摘要 |
Two or several overlaying sheet formed members are joined together using an essentially coaxial arrangement of a punch, a die with a die cavity, and an anvil. A method for joining the sheet formed members comprises the steps of placing two or several overlaying sheet formed members between the punch and the die, causing a core portion of the punch to move in a direction toward the die cavity so as to co-act with the die cavity to form a cup-shaped or protruding portion having a side wall portion and a bottom wall portion, whereby a lateral extension provided around the rear end of the core portion deforms and axially displaces material from the area around the opening of the cup-shaped or protruding portion, mainly in the upper sheet formed member, moving the anvil in a second direction and locking it in a predetermined position relative to the die, a second relative movement of the punch in the direction towards the die compresses the bottom wall portion whereby a laterally enlarged shape is formed, mechanically interlocking the sheet formed members. |