METHOD FOR DETERMINING AT LEAST ONE CHARACTERISTIC VALUE OF AN ELECTRICAL BUSBAR ARRANGEMENT, USING A CONDUCTIVE MEDIUM, AND TEST ADAPTER

Abstract

A method is proposed for determining at least one characteristic value of an electrical busbar assembly (100) comprising at least one busbar (110, 120) at least partially surrounded by an insulating sheath (112, 114). The method comprises inserting the busbar assembly (100) at least partially into a test adapter (200) such that at least one electrical contact element (206) of the test adapter (200) detachably contacts the at least one busbar (110, 120). Furthermore, the method comprises inserting the test adapter (200) with the busbar assembly (100) inserted therein at least partially into a conductive medium such that at least the busbar assembly (100) is surrounded by the conductive medium.Furthermore, the method includes performing at least one test measurement to determine at least one characteristic value on the busbar assembly (100) introduced into the conductive medium with the test adapter (200).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for determining at least one characteristic value of an electrical busbar assembly. The invention further relates to the use of a conductive medium for testing at least one characteristic value of an electrical busbar assembly. The invention also relates to a test adapter for testing at least one characteristic value of an electrical busbar assembly. State of the art

[0002] In practice, it is desirable to test an electrical busbar assembly used to conduct electrical current before its use in, for example, a vehicle or other application, e.g., against a busbar assembly specification. Such testing may be required, for example, during manufacturing, quality control, etc. For instance, it may be desirable to test the busbar assembly's insulation or another electrical characteristic. As just one example of a possible test, a dielectric strength test is performed, in which the busbar assembly's insulation is tested for its breakdown strength.

[0003] DE 10 2011 050 371 A1 describes a method and a device for leak testing an electrically conductive component surrounded by a casing. An inner electrode is contacted with the component, and an outer electrode is positioned on the casing, following its contour. After applying a test voltage, the measured test current is used to determine the tightness of the casing.

[0004] DE 102 25 213 B4 describes a method and a device for testing the tightness of hermetically sealed components, in which the component is immersed in a conductive solution and a voltage is applied between the component and a counter electrode. The tightness of the component can be assessed by measuring a current pulse. Description of the invention

[0005] One object of the invention is therefore to create a method for testing an electrical characteristic of an electrical busbar arrangement that is as effective as possible and / or at least partially automatable.

[0006] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims, the description, and the accompanying figures.

[0007] According to a first aspect, a method for determining at least one characteristic value of an electrical busbar assembly is proposed. The busbar assembly to be tested has at least one busbar that is at least partially surrounded by an insulating sheath. The method comprises inserting the busbar assembly, at least partially, into a test adapter. The busbar assembly is inserted into the test adapter such that at least one electrical contact element of the test adapter detachably contacts the at least one busbar. Furthermore, the method comprises inserting the test adapter, with the busbar assembly inserted therein, at least partially, into a conductive medium.The test adapter and the busbar assembly, at least partially integrated therein, are jointly inserted into the conductive medium such that at least the busbar assembly is surrounded by the conductive medium. Furthermore, the method comprises performing at least one test measurement to determine at least one characteristic value on the busbar assembly inserted into the conductive medium with the test adapter.

[0008] The proposed method can also be used to test the insulation sheath and / or the insulation of at least one busbar and can be designated accordingly. The method allows for testing at the end of production or the production line, i.e., end-of-line (EOL) testing, and / or at the beginning of production or the production line, i.e., beginning-of-line (BOL) testing. The test adapter enables various types of test measurements or tests on different characteristics of the busbar assembly. Furthermore, the test adapter allows these test measurements to be performed with a high degree of automation. In particular, the test according to the method can be performed at least partially automatically. The high degree of automation allows for testing even with high production volumes.Furthermore, the high degree of automation reduces the risk of injury to manufacturing or testing personnel. Multiple, potentially different, test measurements can also be performed simultaneously, making the testing process particularly efficient.

[0009] As used herein, the busbar assembly can serve to conduct and / or distribute electric current, without limitation. For example, it can serve for the mechanical decoupling of a high-voltage busbar, e.g., a high-voltage double busbar, from connection points, e.g., a charging socket and / or battery, or the like, in, e.g., a vehicle, motor vehicle, etc. The busbar assembly comprises at least one busbar. The at least one busbar can be designed to be at least substantially rigid or inflexible. That is, it cannot deform, at least substantially, under its own weight, disregarding long-term cold yielding. For example, the at least one busbar can be of sheet metal form. The at least one busbar can be made of an electrically conductive metallic material. For example, it can be made of an aluminum alloy, e.g.,The busbar may be made of pure aluminum or an aluminum alloy, or the like. For example, a rectangular cross-section may be provided. The at least one busbar has, at least in sections, an insulating sheath, which can also be understood and / or referred to as the insulation of the at least one busbar. At least one end section and / or longitudinal end section of the at least one busbar may be enclosed. In other words, the busbar arrangement may have at least one housing that encloses and / or surrounds the at least one busbar. In at least some embodiments, the busbar arrangement may have at least two busbars. The two busbars may be arranged, at least in sections, in a planar fashion and / or parallel to each other.

[0010] The test adapter can, for example, serve to and / or be configured to establish an electrical connection to the at least one busbar. Via this electrical connection, the at least one busbar can be supplied with an electric current or voltage through the test adapter for and / or during the at least one test measurement. The test adapter can also serve to hold the busbar assembly in a desired position, orientation, or the like. Furthermore, the test adapter can also be used to handle the busbar assembly during the procedure. In at least some embodiments, the test adapter can have at least one fluid channel through which an interior of the test adapter can be pressurized with a fluid, e.g., also a gas, under negative pressure, positive pressure, etc.The at least one electrical contact element is designed for detachable contact with the at least one busbar. It can be designed, for example, as a contact pin, contact pin, or the like. If the at least one test measurement is a resistance measurement or a four-pole measurement, the test adapter can have a pair of voltage-measuring and current-carrying contact elements. The current-carrying contact elements can introduce a defined measuring current, and the voltage-measuring contact elements can measure a voltage drop across the at least one busbar.

[0011] The at least one electrical parameter can vary depending on the test measurement performed. The test measurements to be carried out on the busbar assembly can be specified, for example, in a product specification, a requirements specification, a standard, a legal requirement, etc. For example, the at least one electrical parameter can also relate to a property, quality, etc., of the insulation sheath of the at least one busbar. The at least one parameter could be, for example, the dielectric strength of the insulation sheath of the at least one busbar, the tightness of the busbar assembly and / or the insulation sheath, a resistance of the at least one busbar and / or the busbar assembly, such as conductor resistance, or the like.

[0012] The conductive medium can be provided, for example, in a container or similar. The assembly formed by the test adapter and the busbar assembly can be immersed in the conductive medium. Accordingly, the conductive medium can surround the assembly of test adapter and busbar assembly after its immersion, or, in the case of a fluid, even flow around it, etc. For at least one test measurement, the conductive medium can serve as the ground potential, with the at least one busbar serving as a current conductor and / or as a positive potential.

[0013] The result of each test measurement can be displayed, logged, etc. If a test measurement yields a negative result, e.g., insufficient dielectric strength, leakage, or excessive conductor resistance, the busbar assembly can be deemed defective or similar. If the result is positive, the busbar assembly can be deemed compliant with specifications and / or approved for use.

[0014] According to further training, the at least one test measurement can include at least one of the following: dielectric strength test, leak test, and resistance measurement. The dielectric strength test can relate to the dielectric strength and / or the voltage withstand capability of the insulation sheath of the at least one busbar. During the at least one test measurement, the conductive medium can be tested and / or monitored to determine whether an electrical voltage applied to the at least one busbar arcs to the conductive medium. This can be done, for example, by measuring the current across the conductive medium. The leak test can relate to the tightness of the insulation sheath of the at least one busbar and / or the tightness of a housing of the busbar assembly. The resistance measurement can be performed, for example, as a four-terminal measurement.The resistance measurement can, for example, refer to the conductor resistance of at least one busbar. The various test measurements can be carried out sequentially or at least partially concurrently.

[0015] In a further training procedure, at least one test measurement may include a dielectric strength test. The procedure may also include applying an electrical voltage to at least one busbar via at least one contact element. Furthermore, the procedure may include determining whether the electrical voltage from the at least one busbar arcs to the conductive medium. Here, the at least one busbar may serve as the conductor, while the conductive medium serves as the reference potential and / or ground potential. Determining whether the electrical voltage arcs can be done, for example, by measuring the current on or in the conductive medium. Alternatively or additionally, the current measurement can be performed on a single busbar assembly or individual busbar.When multiple busbar assemblies or busbars are tested simultaneously, it is possible to determine which of the busbar assemblies or busbars has a fault, i.e., which has failed the dielectric strength test. The electrical voltage should be sufficiently high. For example, the electrical voltage can be between approximately 1 kV and approximately 30 kV or more. A higher voltage can be chosen, for instance, if insulation thickness is to be included in the test. The electrical voltage can also be increased gradually, if necessary until it arcs to the conductive medium.

[0016] According to further training, to determine whether the electrical voltage from at least one busbar is arcing to the conductive medium, an electrical current flow in or across the conductive medium can be measured. For example, if several busbar assemblies, each with its associated test adapter, are simultaneously inserted into the conductive medium, a separate circuit can be used to distinguish which of the multiple busbar assemblies is experiencing an electrical arc. This allows for the parallel testing of multiple busbar assemblies.

[0017] In a training course, at least one test measurement may include a leak test. The procedure may also include applying pressure to an enclosed interior of the test adapter containing the busbar assembly.

[0018] Furthermore, the method can also include determining whether the applied pressure is dissipated via the busbar assembly. For example, the busbar assembly may have at least one seal, at least one housing, the insulation sheath, or the like, which may exhibit leakage. If the conductive medium is, for example, a liquid, a leakage rate, which is an indicator of the tightness, can be determined using a leak detector. It could also be determined whether air bubbles or gas bubbles are present in the liquid medium, which would indicate a leak. The leak test can, for example, relate to the tightness of the insulation sheath of the at least one busbar and / or to the tightness of a housing of the busbar assembly and / or of the at least one busbar.

[0019] According to a further development, the procedure, after performing at least one test measurement, can also include drying the busbar assembly removed from the conductive medium using a drying device. The drying device can be configured to dry the busbar assembly, for example, using warm air, infrared, compressed air, or the like. The busbar assembly can be removed from the test adapter before, during, or after drying.

[0020] In a training course, the conductive medium can be a saltwater solution. The assembly of test adapter and busbar system can be immersed in the saltwater solution. The latter can, for example, be provided as a bath. After the assembly of test adapter and busbar system is placed in the saltwater solution, it can be completely surrounded by the solution.

[0021] According to further training, the conductive medium can be a metallic granulate. The granulate can be provided, for example, as metal spheres or geometrically shaped metal pieces. The granulate can be supplied in a container or test vessel. The granulate can be made of aluminum or another suitable metal. Using granulate eliminates the need for subsequent drying, which might be desirable with a liquid conductive medium. To facilitate the process of inserting the busbar assembly into the granulate-filled test vessel, ensuring that at least one busbar is completely surrounded by granulate, the granulate can be distributed by vibration. A vibrator can be used for this purpose. Alternatively, the test vessel can be partially filled initially and then filled further after the insertion of at least one busbar.It is also conceivable to blow in air, for example from below, to agitate the granules and reduce their density. The granules, for example aluminum granules or similar, can have a particle size of approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 1.5 mm. The hardness of the new granules can be approximately 90 HV to approximately 90 HV. The busbar assembly can, for example, be inserted into the granules with one narrow side leading.

[0022] Another aspect relates to the use of a conductive medium for determining at least one characteristic value of an electrical busbar assembly. The busbar assembly comprises at least one busbar partially surrounded by an insulating sheath. The busbar assembly, together with a test adapter having at least one electrical contact element that can be detachably connected to the busbar, is immersed in the conductive medium. At least one test measurement is then performed on the busbar assembly immersed in the conductive medium to determine the at least one characteristic value.

[0023] The use of the conductive medium and / or the test adapter allows for the simple determination or testing of at least one characteristic value. For further information regarding the advantages and possible advanced features, please refer to the sections on other aspects.

[0024] Another aspect relates to a test adapter for testing at least one characteristic value of an electrical busbar assembly. The busbar assembly comprises at least one busbar, at least partially enclosed by an insulating sheath. The test adapter has a housing with an interior space designed to accommodate at least the portion of the busbar assembly. Furthermore, the test adapter has at least one electrical contact element located within this interior space and configured for detachable contact with the at least one busbar. The test adapter also includes at least one actuator designed for contacting the at least one electrical contact element and the at least one busbar. The test adapter is designed for insertion into a conductive medium with the busbar assembly at least partially enclosed within it.

[0025] Regarding the advantages and possible further training opportunities, please refer to the explanations of the other aspects.

[0026] The test adapter comprises a first adapter part and a second adapter part, which are movably arranged relative to each other. At least one of the first adapter part and the second adapter part is arranged on a linear guide and is movable along it. The at least one actuator is configured to move the movable adapter part towards the other adapter part and / or to move the first adapter part and the second adapter part against a stop, a support, or the like. For example, the at least one actuator can be an optionally controllable pressure cylinder that can be operated and / or actuated electrically, pneumatically, etc. The test adapter is configured to accommodate the busbar assembly, or at least a section thereof, between the first adapter part and the second adapter part. The at least one contact element is arranged in at least one of the first adapter part and the second adapter part.The at least one contact element can serve as a ground conductor or a current conductor, depending on where an electrical voltage or current is applied to the at least one busbar. The test adapter can be configured such that, when the busbar assembly is inserted into the test adapter in a predetermined position, the at least one electrical contact element makes electrically conductive contact with the at least one busbar. In this way, a current path, circuit, or the like can be formed that extends between a plug-side end of the at least one busbar and the at least one electrical contact element.

[0027] Furthermore, for example, in at least some further developments, the test adapter can have at least one fluid channel through which an interior of the test adapter can be pressurized with a fluid, e.g., also a gas, under negative pressure, positive pressure, etc. The at least one electrical contact element is designed for detachable contact with the at least one busbar. It can, for example, be designed as a contact pin, contact pin, or the like. If the at least one test measurement is a resistance measurement or a four-pole measurement, the test adapter can have a pair of voltage-measuring and current-carrying contact elements. The current-carrying contact elements can introduce a defined measuring current, and the voltage-measuring contact elements can measure a voltage drop across the at least one busbar.

[0028] The aspects, designs, variations, and examples described above can, of course, be combined without this being explicitly stated. Each of the described training courses and each example is therefore optional in relation to any of the aspects, designs, variations, and examples, or even combinations thereof. This disclosure is thus not limited to the individual designs and design variations in the described order or to any specific combination of aspects and design variations. Brief character description

[0029] An advantageous embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to the accompanying figures. These show: Fig. 1 in a perspective side view a busbar arrangement and a test adapter according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 2 in a perspective detail view a test adapter according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 3 in a sectional view a busbar arrangement and a test adapter according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 4 in a perspective top view a busbar arrangement and a test adapter according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 5 in a side view a container with a conductive medium according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0030] The figures are merely schematic representations and serve only to illustrate the invention. Identical or equivalent elements are consistently identified by the same reference numerals. Detailed description of implementation examples

[0031] Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary electrical busbar assembly 100 in a perspective side view. The busbar assembly 100 is at least partially inserted into or held within a test adapter 200. The busbar assembly 100 can serve, for example, to conduct and / or distribute electrical current in a vehicle or other application. The test adapter 200 can serve as a tool for testing the busbar assembly 100. For example, at least one electrical characteristic value of the busbar assembly 100 can be determined during testing using the test adapter 200. This testing can be carried out during manufacturing, quality control, etc. The test adapter 200 according to Fig. 1 can be used in particular for end-of-line testing (EOL testing). In this process, a system comprising the test adapter 200 and the busbar assembly 100, which is at least partially integrated therein, is to be immersed in a conductive medium, e.g., salt water solution, metallic granules, or the like, and at least one test measurement is to be carried out there with respect to the busbar assembly.

[0032] The busbar arrangement 100 has at least one busbar 110, 120. The busbar arrangement shown here is for illustrative purposes only and includes, for example, Fig. 1. Two conductor rails 110, 120, which extend parallel to each other or overlap each other, at least in sections. The conductor rail arrangement can also be enclosed, at least in sections. Fig. Figure 1 shows, by way of example, each end or longitudinal end of the at least one busbar 110, 120 being enclosed by a housing 130, 140. The at least one busbar 110, 120 can have a respective insulating sheath 112, 122, i.e., insulation, as shown in Figure 1. Fig. 4 is illustrated as an example.

[0033] Further referring to Fig. 1. The test adapter 200 has a housing, which here exemplarily comprises a first adapter part 202 and a second adapter part 204. Within the housing, i.e., in at least one of the first adapter part 202 and the second adapter part 204, an interior space is formed, which is designed to accommodate at least a section of the busbar assembly 100. The test adapter 200 can be configured to accommodate the busbar assembly 100, or at least a section thereof, between the first adapter part 202 and the second adapter part 204, e.g., within this interior space. At least one electrical contact element 206 is arranged within this interior space (see, e.g., [reference]). Fig. 2), which is designed to be detachably brought into contact with at least one busbar 110, 120, when the latter is arranged in the test adapter 200.

[0034] The test adapter 200 has a linear guide 208 extending between a base part 210, e.g., a base plate, and a cover part 212, e.g., a cover plate. Furthermore, the test adapter 200 has at least one actuator 214. The first adapter part 202 and the second adapter part 204 are arranged to be movable relative to each other. The first adapter part 202 is arranged on the linear guide 208 and is movable along it. The at least one actuator 214 can be configured to move the movable adapter part, i.e., the first adapter part 202, toward the other adapter part, i.e., the second adapter part 204, and / or to move the first adapter part 202 and the second adapter part 204 against a stop, a support, or the like, such as against the cover part 212.In other words, the at least one actuator 214 can be configured to bring the at least one electrical contact element 206 and the at least one busbar 110, 120 into contact and / or to hold them in contact. The at least one contact element 206 can also be configured to contact the at least one busbar 110, 120 through a housing thereof, for which purpose the housing of the at least one busbar 110, 120 and the busbar assembly 100 can have a corresponding opening, recess, flange, connector, or the like. For example, the at least one actuator 214 can be an optionally controllable pressure cylinder that can be operated and / or actuated electrically, pneumatically, etc.

[0035] Furthermore, the test adapter 200 has at least one connection 216, which is located here on the first adapter part and which can serve, for example, as an electrical connection for the at least one electrical contact element 206, as a pressure connection or air connection for generating an overpressure or underpressure, or the like.

[0036] Fig. Figure 2 shows details of the test adapter 200 in a perspective view. At least one electrical contact element 206 of the test adapter 200 is now visible. This is located in the aforementioned interior of the test adapter 200. Furthermore, in Fig. 2 indicated that the test adapter 200 may also have at least one positioning element 218 which is designed to position the busbar assembly 100 in the test adapter 200. According to Fig. 2. The at least one positioning element 218 can, for example, have a surrounding wall that at least partially forms the interior space.

[0037] Fig. Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the test adapter 200 with the busbar assembly 100 incorporated therein. Accordingly, the test adapter 200 can also have at least one fluid channel 220 through which the interior of the test adapter 200 can be pressurized with a fluid, e.g., also a gas, under negative pressure, positive pressure, etc. The at least one electrical contact element 206 is configured to make electrically conductive contact with the at least one busbar 110, 120.

[0038] Fig. Figure 4 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the test adapter 200 in a perspective top view. This can be used in particular for a beginning-of-line (BOL) test. As mentioned above, Fig. 4 the insulation sheath 112, 122 of at least one busbar 110, 120.

[0039] The test adapter 200 according to Fig. Figure 4 is shown without the second adapter part 204 for better illustration. The receiving space is formed in the first adapter part 202, in which the at least one busbar 110, 120 is sectionally received. In a transition area between the insulating sheath 112, 122 and the bare busbar 110, 120 beneath it, the receiving space is sealed by at least one sealing element 222, which is formed around the perimeter and surrounds the busbar 110, 120 accordingly, bearing against its insulating sheath 112, 122. The at least one sealing element 222 seals an opening leading to the interior from the outside. Upstream, the test adapter 200 can have an insertion aid 224 which can have an inner contour tapering towards the receiving space in order to support the insertion of at least one busbar 110, 120 into the receiving space or into the test adapter.Furthermore, the test adapter 200 can, in at least some embodiments, have a handle 226, which may be designed, for example, as a grip element or the like.

[0040] It should be noted that when inserting at least one busbar 110, 120 into the test adapter onto the in Fig. 4. The manner shown in which at least one electrical contact element 206 automatically or necessarily contacts at least one busbar 110, 120, e.g., at the end face, as shown in Fig. As indicated in Figure 4. It should also be noted that in at least some embodiments, the test adapter may include a switching element 228, a sensor element, or the like, which is configured to detect the correct positioning of the busbar 110, 120 in the test adapter 200 and / or to switch the actuator 214 (not shown here). The actuator 214 can thus be activated by the switching element 228 to fix at least one busbar 110, 120 within the test adapter 200, e.g., to clamp it or the like. For example, in the test adapter 200 according to Figure 4, the following would be possible: Fig. 4. It is conceivable that the actuator 214 fixes at least one busbar 110, 120 by means of a kind of stamp or possibly the second adapter part 204 on the surface of the reference line of the reference marks “110, 120” in Fig. Press 4.

[0041] Fig. Figure 5 shows a side view of a container 300 containing a conductive medium. The conductive medium serves to insert the assembly of test adapter 200 and busbar assembly 100, e.g., by immersion. As shown in Fig. As indicated in section 5, several test adapters 200 and several busbar assemblies 100 can also be introduced into the conductive medium as a single unit. This can be done, for example, in the manner of, or at least similar to, a paint line.

[0042] The conductive medium can be, for example, a liquid such as a saltwater solution. The assembly consisting of test adapter 200 and busbar assembly 100 can be immersed in the saltwater solution. The latter can be provided, for example, as a bath, i.e., in container 300. After the assembly consisting of test adapter 200 and busbar assembly 100 has been placed in the saltwater solution, it can be completely surrounded by the saltwater solution.

[0043] Alternatively, the conductive medium can be a metallic granulate. The granulate can be provided, for example, as metal spheres or geometrically shaped metal pieces. The granulate can be provided, for example, in container 300 or the test container. The granulate can be made of aluminum or another suitable metal. Using granulate eliminates the need for subsequent drying, which might be desirable with a liquid conductive medium. To facilitate the process of inserting the busbar assembly into the granulate-filled test container, ensuring that at least one busbar is completely surrounded by granulate, the granulate can be distributed by vibration. A vibrator can be used for this purpose. Alternatively, the test container can be partially filled initially and then filled further after the insertion of at least one busbar.It is also conceivable to blow air in from below to swirl the granules and reduce their density.

[0044] A method that uses the test adapter 200 and the conductive medium to determine at least one characteristic value of an electrical busbar arrangement, e.g. the busbar arrangement 100, can proceed as described below.

[0045] The method comprises inserting the busbar assembly 100, at least partially, into the test adapter 200. The busbar assembly 100 is inserted into the test adapter 200 such that the at least one electrical contact element 206 of the test adapter 200 makes detachable and / or electrically conductive contact with the at least one busbar 110, 120. Furthermore, the method comprises inserting the test adapter 200, with the busbar assembly 100 inserted therein, at least partially, into the conductive medium, e.g., by inserting the assembly into the container 300. The test adapter 200 and the busbar assembly 100, at least partially inserted therein, are inserted together into the conductive medium such that at least the busbar assembly 100 is surrounded by the conductive medium.Furthermore, the method includes performing at least one test measurement to determine at least one characteristic value on the busbar arrangement 100 introduced into the conductive medium with the test adapter 200.

[0046] The at least one electrical parameter can vary depending on the test measurement performed. The test measurements to be carried out on the busbar assembly 100 can be specified, for example, in a product specification, a requirements specification, a standard, a legal requirement, etc. For example, the at least one electrical parameter can also relate to a property, quality, etc., of the insulation sheath of the at least one busbar. The at least one parameter can be, for example, the dielectric strength of the insulation sheath 112, 122 of the at least one busbar 110, 120, the tightness of the busbar assembly 100 and / or the insulation sheath 112, 122, a resistance of the at least one busbar 110, 120 and / or the busbar assembly 100, such as conductor resistance, or the like.

[0047] The result of each test measurement can be displayed, logged, etc. If a test measurement yields a negative result, i.e., in the case of, for example, insufficient dielectric strength, leakage, or excessive conductor resistance, the corresponding busbar assembly 100 can be determined to be defective or similar. If the result is positive, the busbar assembly 110 can be determined to conform to specifications and / or approved for use.

[0048] For example, the at least one test measurement can include a dielectric strength test. The method can further include applying an electrical voltage to the at least one busbar 110, 120 via the at least one contact element. In addition, the method can further include determining whether the electrical voltage from the at least one busbar 110, 120 arcs to the conductive medium. Here, the at least one busbar can serve as the conductor, while the conductive medium serves as the reference potential and / or ground potential, as described in Fig.5 is indicated by "+" and "-". Determining whether the electrical voltage is arcing can be done, for example, by measuring the current on or in the conductive medium. The electrical voltage should be sufficiently high. For example, the electrical voltage could be between 6.3 kV and 10 kV. The electrical voltage can also be increased gradually, if necessary, until it arcs onto the conductive medium. Accordingly, to determine whether the electrical voltage from at least one busbar is arcing onto the conductive medium, an electrical current flow in or on the conductive medium can be measured.For example, if several busbar assemblies 100, each with its associated test adapter 200, are simultaneously inserted into the conductive medium, it is possible to distinguish, via a dedicated circuit, which of the several busbar assemblies 100 will experience an electrical arc to the conductive medium. This enables the parallel testing of multiple busbar assemblies 100.

[0049] Furthermore, at least one test measurement can include a leak test. The method can also include pressurizing an enclosed interior space of the test adapter 200 containing the busbar assembly 100. The method can also include determining whether the applied pressure is released via the busbar assembly 100. If the conductive medium is, for example, a liquid, it can be determined whether air bubbles or gas bubbles are present in the liquid medium, which would indicate a leak. The leak test can, for example, relate to the tightness of the insulation sheath 112, 122 of the at least one busbar 110, 120 and / or to the tightness of the housing 130, 140 of the busbar assembly 100 and / or of the at least one busbar.

[0050] Furthermore, after performing at least one test measurement, the method can also include drying the busbar assembly 100, which has been removed from the conductive medium, using a drying device (not shown). The drying device can be configured to dry the busbar assembly, for example, with warm air, infrared, compressed air, or the like. Before, during, or after drying, the busbar assembly 100 can be removed from the test adapter 200.

[0051] The aspects, designs, variations, and examples described above can, of course, be combined without this being explicitly stated. Each of the described training courses and each example is therefore optional in relation to any of the aspects, designs, variations, and examples, or even combinations thereof. This disclosure is thus not limited to the individual designs and design variations in the described order or to any specific combination of aspects and design variations. REFERENCE MARK LIST 100 busbar arrangement 110 (first) busbar 120 (second) busbar 130 Housing (part) 140 Housing (part) 200 test adapters 202 (first) adapter part 204 (second) adapter part 206 electrical contact element 208 Linear guide 210 Base part 212 Cover part 214 Actuator 216 connection 218 Positioning element 220 Fluid channel 222 Sealing element 224 Insertion aid 226 Handle 228 Switch element

Claims

[1] Method for determining at least one characteristic value of an electrical busbar arrangement (100) comprising at least one busbar (110, 120) surrounded at least partially by an insulating sheath (112, 114), the method comprising: at least sectionally inserting the busbar arrangement (100) into a test adapter (200) such that at least one electrical contact element (206) of the test adapter (200) detachably contacts the at least one busbar (110, 120), wherein the test adapter (200) has a housing (202, 204) with a first adapter part (202) and a second adapter part (204), wherein the first adapter part (202) and the second adapter part (204) are movably arranged relative to each other and an interior is formed in at least one of the first adapter part (202) and the second adapter part (204) which is designed to receive the busbar arrangement (100) at least sectionally. wherein the test adapter (200) has at least one electrical contact element (206) which is arranged in the interior and is designed to be detachably brought into contact with the at least one busbar (110, 120), wherein the test adapter (200) has a linear guide (208) which extends between a base part (210) and a cover part (212) of the test adapter (200) and on which at least one of the first adapter part (202) and the second adapter part (204) is movably arranged, and wherein the test adapter (200) has at least one actuator (214) which is configured to bring the at least one electrical contact element (206) and the at least one busbar (110, 120) into contact with each other by moving the movably arranged adapter part (202) towards the other adapter part (204) and / or moving the first adapter part (202) and the second adapter part (204) against a stop or abutment, Inserting the test adapter (200) with the busbar assembly (100) inserted therein at least partially into a conductive medium such that at least the busbar assembly (100) is surrounded by the conductive medium, and Performing at least one test measurement to determine at least one characteristic value on the busbar assembly (100) inserted into the conductive medium with the test adapter (200). [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one test measurement comprises at least one of the following: dielectric strength test, leak test, and resistance measurement. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one test measurement comprises a dielectric strength test, and the method further comprises: Applying electrical voltage to at least one busbar (110, 120) via at least one electrical contact element (206), and Determine whether the electrical voltage from at least one busbar (110, 120) arcs to the conductive medium. [4] Method according to claim 3, wherein to determine whether the electrical voltage from the at least one busbar is arcing to the conductive medium, an electrical current flow in or on the conductive medium is measured. [5] A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one test measurement comprises a leak test, and the method further comprises: Applying pressure to an enclosed interior space of the test adapter (200) containing the busbar assembly (100) which is at least partially inserted therein, and Determine whether the applied pressure is reduced via the busbar arrangement (100). [6] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the method after carrying out the at least one test measurement further comprises: Drying the busbar assembly (100) removed from the electrically conductive medium by means of a drying device. [7] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electrically conductive medium is a salt water solution. [8] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the electrically conductive medium is a metallic granulate. [9] Test adapter (200) for testing at least one characteristic value of an electrical busbar arrangement (100) which has at least one busbar (110, 120) surrounded at least partially by an insulating sheath (112, 122), wherein the test adapter (200) comprises: a housing (202, 204) comprising a first adapter part (202) and a second adapter part (204), wherein the first adapter part (202) and the second adapter part (204) are arranged to be movable relative to each other and in at least one of the first adapter part (202) and the second adapter part (204) an interior is formed which is designed to receive the busbar arrangement (100) at least in sections, at least one electrical contact element (206) which is arranged in the interior and is designed to be detachably brought into contact with the at least one busbar (110, 120), a linear guide (208) extending between a base part (210) and a cover part (212) of the test adapter (200) and on which at least one of the first adapter part (202) and the second adapter part (204) is movably arranged, and at least one actuator (214) which is configured to bring the at least one electrical contact element (206) and the at least one busbar (110, 120) into contact with each other, by moving the movably arranged adapter part (202) towards the other adapter part (204) and / or moving the first adapter part (202) and the second adapter part (204) against a stop or abutment, wherein the test adapter (200) is designed for insertion into a conductive medium with the busbar assembly (100) at least partially contained therein. [10] Use of a conductive medium for testing at least one characteristic value of an electrical busbar arrangement (100), wherein the busbar arrangement (100) has at least one busbar (110, 120) partially surrounded by an insulating sheath (112, 122), the busbar arrangement (100) together with a test adapter (200) according to claim 9 is introduced into the conductive medium, and at least one test measurement to determine the at least one characteristic value is carried out on the busbar arrangement (100) introduced into the conductive medium.

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