centerline load center

Abstract

A power track is provided for a centerline load center. The track includes a busbar assembly for supplying electrical power and an insulating housing for the busbar assembly. The busbar assembly includes first and second separate line buses. The first and second line buses each include a first busbar having two branches and a second busbar having two branches. The first and second busbars are separated from each other in an X-configuration to provide first and second pairs of separate busbars. The insulating housing includes first and second sets of windows on opposite sides of the housing through which the first and second pairs of busbars in the housing are respectively connected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to power distribution systems, and more specifically, to power line rail assemblies for power distribution systems such as load centers. Background Technology

[0002] For each branch circuit conductor, the electrical panel may include live conductors, such as power line buses, and individual connection points on the bus that can be connected to electrical installations, such as circuit breakers and other equipment. The branch circuit conductors supply power to various loads, such as those within a residence. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A power line rail assembly for a power distribution system is provided. The power line rail assembly includes a line bus assembly for supplying electrical power and a housing for housing conductors of the line bus assembly. The line bus assembly includes conductors, such as a first line bus and separate second line buses. The first line bus includes a first bus with two branches, and the second line bus includes a second bus with two branches. The first and second buses are X-shapedly separated from each other along the length of the line bus assembly to provide first and second pairs of separate buses. One of the first pair of separate buses is located above one of the second buses. The other of the second pair of separate buses is located below the other of the second buses. The housing includes first and second sets of windows located on opposite sides of the housing for connecting to the first and second pairs of buses, respectively, within the housing. Each set of the first and second sets of windows includes a top window row and a bottom window row. The top row and bottom row are arranged along the length of the housing. The top window row of the first group of windows is used to connect to one of the first and second busbars of the first pair of separate busbars; the bottom window row of the first group of windows is used to connect to the other of the first and second busbars of the first pair of separate busbars. The top window row of the second group of windows is used to connect to one of the first and second busbars of the second pair of separate busbars; the bottom window row of the second group of windows is used to connect to the other of the first and second busbars of the second pair of separate busbars.

[0004] In various embodiments, the first and second busbars of the branches each have an elongated portion extending along the length of the housing, and an electrical connector of the branching device is connected to this elongated portion via a window from the first or second set. The elongated portions of the first busbars of the two branches may be diagonally separated from each other along the length of the housing, and the elongated portions of the second busbars of the two branches may also be diagonally separated from each other along the length of the housing. The elongated portions of the first busbars of the first pair of busbars may be substantially parallel to the second busbars of the second pair of busbars, and the elongated portions of the first busbars of the second pair of busbars may also be substantially parallel to the second busbars of the first pair of busbars.

[0005] The line bus assembly may also have a first end and an opposing second end, with two branches of the first bus branching out from the first end of the line bus assembly, and two branches of the second bus branching out from the second end of the line bus assembly. Furthermore, the first and second line buses may provide voltages at first and second voltages, respectively, and the line bus assembly is configured to provide a voltage substantially equal to the sum of the first and second voltages when the bipolar branching device has windows connected from one of the top and bottom rows of the first or second group, and windows from the other row of the top and bottom rows, to the first pole of the first line bus and to the second pole of the second line bus.

[0006] The top and bottom rows of each of the first and second groups on the respective sides of the housing can be spaced apart according to the pole spacing of the branch devices to which they can be connected. The first and second line buses can be electrically insulated from each other by a dielectric or insulating wall in the housing. The windows of the housing can be finger safety windows.

[0007] In another embodiment, the load center may include two neutral buses and a power line rail assembly disposed between the two neutral buses. The load center may also include multiple rails, each having a guide rail for guiding branch devices to connect to the first or second line bus via windows of corresponding top and bottom window pairs along the top and bottom window rows of the housing, the rails and corresponding window pairs being spaced along the housing according to the pole spacing of the branch devices to which they can be connected.

[0008] The load center may also include at least one branch device having a horizontal line connector (commonly referred to as a jaw) for connection to one of the first and second busbars via windows from top and bottom window pairs along the top and bottom window rows of the housing. The at least one branch device may also include a horizontal neutral connector configured to connect to, or disconnect from, a neutral busbar and one of the first and second busbars, respectively, when the at least one branch device is rocked in or out along a guide rail among the plurality of rails. The at least one branch device may also include a spring-loaded pawl (or lever) for engaging teeth or slots on the guide rails from the plurality of rails to lock the at least one branch device between the power line rail assembly and the rails after the at least one branch device is connected to the power line rail assembly in the rock-in position.

[0009] In various embodiments, the housing of the power line rail assembly may have a generally rectangular shape, with first and second sets of windows located on opposite sides of the housing along its length. The load center may also include an electronic rail configured to enable communication between one or more branch devices connected to a branch circuit powered by a first and / or second busbar, the electronic rail being connected to the top of the housing of the power line rail assembly. The at least one branch device may also include a communication connector for horizontally connecting to a communication port on the electronic rail.

[0010] In another embodiment, the load center may include: an electronic rail configured to enable communication between one or more branch devices connected to a branch circuit powered by the first and / or second busbar, the electronic rail being connected to the top of the housing of the power line rail assembly, the electronic rail including a row of communication ports arranged along the length of the electronic rail; at least one branch device having a horizontal line connector and a communication connector, the horizontal line connector being for connecting to one of the first and second busbars through windows from top and bottom window pairs of top and bottom window rows along the housing of the power line rail assembly, the communication connector being for connecting to a communication port of the communication port row on the electronic rail; and a plurality of rails, each rail having a guide rail for guiding the at least one branch device to connect to the first or second line bus through windows from corresponding top and bottom window pairs of top and bottom window rows along the housing of the power line rail assembly, and to a communication port of the communication port row on the electronic rail. The rails, the corresponding window pairs, and the communication ports are spaced apart along the housing according to the pole spacing of the branch devices to which they can be connected. Attached Figure Description

[0011] A more detailed description of the present disclosure, which has been briefly summarized above, can be obtained by referring to various embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the drawings illustrate selected embodiments of the present disclosure, they should not be considered as limiting its scope, as the present disclosure may allow for other equally effective embodiments.

[0012] Figure 1 A portion of an example power distribution system, such as an example load center, is shown with the front cover removed according to an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 An example is shown. Figure 1 Part of the load center, with a front cover.

[0014] Figure 3A An enclosureless power rail bus assembly according to an embodiment is shown, wherein when in such Figure 3BWhen viewed in the cross-section shown, the two line buses and their branch busbars are arranged in an X-shape or -X-shape structure.

[0015] Figure 4 A top perspective view of a power line rail assembly, a neutral busbar, and multiple rails therebetween for branching devices, and their respective windows, is shown according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5A A side perspective view of the power line rail assembly, electronic rail, and guide rail for branching device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0017] Figure 5B An enlarged side perspective view of a portion of the power line rail assembly, electronic rail, and guide rail for branching device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0018] Figure 6A , 6B Figures 6C and 6C illustrate an example unipolar branch device with a horizontal line connector and a neutral connector according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7A , 7B Figures 7C and 7C illustrate an example bipolar branching device according to an embodiment, which has two sets of horizontal line connectors and a neutral connector for each pole.

[0020] Figure 8 An example is shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the load center, including the power rail bus assembly and the branch devices connected thereto.

[0021] Figure 9A , 9B Figures 9C and 9D show different views of a single-pole branching device with a ratchet lock according to an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 10A , 10B Figure 10C illustrates how, according to an embodiment, the branching device is rocked in or out on the guide rail. Figure 1 and 2 An example of a power line track assembly at a load center.

[0023] Where possible, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements in the drawings. However, elements disclosed in one embodiment may be advantageously used in other embodiments without specific description. Detailed Implementation

[0024] This disclosure relates to a power line rail assembly (or “power line rail”) for a power distribution system, such as a centerline load center or distribution board (hereinafter referred to as a “load center”), employing two independent line buses, each line bus having two branch busbars. The branch busbars of the line buses are configured in an X-shape or X-shaped structure (hereinafter referred to as “X-shape”) to provide line power from either side of the power distribution system (e.g., left or right) to one or more branch devices connected thereto. The branch devices may include circuit breakers, switches, or other protective or monitoring branch devices that can be connected to the start of the branch circuit.

[0025] The power line rail assembly may also include a housing arranged along the center of the power distribution system for accommodating busbars of the line buses. The housing may include multiple windows (e.g., windows, openings, slots, etc.) on opposite sides of the housing to allow branching devices to connect from either side of the power distribution system to two line buses thereon. The windows may be spaced apart along the housing according to the pole spacing of the branching devices to which they can be connected. The power distribution system may also include a rail system having multiple rails on opposite sides of the housing for guiding each pole of the branching device to connect to one of the line buses through a corresponding window on the housing. In this way, the windows and rails can be arranged on both sides of the power distribution system according to the pole spacing of the branching devices to which they can be connected, thereby providing each pole of the device with a rail and an associated window for connection to a conductor of either of the two line buses. For example, the spacing of the rails and windows is configured to match the pole spacing of the branching devices to which they can be connected (e.g., the width or approximate width of the branching device).

[0026] Because the right-side branch can connect to one line and the left-side branch can connect to another, the X-shape of the busbar allows for balanced current loads on two line buses (e.g., line 1 and line 2) even when using unipolar (also known as "one-pole") branching devices. This configuration also allows unipolar branching devices to connect to two lines if needed (e.g., voltage monitoring devices, surge protection devices, etc.). The two-dimensional power bus geometry significantly simplifies manufacturing. For example, no additional cutting or forming of bus material is required. It also minimizes raw material waste due to cutting. Furthermore, the power line rail can exist independently as a sub-assembly. It can accommodate all the necessary components to form insulation and conductors to supply power to each branch.

[0027] When the branch device is connected to the power line rail assembly, a ratchet locking system can also be provided to lock the branch device to the load center. The branch device may include a spring-loaded pawl for engaging teeth / grooves on a guide rail. For example, the guide rail may include a guide rail T-groove and a dovetail rail to prevent the device from moving in all directions except one, and the ratchet can then occupy that final direction of movement. The guide rail and pawl together create a ratchet function. When the branch device is connected to the power line rail assembly along the guide rail at the load center and the pawl of the branch device engages with the teeth / grooves on the guide rail, the ratchet “locks” the branch device in the installed position. To remove or unload the branch device, the ratchet can be released using a screwdriver tool utilizing the teeth / grooves on the guide rail when the pawl is released from the guide rail. This locking configuration prevents accidental removal of the device and facilitates the rocking in and out of the branch device along the guide rail at the load center.

[0028] In various embodiments, an electronic rail assembly (also referred to as an "electronic rail") may be provided, which can be attached to the housing of the power line rail assembly. The electronic rail subassembly may include communication components, such as processors, communication lines, connectors / interfaces for branch units, wired / wireless transceivers, etc., housed within the housing and may exist independently as a subassembly or unit. For example, the electronic rail assembly may house all necessary components to form insulation, PCBAs, and connectors for centralized connection to branch units. The electronic rail assembly may connect to the cloud for electronic purposes (e.g., monitoring, load control, firmware upgrades, etc.) and may also provide a user interface (UI) as it can be configured to protrude from or extend through a panel cover at the load center. The electronic rail assembly may be located on top of the power bus rail assembly and can be easily removed and replaced (e.g., in the event of a failure) without requiring extensive panel disassembly. The electronic rail assembly may provide high-speed communication links between devices, such as between branch circuit breakers and main circuit breakers, enabling hybrid switching, main-to-branch circuit breaker interruption coordination, load disconnection, spoofed protection signal exchange, and other coordinated operations performed or between devices. The electronic track assembly can also act as an electronic trip unit for circuit breakers, performing numerous protection calculations and fault protection decisions. It can also supply low-voltage power to branch unit electronics, eliminating the need for unique power supplies located within each branch unit. Various operations implemented by the electronic track assembly can be controlled or executed by its processor.

[0029] Furthermore, when using a two-wire bus assembly with the X-shaped structure described herein, the connector configuration on the branch device, such as circuit breakers, switches, etc., can also be improved. For example, in some embodiments, the branch device can employ connectors with jaw orientation, such as jaw-type connectors, which allow for easier and safer installation orientation and provide increased mechanical advantages for installing and removing the device using tools (e.g., screwdrivers, etc.). It can allow electrical connections to be made in the same direction of movement as the electronic / communication connections of the electronic track assembly.

[0030] In various embodiments, power line rail assemblies can be finger-safe by combining simple busbars and insulating housings (e.g., housings, enclosures, shells, etc.). The housing may include a small window within the insulating housing configured to have a size or shape that allows branching device connectors (e.g., clamp or plier connectors or other electrical connectors) to pass through, but not larger than a typical adult finger.

[0031] Therefore, the centerline load center of the power line rail assembly and electronic rail of this disclosure can provide communication connections to individual or each pole space, as well as better branch alignment, better branch retention, easier installation and removal, less vibration hazard, and can utilize lower cost and simpler busbar design.

[0032] These and other exemplary features of this disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A portion of an example power distribution system, such as example load center 100, is shown, with housing 102 having a front cover 104 and a front cover 104, respectively. Figure 1As shown, housing 102 houses components of load center 100. Load center 100 includes two neutral buses 120 and a power line rail assembly 150 extending between the two neutral buses 120 along the centerline of load center 100. Power line rail assembly 150 includes two independent line buses, namely a first line bus 152 and a second line bus 154, which have conductors and are powered at the same or different voltages (e.g., 120 volts, 240 volts, etc.). The conductors of power line rail assembly 150 may include two branch busbars for each line bus 152, 154 and may be connected to receive power from a mains power source or other upstream power source. As will be described in more detail below with reference to other accompanying drawings, the power line rail assembly 150 has busbars of line buses 152 and 154 arranged in an X-shaped or -X-shaped configuration (“X-shaped”) to allow branching devices to connect from either side of the finger safety housing of the power line rail assembly 150, for example from the left or right side of the load center 100, to the first line bus 152 or the second line bus 154.

[0034] The load center 100 may include a rail system having multiple rails 170 on opposite sides of the power line rail assembly 150 for each pole of a branch device that can be connected thereto. Each rail 170 may include a guide rail 172 for the pole of the branch device, and multiple teeth / slots of a ratchet locking system for locking the branch device when connected to a conductor of the power line rail assembly 150. Figure 1 As shown, multiple branch devices, such as circuit breakers (e.g., miniature circuit breakers (MCBs)), can be connected along the power line rail assembly 160. The branch devices may include, for example, a single-pole branch device 190, a double-pole branch device 192, and other branch devices connected to the conductors of the power line rail assembly 150.

[0035] like Figure 1As further shown, an electronic track 160 is arranged on the power line rail assembly 150 and includes a housing 162 for accommodating components of the electronic track 160. The housing 162 is configured to be mounted on or located on top of the housing of the power line rail assembly 150. The electronic track can be connected to the power line rail assembly 150 using one or more fasteners 162 (e.g., screws). The electronic track 160 may include communication equipment through which communication can be made with or connected to devices attached thereto. The communication equipment of the electronic track 160 may include transceivers for conductive or wireless communication, communication lines, device connectors / interfaces, processors for controlling components and operation of the electronic track 160, and other connection devices in the load center 100, all housed within the housing 162 (e.g., housing, enclosure, shell, etc.). The housing 162 may also include a window through which branch devices can connect to the connectors / interfaces of the electronic track 160 for communication with other devices.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, when the front cover 104 of the load center housing 102 is closed, a portion of the electronic track 160 can extend through an opening in the cover 104. This configuration can be useful when wireless communication is employed, as a wireless transceiver or its antenna can be arranged within the portion of the electronic track extending through the cover 104. A user interface can also be located on the extension for user input of commands or settings that can be used to control the operation of the load center and devices connected therein, including branch units, main circuit breakers, etc. Furthermore, the top portions of circuit breakers 190 and 192 and their handles also extend through the housing 102 to allow user operation, and a filler plate 210 can be used to cover openings without branch units.

[0037] Figure 3A , 3B and Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 and Figure 2An example of a power line rail assembly 150, which has no housing 400, is arranged between two neutral bus lines (or busbars) 120 along the centerline (or axis) of a load center 100. As shown in FIG3, the power line rail assembly 150 includes line bus assemblies with conductors, such as a first line bus 152 and a second line bus 154, which can supply power to branch devices connected thereto at the same or different voltages. The first line bus 152 includes first busbars 352A and 352B with two branches, and the second line bus includes second busbars 354A and 354B with two branches. Busbars 352A, 352B, 354A, and 354B each have an elongated portion extending in the length direction, and an electrical connector for the branch device is connected to the elongated portion. The elongated portions of the first busbars 352A and 352B branch off diagonally from one end of the power line rail assembly 150; and the elongated portions of the second busbars 354A and 354B also branch off diagonally from the other end of the power line rail assembly 150. In this example, the first busbar 352A branches off at a height less than that of the first busbar 352B; the second busbar 354A branches off at a height less than that of the second busbar 354B.

[0038] First busbars 352A and 352B (or their elongated portions) and second busbars 354A and 354B (or their elongated portions) are separated from each other in an X-shape, thereby providing first and second pairs of separate busbars for each side of the load center 100, such as the left and right sides. In this example, the first pair of separate busbars 352B and 354A has one of the first busbars 352B located above one of the second busbars 354A, and the second pair of separate busbars 352A and 354B has another of the first busbars 352A located below the other of the second busbars 354B. The first and second busbars 352A, 352B, 354A, and 354B (or their elongated portions) are at least substantially parallel / parallel to each other.

[0039] like Figure 4As shown, the power line rail assembly 150 may further include a housing 400 (e.g., a shell, enclosure, housing, etc.) for housing the conductors of the line busbar assembly of the power line rail assembly 150. The housing 400 may be an insulating (or electrically insulating) housing, which may be formed of a dielectric or insulating material. The housing 400 includes first and second sets of windows on opposite sides of the housing 400, through which connectors from the device are respectively connected or engaged to first and second pairs of busbars 352B, 354A and 352A, 354B in the housing 400. In this example, the first set of windows includes a top window row 450 (“top window”) for connection to the first busbar 352B and a bottom window row 452 (“bottom window”) for connection to the second busbar 354A of the first pair of busbars. Although in Figure 4 As not shown, the second set of windows on opposite sides of the housing 400 may have a layout similar to or the same as the first set of windows. For example, the second set of windows may also include a top window row 450 for connecting to the second busbar 354B and a bottom window row 452 for connecting to the first busbar 352A of the second pair of busbars.

[0040] The first and second sets of windows 450 and 452 are arranged along the length of the housing 400. Windows 450 and 452 may also be finger-safe windows whose size, shape and / or dimensions prevent an average adult-sized finger from touching the conductor of component 150 through the window, but allow the device's connectors (e.g., clamp connectors or other electrical connectors) to connect to the conductor through the window.

[0041] In this example, the windows 450 and 452 of the first and second groups can have a spacing / pitch along the length of the housing 400, which can correspond to the spacing / pitch of the rails 170 of each pole of the branching device that can be connected to the power line rail assembly 150. Therefore, each pair of windows 450 and 452 can be aligned and associated with its respective rail 170 for receiving the pole of the branching device. Thus, the spacing / pitch of the window pairs 450 and 452 and the rails 170 along the length direction can match the pole spacing of the branching device that can be connected to the power line rail assembly. In this way, the branching devices (e.g., 190 and 192) can be connected to or disconnected from the power line rail assembly 150 from either side of the load center 100 in a safe and orderly manner. The spacing / pitch of the components can correspond to the distance from the center of one component to the center of the next or adjacent component.

[0042] like Figure 4 As further shown, the housing 400 of the power line rail assembly 150 may include one or more fastener holes 458, for example at either end of the housing, for use with fasteners 558 (e.g., Figure 5AThe screws shown secure the electronic track 160 or its housing 162 to the top of the housing 400. Other types of fasteners or fastening systems may be used to secure the electronic track 160 to the power line rail assembly 150. In this example, the top of the housing 400 may have a beveled edge (or boundary) such that the bottom of the housing 162 can be located at the top of the housing 400. In some embodiments, the housing 162 of the electronic track 160 may also include spaced windows 550, each window having a communication port 552 (e.g., an RJ port, a USB port, etc.), similar to the windows (e.g., 450 and 452) of the housing 400. Figure 5B As shown, this allows branch units to connect their communication components to electronic rails 160 via communication connectors (e.g., RJ connectors, USB connectors, etc.). Communication ports 552 may be spaced along housing 162 to align with associated rails 170 and associated window pairs 450 and 452, and therefore may also have a pitch corresponding to the pole spacing of branch units that can be connected to load center 100. The pole spacing (or pitch) of the branch units may be the width or approximate width of the branch unit, such as the width of a circuit breaker (e.g., one inch wide, 25 mm wide, or less). The pitch or spacing can be from the centerline / axis of one unit or component to the centerline of an adjacent unit or component.

[0043] In addition, such as Figure 5A As shown, each of the plurality of rails 170 on opposite sides of the power line rail assembly 150 may include a guide rail 172 and a tooth / groove 174. Each guide rail 172 may have a dovetail cross-section for engaging and guiding each pole of a branching device thereon in a horizontal direction. In this way, the branching device may be inserted into the guide rail 172 to slide toward or away from the power line rail assembly 150 and the power line rail 160.

[0044] Figure 6A , 6B Figure 6C illustrates an example single-pole branch device 190, which has a horizontal line connector 692 for horizontal connection to a conductor of a line bus, a horizontal neutral connector 694 for horizontal connection to a neutral bus 120, and a communication connector 698 for connection to an electronic track 160. The horizontal line connector 692 can be configured to have a desired height for... Figure 4The top window 450 or bottom window 452 of the power line rail assembly 150 is connected to the conductor of the line bus. The branching device 190 may include a bottom portion 696 with a recess, the bottom portion 696 having the dimensions and shape of a guide rail 172 that engages one of the guide rails 170 in the horizontal direction and slides along the guide rail 172. In this example, the portion 696 may have a dovetail-shaped cross-section recess, and the line and neutral connectors 692, 694 may be clamp connectors. In some embodiments, the unipolar branching device 190 may have a width of approximately 25 mm.

[0045] Figure 7A , 7B Figures 7C and 7C illustrate an exemplary bipolar branching device 192 according to an embodiment, having two sets of horizontal lines and neutral connectors for each pole, and a communication connector 798 connected to an electronic track 160. As shown, the branching device 192 has first sets of horizontal lines and neutral connectors 792A and 794A for the first pole, and second sets of horizontal lines and neutral connectors 792B and 794B for the second pole, respectively. The horizontal line connector 792A has a height or position (e.g., at) the bottom window 452 of the housing 400. Figure 4 In the middle section, the horizontal line connector 792B has a height or position connected to the top window 450 of the housing. The branching device 192 also includes recessed bottom portions 796A and 796B for the first and second poles, respectively. The dimensions and shape of each recessed bottom portion 796A, 796B are adapted to engage and slide along the guide rail 172 of one of the guide rails 170 in the horizontal direction. In this example, portions 796A, 796B may have recesses with a dovetail cross-sectional shape, and the line and neutral connectors 792A / B, 794A / B may be clamp connectors. In some embodiments, each pole of the branching device 192 may have a width of approximately 25 mm.

[0046] Figure 8 An example is shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the load center 100, including the power rail bus assembly 150 and branch devices (e.g., 190 and 192) connected thereto. Figure 8As shown, the branch first busbars 352A and 352B and the branch second busbars 354A and 354B of the first and second line buses 152 and 154 are arranged in an X-shape to provide first and second pairs of separate busbars for each side of the load center 100, such as the left and right sides. As previously described, the first pair of separate busbars 352B and 354A has one of the first busbars 352B located above one of the second busbars 354A, and the second pair of separate busbars 352A and 354B has the other of the first busbars 352A located below the other of the second busbars 354B.

[0047] exist Figure 8 In this example, a single-pole branch device 190 is arranged on rail 170 to the left of load center 100, and its line connector 692 is connected to the second busbar 354A of the second line bus 154 through bottom window 452 of housing 400, and its neutral connector 694 is connected to neutral bus 120. On the opposite side, another single-pole branch device 190 is arranged on rail 170 to the right of load center 100, and its line connector 692 is connected to the first busbar 352A of the first line bus 152 through bottom window 452 of housing 400, and its neutral connector 694 is connected to neutral bus 120. The example described above allows the single-pole branch device to be connected from either side of load center 100 to the first line bus 152 or the second line bus 154 of power line rail assembly 150. In some embodiments, the bipolar branching device 192 (e.g., in FIG. 7) can be arranged on two adjacent guide rails 170, with the line connector of one pole connected to busbar 352B through top window 450 and the line connector of the second pole connected to busbar 354A through bottom window 452. In this way, combined voltages can be supplied to the branching device 192 and its branch circuits from the first and second line buses 152 and 154, respectively.

[0048] Figure 9A , 9B 9C and 9D illustrate a single-pole branch device 190 with a circuit breaker ratchet lock assembly according to an embodiment (e.g., in...). Figure 6A , 6B Different views from (and 8). In this example, branch device 190 includes a ratchet lock component for locking branch device 190 into rail 170 when the lines and neutral connectors 692, 694 are connected to the conductor and neutral bus 120 on the power line rail assembly 150, respectively. Figure 9A and 9BAs shown, the branch device 190 may include a bracket 900 for holding a spring-loaded pawl (or lever) that is pivotable along an axis and can be spring-loaded such that the tip (or open end) of the pawl 910 points downward in a rest position. The bracket 900 also includes a space (or opening) 902 between the pawl 910 and the rear wall of the branch device 190 or the bracket 900. After the branch device 190 is arranged on one of the rails 170, its line connector 692 is connected to a conductor (through a window) on the power line rail assembly 150 and its neutral connector 694 is connected to the neutral bus 120, the pawl 910 may engage with one of the teeth / grooves 174 on the rail 170, such as... Figure 9C and 9D As shown, this is to lock the branching device 190 between the guide rail 170 and the power line rail assembly 150. As described herein, the ratchet lock assembly can also be used with a multi-pole branching device, which may include a pawl or pawls for each pole.

[0049] Figure 10A , 10B Figure 10C illustrates how, according to an embodiment, the branching device is rocked in and out on guide rail 170. Figure 1 and 2 An example of the power line rail assembly 150 of the load center 100 (e.g., device 190 of Figure 6). Figure 10A As shown, each pole of the branching device 190 (a single-pole device in this example) can be inserted into the guide rail 170 to move along the guide track 172 of the guide rail 170. As previously described, the bottom recess 696 of the branching device 190 can be movably engaged with the guide track 172 of the guide rail 170.

[0050] A flathead screwdriver or similar tool 1000 can extend through the space 902 of the bracket 900 of the branch device 190 to engage one of the teeth / grooves 174 of the guide rail 170. The tool 1000 can be used as... Figure 10B The branch device 190 is manipulated in one direction to jack in, thereby connecting the line connector 692 to the conductor of the power line rail assembly 150 (via window 450 or 452) and the neutral connector 694 to the neutral bus 120. When the branch device 190 is jacked in, the communication connector of the branch device 190 (e.g., Figure 6C 698 or Figure 7C The 798 in the middle can also be connected to the corresponding communication port 552 on the electronic track 160 to facilitate communication between the branch device and other devices / systems.

[0051] Tool 1000 can be used in, for example Figure 10COperating in the other direction, as shown, allows the branch device 190 to be unscrewed, thereby disconnecting the line connector 692 from the conductors of the power line rail assembly (via windows 450 or 452), disconnecting the neutral connection 694 from the neutral bus 120, and disconnecting other components of the branch device 190 from the load center 100. Therefore, the load center 100 provides a power line bus assembly 150 and, if desired, an electronic rail 160 along a centerline or axis, which allows branch devices (and their connectors) to be easily unscrewed into or out of the conductors and communication components of the load center 100. The load center 100 also provides a rail system with a ratchet lock assembly and finger safety protection, which facilitates the orderly and safe connection and disconnection of branch devices on the load center 100.

[0052] Various embodiments have been referenced above. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments specifically described. Rather, any combination of the described features and elements, whether or not associated with different embodiments, is contemplated to achieve and practice the intended embodiments. Furthermore, while embodiments may provide advantages over other possible solutions or prior art, whether a particular advantage is achieved by a given embodiment does not limit the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the foregoing aspects, features, embodiments, and advantages are merely illustrative and should not be considered as elements or limitations of the appended claims unless expressly stated in the claims.

[0053] Note that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the,” and any singular use of any word, include plural referents unless explicitly and unambiguously limited to a single referent. As used herein, the term “comprising” and its grammatical variations are intended to be non-limiting, such that the listing of items does not exclude other similar items that may be replaced or added to the listed items.

[0054] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Many other embodiments will become apparent upon reading and understanding the above description. Although specific examples have been described in this disclosure, it should be recognized that the systems and methods of this disclosure are not limited to the examples described herein but can be implemented with modifications within the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the specification and drawings are to be considered illustrative and not limiting. Accordingly, the spirit of this disclosure should be determined by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents.

Claims

1. A power line rail assembly for a power distribution system, comprising: A line bus assembly for supplying electrical power has conductors including a first line bus and separate second line buses. The first line bus includes a first bus with two branches, and the second line bus includes a second bus with two branches. The first and second bus bars are X-shapedly separated from each other along the length of the line bus assembly to provide first and second pairs of separate bus bars. The first pair of separate bus bars has one of the first bus bars located above one of the second bus bars, and the second pair of separate bus bars has another of the first bus bars located below the other of the second bus bars. A housing for accommodating the conductors of a line busbar assembly, the housing including first and second sets of windows located on opposite sides of the housing, through which connections are made to first and second pairs of busbars within the housing, respectively. Each of the first and second groups of windows has a top window row and a bottom window row, which are arranged along the length of the housing. The top window row of the first group of windows is used to connect to one of the first and second busbars of the first pair of separate busbars, and the bottom window row of the first group of windows is used to connect to the other of the first and second busbars of the first pair of separate busbars. The top window row of the second group of windows is used to connect to one of the first and second busbars of the second pair of separate busbars, and the bottom window row of the second group of windows is used to connect to the other of the first and second busbars of the second pair of separate busbars.

2. The power line track assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first and second busbars of the branch each have an elongated portion that extends along the length of the housing and has an electrical connector for the branch device connected to the elongated portion via a window from the first or second group.

3. The power line track assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The elongated portions of the first busbars of the two branches are diagonally separated from each other along the length of the housing, and the elongated portions of the second busbars of the two branches are diagonally separated from each other along the length of the housing.

4. The power line track assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The elongated portion of the first busbar of the first pair of busbars is at least substantially parallel to the second busbar of the second pair of busbars, and the elongated portion of the first busbar of the second pair of busbars is at least substantially parallel to the second busbar of the first pair of busbars.

5. The power line track assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The line busbar assembly has a first end and an opposite second end, with two branches of first busbars branching out from the first end of the line busbar assembly and two branches of second busbars branching out from the second end of the line busbar assembly.

6. The power line track assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first and second line buses provide voltages at first and second voltages, respectively, and the line bus assembly is configured to provide a voltage substantially equal to the sum of the first and second voltages when the bipolar branching device has windows connected from one of the top and bottom rows of the first or second group and windows from the other row of the top and bottom rows connected to a first pole of the first line bus and a second pole connected to the second line bus.

7. The power line track assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The rows of each of the first and second groups on the respective sides of the housing are such that their windows are spaced apart according to the pole spacing of the branching devices to which they can be connected.

8. The power line track assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first and second line buses are electrically insulated from each other by a dielectric or insulating wall in the housing.

9. The power line track assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The window in the outer casing is a finger safety window.

10. A load center, comprising: Two neutral buses; and The power line rail assembly according to claim 1 is arranged between the two neutral buses.

11. The load center according to claim 10, further comprising: Multiple guide rails, each with a guide rail, for guiding branch devices to connect to a first or second line bus via corresponding top and bottom window pairs of the top and bottom window rows along the housing of the power line rail assembly, the guide rails and corresponding window pairs being spaced along the housing according to the pole spacing of the branch devices to which they can be connected.

12. The load center of claim 11, further comprising at least one branching device having a horizontal line connector for connection to one of the first and second busbars via windows of the top and bottom pairs of the top and bottom window rows of the housing of the power line rail assembly.

13. The load center according to claim 12, wherein, The at least one branch device further includes a horizontal neutral connector, the at least one branch device being configured to connect the neutral connector and the line connector to one of the neutral busbar and the first and second busbars, respectively, or disconnect them from one of the neutral busbar and the first and second busbars, when the at least one branch device is swung in or out along one of the plurality of guide rails.

14. The load center according to claim 12, wherein, The at least one branch device further includes a spring-loaded pawl for engaging teeth or slots on one of the plurality of guide rails to lock the at least one branch device between the power line rail assembly and the guide rails after the at least one branch device is connected to the power line rail assembly in the rock-in position.

15. The load center according to claim 10, wherein, The housing of the power line rail assembly has a generally rectangular shape, and the first and second sets of windows are located on opposite sides of the housing along the length of the housing of the power line rail assembly.

16. The load center of claim 10 further includes an electronic rail configured to enable communication between one or more branch devices connected to a branch circuit powered by a first and / or second busbar, the electronic rail being connected to the top of the housing of the power line rail assembly.

17. The load center of claim 16, further comprising at least one branching device having a horizontal line connector for connection to one of the first and second busbars via windows of the top and bottom pairs of the top and bottom window rows of the housing of the power line rail assembly, the at least one branching device further comprising a communication connector for connection in the horizontal direction to a communication port of the electronic rail.

18. The load center according to claim 10, further comprising: An electronic rail, configured to enable communication between one or more branch devices connected to a branch circuit powered by a first and / or second busbar, the electronic rail being connected to the top of the housing of the power line rail assembly, the electronic rail including a row of communication ports arranged along the length of the electronic rail; At least one branch device having a horizontal line connector and a communication connector, the horizontal line connector being for connecting to one of the first and second busbars via windows of the top and bottom pairs of the top and bottom window rows of the housing of the power line rail assembly, the communication connector being for connecting to a communication port of the communication port row on the power line rail; and Multiple guide rails, each with a guide rail, are used to guide the at least one branch device to connect to the first or second line bus via the windows of the top and bottom pairs of the top and bottom window rows along the housing of the power line rail assembly, and to the communication ports of the communication port row on the electronic rail. The guide rails, corresponding window pairs, and communication ports are spaced along the housing according to the pole spacing of the branch devices to which they can be connected.

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