Patent ID: 7665651
Filing Date: 2010-02-23
Classification: B23K,B61D,E04C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A panel structure comprising a first plate, a second plate substantially in parallel to said first plate, and plural ribs for connecting said first plate and said second plate, wherein: an end portion, in a width direction, of both said first plate and said second plate is connected by a vertical plate member which is substantially perpendicular to said first plate; at a connection portion for connecting at least said first plate and said vertical plate member or said second plate and said vertical plate member, a recessed portion is provided; said recessed portion lies in a range of an extension line of a plate thickness of said vertical plate member, and does not extend beyond said range of an extension line of a plate thickness of said vertical plate member; said recessed portion opens at least to a thickness direction of said first plate or a thickness direction of said second plate and in a direction perpendicular to said thickness direction; and said connection portion being capable of having friction stir welding carried out thereon, so as to friction stir weld said panel structure and another panel structure having a portion thereof provided in said recessed portion, and to said connection portion for connecting said first plate and said vertical plate member or said connection portion for connecting said second plate and said vertical plate member, the friction stir welding is adapted to be carried out; and said friction stir welding is carried out from an outer side of an extension line of a plate thickness of said vertical plate member.