Method of joining two members by friction stir welding

Abstract

This invention provides a configuration of a joint that allows a satisfactory welded joint to be formed with reduced deformation of the joint region when two-face structures (panels) are friction-welded end to end. The panels 31, 32 each have two substantially parallel plates 33, 34 and a third member 35 connecting the two plates 33, 34 . The end portions of the plates 33, 34 of one panel 32 are friction-welded to the end portions of the plates 33, 34 of the other panel 32 . At least one of the panels has a plate 36 at its end for connecting the plates 33 and 34 and has a rigidity to support a pressing force produced during the friction welding.

1 . A structure of a panel friction stir welded to a plate member, wherein:
 said panel comprises a first plate, a second plate substantially parallel to said first plate, plural ribs for connecting said first plate and said second plate, and a vertical plate for connecting an end portion in a width direction of said first plate and said second plate and being substantially perpendicular to said first plate and said second plate;   said first plate of said panel and said plate member are friction stir welded; and   a friction stir welded bead formed between said first plate of said panel and said plate member lies at least in a range of a plate thickness of said vertical plate.   
     
     
         2 . A structure according to  claim 1 , wherein a center in a width direction of said friction stir welded bead lies in a range of said plate thickness of said vertical plate of said panel. 
     
     
         3 . A structure of a first panel friction stir welded to a second panel, wherein:
 said first panel comprises a first plate, a second plate substantially parallel to said first plate, plural ribs for connecting said first plate and said second plate, and a vertical plate for connecting an end portion in a width direction of said first plate and said second plate and being substantially perpendicular to said first plate and said second plate;   said second panel comprises a first plate, a second plate substantially parallel to said first panel, and plural ribs for connecting said first plate and said second plate;   said first plate of said first panel and said first plate of said second panel are friction stir welded; and   a friction stir welded bead formed between said first plate of said first panel and said first plate of said second panel lies at least in a range of a plate thickness of said vertical plate of said first panel.   
     
     
         4 . A structure according to  claim 3 , wherein a center in a width direction of said friction stir welded bead lies in a range of said plate thickness of said vertical plate of said first panel. 
     
     
         5 . A structure of a first panel friction stir welded to a second panel, wherein:
 said first panel comprises a first plate, a second plate substantially parallel to said first plate, plural ribs for connecting said first plate and said second plate, and a vertical plate for connecting an end portion in a width direction of said first plate and said second plate and being substantially perpendicular to said first plate and said second plate;   said second panel comprises a first plate, a second plate substantially parallel to said first plate of said second panel, and plural ribs for connecting said first plate of the second panel and said second plate of the second panel;   said first plate of said first panel and said first plate of said second panel are friction stir welded;   said second plate of said first panel and said second plate of said second panel are friction stir welded;   a friction stir welded bead formed between said first plate of said first panel and said first plate of said second panel lies at least in a range of a plate thickness of said vertical plate of said first panel; and   a friction stir welded bead formed between said second plate of said first panel and said second plate of said second panel lies at least in said range of said plate thickness of said vertical plate of said first panel.   
     
     
         6 . A structure according to  claim 5 , wherein a respective center in a width direction of both of the friction stir welded beads lies in a range of said plate thickness of said vertical plate of said first panel.