Patent ID: 6793117
Filing Date: 2004-09-21
Classification: B23K,Y10T

Abstract:
A friction stir welding method, comprising:abutting an end portion in the width direction of a first hollow shape member against an end portion in the width direction of a second hollow shape member, wherein the first hollow shape member comprises two face plates; a first connecting plate for connecting the two plates, at least one end of which is connected to a region other than said end portion; a second connecting plate for connecting said end portions of said face plates that is disposed substantially orthogonal to said face plates; recessed portions formed respectively to connecting portions where said two face plates of said first hollow shape member are each connected with said second connecting plate, each recessed portion opening outward toward both the width direction and the thickness direction of the hollow shape member; a groove or projection formed to one recessed portion; and a groove or projection formed to the other recessed portion, wherein the second hollow shape member comprises two face plates, a first connecting plate for connecting the two face plates of the second hollow shape member, at least one end of which is connected to a region other than said end portion of the second hollow shape member; a projection or groove formed to one face plate at said end portion of said second hollow shape member; and a projection or groove formed to the other face plate at said end portion of said second hollow shape member, and wherein each projection is inserted into a respective corresponding groove, when said first and second hollow shape members are abutted against each other; and disposing a rotary tool on an extension of plate thickness of said second connecting plate, thereby friction stir welding said abutted region from an outer direction of thickness of said hollow shape members.