), the press-in portion 5C2 deforms in a manner that expands from the bending origin 5C3. After pressing, the pin member 11A leaves the overlapping portion 30, and the fitted portion 5C1, which is in a state of protruding from the friction stirring portion 4, is riveted in a manner that expands radially outward based on the corresponding tool.

[0143] According to the sixth embodiment, since a simple cylindrical rivet 5C is used, the formation cost of the friction-stirring joint can be reduced. Furthermore, even when using a cylindrical rivet 5C, the point of bending deformation of the press-in portion 5C2 can be stabilized at the bending origin 5C3. Therefore, the interlocking portion 53 can be reliably formed.

[0144] [Seventh Embodiment of the Joining Method]

[0145] In the seventh embodiment, an example is shown where the rivet itself forms a mechanical weakness that becomes the starting point of bending when it is pressed into the friction stirring part 4. Figure 18 (A) and (B) are perspective views of the cylindrical rivet 5D and the pin member 11B used in the joining method according to the seventh embodiment, respectively. Figure 18 (C) is a cross-sectional view showing the preparation status of the joining method according to the seventh embodiment.

[0146] The cylindrical rivet 5D (fastening solid) is a cylindrical rivet with a constant inner diameter, similar to the cylindrical rivet 5C in the sixth embodiment, but differs in that it has an annular thin-walled portion that serves as a mechanical weakness. The cylindrical rivet 5D includes: a fitting portion 5D1 (second part) and a pressing portion 5D2 (first part), formed from a cylindrical body having a specified first wall thickness; and an annular groove 5D3 (annular thin-walled portion) provided between the fitting portion 5D1 and the pressing portion 5D2, having a second wall thickness that is thinner than the first wall thickness.

[0147] The pin member 11B used in the seventh embodiment includes a main body 111, a distal end 112, and a stepped portion 113. The main body 111 is a cylinder with an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the shoulder member 12. The distal end 112 is a cylinder attached to the lower end of the main body 111 and has a diameter smaller than that of the main body 111. The outer diameter of the distal end 112 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical rivet 5D. The stepped portion 113 is formed by a tapered inclined surface provided at the boundary between the main body 111 and the distal end 112.

[0148] like Figure 18 As shown in (C), the fitting portion 5D1 of the cylindrical rivet 5D is the part that is externally fitted into the distal end 112 of the pin member 11B. On the other hand, the pressing portion 5D2 is the part that is not held by the distal end 112 and is pressed into the friction stirring portion 4 of the overlapping portion 30. The position of the annular groove 5D3 is approximately equal to the lower end 11T of the pin member 11B when the fitting portion 5D1 is externally fitted into the distal end 112. In this embodiment, an annular groove 5D3 is exemplified as a groove with a V-shaped longitudinal section. The annular groove 5D3 is a thin-walled portion whose mechanical strength is lower than that of other parts of the cylindrical rivet 5D, regardless of its specific shape. In the preparation stage of engagement, the pin member 11B rises so that the cylindrical rivet 5D can be received into the hollow portion of the shoulder member 12, and the fitting portion 5D1 is externally fitted into the distal end 112.

[0149] Figure 19 Steps (A) to (D) are cross-sectional views showing the implementation status of the joining method according to the seventh embodiment. Figure 19 Step (A) indicates a state of frictional stirring of the overlapping portion 30. The shoulder member 12 is pressed into the overlapping portion 30 and rotates about the axis to form the frictional stirring portion 4. Figure 19Step (B) represents the pressing-in step of the cylindrical rivet 5D. After the shoulder member 12 is raised to backfill the friction-stirring material, the pin member 11B is lowered. Based on this action, the pressing portion 5D2 of the cylindrical rivet 5D is pressed into the friction-stirring part 4. The pressing portion 5D2 expands and deforms with the annular groove 5D3 as the bending starting point. The lower end of the pressing portion 5D2 enters the second member 32 around the friction-stirring part 4 to form the interlocking portion 53D.

[0150] Figure 19 Steps (C) and (D) represent the expansion step of the fitting portion 5D1. Only the shoulder member 12 rises from the state of step (B) to a position higher than the upper end of the fitting portion 5D1. This releases the support on the outer peripheral surface of the fitting portion 5D1. Thereafter, if the pin member 11B is lowered slightly, the step portion 113 presses against the upper end of the fitting portion 5D1. Based on this action, as shown in step (C), the fitting portion 5D1 is subjected to an expansion deformation bending with the annular groove 5D3 as the bending starting point. Based on this bending, the upper edge of the fitting portion 5D1 faces the lower end 12T of the shoulder member 12.

[0151] Next, as Figure 19 As shown in step (D), the shoulder member 12 is lowered on one hand, and the clamping member 13 is raised on the other. Based on this action, the fitting portion 5D1 is not obstructed by the clamping member 13 and is expanded and deformed more significantly. If the shoulder member 12 is lowered further, the outer peripheral surface of the fitting portion 5D1 contacts the upper side surface 30U of the overlapping portion 30. As a result, the fitting portion 5D1 forms a flange portion with a diameter larger than that of the friction stirring portion 4. Therefore, it is possible to form a joint body 3 in which the interlocking portion 53D and the fitting portion 5D1 clamp the friction stirring portion 4.

[0152] According to the seventh embodiment, since a cylindrical rivet 5D is used, the formation cost of the friction-stirring joint can be reduced. Furthermore, since the annular groove 5D3 can be used as the bending starting point to expand and deform the press-in portion 5D2 and the fitting portion 5D1, the bending starting point can be stabilized, and the rivet 5D is less prone to breakage or other damage. Additionally, as a variation of the seventh embodiment, a simple cylindrical rivet without the annular groove 5D3 can also be used.

[0153] [Eighth embodiment of the joining method]

[0154] In the eighth embodiment, an example is shown where the rivet is used as a columnar bolt. Figure 20A This is a perspective view of the threaded rivet 5E (fastening solid) used in the joining method according to the 8th embodiment. Figure 20B This is a cross-sectional view showing the implementation status of the joining method according to the eighth embodiment.

[0155] The threaded rivet 5E is formed of a cylindrical body and includes: a threaded portion 5E1 with a threaded groove; and a press-in portion 5E2 that is pressed into the overlapping portion 30. The threaded portion 5E1 is disposed on one end of the threaded rivet 5E and protrudes from the overlapping portion 30. A nut 55 capable of engaging with the threaded groove of the threaded portion 5E1 is prepared in advance as a fastener.

[0156] The press-in portion 5E2 with threaded rivets 5E is pressed into the overlapping portion 30 using a tool 1 for friction stirring engagement, similar to the embodiment described above. Based on this pressing, the press-in portion 5E2 undergoes expansion deformation to form an interlocking portion 53E. Then, the nut 55 is screwed onto the threaded portion 5E1 protruding from the upper side 30U of the overlapping portion 30 via spring washers 561 and flat washers 562.

[0157] The flat washer 562 is selected to have an outer diameter larger than that of the friction stirring part 4 and an inner diameter capable of fitting into the threaded part 5E1. Based on the tightening of the nut 55, the flat washer 562 is pressed against the upper side 30U of the overlapping part 30 via the spring washer 561. Therefore, a coupling body 3 can be formed in which the friction stirring part 4 is clamped by the interlocking part 53E and the flat washer 562. Alternatively, the spring washer 561 and the flat washer 562 can be omitted. In this case, it is preferable to use a nut 55 with a diameter larger than that of the friction stirring part 4.

[0158] According to the eighth embodiment, a threaded rivet 5E is pressed into the friction stirring part 4 such that the threaded portion 5E1 protrudes from the overlapping part 30, and a nut 55 is fastened to the threaded portion 5E1. Therefore, the locking effect achieved by the fastening of the nut 55 can be superimposed on the locking effect of the interlocking part 53E, and the overlapping part 30 can be joined more firmly.

[0159] [Other variations]

[0160] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the modified embodiments shown below can also be used.

[0161] (1) In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the overlapping portion 30 is formed by two layers, the first member 31 and the second member 32. The overlapping portion 30 may also be formed by three or more layers. Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view showing the joint 3B involved in the modified example. The joint 3B is formed by a four-layer stack of first member 31, second member 32 and third member 35 and fourth member 36 disposed between these members.

[0162] The first component 31 is positioned at the top layer, where the tool 1 is initially pressed in during friction stirring, and the second component 32 is positioned at the bottom layer, where the tool 1 is last pressed in. The friction stirring part 4B is formed to penetrate the first component 31, the third component 35, and the fourth component 36, reaching approximately halfway into the second component 32. The lower end of the shaft portion 52 of the rivet 5B forms an interlocking part 53 and enters the base material portion of the second component 32. Furthermore, the flange portion 54B engages with the upper side surface of the first component 31.

[0163] (2) In order to improve the bending rigidity and peel strength of the jointed body by friction stirring, the interlayers of the components constituting the overlapping part 30 may be pre-bonded by means of fastening such as pre-fusion or bonding before friction stirring. In the case where the overlapping part 30 is formed by three or more layers, at least one of these layers is pre-bonded. Figure 21 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a joint 3D in which one of the interlayers of the overlapping portion 30 is pre-fixed before friction stirring. The joint 3D is formed by a three-layer laminate of a first member 31, a second member 32, and a third member 35 disposed between these members. A connecting portion 38, pre-integrated with these members, is provided between the third member 35 and the second member 32. The friction stirring portion 4F penetrates through the first member 31 and the third member 35 and reaches a depth of approximately half of the second member 32. The lower end of the shaft portion 52F of the rivet 5F forms an interlocking portion 53F and enters the base material portion of the second member 32. The head 51F protrudes from the upper side of the friction stirring portion 4F.

[0164] When forming the overlapping portion 30 for the 3D joint, a joining portion 38 is provided between the upper side surface of the second member 32 and the lower side surface of the third member 35 to join the two. The joining portion 38 can be formed by various fusion methods such as ultrasonic fusion, thermal fusion, or adhesive methods using adhesives. The joining portion 38 can be provided on the entire mating surface of the second member 32 and the third member 35, or it can be provided in a scattered or striped pattern. Friction stirring and the insertion of the rivet 5F after forming the overlapping portion 30 can be performed in the same way as in the aforementioned embodiment.

[0165] The joint 38 can be provided on the mating surfaces of the first member 31 and the third member 35, or on both the mating surfaces of the first member 31 and the third member 35 and the mating surfaces of the second member 32 and the third member 35. By forming the joint 38, the members are pre-integrated, which improves the bending stiffness and peel strength of the finished joint 3D. The same applies when the overlapping portion 30 is formed in four or more layers. In the overlapping portion 30 with four or more layers, three or more mating surfaces between the members are generated. At least one of these mating surfaces is pre-joined. It is particularly ideal to join the members in a way that includes both a member (group) containing the uppermost member and a member (group) containing the lowermost member. When the overlapping portion 30 is formed by two layers, the first member 31 and the second member 32, the joint 38 can be provided between these layers. In this case, the peel strength between the first member 31 and the second member 32 is improved.

[0166] (3) In the above embodiment, an example of a tool 1 for forming the friction stirring part 4 is shown, which is a tool for connecting friction stirring points. Alternatively, a tool for connecting friction stirring lines, a tool for connecting friction stirring points, or other tools for connecting friction stirring points may be used instead.

[0167] (4) In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the diameter of the interlocking part 53 formed by the shaft portion 52 of the rivet 5 is larger than that of the friction stirring part 4 (e.g., Figures 8A to 8C This refers to an example where the lower end portion 522 of the shaft portion 52 expands radially outward relative to the side peripheral surface 41 of the friction stirring portion 4. The interlocking portion 53 is not limited to the form described in the above embodiment, as long as it provides an anchoring effect on the base material portion of the second member 32.

[0168] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view of the joint 3C involved in other variations. Rivet 5A is pressed into the friction stirring part 4C formed in the overlapping part 30. The shaft portion 52 of rivet 5A mainly extends below the friction stirring part 4C. The shaft portion 52 is deformed into a bell shape, forming an interlocking portion 53 whose lower end 522 is pressed into the base material portion of the second member 32. However, the interlocking portion 53 remains in the radially inner region of the side peripheral surface 41 of the friction stirring part 4C. Even with this configuration of the interlocking portion 53, a sufficient anchoring effect can be achieved.

[0169] [The inventions included in the above embodiments]

[0170] One aspect of the present invention relates to a joining method that uses a friction stirring joining tool and a fastener to join an overlap, the overlap being formed by comprising a first member on the tool side and a second member disposed below the first member, the tool being pressed into the overlap and friction stirring being performed to form a friction stirring section in the overlap, and the fastener being pressed into the friction stirring section from the first member side.

[0171] In the above-described joining method, it is ideal to allow a portion of the fastener to enter the second member after the fastener is pressed in, thereby forming an interlocking part. According to this joining method, the anchoring effect produced by the interlocking part allows for a joint that firmly engages the first member and the second member.

[0172] In the above-described joining method, it is ideal to deform the fastener after the pressing begins, and to allow a portion of the fastener to enter the second member surrounding the friction stirring section, thereby forming the interlocking part. Within the friction stirring section, factors hindering the deformation of the fastener are reduced, making it easier to deform the fastener as intended. According to the above-described joining method, the interlocking part can be reliably formed by deforming the fastener.

[0173] In the above-described joining method, it is preferable that the friction stirring part is formed in a manner that penetrates through the first member and reaches a portion of the second member. According to this approach, the interlocking part can be formed more reliably in the second member.

[0174] In the above-described joining method, it is preferable to use the tool to press the compact into the friction stirring part. According to this joining method, the joining process can be performed without the need to prepare a separate tool for applying the compact.

[0175] In the above-described joining method, it is more ideal to use a compound friction stirring point joining tool as the tool, which includes: a cylindrical pin member that rotates about an axis and can move forward and backward in the direction of the axis; and a cylindrical shoulder member located at a position covering the outer periphery of the pin member, rotating about the same axis as the pin member and being able to move forward and backward in the direction of the axis, so that the fastener is pressed into the friction stirring part based on the descending action of the pin member or the shoulder member.

[0176] According to this joining method, friction stirring and pressing of solids are performed using the pin or shoulder component of the tool. Therefore, the degree of freedom in friction stirring and pressing of solids can be increased.

[0177] In the above-described joining method, it is more ideal to raise the pin member to create a receiving space within the shoulder member, pre-load the fastener into the receiving space, press the shoulder member into the overlapping portion and perform the friction stirring, and then lower the pin member to press the fastener in.

[0178] According to this joining method, with the fastener pre-loaded into the tool, the shoulder member performs friction stirring, followed by the pin member pressing the fastener in. Therefore, the pressing of the fastener can be smoothly performed in a continuous operation from friction stirring.

[0179] In the above-described joining method, the pin member or the shoulder member can be pressed into the overlapping portion and the friction stirring can be performed. The fastener is positioned below the pin member or below both the pin member and the shoulder member and between the fastener and the friction stirring portion, and the pin member or the shoulder member is lowered to press the fastener in. This joining method increases the degree of freedom in both the friction stirring operation and the fastener pressing operation.

[0180] In the above-described joining method, it is preferable that the fastener includes a head to which a pressing force is applied, and after the interlocking part is formed, the head of the fastener is deformed to form a flange that engages with the upper side of the friction stirring part or the upper side of the first member at the periphery of the friction stirring part.

[0181] According to this joining method, the friction stirring parts are sandwiched together based on the interlocking part and the flange part. That is, the interlocking part, which provides a strong anchoring effect based on the base material portion pressed into the second member, serves as a holding base point, and the upper side of the friction stirring part is locked by the flange part. Therefore, the fixation of the friction stirring part at the overlapping part can be improved, and a joint with excellent stability can be obtained.

[0182] The above-described joining method may include the following steps: before friction stirring by the tool, at least one layer of the components constituting the overlapping part is pre-jointed.

[0183] According to this joining method, since the components of the overlapping part have been joined before friction stirring, the bending stiffness and peel strength of the joined body can be further improved.

[0184] Another aspect of the invention relates to a joint comprising an overlapping portion formed by a first member and a second member, and comprising: an overlapping portion, wherein the first member is disposed at one end of the overlapping direction and the second member is disposed at the other end of the overlapping direction; a friction stirring portion disposed in the overlapping portion; and a fastening body, pressed into the friction stirring portion.

[0185] In the aforementioned joint, it is preferable that the fastener has an interlocking portion formed by a portion of the fastener entering the second member. According to this joint, the anchoring effect produced by the interlocking portion allows for a secure connection between the first member and the second member.

[0186] In the aforementioned joint, it is preferable that the friction stirring section is formed in a manner that penetrates through the first member and reaches a portion of the second member. According to this design, in addition to the engagement force of the interlocking section, the engagement force of the friction stirring section can also be applied to the overlapping portion.

[0187] In the aforementioned joint, it is preferable that the second member, or both the first and second members, are formed of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin. Particularly desirable is that at least the second member is formed of a molded body in which thermoplastic resin is impregnated within continuous fibers.

[0188] When joining components made of thermoplastic resin with reinforcing fibers, especially continuous fibers, by pressing in a fastener, sometimes the fastener cannot provide an anchoring effect on the overlapping portion because the fibers hinder the deformation of the fastener. However, according to the joint described above, the fastener is applied to a friction-stirring section where the fibers are cut and the thermoplastic resin is softened by friction stirring. Therefore, the fastener can easily undergo its original deformation within the friction-stirring section. As a result, an interlocking portion that provides excellent anchoring effect can be formed.

[0189] In the aforementioned joint, it is ideal that the fastener is a self-piercing rivet comprising a head and a shaft portion connected to the head and having a hollow region therein, and the interlocking portion is formed by a deformed portion of the lower end region of the shaft portion. According to this joint, using a self-piercing rivet universally applicable to various overlaps, a joint with excellent strength can be constructed.

[0190] In the above-described coupling, it is preferable that the fastener includes a head that is pressed in during the setting process, the head including a flange that engages with the upper side of the friction stirring part or the upper side of the first member at the periphery of the friction stirring part.

[0191] According to this joint, the friction stirring parts are sandwiched together based on the interlocking part and the flange part. That is, the interlocking part, which plays an anchoring role, serves as a holding base point, and the upper side of the friction stirring part is locked by the flange part. Therefore, the fixation of the friction stirring part at the overlapping part can be improved, and a joint with excellent stability can be obtained.

[0192] In the aforementioned joint, the overlapping portion can be formed by intervening one or more other components between the first component and the second component. According to this joint, a high bonding strength can be imparted to a joint formed from three or more overlapping components.

Claims

1. A joining method, characterized in that, The overlapping portion is joined using a friction-stirring joining tool and a fastener, the overlapping portion comprising a first member on the tool side and a second member disposed below the first member. The tool is pressed into the overlapping portion and subjected to frictional stirring, thereby forming a frictional stirring portion in the overlapping portion. After the friction stirring section is formed, the solid is pressed into the friction stirring section from the first component side.

2. The joining method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the fastener is pressed in, a portion of the fastener is inserted into the second component, thereby forming an interlocking part.

3. The joining method according to claim 2, characterized in that, After the pressing begins, the solid is deformed, and a portion of the solid enters the second member surrounding the friction stirring section, thereby forming the interlocking section.

4. The joining method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The friction stirring section is formed in such a way that it penetrates through the first component and reaches a portion of the second component.

5. The joining method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The tool is used to press the solid into the friction stirring section.

6. The joining method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The tool used as the aforementioned tool for compound friction stirring point engagement comprises: A cylindrical pin member that rotates about an axis and is capable of moving forward and backward along that axis; and, A cylindrical shoulder member, located on the outer periphery of the pin member, rotates about the same axis as the pin member and is capable of moving forward and backward in the direction of the axis. Based on the descending action of the pin member or the shoulder member, the fastener is pressed into the friction stirring part.

7. The joining method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The pin member is raised to create a receiving space within the shoulder member, and the fastener is pre-installed into this receiving space. The shoulder member is pressed into the overlapping portion, and the frictional stirring is performed. The pin component is lowered to press the fastener into place.

8. The joining method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Cylindrical rivets are used as the fasteners. A pin member used as the pin member has a partial annular groove formed on its lower end face that is capable of receiving the cylindrical rivet. With the upper region of the cylindrical rivet engaged in the annular groove, the pin member is lowered to press the cylindrical rivet in.

9. The joining method according to claim 7, characterized in that, A cylindrical rivet is used as the fastener, the cylindrical rivet having: an engagement portion that is externally fitted into the pin member; and a press-in portion that is pressed into the overlapping portion. A pin member having a distal end capable of engaging the fitting portion is used as the pin member. With the fitting portion externally fitted to the distal end, the pin member is lowered to press in the pressing portion, and then the shoulder member is lowered to expand and deform the fitting portion.

10. The joining method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The pin member or the shoulder member is pressed into the overlapping portion, and the friction stirring is performed. The fastening solid is disposed below the pin member or below the pin member and the shoulder member, between the fastening solid and the friction stirring part. The pin member or the shoulder member is lowered to press the fastener into place.

11. The joining method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The fastener includes a head to which a compressive force is applied. After the interlocking part is formed, the head of the fastener is deformed to form a flange that engages with the upper side of the friction stirring part or the upper side of the first member at the periphery of the friction stirring part.

12. The joining method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, A threaded rivet is used as the fastener, the threaded rivet having: a threaded portion with a threaded groove; and a press-in portion that is pressed into the overlapping portion. After the pressing part is pressed into the friction stirring part, a fastener that can engage with the threaded groove is installed on the threaded part.

13. The joining method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that... Includes the following steps: Before friction stirring by the tool, at least one layer of the components constituting the overlapping part is pre-bonded.

14. A joint comprising an overlapping portion formed by a first member and a second member, characterized in that... include: The overlapping portion is formed by placing the first member at one end of the overlapping direction and the second member at the other end of the overlapping direction. A friction stirring section is provided in the overlapping section; as well as, The solid material is pressed into the friction stirring section from the side of the first component after the friction stirring section is formed.

15. The joint according to claim 14, characterized in that, The fastener has an interlocking portion formed by a portion of the fastener entering the second component.

16. The joint according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The friction stirring section is formed in such a way that it penetrates through the first component and reaches a portion of the second component.

17. The joint according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The second component, or both the first and second components, are formed of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin.

18. The joint according to claim 17, characterized in that, At least the second component is formed by molding a body in which thermoplastic resin is impregnated in continuous fibers.

19. The joint according to claim 15, characterized in that, The fastener is a self-piercing rivet comprising a head and a shaft portion connected to the head and having a hollow region inside. The interlocking part is formed by the deformed portion of the lower end region of the shaft.

20. The joint according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The fastener includes a head to which a pressing force is applied during the pressing process. The head includes a flange portion that engages with the upper side of the first component or the periphery of the friction stirring part.

21. The joint according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The fastener is a cylindrical rivet with a constant inner diameter that is pressed into the friction stirring part.

22. The joint according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The fastener is a cylindrical rivet and has: a first portion that is pressed into the overlapping portion; a second portion that is expanded and deformed after the first portion is pressed in; and an annular thin-walled portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion.

23. The joint according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The overlapping portion is formed by intervening one or more other components between the first component and the second component.

24. The joint according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The fastener has: a threaded portion with threaded grooves; and a press-in portion that is pressed into the overlapping portion. The coupling body further includes a fastener, which is installed on the threaded portion by screwing into the threaded groove.

25. A joining device for joining an overlapping portion formed by a first member and a second member, characterized in that... include: A cylindrical pin component that can move forward and backward along its axis; A cylindrical shoulder member is located on the outer periphery of the pin member, rotates about the same axis as the pin member, and is capable of moving forward and backward in the direction of the axis. The solid is inserted into the receiving space created by the rising of the pin member, and is pressed by the pin member into the friction stirring part formed in the overlapping part; as well as, The controller controls the pressing of the solid into the friction stirring section after the shoulder member is pressed into the overlapping section to form the friction stirring section.

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