SE544454C2

SE544454C2 - A device comprising an interface for providing an electrical connection between two conductors

Info

Publication number: SE544454C2
Application number: SE2051220A
Authority: SE
Inventors: David Gotthardsson
Original assignee: Scania Cv Ab
Priority date: 2020-10-21
Filing date: 2020-10-21
Publication date: 2022-06-07
Also published as: WO2022086400A1; SE2051220A1

Abstract

A device (100a) comprising an interface (102) for providing an electrical connection between two conductors (602a, 604a). The interface (102) comprises an electrically conductive member (104a). The electrically conductive member (104a) comprises first and second end portions (106, 108). The first end portion (106) is configured for electrical contact with one (602a) of the conductors (602a, 604a) while the second end portion (108) is configured for electrical contact with the other one (604a) of the conductors (602a, 604a). The electrically conductive member (104a) has a longitudinal extension (118) extending from the first end portion (106) to the second end portion (108). The longitudinal extension (118) comprises a first longitudinal edge portion (120), which comprises a first longitudinal wall (122) forming a first longitudinal recess (124) for engagement with a first electrically conductive portion (202) of a bridging tool (200). 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).

Description

A DEVICE COMPRISING AN INTERFACE FOR PROVIDING AN ELECTRICALCONNECTION BETWEEN TWO CONDUCTORS Technical field Aspects of the present invention relate to a device comprising an interface for providingan electrical connection between two conductors. Further, aspects of the presentinvention relate to an apparatus comprising a plurality of such devices.

Background Sometimes it is requested or desired to provide an electrical bypass connection, forexample in order to bypass an electrical circuit, an electrical component and/or anyother electrical element, such as an electrical conductor. For example, it may bedesired to provide the electrical bypass to short-circuit an electrical circuit, which maybe part of an electrical system. For example, with regard to an electric vehicle, atcertain occasions, it may be required or desirable to short-circuit an electric battery oran electric battery pack of the electric vehicle. Such certain occasions may for exampleinclude 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 solutionsfor electrically bypassing an electrical circuit, an electrical component and/or anelectrical element, such as an electrical conductor. For example, some conventionalsolutions for short-circuiting an electrical circuit, which involve an electrical bypass, arenot sufficiently secure and safe, for example with regard to user safety, such as usersafety 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. lO The above and further objects are solved by the subject matter of the independentclaims. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in thedependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objects areachieved with a device comprising an interface for providing an electrical connectionbetween two conductors, wherein the interface comprises an electrically conductive member, wherein the electrically conductive member comprises a first end portion anda second end portion, wherein the first end portion is configured for electrical contact with one of thetwo conductors while the second end portion is configured for electrical contact withthe other one of the two conductors, wherein the electrically conductive member has a longitudinal extensionextending 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 wallforming, or defining, a first longitudinal recess for engagement with a first electricallyconductive portion of a bridging tool, and wherein the first longitudinal wall is configured for electrical contact with thefirst 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 electricalconductor. lt may be defined that the first longitudinal recess is configured for areleasable or detachable engagement with the first electrically conductive portion ofthe bridging tool. lt may be defined that the first longitudinal wall is configured fordetachable and/or temporary electrical contact with the first electrically conductiveportion of the bridging tool. lt may be defined that the bridging tool is operatable, i.e.configured to be operated, by an operator or a user. ln some embodiments, theelectrically conductive member may be referred to as a busbar. lO An advantage of the device according to the first aspect is that the first longitudinalrecess provides a secure and firm mechanical connection, for example a detachableand temporary connection, and thus a secure and firm electrical connection, forexample a temporary or short-term electrical connection, between the electricallyconductive member and the bridging tool. Any involuntary disengagement of thebridging tool from the electrically conductive member, or the risk that the bridging toolinvoluntary leaves its engagement with the electrically conductive member, isefficiently reduced by way of the first longitudinal recess. Consequently, a secure andsafe electrical bypass connection, for example a detachable and temporary bypassconnection, which involves the electrically conductive member, can be provided. Whenthe electrical bypass connection is part of a short-circuit, such as a short-term ortemporary short-circuit, for example in order to provide, or improve, user safety duringthe maintenance ofan electrical system or an apparatus including an electrical system,the device according to the first aspect improves the security and robustness of theshort-circuit, and consequently improves the user safety for the operator or userinvolved in the maintenance of the electrical system or the apparatus including theelectrical system.

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

Further, an advantage of the device according to the first aspect is that the coolingcapacity, or ability, of the interface is improved without adding any excessive extramaterial to the device or the electrically conductive member, for example without anyextension of the length of the electrically conductive member, since the first longitudinalwall and the longitudinal recess provide an increase of the outer surface of the lO electrically conductive member and thus a larger outer surface area in relation to thecross-section area for the electrically conductive member, for example compared toconventional busbars with a rectangular or circular cross-section, whereby theelectrically conductive member more efficiently can lead away heat compared toconventional busbars. Thus, the device according to the first aspect provides animproved and efficient cooling of the electrically conductive member per se and ofcomponents or conductors connected to the interface or device, for example whilekeeping the longitudinal extension of the electrically conductive member short, whichprovides a compact interface. On the other hand, the first longitudinal wall and thelongitudinal recess may improve and increase the electrical conductivity of theinterface, since the first longitudinal wall and the longitudinal recess may add extramaterial to the electrically conductive member without extending the length of theelectrically conductive member, and consequently, the electrically conductive cross-section area of the electrically conductive member is increased by the added extramaterial, which improves and increases the electrical conductivity of the electricallyconductive member and of the interface. lt may be described that, by way of the deviceaccording 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. ln general, the temporary connection/connections and/or the temporary short-circuitare/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 sortdisclosed below, or any other apparatus.

The electrically conductive member may be configured for direct current. Theelectrically conductive member may be configured for high voltage, such as a voltageabove 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 lO extension of the longitudinal extension of the electrically conductive member. Anadvantage of this embodiment is that the electrically conductive member along itsentire length can firmly engage, for example releasably or detachably engage, with thebridging tool. Thereby, a user can apply the bridging tool at several positions but stillalong a secure limited distance, wherein the limited distance is provided by thelongitudinal extension of the electrically conductive member. An advantage of thisembodiment is that a secure and firm electrical connection, for example a temporaryconnection, between the electrically conductive member and the bridging tool isprovided, whereby a secure and safe electrical bypass connection, for example atemporary bypass connection, and/or a secure and robust electrical short-circuitconnection, for example a temporary short-circuit connection, can be attained.

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

According to another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the firstaspect, the first longitudinal wall and the first longitudinal recess form an attachmentfor attaching the electrically conductive member to one or more of the group of: o one or more of the two conductors; and o a second attachment.An advantage of this embodiment is that that an efficient and flexible attachment of theelectrically conductive member is provided by way of the first longitudinal wall and thefirst longitudinal recess. Additional attachments, such as additional through-holes and lO bores in the electrically conductive member, are avoided. When the first Iongitudinalwall and the first longitudinal recess extend along the entire extension of theIongitudinal extension of the electrically conductive member, the electrically conductivemember can be attached to a structure or frame, for example a structure or frame of avehicle, at any location along the longitudinal extension of the electrically conductivemember without any further modification of the electrically conductive member, suchas modifications involving the provision of additional through-holes in the electricallyconductive member. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improvedtemporary 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 thefirst aspect, the Iongitudinal extension comprises a second Iongitudinal edge portion, wherein the second Iongitudinal edge portion comprises a first Iongitudinaledge for engagement with an electrically conductive seat of a second electricallyconductive portion of the bridging tool, and wherein the first Iongitudinal edge is configured for electrical contact with thesecond electrically conductive portion of the bridging tool when the first Iongitudinaledge is in engagement with the electrically conductive seat of the second electricallyconductive portion of the bridging tool.lt may be defined that the first Iongitudinal edge is configured for a releasable ordetachable engagement with the electrically conductive seat of the second electricallyconductive portion of the bridging tool. lt may be defined that the first Iongitudinal edgeis configured for detachable and/or temporary electrical contact with the secondelectrically conductive portion of the bridging tool. An advantage of these embodimentsis that the first Iongitudinal edge provides a secure and firm mechanical connection, forexample a detachable and temporary connection, and thus a secure and firm electricalconnection, for example a temporary connection, between the electrically conductivemember and the bridging tool at a second location of the electrically conductivemember. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved electrical bypassconnection, for example a detachable and temporary bypass connection, and/or afurther improved electrical short-circuit connection, for example a temporary short-circuit connection, can be attained. When two devices are present and two electrically lO conductive members are next to one another, for example adjacent to one another, theelectrically conductive members can provide a firm detachable and temporarymechanical connection and thus a secure and firm temporary electrical connectionbetween one another via the first longitudinal recess of one of the two electricallyconductive members and the first longitudinal edge of the other one of the twoelectrically conductive members and via the bridging tool.

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

According to an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect,the first longitudinal edge extends along the entire extension of the longitudinalextension of the electrically conductive member. An advantage of this embodiment isthat the electrically conductive member along its entire length can firmly engage, forexample releasably or detachably engage, with the bridging tool at the second locationof the electrically conductive member. Thereby, a user can apply the bridging tool atseveral positions along the second longitudinal edge portion but still along a securelimited distance, wherein the limited distance is provided by the longitudinal extensionof the electrically conductive member. An advantage of this embodiment is that asecure and firm temporary electrical connection between the electrically conductivemember and the bridging tool is provided at the second location of the electricallyconductive member. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improveddetachable and/or temporary electrical bypass connection and/or a further improveddetachable and/or temporary electrical short-circuit connection can be attained. lO According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the firstaspect, the second longitudinal edge portion forms a second longitudinal recess forengagement with the second electrically conductive portion of the bridging tool. Anadvantage of this embodiment is that the second longitudinal edge portion provides afurther improved detachable and temporary mechanical and electrical connectionbetween the electrically conductive member and the bridging tool at the secondlocation of the electrically conductive member. An advantage of this embodiment isthat a further improved detachable and/or temporary electrical bypass connectionand/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 firstaspect, 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 firstlongitudinal edge. An advantage of this embodiment is that the second longitudinaledge portion provides a further improved detachable and temporary mechanical andelectrical connection between the electrically conductive member and the bridging toolat the second location of the electrically conductive member. An advantage of thisembodiment is that a further improved detachable and/or temporary electrical bypassconnection 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 thefirst aspect, the first longitudinal edge comprises a slope configured to cooperate witha slope of the second electrically conductive portion of the bridging tool to facilitate theengagement of the first longitudinal edge with the electrically conductive seat of thesecond electrically conductive portion of the bridging tool. An advantage of thisembodiment is that the bridging tool is efficiently guided to a firm and secureengagement and to a firm and secure mechanical and electrical connection with thefirst longitudinal edge. An advantage of this embodiment is that a safe and securedetachable and/or temporary electrical bypass connection and/or a secure and robustdetachable and/or temporary electrical short-circuit connection can be attained by wayof the bridging tool in an efficient and easy manner. lO According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the firstaspect, the first longitudinal edge portion is opposite to the second longitudinal edgeportion. When two devices are present and two electrically conductive members arenext to one another, this embodiment provides a firm detachable and temporarymechanical connection and thus a secure and firm detachable and/or temporaryelectrical connection between the two electrically conductive members via the firstlongitudinal recess of one of the two electrically conductive members and the firstlongitudinal edge of the other one of the two electrically conductive members and viathe bridging tool. An advantage of this embodiment is that a safe and securedetachable and/or temporary electrical bypass connection and/or a secure and robustdetachable 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 thatone of the first and second longitudinal edge portions is convex in the direction of thelongitudinal extension while the other one of the first and second longitudinal edgeportions is concave in the direction of the longitudinal extension. An advantage of thisembodiment is that the electrically conductive member can be easily fitted intorestricted or limited spaces and be electrically connected there. When two devices arepresent, and two electrically conductive members are to be placed next to one another,for example such that the longitudinal extensions of the electrically conductivemembers are essentially parallel to one another, and in order to have two electricallyconductive members efficiently cooperate with the bridging tool, the first longitudinalrecess of one of the two electrically conductive members is advantageously facing thefirst longitudinal edge of the other one of the two electrically conductive members. Bythe curved shape of the electrically conductive member, it is easy during the assemblyto mount the two electrically conductive members in correct positions in relation to oneanother to attain said cooperation, since the convex longitudinal side of the of one ofthe two electrically conductive members matches the concave longitudinal side of theother 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 lO lO facing the concave longitudinal side of the other one of the two electrically conductivemembers in order for the longitudinal extensions of the electrically conductivemembers to be essentially parallel to one another. Thus, the curved shape of theelectrically conductive member provides a clear visual hint, or pointer (or indication),for mounting the electrically conductive members in correct positions in relation to oneanother during assembly. An advantage of this embodiment is that a safe and securedetachable and/or temporary electrical bypass connection and/or a secure and robustdetachable and/or temporary electrical short-circuit connection can be attained by wayof the bridging tool in an efficient and easy manner.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the firstaspect, the longitudinal extension of the electrically conductive member is curved suchthat one of the first longitudinal wall and the first longitudinal edge is convex in thedirection of the longitudinal extension while the other one of the first longitudinal walland 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 firstaspect, the first longitudinal wall has a longitudinal surface portion forming alongitudinal bottom surface of the first longitudinal recess, wherein the longitudinalextension of the electrically conductive member is curved such that one of thelongitudinal bottom surface and the first longitudinal edge is convex in the direction ofthe longitudinal extension while the other one of the longitudinal bottom surface andthe first longitudinal edge is concave in the direction of the longitudinal extension. Theadvantages of this embodiment correspond to the advantages mentioned above inconnection with the embodiment having a curved electrically conductive member.

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

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the firstaspect, the electrically conductive member is electrically connectable to a vehicleelectrical system of a vehicle. The application of the device according to the first aspectto a vehicle is advantageous, especially if the vehicle has one or more electric batteriesor one or more electric battery packs to be electrically bypassed or short-circuited atcertain occasions, since the space is limited in a vehicle, and some electricalconnections have to be installed in limited spaces. By way of this embodiment, a firmand safe detachable and/or temporary engagement between the electricallyconductive member and the bridging tool can be attained despite a limited space, andthus a safe and robust detachable and/or temporary electrical connection between theelectrically conductive member and the bridging tool can be attained despite a limitedspace. An advantage of this embodiment is that a safe and secure detachable and/ortemporary electrical bypass connection and/or a secure and robust detachable and/ortemporary electrical short-circuit connection can be attained by way of the bridging toolin 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 vehicleelectrical system configured for direct current. The electrically conductive member maybe electrically connectable to a vehicle electrical system which is a vehicle high voltagesystem. lt may be defined that the vehicle high voltage system is configured for a highvoltage, such as a voltage above 60 V, for example above 400 V, such as above 650V. For example, the vehicle high voltage system may be configured for a voltage up to1500 V. The vehicle electrical system may be electrically connectable to one or moreelectric 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 lOmaterial. ln some embodiments, the electrically conductive member may be made ofan electrically conductive material. Thus, the entire, or substantiaily 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 objectsare achieved with a bridging tool for electrically connecting a first electrically conductivemember to a second electrically conductive member, wherein the first and second electrically conductive members are spaced apartfrom one another, wherein each of the first and second electrically conductive memberscomprises a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first electrically conductive member provides a first electricalconnection between two conductors of a first group of conductors while the secondelectrically conductive member provides a second electrical connection between twoconductors of a second group of conductors, wherein the first end portion of the first electrically conductive member is inelectrical contact with one of the two conductors of the first group of conductors whilethe second end portion of the first electrically conductive member is in electrical contactwith the other one of the two conductors of the first group of conductors, wherein the first end portion of the second electrically conductive member isin electrical contact with one of the two conductors of the second group of conductorswhile the second end portion of the second electrically conductive member is inelectrical contact with the other one of the two conductors of the second group ofconductors, wherein each of the first and second electrically conductive members has alongitudinal 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 wallforming a first longitudinal recess, wherein the longitudinal extension comprises a second longitudinal edgeportion, and wherein the second longitudinal edge portion comprises a first longitudinaledge, lOwherein the bridging tool comprises an electrically conductive connector, wherein the electrically conductive connector comprises a first electricallyconductive portion and a second electrically conductive portion, wherein the second electrically conductive portion comprises an electricallyconductive seat electrically coupled to the second electrically conductive portion, and wherein the first electrically conductive portion is configured for engagementwith the first longitudinal recess and electrical contact with the first longitudinal wall ofone of the first and second electrically conductive members upon engagement with thefirst longitudinal recess while the electrically conductive seat of the second electrically conductiveportion is configured for engagement and electrical contact with the first longitudinaledge of the other one of the first and second electrically conductive members uponengagement with the first longitudinal edge, for electrically connecting the first and second electrically conductive members to one another. lt may be defined that the first electrically conductive portion is configured forreleasable or detachable engagement with the first longitudinal recess and detachableand/or temporary electrical contact with the first longitudinal wall of one of the first andsecond electrically conductive members. lt may be defined that the electricallyconductive seat of the second electrically conductive portion is configured forreleasable or detachable engagement and detachable and/or temporary electricalcontact 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 thedevice according to the first aspect, an advantage of the bridging tool according to thesecond aspect is that the bridging tool provides a secure and firm mechanicalconnection, for example a detachable and temporary connection, and thus a secureand firm electrical connection, for example a temporary electrical connection, with theelectrically conductive member and/or the two electrically conductive members, andthus also between the two electrically conductive members. Consequently, a secureand safe electrical bypass connection, for example a detachable and temporarybypass connection, which involves the two electrically conductive members, can be lOprovided. When the electrical bypass connection is part of a short-circuit, such as atemporary short-circuit, for example in order to provide user safety during themaintenance of an electrical system or an apparatus including an electrical system,the bridging tool according to the second aspect improves the security and robustnessof the short-circuit, and consequently improves the user safety for the operator or userinvolved in the maintenance of the electrical system or the apparatus including theelectrical system. The bridging tool according to the second aspect provides a non-expensive solution for a secure and robust electrical bypass connection, for examplea temporary bypass connection, since the bridging tool may be easily manufactured.Further, the first longitudinal recess and the first longitudinal edge may represent thesafe 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 toapply the bridging tool at this safe and proper location in a safe manner since thebridging tool may be configured to efficiently engage and match the first longitudinalrecess and the first longitudinal edge of the two electrically conductive members.Othervvise, the advantages of the bridging tool according to the second aspect and theadvantages of the embodiments of the bridging tool according to the second aspectmentioned hereinafter may correspond to the above- or below-mentioned advantagesof the device according to the first aspect and its embodiments, and are thus notrepeated here. ln general, the temporary connection/connections and/or the temporaryshort-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 beconfigured for direct current. The bridging tool and the electrically conductive connectorof 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, totemporarily short-circuit the first and second electrically conductive members. lt maybe defined that the bridging tool is configured to provide a temporary short-circuit, orconfigured to temporarily shorten an electrical circuit, when electrically detachably andtemporarily connecting the first electrically conductive member to the second lO electrically conductive member. Thus, said electrical circuit to be shortened mayinclude the first and second electrically conductive members. The bridging tool may bereferred to as a short-circuit tool. lt may be defined that the short-circuit tool isconfigured to short-circuit, such as temporarily short-circuit, the first and secondelectrically conductive members. The bridging tool, or short-circuit tool, may beconfigured for any other detachable and/or temporary electrical bypass connection.For example, when the first and second electrically conductive members areelectrically connected to an electric battery or an electric battery pack, the bridging toolaccording to the second aspect may be applied, or used, to temporarily short-circuitthe electric battery or the electric battery pack, for example an electric battery or anelectric battery pack for high voltage, for example an electric battery or an electricbattery pack suitable for, and/or carried by, a vehicle, for example a vehicle of the sortmentioned 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 thesecond aspect, the bridging tool comprises a grip attached to the electrically conductiveconnector, wherein the grip is configured to be gripped by a user, and wherein the gripis configured to provide a distance between the electrically conductive connector andthe user. An advantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendly and securedetachable 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 thesecond aspect, the grip is configured to electrically insulate the electrically conductiveconnector from the user. An advantage of this embodiment is that a user-friendly andsecure detachable and/or temporary electrical bypass connection and/or a user-friendly and safe detachable and/or temporary electrical short-circuit connection are/isprovided.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the bridging tool according to thesecond aspect, the grip is at least partly made of an electrically insulating material. lnsome embodiments, the grip may be made of an electrically insulating material. Thus, lOthe entire, or substantially the entire, grip may be made of an electrically insulatingmaterial. 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 tothe second aspect, the electrically conductive connector is at least partly made of anelectrically conductive material. ln some embodiments, the electrically conductiveconnector may be made of an electrically conductive material. Thus, the entire, orsubstantially 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 oneor 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 objectsare achieved with an apparatus comprising a plurality of devices according to any oneof the embodiments mentioned above or below, wherein the electrically conductive member of a first device of the plurality ofdevices and the electrically conductive member of a second device of the plurality ofdevices are spaced apart from one another, wherein the interface of the first device is configured to provide a first electricalconnection between two conductors of a first group of conductors, wherein the interface of the second device is configured to provide a secondelectrical connection between two conductors of a second group of conductors, wherein the first end portion of the first device is configured for electricalcontact with one of the two conductors of the first group of conductors while the secondend portion of the first device is configured for electrical contact with the other one ofthe two conductors of the first group of conductors, and wherein the first end portion of the second device is configured for electricalcontact with one of the two conductors of the second group of conductors while thesecond end portion of the second device is configured for electrical contact with theother one of the two conductors of the second group of conductors. lOThe advantages of the apparatus according to the third aspect and the advantages ofthe embodiments of the apparatus according to the third aspect mentioned hereinaftercorrespond to the above- or below-mentioned advantages of the device according tothe first aspect and its embodiments. ln general, the temporary connection/connectionsand/or the temporary short-circuit are/is maintained or assured as long as theelectrically conductive members of the devices are in engagement with the bridgingtool. Further, for example, when the plurality of devices is used for an electric powertransmission system, for example a direct current transmission system, the sameconfiguration, or design, of the electrically conductive member can be used for bothpoles, for example for both DC+ and DC-, for example of an electric battery pack, whileproviding the secure and firm temporary electrical connection between the electricallyconductive members and the bridging tool as discussed above, for example when eachof the two electrically conductive members includes both the first longitudinal edge andthe first longitudinal wall forming the first longitudinal recess. Therefore, themanufacturing of the apparatus according to the third aspect, for example for theapplication mentioned above, is facilitated, since it is enough to manufacture only oneconfiguration, or design, of the electrically conductive member. Consequently, whenproducing the electrically conductive members through extrusion, one and the samedie can be used, or the same two dies can be used when casting or press forming theelectrically conductive members. Further, the electrically conductive member may beused 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 thirdaspect, the first longitudinal recess of one of the first and second devices openstowards the electrically conductive member of the other one of the first and seconddevices. 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 thethird aspect, the first longitudinal recess of one of the first and second devices openstowards the second longitudinal edge portion of the other one of the first and second lOdevices. An advantage of this embodiment is that an advantageous functionality of thebridging tool is provided or assured.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to thethird aspect, the first longitudinal edge portion of the first device is located between thesecond longitudinal edge portion of the second device and the second longitudinaledge portion of the first device, wherein the second longitudinal edge portion of the second device is locatedbetween the first longitudinal edge portion of the first device and the first longitudinaledge portion of the second device.As a result of this embodiment, the longitudinal mouth of the first longitudinal recesswill face the second longitudinal edge portion and/or the first longitudinal edge. Anadvantage 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 thethird 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 objectsare achieved with a vehicle electrical system comprising one or more of the group of:o a device according to any one of the embodiments mentioned above or below;ando an apparatus according to any one of the embodiments mentioned above orbelow.

The vehicle electrical system may be configured for direct current. ln someembodiments, the vehicle electrical system may be a vehicle high voltage system. ltmay 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. Forexample, the vehicle high voltage system may be configured for a voltage up to 1500V. The vehicle electrical system may be electrically connectable to one or more electric lObatteries, or one or more electric battery packs suitable for vehicles, for examplecarried by a vehicle. The advantages of the vehicle electrical system according to thefourth aspect correspond to the above- or below-mentioned advantages of the deviceand 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 areachieved with a vehicle comprising one or more of the group of:o A device according to any one of the above- or below-mentioned embodiments;o an apparatus according to any one of the above- or below-mentionedembodiments; ando 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 itsembodiments and/or correspond to the above- or below-mentioned advantages of theapparatus according to the third aspect and its embodiments.

The vehicle may be a wheeled vehicle, i.e. a vehicle having wheels. The vehicle mayfor 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 hybridelectric vehicle, HEV, or a battery electric vehicle, BEV.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objectsare achieved with a method for electrically connecting a first electrically conductivemember to a second electrically conductive member by way of a bridging tool, wherein the first and second electrically conductive members are spaced apartfrom one another, wherein each of the first and second electrically conductive memberscomprises a first end portion and a second end portion, lO wherein the first electrically conductive member provides a first electricalconnection between two conductors of a first group of conductors while the secondelectrically conductive member provides a second electrical connection between twoconductors of a second group of conductors, wherein the first end portion of the first electrically conductive member is inelectrical contact with one of the two conductors of the first group of conductors whilethe second end portion of the first electrically conductive member is in electrical contactwith the other one of the two conductors of the first group of conductors, wherein the first end portion of the second electrically conductive member isin electrical contact with one of the two conductors of the second group of conductorswhile the second end portion of the second electrically conductive member is inelectrical contact with the other one of the two conductors of the second group ofconductors, wherein each of the first and second electrically conductive members has alongitudinal 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 wallforming a first longitudinal recess, wherein the longitudinal extension comprises a second longitudinal edgeportion, and wherein the second longitudinal edge portion comprises a first longitudinaledge, wherein the bridging tool comprises an electrically conductive connector, wherein the electrically conductive connector comprises a first electricallyconductive portion and a second electrically conductive portion, and wherein the second electrically conductive portion comprises an electricallyconductive seat electrically coupled to the second electrically conductive portion, wherein the method comprises: moving the first electrically conductive portion into engagement with the firstlongitudinal recess and thus into electrical contact with the first longitudinal wall of oneof the first and second electrically conductive members, and moving the electrically conductive seat of the second electrically conductiveportion into engagement and thus into electrical contact with the first longitudinal edge lOof the other one of the first and second electrically conductive members, whereuponthe first and second electrically conductive members are electrically connected to oneanother.

The method according to the sixth aspect may be applied, or used, to short-circuit, forexample temporarily short-circuit, the first and second electrically conductive membersby 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 conductivemember by way of a bridging tool. The method according to a sixth aspect may beapplied, or used, to temporarily shorten an electrical circuit including the first andsecond electrically conductive member by way of the bridging tool. For example, whenthe first and second electrically conductive members are electrically connected to anelectric battery or an electric battery pack, the method according to the sixth aspectmay be applied, or used, to temporarily short-circuit the electric battery or the electricbattery 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 carriedby, 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 sixthaspect, the movement of the first electrically conductive portion into engagement withthe first longitudinal recess of one of the first and second electrically conductivemembers is performed before the movement of the electrically conductive seat of thesecond electrically conductive portion into engagement with the first longitudinal edgeof the other one of the first and second electrically conductive members.

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

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

Brief Description of the DrawingsEmbodiments of the invention will now be illustrated, for exemplary purposes, in moredetail by way of embodiments and with reference to the enc|osed drawings, where similar references are used for similar parts, in which: Figure1 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of the deviceaccording 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 figure2; Figure 4 schematically illustrates a cross-section of a second embodiment of thedevice according to the first aspect of the invention; Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the bridging toolaccording 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 apparatusaccording to the third aspect of the invention; Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus offigure 7 from a differentperspective; 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 thebridging tool is positioned in different positions; Figures 11A-11E are schematic side views of the device of figures 1-3, illustratingembodiments of the attachment of the device; Figures 12-13 are schematic perspective views of the apparatus of figures 7-10Eapplied to a vehicle; FigureFigureis a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an electric battery unit;is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an electric battery packof a vehicle, lOFigure 16 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the vehicle according to thefifth aspect of the invention, the vehicle being provided with anembodiment of the vehicle electrical system according to the fourth aspectof 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 thefirst aspect is schematically illustrated. The device 100a includes an interface 102 forproviding an electrical connection between two conductors 602a, 604a (see figure 12).The interface 102 includes an electrically conductive member 104a. The electricallyconductive member 104a may be at least partly, for example completely, made of anelectrically conductive material, such as an electrically conductive material comprisingor consisting of a metal or a metal alloy, for example copper, brass, or aluminum.However, other materials are possible. ln some embodiments, the electricallyconductive member 104a may be referred to as a busbar.

With reference to figures 1 and 2, the electrically conductive member 104a has a firstend portion 106 and a second end portion 108. The first end portion 106 is configuredfor 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 one604a of the two conductors 602a, 604a (see figure 12). Since the first and second endportions 106, 108 are portions of the electrically conductive member 104a, such asintegral or integrated with, or integrated portions of, the electrically conductive member104a, and are included in the electrically conductive member 104a, it is to beunderstood, or it may be defined, that the first and second end portions 106, 108 areelectrically conductive. Since the first and second end portions 106, 108 of theelectrically conductive member 104a and the electrically conductive member 104a perse are electrically conductive, it is to be understood, or it may be defined, that the firstand second end portions 106, 108 are electrically coupled to one another. lOWith reference to figures 1, 2 and 12, the first end portion 106 may be attachable toone 602a of the two conductors 602a, 604a while the second end portion 108 may beattachable to the other one 604a of the two conductors 602a, 604a. For example, theattachability of the first and second end portions 106, 108 to the respective conductor602a, 604a may be attained by providing each of the first and second end portions106, 108 with an attachment 110, 112, for example a through-hole 114, 116. Each ofthe 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. Theattachment 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 ofthe respective conductor 602a, 604a. The attachment 606a, 608a of the respectiveconductor 602a, 604a may, for example, include an attachment element 610a, 612aconfigured for engagement with the through-hole 114, 116 of the first and second endportions 106, 108. The attachment element 610a, 612a may be a bolt, such as athreaded bolt. ln some embodiments, the attachment element 610a, 612a may formthe conductor 602a, 604a per se. However, it is to be understood that one or more ofthe attachments 110, 112 of the first and second end portions 106, 108 of theelectrically conductive member 104a may be excluded in some embodiments of thedevice. Thus, in some embodiments, one or more of the through-holes 114, 116illustrated in figures 1 and 2 may be excluded.

With reference to figures 12 and 13, each conductor 602a, 604a the two conductors602a, 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 ofelectrically conductive element or member, such as an attachment element, a bolt, ascrew, a pin, a clamp, a block, a busbar, an electric cable, or a terminal, such as aterminal of an electric battery or an electric battery pack etc. Examples of theconductors 602a, 604a are illustrated and discussed in further detail in connection withfigures 12 and 13 hereinbelow.

With reference to figures 1 and 2, the electrically conductive member 104a has, orincludes, a longitudinal extension 118. The longitudinal extension 118 extends from lO the first end portion 106 to the second end portion 108. lt may be defined that thelongitudinal extension 118 comprises the first and second end portions 106,With reference to figures 1 to 3, the longitudinal extension 118 includes a firstlongitudinal edge portion 120. The first longitudinal edge portion 120 includes a firstlongitudinal wall 122. The first longitudinal wall 122 forms, or defines, a first longitudinalrecess 124, or a first longitudinal cavity, for engagement with a first electricallyconductive portion 202 of a bridging tool 200, for example a bridging tool 200 asillustrated in figures 5 and 6 and as disclosed hereinbelow. lt may be defined that thefirst longitudinal wall 122 has an inner wall 125 which may form, or define, the firstlongitudinal recess 124. The first longitudinal wall 122 is configured for electricalcontact with the first electrically conductive portion 202 of the bridging tool 200 whenthe first longitudinal recess 124 is in engagement with the first electrically conductiveportion 202 of the bridging tool 200. This is illustrated in further detail in connectionwith figures 10A to 10E hereinbelow. lt may be defined that the first longitudinal wall122 forms the first longitudinal recess 124 for receiving and holding the first electricallyconductive portion 202 of the bridging tool 200, i.e. the first longitudinal recess 124may be configured to receive and hold the first electrically conductive portion 202 ofthe bridging toolWith reference to figures 1 to 3, since the first longitudinal edge portion 120 is a portionof the electrically conductive member 104a, such as integral or integrated with, or anintegrated portion of, the electrically conductive member 104a, and is included in theelectrically conductive member 104a, it is to be understood, or it may be defined, thatthe first longitudinal edge portion 120 is electrically conductive. Since the firstlongitudinal edge portion 120 of the electrically conductive member 104a and theelectrically 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 thefirst longitudinal edge portion 120 is electrically coupled to the first and second endportions 106, 108. The same applies for the first longitudinal wall 122 of the firstlongitudinal edge portionlOWith reference to figures 5 and 6, an embodiment of the bridging tool 200 according tothe second aspect is schematically illustrated. The bridging tool 200 includes a firstelectrically conductive portion 202, which may form a first nose, and a secondelectrically conductive portion 204, which may form a second nose. The secondelectrically conductive portion 204 includes an electrically conductive seat 206electrically coupled to the second electrically conductive portion 204. The electricallyconductive seat 206 may form, or comprise, a recess 208, or a cavity. lt may be definedthat the first and second electrically conductive portions 202, 204 of the bridging tool200 are electrically coupled to one another. lt may be defined that the electricallyconductive seat 206 and the first and second electrically conductive portions 202, 204of the bridging tool 200 are electrically coupled to one another.

With reference to figures 5 and 6, the bridging tool 200 may comprise an electricallyconductive connector 210. The electrically conductive connector 210 may include thefirst and second electrically conductive portions 202, 204. When the electricallyconductive connector 210 comprises the first and second electrically conductiveportions 202, 204, since the first and second electrically conductive portions 202, 204are then portions of the electrically conductive connector 210, such as integral orintegrated with, or integrated portions of, the electrically conductive connector 210, andare included in the electrically conductive connector 210, it is to be understood that theelectrically conductive seat 206 and the first and second electrically conductiveportions 202, 204 of the bridging tool 200 are electrically coupled to one another. Theelectrically conductive connector 210 may be at least partly, for example completely,made of an electrically conductive material, such as an electrically conductive materialcomprising 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 thebridging 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 isoperatable, i.e. configured to be operated, by a user or an operator. The bridging tool lO200 may include a grip 214 attached to the electrically conductive connector 210. Thegrip 214 is configured to be gripped by a user, or operator. The grip 214 is configuredto provide a distance between the electrically conductive connector 210 and the user.lt may be defined that the grip 214 is configured to electrically insulate the electricallyconductive connector 210 from the user. The grip 214 may be at least partly, forexample completely, made of an electrically insulating material. Thus, the entire, orsubstantially the entire, grip 214 may be made of an electrically insulating material.The electrically insulating material may be, or comprise, a polymer material, forexample a plastic or rubber material. Especially the exterior 216 of the grip 214 maybe made of an electrically insulating material.

With reference to figures 5 and 6, the bridging tool 200 may, for example, be a hand-held tool, i.e. a hand-held bridging tool 200. Thus, the grip 214 may be configured tobe gripped by a user's hand. The grip 214 may be configured to provide a distancebetween the electrically conductive connector 210 and the user's hand. lt may bedefined, that the grip 214 is configured to electrically insulate the electrically conductiveconnector 210 from the user's hand. ln some embodiments, the grip 214 may bereferred to as a handle.

With reference to figures 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the first longitudinal wall 122and the first longitudinal recess 124 extend along the entire extension of thelongitudinal extension 118 of the electrically conductive member 104a. lt is to beunderstood that the feature that the first longitudinal wall 122 and the first longitudinalrecess 124 extend along the entire extension of the longitudinal extension 118 of theelectrically conductive member 104a also includes that the first longitudinal wall 122and the first longitudinal recess 124 extend along substantially, or essentially, theentire extension of the longitudinal extension 118 of the electrically conductive member104a, and thus not necessarily along 100 % of the extension of the longitudinalextension 118 of the electrically conductive member 104a. Thus, minor deviations maybe included in said feature.

With reference to figures 1 and 3, the first longitudinal wall 122 may form, or define, alongitudinal mouth 126 of the first longitudinal recess 124. The first longitudinal wall lO122 may include a longitudinal lip 128. At least the longitudinal lip 128 restricts thelongitudinal mouth 126 for locking the first electrically conductive portion 202 of thebridging tool 200 in engagement with the first longitudinal recess. This is illustrated inin figures 10A to 10E.

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

With reference to figures 10D and 10E, the first longitudinal edge 132 may beconfigured to engage the recess 208 of the electrically conductive seat 206 of thesecond electrically conductive portion 204 of the bridging toolWith reference to figures 1 to 3, when embodiments of the device 100a is providedwith the second longitudinal edge portion 130, then, since the second longitudinal edgeportion 130 is a portion of the electrically conductive member 104a, such as integral orintegrated 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 itmay be defined, that the second longitudinal edge portion 130 is electricallyconductive. Since the second longitudinal edge portion 130 of the electricallyconductive member 104a and the electrically conductive member 104a, including itsfirst and second end portions 106, 108 and its first longitudinal edge portion 120, areelectrically conductive, it is to be understood, or it may be defined, that the secondlongitudinal edge portion 130 is electrically coupled to the first and second end portions106, 108 and to the first longitudinal edge portion 120 of the electrically conductive lOmember 104a. The same applies for the first longitudinal edge 132 of the secondlongitudinal edge portion 130 for embodiments of the device 100a provided with thesecond longitudinal edge portionWith reference to figures 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the first longitudinal edge 132extends along the entire extension of the longitudinal extension 118 of the electricallyconductive member 104a. lt is to be understood that the feature that the firstlongitudinal edge 132 extends along the entire extension of the longitudinal extension118 of the electrically conductive member 104a also includes that the first longitudinaledge 132 extends along substantially, or essentially, the entire extension of thelongitudinal extension 118 of the electrically conductive member 104a, and thus notnecessarily along 100 % of the extension of the longitudinal extension 118 of theelectrically conductive member 104a. Thus, minor deviations may be included in saidfeature.

With reference to figure 3, the first longitudinal edge 132 may include a slope 134configured to cooperate with a slope 212 of the second electrically conductive portion204 of the bridging tool 200 to facilitate the engagement of the first longitudinal edge132 with the electrically conductive seat 206 of the second electrically conductiveportion 204 ofthe bridging toolWith reference to figures 1 to 3, in the shown embodiment, the first longitudinal edgeportion 120 is opposite to the second longitudinal edge portionWith reference to figures 1 and 2, the longitudinal extension 118 of the electricallyconductive member 104a is curved such that one 120, 130 of the first and secondlongitudinal edge portions 120, 130 is convex, for example follows a convex curve, inthe direction of the longitudinal extension 118 while the other one 120, 130 of the firstand second longitudinal edge portions 120, 130 is concave, for example follows aconcave curve, in the direction of the longitudinal extension 118. ln the shownembodiment, the first longitudinal edge portion 120 is convex in the direction of thelongitudinal extension 118 while the second longitudinal edge portions 130 is concavein the direction of the longitudinal extension 118. lt is to be understood that in some lO embodiments, only a portion of the first and second Iongitudinal edge portions 120,130, respectively, may be convex or concave, not necessarily the entire first or secondIongitudinal edge portion 120, 130. Aiternativeiy, it may be defined that the Iongitudinalextension 118 of the e|ectrica||y conductive member 104a is curved such that one 122,132 of the first Iongitudinal wall 122 and the first Iongitudinal edge 132 is convex in thedirection of the Iongitudinal extension 118 while the other one 122, 132 of the firstIongitudinal wall 122 and the first Iongitudinal edge 132 is concave in the direction ofthe Iongitudinal extension 118. ln the shown embodiment, the first Iongitudinal wa|| 122is convex in the direction of the Iongitudinal extension 118 while the first Iongitudinal edge 132 is concave in the direction of the Iongitudinal extensionWith reference to figure 3, the first Iongitudinal wall 122 may have, or define, aIongitudinal surface portion 136 forming a Iongitudinal bottom surface 138 of the firstIongitudinal recess 124. lt may then be defined that the Iongitudinal extension 118 ofthe e|ectrica||y conductive member 134 is curved such that one 132, 138 of theIongitudinal bottom surface 138 and the first Iongitudinal edge 132 is convex in thedirection of the Iongitudinal extension 118 while the other one 132, 138 of theIongitudinal bottom surface 138 and the first Iongitudinal edge 132 is concave in thedirection of the Iongitudinal extension. ln the shown embodiment, the Iongitudinalbottom surface 138 of the first Iongitudinal recess 124 is convex in the direction of theIongitudinal extension 118 while the first Iongitudinal edge 132 is concave in thedirection of the Iongitudinal extensionln some embodiments of the device 100a according to the first aspect, the firstIongitudinal edge 132 may be excluded. The e|ectrica||y 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 thefirst aspect is schematically illustrated. ln the shown embodiment, the secondIongitudinal edge portion 330 of the Iongitudinal extension 318 of the e|ectrica||yconductive member 304a forms, or defines, a second Iongitudinal recess 350 forengagement with the second e|ectrica||y conductive portion 204 of the bridging tool200. The second Iongitudinal recess 350 may at least partiy form, or define, the first lOIongitudinal edge 332 of the second Iongitudinal edge portion 330 of the longitudinalextension 318 of the electrically conductive member 304a. Othervvise, the features ofthe device 300a of figure 4 may correspond to the features of the device 100a of figures1 to 3 and are thus not repeated here. lt may be defined that longitudinal edge portion330 forms the second Iongitudinal recess 350 for receiving and holding the secondelectrically conductive portion 204 of the bridging tool 200, i.e. the second longitudinalrecess 350 may be configured to receive and hold the second electrically conductiveportion 204 of the bridging toolWith reference to figures 7 to 10E, embodiments of the apparatus 400 according to thethird aspect is schematically illustrated. The apparatus 400 includes a plurality ofdevices 100a, 100b, i.e. two or more devices 100a, 100b, for example as disclosedabove or below. The electrically conductive member 104a of a first device 100a of theplurality of devices 100a, 100b and the electrically conductive member 104b of asecond device 100b of the plurality of devices 100a, 100b are spaced apart from oneanother, i.e. there is a space d, or distance, between the electrically conductivemembers 104a, 104b of the first and second devices 100a, 100b. lt is to be understoodthat each 100a, 100b of the first and second devices 100a, 100b may correspond tothe embodiments of the device 100a disclosed above or below. The electricallyconductive member 104a of the first device 100a may be referred to as a firstelectrically conductive member 104a. The electrically conductive member 104b of thesecond device 100b may be referred to as a second electrically conductive member104b.

With reference to figures 12 to 16, the electrically conductive member 104a, 104b maybe electrically connectable to a vehicle electrical system 850 of a vehicle 900, forexample a vehicle high voltage system 850 of a vehicle 900. The vehicle 900 may anykind 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 systemWith reference to figures 7 to 9 and 12, the interface 102 of the first device 100a isconfigured to provide a first electrical connection between two conductors 602a, 604a lOof a first group 614a of conductors 602a, 604a. The interface 102 of the second device100b is configured to provide a second electrical connection between two conductors602b, 604b of a second group 614b of conductors 602b, 604b. The first end portion106 of the first device 100a is configured for electrical contact with one 602a of the twoconductors 602a, 604a of the first group 614a of conductors 602a, 604a while thesecond end portion 108 of the first device 100a is configured for electrical contact withthe other one 604a of the two conductors 602a, 604a of the first group 614a ofconductors 602a, 604a. The first end portion 106 of the second device 100b isconfigured for electrical contact with one 602b of the two conductors 602b, 604b of thesecond group 614b of conductors 602b, 604b while the second end portion 108 of thesecond device 100b is configured for electrical contact with the other one 604b of thetwo 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 ofthe first and second devices 100a, 100b may open towards, such as may open up inthe direction toward, and/or the longitudinal mouth 126 of the first longitudinal recess124 may face, the electrically conductive member 104b of the other one 100b of thefirst and second devices 100a, 100b. More specifically, the first longitudinal recess 124of one 100a of the first and second devices 100a, 100b may open towards the secondlongitudinal edge portion 130 of the other one 100b of the first and second devices100a, 100b. Even more specifically, it may be defined that the first longitudinal edgeportion 120 of the first device 100a is located between the second longitudinal edgeportion 130 of the second device 100b and the second longitudinal edge portion 130of the first device 100a, and that the second longitudinal edge portion 130 of the seconddevice 100b is located between the first longitudinal edge portion 120 of the first device100a and the first longitudinal edge portion 120 of the second device 100b. ln someembodiments, the apparatus 400 includes a bridging tool 200 according to any one ofthe embodiments disclose above and/or below. lt may be defined that the firstlongitudinal 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 secondelectrically conductive members 104a, 104b may be configured for DC+ while the other lOone 104a, 104b of the first and second e|ectrica||y conductive members 104a, 104bmay be configured for DC-.

With reference to the disclosure above, it is to be understood, or it may be defined, thatthe first and second end portions 106, 108 of the first e|ectrica||y conductive member104a are e|ectrica||y coupled to one another, and that the first and second end portions106, 108 of the second e|ectrica||y conductive member 104b are e|ectrica||y coupled toone another. With reference to the disclosure above, it is to be understood, or it maybe defined, that the first Iongitudinal edge portion 120 of the first e|ectrica||y conductivemember 104a is e|ectrica||y coupled to the first and second end portions 106, 108 ofthe first e|ectrica||y conductive member 104a, and that the first Iongitudinal edge portion120 of the second e|ectrica||y conductive member 104b is e|ectrica||y coupled to thefirst and second end portions 106, 108 of the second e|ectrica||y conductive member104b. With reference to the disclosure above, it is to be understood, or it may bedefined, that the second Iongitudinal edge portion 130 of the first e|ectrica||y conductivemember 104a is e|ectrica||y coupled to the first and second end portions 106, 108 ofthe first e|ectrica||y conductive member 104a and to the first Iongitudinal edge portion120 of the first e|ectrica||y conductive member 104a, and that the second Iongitudinaledge portion 130 of the second e|ectrica||y conductive member 104b is e|ectrica||ycoupled to the first and second end portions 106, 108 of the second e|ectrica||yconductive member 104b and to the first Iongitudinal edge portion 120 of the second e|ectrica||y conductive member 104b.

With reference to the disclosure above, it is to be understood, or it may be morespecifica||y defined, that the Iongitudinal extension 118 of the first e|ectrica||yconductive member 104a extends from the first end portion 106 of the first e|ectrica||yconductive member 104a to the second end portion 108 of the first e|ectrica||yconductive member 104a, and that the Iongitudinal extension 118 of the seconde|ectrica||y conductive member 104b extends from the first end portion 106 of thesecond e|ectrica||y conductive member 104b to the second end portion 108 of thesecond e|ectrica||y conductive member 104b. lOWith reference to figures 5 to 9, 12, 10D and 10E, the bridging tool 200 is configuredto electrically connect a first electrically conductive member 104a to a secondelectrically conductive member 104b. lt is to be understood that each 104a, 104b ofthe first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b may correspond tothe embodiments of the electrically conductive member 104a disc|osed above orbelow. For embodiments of the bridging tool 200, it may be defined that: The first andsecond electrically conductive members 104a, 104b are spaced apart from oneanother; The first electrically conductive member 104a provides a first electricalconnection between two conductors 602a, 604a of a first group 614a of conductors602a, 604a while the second electrically conductive member 104b provides a secondelectrical connection between two conductors 602b, 604b of a second group 614b ofconductors 602b, 604b; The first end portion 106 of the first electrically conductivemember 104a is in electrical contact with one 602a of the two conductors 602a, 604aof the first group 614a of conductors 602a, 604a while the second end portion 108 ofthe first electrically conductive member 104a is in electrical contact with the other one604a 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 isin electrical contact with one 602b of the two conductors 602b, 604b of the secondgroup 614b of conductors 602b, 604b while the second end portion 108 of the secondelectrically conductive member 104b is in electrical contact with the other 604b one ofthe 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 portion202 of the bridging tool 200 is configured for engagement with the first longitudinalrecess 124 and electrical contact with the first longitudinal wall 122 of one 104a, 104bof the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b upon engagementwith the first longitudinal recess 124 while the electrically conductive seat 206 of thesecond electrically conductive portion 204 is configured for engagement and electricalcontact with the first longitudinal edge 132 of the other one 104a, 104b of the first andsecond electrically conductive members 104a, 104b upon engagement with the firstlongitudinal edge 132, for electrically connecting the first and second electricallyconductive members 104a, 104b to one another. lt may be defined that the firstelectrically conductive portion 202 of the bridging tool 200 is configured to be received lO and held by the first longitudinal recess 124. With reference to figures 7 to 9, thebridging tool 200 may be configured to extend, or position, the electrically conductiveconnector 210 substantially transverse to the longitudinal extension 118 of theelectrically conductive member 104a, 104b when being in engagement with the first longitudinal recess 124 and the first Iongitudinal edgeWith reference to figures 5 to 9, 10D and 10E, when the bridging tool 200, for examplethe electrically conductive connector 210, is mechanically connected and electricallyconnected to first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b via the firstand second electrically conductive portions 202, 204, for example as illustrated infigures 6 to 9, 10D and 10E, an electrical bypass connection is provided, for examplebetween the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b and/or foran electrical circuit which includes the first and second electrically conductive members104a, 104b and the bridging tool 200, for example the electrically conductive connector210, 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 providea short-circuit, or may be configured to shorten an electrical circuit, when the bridgingtool 200 electrically connects the first electrically conductive member 104a to thesecond electrically conductive member 104b. Expressed alternatively, the electricalbridge or connection, or the electrical bypass connection, provided by the bridging tool200 may provide a short-circuit, for example a short-circuit between the first andsecond electrically conductive members 104a, 104b and/or a short-circuit where thefirst and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b are part of, or includedin, the short-circuit. For example, the bridging tool 200 may be applied to short-circuitan electric battery or an electric battery pack, for example an electric battery or anelectric battery pack for high voltage, which is further illustrated hereinbelow. Thebridging tool 200 may be referred to as a short-circuit tool 200. The short-circuit tool200 may be configured to short-circuit the first and second electrically conductivemembers 104a, 104b. The bridging tool 200, or short-circuit tool 200, may beconfigured for any other electrical bypass connection. lOWith reference to figures 11A to 11B, a way to mount the electrically conductivemember 104a by way of the first Iongitudinal wall 122 and the first Iongitudinal recess124 is schematically illustrated in three steps. ln the shown embodiment, the firstlongitudinal wall 122 and the first Iongitudinal recess 124 form an attachment 502 forattaching the electrically conductive member 104a to one or more of the group of: asecond 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, orframe, made of a suitablematerial, for example a polymer, which may be, or form, an electrical insulator. ln theshown embodiment, the attachment 502 is configured to attach the electricallyconductive member 104a to the second attachment 504. The first Iongitudinal wall 122and the first Iongitudinal recess 124 may be configured for engagement with a firsttongue 506 of the second attachment 504. Upon engagement with the first Iongitudinalrecess 124, the first tongue 506 may rest upon, or abut against, the inner wall 125 ofthe first Iongitudinal wallWith reference to figures 11A to 11B, further, in some embodiments, as illustrated infigures 11A to 11B, the first Iongitudinal edge 132 may form an third attachment 508for 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. ln the shown embodiment, the third attachment 508 is configured to attach theelectrically conductive member 104a to the second attachment 504. The firstIongitudinal edge 132 may be configured for engagement with a recess 510 or cavityof the of the second attachment 504. The recess 510 may be formed by a secondtongue 512 of the second attachment 504. lt is to be understood that the second attachment 504 may be structured in several other alternative manners. ln general, the above-mentioned connection/connections and/or the above-mentionedshort-circuit may be detachable and/or temporary. ln general, the temporary and/ordetachable connection/connections and/or the temporary short-circuit are/ismaintained or assured as long as the electrically conductive member/members 104a,104b is/are in engagement with the bridging toollOWith reference to figures 1 to 3 and 10E, it may be defined that the first longitudinalrecess 124 is configured for a releasable or detachable engagement with the firstelectrically conductive portion 202 of the bridging tool 200. lt may be defined that thefirst longitudinal wall 122 is configured for detachable and/or temporary electrical contact with the first electrically conductive portion 202 of the bridging toolWith reference to figures 1 to 3 and 10E, it may be defined that the first longitudinaledge 132 is configured for a releasable or detachable engagement with the electricallyconductive seat 206 of the second electrically conductive portion 204 of the bridgingtool 200. lt may be defined that the first longitudinal edge 132 is configured fordetachable and/or temporary electrical contact with the second electrically conductiveportion 204 ofthe bridging toolWith reference to figures 5, 6 and 10E, it may be defined that the first electricallyconductive portion 202 of the bridging tool 200 is configured for releasable ordetachable engagement with the first longitudinal recess 124 and detachable and/ortemporary electrical contact with the first longitudinal wall 122 of one 104a, 104b of thefirst and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b. lt may be defined thatthe electrically conductive seat 206 of the second electrically conductive portion 204 isconfigured for releasable or detachable engagement and detachable and/or temporaryelectrical 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 member104a, 104b and the electrically conductive connector 210 of the bridging tool 200 maybe configured for direct current. One or more of the electrically conductive member104a, 104b and the electrically conductive connector 210 may be configured for highvoltage, such as a voltage above 60 V, for example above 400 V, such as above 650V. For example, one or more of the electrically conductive member 104a, 104b and theelectrically 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 electricallyconductive connector 210 may be configured to carry or conduct a direct current, for lOexample at a high voltage, such as above 60 V, for example above 400 V, such asabove 650 V.

With reference to figures 5 and 6, the grip 214 of the bridging tool 200 may beconfigured to withstand a high voltage, such as a voltage above 60 V, for exampleabove 400 V, such as above 650 V. For example, the grip 214 of the bridging tool 200may be configured to withstand a voltage up to 1500 V. The grip 214 of the bridgingtool 200 may be configured to withstand a direct current at high voltage, for exampleabove 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 anapplication to a vehicle 900, for example a vehicle 900 of the sort mentioned above orbelow, is schematically illustrated. ln the shown embodiment, a first group 614a ofconductors 602a, 604a and a second group 614b of conductors 602b, 604b areassociated with, or included in, a unit 600 which can be part of or connected to anelectric battery pack 800, for example as illustrated in figure 15, or an electric batteryunit 700, for example as illustrated in figure 16. The unit 600 may include a housing618, 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, forexample above 400 V, such as above 650 V. For example, each of the two conductors602a, 604a, 602b, 604b may be configured for a voltage up to 1500 V. Each of the twoconductors 602a, 604a, 602b, 604b may be configured to carry or conduct a directcurrent, 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 groups614a, 614b of conductors 602a, 604a, 602b, 604b may be associated with, orconfigured for, DC+ while the other one 614a, 614b of the first and second groups lO614a, 614b of conductors 602a, 604a, 602b, 604b may be associated with, orconfigured for, DC-. Thus, as already mentioned above, one 104a, 104b of the first andsecond electrically conductive members 104a, 104b of the first and second devices100a, 100b may be configured to carry or conduct DC+ while the other one 104a, 104bof the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b may be configuredto carry or conduct DC-. ln figure 12, the second electrically conductive members 104bis i||ustrated in a position just before its connection to the second group 614b ofconductors 602b, 604b. However, the second electrically conductive members 104bmay be connected to the second group 614b of conductors 602b, 604b in acorresponding manner as the first electrically conductive member 104a is connectedto the first group 614a of conductors 602a, 604a.

With reference to figure 12, in the shown embodiment, one conductor 602a, 602b fromeach of the first and second groups 614a, 614b is electrically connected to the vehicleelectrical system 850 of the vehicle 900, for example the vehicle high voltage system850 of the vehicle 900. More specifically, said one conductor 602a, 602b from each ofthe first and second groups 614a, 614b is connected between the electric motor (ormotors) of the vehicle 900 and the first electrically conductive member 104a or thesecond electrically conductive member 104b. Another conductor 604a from the firstgroup 614a is electrically connected to one 814, 816 of two terminals 814, 816 (DCpositive and DC negative) of an electric battery pack 800 (see figure 15) while anotherconductor 604b from the second group 614b is electrically connected to the other one814, 816 of the two terminals 814, 816 (DC positive and DC negative) of the electricbattery pack 800. More specifically, said other conductor 604a, 604b from each of thefirst and second groups 614a, 614b is connected between the electric battery pack 800and the first electrically conductive member 104a or the second electrically conductivemember 104b.

With reference to figure 12, said one conductor 602a, 602b of each of the first andsecond groups 614a, 614b on the electric motor side (in relation to the first and secondelectrically conductive members 104a, 104b) may comprise an attachment 606a, 606bfor 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 lO 104a or the second electrically conductive member 104b. The attachment 606a, 606bof the conductor 602a, 602b on the electric motor side may comprise an attachmentmember 620a, 620b. The attachment member 620a, 620b may form a through-holeand may, for example, be a cable lug, or the like. The attachment member 620a, 620bmay be attached to, or be part of, for example an integrated part of, an electric cable622a, 622b, which may be included in the vehicle electrical system 850. Theattachment 606a, 606b of the conductor 602a, 602b on the electric motor side mayalso comprise an attachment element 610a, 610b configured for engagement with thethrough-hole 114, 116 of the first end portion 106 of the first electrically conductivemember 104a or the second electrically conductive member 104b. The attachmentelement 610a, 610b of the conductor 602a, 602b on the electric motor side may beconfigured for engagement with the through-hole of the attachment member 620a,620b of the conductor 602a, 602b on the electric motor side. The attachment element610a, 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 secondelectrically conductive member 104b by way of the attachment element 610a, 610bengaging through the through-holes 114, 116 of the attachment member 620a, 620band 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 somewhatmovable in relation to the housing 618, whereby the first end portions 106 of the firstand second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b are somewhat movable inrelation to one another in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extensions 118 ofthe first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b. This may furtherfacilitate the engagement of the electrically conductive seat 206 of the secondelectrically conductive portion 204 of the bridging tool 200 with the first longitudinaledge 132 and/or may further facilitate the disengagement of the electrically conductiveseat 206 of the second electrically conductive portion 204 of the bridging tool 200 fromthe first longitudinal edgeWith reference to figure 12, each of the other conductors 604a, 604b from the first andsecond groups 614a, 614b electrically connected to one 814, 816 of the two terminals lO814, 816 of the electric battery pack 800 (see figure 15) may comprise an attachment608a, 608b for engagement with the attachment 110, 112 of the first or second endportion 106, 108, such as the through-hole 114, 116, of the first electrically conductivemember 104a or the second electrically conductive member 104b. The attachment608a, 608b of the conductor 604a, 604b on the battery pack side (in relation to the firstand second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b) may include an attachmentelement 612a, 612b configured for engagement with the through-hole 114, 116 of thefirst or second end portion 106, 108. The attachment element 612a, 612b may be abolt, such as a threaded bolt. ln the shown embodiment, the conductor 604a, 604b onthe 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, orhouse, an external contactor switchable between an open position and a closedposition. When the external contactor is in the closed position, the external contactoris configured to conduct an electric current or allow an electric current to pass. Whenthe external contactor is in the open position, the external contactor is configured tointerrupt 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 onthe battery pack side may form a recess, or bore, which for example may be providedwith one or more internal threads. The attachment element 612a, 612b may beconfigured for engagement with the recess of the member 624a, 624b. The member624a, 624b of the conductor 604a, 604b on the battery pack side may be attached tothe first electrically conductive member 104a or the second electrically conductivemember 104b by way of the attachment element 612a, 612b engaging through thethrough-holes 114, 116 the first electrically conductive member 104a or the secondelectrically conductive member 104b and into the recess of the member 624a, 624b.ln the embodiment shown in figure 12, the two terminals 814, 816 of the electric batterypack 800 (see figure 15) would connect to the conductor 604a, 604b on the batterypack side via a bottom side 626, or a bottom 626, of the housing 618. The unit 600and/or the housing 618 may be configured for attachment to the electric battery packlOWith reference to figures 12 and 13, the housing 618 may have, or form, an opening628, for example provided with a hatch (not shown). The opening 628 of the housing618 may be configured to receive, or let through, the bridging tool 200 when thebridging tool 200 is to engage the first and second electrically conductive members104a, 104b. A side wall 630 of the housing 618 may form the opening 628. ln figures12 and 13, the top side is excluded for illustrative purposes. ln figure 12 and 13, thebridging tool 200 is illustrated in its engagement with the first and second electricallyconductive members 104a, 104b. ln the shown embodiment, the housing 618 housesthe first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b and at least partly theconductors 602a, 604a, 602b, 604b of the first and second groups 614a, 614b ofconductors 602a, 604a, 602b, 604b, i.e. the first and second electrically conductivemembers 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. ln the shownembodiment, the attachment members 620a, 620b of the conductors 602a, 602b onthe electric motor side are located inside the housing 618. ln the shown embodiment,the members 624a, 624b of the conductors 604a, 604b on the battery pack side, whichmay be shaped as rectangular cuboids, are located inside the housingFigure 14 schematically illustrates an example of an electrical battery unit 700 whichcan be connected to an electrical system or a vehicle electrical system 850 by way ofthe 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 batteriesWith reference to figure 14, the electrical battery unit 700 may include one or moreelectric battery cells 702 which may be arranged in a module. Each electric battery cell702 can be seen as a container chemically storing energy and may be a rechargeableelectric battery cell. The electrical battery cell 702 may for example be a Li-ion batterycell or a NiMH battery cell but are not limited thereto. The electric battery cells 702 maybe 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 desiredvoltage and energy capacity. ln shown embodiment, the electric battery cells 702 are lOelectrically 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 thatdelivers electric power to a product or equipment, for example an electrical vehicle ora hybrid vehicle, such as the vehicle 900 shown in figureWith reference to figure 14, the electric battery unit 700 includes a cell controller 706which is electrically connected in parallel with each electric battery cell 702 by way ofa plurality of electrical lines 708, for example electrical wires. The cell controller 706may be called a cell module controller (CMC). Each electric battery cell 702 mayinclude a cell fuse 710 for short-circuit protection. However, in some arrangements,the cell fuse 710 may be excluded from the electric battery cellWith reference to figure 14, ln general, the electrical battery unit 700 has two terminals714, 716 for connecting the electrical battery unit 700 to an electrical system or avehicle electrical system 850, for example by way of the embodiments according to theaspects mentioned above or below. The two terminals 714, 716 may be disclosed aselectrical contacts. One of the two terminals 714, 716 may be a negative terminalhaving a negative pole, while the other one of the two terminals 714, 716 may be apositive terminal having a positive pole.

The unit 700 illustrated in figure 14 may also represent an electric battery module 700included in an electric battery pack 800 schematically illustrated in figure 15. Withreference to figure 15, the electric battery pack 800 may comprise a plurality of electricbattery modules 700 which may be electrically connected in series and have twocommon outputs 802, 804 (positive and negative) for electric power, or current,transfer. The electric battery pack 800 may have two terminals 814, 816 (DC positiveand DC negative) for electric power, or current, transfer, to be connected to anelectrical system or a vehicle electrical system 850 by way of the embodimentsaccording to the aspects mentioned above or below. The above-mentioned twocommon outputs 802, 804 are connected to the two terminals 814, 816 of the electricbattery packlOWith reference to figure 15, in general, the electric battery pack 800 (and/or the electricbattery unit 700) comprises one or more internal contactors 806 switchable betweenan open position and a closed position. However, by way of the embodiments of thedifferent aspects of the invention, said one or more internal contactors 806 may beexcluded, while still providing sufficient user safety. When the internal contactor 806 isin the closed position, the internal contactor 806 is configured to conduct an electriccurrent or allow an electric current to pass. When the internal contactor 806 is in theopen 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 internalcontactor 806. ln general, the one or more internal contactors 806 of the electric batterypack 800 (and/or electric batter unit 700) is/are controlled by a battery managementsystem 808, BMS, which is a control system for controlling the electric battery pack800 (and/or the electric battery unit 700). The battery management system 808 maybe connected to and communicate with the above-mentioned cell module controller,CMC, 706 of the electric battery unit 700. The battery management system 808 maybe configured to determine and/or measure the voltage upstream (before) anddownstream (after) of the one or more internal contactors 806, for example at voltagemeasurement points or locations, for example by the aid of one or more sensors. lngeneral, 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 electricbattery 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 isactivated or active, a pre-charging of an electrical system (such as the vehicle electricalsystem 850, which may referred to as VCB) is essentially always performed before allthe internal contactors 806 are closed, for example with the aid of a pre-chargecontactor 810 switchable between an open position and a closed position. Pre-charging of a high voltage direct current system is known to the person skilled in theart and is thus not discussed in further detail.

With reference to figure 15, in general, the electric battery pack 800 (and/or the electricbattery unit 700) comprises an electric battery pack fuse 812, or an electric battery lO fuse, which, for example, may be a melt fuse, or a pyrotechnic fuse (or pyro fuse), forprotection. The pyrotechnic fuse is functional only when the battery managementsystem 808 is active. lt is to be understood that the electric battery pack 800 mayinclude 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 850according to the fourth aspect of the invention is also schematically illustrated. lt maybe defined that the vehicle electrical system 850 is configured for direct current. lt maybe defined that vehicle electrical system 850 is a vehicle high voltage system 850. ltmay 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. Forexample, the vehicle high voltage system may be configured for a voltage up to 1500V. The electric power, or the electric current, for example the direct current, of thevehicle electrical system 850 (VCB) may transferred at a high voltage, for example atone or more of the voltages levels mentioned above. As mentioned above, the vehicleelectrical system 850 may be configured to transfer the electric power, or the electriccurrent, at a high voltage, for example at one or more of the voltages levels mentionedabove. 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 ormore 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 electricallyconnected, or connectable, to one or more electric batteries 700 and/or one or moreelectric battery packs 800, for example as illustrated above in connection with figures14 and 15. The one or more electric batteries 700 may be one or more high voltagebatteries. The one or more electric battery packs 800 may be one or more high voltagebattery packs. lt may be defined that the one or more electric batteries 700 and/or theone or more electric battery packs 800 are/is configured for high voltage, for examplefor one or more of the voltages levels mentioned above. lt may be defined that the oneor more electric batteries 700 and/or the one or more electric battery packs 800 are lOheld or carried by a vehicle 900. The vehicle electrical system 850 may be configuredto electrically connect the one or more electric batteries 700 and/or the one or moreelectric battery packs 800 to one or more electric motors of the vehicleWith reference to figure 16, an embodiment of the vehicle 900 according to the fifthaspect of the invention is schematically illustrated. ln figure 16, the vehicle 900 isillustrated 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 alsopossible. 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 vehicle900 having wheels 962. Only the wheels 962 on the left-hand side of the vehicle 900are visible in figure 16. lt is to be understood that the vehicle 900 may have fewer ormore wheels than what is shown in figure 16. The vehicle 900 may comprise apowertrain 964, for example configured for one of an EV, HEV and BEV. The vehicle900 may comprise, or carry, one or more electric batteries 700 and/or one or moreelectric battery packs 800, for example as disclosed in connection with figures 14 and15. lt 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, acombustion engine 966 and other devices required for a vehicle 900, such as for anEV, HEV or BEV.

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

With reference to figures to 17 and 10A to 10E, embodiments of the method accordingto the sixth aspect and for electrically connecting a first electrically conductive member104a to a second electrically conductive member 104b by way of a bridging tool 200are illustrated and aspects of embodiments according to the first, second and third lOaspects are disclosed. With regard to embodiments of the method according to thesixth aspect and with reference to figures 1 to 9, the first and second electricallyconductive 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 electricalconnection between two conductors 602a, 604a of a first group 614a of conductors602a, 604a while the second electrically conductive member 104b provides a secondelectrical connection between two conductors 602b, 604b of a second group 614b ofconductors 602b, 604b, wherein the first end portion 106 of the first electrically conductive member104a is in electrical contact with one 602a of the two conductors 602a, 604a of the firstgroup 614a of conductors 602a, 604a while the second end portion 108 of the firstelectrically conductive member 104a is in electrical contact with the other one 604a ofthe two conductors 602a, 604a of the first group 614a of conductors 602a, 604a, wherein the first end portion 106 of the second electrically conductive member104b is in electrical contact with one 602b of the two conductors 602b, 604b of thesecond group 614b of conductors 602b, 604b while the second end portion 108 of thesecond electrically conductive member 104b is in electrical contact with the other one604b 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 thesecond end portion 108, wherein the longitudinal extension 118 comprises a first longitudinal edgeportion 120, wherein the first longitudinal edge portion 120 comprises a first longitudinalwall 122 forming a first longitudinal recess 124, wherein the longitudinal extension 118 comprises a second longitudinal edgeportion 130, and wherein the second longitudinal edge portion 130 comprises a first longitudinaledge 132, lOwherein the bridging tool 200 comprises an electrically conductive connector210, wherein the e|ectrica||y conductive connector 210 comprises a first e|ectrica||yconductive portion 202 and a second e|ectrica||y conductive portion 204, and wherein the second e|ectrica||y conductive portion 204 comprises ane|ectrica||y conductive seat 206 electrically coupled to the second e|ectrica||yconductive portionWith reference to figure 17, the method comprises: o moving 1001 the first e|ectrica||y conductive portion 602 into engagement withthe first Iongitudinal recess 124 of one 104a of the first and second e|ectrica||yconductive members 104a, 104b and thus into electrical contact with the firstIongitudinal wall 122 of the one 104a of the first and second e|ectrica||yconductive members 104a, 104b; and o moving 1002 the e|ectrica||y conductive seat 206 of the second e|ectrica||yconductive portion 204 into engagement and thus into e|ectrica| contact with thefirst Iongitudinal edge 132 of the other one 104b of the first and seconde|ectrica||y conductive members 104a, 104b, whereupon the first and seconde|ectrica||y conductive members 104a, 104b are e|ectrica||y connected to one another.

With reference to figure 17, for some embodiments, the movement 1001 of the firste|ectrica||y conductive portion 602 into engagement with the first Iongitudinal recess124 of one 104a of the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b isperformed before the movement 1002 of the e|ectrica||y conductive seat 206 of thesecond e|ectrica||y conductive portion 204 into engagement with the first Iongitudinaledge 132 of the other one 104b of the first and second e|ectrica||y conductive members104a, 104b.

With reference to figure 17, for the e|ectrica| disconnection of the first and second e|ectrica||y conductive members 104a, 104b from another, the above-mentioned steps lO1001, 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 uponengagement, or disengagement, are schematically i||ustrated to further i||ustrateembodiments of the method according to the sixth aspect and embodiments accordingto the first, second and third aspects. With reference to figure 10A, for the electricalconnection of the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b to oneanother, the bridging tool 200 is positioned such that the electrically conductiveconnector 210 extends essentially transverse to the longitudinal extensions 118 of thefirst and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b, and the first electricallyconductive portion 202 is moved and positioned at the longitudinal mouth 126 of thefirst longitudinal recess 124 of the first electrically conductive member 104a, forexample by operating the grip 214 of the bridging tool 200. Subsequently, withreference to figure 10B, the first electrically conductive portion 202 is inserted into thefirst longitudinal recess 124 of the first electrically conductive member 104a via thelongitudinal mouth 126, and thus brought into physical engagement with the firstlongitudinal recess 124. Thereafter, with reference to figure 10C, the grip 214 of thebridging tool 200 is operated such that the electrically conductive seat 206 of thesecond electrically conductive portion 204 is moved toward the second electricallyconductive member 104b. lf it not already has occurred in the previous step, the firstelectrically conductive portion 202 is brought into physical and electrical contact withthe first longitudinal wall 122 of the first electrically conductive member 104a by themovement of the grip 214 of the bridging tool 200 toward the second electricallyconductive member 104b. Subsequently, with reference to figures 10D and 10E (wherefigure 10E is an enlargement of figure 10D), the grip 214 of the bridging tool 200 isoperated and moved further toward the second electrically conductive member 104buntil the electrically conductive seat 206 of the second electrically conductive portion204 is moved and brought into physical engagement and thus into physical andelectrical contact with the first longitudinal edge 132 of the second electricallyconductive member 104b, whereupon the first and second electrically conductivemembers 104a, 104b are electrically connected to one another. For the electricaldisconnection of the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b from lO one another, the above-mentioned steps disclosed in connection with figures 10A to10E may be performed reversely and in a reverse order, whereupon the bridging tool200 and the first and second electrically conductive portions 202, 204 are disengagedfrom the first and second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b.

Embodiments of the method for electrically connecting a first electrically conductivemember 104a to a second electrically conductive member 104b by way of the bridgingtool 200 according to the sixth aspect may be applied, or used, to short-circuit a firstelectrically conductive member 104a and a second electrically conductive member104b by way of the bridging tool 200. Thus, the method may be defined as a methodfor short-circuiting a first electrically conductive member 104a and a second electricallyconductive member 104b by way of the bridging tool 200, or for short-circuiting anelectrical circuit which includes the first and second electrically conductive members104a, 104b. For example, the method may be applied to short-circuit an electric battery700 or an electric battery pack 800, for example an electric battery 700 or an electricbattery pack for high voltage 800. ln these cases, when the first and second electricallyconductive members 104a, 104b are electrically connected to one another, the firstand second electrically conductive members 104a, 104b, or the electrical circuitincluding 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, 1002illustrated in figure 17 and described herein do not necessarily have to be executed inthe order illustrated in figure 17. The steps 1001, 1002 may essentially be executed inany suitable order. Further, one or more steps may be added without departing from the scope of the appended claims. lt is to be understood that other applications of the embodiments according to theabove-mentioned aspects of the invention, in addition to an application to a vehicleand any other application mentioned above, are possible.

The present invention is not limited to the above described embodiments. lnstead, thepresent invention relates to, and encompasses all different embodiments beingincluded within the scope of the independent claims.

Claims

1. A device (100a) comprising an interface (102) for providing an electricalconnection between two conductors (602a, 604a), wherein the interface (102) comprises an electrically conductive member(104a), wherein the electrically conductive member (104a) comprises a first endportion (106) and a second end portion (108), wherein the first end portion (106) is configured for electrical contact with one(602a) of the two conductors (602a, 604a) while the second end portion (108) isconfigured for electrical contact with the other one (604a) of the two conductors (602a,604a), wherein the electrically conductive member (104a) has a longitudinalextension (118) extending from the first end portion (106) to the second end portion(108), wherein the longitudinal extension (118) comprises a first longitudinal edgeportion (120), wherein the first longitudinal edge portion (120) comprises a first longitudinalwall (122) forming a first longitudinal recess (124) for engagement with a firstelectrically conductive portion (202) of a bridging tool (200), and wherein the first longitudinal wall (122) is configured for electrical contact withthe first electrically conductive portion (202) of the bridging tool (200) when the firstlongitudinal recess (124) is in engagement with the first electrically conductive portion(202) of the bridging tool (200).

2. A device (100a) according to claim 1, wherein the first longitudinal wall (122)and the first longitudinal recess (124) extend along the entire extension of thelongitudinal extension (1 18) of the electrically conductive member (104a).

3. A device (104a) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first longitudinal wall(122) forms a longitudinal mouth (126) of the first longitudinal recess (124), whereinthe first longitudinal wall (122) comprises a longitudinal lip (128), and wherein at leastthe longitudinal lip (128) restricts the longitudinal mouth (126) for locking the first lO electrically conductive portion (202) of the bridging tool (200) in engagement with thefirst Iongitudinal recess (124).

4. A device (100a) according to any one the claims 1 to 3, wherein the first Iongitudinal wall (122) and the first Iongitudinal recess (124) form an attachment (502) for attaching the electrically conductive member (104a) to one or more of the group of:o one or more of the two conductors (602a, 604a); and o a second attachment (504).

5. A device (100a) according to any one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein theIongitudinal extension (118) comprises a second Iongitudinal edge portion (130), wherein the second Iongitudinal edge portion (130) comprises a firstIongitudinal edge (132) for engagement with an electrically conductive seat (206) of asecond electrically conductive portion (204) of the bridging tool (200), and wherein the first Iongitudinal edge (132) is configured for electrical contact withthe second electrically conductive portion (202) of the bridging tool (200) when the firstIongitudinal edge (132) is in engagement with the electrically conductive seat (206) ofthe second electrically conductive portion (204) of the bridging tool (200).

6. A device (100a) according to claim 5, wherein the first Iongitudinal edge (132)is configured to engage a recess (208) of the electrically conductive seat (206) of thesecond electrically conductive portion (204) of the bridging tool (200).

7. A device (100a) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the first Iongitudinal edge(132) extends along the entire extension of the Iongitudinal extension (118) of theelectrically conductive member (104a).

8. A device (100a) according to any one of the claims 5 to 7, wherein the firstIongitudinal edge (132) comprises a slope (134) configured to cooperate with a slope(212) of the second electrically conductive portion (204) of the bridging tool (200) tofacilitate the engagement of the first Iongitudinal edge (132) with the electrically lO conductive seat (206) of the second electrically conductive portion (204) of the bridgingtool (200).

9. A device (100a) according to any one of the claims 5 to 8, wherein the firstIongitudinal edge portion (120) is opposite to the second Iongitudinal edge portion(130).

10. A device (100a) according to any one of the claims 5 to 9, wherein theIongitudinal extension (118) of the electrically conductive member (104a) is curvedsuch that one (120) of the first and second longitudinal edge portions (120, 130) isconvex in the direction of the Iongitudinal extension (118) while the other one (130) ofthe first and second longitudinal edge portions (120, 130) is concave in the direction ofthe Iongitudinal extension (118).

11. A device (100a) according to any one of the claims 1 to 10, wherein theelectrically conductive member (104a) is electrically connectable to a vehicle electricalsystem (850) of a vehicle (900).

12. A bridging tool (200) for electrically connecting a first electrically conductivemember (104a) to a second electrically conductive member (104b), wherein the first and second electrically conductive members (104a, 104b) arespaced 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 firstelectrical connection between two conductors (602a, 604a) of a first group (614a) ofconductors (602a, 602b) while the second electrically conductive member (104b)provides a second electrical connection between two conductors (602b, 604b) of asecond 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 thefirst group (614a) of conductors 602a, 604a) while the second end portion (108) of thefirst electrically conductive member (104a) is in electrical contact with the other one lO (604a) of the two conductors (602a, 604a) of the first group (61 4a) of conductors (602a,604a), wherein the first end portion (106) of the second electrically conductivemember (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 endportion (108) of the second electrically conductive member (104b) is in electricalcontact with the other one (604b) of the two conductors (602b, 604b) of the secondgroup (614b) of conductors (602b, 604b), wherein each of the first and second electrically conductive members (104a,104b) has a longitudinal extension (18) extending from the first end portion (106) to thesecond end portion (108), wherein the longitudinal extension (118) comprises a first longitudinal edgeportion (120), wherein the first longitudinal edge portion (120) comprises a first longitudinalwall (122) forming a first longitudinal recess (124), wherein the longitudinal extension (118)comprises a second longitudinal edgeportion (130), and wherein the second longitudinal edge portion (130) comprises a firstlongitudinal edge (132), wherein the bridging tool (200) comprises an electrically conductive connector(210), wherein the electrically conductive connector (210) comprises a firstelectrically conductive portion (202) and a second electrically conductive portion (204), wherein the second electrically conductive portion (204) comprises anelectrically conductive seat (206) electrically coupled to the second electricallyconductive portion (204), and wherein the first electrically conductive portion (202) is configured forengagement with the first longitudinal recess (124) and electrical contact with the firstlongitudinal wall (122) of one (104a) of the first and second electrically conductivemembers (104a, 104b) upon engagement with the first longitudinal recess (124) while the electrically conductive seat (106) of the second electricallyconductive portion (204) is configured for engagement and electrical contact with thefirst longitudinal edge (132) of the other one (104b) of the first and second electrically lO conductive members (104a, 104b) upon engagement with the first Iongitudinal edge(132), for electrically connecting the first and second electrically conductive members(104a, 104b) to one another.

13. A bridging tool (200) according to c|aim 12, wherein the bridging tool (200)comprises a grip (214) attached to the electrically conductive connector (210), whereinthe grip (214) is configured to be gripped by a user, and wherein the grip (214) isconfigured to provide a distance between the electrically conductive connector (210) and the user.

14. An apparatus (400) comprising a plurality of devices (100a, 100b) accordingto any one of the c|aims 1 to 11, wherein the electrically conductive member (104a) of a first device (100a) ofthe plurality of devices (100a, 100b) and the electrically conductive member (104b) ofa second device (100b) of the plurality of devices (100a, 100b) are spaced apart fromone another, wherein the interface (1 02) of the first device (100a) is configured to provide afirst electrical connection between two conductors (602a, 604a) of a first group (614a)of conductors (602a, 604a), wherein the interface (102) of the second device (100b) is configured toprovide a second electrical connection between two conductors (602b, 604b) of asecond group (614b) of conductors (602b, 604b), wherein the first end portion (106) of the first device (100a) is configured forelectrical contact with one (602a) of the two conductors (602a, 604a) of the first group(614a) of conductors (602a, 604a) while the second end portion (1 08) of the first device(100a) is configured for electrical contact with the other one (604a) of the twoconductors (602a, 604a) of the first group (614a) of conductors (602a, 604a), and wherein the first end portion (106) of the second device (100b) is configuredfor electrical contact with one (602b) of the two conductors (602b, 604b) of the secondgroup (614b) of conductors (602b, 604b) while the second end portion (108) of thesecond device (100b) is configured for electrical contact with the other one (604b) ofthe two conductors (602b, 604b) of the second group (614b) of conductors (602a,604a). lO

15. An apparatus (400) according to claim 14, wherein the first Iongitudinal recess(124) of one (100a) of the first and second devices (100a, 100b) opens towards thesecond Iongitudinal edge portion (130) of the other one (100b) of the first and seconddevices (100a, 100b).

16. An apparatus (400) according to claims 14 or 15, wherein the first Iongitudinaledge portion (1 20) of the first device (100a) is located between the second Iongitudinaledge portion (130) of the second device (100b) and the second Iongitudinal edgeportion (130) of the first device (100a), and wherein the second Iongitudinal edge portion (130) of the second device(100b) is located between the first Iongitudinal edge portion (120) of the first device(100a) and the first Iongitudinal edge portion (120) ofthe second device (100b).

17. An apparatus (400) according to any one of the claims 14 to 16, wherein the apparatus (400) comprises a bridging tool (200) according to claim 12 or

18. A vehicle electrical system (850) comprising one or more of the group of:o a device (100a, 100b) according to any one of the claims 1 to 11; and o an apparatus (400) according to any one of the claims 14 to

19. A vehicle electrical system (850) according to claim 18, wherein the vehicle electrical system (850) is a vehicle high voltage system.

20. A vehicle (900) comprising one or more of the group of:o a device (100a, 100b) according to any one of the claims 1 to 11;o an apparatus (400) according to any one of the claims 14 to 17; and o a vehicle electrical system (850) according to claim 18 or

21. A method for electrically connecting a first electrically conductive member(104a) to a second electrically conductive member (104b) by way of a bridging tool(200), lO wherein the first and second electrically conductive members (104a, 104b) arespaced 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 (106), wherein the first electrically conductive member provides (104a) a firstelectrical connection between two conductors (602a, 604a) of a first group (614a) ofconductors (602a, 604a) while the second electrically conductive member (104b)provides a second electrical connection between two conductors (602b, 604b) of asecond 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 thefirst group (614a) of conductors (602a, 604a) while the second end portion (108) of thefirst electrically conductive member (104a) is in electrical contact with the other one(604a) of the two conductors (602a, 604a) of the first group (61 4a) of conductors (602a,604a), wherein the first end portion (106) of the second electrically conductivemember (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 endportion (108) of the second electrically conductive member (104b) is in electricalcontact with the other one (604b) of the two conductors (602b, 604b) of the secondgroup (614b) of conductors (602b, 604b), wherein each of the first and second electrically conductive members (104a,104b) has a |ongitudina| extension (118) extending from the first end portion (106) tothe second end portion (108), wherein the |ongitudina| extension (118) comprises a first |ongitudina| edgeportion (120), wherein the first |ongitudina| edge portion (120) comprises a first |ongitudina|wall (122) forming a first |ongitudina| recess (124), wherein the |ongitudina| extension (118) comprises a second |ongitudina| edgeportion (130), and wherein the second |ongitudina| edge portion (130) comprises a first |ongitudina| edge (132), lO wherein the bridging tool (200) comprises an electrically conductive connector(210), wherein the electrically conductive connector (210) comprises a firstelectrically conductive portion (202) and a second electrically conductive portion (204),and wherein the second electrically conductive portion (204) comprises anelectrically conductive seat (206) electrically coupled to the second electricallyconductive portion (204), wherein the method comprises: moving (1001) the first electrically conductive portion (202) into engagementwith the first longitudinal recess (124) and thus into electrical contact with the firstlongitudinal wall (122) of one (104a) of the first and second electrically conductivemembers (104a, 104b), and moving (1002) the electrically conductive seat (206) of the second electricallyconductive portion (204) into engagement and thus into electrical contact with the firstlongitudinal edge (132) of the other one (104b) of the first and second electricallyconductive members (104a, 104b), whereupon the first and second electrically conductive members (104a, 104b) are electrically connected to one another.