阅读说明：本技术 用于电连接外部导体的结构和机构 (Structure and mechanism for electrically connecting external conductors ) 是由 M.里希特 O.巴茨 于 2020-03-17 设计创作，主要内容包括：本公开涉及一种用于电连接外部导体(202)的结构(200)。该结构包括布线基板(204),其包括多个层的基于堆叠的布置,其中所述层被限定为导电层(206)和绝缘层(208)。铆钉(210)由布线基板(204)支撑并且包括在布线基板(204)内的嵌入部分。该嵌入部分包括：延伸穿过堆叠的多个层的上部(210-1),以及相对于上部横向延伸的底部(210-2)。提供从布线基板(204)突出的部分,用于接收外部导体(202)并用于由此与布线基板(204)电连接。(The present disclosure relates to a structure (200) for electrically connecting an external conductor (202). The structure includes a wiring substrate (204) comprising a stack-based arrangement of a plurality of layers, wherein the layers are defined as a conductive layer (206) and an insulating layer (208). The rivet (210) is supported by the wiring substrate (204) and includes an embedded portion within the wiring substrate (204). The embedding portion includes: an upper portion (210-1) extending through the stacked plurality of layers, and a bottom portion (210-2) extending laterally with respect to the upper portion. A portion protruding from the wiring substrate (204) is provided for receiving the external conductor (202) and for electrically connecting therewith the wiring substrate (204).)

1. A structure for electrically connecting an external conductor, the structure comprising:

a wiring substrate comprising a stack-based arrangement of a plurality of layers, the layers being defined as conductive layers and insulating layers; and

a rivet supported by the wiring substrate, the rivet comprising:

a) an embedding portion within a wiring substrate, wherein the embedding portion includes:

extends through an upper portion of the stacked plurality of layers; and

a bottom portion extending laterally relative to the upper portion; and

b) and a portion protruding from the wiring substrate for receiving the external conductor and thereby electrically connecting with the wiring substrate.

2. The structure of claim 1, wherein the outer conductor is a high current carrying conductor comprising at least one of:

a bus bar shaped to be connected to the rivet; and

a power cable with a crimp connector.

3. The structure of claim 1, wherein the wiring substrate is a printed circuit substrate (PCB) comprised of a pattern of dielectric and copper layers.

4. The structure of claim 3, wherein the bottom portion is embedded within an insulating layer of the wiring substrate, the insulating layer corresponding to a non-conductive substrate of a PCB.

5. The structure of claim 1, wherein the protruding portion of the rivet serves as a terminal post to connect the external conductor with the wiring substrate.

6. The structure of claim 1, wherein the rivet is embedded in the wiring substrate by a friction riveting process.

7. The structure of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion is anchored in a positive locking manner within the wiring substrate.

8. A structure according to claim 6, wherein the bottom portion of the rivet extends laterally relative to the upper portion as a result of plasticization and deformation experienced by the bottom portion during friction riveting.

9. The structure of claim 1, wherein the laterally extending bottom portion corresponds to an arch defining a diameter, the arch having a diameter greater than a diameter of the upper portion.

10. The structure of claim 1, further comprising a support substrate that provides a base for supporting the wiring substrate.

11. The structure of claim 10, wherein the support substrate receives a bottom portion of the rivet to assist in embedding the rivet within the wiring substrate.

12. The structure of claim 1, further comprising: a fastener for rigidly holding the outer conductor to the protruding portion of the rivet.

13. A structure for electrically connecting an external conductor, the structure comprising:

a wiring substrate comprising a stack-based arrangement of a plurality of layers, the layers defined by a conductive layer and an insulating layer;

at least one rivet embedded in the wiring substrate, the rivet comprising

Extends through the upper part of the stacked plurality of layers, and

a bottom portion extending laterally within the wiring substrate relative to the upper portion; and

and a metal post vertically extending from an upper portion of the rivet for receiving the external conductor and thereby electrically connecting the conductor with the wiring substrate via the rivet.

14. The structure of claim 13, wherein the metal post is perpendicularly connected to a segment of a rivet protruding from a wiring substrate to define an electrical connection with the rivet, the connection being at least one of a welded or brazed connection.

15. The structure of claim 13, wherein the metal post is perpendicularly connected to a segment of the rivet flush with the wiring substrate to define an electrical connection with the rivet, the connection being at least one of a welded or brazed connection.

16. The structure of claim 13, wherein the wiring substrate is a printed circuit substrate (PCB) comprised of a pattern of dielectric layers and copper layers.

17. The structure of claim 17, wherein the bottom portion is embedded within an insulating layer of the wiring substrate, the insulating layer corresponding to a non-conductive substrate of the PCB.

18. The structure of claim 13, wherein the rivet is embedded in the wiring substrate by a friction riveting process.

19. The structure of claim 13, wherein the bottom portion is anchored in a positive locking manner within the wiring substrate.

20. A structure according to claim 19, wherein the bottom portion of the rivet extends laterally relative to the upper portion as a result of plasticization and deformation experienced by the bottom portion during friction riveting.

Technical Field

The present subject matter relates to power electronics, and more particularly to connection structures therein.

Background

It is known for an external conductor, such as a bus bar or power transmission cable, to interface with a wiring substrate, such as a PCB (i.e., printed circuit board), to electrically connect with a remote device. The bus bars transmit power from the PCB to remote devices and vice versa and are connected to conductive tracks, pads within the wiring substrate, respectively.

It is well known that external conductors such as bus bars are not directly connected or mounted on a PCB due to the large structure and weight. Prior mechanisms for achieving galvanic connection between the external conductor and the PCB include the use of press-fit contacts or connectors that provide an interface between the PCB and the external conductor.

Such connectors are electrically and mechanically connected to the PCB via through holes in the PCB. However, instead of resorting to soldering techniques, which are the primary mechanism for connecting components on a PCB, the connector is connected to the PCB by a press-fit connection.

An example press-fit connector for an external conductor and mountable on a PCB has been described with respect to fig. 1A, where the press-fit connector may be a nut or bolt that serves as both a fastener and an electrical receptacle for receiving an external conductor such as a bus bar or power cable. Further, fig. 1B shows the outer conductor in an electrically connected and secured position by a nut-bolt based press-fit connector.

However, such press-fit based connectors for external conductors have their own drawbacks. During the pressing of these contacts into the PCB, the area around the PCB may be subjected to significant stresses, which in the long term may cause strains in the PCB, to name a few. Creep, moisture and relaxation of the PCB may cause subsequent connection relaxation.

In addition, the PCB board is liable to generate conductive burrs during the press-fitting process, thereby interfering with the conduction of current conduction paths in the PCB. In one example, while the resulting conductive burrs do not encroach on the PCB, they tend to interfere with the conductive paths or traces on the surface of the PCB. Thus, for example, the burr may cause resistance or clogging therein. In the worst case, the PCB may also be subject to electrical hazards such as short circuits, thereby endangering life and property.

To avoid such mobility of conductive burrs on the PCB, additional cleaning must be performed, resulting in additional expense and cost. Furthermore, the via arrangement required for press-fit connections requires insulation to be provided at the bottom of the PCB due to the exposed conductor elements.

While other connection mechanisms (e.g., solder connections) may be envisaged as alternative connection mechanisms in an attempt to prevent the above-described disadvantages, it is generally not advisable to use this type of connection for external conductors such as bus bars because of its lack of sustainable solder connections. Furthermore, the fact remains that after welding, the welded connection requires an additional connection quality verification step. Furthermore, many times, an insulating layer is required below the solder joints to insulate the solder joints from each other. Thus, there is still overhead associated with the welding process.

Therefore, there is at least a need to provide a reliable and improved connection structure for connecting an external conductor with a PCB.

There is at least one other need to provide a cost-effective and easy-to-use connection structure for connecting an external conductor with a PCB.

Disclosure of Invention

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified format that are further described in the detailed description of the disclosure. This summary is not intended to identify key inventive concepts of the disclosure nor is it intended to be used to identify the scope of the invention or disclosure.

In one embodiment, the present subject matter illustrates a structure for electrically connecting an external conductor. The structure includes a wiring substrate comprising a stack-based arrangement of a plurality of layers, wherein the layers are defined as a conductive layer and an insulating layer. The rivet is supported by the wiring substrate and includes an embedded portion within the wiring substrate. The embedding portion includes: an upper portion extending through the stacked plurality of layers, and a bottom portion extending laterally relative to the upper portion. The portion of the rivet protruding from the wiring substrate is provided for receiving the external conductor and thereby electrically connected with the wiring substrate.

In another embodiment, the present subject matter illustrates a structure for electrically connecting an external conductor. The structure includes a wiring substrate including a stack-based arrangement of a plurality of layers, the layers defined by conductive and insulating layers. At least one rivet embedded within the wiring substrate includes an upper portion extending through the stacked plurality of layers and a bottom portion extending laterally within the wiring substrate relative to the upper portion. Further, a metal post extends vertically from an upper portion of the rivet to receive an external conductor, thereby electrically connecting the conductor with the wiring substrate via the rivet.

The objects and advantages of the embodiments will be realized and attained by at least the elements, features, and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

Drawings

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

fig. 1A shows a prior art connection structure for an external conductor with respect to a wiring substrate.

Fig. 1B shows a prior art connection structure for an external conductor with respect to a wiring substrate.

Fig. 2 illustrates a connection structure for an external conductor with respect to a wiring substrate according to an embodiment of the present subject matter;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example connection structure for an external conductor relative to a PCB, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter;

FIG. 4 illustrates another example connection structure for an external conductor relative to a PCB, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter;

FIG. 5 illustrates another example connection structure for an external conductor relative to a PCB, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter;

FIG. 6A illustrates an example friction riveting process for implementing a connection structure according to another embodiment of the present subject matter;

FIG. 6B illustrates an example friction riveting process for implementing a connection structure according to another embodiment of the present subject matter;

FIG. 6C illustrates an example friction riveting process for implementing a connection structure according to another embodiment of the present subject matter;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example flow diagram detailing the example friction riveting process of FIGS. 6A-6C in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter;

FIG. 8 illustrates an example representation of an embedded rivet within a PCB according to another embodiment of the present subject matter;

fig. 9A illustrates an example representation of a connection structure within a PCB according to another embodiment of the present subject matter.

Fig. 9B illustrates an example representation of a connection structure within a PCB according to another embodiment of the present subject matter.

Fig. 9C illustrates an example representation of a connection structure within a PCB according to another embodiment of the present subject matter.

Fig. 10A illustrates another exemplary representation of a connection structure within a PCB according to another embodiment of the present subject matter.

Fig. 10B illustrates another example representation of a connection structure within a PCB according to another embodiment of the present subject matter.

Fig. 10C illustrates another example representation of a connection structure within a PCB according to another embodiment of the present subject matter.

Fig. 10D illustrates another example representation of a connection structure within a PCB according to another embodiment of the present subject matter.

Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not necessarily be drawn to scale. Furthermore, in the structure of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented by conventional symbols in the drawings, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

Detailed Description

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated systems, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates.

The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the disclosure, and are not restrictive thereof.

Reference throughout this specification to "one aspect," "another aspect," or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment," "in another embodiment," and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or subsystems or elements or structures or components "include", without further limitation, does not preclude the presence of other devices or other subsystems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional subsystems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The systems, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting.

Fig. 2 depicts a structure 200 for electrically connecting an outer conductor 202. The outer conductors 202 may be high current carrying conductors, including at least one of which may be busbar-shaped to couple or connect with a terminal. In an example, as shown later in fig. 3, the bus bar may be shaped to exhibit a through hole for such connection. In other examples, the conductor 202 may be a power cable with a crimp connector.

The structure 200 includes a wiring substrate 204, the wiring substrate 204 including a stack-based arrangement of layers, defined as a conductive layer 206 and an insulating layer 208. In an example, the wiring substrate 204 is a printed circuit substrate (PCB) that is comprised of a pattern of dielectric layers 208 and copper layers 206.

The rivet 210 supported from the wiring substrate 204 includes an embedded portion within the wiring substrate 204. The embedded portion includes an upper portion 210-1 that extends through the stacked plurality of layers. The bottom portion 210-2 extends laterally relative to the upper portion 210-1. The bottom portion 210-2 is embedded within the insulating layer 208 of the wiring substrate 204 such that the insulating layer 208 corresponds to a non-conductive substrate of the PCB.

Further, the rivet 210 includes a portion 210-3 protruding from the wiring substrate 204 for receiving the external conductor 202 and thereby electrically connecting with the wiring substrate 204. The protruding portion 210-3 of the rivet 210 serves as a terminal-post to connect the outer conductor 202 with the wiring substrate 204.

The arrows in the figure represent an example flow of current from the conductive layer 206 (i.e., conductive trace) of the PCB, through the rivet 210, and to the external conductor. However, it is also feasible that the current in the opposite direction passes through the PCB. The rivet 210 may be grounded within the non-conductive or insulating layer 208 of the wiring substrate 204. Additionally, a gasket-based arrangement 212 may be provided between the outer conductor 202 and the wiring substrate 204 for load distribution.

Fig. 3 illustrates an example connection structure 200 of an outer conductor relative to a PCB204, according to embodiments of the present subject matter. As shown in the figures, a fastener 302 is provided for rigidly holding the outer conductor 202 to the protruding portion 210-3 of the rivet 210. In this embodiment, the outer conductor 202 includes a through hole for receiving the rivet 210. The fastener 302 may be a screw-based nut that is wrapped around the rivet 210 atop the outer conductor 202. The rivet 210, in turn, may be threaded to receive a nut and thereby rigidly support the outer conductor 202.

Fig. 4 illustrates another example connection structure 200 of an outer conductor relative to a PCB, according to embodiments of the present subject matter. More specifically, the present connection structure 200 includes a support substrate 402 that provides a base for supporting the wiring substrate 204 or PCB. In such a case, the support substrate 402 receives the bottom portion 210-2 of the rivet 210 to assist in embedding the rivet 210 within the wiring substrate 204.

Fig. 5 illustrates another example connection structure of an outer conductor relative to PCB204, according to embodiments of the present subject matter. More specifically, the present structure 200 for electrically connecting the external conductor 202 includes the wiring substrate 204 as shown in the previous figures. A stack-based arrangement of a plurality of layers, the layers defined by a conductive layer 206 and an insulating layer 208.

The rivet 210 is embedded within the wiring substrate 204 and includes an upper portion 210-1 that extends through the stacked plurality of layers. The bottom portion 210-2 extends laterally within the wiring substrate 204 with reference to the upper portion 210-1.

The metal post 502 extends vertically from the upper portion of the rivet 210 to receive the outer conductor 202, thereby electrically connecting the conductor 202 with the wiring substrate through the rivet 210.

The metal post 502 is perpendicularly connected to a section of the rivet 210 protruding from the wiring substrate 204 to define an electrical connection with the rivet 210, wherein the connection may be a welded or soldered connection. In other examples, the metal post 502 is perpendicularly connected to a section of the rivet 210 that is flush with the wiring substrate 204 to define an electrical connection with the rivet 210, wherein the connection is at least one of a welded or soldered connection. The bottom of the rivet 210 may be embedded within the insulating layer of the wiring substrate 204.

Fig. 6A-6C illustrate an example friction riveting process for implementing the connection structure of fig. 2, according to another embodiment of the present subject matter.

As shown in fig. 6A, a rivet 210 is provided for connection with the wiring substrate 204, which may be referred to as a workpiece hereinafter. Rivet 210 is configured to rotate in a clockwise direction, as indicated by the arrow

As shown in fig. 6B, the rivet 210 is lowered onto the workpiece 204 in the direction of the arrow and pressed into the latter. Due to the rotation of the rivet 210, the thin region of the workpiece 204 around the workpiece 210 is plasticized.

As shown in fig. 6C, if the rivet 210 is pressed further into the workpiece 204, the temperature in the rivet 210 increases due to friction and pressure increase. In this case, the rivet 210 rotates at a speed of between 15000 and 23000 rpm and the rivet 210 presses against the PCB204 at a pressure of between 2 and 10 bar, so that the joining time for the connection is between 0.3 and 3 seconds.

This results in the rivet 210, particularly where the bottom portion thereof is plasticized, because the heat energy provided by friction is greater than the heat energy flowing out through the rivet 210. As a result of the plasticization, the base 210-2 of the rivet 210 is arched in such a way that the base 210-2 extends laterally within the base plate 204, and thus the diameter of the "arched" base develops to be greater than the diameter of the remainder of the rivet 210 (i.e., the projection 210-3 and the upper portion 210-1).

When the rivet 210 stops rotating, the plasticized material of the workpiece 204 around the rivet 210 solidifies and the arch point remains in this form, thereby forming a positive lock connection between the workpiece 204 and the rivet 210. The rivet 210 is thus firmly anchored in the workpiece 204.

In general, the base 210-2 is anchored within the wiring substrate 204 in a positive locking manner. The bottom portion 210-2 of the rivet 210 extends laterally relative to the upper portion 210-1 due to the plasticization and deformation experienced by the bottom portion during friction riveting. The laterally extending bottom portion corresponds to an arch defining a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the upper portion.

In this exemplary embodiment, not only may the first workpiece 204 be connected to the rivet 210, but also the second workpiece 302, which serves as the support base plate 302, may be disposed below the surface of the first workpiece 204. The rivet 210 may then be rotationally pressed into the workpiece 204 such that the rivet 210 is then connected to the workpieces 204 and 304, and eventually the support substrate 304 receives the bottom of the rivet 210.

Fig. 7 illustrates an example flow diagram detailing the example friction riveting process of fig. 6A-6C in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.

Step 702 shows the clamping of the engagement fitting. The workpiece 204 may be clamped securely to the backing plate while the rivet 210 is clamped in the machine spindle for clockwise rotation. This step corresponds to fig. 6A.

Step 704 shows a rotation of the rivet 210 and corresponds to fig. 6B. The rotating rivet 210 moves downward into contact with the workpiece 204. The rotational coupling pressure generates frictional heat, thereby locally increasing the temperature. This in turn results in a very thin film of molten polymer being formed under and around the tip of the rivet 210. As the rivet 210 continues to be fed into the workpiece 204, the molten polymeric material, as well as the conductive material from the workpiece, is discharged upwardly to the exterior as a flash, as shown in fig. 8.

Step 706 illustrates the plasticizing and forging process. At a certain insertion depth, the heat input becomes greater than the heat outflow due to the increasing insulating effect associated with the low thermal conductivity of the polymer. This increases the local temperature within the workpiece 204, causing the bottom of the rivet 210 to soften. At which point the rotation of the rivet 210 is stopped and forging pressure is applied.

The forging stage results in the formation of an arch-shaped portion of rivet 210 that resembles an inverted screw inserted into a polymer. The plasticized tip of the rivet 210 is then deformed resulting in a parabolic pattern. The thickness of the molten polymer below the rivet tip is significantly reduced and the amount of additional extruded material increases the amount of flash evaporation.

At step 708, a portion of the remaining amount of molten polymer film is pushed out to flash while the remaining portion remains within the joint and cools. After constant pressure cooling, the joint was cooled at constant pressure. The molten polymer solidifies around the rivet 210, forming a bonded polymer-metal interface. In this way, the joint can be obtained by mechanical interference, achieving rivet anchoring.

In one example, the friction riveting process parameters are Rotational Speed (RS), bonding time (TT), and bonding pressure (TP). Other important parameters may be the rivet geometry and the distance of the main axis to the surface of the base element. RS is the angular velocity of the rotating rivet and may be associated with temperature development and related phenomena (rheology of the molten polymer, defect formation, etc.) occurring in the joint area, contributing to the generation of frictional heat. Furthermore, RS can indirectly influence the engagement speed by acting directly on the axial displacement. TT comprises the sum of Friction Time (FT) and forging time (FOT). In addition to acting as a bonding speed controlling factor, TT can also influence the level of bulk defects associated with thermal degradation, volatile generation, and post-bonding shrinkage by controlling the temperature and exposure time in the molten polymer film. The joining pressure TP is the sum of the Friction Pressure (FP) and the forging pressure (FOP).

Fig. 8 illustrates an example representation of an embedded rivet 210 within a PCB204, according to another embodiment of the present subject matter.

Due to the inherent structural complexity involved in polymer-metal multi-material joints, complex microstructures may occur within the friction riveted joints. In one example, the current joint between the rivet 210 and the PCB204 may exhibit about five microstructure regions: a Polymer Heat Affected Zone (PHAZ), a polymer thermo-mechanical affected zone (PTMAZ), a Metal Heat Affected Zone (MHAZ), a metal thermo-mechanical affected zone (MTMAZ), and an Anchoring Zone (AZ).

PHAZ includes the volume of polymer around the rivet that does not reach the polymer softening point at the temperature during the joining process. PTMAZ is formed by a thin fused layer around the rivet, which is an interlayer between the PHAZ and the metal rivet.

In MHAZ, the metal is heat treated by frictional heat. In this region, different annealing phenomena may occur, such as recovery, recrystallization and overaging, as well as some hardening mechanisms, such as ageing and reprecipitation, depending on the rivet type, heating time and maximum temperature. The MTMAZ microstructure and local mechanical properties may be affected by heating and severe deformation.

AZ is the area where the deformed tip of the rivet 210 is located. Due to plastic deformation, it is usually in the form of a paraboloid, the outer diameter of which is greater than the original rivet diameter. This region is subject to the imposed mechanical requirements primarily by mechanical interference (anchoring) with the polymeric base element.

Fig. 9A-9C illustrate an exemplary representation of a connection structure 200 according to another embodiment of the present subject matter. More specifically, the connection structure has been depicted by SEM images with Working Distances (WD) ranging from 2mm to 5mm and comprises an unreinforced polymer-based substrate. The connection structure corresponds to the following configuration: [ Table 1]

Drawing (A)	Material (rivet)	Material (base plate)
			FIG. 9A	AA 2024	PEI
FIG. 9B	AA 2024	PC
			FIG. 9C	AA 6056	PA6

10A-10D illustrate example representations of connection structures according to another embodiment of the present subject matter. More specifically, the connection structure corresponds to SEM images of Working Distances (WD) ranging from 2mm to 5mm and comprises a reinforced polymer (glass filled GF, carbon filled CF) based substrate. The connection structure corresponds to the following configuration:

[ Table 2]

Drawing (A)	Material (rivet)	Material (base plate)
			FIG. 10A	Ti.Gr.2	GF-PEI
FIG. 10B	AA 6056	GF-PA6
			FIG. 10C	Ti-6Al-4V or TC4	GF-P
FIG. 10D	Ti-6Al-4V or TC4	CF-PEEK

The connection structure 200 shown in the present subject matter results in lower cost due to at least avoiding the use of press-fit connections and improves quality by reducing stress on the PCB. Furthermore, the overall size of the present structure is reduced, resulting in a smaller footprint on the PCB. Furthermore, the present structure provides the possibility of integrating the PCB and the external conductor in one assembly step.

In summary, the present connection structure avoids the disadvantages of press-fit connectors or other similar connectors, such as stress development, by at least causing a high current connection between the bus bars or cables. By employing at least a friction riveting process as the joining means, the present connection structure can be developed with a short joining cycle (0.5 to 12 seconds) and without the need for surface preparation or pre-treatment of the PCB. Furthermore, the present connection structure achieves single-sided contact usability, similar to Surface Mounted Devices (SMDs). Therefore, the necessity of an underlying insulating layer and an additional coating layer that are otherwise required in the conventional wiring substrate is no longer required.

The terms used in this disclosure, and particularly in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.).

In addition, if a specific number of an claim recitation is intended to be introduced, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claims.

In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Further, where conventions similar to "at least one of A, B and C, etc." or "one or more of A, B and C, etc" are used, in general such structures are intended to include a alone, B alone, C, A and B together, a and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together, etc. For example, use of the term "and/or" is intended to be interpreted in this manner.

Furthermore, any disjunctive word or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description of an embodiment, a claim, or a drawing, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "a or B" should be understood to include the possibility of "a" or "B" or "a and B".

All examples and conditional language recited in the disclosure are intended for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.