Patent ID: 8486508

Claim:
A method for producing a friction-welded connection between at least one upper flat component superimposed on a lower flat component held together by a connecting member, the connecting member having a collar on a upper end thereof, and a hollow shaft on a lower end thereof, the method comprising: forming a circular penetration having an inner diameter (Di) through the at least one upper flat component, the inner diameter (Di) of the circular penetration being larger than an exterior diameter (Do) of the hollow shaft of the connecting member, guiding the hollow shaft of the connecting member into the penetration of the at least one upper flat component, so that a space is provided between an outer wall of the hollow shaft and an inner wall of the penetration, producing a friction-welding zone with the lower flat component by rotation and pressure of the connecting member, after formation of the friction-welding zone, ceasing the rotation of the connecting member, and upon cessation of the rotation of the connecting member, and prior to the collar making contact with an upper-most one of the at least one upper flat component, applying pressure on the connecting member by a pressure-applying tool, said step of applying pressure on the connecting member pressing the collar against the upper component, and deforming at least one of the connecting member and the lower flat component.