Low resistance electric joint between conductive members, at least one

Abstract

A sound, low resistance joint is provided between two electrically conductive members, at least one having a bonded insulation coating thereon. In one form of the method of the present invention, a continuous metallic penetrator having sharp edges or burrs, such as a brass screen, is interwoven about at least two bonded insulation coated conductive members. The coated conductive members and interwoven penetrator are placed in a conductive connector member having chamfered holes therein. Welding electrodes subject the connector member to heat and pressure with welding current flowing between the welding electrodes. At least some of the welding current flows through the continuous metallic penetrator before the penetrator makes electrical contact to the insulation coated conductive members. The penetrator becomes heated by thermal heat from the welding electroides and resistance heat as the welding current passes therethrough. Heat from the interwoven penetrator melts the bonded insulation from the surface of the coated conductive members, causing the insulation to vaporize. A metallurgical bond is formed between the conductive members, the connector member, and the interwoven penetrator. Excess metal from the conductive members and the metallic penetrator flows through the chamfered holes, forming rivets. Other embodiments are disclosed.