Abstract: A coupling device is configured to, using a coupling member, couple a first plate made of a first metal and a second plate made of a second metal to each other, and includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a power source, a driver, and a controller. The power source is connected to the first electrode and the second electrode. The driver is configured to move the first electrode and the second electrode relative to the coupling member, the first plate, and the second plate. The controller is configured to control the power source and the driver to electrify the coupling member, the first plate, and the second plate while controlling the first electrode and the second electrode to apply pressure to the coupling member, the first plate, and the second plate.

Abstract: A coupling device couples, using a coupling member, a first plate of a first metal to a second plate of a second metal. A power source is connected to first and second electrodes. A driver moves the first and second electrodes relative to the coupling member and the first and second plates. A controller controls the power source and the driver to electrify the coupling member and the first and second plates under pressure. The coupling member includes a third metal approximately identical to the second metal. The first metal has a melting point lower than melting points of the second and third metals. The coupling member includes a pilot portion that is located about a center of a flat surface of a body of the coupling member and that protrudes in an extending direction. The flat surface has discharge grooves radially extending from the pilot portion.

Abstract: A coupling device is configured to, using a coupling member, couple a first plate made of a first metal and a second plate made of a second metal to each other, and includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a power source, a driver, and a controller. The power source is connected to the first electrode and the second electrode. The driver is configured to move the first electrode and the second electrode relative to the coupling member, the first plate, and the second plate. The controller is configured to control the power source and the driver to electrify the coupling member, the first plate, and the second plate while controlling the first electrode and the second electrode to apply pressure to the coupling member, the first plate, and the second plate.

Abstract: An apparatus to produce a self-piercing and clinch nut includes a first forging die assembly, a second forging die assembly, a third forging die assembly, a transfer mechanism, and a controller. The first forging die assembly subjects a blank to first processing. The second forging die assembly is adjacent to the first forging die assembly, and subjects the blank, which has undergone the first processing in the first forging die assembly, to second processing. The third forging die assembly is adjacent to the second forging die assembly, and subjects the blank, which has undergone the second processing in the second forging die assembly, to third processing. The transfer mechanism transfers the blank between two adjacent forging die assemblies among the first to third forging die assemblies. The controller controls operations of the first to third forging die assemblies and the transfer mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus to produce a self-piercing and clinch nut includes a first forging die assembly, a second forging die assembly, a third forging die assembly, a transfer mechanism, and a controller. The first forging die assembly subjects a blank to first processing. The second forging die assembly is adjacent to the first forging die assembly, and subjects the blank, which has undergone the first processing in the first forging die assembly, to second processing. The third forging die assembly is adjacent to the second forging die assembly, and subjects the blank, which has undergone the second processing in the second forging die assembly, to third processing. The transfer mechanism transfers the blank between two adjacent forging die assemblies among the first to third forging die assemblies. The controller controls operations of the first to third forging die assemblies and the transfer mechanism.