Claims:1. An assembly (100) for electric coupling of busways (124-1, 124-2), the assembly (100) comprising:
at least two splice plates (102-1, 102-2) provided with extruded profile (116), the at least two splice plates (102-1, 102-2) are positioned one over another such that the extruded profile (116) of the at least two splice plates(102-1, 102-2) rests on one another to create a predefined gap (130) between surfaces of each of the at least two splice plates (102-1, 102-2), wherein the predefined gap (130) between each of the at least two splice plates (102-1, 102-2) facilitates accommodation of at least one conductor (128-1, 128-2) associated with at least two busways (124-1, 124-2) to enable electric coupling of the at least two busways (124-1, 124-2); and
wherein the extruded profile (116) of the at least two splice plates (102-1, 102-2) restrict movement of the at least two splice plates (102-1, 102-2) at a predefined position, avoid fouling of busbars and limit deterioration of the at least one conductor (128-1, 128-2) when inserted in the assembly (100).
2. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein edges of the at least two splice plates (102-1, 102-2) are configured with a chamfer profile (104) to facilitate smooth insertion of the at least one conductor (128-1, 128-2) into the predefined gap (130).
3. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the at least two splice plates (102-1, 102-2) comprises a first hole (118) adapted to allow a fastener (114) to pass through each of at least two splice plates (102-1, 102-2).
4. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the extruded profile (116) are positioned at a circumference of the first hole (118).
5. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the assembly (100) comprises one or more insulating members (108) configured between the at least two splice plates (102-1, 102-2) to provide electrical insulation between each of the at least two splice plates (102-1, 102-2) of different phases.
6. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein each of the one or more insulating members (108) comprises a second hole to allow the fastener (114) to pass through the one or more insulating members (108).
7. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein at least one end of the fastener (114) is configured with a clamping element (112) to tighten and restrict movement of the at least two splice plates (102-1, 102-2) and the one or more insulating members (108) such that the first hole (118) of each of the at least two splice plates (102-1, 102-2) and the second hole of each of the one or more insulating members (108) are in line with each other and the predefined gap is maintained between the at least two splice plates (102-1, 102-2).
8. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the extruded profile (116) of the at least two splice plates (102-1, 102-2) restrict movement of the at least two splice plates (102-1, 102-2) at the predefined position along a longitudinal axis of the fastener (114).
9. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the assembly (100) comprises one or more side plates (106) on each ends of the fastener (114) to provide support to the at least two splice plates (102-1, 102-2) and the one or more insulating members (108).
10. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the assembly (100) comprises a biasing element (110) configured between the one or more side plates (106) and the clamping element (112), the biasing element (110) automatically bring back one or more side plates (106) to original position when displaced from their original position.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a field of electrical power distribution system. More specifically, it pertains to an assembly for electric coupling of busways that restricts fouling of busbars, and prevent the busbars from thermal deterioration at elevated temperature.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] A busway is a sheet metal duct containing either copper or aluminium busbars used in electric power distribution. A busway consist of bare copper conductors supported on inorganic insulators, such as porcelain, mounted within a non-ventilated steel housing. Various type of busway are available, such as, feeder busway, trolley busway, plug-in busway, indoor busway, and outdoor busway.
[0004] Sections of busway can be inserted in a joint pack for conducting electricity between two sections of busway. There are different techniques available for creating electrical joint between two sections of busways. Broadly, two major types of joining methods are used for connecting two busway sections in joint pack from either side. In case of direct joint, same phase conductors of two busway sections are placed side by side and conductors of adjacent phases are isolated by insulator plates. In case of block joint, a separate joint pack assembly is used to connect two electrical busways. The block joint consists of array of splice plates housed within insulator plates to accommodate the busbars of the busway sections for creating an electrical joint. The assembly can be fastened by hardware set comprising joint bolt, nut and pressure plates.
[0005] Existing busway system require holes or embossed features in the busbars or even require the busbars to be bent at some predefined angle for proper insertion of the busbars in the joint pack. These additional features makes manufacturing process of the busbars complex and expensive.
[0006] The busbars require additional component, such as plastic spacers or springs, for restricting the splice plate movement in loose subassembly condition. There are chances of error during assembly or damage of additional component during tightening of joint pack. Further, the splice plate directly touch the busbars, which causes thermal deterioration of busway system at elevated temperature.
[0007] There is, therefore, a need in the art to provide a simple and cost effective assembly for electric coupling of busways that avoids any chances of fouling busbars, and prevents thermal deterioration of busbars.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0008] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide an efficient and economical solution for electric coupling of busways to avoid any chances of fouling conductors while insertion of busway sections in an assembly.
[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a simple and cost effective assembly for electric coupling of busways.
[0010] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an assembly for electric coupling of busways, which prevent busbars from thermal deterioration at elevated temperature.
[0011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an assembly for electric coupling of busways, which avoids requirement of additional component to restrict movement of splice plate in the assembly.
[0012] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an assembly for electric coupling of busways, which do not require additional machining on the busbars.
[0013] These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY
[0014] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a field of electrical power distribution system. More specifically, it pertains to an assembly for electric coupling of busways that restricts fouling of busbars, and prevent the busbars from thermal deterioration at elevated temperature.
[0015] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides an assembly for electric coupling of busways, the assembly may comprise at least two splice plates provided with extruded profile, the at least two splice plates may be positioned one over another such that the extruded profile of the at least two members rests on one another to create a predefined gap between surfaces of each of the at least two splice plates. The predefined gap between each of the at least two splice plates may facilitate accommodation of at least one conductor associated with at least two busways may enable electric coupling of the at least two busways
[0016] In an aspect, the extruded profile of the at least two splice plates may restrict movement of the at least two splice plates at a predefined position and limit deterioration of the at least one conductor when inserted in the assembly
[0017] In an embodiment, the at least two splice plates may be configured with a chamfer profile to facilitate smooth insertion of the at least one conductor into the predefined gap.
[0018] In an embodiment, each of the at least two splice plates may comprise a first hole adapted to allow a fastener to pass through each of at least two splice plates.
[0019] In an embodiment, the extruded profile may be positioned at a circumference of the first hole.
[0020] In an embodiment, the assembly may comprise one or more insulating members configured between the at least two splice plates to provide electrical insulation between each of the at least two splice plates.
[0021] In an embodiment, each of the one or more insulating members may comprise a second hole to allow the fastener to pass through the one or more insulating members.
[0022] In an embodiment, at least one end of the fastener may be configured with a clamping element to tighten and restrict movement of the at least two splice plates and the one or more insulating members such that the first hole of each of the at least two splice plates and the second hole of each of the one or more insulating members are in line with each other and the predefined gap may be maintained between the at least two splice plates.
[0023] In an embodiment, the extruded profile of the at least two splice plates restrict movement of the at least two splice plates at the predefined position along a longitudinal axis of the fastener.
[0024] In an embodiment, the assembly may comprise one or more side plates on each ends of the fastener may provide support to the at least two splice plates and the one or more insulating members.
[0025] In an embodiment, the assembly may comprise a biasing element configured between the one or more side plates and the clamping element to tighten the at least two splice plates and the one or more insulating members at desired tightened torque.
[0026] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 1A illustrate cross-sectional view of the proposed assembly for electric coupling of busways, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 1B illustrate views of an exemplary embodiment of a conducting member of the proposed assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary representation of two busways being electrically coupled to the proposed assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0032] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[0033] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This disclosure may however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure).
[0034] Various terms as used herein. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0035] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0036] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0037] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.
[0038] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a field of electrical power distribution system. More specifically, it pertains to an assembly for electric coupling of bus ways that restricts fouling of busbars, and prevent the busbars from thermal deterioration at elevated temperature.
[0039] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides an assembly for electric coupling of busways, the assembly can include at least two splice plates provided with extruded profile, the at least two splice plates are positioned one over another such that the extruded profile of the at least two members rests on one another to create a predefined gap between surfaces of each of the at least two splice plates. The predefined gap between each of the at least two splice plates can facilitates accommodation of at least one conductor associated with at least two busways can enable electric coupling of the at least two busways
[0040] In an aspect, the extruded profile of the at least two splice plate scan restrict movement of the at least two splice plates at a predefined position and limit deterioration of the at least one conductor when inserted in the assembly
[0041] In an embodiment, the at least two splice plate scan be configured with a chamfer profile to facilitate smooth insertion of the at least one conductor into the predefined gap.
[0042] In an embodiment, each of the at least two splice plate scan include a first hole adapted to allow a fastener to pass through each of at least two splice plates.
[0043] In an embodiment, the extruded profile can be positioned at a circumference of the first hole.
[0044] In an embodiment, the assembly can include one or more insulating members configured between the at least two splice plates to provide electrical insulation between each of the at least two splice plates.
[0045] In an embodiment, each of the one or more insulating members can include a second hole to allow the fastener to pass through the one or more insulating members.
[0046] In an embodiment, at least one end of the fastener can be configured with a clamping element to tighten and restrict movement of the at least two splice plates and the one or more insulating members such that the first hole of each of the at least two splice plates and the second hole of each of the one or more insulating members are in line with each other and the predefined gap can be maintained between the at least two splice plates.
[0047] In an embodiment, the extruded profile of the at least two splice plates restrict movement of the at least two splice plates at the predefined position along a longitudinal axis of the fastener.
[0048] In an embodiment, the assembly can include one or more side plates on each ends of the fastener can provide support to the at least two splice plates and the one or more insulating members.
[0049] In an embodiment, the assembly can include a biasing element configured between the one or more side plates and the clamping element to tighten the at least two splice plates and the one or more insulating members at desired tightened torque.
[0050] FIG. 1A illustrate cross-sectional view of the proposed assembly for electric coupling of busways, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0051] According to an aspect, the proposed assembly 100 can be used to electrically couple at least one conductor 128-1 to 128-N (collectively referred to as bus bars 128 or bus bar 128, herein) associated with at least two busways124-1, 124-2 (can interchangeably referred as busways 124 or busway 124, herein) for conducting electricity between the busways 124. The assembly 100 can include at least two splice plates102-1 to 102-N (collectively referred to as splice plates 102, herein). The splice plates 102 can be provided with an extruded profile 116 and can be positioned one over another such that the extruded profile 116 of the splice plates 102 rest on one another to create a predefined gap 130 between surfaces of each of the splice plates 102. The predefined gap 130 can facilitate accommodation of the busbars 128 to enable electric coupling between the busways 124. A chamfer profile 104 can be configured at each end of the splice plates 102 to allow smooth insertion of the busbars 128 in the predefined gap 130, such that the chamfer profile 104 avoids any chances of the fouling of the busbars 128.In an exemplary embodiment, the splice plates 102 can have the extruded profile 116 in form of ribs such that ribs of one of the splice plates102 can rest on ribs of other splice plates 102 to create a predefined gap 130 between the splice plates 102.
[0052] In an embodiment, the splice plates 102 can be configured with a first hole 118 (shown in FIG. 1B)such that the extruded profile 116 can be positioned at circumference of the first hole 118. The splice plates 102 are positioned one over another such that the extruded profile 116 of the splice plates 102 rest on one another to create a predefined gap 130 between surfaces of each of the splice plates 102. The extruded profile 116 of the splice plates 102 restrict movement of the splice plates 102 at a predefined position and avoid fouling of the busbars 128 when inserted in the assembly 100.
[0053] In an embodiment, the predefined gap 130 created at either side of the splice plates 102 can be adapted to accommodate the busbars 128 associated with the busways 124 to enable electric coupling of the busways 124. In an exemplary embodiment, the predefined gap 130 can be more than thickness of the busbars 128 such that the busbars 128 can be easily inserted into the predefined gap 130.
[0054] In an embodiment, edges of the splice plates 102 can have a chamfer profile 104 to facilitate smooth insertion of the busbars 128 into the predefined gap 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the splice plates 102 can have symmetrical slope edges. In another exemplary embodiment, the splice plates 102 can have right angled edges.
[0055] In an embodiment, the assembly 100 can include one or more insulting members 108 (can interchangeably referred to as phase barriers 108, herein). The phase barriers 108 can be configured between the splice plates 102 to provide electrical insulation between each of the splice plates 102. The phase barriers 108 can be configured with a second hole, which can be aligned with the first hole 118 of the splice plates 102. In another embodiment, the phase barriers 108 can be configured to hold and provide support to the splice plates 102. In yet another embodiment, an array of the phase barriers 108 can be configured with the splice plates 102 to hold the splice plates 102 together.
[0056] In an embodiment, the assembly 100 can include a fastener 114 adapted to pass through the first hole 118 of the splice plates 102 and the second hole of the phase barriers 108. In another embodiment, the fastener 114 at its one end can be configured with clamping element 112 to tighten and restrict movement of the splice plates 102, and the phase barriers 108 such that the predefined gap 130 can be maintained between the splice plates 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the fastener 114 can be selected from group comprising screw, and bolt. In another exemplary embodiment, the splice plates 102 can restricts movement along a longitudinal axis of the fastener 114.
[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, the extruded profile 116 of the splice plates 102 can restrict movement of the splice plate 102at the predefined position along a longitudinal axis of the fastener 114.
[0058] In an embodiment, the assembly 100 can include side plates 106-1 and 106-2(collectively referred to as side plates 106, herein) adapted to cover the splice plates 102 and the phase barriers 108. The splice plates 102 and the phase barriers 108 can lie between the side plates 106. In another embodiment, the side plates 106 can provide support to the splice plates 102 and the phase barriers 108. In an exemplary embodiment, the side plates 106 can be used to cover the splice plates 102 and the phase barriers 108 from both sides of the assembly.
[0059] In another embodiment, the fastener 114 can be passed through the side plates 106 and tighten with the clamping element112 such that the side plates 106 can provide support to the splice plates 102 and the phase barriers 108. The clamping element 112 can be selected from group comprising nut, clip, clip-on nut, cir-clip, and threaded nut. In an exemplary embodiment, even in loose (engaged) condition of fastener 114 and the clamping element 112, required predefined gap 130 is maintained between the extruded profiles 116 of the splice plates 102.
[0060] In an embodiment, the biasing elements110-1, 110-2 (collectively referred to as biasing element 110) can be configured between the side plates 106 and the clamping element 112 such that the biasing element 110 can automatically bring back the side plates 106 to original position when at least one of the side plates 106 are displaced from their original position. Further, the biasing element 110 provide desired pressure for coupling and it can absorb any shock produced by movement of the assembly 100 either due to insertion of the bus bars 128 in the assembly 100 or due to movement of the busbars 128 once electrically coupled through the assembly 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the biasing element 110 can be selected from group comprising spring, plate spring.
[0061] FIG. 1B illustrate views of an exemplary embodiment of a conducting member of the proposed assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0062] As illustrated in FIG. 1B, different views of an embodiment of the conducting member are shown. The splice plate 102 can include a first hole 118, and an extruded profile 116 at a circumference of the first hole 118. In another embodiment, the splice plates 102 can be selected from materials including such as copper, and aluminium, but not limited to the likes. In an exemplary embodiment, the splice plates 102 can have shape of any or combination of square, rectangular.
[0063] In an embodiment, a chamfer profile 104 can be configured at each end of the splice plates 102 to allow smooth insertion of the busbars 128 in the predefined gap 130, such that the chamfer profile 104 avoids any chances of the fouling of the busbars 128. In another embodiment, the rib profile 116 provided on step region of the splice plates 102 also limits chance of thermal degradation of the busbars 128.In an exemplary embodiment, the splice plates 102 can have the extruded profile 116 in form of ribs such that ribs of one of the splice plates102 can rest on ribs of other splice plates 102 to create a predefined gap 130 between the splice plates 102.
[0064] FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary representation of an assembly for electric coupling of busways, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0065] In an implementation, an assembly 100 can be used to electrically couple the busbars 128 associated with the busways 124, for conducting electricity between the busways 124. The assembly 100 can include splice plates 102, phase barriers 108, fastener 114, clamping element 112, side plates 106, and biasing element 110. The splice plates 102 can be positioned one over another such that the extruded profile 116 of the splice plates 102 rest on one another to create a predefined gap 130 between surfaces of each of the splice plates 102. In the assembly 100, the splice plates 102 can be configured one over another such that the predefined gap 130 facilitates accommodation of busbars 128 to enable electric coupling between the busways 124.
[0066] In an embodiment, the assembly100 can include an array of phase barriers 108 with the splice plates 102 to hold the splice plates 102 together, and provide electrical insulation between each of the splice plates 102 of different phases. The splice plates 102 and the phase barriers 108 can be mounted over one another using in a predefined manner to provide the assembly 100. The phase barriers 108 and splice plates 102 can be positioned between two side plates 106, and the biasing element 110 can be configured with the side plates 106. A fastener 114 can pass through holes provided in each of the splice plates 102, the phase barriers 108, and the side plates 106, such that the splice plates 102, the phase barrier 108, and the side plates106 are aligned concentrically. The assembly 100 can be held together with respect to a horizontal axis of the fastener 114using a clamping element such that the splice plates 102, the phase barriers 108, and the side plates106 are held between the head of the fastener 114 and the clamping element.
[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, the assembly100 can include an array of phase barriers 108 with the splice plates 102 to hold the splice plates 102 together, and provide electrical insulation between each of the splice plates 102. The splice plates 102 and the phase barriers 108 can be mounted over one another using in a predefined manner to provide the assembly 100. The phase barriers 108 and splice plates 102 can be positioned between two side plates 106, and the biasing element 110 can be configured with the side plates 106. Abolt114 can pass through holes provided in each of the splice plates 102, the phase barriers 108, and the side plates 106, such that the splice plates 102, the phase barrier 108, and the side plates106 are aligned concentrically. The assembly 100 can be held together with respect to a horizontal axis of the bolt 114 using a nut such that the splice plates 102, the phase barriers 108, and the side plates106 are held between the head of the bolt 114 and the nut.
[0068] In an embodiment, the busways 124 can include joint case 126-1, 126-2 (collectively referred to as joint cases 126) to provide support to the busbars when inserted into the predefined gap 130. In another embodiment, the joint cases126 can be configured between the side plates 106 and the phase barriers 108 at extreme ends of the assembly.
[0069] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ….and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0070] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0071] The present disclosure provides an efficient and economical solution for electric coupling of busways to avoid any chances of fouling conductors while insertion of busway sections in an assembly.
[0072] The present disclosure provides a simple and cost effective assembly for electric coupling of busways.
[0073] The present disclosure provides an assembly for electric coupling of busways, which prevents busbars from thermal deterioration at elevated temperature.
[0074] The present disclosure provides an assembly for electric coupling of busways, which avoids requirement of additional component to restrict movement of splice plate in the assembly.
[0075] The present disclosure provides an assembly for electric coupling of busways, which do not require additional machining on the busbars.