Claims:1. An apparatus (100) for electrically coupling busbar trunking (BBT) units, the apparatus comprising:
one or more support elements (102), each having at least two holders (112) located at either ends of the one or more support elements (102), a first end of the at least two holders is coupled to a fixed member of BBT units and a second end of the at least two holders is connected to a movable member of the BBT units, wherein the one or more support elements are adapted to couple the BBT units;
at least two rods (104) pivotally coupled to the one or more support elements (102) through a bracket (114), the at least two rods (104) located and being movable parallel to each other;
a handle (106) coupled between the at least two rods (104), the handle (106) operated to move the at least two rods;
a slider element (108) pivotally coupled to each of the at least two rods (104), the slider element, upon operation, is adapted to slide the one or more support elements; and
a guide element (110) pivotally coupled at sides of the one or more support elements (102) through the bracket (114), the guide element (110) adapted to ensure the positioning of the BBT units at a particular pitch,
wherein, when a mechanical force is applied on the handle (106) to move the handle, the at least two rods (104) are moved by the slider element (108), to slide the one or more support elements (102) from a first position to a second position in the guide element (110), and
wherein, the sliding of the one or more support elements (102) to the second position creates a uniform puling force by the one or more support elements (102) to pull the movable member of the BBT units towards the fixed member of the BBT units to facilitate the coupling of the BBT units.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more support elements (102) comprises an adjustable rod (204) and a fixed rod (202).
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the adjustable rod (204) is adapted to slide into and out of the fixed rod (202) to vary effective length of the one or more support elements.
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fixed member of the BBT units is provided with a joint block.
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bracket (114) is configured in each of the one or more support elements (102), the bracket (114) is adapted to fix the at least two rods (104), the slider element (108) and the guide element (110) to the one or more support elements.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the movement of the at least two rods (104) to the second position provides the uniform pulling force to act on the at least two holders (112) to couple the fixed member of the BBT units with the movable member of the BBT units.
7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, at the second position, the at least two rods (104), and the slider element (108) are partially away from the one or more support elements.
8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, at the second position, the guide element (110) is adapted to ensure a desired gap, and symmetricity between the fixed member of the BBT units and moving member of the BBT units.
9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the movement of the at least two rods (104) to the first position provides a uniform repelling force to act on the at least two holders (112) to de-couple the fixed member of the BBT units with the movable member of the BBT units.
10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, at the first position, the at least two rods (104), and the slider element (108) are adapted to cover at least a part of the width of the one or more support elements.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates, in general, to connecting mechanisms, and more specifically, relates to an apparatus to electrically connect the busbars units of busbar trunking systems.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Bus bar trunking system also referred to as BBT is used for electrical power distribution. Power distribution from source generally transformer or generator to load achieved by a combination of straight feeders, elbows, and the like. Power is generally tapped by means of plug-in units. A typical power distribution line consists of a combination of straight/plug-in feeders and elbows, depending on the route configuration and site conditions. Generally, lower ratings have single stack assemblies while higher ratings have multi-stack i.e., double and triple assemblies.
[0003] To ensure continuity of power, all these feeders and elbows are connected by means of a joint block. The joint block has to be inserted between the two BBT elements in such a way that the two elements maintains a defined gap. In order to establish a proper joint, the two BBT elements has to be, defined gap apart and symmetrical about the center axis. In actual site conditions, where the installation generally happens at an altitude of approximately 3 to 4 meters, ensuring all the above said conditions are extremely difficult.
[0004] For lower current ratings insertion and alignment of joint block is manageable with slight hammering. However, for higher ratings, involving multiple stacks, to ensure proper insertion and alignment intense hammering becomes inevitable. Hammering leads to improper joints, which eventually leads to higher temperature rise and, in some cases, even short circuit. Other limitation may include considering the weight, engaging the busbar trucking unit with joint block requires a lot of human effort. In case of multi stack units it is even more difficult to make the joint, these joints were made manually without any tool. Positioning of two units parallel to each other and at a particular pitch may require skilled workmanship and hence becomes operator dependent
[0005] Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide a means that can easily connect the busbar units by solving the aforementioned problems.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0006] An object of the present disclosure relates, in general, to connecting mechanisms, and more specifically, relates to an apparatus to electrically connect the busbars units of busbar trunking systems.
[0007] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus that can provide electrical connection of the busbar units (BBT) for busbar trunking systems effectively.
[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus that can be easily attached to BBT units through a rotary handle that can bring the BBT units closer with minimal manual effort.
[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus that has compatibility for various ratings and dimensions through adjustable slider and thereby being versatile.
[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a guide link arrangement provided on both the sides of the apparatus to ensure smooth operation.
[0011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus to ensure an effective contact area between the two feeders by maintaining desired gap and symmetricity with respect to the central axis.
[0012] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus that can ensure final positioning of both the BBT units at a particular pitch and paralleled.

SUMMARY
[0013] The present disclosure relates, in general, to connecting mechanisms, and more specifically, relates to an apparatus to electrically connect the busbars units of busbar trunking systems.
[0014] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for electrically coupling busbar trunking (BBT) units, the apparatus including: one or more support elements, each having at least two holders located at either ends of the one or more support elements, a first end of the at least two holders is coupled to a fixed member of BBT units and a second end of the at least two holders is connected to a movable member of the BBT units, wherein the one or more support elements are adapted to couple the BBT units, at least two rods pivotally coupled to the one or more support elements through a bracket, the at least two rods located and being movable parallel to each other, a handle coupled between the at least two rods, the handle operated to move the at least two rods, a slider element pivotally coupled to each of the at least two rods, the slider element, upon operation, is adapted to slide the one or more support elements, and a guide element pivotally coupled at sides of the one or more support elements through the bracket, the guide element adapted to ensure the positioning of the BBT units at a particular pitch, wherein, when a mechanical force is applied on the handle to move the handle, the at least two rods are moved by the slider element, to slide the one or more support elements from a first position to a second position in the guide element, and wherein, the sliding of the one or more support elements to the second position creates a uniform puling force by the one or more support elements to pull the movable member of the BBT units towards the fixed member of the BBT units to facilitate the coupling of the BBT units.
[0015] In an embodiment, the one or more support elements may include an adjustable rod and a fixed rod.
[0016] In another embodiment, the adjustable rod can be adapted to slide into and out of the fixed rod to vary effective length of the one or more support elements.
[0017] In another embodiment, the fixed member of the BBT units can be provided with a joint block.
[0018] In another embodiment, the bracket can be configured in each of the one or more support elements, the bracket can be adapted to fix the at least two rods, the slider element and the guide element to the one or more support elements.
[0019] In another embodiment, the movement of the at least two rods to the second position provides the uniform pulling force to act on the at least two holders to couple the fixed member of the BBT units with the movable member of the BBT units.
[0020] In another embodiment, at the second position, the at least two rods, and the slider element can be partially away from the one or more support elements.
[0021] In another embodiment, at the second position, the guide element can be adapted to ensure a desired gap, and symmetricity between the fixed member of the BBT units and moving member of the BBT units.
[0022] In another embodiment, the movement of the at least two rods to the first position provides a uniform repelling force to act on the at least two holders to de-couple the fixed member of the BBT units with the movable member of the BBT units.
[0023] In another embodiment, at the first position, the at least two rods, and the slider element can be adapted to cover at least a part of the width of the one or more support elements.
[0024] 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
[0025] The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further illustrate aspects of the present disclosure. The disclosure may be better understood by reference to the drawings in combination with the detailed description of the specific embodiments presented herein.
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of an apparatus for electrically coupling busbar trunking units, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 2A and FIG.2B illustrate exemplary representation of the adjustable support elements, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram illustrating the working of the apparatus in disconnection position and connection position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] The present disclosure relates, in general, to connecting mechanisms, and more specifically, relates to an apparatus to electrically connect the busbars units of busbar trunking systems. The apparatus, which makes it possible to easily change the direction of busbar trunking systems as desired. The simple electrical and mechanical connection of the busbars units can be improved. The present disclosure can be described in enabling detail in the following examples, which may represent more than one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of an apparatus for electrically coupling busbar trunking units, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0033] Referring to FIG.1, an apparatus 100 (also referred to as a joint tool kit assembly) configured for electrically connecting one or more busbars trunking (BBT) units in a busbar trunking system (also referred to as system, herein). The apparatus 100 can easily change the direction of systems as desired, the system may include one or more interconnected, single or multi-phase, modular BBT units for electrical power distribution. The system can be configured to distribute electrical energy, in particular in low, medium-voltage range and in any combination thereof.
[0034] The system can distribute electric power using any or a combination of copper and aluminium busbar with suitable enclosures and good amount of protection to prevent the conductors from getting damaged due to foreign bodies. The BBT units, which are elongated in a longitudinal direction, can be arranged flat next to one another in the busbar housing and are encased by the housing. The BBT units have a compact design through which compressed flat conductors can pass through the enclosure. Due to the compact designs, busbars require lesser space than traditional cabling systems. The one or more interconnected single-phase or multiphase modular BBT units can be assembled by the apparatus 100.
[0035] The apparatus 100 may include one or more support elements 102, at least two rods 104, a handle 106, a slider element 108 (also referred to as a slider link 108), and a guide element 110 (also referred to as guide link arrangement 108). The one or more support elements 102, can be provided with at least two holders 112 located at either ends of the one or more support elements 102. A first end of the at least two holders 112 can be coupled to a fixed member of BBT units and a second end of the at least two holders 112 can be connected to a movable member of the BBT units, wherein the one or more support elements 102 can be adapted to couple the BBT units. The at least two holders 112 can be adapted to connect the apparatus 100 with the BBT units.
[0036] In another embodiment, the fixed member may include a first feeder on which joint block can be installed, and the movable member may include a second feeder, onto which the fixed member is to be attached. The second feeder of the BBT units can be pulled to the first feeder of the BBT units by means of a lever mechanism. The first feeder and the second feeder can be a type of transmission line. In addition, these feeders are the power lines through which electricity is transmitted in power systems. Feeder transmits power from generating station or substation to the distribution points.
[0037] In another embodiment, the at least two rods 104 can be pivotally coupled to the one or more support elements 102 through a bracket 114, the at least two rods 104 located and being movable parallel to each other. The handle 106 can be coupled between the at least two rods 104, the handle 106 can be operated to move the at least two rods 104. The slider element 108 can be pivotally coupled to each of the at least two rods 104, the slider element 108, upon operation, can be adapted to slide the one or more support elements 102.
[0038] In another embodiment, the guide element 110 can be pivotally coupled at sides of the one or more support elements 102 through the bracket 114, the guide element 110 can be adapted to ensure the positioning of the BBT units at a particular pitch. The guide element 110 can be adapted to ensure a desired gap, and symmetricity with respect to the central axis between the fixed member of the BBT units and moving member of the BBT units. The bracket 114 can be coupled to each of the one or more support elements 102, the bracket 114 can fix the at least two rods 104, the slider element 108 and the guide element 110 to the one or more support elements 102.
[0039] In an implantation, when a mechanical force is applied on the handle 106 to move the handle 106, the at least two rods 104 can be moved by the slider element 108, to slide the one or more support elements 102 from a first position to a second position in the guide element 110 and the sliding of the one or more support elements 102 to the second position can create a uniform puling force by the one or more support elements 102 to pull the movable member of the BBT units towards the fixed member of the BBT units to facilitate the coupling of the BBT units. The first position can be a disconnected position and second position can be a connected position.
[0040] For example, when the mechanical force (F) is being applied on the handle 106, it transmits the force to the at least two rods 104. This at least two rods 104 can rotate and the one or more support element 102 can slide from a point A to B in the guide element 110. Point A (first position) is the position where the fixed member and moving member are in disconnected position. When the force f is applied, the one or more support element 102 can pull the moving member towards the fixed member at Point B, wherein Point B (second position) is the position where the fixed member and moving member are in connected position.
[0041] In another embodiment, the first position can be the disconnected position of the fixed member and the movable member, and the second position can be the connected position of the fixed member and the movable member. The mechanism of the guide element 110 can be such that, when the one or more support element 102 slides from the first position to the second position, the guide element 110 can be configured to ensure a definite motion and desired gap between the fixed member and moving member of the BBT units.
[0042] For example, as one or more support element 102 slides from the point A to B, the apparatus may come to halt at point B i.e., second position, the guide element 110 not only ensures the desired gap between the fixed member and moving member but also ensures symmetricity with respect to joint axis center. This ensures, whenever the joint is made with the apparatus 100, that joint can always be a perfect joint without any drawbacks.
[0043] Thus, the apparatus 100 can be designed in such a way that it can ensure an effective contact area between the two feeders by maintaining desired gap and symmetricity with respect to the central axis. The handle 106 can be used to operate the mechanism effectively and the at least two rods 104 can be extended to give better advantage during operation. The apparatus 100 can further ensure an effective busbar joint with reduced human effort and minimum assembly time.
[0044] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B illustrate exemplary representation of the adjustable support elements, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, structure 200 of the one or more support elements 102 can lead to ease of replacement in case of wear and tear of the components, the one or more support elements 102 can use existing holes on busbars for assembly. The one or more support elements 102 may include many of the same components introduced in FIG.1 above. Those components that are unchanged in this embodiment retain their original element number and are not reintroduced.
[0046] In an embodiment, the one or more support elements 102 may include at least two holders 112, fixed rod 202, adjustable rod 204 and the bracket 114. The at least two holders can be located at either ends of the one or more support elements 102. The at least two holders 112 can connect the apparatus 100 with BBT units. The first end of the at least two holders 112 can be coupled to the fixed member of BBT units and the second end of the at least two holders 112 can be connected to the movable member of the BBT units, wherein the one or more support elements 102 can be adjustable and can be adapted to couple the BBT units.
[0047] In another embodiment, the adjustable rod 204 can be adapted to slide into and out of the fixed rod 202 to vary effective length of the one or more support elements 102. The one or more support elements 102 has increased length by sliding the adjustable rod 204 out of the fixed rod 202, as illustrated in FIG. 2A. Similarly, the one or more support elements 102 has reduced length by sliding the adjustable rod 204 into the fixed rod 202, as illustrated in FIG. 2B. The sliding of the adjustable rod 204 into and out of the fixed rod 202 can be performed to accommodate the width wise variations in the BBT units.
[0048] For example, the apparatus 100 may have first BBT units having a first cross-sectional area, and second BBT units having a second cross-sectional area, wherein the first cross-sectional area of the first BBT units may differ from the second cross-sectional area of the second BBT units, in that the first BBT units may have a different width than the second BBT units. Based on the width of the BBT units, the adjustable rod 204 can be adapted to slide into and out of the fixed rod 202 to vary the length of the one or more support elements to enable the connection of the BBT units.
[0049] In another embodiment, the number of BBT units and the cross-sectional area of the BBT units can be variable and can be tailored to the individual application. The apparatus 100 can be utilized in in modern infrastructure, industry and the like to electrically couple the BBT units. By combining several BBT units with different cross-sectional areas, the apparatus 100 can reduce additional cost. The main purpose of this present disclose is to facilitate ease of insertion of joint block. The apparatus 100 can be designed in such a way that, whenever the joint block is assembled, it inherently ensures defined gap and symmetricity about central axis, all these can be achieved with minimal human effort.
[0050] Thus, the apparatus 100 can easily attached the BBT units through the rotary handle, the operation of the rotary handle can pull the BBT units closer with minimal manual effort. The compatibility for various ratings (dimensions) through adjustable slides and thereby being versatile, and the guide element 110 can ensure final positioning of both the BBT units at a particular pitch and paralleled. The apparatus 100 may be configured with the mechanical arrangement for joining two BBT unit with reduced manual effort.
[0051] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram illustrating the working of the apparatus in disconnection position and connection position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 3A, the working 300 of the apparatus 100 can be implemented in disconnection position and connection position of the BBT units. The mechanical force (F) can be applied on the handle 106 to move the handle 106, the at least two rods 104 can be moved by the slider element 108, to slide the one or more support elements 102 from the first position to the second position in the guide element 110. The movement of the at least two rods 104 to the first position can provide a uniform repelling force to act on the at least two holders 112 to de-couple the fixed member of the BBT units with the movable member of the BBT units. The apparatus 100, at the first position, can be in the disconnection position, wherein at the first position, the at least two rods 104, and the slider element 108 can be adapted to cover at least a part of the width of the one or more support elements 102.
[0053] In another embodiment, the movement of the at least two rods 104 to the second position as illustrated in FIG. 3B, can provide the uniform pulling force to act on the at least two holders 112 to couple the fixed member of the BBT units with the movable member of the BBT units. At the second position, the at least two rods 104, and the slider element 108 can be partially away from the one or more support elements 102. The guide element 110, at the second position, can be adapted to ensure the desired gap, and symmetricity with respect to the central axis between the fixed member of the BBT units and moving member of the BBT units.
[0054] In an implementation, for example, when the mechanical force (F) is applied on the handle 106, it transmits the force to the at least two rods 104. This at least two rods 104 can rotate with respect to the point “O” and the one or more support element 102 can slide from a point A to B in the guide element 110. Point A is the position, where the fixed member and moving member are in disconnected position. Point B is the position, where the fixed member and moving member are in connected position, when the force is applied, the one or more support element 102 can pull the moving member towards the fixed member.
[0055] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the apparatus 100 of the disclosure may be provided using some or all of the mentioned features and components without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, it will be clear that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as described in the claims.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0056] The present disclosure provides an apparatus that can be easily attached to busbar units through a rotary handle that can bring the BBT units closer with minimal manual effort.
[0057] The present disclosure provides an apparatus that has compatibility for various ratings and dimensions through adjustable slides and thereby being versatile.
[0058] The present disclosure provides a guide link arrangement provided on both the sides of the apparatus to ensure smooth operation.
[0059] The present disclosure provides a guide link arrangement that can ensure final positioning of both the busbar units at a particular pitch and paralleled.
[0060] The present disclosure provides an apparatus that can provide electrical connection of the BBT units for busbar trunking systems effectively.
[0061] The present disclosure provides an apparatus to ensure an effective contact area between the two feeders by maintaining desired gap and symmetricity with respect to the central axis.
[0062] The present disclosure provides an apparatus to ensure an effective busbar joint with reduced human effort and minimum assembly time.