Technical field

Aspects of the present invention relate to a device comprising an interface for providing an electrical connection between two conductors. Further, aspects of the present invention relate to an apparatus comprising a plurality of such devices.

Background

Sometimes it is requested or desired to provide an electrical bypass connection, for example in order to bypass an electrical circuit, an electrical component and/or any other electrical element, such as an electrical conductor. For example, it may be desired to provide the electrical bypass to short-circuit an electrical circuit, which may be part of an electrical system. For example, with regard to an electric vehicle, at certain occasions, it may be required or desirable to short-circuit an electric battery or an electric battery pack of the electric vehicle. Such certain occasions may for example include maintenance of the electric vehicle, or one or more steps in the production or assembly of the electric vehicle.

Summary

The inventors of the present invention have found drawbacks in conventional solutions for electrically bypassing an electrical circuit, an electrical component and/or an electrical element, such as an electrical conductor. For example, some conventional solutions for short-circuiting an electrical circuit, which involve an electrical bypass, are not sufficiently secure and safe, for example with regard to user safety, such as user safety related to the maintenance of an electrical system or an apparatus including an electrical system.

An object of the invention is to provide a solution which mitigates or solves the drawbacks and problems of conventional solutions. The above and further objects are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objects are achieved with a device comprising an interface for providing an electrical connection between two conductors, wherein the interface comprises an electrically conductive member, wherein the electrically conductive member comprises a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion is configured for electrical contact with one of the two conductors while the second end portion is configured for electrical contact with the other one of the two conductors, wherein the electrically conductive member has a longitudinal extension extending from the first end portion to the second end portion, wherein the longitudinal extension comprises a first longitudinal edge portion, wherein the first longitudinal edge portion comprises a first longitudinal wall forming, or defining, a first longitudinal recess for engagement with a first electrically conductive portion of a bridging tool, and wherein the first longitudinal wall is configured for electrical contact with the first electrically conductive portion of the bridging tool when the first longitudinal recess is in engagement with the first electrically conductive portion of the bridging tool.

Each conductor of the two conductors may be described, or referred to, as an electrical conductor. It may be defined that the first longitudinal recess is configured for a releasable or detachable engagement with the first electrically conductive portion of the bridging tool. It may be defined that the first longitudinal wall is configured for detachable and/or temporary electrical contact with the first electrically conductive portion of the bridging tool. It may be defined that the bridging tool is operatable, i.e. configured to be operated, by an operator or a user. In some embodiments, the electrically conductive member may be referred to as a busbar. An advantage of the device according to the first aspect is that the first longitudinal recess provides a secure and firm mechanical connection, for example a detachable and temporary connection, and thus a secure and firm electrical connection, for example a temporary or short-term electrical connection, between the electrically conductive member and the bridging tool. Any involuntary disengagement of the bridging tool from the electrically conductive member, or the risk that the bridging tool involuntary leaves its engagement with the electrically conductive member, is efficiently reduced by way of the first longitudinal recess. Consequently, a secure and safe electrical bypass connection, for example a detachable and temporary bypass connection, which involves the electrically conductive member, can be provided. When the electrical bypass connection is part of a short-circuit, such as a short-term or temporary short-circuit, for example in order to provide, or improve, user safety during the maintenance of an electrical system or an apparatus including an electrical system, the device according to the first aspect improves the security and robustness of the short-circuit, and consequently improves the user safety for the operator or user involved in the maintenance of the electrical system or the apparatus including the electrical system.

The device according to the first aspect provides a non-expensive solution for a secure and robust electrical bypass connection, for example a temporary or short-term bypass connection, since the electrically conductive member may be easily manufactured, for example through extrusion. Further, the first longitudinal recess may represent the safe or proper location where to apply the bridging tool to avoid any electrical hazards, and then the device according to the first aspect facilitates for the user to apply the bridging tool at this safe and proper location in a safe manner, since the first longitudinal recess may be configured to efficiently receive and match the first electrically conductive portion of a bridging tool.

Further, an advantage of the device according to the first aspect is that the cooling capacity, or ability, of the interface is improved without adding any excessive extra material to the device or the electrically conductive member, for example without any extension of the length of the electrically conductive member, since the first longitudinal wall and the longitudinal recess provide an increase of the outer surface of the electrically conductive member and thus a larger outer surface area in relation to the cross-section area for the electrically conductive member, for example compared to conventional busbars with a rectangular or circular cross-section, whereby the electrically conductive member more efficiently can lead away heat compared to conventional busbars. Thus, the device according to the first aspect provides an improved and efficient cooling of the electrically conductive member per se and of components or conductors connected to the interface or device, for example while keeping the longitudinal extension of the electrically conductive member short, which provides a compact interface. On the other hand, the first longitudinal wall and the longitudinal recess may improve and increase the electrical conductivity of the interface, since the first longitudinal wall and the longitudinal recess may add extra material to the electrically conductive member without extending the length of the electrically conductive member, and consequently, the electrically conductive crosssection area of the electrically conductive member is increased by the added extra material, which improves and increases the electrical conductivity of the electrically conductive member and of the interface. It may be described that, by way of the device according to the first aspect, the cooling capacity of the interface is increased without any increase, or without any excessive increase, of the weight of the device.

In general, the temporary connection/connections and/or the temporary short-circuit are/is maintained or assured as long as the electrically conductive member is in engagement with the bridging tool.

The apparatus to be maintained may for example be a vehicle, for example of the sort disclosed below, or any other apparatus.

The electrically conductive member may be configured for direct current. The electrically conductive member may be configured for high voltage, such as a voltage above 60 V, for example above 400 V, such as above 650 V. For example, the electrically conductive member may be configured for a voltage up to 1500 V.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect, the first longitudinal wall and the first longitudinal recess extend along the entire extension of the longitudinal extension of the electrically conductive member. An advantage of this embodiment is that the electrically conductive member along its entire length can firmly engage, for example releasably or detachably engage, with the bridging tool. Thereby, a user can apply the bridging tool at several positions but still along a secure limited distance, wherein the limited distance is provided by the longitudinal extension of the electrically conductive member. An advantage of this embodiment is that a secure and firm electrical connection, for example a temporary connection, between the electrically conductive member and the bridging tool is provided, whereby a secure and safe electrical bypass connection, for example a temporary bypass connection, and/or a secure and robust electrical short-circuit connection, for example a temporary short-circuit connection, can be attained.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect, the first longitudinal wall forms a longitudinal mouth of the first longitudinal recess, wherein the first longitudinal wall comprises a longitudinal lip, and wherein at least the longitudinal lip restricts the longitudinal mouth for locking the first electrically conductive portion of the bridging tool in engagement with the first longitudinal recess. An advantage of this embodiment is that the temporary mechanical connection between the electrically conductive member and the bridging tool is further improved, and thus the temporary electrical connection between the electrically conductive member and the bridging tool is made even more secure and firm. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved temporary electrical bypass connection and/or a further improved temporary electrical short-circuit connection can be attained.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect, the first longitudinal wall and the first longitudinal recess form an attachment for attaching the electrically conductive member to one or more of the group of:

• one or more of the two conductors; and

• a second attachment.

An advantage of this embodiment is that that an efficient and flexible attachment of the electrically conductive member is provided by way of the first longitudinal wall and the first longitudinal recess. Additional attachments, such as additional through-holes and bores in the electrically conductive member, are avoided. When the first longitudinal wall and the first longitudinal recess extend along the entire extension of the longitudinal extension of the electrically conductive member, the electrically conductive member can be attached to a structure or frame, for example a structure or frame of a vehicle, at any location along the longitudinal extension of the electrically conductive member without any further modification of the electrically conductive member, such as modifications involving the provision of additional through-holes in the electrically conductive member. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved temporary electrical bypass connection and/or a further improved temporary electrical short-circuit connection can be attained.

According to still another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect, the longitudinal extension comprises a second longitudinal edge portion, wherein the second longitudinal edge portion comprises a first longitudinal edge for engagement with an electrically conductive seat of a second electrically conductive portion of the bridging tool, and wherein the first longitudinal edge is configured for electrical contact with the second electrically conductive portion of the bridging tool when the first longitudinal edge is in engagement with the electrically conductive seat of the second electrically conductive portion of the bridging tool.

It may be defined that the first longitudinal edge is configured for a releasable or detachable engagement with the electrically conductive seat of the second electrically conductive portion of the bridging tool. It may be defined that the first longitudinal edge is configured for detachable and/or temporary electrical contact with the second electrically conductive portion of the bridging tool. An advantage of these embodiments is that the first longitudinal edge provides a secure and firm mechanical connection, for example a detachable and temporary connection, and thus a secure and firm electrical connection, for example a temporary connection, between the electrically conductive member and the bridging tool at a second location of the electrically conductive member. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved electrical bypass connection, for example a detachable and temporary bypass connection, and/or a further improved electrical short-circuit connection, for example a temporary short- circuit connection, can be attained. When two devices are present and two electrically conductive members are next to one another, for example adjacent to one another, the electrically conductive members can provide a firm detachable and temporary mechanical connection and thus a secure and firm temporary electrical connection between one another via the first longitudinal recess of one of the two electrically conductive members and the first longitudinal edge of the other one of the two electrically conductive members and via the bridging tool.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect, the first longitudinal edge is configured to engage a recess of the electrically conductive seat of the second electrically conductive portion of the bridging tool. An advantage of this embodiment is that the first longitudinal edge provides a further improved detachable and temporary mechanical and electrical connection between the electrically conductive member and the bridging tool at the second location of the electrically conductive member. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved detachable and/or temporary electrical bypass connection and/or a further improved detachable and/or temporary electrical short-circuit connection can be attained.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect, the first longitudinal edge extends along the entire extension of the longitudinal extension of the electrically conductive member. An advantage of this embodiment is that the electrically conductive member along its entire length can firmly engage, for example releasably or detachably engage, with the bridging tool at the second location of the electrically conductive member. Thereby, a user can apply the bridging tool at several positions along the second longitudinal edge portion but still along a secure limited distance, wherein the limited distance is provided by the longitudinal extension of the electrically conductive member. An advantage of this embodiment is that a secure and firm temporary electrical connection between the electrically conductive member and the bridging tool is provided at the second location of the electrically conductive member. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved detachable and/or temporary electrical bypass connection and/or a further improved detachable and/or temporary electrical short-circuit connection can be attained. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect, the second longitudinal edge portion forms a second longitudinal recess for engagement with the second electrically conductive portion of the bridging tool. An advantage of this embodiment is that the second longitudinal edge portion provides a further improved detachable and temporary mechanical and electrical connection between the electrically conductive member and the bridging tool at the second location of the electrically conductive member. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved detachable and/or temporary electrical bypass connection and/or a further improved detachable and/or temporary electrical short-circuit connection can be attained.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect, the second longitudinal recess at least partly forms the first longitudinal edge. By way of this embodiment, the second longitudinal recess is adjacent to the first longitudinal edge. An advantage of this embodiment is that the second longitudinal edge portion provides a further improved detachable and temporary mechanical and electrical connection between the electrically conductive member and the bridging tool at the second location of the electrically conductive member. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved detachable and/or temporary electrical bypass connection and/or a further improved detachable and/or temporary electrical short- circuit connection can be attained.

According to still another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect, the first longitudinal edge comprises a slope configured to cooperate with a slope of the second electrically conductive portion of the bridging tool to facilitate the engagement of the first longitudinal edge with the electrically conductive seat of the second electrically conductive portion of the bridging tool. An advantage of this embodiment is that the bridging tool is efficiently guided to a firm and secure engagement and to a firm and secure mechanical and electrical connection with the first longitudinal edge. An advantage of this embodiment is that a safe and secure detachable and/or temporary electrical bypass connection and/or a secure and robust detachable and/or temporary electrical short-circuit connection can be attained by way of the bridging tool in an efficient and easy manner. According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect, the first longitudinal edge portion is opposite to the second longitudinal edge portion. When two devices are present and two electrically conductive members are next to one another, this embodiment provides a firm detachable and temporary mechanical connection and thus a secure and firm detachable and/or temporary electrical connection between the two electrically conductive members via the first longitudinal recess of one of the two electrically conductive members and the first longitudinal edge of the other one of the two electrically conductive members and via the bridging tool. An advantage of this embodiment is that a safe and secure detachable and/or temporary electrical bypass connection and/or a secure and robust detachable and/or temporary electrical short-circuit connection can be attained by way of the bridging tool in an efficient and easy manner.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect, the longitudinal extension of the electrically conductive member is curved such that one of the first and second longitudinal edge portions is convex in the direction of the longitudinal extension while the other one of the first and second longitudinal edge portions is concave in the direction of the longitudinal extension. An advantage of this embodiment is that the electrically conductive member can be easily fitted into restricted or limited spaces and be electrically connected there. When two devices are present, and two electrically conductive members are to be placed next to one another, for example such that the longitudinal extensions of the electrically conductive members are essentially parallel to one another, and in order to have two electrically conductive members efficiently cooperate with the bridging tool, the first longitudinal recess of one of the two electrically conductive members is advantageously facing the first longitudinal edge of the other one of the two electrically conductive members. By the curved shape of the electrically conductive member, it is easy during the assembly to mount the two electrically conductive members in correct positions in relation to one another to attain said cooperation, since the convex longitudinal side of the of one of the two electrically conductive members matches the concave longitudinal side of the other one of the two electrically conductive members, and the convex longitudinal side of the of one of the two electrically conductive members is advantageously placed facing the concave longitudinal side of the other one of the two electrically conductive members in order for the longitudinal extensions of the electrically conductive members to be essentially parallel to one another. Thus, the curved shape of the electrically conductive member provides a clear visual hint, or pointer (or indication), for mounting the electrically conductive members in correct positions in relation to one another during assembly. An advantage of this embodiment is that a safe and secure detachable and/or temporary electrical bypass connection and/or a secure and robust detachable and/or temporary electrical short-circuit connection can be attained by way of the bridging tool in an efficient and easy manner.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect, the longitudinal extension of the electrically conductive member is curved such that one of the first longitudinal wall and the first longitudinal edge is convex in the direction of the longitudinal extension while the other one of the first longitudinal wall and the first longitudinal edge is concave in the direction of the longitudinal extension. The advantages of this embodiment correspond to the advantages mentioned above in connection with the embodiment having a curved electrically conductive member.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect, the first longitudinal wall has a longitudinal surface portion forming a longitudinal bottom surface of the first longitudinal recess, wherein the longitudinal extension of the electrically conductive member is curved such that one of the longitudinal bottom surface and the first longitudinal edge is convex in the direction of the longitudinal extension while the other one of the longitudinal bottom surface and the first longitudinal edge is concave in the direction of the longitudinal extension. The advantages of this embodiment correspond to the advantages mentioned above in connection with the embodiment having a curved electrically conductive member.

According to still another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect, the first end portion is attachable to one of the two conductors while the second end portion is attachable to the other one of the two conductors. An advantage of this embodiment is that the electrically conductive member provides a firm and secure mechanical and electrical connection between the two conductors. However, in alternative embodiments, the electrically conductive member may be attached in other ways, for example via the attachment of the first longitudinal wall and the first longitudinal recess of the embodiment mentioned above.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect, the electrically conductive member is electrically connectable to a vehicle electrical system of a vehicle. The application of the device according to the first aspect to a vehicle is advantageous, especially if the vehicle has one or more electric batteries or one or more electric battery packs to be electrically bypassed or short-circuited at certain occasions, since the space is limited in a vehicle, and some electrical connections have to be installed in limited spaces. By way of this embodiment, a firm and safe detachable and/or temporary engagement between the electrically conductive member and the bridging tool can be attained despite a limited space, and thus a safe and robust detachable and/or temporary electrical connection between the electrically conductive member and the bridging tool can be attained despite a limited space. An advantage of this embodiment is that a safe and secure detachable and/or temporary electrical bypass connection and/or a secure and robust detachable and/or temporary electrical short-circuit connection can be attained by way of the bridging tool in an efficient and easy manner despite a limited space, which may be present in a vehicle.

The electrically conductive member may be electrically connectable to a vehicle electrical system configured for direct current. The electrically conductive member may be electrically connectable to a vehicle electrical system which is a vehicle high voltage system. It may be defined that the vehicle high voltage system is configured for a high voltage, such as a voltage above 60 V, for example above 400 V, such as above 650 V. For example, the vehicle high voltage system may be configured for a voltage up to 1500 V. The vehicle electrical system may be electrically connectable to one or more electric batteries, for example to one or more high voltage batteries. The vehicle electrical system may be, or may be referred to as, a VCB.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect, the electrically conductive member is at least partly made of an electrically conductive material. In some embodiments, the electrically conductive member may be made of an electrically conductive material. Thus, the entire, or substantially the entire, electrically conductive member may be made of an electrically conductive material.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objects are achieved with a bridging tool for electrically connecting a first electrically conductive member to a second electrically conductive member, wherein the first and second electrically conductive members are spaced apart from one another, wherein each of the first and second electrically conductive members comprises a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first electrically conductive member provides a first electrical connection between two conductors of a first group of conductors while the second electrically conductive member provides a second electrical connection between two conductors of a second group of conductors, wherein the first end portion of the first electrically conductive member is in electrical contact with one of the two conductors of the first group of conductors while the second end portion of the first electrically conductive member is in electrical contact with the other one of the two conductors of the first group of conductors, wherein the first end portion of the second electrically conductive member is in electrical contact with one of the two conductors of the second group of conductors while the second end portion of the second electrically conductive member is in electrical contact with the other one of the two conductors of the second group of conductors, wherein each of the first and second electrically conductive members has a longitudinal extension extending from the first end portion to the second end portion, wherein the longitudinal extension comprises a first longitudinal edge portion, wherein the first longitudinal edge portion comprises a first longitudinal wall forming a first longitudinal recess, wherein the longitudinal extension comprises a second longitudinal edge portion, and wherein the second longitudinal edge portion comprises a first longitudinal edge, wherein the bridging tool comprises an electrically conductive connector, wherein the electrically conductive connector comprises a first electrically conductive portion and a second electrically conductive portion, wherein the second electrically conductive portion comprises an electrically conductive seat electrically coupled to the second electrically conductive portion, and wherein the first electrically conductive portion is configured for engagement with the first longitudinal recess and electrical contact with the first longitudinal wall of one of the first and second electrically conductive members upon engagement with the first longitudinal recess while the electrically conductive seat of the second electrically conductive portion is configured for engagement and electrical contact with the first longitudinal edge of the other one of the first and second electrically conductive members upon engagement with the first longitudinal edge, for electrically connecting the first and second electrically conductive members to one another.

It may be defined that the first electrically conductive portion is configured for releasable or detachable engagement with the first longitudinal recess and detachable and/or temporary electrical contact with the first longitudinal wall of one of the first and second electrically conductive members. It may be defined that the electrically conductive seat of the second electrically conductive portion is configured for releasable or detachable engagement and detachable and/or temporary electrical contact with the first longitudinal edge of the other one of the first and second electrically conductive members.

For reasons already discussed above in connection with the embodiments of the device according to the first aspect, an advantage of the bridging tool according to the second aspect is that the bridging tool provides a secure and firm mechanical connection, for example a detachable and temporary connection, and thus a secure and firm electrical connection, for example a temporary electrical connection, with the electrically conductive member and/or the two electrically conductive members, and thus also between the two electrically conductive members. Consequently, a secure and safe electrical bypass connection, for example a detachable and temporary bypass connection, which involves the two electrically conductive members, can be provided. When the electrical bypass connection is part of a short-circuit, such as a temporary short-circuit, for example in order to provide user safety during the maintenance of an electrical system or an apparatus including an electrical system, the bridging tool according to the second aspect improves the security and robustness of the short-circuit, and consequently improves the user safety for the operator or user involved in the maintenance of the electrical system or the apparatus including the electrical system. The bridging tool according to the second aspect provides a non- expensive solution for a secure and robust electrical bypass connection, for example a temporary bypass connection, since the bridging tool may be easily manufactured. Further, the first longitudinal recess and the first longitudinal edge may represent the safe or proper location where to apply the bridging tool to avoid any electrical hazards, and then the bridging tool according to the second aspect facilitates for the user to apply the bridging tool at this safe and proper location in a safe manner since the bridging tool may be configured to efficiently engage and match the first longitudinal recess and the first longitudinal edge of the two electrically conductive members. Otherwise, the advantages of the bridging tool according to the second aspect and the advantages of the embodiments of the bridging tool according to the second aspect mentioned hereinafter may correspond to the above- or below-mentioned advantages of the device according to the first aspect and its embodiments, and are thus not repeated here. In general, the temporary connection/connections and/or the temporary short-circuit are/is maintained or assured as long as the bridging tool is in engagement with the electrically conductive members.

The bridging tool and the electrically conductive connector of the bridging tool may be configured for direct current. The bridging tool and the electrically conductive connector of the bridging tool may be configured for high voltage, for example the high voltages mentioned above or below.

The bridging tool according to the second aspect may be applied, or used, to temporarily short-circuit the first and second electrically conductive members. It may be defined that the bridging tool is configured to provide a temporary short-circuit, or configured to temporarily shorten an electrical circuit, when electrically detachably and temporarily connecting the first electrically conductive member to the second electrically conductive member. Thus, said electrical circuit to be shortened may include the first and second electrically conductive members. The bridging tool may be referred to as a short-circuit tool. It may be defined that the short-circuit tool is configured to short-circuit, such as temporarily short-circuit, the first and second electrically conductive members. The bridging tool, or short-circuit tool, may be configured for any other detachable and/or temporary electrical bypass connection. For example, when the first and second electrically conductive members are electrically connected to an electric battery or an electric battery pack, the bridging tool according to the second aspect may be applied, or used, to temporarily short-circuit the electric battery or the electric battery pack, for example an electric battery or an electric battery pack for high voltage, for example an electric battery or an electric battery pack suitable for, and/or carried by, a vehicle, for example a vehicle of the sort mentioned above or below, for example during maintenance work, or during one or more production or assembly steps.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the bridging tool according to the second aspect, the bridging tool comprises a grip attached to the electrically conductive connector, wherein the grip is configured to be gripped by a user, and wherein the grip is configured to provide a distance between the electrically conductive connector and the user. An advantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendly and secure detachable and/or temporary electrical bypass connection and/or a user-friendly and safe detachable and/or temporary electrical short-circuit connection are/is provided.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the bridging tool according to the second aspect, the grip is configured to electrically insulate the electrically conductive connector from the user. An advantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendly and secure detachable and/or temporary electrical bypass connection and/or a user- friendly and safe detachable and/or temporary electrical short-circuit connection are/is provided.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the bridging tool according to the second aspect, the grip is at least partly made of an electrically insulating material. In some embodiments, the grip may be made of an electrically insulating material. Thus, the entire, or substantially the entire, grip may be made of an electrically insulating material. Especially the exterior of the grip may be made of an electrically insulating material.

According to still another advantageous embodiment of the bridging tool according to the second aspect, the electrically conductive connector is at least partly made of an electrically conductive material. In some embodiments, the electrically conductive connector may be made of an electrically conductive material. Thus, the entire, or substantially the entire, electrically conductive connector may be made of an electrically conductive material.

Embodiments of the bridging tool according to the second aspect may comprise one or more of the features of the bridging tool mentioned above in connection with the embodiments of the device according to the first aspect.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objects are achieved with an apparatus comprising a plurality of devices according to any one of the embodiments mentioned above or below, wherein the electrically conductive member of a first device of the plurality of devices and the electrically conductive member of a second device of the plurality of devices are spaced apart from one another, wherein the interface of the first device is configured to provide a first electrical connection between two conductors of a first group of conductors, wherein the interface of the second device is configured to provide a second electrical connection between two conductors of a second group of conductors, wherein the first end portion of the first device is configured for electrical contact with one of the two conductors of the first group of conductors while the second end portion of the first device is configured for electrical contact with the other one of the two conductors of the first group of conductors, and wherein the first end portion of the second device is configured for electrical contact with one of the two conductors of the second group of conductors while the second end portion of the second device is configured for electrical contact with the other one of the two conductors of the second group of conductors. The advantages of the apparatus according to the third aspect and the advantages of the embodiments of the apparatus according to the third aspect mentioned hereinafter correspond to the above- or below-mentioned advantages of the device according to the first aspect and its embodiments. In general, the temporary connection/connections and/or the temporary short-circuit are/is maintained or assured as long as the electrically conductive members of the devices are in engagement with the bridging tool. Further, for example, when the plurality of devices is used for an electric power transmission system, for example a direct current transmission system, the same configuration, or design, of the electrically conductive member can be used for both poles, for example for both DC+ and DC-, for example of an electric battery pack, while providing the secure and firm temporary electrical connection between the electrically conductive members and the bridging tool as discussed above, for example when each of the two electrically conductive members includes both the first longitudinal edge and the first longitudinal wall forming the first longitudinal recess. Therefore, the manufacturing of the apparatus according to the third aspect, for example for the application mentioned above, is facilitated, since it is enough to manufacture only one configuration, or design, of the electrically conductive member. Consequently, when producing the electrically conductive members through extrusion, one and the same die can be used, or the same two dies can be used when casting or press forming the electrically conductive members. Further, the electrically conductive member may be used at many different locations and in many different positions in an electric power transmission system.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the third aspect, the first longitudinal recess of one of the first and second devices opens towards the electrically conductive member of the other one of the first and second devices. An advantage of this embodiment is that an advantageous functionality of the bridging tool is provided or assured.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the third aspect, the first longitudinal recess of one of the first and second devices opens towards the second longitudinal edge portion of the other one of the first and second devices. An advantage of this embodiment is that an advantageous functionality of the bridging tool is provided or assured.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the third aspect, the first longitudinal edge portion of the first device is located between the second longitudinal edge portion of the second device and the second longitudinal edge portion of the first device, wherein the second longitudinal edge portion of the second device is located between the first longitudinal edge portion of the first device and the first longitudinal edge portion of the second device.

As a result of this embodiment, the longitudinal mouth of the first longitudinal recess will face the second longitudinal edge portion and/or the first longitudinal edge. An advantage of this embodiment is that an advantageous functionality of the bridging tool is provided or assured.

According to still another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the third aspect, the apparatus comprises a bridging tool according to any one of the embodiments mentioned above or below.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objects are achieved with a vehicle electrical system comprising one or more of the group of:

• a device according to any one of the embodiments mentioned above or below; and

• an apparatus according to any one of the embodiments mentioned above or below.

The vehicle electrical system may be configured for direct current. In some embodiments, the vehicle electrical system may be a vehicle high voltage system. It may be defined that the vehicle high voltage system is configured for a high voltage, such as a voltage above 60 V, for example above 400 V, such as above 650 V. For example, the vehicle high voltage system may be configured for a voltage up to 1500 V. The vehicle electrical system may be electrically connectable to one or more electric batteries, or one or more electric battery packs suitable for vehicles, for example carried by a vehicle. The advantages of the vehicle electrical system according to the fourth aspect correspond to the above- or below-mentioned advantages of the device and apparatus according to the first and third aspect and their embodiments. The vehicle electrical system may be, or may be referred to as, a VCB.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objects are achieved with a vehicle comprising one or more of the group of:

• A device according to any one of the above- or below-mentioned embodiments;

• an apparatus according to any one of the above- or below-mentioned embodiments; and

• a vehicle electrical system according to any one of the above- or below- mentioned embodiments.

The advantages of the vehicle according to the fifth aspect correspond to the above- or below-mentioned advantages of the device according to the first aspect and its embodiments and/or correspond to the above- or below-mentioned advantages of the apparatus according to the third aspect and its embodiments.

The vehicle may be a wheeled vehicle, i.e. a vehicle having wheels. The vehicle may for example be a bus, a tractor vehicle, a heavy vehicle, a truck, or a car. However, other types of vehicles are possible. The vehicle may be referred to as a motor vehicle. The vehicle may be an electric vehicle, EV, for example a hybrid vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle, HEV, or a battery electric vehicle, BEV.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objects are achieved with a method for electrically connecting a first electrically conductive member to a second electrically conductive member by way of a bridging tool, wherein the first and second electrically conductive members are spaced apart from one another, wherein each of the first and second electrically conductive members comprises a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first electrically conductive member provides a first electrical connection between two conductors of a first group of conductors while the second electrically conductive member provides a second electrical connection between two conductors of a second group of conductors, wherein the first end portion of the first electrically conductive member is in electrical contact with one of the two conductors of the first group of conductors while the second end portion of the first electrically conductive member is in electrical contact with the other one of the two conductors of the first group of conductors, wherein the first end portion of the second electrically conductive member is in electrical contact with one of the two conductors of the second group of conductors while the second end portion of the second electrically conductive member is in electrical contact with the other one of the two conductors of the second group of conductors, wherein each of the first and second electrically conductive members has a longitudinal extension extending from the first end portion to the second end portion, wherein the longitudinal extension comprises a first longitudinal edge portion, wherein the first longitudinal edge portion comprises a first longitudinal wall forming a first longitudinal recess, wherein the longitudinal extension comprises a second longitudinal edge portion, and wherein the second longitudinal edge portion comprises a first longitudinal edge, wherein the bridging tool comprises an electrically conductive connector, wherein the electrically conductive connector comprises a first electrically conductive portion and a second electrically conductive portion, and wherein the second electrically conductive portion comprises an electrically conductive seat electrically coupled to the second electrically conductive portion, wherein the method comprises: moving the first electrically conductive portion into engagement with the first longitudinal recess and thus into electrical contact with the first longitudinal wall of one of the first and second electrically conductive members, and moving the electrically conductive seat of the second electrically conductive portion into engagement and thus into electrical contact with the first longitudinal edge of the other one of the first and second electrically conductive members, whereupon the first and second electrically conductive members are electrically connected to one another.

The method according to the sixth aspect may be applied, or used, to short-circuit, for example temporarily short-circuit, the first and second electrically conductive members by way of the bridging tool. Thus, the method may be defined as a method for short- circuiting a first electrically conductive member and a second electrically conductive member by way of a bridging tool. The method according to a sixth aspect may be applied, or used, to temporarily shorten an electrical circuit including the first and second electrically conductive member by way of the bridging tool. For example, when the first and second electrically conductive members are electrically connected to an electric battery or an electric battery pack, the method according to the sixth aspect may be applied, or used, to temporarily short-circuit the electric battery or the electric battery pack, for example an electric battery or an electric battery pack for high voltage, for example an electric battery or an electric battery pack suitable for, and/or carried by, a vehicle, for example a vehicle of the sort mentioned above or below, for example during maintenance work, or during one or more production or assembly steps.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the sixth aspect, the movement of the first electrically conductive portion into engagement with the first longitudinal recess of one of the first and second electrically conductive members is performed before the movement of the electrically conductive seat of the second electrically conductive portion into engagement with the first longitudinal edge of the other one of the first and second electrically conductive members.

The above-mentioned features and embodiments of the device, the bridging tool, the apparatus, the vehicle electrical system, the vehicle and the method, respectively, may be combined in various possible ways providing further advantageous embodiments.

Further advantageous embodiments of the device, the bridging tool, the apparatus, the vehicle electrical system, the vehicle and the method according to the present invention and further advantages with the embodiments of the present invention emerge from the detailed description of embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be illustrated, for exemplary purposes, in more detail by way of embodiments and with reference to the enclosed drawings, where similar references are used for similar parts, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of the device according to the first aspect of the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic top view of the device of figure 1 ;

Figure 3 schematically illustrates a cross-section of the device along A-A in figure 2;

Figure 4 schematically illustrates a cross-section of a second embodiment of the device according to the first aspect of the invention;

Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the bridging tool according to the second aspect of the invention;

Figure 6 is a schematic side view of the bridging tool of figure 5;

Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of embodiments of the apparatus according to the third aspect of the invention;

Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of figure 7 from a different perspective;

Figure 9 is a schematic top view of the apparatus of figures 7 and 8;

Figures 10A-10E are schematic side views of the apparatus of figures 7-9, where the bridging tool is positioned in different positions;

Figures 11A-11 E are schematic side views of the device of figures 1-3, illustrating embodiments of the attachment of the device;

Figures 12-13 are schematic perspective views of the apparatus of figures 7-10E applied to a vehicle;

Figure 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an electric battery unit;

Figure 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an electric battery pack of a vehicle, Figure 16 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the vehicle according to the fifth aspect of the invention, the vehicle being provided with an embodiment of the vehicle electrical system according to the fourth aspect of the invention; and

Figure 17 is a schematic flow chart illustrating aspects of embodiments of the method according to the sixth aspect of the invention.

Detailed Description

With reference to figures 1 to 3, a first embodiment of the device 100a according to the first aspect is schematically illustrated. The device 100a includes an interface 102 for providing an electrical connection between two conductors 602a, 604a (see figure 12). The interface 102 includes an electrically conductive member 104a. The electrically conductive member 104a may be at least partly, for example completely, made of an electrically conductive material, such as an electrically conductive material comprising or consisting of a metal or a metal alloy, for example copper, brass, or aluminum. However, other materials are possible. In some embodiments, the electrically conductive member 104a may be referred to as a busbar.

With reference to figures 1 and 2, the electrically conductive member 104a has a first end portion 106 and a second end portion 108. The first end portion 106 is configured for electrical contact with one 602a of the two conductors 602a, 604a (see figure 12) while the second end portion 108 is configured for electrical contact with the other one 604a of the two conductors 602a, 604a (see figure 12). Since the first and second end portions 106, 108 are portions of the electrically conductive member 104a, such as integral or integrated with, or integrated portions of, the electrically conductive member 104a, and are included in the electrically conductive member 104a, it is to be understood, or it may be defined, that the first and second end portions 106, 108 are electrically conductive. Since the first and second end portions 106, 108 of the electrically conductive member 104a and the electrically conductive member 104a per se are electrically conductive, it is to be understood, or it may be defined, that the first and second end portions 106, 108 are electrically coupled to one another. With reference to figures 1 , 2 and 12, the first end portion 106 may be attachable to one 602a of the two conductors 602a, 604a while the second end portion 108 may be attachable to the other one 604a of the two conductors 602a, 604a. For example, the attachability of the first and second end portions 106, 108 to the respective conductor 602a, 604a may be attained by providing each of the first and second end portions 106, 108 with an attachment 110, 112, for example a through-hole 114, 116. Each of the first and second end portions 106, 108 may comprise, or form, an inner wall 115, 117 which may define, restrict, or form, the respective through-hole 114, 116. The attachment 110, 112 of the first or second end portion 106, 108, such as the through- hole 114, 116, may be configured for engagement with an attachment 606a, 608a of the respective conductor 602a, 604a. The attachment 606a, 608a of the respective conductor 602a, 604a may, for example, include an attachment element 610a, 612a configured for engagement with the through-hole 114, 116 of the first and second end portions 106, 108. The attachment element 610a, 612a may be a bolt, such as a threaded bolt. In some embodiments, the attachment element 610a, 612a may form the conductor 602a, 604a per se. However, it is to be understood that one or more of the attachments 110, 112 of the first and second end portions 106, 108 of the electrically conductive member 104a may be excluded in some embodiments of the device. Thus, in some embodiments, one or more of the through-holes 114, 116 illustrated in figures 1 and 2 may be excluded.

With reference to figures 12 and 13, each conductor 602a, 604a the two conductors 602a, 604a may be described, or referred to, as an electrical conductor 602a, 604a. Each conductor 602a, 604a, or electrical conductor 602a, 604a, may be any type of electrically conductive element or member, such as an attachment element, a bolt, a screw, a pin, a clamp, a block, a busbar, an electric cable, or a terminal, such as a terminal of an electric battery or an electric battery pack etc. Examples of the conductors 602a, 604a are illustrated and discussed in further detail in connection with figures 12 and 13 hereinbelow.

With reference to figures 1 and 2, the electrically conductive member 104a has, or includes, a longitudinal extension 118. The longitudinal extension 118 extends from the first end portion 106 to the second end portion 108. It may be defined that the longitudinal extension 118 comprises the first and second end portions 106, 108.

With reference to figures 1 to 3, the longitudinal extension 118 includes a first longitudinal edge portion 120. The first longitudinal edge portion 120 includes a first longitudinal wall 122. The first longitudinal wall 122 forms, or defines, a first longitudinal recess 124, or a first longitudinal cavity, for engagement with a first electrically conductive portion 202 of a bridging tool 200, for example a bridging tool 200 as illustrated in figures 5 and 6 and as disclosed hereinbelow. It may be defined that the first longitudinal wall 122 has an inner wall 125 which may form, or define, the first longitudinal recess 124. The first longitudinal wall 122 is configured for electrical contact with the first electrically conductive portion 202 of the bridging tool 200 when the first longitudinal recess 124 is in engagement with the first electrically conductive portion 202 of the bridging tool 200. This is illustrated in further detail in connection with figures 10A to 10E hereinbelow. It may be defined that the first longitudinal wall 122 forms the first longitudinal recess 124 for receiving and holding the first electrically conductive portion 202 of the bridging tool 200, i.e. the first longitudinal recess 124 may be configured to receive and hold the first electrically conductive portion 202 of the bridging tool 200.

With reference to figures 1 to 3, since the first longitudinal edge portion 120 is a portion of the electrically conductive member 104a, such as integral or integrated with, or an integrated portion of, the electrically conductive member 104a, and is included in the electrically conductive member 104a, it is to be understood, or it may be defined, that the first longitudinal edge portion 120 is electrically conductive. Since the first longitudinal edge portion 120 of the electrically conductive member 104a and the electrically conductive member 104a, including its first and second end portions 106, 108, are electrically conductive, it is to be understood, or it may be defined, that the first longitudinal edge portion 120 is electrically coupled to the first and second end portions 106, 108. The same applies for the first longitudinal wall 122 of the first longitudinal edge portion 120. With reference to figures 5 and 6, an embodiment of the bridging tool 200 according to the second aspect is schematically illustrated. The bridging tool 200 includes a first electrically conductive portion 202, which may form a first nose, and a second electrically conductive portion 204, which may form a second nose. The second electrically conductive portion 204 includes an electrically conductive seat 206 electrically coupled to the second electrically conductive portion 204. The electrically conductive seat 206 may form, or comprise, a recess 208, or a cavity. It may be defined that the first and second electrically conductive portions 202, 204 of the bridging tool 200 are electrically coupled to one another. It may be defined that the electrically conductive seat 206 and the first and second electrically conductive portions 202, 204 of the bridging tool 200 are electrically coupled to one another.

With reference to figures 5 and 6, the bridging tool 200 may comprise an electrically conductive connector 210. The electrically conductive connector 210 may include the first and second electrically conductive portions 202, 204. When the electrically conductive connector 210 comprises the first and second electrically conductive portions 202, 204, since the first and second electrically conductive portions 202, 204 are then portions of the electrically conductive connector 210, such as integral or integrated with, or integrated portions of, the electrically conductive connector 210, and are included in the electrically conductive connector 210, it is to be understood that the electrically conductive seat 206 and the first and second electrically conductive portions 202, 204 of the bridging tool 200 are electrically coupled to one another. The electrically conductive connector 210 may be at least partly, for example completely, made of an electrically conductive material, such as an electrically conductive material comprising or consisting of a metal or a metal alloy, for example copper, brass, or aluminum. However, other materials are possible.

With reference to figures 5 and 6, the second electrically conductive portion 204 of the bridging tool 200 may include, or define, a slope 212, which is discussed in further detail hereinbelow.

With reference to figures 5 and 6, it may be defined that the bridging tool 200 is operatable, i.e. configured to be operated, by a user or an operator. The bridging tool 200 may include a grip 214 attached to the electrically conductive connector 210. The grip 214 is configured to be gripped by a user, or operator. The grip 214 is configured to provide a distance between the electrically conductive connector 210 and the user. It may be defined that the grip 214 is configured to electrically insulate the electrically conductive connector 210 from the user. The grip 214 may be at least partly, for example completely, made of an electrically insulating material. Thus, the entire, or substantially the entire, grip 214 may be made of an electrically insulating material. The electrically insulating material may be, or comprise, a polymer material, for example a plastic or rubber material. Especially the exterior 216 of the grip 214 may be made of an electrically insulating material.

With reference to figures 5 and 6, the bridging tool 200 may, for example, be a handheld tool, i.e. a hand-held bridging tool 200. Thus, the grip 214 may be configured to be gripped by a user’s hand. The grip 214 may be configured to provide a distance between the electrically conductive connector 210 and the user’s hand. It may be defined, that the grip 214 is configured to electrically insulate the electrically conductive connector 210 from the user’s hand. In some embodiments, the grip 214 may be referred to as a handle.

With reference to figures 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the first longitudinal wall 122 and the first longitudinal recess 124 extend along the entire extension of the longitudinal extension 118 of the electrically conductive member 104a. It is to be understood that the feature that the first longitudinal wall 122 and the first longitudinal recess 124 extend along the entire extension of the longitudinal extension 118 of the electrically conductive member 104a also includes that the first longitudinal wall 122 and the first longitudinal recess 124 extend along substantially, or essentially, the entire extension of the longitudinal extension 118 of the electrically conductive member 104a, and thus not necessarily along 100 % of the extension of the longitudinal extension 118 of the electrically conductive member 104a. Thus, minor deviations may be included in said feature.

With reference to figures 1 and 3, the first longitudinal wall 122 may form, or define, a longitudinal mouth 126 of the first longitudinal recess 124. The first longitudinal wall 122 may include a longitudinal lip 128. At least the longitudinal lip 128 restricts the longitudinal mouth 126 for locking the first electrically conductive portion 202 of the bridging tool 200 in engagement with the first longitudinal recess. This is illustrated in in figures 10A to 10E.

With reference to figures 1 to 3, in some embodiments, the longitudinal extension 118 of the electrically conductive member 104a may include, or have, a second longitudinal edge portion 130. The second longitudinal edge portion 130 may include a first longitudinal edge 132 for engagement with an electrically conductive seat 206 of a second electrically conductive portion 204 of a bridging tool 200, for example a bridging tool 200 as illustrated in figures 5 and 6 and as disclosed above or below. The first longitudinal edge 132 is configured for electrical contact with the second electrically conductive portion 204 of the bridging tool 200 when the first longitudinal edge 132 is in engagement with the electrically conductive seat 206 of the second electrically conductive portion 204 of the bridging tool 200. This is illustrated in further detail in figures 10A to 10E.

With reference to figures 10D and 10E, the first longitudinal edge 132 may be configured to engage the recess 208 of the electrically conductive seat 206 of the second electrically conductive portion 204 of the bridging tool 200.

With reference to figures 1 to 3, when embodiments of the device 100a is provided with the second longitudinal edge portion 130, then, since the second longitudinal edge portion 130 is a portion of the electrically conductive member 104a, such as integral or integrated with, or an integrated portion of, the electrically conductive member 104a, and is included in the electrically conductive member 104a, it is to be understood, or it may be defined, that the second longitudinal edge portion 130 is electrically conductive. Since the second longitudinal edge portion 130 of the electrically conductive member 104a and the electrically conductive member 104a, including its first and second end portions 106, 108 and its first longitudinal edge portion 120, are electrically conductive, it is to be understood, or it may be defined, that the second longitudinal edge portion 130 is electrically coupled to the first and second end portions 106, 108 and to the first longitudinal edge portion 120 of the electrically conductive member 104a. The same applies for the first longitudinal edge 132 of the second longitudinal edge portion 130 for embodiments of the device 100a provided with the second longitudinal edge portion 130.

With reference to figures 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the first longitudinal edge 132 extends along the entire extension of the longitudinal extension 118 of the electrically conductive member 104a. It is to be understood that the feature that the first longitudinal edge 132 extends along the entire extension of the longitudinal extension 118 of the electrically conductive member 104a also includes that the first longitudinal edge 132 extends along substantially, or essentially, the entire extension of the longitudinal extension 118 of the electrically conductive member 104a, and thus not necessarily along 100 % of the extension of the longitudinal extension 118 of the electrically conductive member 104a. Thus, minor deviations may be included in said feature.

With reference to figure 3, the first longitudinal edge 132 may include a slope 134 configured to cooperate with a slope 212 of the second electrically conductive portion 204 of the bridging tool 200 to facilitate the engagement of the first longitudinal edge 132 with the electrically conductive seat 206 of the second electrically conductive portion 204 of the bridging tool 200.

With reference to figures 1 to 3, in the shown embodiment, the first longitudinal edge portion 120 is opposite to the second longitudinal edge portion 130.

With reference to figures 1 and 2, the longitudinal extension 118 of the electrically conductive member 104a is curved such that one 120, 130 of the first and second longitudinal edge portions 120, 130 is convex, for example follows a convex curve, in the direction of the longitudinal extension 118 while the other one 120, 130 of the first and second longitudinal edge portions 120, 130 is concave, for example follows a concave curve, in the direction of the longitudinal extension 118. In the shown embodiment, the first longitudinal edge portion 120 is convex in the direction of the longitudinal extension 118 while the second longitudinal edge portions 130 is concave in the direction of the longitudinal extension 118. It is to be understood that in some embodiments, only a portion of the first and second longitudinal edge portions 120, 130, respectively, may be convex or concave, not necessarily the entire first or second longitudinal edge portion 120, 130. Alternatively, it may be defined that the longitudinal extension 118 of the electrically conductive member 104a is curved such that one 122, 132 of the first longitudinal wall 122 and the first longitudinal edge 132 is convex in the direction of the longitudinal extension 118 while the other one 122, 132 of the first longitudinal wall 122 and the first longitudinal edge 132 is concave in the direction of the longitudinal extension 118. In the shown embodiment, the first longitudinal wall 122 is convex in the direction of the longitudinal extension 118 while the first longitudinal edge 132 is concave in the direction of the longitudinal extension 118.

With reference to figure 3, the first longitudinal wall 122 may have, or define, a longitudinal surface portion 136 forming a longitudinal bottom surface 138 of the first longitudinal recess 124. It may then be defined that the longitudinal extension 118 of the electrically conductive member 134 is curved such that one 132, 138 of the longitudinal bottom surface 138 and the first longitudinal edge 132 is convex in the direction of the longitudinal extension 118 while the other one 132, 138 of the longitudinal bottom surface 138 and the first longitudinal edge 132 is concave in the direction of the longitudinal extension. In the shown embodiment, the longitudinal bottom surface 138 of the first longitudinal recess 124 is convex in the direction of the longitudinal extension 118 while the first longitudinal edge 132 is concave in the direction of the longitudinal extension 118.

In some embodiments of the device 100a according to the first aspect, the first longitudinal edge 132 may be excluded. The electrically conductive member 104a may be produced by extrusion or any other production method, such as casting.

With reference to figure 4, a second embodiment of the device 300a according to the first aspect is schematically illustrated. In the shown embodiment, the second longitudinal edge portion 330 of the longitudinal extension 318 of the electrically conductive member 304a forms, or defines, a second longitudinal recess 350 for engagement with the second electrically conductive portion 204 of the bridging tool 200. The second longitudinal recess 350 may at least partly form, or define, the first longitudinal edge 332 of the second longitudinal edge portion 330 of the longitudinal extension 318 of the electrically conductive member 304a. Otherwise, the features of the device 300a of figure 4 may correspond to the features of the device 100a of figures 1 to 3 and are thus not repeated here. It may be defined that longitudinal edge portion 330 forms the second longitudinal recess 350 for receiving and holding the second electrically conductive portion 204 of the bridging tool 200, i.e. the second longitudinal recess 350 may be configured to receive and hold the second electrically conductive portion 204 of the bridging tool 200.

With reference to figures 7 to 10E, embodiments of the apparatus 400 according to the third aspect is schematically illustrated. The apparatus 400 includes a plurality of devices 100a, 100b, i.e. two or more devices 100a, 100b, for example as disclosed above or below. The electrically conductive member 104a of a first device 100a of the plurality of devices 100a, 100b and the electrically conductive member 104b of a second device 100b of the plurality of devices 100a, 100b are spaced apart from one another, i.e. there is a space d, or distance, between the electrically conductive members 104a, 104b of the first and second devices 100a, 100b. It is to be understood that each 100a, 100b of the first and second devices 100a, 100b may correspond to the embodiments of the device 100a disclosed above or below. The electrically conductive member 104a of the first device 100a may be referred to as a first electrically conductive member 104a. The electrically conductive member 104b of the second device 100b may be referred to as a second electrically conductive member 104b.

With reference to figures 12 to 16, the electrically conductive member 104a, 104b may be electrically connectable to a vehicle electrical system 850 of a vehicle 900, for example a vehicle high voltage system 850 of a vehicle 900. The vehicle 900 may any kind of vehicle 900, for example of the sort mentioned above or below. For example, the vehicle electrical system 850 may be a vehicle electrical system 850 of the sort mentioned above or below, or any other kind of vehicle electrical system 850.

With reference to figures 7 to 9 and 12, the interface 102 of the first device 100a is configured to provide a first electrical connection between two conductors 602a, 604a of a first group 614a of conductors 602a, 604a. The interface 102 of the second device 100b is configured to provide a second electrical connection between two conductors 602b, 604b of a second group 614b of conductors 602b, 604b. The first end portion 106 of the first device 100a is configured for electrical contact with one 602a of the two conductors 602a, 604a of the first group 614a of conductors 602a, 604a while the second end portion 108 of the first device 100a is configured for electrical contact with the other one 604a of the two conductors 602a, 604a of the first group 614a of conductors 602a, 604a. The first end portion 106 of the second device 100b is configured for electrical contact with one 602b of the two conductors 602b, 604b of the second group 614b of conductors 602b, 604b while the second end portion 108 of the second device 100b is configured for electrical contact with the other one 604b of the two conductors 602b, 604b of the second group 614b of conductors 602b, 604b.

With reference to figures 7 to 9 and 12, the first longitudinal recess 124 of one 100a of the first and second devices 100a, 100b may open towards, such as may open up in the direction toward, and/or the longitudinal mouth 126 of the first longitudinal recess 124 may face, the electrically conductive member 104b of the other one 100b of the first and second devices 100a, 100b. More specifically, the first longitudinal recess 124 of one 100a of the first and second devices 100a, 100b may open towards the second longitudinal edge portion 130 of the other one 100b of the first and second devices 100a, 100b. Even more specifically, it may be defined that the first longitudinal edge portion 120 of the first device 100a is located between the second longitudinal edge portion 130 of the second device 100b and the second longitudinal edge portion 130 of the first device 100a, and that the second longitudinal edge portion 130 of the second device 100b is located between the first longitudinal edge portion 120 of the first device 100a and the first longitudinal edge portion 120 of the second device 100b. In some embodiments, the apparatus 400 includes a bridging tool 200 according to any one of the embodiments disclose above and/or below. It may be defined that the first longitudinal edge portion 120 of the first device 100a faces and/or is adjacent to the second longitudinal edge portion 130 of the second device 100b.

With reference to figures 7 to 9 and 12, one 104a, 104b of the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b may be configured for DC+ while the other one 104a, 104b of the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b may be configured for DC-.

With reference to the disclosure above, it is to be understood, or it may be defined, that the first and second end portions 106, 108 of the first electrically conductive member 104a are electrically coupled to one another, and that the first and second end portions 106, 108 of the second electrically conductive member 104b are electrically coupled to one another. With reference to the disclosure above, it is to be understood, or it may be defined, that the first longitudinal edge portion 120 of the first electrically conductive member 104a is electrically coupled to the first and second end portions 106, 108 of the first electrically conductive member 104a, and that the first longitudinal edge portion 120 of the second electrically conductive member 104b is electrically coupled to the first and second end portions 106, 108 of the second electrically conductive member 104b. With reference to the disclosure above, it is to be understood, or it may be defined, that the second longitudinal edge portion 130 of the first electrically conductive member 104a is electrically coupled to the first and second end portions 106, 108 of the first electrically conductive member 104a and to the first longitudinal edge portion 120 of the first electrically conductive member 104a, and that the second longitudinal edge portion 130 of the second electrically conductive member 104b is electrically coupled to the first and second end portions 106, 108 of the second electrically conductive member 104b and to the first longitudinal edge portion 120 of the second electrically conductive member 104b.

With reference to the disclosure above, it is to be understood, or it may be more specifically defined, that the longitudinal extension 118 of the first electrically conductive member 104a extends from the first end portion 106 of the first electrically conductive member 104a to the second end portion 108 of the first electrically conductive member 104a, and that the longitudinal extension 118 of the second electrically conductive member 104b extends from the first end portion 106 of the second electrically conductive member 104b to the second end portion 108 of the second electrically conductive member 104b. With reference to figures 5 to 9, 12, 10D and 10E, the bridging tool 200 is configured to electrically connect a first electrically conductive member 104a to a second electrically conductive member 104b. It is to be understood that each 104a, 104b of the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b may correspond to the embodiments of the electrically conductive member 104a disclosed above or below. For embodiments of the bridging tool 200, it may be defined that: The first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b are spaced apart from one another; The first electrically conductive member 104a provides a first electrical connection between two conductors 602a, 604a of a first group 614a of conductors 602a, 604a while the second electrically conductive member 104b provides a second electrical connection between two conductors 602b, 604b of a second group 614b of conductors 602b, 604b; The first end portion 106 of the first electrically conductive member 104a is in electrical contact with one 602a of the two conductors 602a, 604a of the first group 614a of conductors 602a, 604a while the second end portion 108 of the first electrically conductive member 104a is in electrical contact with the other one 604a of the two conductors 602a, 604a of the first group 614a of conductors 602a, 604a; The first end portion 106 of the second electrically conductive member 104b is in electrical contact with one 602b of the two conductors 602b, 604b of the second group 614b of conductors 602b, 604b while the second end portion 108 of the second electrically conductive member 104b is in electrical contact with the other 604b one of the two conductors 602b, 604b of the second group 614b of conductors 602b, 604b.

With reference to figures 5 to 9, 10D and 10E, the first electrically conductive portion 202 of the bridging tool 200 is configured for engagement with the first longitudinal recess 124 and electrical contact with the first longitudinal wall 122 of one 104a, 104b of the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b upon engagement with the first longitudinal recess 124 while the electrically conductive seat 206 of the second electrically conductive portion 204 is configured for engagement and electrical contact with the first longitudinal edge 132 of the other one 104a, 104b of the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b upon engagement with the first longitudinal edge 132, for electrically connecting the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b to one another. It may be defined that the first electrically conductive portion 202 of the bridging tool 200 is configured to be received and held by the first longitudinal recess 124. With reference to figures 7 to 9, the bridging tool 200 may be configured to extend, or position, the electrically conductive connector 210 substantially transverse to the longitudinal extension 118 of the electrically conductive member 104a, 104b when being in engagement with the first longitudinal recess 124 and the first longitudinal edge 132.

With reference to figures 5 to 9, 10D and 10E, when the bridging tool 200, for example the electrically conductive connector 210, is mechanically connected and electrically connected to first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b via the first and second electrically conductive portions 202, 204, for example as illustrated in figures 6 to 9, 10D and 10E, an electrical bypass connection is provided, for example between the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b and/or for an electrical circuit which includes the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b and the bridging tool 200, for example the electrically conductive connector 210, when applied to the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b.

With reference to figures 7 to 10E, the bridging tool 200 may be configured to provide a short-circuit, or may be configured to shorten an electrical circuit, when the bridging tool 200 electrically connects the first electrically conductive member 104a to the second electrically conductive member 104b. Expressed alternatively, the electrical bridge or connection, or the electrical bypass connection, provided by the bridging tool 200 may provide a short-circuit, for example a short-circuit between the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b and/or a short-circuit where the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b are part of, or included in, the short-circuit. For example, the bridging tool 200 may be applied to short-circuit an electric battery or an electric battery pack, for example an electric battery or an electric battery pack for high voltage, which is further illustrated hereinbelow. The bridging tool 200 may be referred to as a short-circuit tool 200. The short-circuit tool 200 may be configured to short-circuit the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b. The bridging tool 200, or short-circuit tool 200, may be configured for any other electrical bypass connection. With reference to figures 11A to 11 B, a way to mount the electrically conductive member 104a by way of the first longitudinal wall 122 and the first longitudinal recess 124 is schematically illustrated in three steps. In the shown embodiment, the first longitudinal wall 122 and the first longitudinal recess 124 form an attachment 502 for attaching the electrically conductive member 104a to one or more of the group of: a second attachment 504; and one or more of the two conductors 602a, 604a, 602b, 604b of the first and second groups 614a, 614b conductors 602a, 604a, 602b, 604b. The second attachment 504 may be any kind of structure, or frame, made of a suitable material, for example a polymer, which may be, or form, an electrical insulator. In the shown embodiment, the attachment 502 is configured to attach the electrically conductive member 104a to the second attachment 504. The first longitudinal wall 122 and the first longitudinal recess 124 may be configured for engagement with a first tongue 506 of the second attachment 504. Upon engagement with the first longitudinal recess 124, the first tongue 506 may rest upon, or abut against, the inner wall 125 of the first longitudinal wall 122.

With reference to figures 11A to 11 B, further, in some embodiments, as illustrated in figures 11A to 11 B, the first longitudinal edge 132 may form an third attachment 508 for attaching the electrically conductive member 104a to one or more of the group of: the second attachment 504; and one or more of the two conductors 602a, 604a, 602b, 604b. In the shown embodiment, the third attachment 508 is configured to attach the electrically conductive member 104a to the second attachment 504. The first longitudinal edge 132 may be configured for engagement with a recess 510 or cavity of the of the second attachment 504. The recess 510 may be formed by a second tongue 512 of the second attachment 504. It is to be understood that the second attachment 504 may be structured in several other alternative manners.

In general, the above-mentioned connection/connections and/or the above-mentioned short-circuit may be detachable and/or temporary. In general, the temporary and/or detachable connection/connections and/or the temporary short-circuit are/is maintained or assured as long as the electrically conductive member/members 104a, 104b is/are in engagement with the bridging tool 200. With reference to figures 1 to 3 and 10E, it may be defined that the first longitudinal recess 124 is configured for a releasable or detachable engagement with the first electrically conductive portion 202 of the bridging tool 200. It may be defined that the first longitudinal wall 122 is configured for detachable and/or temporary electrical contact with the first electrically conductive portion 202 of the bridging tool 200.

With reference to figures 1 to 3 and 10E, it may be defined that the first longitudinal edge 132 is configured for a releasable or detachable engagement with the electrically conductive seat 206 of the second electrically conductive portion 204 of the bridging tool 200. It may be defined that the first longitudinal edge 132 is configured for detachable and/or temporary electrical contact with the second electrically conductive portion 204 of the bridging tool 200.

With reference to figures 5, 6 and 10E, it may be defined that the first electrically conductive portion 202 of the bridging tool 200 is configured for releasable or detachable engagement with the first longitudinal recess 124 and detachable and/or temporary electrical contact with the first longitudinal wall 122 of one 104a, 104b of the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b. It may be defined that the electrically conductive seat 206 of the second electrically conductive portion 204 is configured for releasable or detachable engagement and detachable and/or temporary electrical contact with the first longitudinal edge 132 of the other one 104a, 104b of the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b.

With reference to figures 1 to 9, one or more of the electrically conductive member 104a, 104b and the electrically conductive connector 210 of the bridging tool 200 may be configured for direct current. One or more of the electrically conductive member 104a, 104b and the electrically conductive connector 210 may be configured for high voltage, such as a voltage above 60 V, for example above 400 V, such as above 650 V. For example, one or more of the electrically conductive member 104a, 104b and the electrically conductive connector 210 may be configured for a voltage up to 1500 V. One or more of the electrically conductive member 104a, 104b and the electrically conductive connector 210 may be configured to carry or conduct a direct current, for example at a high voltage, such as above 60 V, for example above 400 V, such as above 650 V.

With reference to figures 5 and 6, the grip 214 of the bridging tool 200 may be configured to withstand a high voltage, such as a voltage above 60 V, for example above 400 V, such as above 650 V. For example, the grip 214 of the bridging tool 200 may be configured to withstand a voltage up to 1500 V. The grip 214 of the bridging tool 200 may be configured to withstand a direct current at high voltage, for example above the voltages mentioned above.

With reference to figures 12 and 13, an application of embodiments of the device 100a, 100b of figures 1 to 3 and the apparatus 400 of figures 7 to 10E, for example an application to a vehicle 900, for example a vehicle 900 of the sort mentioned above or below, is schematically illustrated. In the shown embodiment, a first group 614a of conductors 602a, 604a and a second group 614b of conductors 602b, 604b are associated with, or included in, a unit 600 which can be part of or connected to an electric battery pack 800, for example as illustrated in figure 15, or an electric battery unit 700, for example as illustrated in figure 16. The unit 600 may include a housing 618, or casing, which is configured to house at least partially the conductors 602a, 604a, 602b, 604b of the first and second groups 614a, 614b.

With reference to figures 12 and 13, each of the two conductors 602a, 604a, 602b, 604b may be configured for direct current. Each of the two conductors 602a, 604a, 602b, 604b may be configured for high voltage, such as a voltage above 60 V, for example above 400 V, such as above 650 V. For example, each of the two conductors 602a, 604a, 602b, 604b may be configured for a voltage up to 1500 V. Each of the two conductors 602a, 604a, 602b, 604b may be configured to carry or conduct a direct current, for example at a high voltage, such as above 60 V, for example above 400 V, such as above 650 V.

With reference to figures 12 and 13, one 614a, 614b of the first and second groups 614a, 614b of conductors 602a, 604a, 602b, 604b may be associated with, or configured for, DC+ while the other one 614a, 614b of the first and second groups 614a, 614b of conductors 602a, 604a, 602b, 604b may be associated with, or configured for, DC-. Thus, as already mentioned above, one 104a, 104b of the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b of the first and second devices 100a, 100b may be configured to carry or conduct DC+ while the other one 104a, 104b of the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b may be configured to carry or conduct DC-. In figure 12, the second electrically conductive members 104b is illustrated in a position just before its connection to the second group 614b of conductors 602b, 604b. However, the second electrically conductive members 104b may be connected to the second group 614b of conductors 602b, 604b in a corresponding manner as the first electrically conductive member 104a is connected to the first group 614a of conductors 602a, 604a.

With reference to figure 12, in the shown embodiment, one conductor 602a, 602b from each of the first and second groups 614a, 614b is electrically connected to the vehicle electrical system 850 of the vehicle 900, for example the vehicle high voltage system 850 of the vehicle 900. More specifically, said one conductor 602a, 602b from each of the first and second groups 614a, 614b is connected between the electric motor (or motors) of the vehicle 900 and the first electrically conductive member 104a or the second electrically conductive member 104b. Another conductor 604a from the first group 614a is electrically connected to one 814, 816 of two terminals 814, 816 (DC positive and DC negative) of an electric battery pack 800 (see figure 15) while another conductor 604b from the second group 614b is electrically connected to the other one 814, 816 of the two terminals 814, 816 (DC positive and DC negative) of the electric battery pack 800. More specifically, said other conductor 604a, 604b from each of the first and second groups 614a, 614b is connected between the electric battery pack 800 and the first electrically conductive member 104a or the second electrically conductive member 104b.

With reference to figure 12, said one conductor 602a, 602b of each of the first and second groups 614a, 614b on the electric motor side (in relation to the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b) may comprise an attachment 606a, 606b for engagement with the attachment 110, 112 of the first or second end portion 106, 108, such as the through-hole 114, 116, of the first electrically conductive member 104a or the second electrically conductive member 104b. The attachment 606a, 606b of the conductor 602a, 602b on the electric motor side may comprise an attachment member 620a, 620b. The attachment member 620a, 620b may form a through-hole and may, for example, be a cable lug, or the like. The attachment member 620a, 620b may be attached to, or be part of, for example an integrated part of, an electric cable 622a, 622b, which may be included in the vehicle electrical system 850. The attachment 606a, 606b of the conductor 602a, 602b on the electric motor side may also comprise an attachment element 610a, 610b configured for engagement with the through-hole 114, 116 of the first end portion 106 of the first electrically conductive member 104a or the second electrically conductive member 104b. The attachment element 610a, 610b of the conductor 602a, 602b on the electric motor side may be configured for engagement with the through-hole of the attachment member 620a, 620b of the conductor 602a, 602b on the electric motor side. The attachment element 610a, 610b may be a bolt, such as a threaded bolt. The attachment member 620a, 620b may be attached to the first electrically conductive member 104a or the second electrically conductive member 104b by way of the attachment element 610a, 610b engaging through the through-holes 114, 116 of the attachment member 620a, 620b and of the first electrically conductive member 104a or the second electrically conductive member 104b.

With reference to figure 12, the attachment members 620a, 620b may be somewhat movable in relation to the housing 618, whereby the first end portions 106 of the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b are somewhat movable in relation to one another in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extensions 118 of the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b. This may further facilitate the engagement of the electrically conductive seat 206 of the second electrically conductive portion 204 of the bridging tool 200 with the first longitudinal edge 132 and/or may further facilitate the disengagement of the electrically conductive seat 206 of the second electrically conductive portion 204 of the bridging tool 200 from the first longitudinal edge 132.

With reference to figure 12, each of the other conductors 604a, 604b from the first and second groups 614a, 614b electrically connected to one 814, 816 of the two terminals 814, 816 of the electric battery pack 800 (see figure 15) may comprise an attachment 608a, 608b for engagement with the attachment 110, 112 of the first or second end portion 106, 108, such as the through-hole 114, 116, of the first electrically conductive member 104a or the second electrically conductive member 104b. The attachment 608a, 608b of the conductor 604a, 604b on the battery pack side (in relation to the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b) may include an attachment element 612a, 612b configured for engagement with the through-hole 114, 116 of the first or second end portion 106, 108. The attachment element 612a, 612b may be a bolt, such as a threaded bolt. In the shown embodiment, the conductor 604a, 604b on the battery pack side comprises a member 624a, 624b shaped as a rectangular cuboid. However, other shapes and designs of said member 624a, 624b of the conductor 604a, 604b on the battery pack side are possible. The member 624a, 624b may include, or house, an external contactor switchable between an open position and a closed position. When the external contactor is in the closed position, the external contactor is configured to conduct an electric current or allow an electric current to pass. When the external contactor is in the open position, the external contactor is configured to interrupt an electric current, or an electrical conductivity, such that no electric current can pass through the external contactor.

With reference to figure 12, the member 624a, 624b of the conductor 604a, 604b on the battery pack side may form a recess, or bore, which for example may be provided with one or more internal threads. The attachment element 612a, 612b may be configured for engagement with the recess of the member 624a, 624b. The member 624a, 624b of the conductor 604a, 604b on the battery pack side may be attached to the first electrically conductive member 104a or the second electrically conductive member 104b by way of the attachment element 612a, 612b engaging through the through-holes 114, 116 the first electrically conductive member 104a or the second electrically conductive member 104b and into the recess of the member 624a, 624b. In the embodiment shown in figure 12, the two terminals 814, 816 of the electric battery pack 800 (see figure 15) would connect to the conductor 604a, 604b on the battery pack side via a bottom side 626, or a bottom 626, of the housing 618. The unit 600 and/or the housing 618 may be configured for attachment to the electric battery pack 800. With reference to figures 12 and 13, the housing 618 may have, or form, an opening 628, for example provided with a hatch (not shown). The opening 628 of the housing 618 may be configured to receive, or let through, the bridging tool 200 when the bridging tool 200 is to engage the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b. A side wall 630 of the housing 618 may form the opening 628. In figures 12 and 13, the top side is excluded for illustrative purposes. In figure 12 and 13, the bridging tool 200 is illustrated in its engagement with the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b. In the shown embodiment, the housing 618 houses the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b and at least partly the conductors 602a, 604a, 602b, 604b of the first and second groups 614a, 614b of conductors 602a, 604a, 602b, 604b, i.e. the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b are located inside the housing 618, and the conductors 602a, 604a, 602b, 604b of the first and second groups 614a, 614b of conductors 602a, 604a, 602b, 604b are at least partly located inside the housing 618. In the shown embodiment, the attachment members 620a, 620b of the conductors 602a, 602b on the electric motor side are located inside the housing 618. In the shown embodiment, the members 624a, 624b of the conductors 604a, 604b on the battery pack side, which may be shaped as rectangular cuboids, are located inside the housing 618.

Figure 14 schematically illustrates an example of an electrical battery unit 700 which can be connected to an electrical system or a vehicle electrical system 850 by way of the embodiments according to the aspects of the invention mentioned above or below. The electrical battery unit 700 may be referred to as one or more electric batteries 700.

With reference to figure 14, the electrical battery unit 700 may include one or more electric battery cells 702 which may be arranged in a module. Each electric battery cell 702 can be seen as a container chemically storing energy and may be a rechargeable electric battery cell. The electrical battery cell 702 may for example be a Li-ion battery cell or a NiMH battery cell but are not limited thereto. The electric battery cells 702 may be electrically connected in series and in parallel, into the electric battery unit 700, which may be referred to as an electric battery pack, in order to attain the desired voltage and energy capacity. In shown embodiment, the electric battery cells 702 are electrically connected in series with one another and are part of a main power line 712. The electric battery unit 700 or pack may form the complete enclosure or unit that delivers electric power to a product or equipment, for example an electrical vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, such as the vehicle 900 shown in figure 16.

With reference to figure 14, the electric battery unit 700 includes a cell controller 706 which is electrically connected in parallel with each electric battery cell 702 by way of a plurality of electrical lines 708, for example electrical wires. The cell controller 706 may be called a cell module controller (CMC). Each electric battery cell 702 may include a cell fuse 710 for short-circuit protection. However, in some arrangements, the cell fuse 710 may be excluded from the electric battery cell 702.

With reference to figure 1 , In general, the electrical battery unit 700 has two terminals 714, 716 for connecting the electrical battery unit 700 to an electrical system or a vehicle electrical system 850, for example by way of the embodiments according to the aspects mentioned above or below. The two terminals 714, 716 may be disclosed as electrical contacts. One of the two terminals 714, 716 may be a negative terminal having a negative pole, while the other one of the two terminals 714, 716 may be a positive terminal having a positive pole.

The unit 700 illustrated in figure 14 may also represent an electric battery module 700 included in an electric battery pack 800 schematically illustrated in figure 15. With reference to figure 15, the electric battery pack 800 may comprise a plurality of electric battery modules 700 which may be electrically connected in series and have two common outputs 802, 804 (positive and negative) for electric power, or current, transfer. The electric battery pack 800 may have two terminals 814, 816 (DC positive and DC negative) for electric power, or current, transfer, to be connected to an electrical system or a vehicle electrical system 850 by way of the embodiments according to the aspects mentioned above or below. The above-mentioned two common outputs 802, 804 are connected to the two terminals 814, 816 of the electric battery pack 800. With reference to figure 15, in general, the electric battery pack 800 (and/or the electric battery unit 700) comprises one or more internal contactors 806 switchable between an open position and a closed position. However, by way of the embodiments of the different aspects of the invention, said one or more internal contactors 806 may be excluded, while still providing sufficient user safety. When the internal contactor 806 is in the closed position, the internal contactor 806 is configured to conduct an electric current or allow an electric current to pass. When the internal contactor 806 is in the open position, the internal contactor 806 is configured to interrupt an electric current, or an electrical conductivity, such that no electric current can pass through the internal contactor 806. In general, the one or more internal contactors 806 of the electric battery pack 800 (and/or electric batter unit 700) is/are controlled by a battery management system 808, BMS, which is a control system for controlling the electric battery pack 800 (and/or the electric battery unit 700). The battery management system 808 may be connected to and communicate with the above-mentioned cell module controller, CMC, 706 of the electric battery unit 700. The battery management system 808 may be configured to determine and/or measure the voltage upstream (before) and downstream (after) of the one or more internal contactors 806, for example at voltage measurement points or locations, for example by the aid of one or more sensors. In general, when the battery management system 808 is deactivated, or not turned on, which in general is the case before the electric battery pack 800 (and/or the electric battery unit 700) is electrically connected to the electrical system, the internal contactor 806 cannot switch to the closed position.

With reference to figure 15, in general, when the battery management system 808 is activated or active, a pre-charging of an electrical system (such as the vehicle electrical system 850, which may referred to as VCB) is essentially always performed before all the internal contactors 806 are closed, for example with the aid of a pre-charge contactor 810 switchable between an open position and a closed position. Precharging of a high voltage direct current system is known to the person skilled in the art and is thus not discussed in further detail.

With reference to figure 15, in general, the electric battery pack 800 (and/or the electric battery unit 700) comprises an electric battery pack fuse 812, or an electric battery fuse, which, for example, may be a melt fuse, or a pyrotechnic fuse (or pyro fuse), for protection. The pyrotechnic fuse is functional only when the battery management system 808 is active. It is to be understood that the electric battery pack 800 may include additional electrical components or equipment known to the person skilled in the art, such as sensors, but these are left out for illustrative purposes.

With reference to Figure 16, an embodiment of the vehicle electrical system 850 according to the fourth aspect of the invention is also schematically illustrated. It may be defined that the vehicle electrical system 850 is configured for direct current. It may be defined that vehicle electrical system 850 is a vehicle high voltage system 850. It may be defined that the vehicle high voltage system is configured for a high voltage, such as a voltage above 60 V, for example above 400 V, such as above 650 V. For example, the vehicle high voltage system may be configured for a voltage up to 1500 V. The electric power, or the electric current, for example the direct current, of the vehicle electrical system 850 (VCB) may transferred at a high voltage, for example at one or more of the voltages levels mentioned above. As mentioned above, the vehicle electrical system 850 may be configured to transfer the electric power, or the electric current, at a high voltage, for example at one or more of the voltages levels mentioned above. The vehicle electrical system 850 may be configured to transfer direct current. The vehicle electrical system 850 may be, or may be referred to as, a VCB.

With reference to Figure 16, the vehicle electrical system 850 may comprise one or more of the group of: a device 100a, 100b according to any one of the above- mentioned embodiments; and an apparatus 400 according to any one of the above- mentioned embodiments. The vehicle electrical system 850 may be electrically connected, or connectable, to one or more electric batteries 700 and/or one or more electric battery packs 800, for example as illustrated above in connection with figures 14 and 15. The one or more electric batteries 700 may be one or more high voltage batteries. The one or more electric battery packs 800 may be one or more high voltage battery packs. It may be defined that the one or more electric batteries 700 and/or the one or more electric battery packs 800 are/is configured for high voltage, for example for one or more of the voltages levels mentioned above. It may be defined that the one or more electric batteries 700 and/or the one or more electric battery packs 800 are held or carried by a vehicle 900. The vehicle electrical system 850 may be configured to electrically connect the one or more electric batteries 700 and/or the one or more electric battery packs 800 to one or more electric motors of the vehicle 900.

With reference to figure 16, an embodiment of the vehicle 900 according to the fifth aspect of the invention is schematically illustrated. In figure 16, the vehicle 900 is illustrated as a tractor vehicle. However, in other embodiments, the vehicle 900 may, for example, be a bus, a truck, a heavy truck or a car. Other types of vehicles are also possible. The vehicle 900 may be an electric vehicle, EV, for example a hybrid vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle, HEV, or a battery electric vehicle, BEV.

With reference to figure 16, the vehicle 900 may be a wheeled vehicle, i.e. a vehicle 900 having wheels 962. Only the wheels 962 on the left-hand side of the vehicle 900 are visible in figure 16. It is to be understood that the vehicle 900 may have fewer or more wheels than what is shown in figure 16. The vehicle 900 may comprise a powertrain 964, for example configured for one of an EV, HEV and BEV. The vehicle 900 may comprise, or carry, one or more electric batteries 700 and/or one or more electric battery packs 800, for example as disclosed in connection with figures 14 and 15. It is to be understood that the vehicle 900 may include further unites, components, such as electrical and/or mechanical components, one or more electric motors, a combustion engine 966 and other devices required for a vehicle 900, such as for an EV, HEV or BEV.

With reference to figure 16, the vehicle 900 comprises one or more of the group of: a device 100a, 100b according to any one of the above-mentioned embodiments; an apparatus 400 according to any one of the above-mentioned embodiments; and a vehicle electrical system 850 according to any one of the above-mentioned embodiments.

With reference to figures to 17 and 10A to 10E, embodiments of the method according to the sixth aspect and for electrically connecting a first electrically conductive member 104a to a second electrically conductive member 104b by way of a bridging tool 200 are illustrated and aspects of embodiments according to the first, second and third aspects are disclosed. With regard to embodiments of the method according to the sixth aspect and with reference to figures 1 to 9, the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b are spaced apart from one another, wherein each of the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b comprises a first end portion 106 and a second end portion 108, wherein the first electrically conductive member 104a provides a first electrical connection between two conductors 602a, 604a of a first group 614a of conductors 602a, 604a while the second electrically conductive member 104b provides a second electrical connection between two conductors 602b, 604b of a second group 614b of conductors 602b, 604b, wherein the first end portion 106 of the first electrically conductive member 104a is in electrical contact with one 602a of the two conductors 602a, 604a of the first group 614a of conductors 602a, 604a while the second end portion 108 of the first electrically conductive member 104a is in electrical contact with the other one 604a of the two conductors 602a, 604a of the first group 614a of conductors 602a, 604a, wherein the first end portion 106 of the second electrically conductive member 104b is in electrical contact with one 602b of the two conductors 602b, 604b of the second group 614b of conductors 602b, 604b while the second end portion 108 of the second electrically conductive member 104b is in electrical contact with the other one 604b of the two conductors 602b, 604b of the second group 614b of conductors 602b, 604b, wherein each of the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b has a longitudinal extension 118 extending from the first end portion 106 to the second end portion 108, wherein the longitudinal extension 118 comprises a first longitudinal edge portion 120, wherein the first longitudinal edge portion 120 comprises a first longitudinal wall 122 forming a first longitudinal recess 124, wherein the longitudinal extension 118 comprises a second longitudinal edge portion 130, and wherein the second longitudinal edge portion 130 comprises a first longitudinal edge 132, wherein the bridging tool 200 comprises an electrically conductive connector 210, wherein the electrically conductive connector 210 comprises a first electrically conductive portion 202 and a second electrically conductive portion 204, and wherein the second electrically conductive portion 204 comprises an electrically conductive seat 206 electrically coupled to the second electrically conductive portion 204.

With reference to figure 17, the method comprises:

• moving 1001 the first electrically conductive portion 602 into engagement with the first longitudinal recess 124 of one 104a of the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b and thus into electrical contact with the first longitudinal wall 122 of the one 104a of the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b; and

• moving 1002 the electrically conductive seat 206 of the second electrically conductive portion 204 into engagement and thus into electrical contact with the first longitudinal edge 132 of the other one 104b of the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b, whereupon the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b are electrically connected to one another.

With reference to figure 17, for some embodiments, the movement 1001 of the first electrically conductive portion 602 into engagement with the first longitudinal recess 124 of one 104a of the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b is performed before the movement 1002 of the electrically conductive seat 206 of the second electrically conductive portion 204 into engagement with the first longitudinal edge 132 of the other one 104b of the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b.

With reference to figure 17, for the electrical disconnection of the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b from another, the above-mentioned steps 1001 , 1002 of figure 17 may be performed reversely and may be performed in a reverse order.

With reference to figures 10A to 10E, different positions of the bridging tool 200 upon engagement, or disengagement, are schematically illustrated to further illustrate embodiments of the method according to the sixth aspect and embodiments according to the first, second and third aspects. With reference to figure 10A, for the electrical connection of the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b to one another, the bridging tool 200 is positioned such that the electrically conductive connector 210 extends essentially transverse to the longitudinal extensions 118 of the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b, and the first electrically conductive portion 202 is moved and positioned at the longitudinal mouth 126 of the first longitudinal recess 124 of the first electrically conductive member 104a, for example by operating the grip 214 of the bridging tool 200. Subsequently, with reference to figure 10B, the first electrically conductive portion 202 is inserted into the first longitudinal recess 124 of the first electrically conductive member 104a via the longitudinal mouth 126, and thus brought into physical engagement with the first longitudinal recess 124. Thereafter, with reference to figure 10C, the grip 214 of the bridging tool 200 is operated such that the electrically conductive seat 206 of the second electrically conductive portion 204 is moved toward the second electrically conductive member 104b. If it not already has occurred in the previous step, the first electrically conductive portion 202 is brought into physical and electrical contact with the first longitudinal wall 122 of the first electrically conductive member 104a by the movement of the grip 214 of the bridging tool 200 toward the second electrically conductive member 104b. Subsequently, with reference to figures 10D and 10E (where figure 10E is an enlargement of figure 10D), the grip 214 of the bridging tool 200 is operated and moved further toward the second electrically conductive member 104b until the electrically conductive seat 206 of the second electrically conductive portion 204 is moved and brought into physical engagement and thus into physical and electrical contact with the first longitudinal edge 132 of the second electrically conductive member 104b, whereupon the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b are electrically connected to one another. For the electrical disconnection of the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b from one another, the above-mentioned steps disclosed in connection with figures 10A to 10E may be performed reversely and in a reverse order, whereupon the bridging tool 200 and the first and second electrically conductive portions 202, 204 are disengaged from the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b.

Embodiments of the method for electrically connecting a first electrically conductive member 104a to a second electrically conductive member 104b by way of the bridging tool 200 according to the sixth aspect may be applied, or used, to short-circuit a first electrically conductive member 104a and a second electrically conductive member 104b by way of the bridging tool 200. Thus, the method may be defined as a method for short-circuiting a first electrically conductive member 104a and a second electrically conductive member 104b by way of the bridging tool 200, or for short-circuiting an electrical circuit which includes the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b. For example, the method may be applied to short-circuit an electric battery 700 or an electric battery pack 800, for example an electric battery 700 or an electric battery pack for high voltage 800. In these cases, when the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b are electrically connected to one another, the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b, or the electrical circuit including the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b, are/is short- circuited.

Unless disclosed otherwise, it should be noted that the method steps 1001 , 1002 illustrated in figure 17 and described herein do not necessarily have to be executed in the order illustrated in figure 17. The steps 1001 , 1002 may essentially be executed in any suitable order. Further, one or more steps may be added without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

It is to be understood that other applications of the embodiments according to the above-mentioned aspects of the invention, in addition to an application to a vehicle 900 and any other application mentioned above, are possible. The present invention is not limited to the above described embodiments. Instead, the present invention relates to, and encompasses all different embodiments being included within the scope of the independent claims.