Busbar arrangement and method for contacting a terminal

Abstract

A busbar arrangement (10) comprises a busbar (11), a terminal (21) which is directly connected to the busbar (11) and has a main terminal direction (D), and a shroud (41) which encircles the terminal

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Busbar arrangement and method for contacting a terminal

[0003] The present disclosure is related to a busbar arrangement, an arrangement with a busbar arrangement and a method for contacting a terminal.

[0004] Typically a busbar arrangement includes a busbar and a terminal which is connected to the busbar. A device such as a circuit breaker can be inserted on the busbar arrangement and has a direct contact to the terminal after insertion of the device. However, before contacting the terminal by the device, an unwanted contact of a person at the terminal has to be strictly avoided.

[0005] A shroud may provide protection against an unwanted touch to the terminal. The shroud is e.g. designed for solid part protection against fingers or similar objects larger than 12.5 mm, as described in the ingress protection standard IP2X (IP is the abbreviation for ingress protection). The IP2X requirement is a widely accepted requirement in electrical panels. The shroud can be designed to a higher or lower ingress protection rating. However, installing of a shroud or removal of a shroud may be time consuming.

[0006] It is an object to provide a busbar arrangement, an arrangement with a busbar arrangement and a method for contacting a terminal which is easy to handle.

[0007] These objects are achieved by the subject-matter of the independent claims. Further developments and embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0008] There is provided a busbar arrangement comprising: a busbar (11), a terminal (21) which is directly connected to the busbar (11) and has a main terminal direction (D), and a shroud (41) which encircles the terminal (41) and is configured to be in a first position or in a second position and to be moved from the first position to the second position by moving at least part of the shroud parallel to the main terminal direction (D), wherein the shroud covers the terminal when it is in the first position, and wherein the shroud (41) is configured to allow a contact to the terminal (21) when it is in the second position. In some embodiments, the shroud (41) uses a compliant mechanism to bias the shroud into the first position when displaced. However, other resilient mechanisms or components may be used in addition to or instead of the compliant mechanism to bias the shroud into the first position when displaced.

[0009] In some embodiments, the compliant mechanism of the shroud (41) has binary stiffness such that, in a first state of stiffness, a first minimum force is required to move the shroud from the first position to the second position, and in a second state of stiffness, a second minimum force is required to move the shroud from the first position to the second position, wherein the first minimum force is greater than the second minimum force.

[0010] In some embodiments, when the shroud is initially in the first state of stiffness, the shroud changes from the first state of stiffness to the second state of stiffness when the shroud has been moved from the first position to the second position.

[0011] In some embodiments, a force up to the first minimum force on the shroud (41) does not result in a change of state of the shroud (41) between the first state and the second state, and only a force above the first minimum force results in a change of state between the first state and the second state.

[0012] In some embodiments, the shroud (41) is configured that parts of the shroud (41) or parts of the busbar arrangement connected to the shroud (41) perform a compression and / or a bending during movement of the shroud (41) from the first position to the second position.

[0013] In some embodiments, additional parts of the shroud (41) or parts of the busbar arrangement connected to the shroud (41) perform a compression and / or a bending during movement of the shroud (41) from the first position to the second position in the first state in comparison to the second state, thereby causing the stiffness of the shroud to be greater in the first state.

[0014] In some embodiments, said parts of the shroud (41) include: a first leg and a second leg which are bent and / or compressed during movement of the shroud (41) from the first position to the second position in the first state and the second state; and a third leg and a fourth leg which are bent and / or compressed during movement of the shroud (41) from the first position to the second position in the first state but not in the second state.

[0015] There is provided a busbar arrangement which comprises a busbar, a terminal and a shroud. The terminal is directly connected to the busbar and has a main terminal direction. The shroud encircles the terminal and is configured to be in a first position or in a second position and to be moved from the first position to the second position parallel to the main terminal direction.

[0016] Advantageously, the shroud is movable. Thus, handling of the shroud is simple. Due to the two different positions of the shroud, the shroud can allow a contact to the terminal or inhibit a contact to the terminal. Thus, a non-desired contact to the terminal is avoided.

[0017] In an embodiment of the busbar arrangement, the shroud being in the first position covers the terminal. The shroud being in the second position is configured to allow a contact to the terminal.

[0018] The terminal is e.g. electrically connected to the busbar.

[0019] In an embodiment of the busbar arrangement, the terminal and the busbar are realized as one piece. Alternatively, the terminal and the busbar are realized as two pieces which are directly mechanically connected to each other.

[0020] In an embodiment of the busbar arrangement, the main terminal direction is perpendicular to a main direction of the busbar, e.g. in a top view.

[0021] In an embodiment of the busbar arrangement, the shroud has a gap to the terminal such that the shroud is movable relative to the terminal. The terminal is not movable relative to the busbar. In an embodiment of the busbar arrangement, the shroud is configured to slide on the terminal during the movement from the first position to the second position. The shroud cannot be removed from the first position without a force or action.

[0022] In an embodiment of the busbar arrangement, the shroud includes a part of a group comprising a rectangular prism, a cube, an octagonal prism, a tube and a squeezed tube, wherein the part has an opening on a first side and a further opening on a second side which is opposite to the first side.

[0023] In an example, the form of the shroud is adjusted to the form of the terminal.

[0024] In an embodiment, the busbar arrangement comprises a housing. The busbar is at least partially located in the housing. The housing has an opening. The shroud is movable relative to the opening.

[0025] In an embodiment of the busbar arrangement, the shroud and the terminal extend through the opening. The terminal is fixed relative to the opening. The opening encircles a part of the shroud and a part of the terminal. The housing is rigid. The shroud is movable into the housing via the opening.

[0026] In an embodiment of the busbar arrangement, a movement of the shroud or a movement of at least of a part of the shroud from the first position to the second position is perpendicular to the housing.

[0027] In an embodiment of the busbar arrangement, the shroud is configured that parts of the shroud or parts connected to the shroud perform at least one of a compression and a bending during movement of the shroud from the first position to the second position. In an example, the shroud includes a bi-stiffness mechanism.

[0028] In an embodiment of the busbar arrangement, the shroud is made of a polymer, such as an insulating polymer. The housing is made of a polymer, such as e.g. an isolating polymer. The material of the housing and the material of the shroud are equal or are different. In an embodiment, the busbar arrangement comprises a bar which is coupled to the shroud. The shroud is configured to be moved from the first position to the second position by a movement of the bar. Moreover, the shroud is configured to be moved from the second position to the first position by a movement of the bar.

[0029] In an embodiment of the busbar arrangement, a movement of the bar is perpendicular to a movement of the shroud.

[0030] In an embodiment of the busbar arrangement, the bar has a first bar position and a second bar position. The first and the second bar position are two stable positions. The bar can be switched from the first bar position into the second bar position and vice versa. In case the bar is in the first bar position, the shroud cannot be moved; in the first bar position, the bar is e.g. raised. In case the bar is in the second bar position, the shroud is movable; in the second bar position, the bar is e.g. depressed.

[0031] In an embodiment of the busbar arrangement, the bar has an opening configured for insertion of a lock.

[0032] In an embodiment of the busbar arrangement, a movement of the bar is parallel to a movement of the shroud. For example, during insertion of a device, the bar is moved by the device and thus the shroud is moved in parallel.

[0033] In an embodiment, the busbar arrangement comprises a first number M of busbars that include the busbar, a second number N of terminals that include the terminal and a second number N of shrouds that include the shroud. A terminal of the second number N of terminals is connected to a busbar of the first number of busbars. For example, the first number M is 1, 2 or 3 or at least one or at least two or at least three. For example, the second number N is at least one, at least two, at least three, at least four, at least 8 and at least 16.

[0034] In an embodiment, an arrangement comprises the busbar arrangement and a device that is fixed at or to the busbar arrangement. The shroud is set in the second position and the terminal is inserted into the device. In an example, the device can only be fixed at or to the busbar arrangement, in case the shroud is set in the second position before the device is fixed at the busbar arrangement or in parallel to fixating the device at or to the busbar arrangement.

[0035] In an embodiment of the arrangement, the busbar arrangement includes a part having the form of a rail, e.g. the form of a DIN rail. The device is configured to be inserted on the part having the form of the rail.

[0036] In an embodiment of the arrangement, the device is implemented as a device of a group comprising a switching device, a circuit breaker, a contactor, a protection device, a sensor device, a communication unit and a controller unit.

[0037] In an embodiment of the arrangement, the shroud is configured that a force for moving the shroud from the first position to the second position is higher than 30 N, alternatively higher than 50 N.

[0038] In an embodiment, the arrangement is implemented as a distribution board, an electrical panel, an electrical machine panel, a panel board or a switchboard.

[0039] The arrangement is implemented e.g. by the busbar arrangement according to one of the embodiments defined above. The features described in connection with the busbar arrangement can therefore also be used for the arrangement and vice versa.

[0040] There is a method for contacting a terminal, comprising moving a shroud from a first position to a second position parallel to a main terminal direction of a terminal which is directly connected to a busbar. The shroud encircles the terminal.

[0041] Advantageously, an unused terminal is covered by the shroud in the first position and cannot be contacted e.g. by a finger of a person. A direct contact of a device to the terminal with a very low ohmic resistance is achieved while the shroud is in the second position. A power loss can be kept low at the electrical contact of the terminal to the device. The shroud can be moved from the second position to the first position again, e.g. in case the terminal is no longer used by a device. Advantageously, costs of the shroud can be kept low.

[0042] The method for contacting a terminal is implemented e.g. by the busbar arrangement and / or the arrangement with the busbar arrangement according to one of the embodiments defined above. The features described in connection with the busbar arrangement and / or the arrangement with the busbar arrangement can therefore also be used for the method and vice versa.

[0043] In an embodiment, the shroud is designed to provide IP2X protection. Advantageously, a user does not need a tool for shifting the shroud from the first position to the second position. The shroud can also be designed to a higher or lower ingress protection rating. This saves time. The shroud is realized to provide 12.5 mm finger safety. The shroud is configured to withstand a force of 30 N which will comply with the standard IEC 60529. Generally, electrical panels and machine builders require fulfilment of the standard IP2X.

[0044] In an embodiment, the busbar arrangement performs a binary stiffness compliant mechanism shrouding.

[0045] In an embodiment, unused ways are protected to IP2X if board is live. Built-in padlocking of unused ways is possible with the bar. Thus, the busbar arrangement provides an enhanced safety in a panel. Advantageously, since additional parts are arranged in an unused area, an impact to customer cable space is low. The shroud results in an enhancement with no additional power losses. The additional costs are low, because the shroud is a moulded part that is only assembled. The design could easily be applied in different products such as a distribution board, an electrical panel, a panel board or a switchboard.

[0046] The following description of figures of embodiments may further illustrate and explain aspects of the busbar arrangement, the arrangement and the method. Parts, structures and devices with the same structure and the same effect, respectively, appear with equivalent reference symbols. In so far as parts, structures or devices correspond to one another in terms of their function in different figures, the description thereof is not repeated for each of the following figures.

[0047] Figures 1 A to IF show embodiments of a busbar arrangement and an arrangement with a busbar arrangement in different views,

[0048] Figures 2A and 2B show further embodiments of an arrangement with a busbar arrangement, and

[0049] Figures 3 A to 3C show an embodiment of a shroud.

[0050] Figure 1 A shows an embodiment of a busbar arrangement 10. The busbar arrangement 10 comprises a busbar 11, a terminal 21 and a shroud 41. The terminal 21 is directly connected to the busbar 11 and has a main terminal direction D. The terminal 21 is electrically connected to the busbar 11. The terminal 21 is made out of metal, e.g. such as copper, aluminium or brass. The shroud 41 is made of an insulating polymer, e.g. such as nylon or polycarbonate. The shroud 41 is fabricated by injection moulding or three- dimensional printing.

[0051] The terminal 21 and the busbar 11 are realized as one piece. Alternatively, the terminal 21 and the busbar 11 are realized as two pieces which are directly mechanically connected to each other. The main terminal direction D is perpendicular to a main direction of the busbar 11, e.g. in a top view on the busbar arrangement 10.

[0052] The busbar arrangement 10 comprises a housing 14. The busbar 11 is at least partially located in the housing 14. The busbar arrangement 10 comprises a bar 61 which is coupled to the shroud 41.

[0053] The busbar arrangement 10 comprises a first number M of busbars 11 to 13. In the example shown in Figure 1 A, the first number M is 3. Alternatively, the first number M is e.g. 1 or 2. The first number M is e.g. at least 1, at least 2 or at least 3. The first number M of busbars 11 to 13 include the busbar 11, a further busbar 12 and an additional busbar 13. The busbar arrangement 10 comprises a second number N of terminals 21 to 32 that include the terminal 21. A terminal of the second number N of terminals 21 to 32 is connected to a busbar of the first number of busbars 11 to 13. More specifically, a subset of the second number N of terminals 21 to 32 is connected to the busbar 11. A further subset of the second number N of terminals 21 to 32 is connected to the further busbar 12. An additional subset of the second number N of terminals 21 to 32 is connected to the additional busbar 12. Each of the second number N of terminals 21 to 32 is connected to exactly one of the first number M of busbars 11 to 13. None of the second number N of terminals 21 to 32 is connected to two busbars.

[0054] The busbar arrangement 10 comprises a second number N of shrouds 41 to 52 that include the shroud 41. Thus, a shroud is designed for each terminal. In the example, shown in the perspective view in Figure 1A, the second number N is 12. The busbar arrangement 10 is symmetrically with respect to a middle line. Thus, there are further 12 shrouds on another side of the busbar arrangement 10. Alternatively, the second number N is e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10. The second number N is e.g. at least 1, at least 2, at least 3 or at least 4.

[0055] As can be seen in Figure 1A, the housing 14 includes two parts 15, 16 which can be fitted together. Thus, Figure 1 A only shows a schematic diagram. Alternatively, the busbar arrangement 10 may comprise only one part 15 of the housing 14 or more than two parts 15, 16 of the housing 14. Thus, the second number N of terminals may be smaller or larger as shown in Figure 1 A.

[0056] The busbar arrangement 10 comprises a second number N of bars 61 to 72 which are coupled to the second number N of shrouds 41 to 52. The second number N of bars 61 to 72 include the bar 61. Each of the second number N of bars 61 to 72 is coupled to exactly one of the second number N of shrouds 41 to 52.

[0057] In Figures 1 A to IF and 3A to 3C, the busbar arrangement 10 is implemented as a device with manual action release or device which is released by manual action.

[0058] The busbar arrangement 10 realizes a three phase system or a two phase system. Alternatively, the busbar arrangement 10 realizes a one phase system. In this case, the busbar 11 is configured for the first phase. The further busbar 12 is e.g. configured for a neutral conductor or neutral wire. The additional busbar 13 is e.g. omitted.

[0059] Figure IB shows an embodiment of an arrangement 90 with a busbar arrangement 10 which is a further development of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 A. The shroud 41 is configured to be in a first position or in a second position. The shroud 41 is configured to be moved from the first position to the second position parallel to the main terminal direction D.

[0060] As can be seen in Figure IB, a shroud 42 is in the second position. The shroud 42 is shifted into the housing 14 via an opening of the housing. The shroud 42 being in the second position is configured to allow a contact to the terminal 22. The shroud 42 encircles the terminal 22 inside the housing 14.

[0061] A shroud 43 is in the first position. The shroud 43 being in the first position encircles and covers the terminal 23. The shroud 43 has a gap to the terminal 23 such that the shroud 43 is movable relative to the terminal 23. The second number N of terminals 21 to 32 are not movable relative to the busbar 11.

[0062] The shroud 43 includes a part which has the form of a squeezed tube. The part has an opening on a first side (which can be seen in Figure IB) and a further opening on a second side (which is inside the housing 14). The second side is opposite to the first side.

[0063] The housing 14 has an opening 82. More specifically, the housing 14 has a second number N of openings 82, 83. The shroud 41 is movable relative to the opening 82. The shroud 41 and the terminal 21 extend through the opening 82. The terminal 21 is fixed relative to the opening 82. The opening 82 encircles a part of the shroud 41 and a part of the terminal 21. A movement of the shroud 41 or a movement of at least of a part of the shroud 41 (e.g. the squeezed tube) from the first position to the second position is perpendicular to the housing 14. Movement of the shroud from the first position to the second position can be achieved by applying an external force parallel to the main terminal direction D to the part of the shroud covering the terminal.

[0064] The shroud 41 is configured to move the bar 61 from a first bar position to a second bar position when the shroud moves from the first position to the second position. A movement of the bar 61 is perpendicular to a movement of the shroud 41. The bar 61 can be a handle, lever or button. In case the bar 61 is in a first bar position, the shroud 41 cannot be moved unless a force greater than a first minimum force is applied to the shroud. In case the bar 61 is in a second bar position, the shroud 41 is movable or is moved to the second position when a force greater than a second minimum force is applied to the shroud. The shroud is configured such that the first minimum force is greater than the second minimum force. The first minimum force may be very large, such that the shroud cannot be moved when the bar is in the first bar position.

[0065] In another embodiment, the shroud 41 is configured to be moved from the first position to the second position by the movement of the bar 61. A movement of the bar 61 is perpendicular to a movement of the shroud 41. The bar 61 can be named handle, lever or button. In case the bar 61 is in a first bar position, the shroud 41 cannot be moved. In case the bar 61 is in a second bar position, the shroud 41 is movable or is moved to the second position (e.g. due to the force applied to the bar 61).

[0066] The arrangement 90 comprises the busbar arrangement 10 and at least a device 91 that is fixed at the busbar arrangement 10. The shroud 41 is moved from the first position to the second position parallel to the main terminal direction D of the terminal 21. Thus, the shroud 41 is set in the second position. The terminal 21 is inserted into the device 91. The busbar arrangement 10 includes a part having the form of a rail. The device 91 is designed to be inserted on the part having the form of a rail. The device 91 is implemented as a device of a group comprising a switching device, a circuit breaker, a contactor, a protection device, a sensor device, a communication unit and a controller unit. The terminals 21, 22, 23 etc. are examples of the second number N of terminals 21 to 32. In an example, the terminals of the second number N of terminals 21 to 32 are identical. The shrouds 41, 42, 43 etc. are examples of the second number N of shrouds 41 to 52. In an example, the shrouds of the second number N of shrouds 41 to 52 are identical. The bars 61, 62, 63 etc. are examples of the second number N of bars 61 to 72. In an example, the bars of the second number N of bars 61 to 72 are identical.

[0067] Figure 1C shows an embodiment of an arrangement 90 with a busbar arrangement 10 which is a further development of the embodiments shown in Figures 1A and IB. The bar 65 has an opening 17. The opening 17 is configured for insertion of a lock 18. Thus, the bar 65 remains in the first bar position and the shroud 45 remains in the first position. The bar 65 cannot be set in the second bar position and the shroud 45 cannot be set in the second position, in case the lock 18 is inserted in the opening 17. Thus, an electrical connection line or system which is normally coupled to the corresponding terminal 25 via a device 91 cannot receive electrical power. Safety of a person is increased.

[0068] Figure ID shows an embodiment of an arrangement 90 with a busbar arrangement 10 which is a further development of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 A to 1C. In Figure

[0069] ID, a top view is shown. A length LS of the shroud 43 has a higher value than a length LP of the terminal 22. The lengths LS, LP are measured with respect to the housing 14.

[0070] Figure IE shows an embodiment of an arrangement 90 with a busbar arrangement 10 which is a further development of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 A to ID. In Figure

[0071] IE, the device 91 is at the start of insertion. A lower part of the device 91 fits on a rail. The device 91 includes a handle 92 for inserting on the rail.

[0072] Figure IF shows an embodiment of an arrangement 90 with a busbar arrangement 10 which is a further development of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 A to ID. In Figure

[0073] IF, the device 91 is inserted. The handle 92 keeps the device 91 in the position on the rail.

[0074] Figure 2A shows an alternative embodiment of an arrangement 90 with a busbar arrangement 10 which is a further development of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 A to IF. The busbar arrangement 10 comprises the bar 61. The bar 61, the terminal 21 and the shroud 41 are located at the same side of the housing 14. A main direction of the bar 61 and the main terminal direction D are parallel. In Figure 2A, the device 91 is in a position at the start of insertion.

[0075] Figure 2B shows an embodiment of an arrangement 90 with a busbar arrangement 10 which is a further development of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 A to IF and 2A. In Figure 2B, the device 91 is inserted. The bar 61 is coupled to the shroud 41. A movement of the bar 61 is parallel to a movement of the shroud 41. During insertion of the device 91, the bar 61 is moved by the device 91 and thus the shroud 41 is moved. In Figures 2A and 2B, the busbar arrangement 10 is implemented as a device fit release or fit for release.

[0076] Figure 3 A shows an embodiment of a shroud 41 which is a further development of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 A to IF, 2A and 2B. The terminal 21 is shown with dashed lines. The shroud 41 includes a first and a second shroud part 93, 94. The first shroud part 93 is e.g. formed as squeezed tube. In the first position of the shroud 41, the first shroud part 93 is partly outside of the housing 14. The second shroud part 94 is inside of the housing 14.

[0077] The bar 61 is coupled via a first and a second leg 95, 96 to the second shroud part 94. The bar 61 is coupled via further legs 97 to a first side of the housing 14 and via additional legs 98 to a second side of the housing 14. The legs 95 to 98 are e.g. made of polymers. The legs 95 to 98 are flexible.

[0078] In Figure 3 A, the bar 61 is raised; the bar 61 is in the first bar position. The further legs 97 and the additional legs 98 keep the bar 61 in the first bar position. Since the bar 61 is in the raised position, the first and the second leg 95, 96 are strained or stretched. Thus, a movement of the second shroud part 94 and, consequently, a movement of the first shroud part 93 is inhibited. The shroud 41 is kept in the first position, even in case of a force on the first shroud part 93. For example, a force up to 30 N on the shroud 41 does not result in a movement of the shroud 41.

[0079] Figure 3B shows a further embodiment of the shroud 41 shown in Figure 3 A. In Figure 3B, the bar 61 is depressed; the bar 61 is in the second bar position. The further legs 97 and the additional legs 98 keep the bar 61 in the second bar position. Since the bar 61 is in the depressed position, the first and the second leg 95, 96 are not strained or not stretched. Thus, a movement of the second shroud part 94 and, consequently, a movement of the first shroud part 93 is possible. In case of a force on the first shroud part 93, the first shroud part 93 moves into the housing 14. The required force is small (e.g. less than 30 N). By inserting the device 91, the shroud 41 is set in the second position.

[0080] The shroud 41 is configured that parts of the shroud 41 or parts such as the first and the second leg 95, 96 connected to the shroud 41 perform a compression and / or a bending during movement of the shroud 41 from the first position to the second position. The shroud 41 includes a bi-stiffness mechanism. The first bar position and the second bar position are two stable positions. A movement of the bar 61 is perpendicular to a movement of the shroud 41. In case the bar 61 is in the first bar position, the shroud 41 cannot be moved. In case the bar 61 is in the second bar position, the shroud 41 is movable. The shroud 41 is configured such that the shroud 41 uses a compliant mechanism. The compliant mechanism is a mechanism that gains at least some of its mobility from the deflection of flexible members (e.g. the legs 95 to 98) rather than from movable joints only.

[0081] The shroud 41 has two states of stiffness. The states are changed by a deliberate action via the bar 61. The bar 61 can be named handle, button or lever. In case the shroud 41 is in the first state, the shroud 41 is fixed; no movement of the shroud 41 is possible. In this case, the bar 61 is in the first bar position.

[0082] In case the shroud 41 is in the second state, the shroud 41 is flexible; a movement of the shroud 41 is possible. In this case, the bar 61 is in the second bar position. Advantageously, this realization of the shroud 41 results in a reduction of part count, part manufacturing complexity and assembly time.

[0083] In an alternative embodiment, the bar 61 is oriented parallel to the main terminal direction D, as shown in Figures 2A and 2B. Thus, the bar 61 is oriented parallel to the terminal 21 and to the first shroud part 93. The bar 61 is connected or coupled to the second shroud part 94. The first and the second leg 95, 96, the further legs 97 and the additional legs 98 are connected to each other via a part (not shown); this part completely remains inside the housing 14. As discussed above, the shroud 41 has two states of stiffness. By providing a force to the bar 61 parallel to the main terminal direction D, the shroud 41 changes from the first state to the second state and vice versa. For example, the shroud 41 is moved from the first state into the second state by pressing the bar 61 into the housing 14. The shroud 41 is moved from the second state into the first state by pulling the bar 61 out of the housing 14. The first and the second leg 95, 96, the further legs 97 and the additional legs 98 are configured that a force up to 30 N on the bar 61 does not result in a movement of the shroud 41 into the housing 14; only a force above 30 N results in a movement of the shroud 41 into the housing 14. Thus, safety is achieved by the shroud 41.

[0084] The busbar arrangement 10 shown in Figures 2A and 2B can also be realized by other configurations of the shroud 41.

[0085] Figure 3C shows an embodiment of an arrangement 90 with a busbar arrangement 10 which is a further development of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 A to IF, 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B. Arrow A indicates a deliberate action to release. IP2X finger safety protection of outgoing terminal is achieved e.g. for a finger directed parallel to an arrow B. A bistiffness mechanism is applied by the shroud 41 to cover the terminal 21. The terminal 21 can be named outgoing terminal, pin or outgoing pin.

[0086] Figures 3A-3C show an embodiment of a busbar arrangement 10. A conductive terminal 21 extends from a busbar 11 in the main terminal direction D. A shroud 41 comprises a first shroud part 93, which partially surrounds the terminal 21 and a second shroud part 94. When the shroud 41 is in a first position, as illustrated in Fig 3 A, the first shroud part 93 surrounds a portion of the terminal that extends outside of the housing. In this position, the first shroud part 93 prevents electrical contact between external bodies and the portion of the terminal 21 that is outside the housing 14. The portion of the terminal that is inside the housing is shielded by the housing itself.

[0087] Application of a force on the first shroud part 93 parallel to the main terminal direction D urges the first shroud part inside the housing 14 along the terminal. Movement of the first shroud part into the housing requires bending or compression of elements of the shroud or elements connected to the shroud, which requires a force to be overcome. In the described embodiments, movement of the first shroud part 93 into the housing requires bending or compression of legs 97 and 98 and legs 99 and 100. The force required to bend or compress legs 97-100 defines a first minimum force necessary to cause the first part of the shroud to be moved into the housing. When bending of all of legs 97-100 are required to move the first shroud part into the housing 43, this is referred to as the first stiffness state of the shroud.

[0088] Legs 99 and 100 are each connected at one end to a second shroud part 94 of the shroud 94 and at the other end to the housing 14. Legs 99 and 100 have one stable position, which corresponds to the first position, as illustrated in Fig 3 A. Legs 97 and 98 are each connected at one end to a bar 61 and at the other end to the housing 61. Legs 97 and 98 have two stable states, corresponding to the state illustrated in Fig. 3 A, where the bar is raised in a first bar position, and the state illustrated in Fig. 3B, where the bar is lowered in a second bar position. A force is required to be applied to the bar to move the bar between the first and second bar positions. The intermediate positions between the first and second bar positions positions are unstable, such that the bar is biased towards either the first or second bar position.

[0089] Flexible legs 95 and 96 are connected at one end to the bar 61 and at the other end to the second shroud part 94. When the bar 61 is in the first bar position, the flexible legs 95 and 96 are fully extended and brace the second shroud part 94. In order to move the first shroud part 93 into the housing, the second shroud part 94 must bend away from the bar 61. As a result of this bending, the flexible legs 95 and 96 pull the bar 61 from the first bar position to the second bar position, requiring bending of legs 97 and 98. This movement also requires bending of legs 99 and 100.

[0090] Fig 3B illustrates the arrangement when the shroud 43 is in a second position in which the first shroud part 93 has been forced at least partly into the housing 14 to expose the terminal 21. In the second position, the bar 61 has been pulled into the second bar position and is stably held in this position by legs 97 and 98. As a result of the lower position of the bar, the flexible legs 95 and 96 become slack and the second shroud part 93 is only weakly coupled to the bar 61. In this position, only legs 99 and 100 urge the first shroud part 93 outside of the housing due to their elastic deformation.

[0091] If the external force applied to the first shroud part 93 is removed, the legs 99 and 100 return to their initial state (the first position), causing the first shroud part 93 to cover the terminal 21. Because the legs 97 and 98 are in a stable configuration, the bar 61 remains in the second bar position. If a further force is applied to the first shroud part 93 parallel to the main terminal direction D, it is only necessary to overcome the force required to deform legs 99 and 100, but not legs 97 and 99. Therefore, in this state, a second minimum force (which is less than the first minimum force) is required to cause the shroud 43 to move from the first position to the second position. As such, when the bar 61 is lowered in the second bar position, the shroud 43 is in a second state of stiffness, in which less force is required to move the shroud from the first position to the second position.

[0092] The shroud can be changed from the first state of stiffness to the second state of stiffness by pulling the bar from the second bar position to the first bar position and thereby moving the legs 97 and 98 from their second stable position to their first stable position.

[0093] The shroud, flexible legs 95 and 96, legs 97-100 and the bar may all be formed integrally of a flexible elastic material and thus form a compliant mechanism. In other embodiments, a different resilient mechanism may be used to bias the shroud into the first position when displaced.

[0094] Advantages of the busbar arrangement 10 are e.g.: Always present shrouding to IP2X gives additional safety. Lock off outgoing ways is possible in the design shown in Figures 1 A to IF and 3 A to 3C. There is no impact to electrical performance or additional power-losses. There is no impact to customer cable space. The shroud 41 is a low cost additional component. The shroud 41 can be injection moulded. Care has to be taken that the busbars 11 to 13 are not live, when the device 91 is fitted; in this case a customer would connect to a live terminal.

[0095] The embodiments shown in Figures 1 A to 3 C as stated represent examples of the improved busbar arrangement and method; therefore, they do not constitute a complete list of all embodiments according to the improved busbar arrangement and method. Actual busbar arrangements and methods may vary from the embodiments shown in terms of parts, structures and shape, for example.

[0096] Reference Numerals

[0097] 10 busbar arrangement

[0098] 11 busbar

[0099] 12 further busbar

[0100] 13 additional busbar

[0101] 14 housing

[0102] 17 opening

[0103] 18 lock

[0104] 21 to 32 terminal

[0105] 41 to 52 shroud

[0106] 61 to 72 bar

[0107] 82, 83 opening

[0108] 90 arrangement

[0109] 91 device

[0110] 92 handle

[0111] 93, 94 shroud part

[0112] 95, 96 leg

[0113] 97, 98 legs

[0114] 99, 100 legs

[0115] D main terminal direction

[0116] LS, LP length

[0117] The following clauses describe aspects of the disclosure.

[0118] Clause 1. A busbar arrangement (10), comprising: a busbar (11), a terminal (21) which is directly connected to the busbar (11) and has a main terminal direction (D), and a shroud (41) which encircles the terminal (41) and is configured to be in a first position or in a second position and to be moved from the first position to the second position parallel to the main terminal direction (D).

[0119] Clause 2. The busbar arrangement (10) of Clause 1, wherein the shroud (41) being in the first position covers the terminal (21), and wherein the shroud (41) being in the second position is configured to allow a contact to the terminal (21).

[0120] Clause 3. The busbar arrangement (10) of Clause 1 or 2, wherein the shroud (41) has a gap to the terminal (21) such that the shroud (41) is movable relative to the terminal (21), and wherein the terminal (21) is not movable relative to the busbar (11).

[0121] Clause 4. The busbar arrangement (10) of one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein the shroud (41) includes a part of a group comprising a rectangular prism, a cube, an octagonal prism, a tube and a squeezed tube, wherein the part has an opening on a first side and a further opening on a second side which is opposite to the first side.

[0122] Clause 5. The busbar arrangement (10) of one of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein the busbar arrangement (10) comprises a housing (14), wherein the busbar (11) is at least partially located in the housing (14), wherein the housing (14) has an opening (82), and wherein the shroud (41) is movable relative to the opening (82).

[0123] Clause 6. The busbar arrangement (10) of Clause 5, wherein the shroud (41) and the terminal (21) extend through the opening (82), and wherein the terminal (21) is fixed relative to the opening (82).

[0124] Clause 7. The busbar arrangement (10) of one of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein the shroud (41) is configured that parts of the shroud (41) or parts connected to the shroud (41) perform at least one of a compression and a bending during movement of the shroud (41) from the first position to the second position. Clause 8. The busbar arrangement (10) of one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein the busbar arrangement (10) comprises a bar (61) which is coupled to the shroud (41), and wherein the shroud (41) is configured to be moved from the first position to the second position by a movement of the bar (61).

[0125] Clause 9. The busbar arrangement (10) of Clause 8, wherein the bar (61) has a first bar position and a second bar position which are two stable positions.

[0126] Clause 10. The busbar arrangement (10) of Clauses 8 or 9, wherein a movement of the bar (61) is perpendicular to a movement of the shroud (41), wherein in case the bar (61) is in a first bar position, the shroud (41) cannot be moved, and wherein in case the bar (61) is in a second bar position, the shroud (41) is movable.

[0127] Clause 11. The busbar arrangement (10) of one of Clauses 8 to 10, wherein the bar (61) has an opening (17) configured for insertion of a lock (18).

[0128] Clause 12. The busbar arrangement (10) of Clauses 8 or 9, wherein a movement of the bar (61) is parallel to a movement of the shroud (41).

[0129] Clause 13. The busbar arrangement (10) of one of Clauses 1 to 12, wherein the busbar arrangement (10) comprises a first number M of busbars (11 to 13) that include the busbar (11), a second number N of terminals (21 to 32) that include the terminal (21), wherein a terminal of the second number N of terminals (21 to 32) is connected to a busbar of the first number of busbars (11 to 13), and a second number N of shrouds (41 to 52) that include the shroud

[0130] (41).

[0131] Clause 14. An arrangement (90), comprising the busbar arrangement (10) according to one of Clauses 1 to 13, and a device (91) that is fixed to the busbar arrangement (10), wherein the shroud (41) is set in the second position and the terminal (21) is inserted into the device (91).

[0132] Clause 15. The arrangement (90) of Clauses 14, wherein the device (91) is implemented as a device of a group comprising a switching device, a circuit breaker, a contactor, a protection device, a sensor device, a communication unit and a controller unit.

[0133] Clause 16. A method for contacting a terminal (21), comprising moving a shroud (41) from a first position to a second position parallel to a main terminal direction (D) of a terminal (21) which is directly connected to a busbar (11), wherein the shroud (41) encircles the terminal (21).

Claims

Claims1. A busbar arrangement (10), comprising: a busbar (11), a terminal (21) which is directly connected to the busbar (11) and has a main terminal direction (D), and a shroud (41) which encircles the terminal (41) and is configured to be in a first position or in a second position and to be moved from the first position to the second position parallel to the main terminal direction (D).

2. The busbar arrangement (10) of claim 1, wherein the shroud (41) uses a compliant mechanism to bias the shroud into the first position when displaced.

3. The busbar arrangement (10) of claim 2, wherein the compliant mechanism of the shroud (41) has binary stiffness such that, in a first state of stiffness, a first minimum force is required to move the shroud from the first position to the second position, and in a second state of stiffness, a second minimum force is required to move the shroud from the first position to the second position, wherein the first minimum force is greater than the second minimum force.

4. The busbar arrangement (10) of claim 3, wherein, when the shroud is initially in the first state of stiffness, the shroud changes from the first state of stiffness to the second state of stiffness when the shroud has been moved from the first position to the second position.

5. The busbar arrangement (10) of claim 4, wherein a force of less magnitude than the first minimum force on the shroud (41) does not result in a change of state of the shroud (41) between the first state and the second state, and only a force with greater magnitude than the first minimum force results in a change of state between the first state and the second state.

6. The busbar arrangement (10) any of any preceding claim, wherein the shroud (41) is configured that parts of the shroud (41)or parts of the busbar arrangement connected to theshroud (41) perform a compression and / or a bending during movement of the shroud (41) from the first position to the second position, and, optionally, wherein additional parts of the shroud (41)or parts of the busbar arrangement connected to the shroud (41) perform a compression and / or a bending during movement of the shroud (41) from the first position to the second position in the first state in comparison to the second state, thereby causing the stiffness of the shroud to be greater in the first state, and, optionally, wherein said parts of the shroud (41) or parts of the busbar arrangement connected to the shroud include: a first leg (99) and a second leg (100) which are bent and / or compressed during movement of the shroud (41) from the first position to the second position in the first state and the second state; and a third leg and a fourth leg (97, 98) which are bent and / or compressed during movement of the shroud (41) from the first position to the second position in the first state but not in the second state.

7. The busbar arrangement (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the shroud (41) being in the first position covers the terminal (21), and wherein the shroud (41) being in the second position is configured to allow a contact to the terminal (21).

8. The busbar arrangement (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the busbar arrangement (10) comprises a housing (14), wherein the busbar (11) is at least partially located in the housing (14), wherein the housing (14) has an opening (82), and wherein the shroud (41) is movable relative to the opening (82).

9. The busbar arrangement (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the shroud (41) and the terminal (21) extend through the opening (82), and wherein the terminal (21) is fixed relative to the opening (82).

10. The busbar arrangement (10) of any preceding claim,wherein the busbar arrangement comprises a bar, and wherein the bar (61) has a first bar position and a second bar position which are two stable positions and, optionally, wherein a movement of the bar (61) is perpendicular to a movement of the shroud (41), wherein in case the bar (61) is in a first bar position, the shroud (41) cannot be moved, and wherein in case the bar (61) is in a second bar position, the shroud (41) is movable, and, optionally, wherein the bar (61) has an opening (17) configured for insertion of a lock (18).

11. The busbar arrangement (10) of claim 10, wherein the shroud is in the first state of stiffness when the bar (61) is in the first bar position and the shroud is in the second state of stiffness when the bar (61) is in the second bar position.

12. The busbar arrangement (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the shroud is moved from the first position to the second position by moving at least part of the shroud parallel to the main terminal direction (D).

13. An arrangement (90), comprising the busbar arrangement (10) according to any preceding claim, and a device (91) that is fixed to the busbar arrangement (10), wherein the shroud (41) is set in the second position and the terminal (21) is inserted into the device (91).

14. The arrangement (90) of claim 13, wherein the device (91) is implemented as a device of a group comprising a switching device, a circuit breaker, a contactor, a protection device, a sensor device, a communication unit and a controller unit.

15. A method for contacting a terminal (21) of the busbar arrangement of any of claims 1 to 12, comprising moving the shroud (41) from the first position to the second position parallel to the main terminal direction (D) of the terminal (21) which is directly connected to the busbar (11), wherein the shroud (41) encircles the terminal (21).

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