Method for joining members

Abstract

In the present invention, a method for joining members involves preparing a steel component having a bottom wall in which a hole is provided, and a hollow aluminum pipe. The aluminum pipe is slipped through the hole in the steel component and passed through the bottom wall, rubber is inserted into the interior of the aluminum pipe, and the rubber is compressed in the direction of the axis (L) of the aluminum pipe and induced to distend towards the outside from the inside. As a result of the foregoing, at least a section of the aluminum pipe slipped through the hole is induced to undergo expansion and is joined by clinching to the bottom wall. This method for joining members reduces the load on the members, improves the joint strength, and enables two members to be joined at reduced cost.

1 . A method for joining members, comprising:
 preparing a first member and a hollow second member, the first member having a first section provided with a first hole;   fitting the second member into the first hole in the first member so as to cause the second member to extend through the first section;   inserting an elastic body into the second member; and   compressing the elastic body in a direction of an axis of the second member so as to cause the elastic body to expand from an inner side toward an outer side, and thus causing at least a part of the second member fitted in the first hole to expand so as to become clinched to the first section.   
     
     
         2 . The method for joining members according to  claim 1 , wherein a shape of the first hole in the first member is analogous to a cross-sectional shape of the part of the second member fitted in the first hole. 
     
     
         3 . The method for joining members according to  claim 1 , wherein an outer-frame mold is disposed at the outer side of the second member, and at least a part of the second member is formed to extend along the outer-frame mold so as to become clinched. 
     
     
         4 . The method for joining members according to  claim 1 , wherein an outer-frame mold is disposed at the outer side of the second member, and clinching is performed while partially limiting expansion of the second member by using the outer-frame mold. 
     
     
         5 . The method for joining members according to  claim 1 , wherein the second member is also compressed in the direction of the axis when the elastic body is compressed. 
     
     
         6 . The method for joining members according to  claim 1 , wherein an edge of the first hole is burred. 
     
     
         7 . The method for joining members according to  claim 1 , wherein a surface different from a surface provided with the first hole has a bead section protruding in the direction of the axis, and clinching is performed by including the bead section. 
     
     
         8 . The method for joining members according to  claim 1 , wherein the first member includes a second section having a second hole and is clinched to the second member at the first hole and the second hole. 
     
     
         9 . The method for joining members according to  claim 1 , wherein the elastic body is split at a joining section between the first member and the second member. 
     
     
         10 . The method for joining members according to  claim 1 , wherein a plate is inserted between split pieces of the elastic body. 
     
     
         11 . The method for joining members according to  claim 1 , wherein the second member includes an outer wall provided with a partition wall therein and extending in the direction of the axis, and
 wherein clinching is performed by inserting a plurality of the elastic bodies in spaces partitioned by the partition wall.   
     
     
         12 . The method for joining members according to  claim 1 , wherein the second member includes an end surface inclined relative to the axis, and
 wherein opposite end surfaces of the elastic body in the direction of the axis are parallel to the inclined surface.   
     
     
         13 . The method for joining members according to  claim 1 , wherein the first member includes an upright wall parallel to the axis, and
 wherein clinching is performed while restraining deformation of the upright wall by using a fixation jig.