Patent Publication Number: US-8979562-B2

Title: Bus bar lockingly attached to a housing of an electrical connector and its end inserted between rows of power contacts of the electrical connector

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claim priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/675,581 filed Jul. 25, 2012, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Connectors used to transmit electrical power, such as alternating current (AC) power and/or direct current (DC) power include power contacts mounted within an electrically-insulated housing. In a typical application, a receptacle connector includes two rows of power contacts that are configured to mate with a single row of power contacts of a corresponding header connector. In certain applications, however, it may be desired to electrically couple a first receptacle connector to a second receptacle connector. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, an electrical connector assembly can include an electrical connector and a busbar. The electrical connector can include an electrically insulative connector housing that defines a receptacle. The electrical connector can further include a first row of at least one power contact supported by the housing, and a second row of at least one power contact supported by the housing at a location spaced from the first row. Each power contact of the first and second rows can define at least two mating ends that are at least partially disposed in the receptacle so as to define a slot that extends between the mating ends of the first row and the mating ends of the second row. The connector housing can include a latch. The busbar can include an electrically conductive busbar contact having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The busbar can define a recess that is configured to receive the latch so as to lockingly attach the busbar to the connector housing when the first end of the busbar contact is received by the receptacle in a mating direction such that 1) the first end of the busbar contact is brought into physical and electrical contact with the at least two mating ends of each of the first and second rows within the slot, and 2) the second end of the busbar contact is spaced from the receptacle in a withdrawal direction that is opposite the mating direction. 
     In another embodiment, an electrical connector assembly can include a first electrical connector, a second electrical connector, and a busbar. The first electrical connector can include an electrically insulative first connector housing that defines a first receptacle. The first electrical connector can further include a first row of at least one power contact supported by the first connector housing, and a second row of at least one power contact supported by the first connector housing at a location spaced from the first row along a first direction. Each power contact of the first and second rows can define at least two mating ends that are at least partially disposed in the receptacle so as to define a slot that extends along the first direction between the mating ends of the first row and the mating ends of the second row. 
     The second electrical connector can include a electrically insulative second connector housing that defines a receptacle. The second electrical connector can further include a first row of at least one power contact supported by the second housing, and a second row of at least one power contact supported by the second housing at a location spaced from the first row along the first direction. Each power contact of the first and second rows of the second electrical connector can define at least two mating ends that are at least partially disposed in the receptacle so as to define a slot that extends along the first direction between the mating ends of the first row of the second electrical connector and the mating ends of the second row of the second electrical connector. 
     The busbar can include an electrically conductive busbar contact that defines a first end and a second end that is spaced from the first end. The busbar can include an attachment member that is configured to mate with the first attachment member to thereby lockingly attach the busbar to the first electrical connector when the busbar is fully received in the slot of the first electrical connector. When the first end of the busbar contact is fully received in the slot of the first electrical connector and the second end of the busbar contact is fully received into the slot of the second electrical connector, the busbar lockingly attaches to the first electrical connector such that as the first and second electrical connectors are separated from each other, the busbar remains attached to the first electrical connector and the second end withdraws from the slot of the second electrical connector. 
     A method of electrically connecting a first receptacle electrical connector to a second receptacle electrical connector is also disclosed. The method can include the steps of inserting a first end of a busbar into a slot defined between first and second rows of electrically conductive mating ends of a first electrical receptacle connector such that the busbar lockingly attaches to the first electrical receptacle connector; inserting a second end of the busbar into a slot defined between first and second rows of electrically conductive mating ends of a second electrical receptacle connector; and separating the first and second electrical receptacle connectors from each other; such that during the separating step, the busbar remains attached to the first electrical receptacle connector and the second end withdraws from the second electrical connector. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the application, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustration, there are shown in the drawings preferred embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the instant application is not limited to the precise arrangements and/or systems illustrated in the drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a top plan view of an electrical power connector assembly in accordance with an embodiment, the electrical power connector assembly including a first power connector, first and second busbars, and a second power connector electrically coupled to the first power connector by the first and second busbars; 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of the first power connector shown in  FIG. 1 , the first power connector including a housing body that defines a first receptacle and a second receptacle, and carries first and second attachment members that extend from opposed ends of the housing body; 
         FIG. 2B  is a top plan view of the first power connector shown in  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 2C  is a front elevation view of the first power connector shown in  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 2D  is a detailed perspective view of one of the first and second attachment members of the first power connector shown in  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of the second power connector shown in  FIG. 1 , the second power connector including a housing body that defines a first receptacle and a second receptacle; 
         FIG. 3B  is a top plan view of the second power connector shown in  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3C  is a front elevation view of the second power connector shown in  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of one of the first and second busbars shown in  FIG. 1 , the busbar including an attachment member configured to mate with the first or second attachment member of the first power connector; 
         FIG. 4B  is a bottom plan view of the busbar shown in  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 4C  is a cross-sectional view of the busbar shown in  FIG. 4B  through the line  4 C- 4 C; 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the first and second busbars received in the first and second receptacles of the first and second power connectors such that the first and second attachment members of the first power connector are mated with the attachment members of the first and second busbars, respectively, to thereby attach the first and second busbars to the first power connector; 
         FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of an electrical power connector assembly in accordance with another embodiment, the electrical power connector assembly including a first electrical power connector, a first busbar, and a second electrical power connector electrically coupled to the first electrical power connector by the busbar; 
         FIG. 6B  is a top plan view of the busbar shown in  FIG. 6A , the busbar having a pair of attachment members; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an electrical power connector assembly in accordance with another embodiment, the electrical power connector assembly including assembly including a first power connector, a first busbar, and a second power connector electrically coupled to the first power connector by the first busbar; 
         FIG. 8A  is a side elevation view of the first busbar attached to the first power connector; 
         FIG. 8B  is a cross-sectional view of the first busbar attached to the first power connector as shown in  FIG. 8A  through the line  8 B- 8 B; 
         FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of the first power connector shown in  FIG. 7 , the first power connector including a housing body that defines a first receptacle and a second receptacle, and carries first and second attachment members that extend from opposed ends of the housing body; 
         FIG. 9B  is a top plan view of the first power connector shown in  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 9C  is a front elevation view of the first power connector shown in  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 9D  is a rear elevation view of the first power connector shown in  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 9E  is a side elevation view of the first power connector shown in  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of the first busbar shown in  FIG. 7 , the first busbar including a pair of attachment members; and 
         FIG. 10B  is a top plan view of the busbar shown in  FIG. 10A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an electrical connector assembly  10  can include a first electrical connector  14 , a second electrical connector  22 , and at least one busbar such as first and second electrically conductive busbars  26  and  28 , respectively, that is configured to electrically couple the first electrical connector  14  to the second power connector  22 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , each busbar  26  and  28  is configured to be received by the first electrical connector  14  such that the busbars  26  and  28  mate with the first electrical connector  14 . Each busbar  26  and  28  is further configured to be received by the second electrical connector  22  such that the busbars  26  and  28  mate with the second electrical connector  22 . Thus, the busbars  26  and  28  are configured to transmit at least electrical power between the first and second electrical connectors  14  and  22 . It should be appreciated that the first and second electrical connectors  14  and  22  are configured to be mounted or electrically connected to complementary first and second electrical devices, such as respective substrates, for example. Accordingly, when the busbars  26  and  28  are mated with the first and second electrical connectors  14  and  22 , and the first and second connectors  14  and  22  are mounted to the complementary first and second electrical devices, the first and second electrical devices are placed in electrical communication with each other. It should further be appreciated, that the busbars  26  and  28  can be configured to transmit signals between the first and second electrical connectors  14  and  22 . 
     Further, the first and second busbars  26  and  28  can be configured to attach to one of the electrical connectors, such as the first electrical connector  14 . Accordingly, when it is desired to unmate the busbars  26  and  28  from the second electrical connector  22 , the first electrical connector  14  can be moved away from the second electrical connector  22 , which causes the busbars  26  and  28  to move with the first electrical connector  14  such that the busbars  26  and  28  withdraw from the second electrical connector  22 . It should be appreciated that while the electrical power assembly  10  includes first and second busbars  26  and  28  that electrically couple the first electrical connector  14  to the second electrical connector  22 , the first and second electrical connectors  14  and  22  can be electrically coupled with only a single busbar, such as the first busbar  26 . 
     The electrical connector assembly  10  can be configured to be a cost effective DC power solution for tall (for instance greater than 35.0 mm) mezzanine applications. The electrical connector assembly  10  can have a high current capacity (i.e. greater than 60 A) and provide a low profile to ensure minimum blockage to forced air cooling. It should be appreciated, however, that the assembly  10  can have any configuration as desired. For example, the assembly  10  can be configured for AC power solutions and can be configured for mezzanine applications that are less than 35.0 mm. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 2A-2D , the first electrical connector  14  can be configured as a receptacle connector. As shown, the first electrical connector  14  can include a first electrically insulative connector housing  40 , a first row  42  of power contacts  44  supported by the first housing  40 , and a second row  46  of power contacts  48  supported by the first housing  40  at a location spaced from the first row  42  along a first or transverse direction T. For example, the first row  42  of power contacts  44  can be disposed above the second row  46  of power contacts  48 , as illustrated, and can be referred to as a “top” or “upper” row, while the second row  46  can be referred to as a “bottom” or “lower” row. 
     Each power contact  44  and  48  is electrically conductive and extends through the first housing  40  along a second or lateral direction A that is perpendicular to the first direction T. Each power contact  44  and  48  can define at least one mating end  50  such as at least two mating ends  50  and at least one mounting end  52  such as at least two mounting ends  52 . The mating ends  50  can be defined by respective beams and the mounting ends  52  can be configured to mount onto a substrate such as a printed circuit board. As shown in  FIG. 2C , the first and second rows  42  and  46  of power contacts  44  and  48  extend along a third or longitudinal direction L that is perpendicular to both the first and second directions T and A such that it can be said that the first electrical power connector  14  includes a first row of electrically conductive mating ends  50  and a second row of electrically conductive mating ends  50  that each extend along the third direction. It should be appreciated, that the contacts  44  and  48  can include any number of mating ends  50  and any number of mounting ends  52  as desired. Moreover it should be appreciated, that the first electrical power connector  14  can be configured as a vertical or mezzanine connector as illustrated or can be a right angle connector as desired. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2A-2C , the first connector housing  40  is elongate along the third direction L, and further defines laterally opposed front and rear ends  68  and  70 , respectively, transverse opposed upper and lower ends  74  and  78 , respectively, and longitudinally opposed end walls  82  and  86 , respectively. The front end  68  defines a first mating interface  90  that is configured to mate with the first and second busbars  26  and  28 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the first connector housing  40  includes a first housing body  54  that defines a first receptacle  58  and a second receptacle  62  that is spaced from the first receptacle  58  along the third direction L. The first and second receptacles  58  and  62  at least partially define the first mating interface  90 . As shown in  FIG. 2B , the housing body  54  includes a divider  66  that separates the first receptacle  58  from the second receptacle  62  along the third direction L. The divider  66  can be continuous such that a barrier is defined between the first and second receptacles  58  and  62  along the entire lateral length of the first and second receptacles  58  and  62 , or the divider  66  can be segmented such that portions of the first and second receptacles  58  and  62  are exposed to each other. While the first housing  40  is illustrated as having first and second receptacles  58  and  62 , it should be appreciated, that the first housing  40  can have only a first receptacle  58 , as desired. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2B , the mating ends  50  of at least one power contact  44  of the first row  42  and the mating ends  50  of at least one power contact  48  of the second row  46  are at least partially disposed in the first receptacle  58  so as to define a first slot  80  that extends along the first direction T between the mating ends  50  of the first row  42  and the mating ends  50  of the second row  46 . Similarly, the mating ends  50  of a second at least one power contact  44  of the first row  42  and the mating ends  50  of a second at least one power contact  48  of the second row  46  are at least partially disposed in the second receptacle  62  so as to define a second slot  84  that extends along the first direction T between the mating ends  50  of the second at least one power contact  44  of the first row  42  and the mating ends  50  of the second at least one power contact  48  of the second row  46 . 
     The first and second slots  80  and  84  have a height D 1  along the transverse direction and are configured to receive the first and second busbars  26  and  28 , respectively. The mating ends  50  are flexible between an unmated position and a mated position whereby the height D 1  when in the mated position is greater than the height D 1  when in the unmated position. That is, the height D 1  of the first and second slots  80  and  84  can be less than the thicknesses of the first and second busbars  26  and  28  such that when the first and second slots  80  and  84  receive the first and second busbars  26  and  28 , the height D 1  of the first and second slots  80  and  84  expand to accommodate the busbars  26  and  28 . When the busbars  26  and  28  are received by the first and second slots  80  and  84 , the mating ends  50  bias toward the unmated position thereby creating a frictional fit with the busbars  26  and  28 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2C , the upper and lower ends  74  and  78  of the first connector housing  40  include longitudinally extending rows of ventilation windows  100  that extend transversely through the housing body  54 . In particular, the upper and lower ends  74  and  78  each include a first row  104  of ventilation windows  100  that are laterally elongate, and extend transversely through the upper and lower ends  74  and  78  such that the windows  100  that extend through the upper end  74  are aligned with the windows  100  that extend through the lower end  78 . The upper and lower ends  74  and  78  of the housing connector  40  can further include a second row  108  of windows  100  that are laterally offset from the first row  104  of windows  100 . It should be appreciated, however, that the first connector housing  40  can include any number of rows of windows  100  or can be void of windows  100 , as desired. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 2A-2D , the first connector housing  40  can include first and second attachment members  112  that are configured to attach the first and second busbars  26  and  28  to the first housing  40 . That is, the housing body  54  can carry first and second attachment members  112  that are configured to lockingly attach the first and second busbars  26  and  28  to the first electrical power connector  14 . As shown, the first and second attachment members  112  can be spaced from each other along the third direction L and can extend from the end walls  82  and  86 , respectively. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2D , each end wall  82  and  86  of the first connector housing  40  defines an outer surface  116  and an inner surface  120  that is spaced from the outer surface  116  along the third direction L. The inner surfaces  120  at least partially define the first and second receptacles  58  and  62 . As shown in  FIG. 2D , each of the first and second attachment members  112  is configured as a latch  122  that includes an arm  124  and a protrusion  128  that extends from the arm  124 . In particular, the arms  124  extend out their respective receptacles  58  and  62  along the second direction A, such that the protrusions  128  are spaced form the housing body  54  along the second direction A. It should be appreciated, however, that the arms  124  can extend from any portion of the housing body  54 , as desired. For example, the arms  124  can extend from the divider  66  or from a location that is external to the receptacles  58  and  62 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 2D , each end wall  82  and  86  includes a pocket  130  that is partially defined by an internal surface  134  that is spaced from the inner surface  120  and the outer surface  116  along the third direction L such that the internal surface  134  is between the inner and outer surfaces  120  and  116 . The arms  124  extend from the pockets  130  such that an inner surface  138  of each arm  124  is flush with the respective inner surface  120 , and an outer surface  142  of each arm  124  is spaced from the respective internal surface  134  along the third direction L such that a respective gap  145  is defined between each arm  124  and each internal surface  134 . The gaps  145  can be defined along a majority of the lateral length of the end walls  82  and  86  or along a minor portion as illustrated. It should be appreciated, however, that the latches  122  can extend from portions of the housing body  54  such that no gaps  145  are present. For example, the latches  122  can extend from the front end  68  of the first housing  40 . 
     The gaps  145  allow for the arms  124  to flex outwardly as the busbars  26  and  28  are being inserted into their respective slots  80  and  84 . That is, each arm  124  can be resiliently flexible between an insertion position and a latched position such that as the busbars  26  and  28  are inserted into the first and second slots  80  and  84 , the busbars  26  and  28  bias the latches  122  outward such that the protrusions  128  ride along respective outer surfaces of the busbars  26  and  28  until the busbars  26  and  28  are fully inserted into the slots  80  and  84 , whereby the protrusions are aligned with corresponding attachment members of the busbars  26  and  28  and the arms  124  spring bias inward so as to attach the busbars  26  and  28  to the first electrical connector  14 . 
     The protrusions  128  can extend from the arms  124  along the third direction L such that the protrusions  128  of the first and second attachment members  112  face each other along the third direction L. Each protrusion  128  can include an inner sloped surface  147  that slopes from respective outer surface  142  and toward a longitudinal centerline of the first housing  40 . Therefore, the inner sloped surfaces  147  of the first and second attachment members  112  slope toward each other as they extend inward. Each sloped surface  147  can terminate at an abutment surface  149  that faces the respective first and second receptacles  58  and  62 . The sloped surfaces  147  are configured to ride against the respective outer surfaces of the busbars  26  and  28 , and the abutment surfaces  149  are configured to abut respective abutment surfaces of the busbars  26  and  28  to thereby lockingly attach the busbars  26  and  28  to the first electrical connector  14 . In this way it can be said that the first and second attachment members  112  are configured to mate with respective attachment members of the busbars  26  and  28  to thereby interfere with the busbars  26  and  28  so as to prevent the busbars  26  and  28  from moving along a withdrawal direction that is opposite the insertion direction with respect to the first connector housing  40 . The withdrawal direction can be parallel to the second direction A. 
     It should be appreciated, however, that the first and second attachment members  112  can have other configurations, as desired. For example, the first and second attachment members  112  can be recesses or clips. Moreover, it should be appreciated that the first and second attachment members  112  can be disposed on opposed ends of the first receptacle  58  and can be configured to mate with respective attachment members of the first busbar  26  so as to prevent the busbar  26  from moving in the second direction with respect to the first housing  40 . Therefore, the first housing  40  can define one or any number of receptacles and can include one or any number attachment members  112  that are configured to engage a single busbar or two or more busbars. Further, it should be appreciated that while the illustrated latches  122  are resiliently flexible, the latches  122  can include other structure that allows them to be flexible. For example the latches  122  can be connected to the housing body by a torsion spring that urges the latch toward the busbar. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 3A-3C , the second electrical connector  22  can also be configured as a receptacle connector. The second electrical connector  22  can be substantially identical as the first electrical connector  14  and can include like structure unless otherwise stated. As shown, the first electrical connector can include a second electrically insulative connector housing  140 , a first row  142  of power contacts  144  supported by the second connector housing  140 , and a second row  146  of power contacts  148  supported by the second connector housing  140  at a location spaced from the first row  142  along the first direction T. For example, the first row  142  of power contacts  144  can be disposed above the second row  146  of power contacts  148 , as illustrated, and can be referred to as a “top” or “upper” row, while the second row  146  can be referred to as a “bottom” or “lower” row. 
     Each power contact  144  and  148  is electrically conductive and extends through the second connector housing  140  along the second direction A. Each power contact  144  and  148  can define at least one such as at least two mating ends  150  and at least one such as at least two mounting ends  152 . Each mating end  150  can be defined by a respective beam and the mounting ends  152  can be configured to mount onto a substrate such as printed circuit board. As shown in  FIG. 3B , the first and second rows  142  and  146  of power contacts  144  and  148  extend along the third direction L such that it can be said that the second electrical power connector  22  includes a first row of electrically conductive mating ends  150  and a second row of electrically conductive mating ends  150 . It should be appreciated, that the contacts  144  and  148  can include any number of mating ends  150  and any number of mounting ends  152  as desired. Moreover it should be appreciated, that the second electrical connector  22  can be configured as a vertical or mezzanine connector as illustrated or can be a right angle connector as desired. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the second connector housing  140  is elongate along the third direction L, and further defines laterally opposed front and rear ends  168  and  170 , respectively, transverse opposed upper and lower ends  174  and  178 , respectively, and longitudinally opposed end walls  182  and  186 , respectively. The front end  168  defines a second mating interface  190  that is configured to mate with the first and second busbars  26  and  28 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the second connector housing  140  includes a second housing body  154  that defines a first receptacle  158  and a second receptacle  162  that is spaced from the first receptacle  158  along the third direction L. The housing body  154  includes a divider  166  that separates the first receptacle  158  from the second receptacle  162  along the third direction L. The divider  166  can be continuous such that a barrier is defined between the first and second receptacles  158  and  162  along the entire lateral length of the first and second receptacles  158  and  162 , or the divider  166  can be segmented such that portions of the first and second receptacles  158  and  162  are exposed to each other. While the second connector housing  140  is illustrated as having first and second receptacles  158  and  162 , it should be appreciated, that the second connector housing  140  can have only a first receptacle  158 , as desired. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3B , the mating ends  150  of at least one power contact  144  of the first row  142  and the mating ends  150  of at least one power contact  148  of the second row  146  are at least partially disposed in the first receptacle  158  so as to define a first slot  180  that extends along the first direction T between the mating ends  150  of the first row  142  and the mating ends  150  of the second row  146 . Similarly, the mating ends  150  of a second at least one power contact  144  of the first row  142  and the mating ends  150  of a second at least one power contact  148  of the second row  146  are at least partially disposed in the second receptacle  162  so as to define a second slot  184  that extends along the first direction T between the mating ends  150  of the second at least one power contact  144  of the first row  142  and the mating ends  150  of the second at least one power contact  148  of the second row  146 . 
     The first and second slots  180  and  184  have a height D 2  along the transverse direction T, and are configured to receive the first and second busbars  26  and  28 , respectively. The mating ends  150  are flexible between an unmated position and a mated position whereby the height D 2  when in the mated position is greater than the height D 2  when in the unmated position. That is, height D 2  of the first and second slots  180  and  184  can be less than the thicknesses of the first and second busbars  26  and  28  such that when the first and second slots  180  and  184  receive the first and second busbars  26  and  28 , the height D 2  of the first and second slots  180  and  184  expand to accommodate the busbars  26  and  28 . When the busbars  26  and  28  are received by the first and second slots  180  and  184 , the mating ends  150  bias toward the unmated position thereby creating a frictional fit with the busbars  26  and  28 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3C , the upper and lower ends  174  and  178  of the second connector housing  140  include longitudinally extending rows of ventilation windows  200  that extend transversely through the housing body  154 . In particular, the upper and lower ends  174  and  178  each include a first row  204  of ventilation windows  200  that are laterally elongate, and extend transversely through the upper and lower ends  174  and  178  such that the windows  200  that extend through the upper end  174  are aligned with the windows  200  that extend through the lower end  178 . The upper and lower ends  174  and  178  of the second connector housing  140  can further include a second row  208  of windows  200  that are laterally offset from the first row  204  of windows  200 . It should be appreciated, however, that the second connector housing  140  can include any number of rows of windows  200  or can be void of windows  200 , as desired. 
     Now in reference to  FIGS. 4A-4C , the first busbar  26  is electrically conductive and includes an insulative busbar housing  215  and an electrically conductive busbar contact  216  supported by the busbar housing  215 . The busbar contact  216  can have a first end  210  and a second end  214  opposite the first end  210 . The first busbar  26  can further define an attachment member  218  that is configured to mate with the first attachment member  112  so as to attach the busbar  26  to the first housing  40 . The first end  210  of the busbar contact  216  is configured to be received by the first receptacle  58  of the first electrical connector  14  in a mating direction that is substantially parallel to the second direction such that the first end  210  of the busbar contact  216  is brought into physical and electrical contact with each of the at least two mating ends  50  of each of the first and second rows  42  and  46  in the first slot  80 . The second end  214  of the busbar contact  216  is configured to be received by the first receptacle  158  of the second electrical connector  22  in a mating direction that is parallel to the second direction such that the second end  214  of the busbar contact is brought into physical and electrical contact with the at least two mating ends  150  of each of the first and second rows  142  and  146  in the first slot  180 . In this way, the busbar  26  commons the mating ends  50  and the mating ends  150  along a longitudinal length of the busbar  26 . Moreover, at least the mating ends  50  can remain commoned along a longitudinal length of the first end of the busbar  26 . It should be appreciated, however, that the first busbar  26  can include a plurality of busbar contacts  216  supported by the busbar housing  215 , such that each busbar contact  216  is brought into physical and electrical contact with the at least two mating ends of a respective contact. Further it should be appreciated, that the busbar contact  216  can be monolithic or can include an intermediate conductive element between the first and second ends. 
     The busbar contact  216  can include a busbar contact body  220  that defines a middle portion  224  between the first end  210  and the second end  214 . The busbar housing  215  can be configured as an electrically insulative material  228  that surrounds an outer surface  232  of the busbar contact body  220  at the middle portion  224 , such that the first end  210  is in electrical communication with the second end  214 . The busbar contact  216  can have a thickness D 3  measured along the first direction that is greater than the height of the slots when the mating ends are in the unmated position. In the illustrated embodiment the busbar contact  216  has a thickness that is between about 1.5 mm and about 2.0 mm. It should be appreciated, however, that the busbar  26  can have any thickness as desired. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4B , the busbar  26  can include at least one attachment member  218  that is configured to mate with the first attachment member  112  so as to attach the busbar  26  to the first housing  40 . The attachment member  218  of the busbar  26  can be configured as a recess  244  and can be sized to receive the protrusion  128  so as to cause the attachment member  218  of the busbar  26  to mate with the first attachment member  112 . In particular, the recess  244  can be at least partially defined by an abutment surface  248  that is configured to abut the abutment surface  149  of the protrusion  128  to thereby lockingly attach the busbar  26  to the first electrical connector  14 . As shown, the attachment member  240  can extend into the middle portion  224  as illustrated or can extend into any portion of the busbar contact body  220  or busbar housing  215  as desired. It should be appreciated, however, that the attachment member  240  can have any configuration as desired. For example, the attachment member  240  can be configured as a latch that extends out from the busbar contact body  220  or busbar housing  215 . 
     It should be appreciated that the second busbar  28  can be identical to the first busbar  26  and that the first and second ends of the second busbar&#39;s electrically conductive busbar contact can be received by the second receptacles  62  and  162  of the first and second electrical connectors  14  and  22  in respective mating directions such that the first end  210  of the busbar contact is brought into physical and electrical contact with the at least two mating ends  50  of each of the first and second rows  42  and  46  in the second slot  84  and the second end  214  of the busbar contact is brought into physical and electrical contact with the at least two mating ends  150  of each of the first and second rows  142  and  146  in the second slot  184 . It should be appreciated, however, that the first and second busbars  26  and  28  can have different structure as desired. For example, the busbars  26  and  28  can have different lengths, different widths, different material thicknesses, can be made from different materials, and can have different electrical conductivities. Moreover, one of the busbars can also be another electrical device, such as an LED circuit. Also, one of the busbars can include a port or can otherwise have power drawn from it to a third connector or device that is separate from the first and second electrical power connectors. The busbars  26  and  28  can be removable and/or interchangeable. The busbars can be removable along any direction for example along the longitudinal direction. If the busbars are shortened to thereby shorten the stack height it may be desirable to increase the thickness of the busbars or improve cooling of the busbars. Alternatively, if the stack height is to be shortened, additional busbars can be added. It should also be appreciated that the first and second busbars can be manufactured as being preformed to have a particular carrying capacity. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , when the first and second busbars  26  and  28  are fully received by the first and second slots  80 ,  84  and  180 ,  184  of the first and second electrical connectors  14  and  22 , the busbars  26  and  28  lockingly attach to the first electrical connector  14 , such that as the first electrical connector is moved away from the second electrical connector  22 , the busbars  26  and  28  move with the first electrical connector  14  such that the second ends of the busbars  26  and  28  withdraw from the first and second slots  180  and  184  of the second electrical connector  22 . That is, when the first ends of the busbar contacts are fully received in the slots  80  and  84  of the first electrical connector and the second ends of the busbar contacts are fully received in the slots  180  and  184  of the second electrical connector, the busbars  26  and  28  lockingly attach to the first electrical connector such that as the first and second electrical connectors are separated from each other the busbars remain attached to the first electrical connector and the second ends withdraw from the slots of the second electrical connector. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the busbars  26  and  28  can be inserted into the slots a depth such that only the insulated middle portions  224  are external to the receptacles or are otherwise exposed. It should be appreciated, however, that portions of the insulated portions  224  may be disposed within the receptacles or even the slots as desired or alternatively portions of non-insulated portions of the busbars  26  and  28  can be exposed as desired. 
     Therefore in accordance with the illustrated embodiment, a method of electrically connecting a first receptacle power connector  14  to a second receptacle power connector  22  can include inserting a first end of an electrically conductive busbar into a slot defined between first and second rows of electrically conductive mating ends of a first electrical receptacle connector such that the busbar attaches to the first electrical receptacle connector; and inserting a second end of the busbar into a slot defined between first and second rows of electrically conductive mating ends of a second electrical receptacle connector such that when the first electrical receptacle connector is moved away from the second electrical receptacle connector, the busbar moves with the first electrical receptacle connector and the second end withdraws from the second electrical connector. The method can further comprise causing a first latch of the first electrical receptacle connector to flex outwardly as the first end of the busbar is inserted into the slot of the first electrical receptacle connector. 
     The first electrical connector  14  and the busbars  26  and  28  form a plug connector when the busbars  26  and  28  are attached to the first electrical connector  14 . The plug connector can be configured to only carry power. 
     Now in reference to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , in another embodiment the assembly can be configured to have a single busbar. As shown, an electrical connector assembly  310  can include first and second connectors  314  and  322  that each defines only a first receptacle  358 . Therefore, the assembly  310  can include a single busbar  326  that defines a pair of attachment members  328  as shown in  FIG. 6B  that are configured to be mated with corresponding attachment members  412  of the first connector  314 . It should be appreciated, that the electrical connector assembly  310  otherwise includes similar structure and functions in a substantially similar manner as the assembly  10 . 
     Now in reference to  FIG. 7 , an electrical connector assembly  410  can include a first electrical connector  414 , a second electrical connector  422 , and a busbar  426  that is configured to electrically couple the first electrical connector  414  to the second electrical connector  422 . The busbar  426  can be configured to lockingly attach to one of the electrical connectors, such as the first electrical connector  414 . Accordingly, when it is desired to unmate the busbar  426  from the second electrical connector  422 , the first electrical connector  414  can be moved away from the second electrical connector  422 , which causes the busbar  426  to move with the first electrical connector  414  such that the busbar  426  withdraws from the second electrical connector  422 . Therefore, the electrical connector assembly  410  includes similar structure and operates in a similar manner as the electrical connector assembly  10  shown in  FIG. 1  unless otherwise described. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 7 ,  8 A- 8 B and  9 A-E, the first electrical connector  414  can be configured as a receptacle connector. As shown, the first electrical connector  414  can include a first electrically insulative connector housing  440 , a first row  442   a  of power contacts  444   a  supported by the first housing  440 , and a second row  446   a  of power contacts  448   a  supported by the first housing  440  at a location spaced from the first row  442   a  along the first direction T. The first electrical connector  414  can further include a first row  442   b  of signal contacts  444   b  supported by the first connector housing  440 , and a second row  446   b  of signal contacts  448   b  supported by the first connector housing  440  at a location spaced from the first row  442   b  along the first direction T. 
     Each power contact  444   a  and  448   a  is electrically conductive and extends through the first connector housing  440  along the second direction A. Each power contact  444   a  and  448   a  can define at least one mating end  450   a  such as at least two mating ends  450   a  and at least one mounting end  452   a  such as at least two mounting ends  452   a . The mating ends  450   a  can be defined by respective beams and the mounting ends  452   a  can be configured to mount onto a substrate such as a printed circuit board. As shown in  FIG. 9C , the first and second rows  442   a  and  446   a  of power contacts  444   a  and  448   a  extend along the third direction L such that it can be said that the first electrical connector  414  includes a first row of electrically conductive mating ends  450   a  and a second row of electrically conductive mating ends  450   a  that each extend along the third direction. 
     Each signal contact  444   b  and  448   b  is electrically conductive and extends through the first connector housing  440  along the second direction A. Each signal contact  444   b  and  448   b  can define at least one mating end  450   b  and at least one mounting end  452   b . The mating ends  450   b  can be defined by respective beams and the mounting ends  452   b  can be configured to mount onto the substrate. As shown in  FIG. 9C , the first and second rows  442   b  and  446   b  of signal contacts  444   b  and  448   b  extend along the third direction L such that it can be said that the first electrical connector  414  includes a first row of electrically conductive mating ends  450   b  and a second row of electrically conductive mating ends  450   b  that each extend along the third direction. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9A-9E , the first connector housing  440  is elongate along the third direction L, and further defines laterally opposed front and rear ends  468  and  470 , respectively, transverse opposed upper and lower ends  474  and  478 , respectively, and longitudinally opposed end walls  482  and  486 , respectively. The front end  468  defines a first mating interface  490  that is configured to mate with the busbar  426 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9C , the first connector housing  440  includes a first housing body  454  that defines a first receptacle  458  and a second receptacle  462  that is spaced from the first receptacle  458  along the third direction L. The first and second receptacles  458  and  462  at least partially define the first mating interface  490 . As shown in  FIG. 2B , the housing body  454  includes a divider  466  that separates the first receptacle  458  from the second receptacle  462  along the third direction L. The divider  466  can be continuous such that a barrier is defined between the first and second receptacles  458  and  462  along the entire lateral length of the first and second receptacles  458  and  462 , or the divider  466  can be segmented such that portions of the first and second receptacles  458  and  462  are exposed to each other. The divider  466  can define an alignment mechanism. It should be appreciated, however, that the housing body  454  can define a gap between the first and second receptacles such that the gap defines the alignment mechanism. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9C , the mating ends  450   a  of at least one power contact  444   a  of the first row  442   a  and the mating ends  450   a  of at least one power contact  448   a  of the second row  446   a  are at least partially disposed in the first receptacle  458  so as to define a first slot  480  that extends along the first direction T between the mating ends  450   a  of the first row  442   a  and the mating ends  450   a  of the second row  446   a . Similarly, the mating ends  450   b  of a second at least one signal contact  444   b  of the first row  442   b  and the mating ends  450   b  of a second at least one signal contact  448   b  of the second row  446   b  are at least partially disposed in the second receptacle  462  so as to define a second slot  484  that extends along the first direction T between the mating ends  450   b  of the second at least one signal contact  444   b  of the first row  442   b  and the mating ends  450   b  of the second at least one signal contact  448   b  of the second row  446   b.    
     The first and second slots  480  and  484  have a height D 4  along the transverse direction and are configured to receive the busbar  426 . The mating ends  450   a  and  450   b  are flexible between an unmated position and a mated position whereby the height D 4  when in the mated position is greater than the height D 4  when in the unmated position. That is, the height D 4  of the first and second slots  480  and  484  can be less than the thicknesses of the busbar  426  such that when the first and second slots  480  and  484  receive the busbar  426 , the height D 4  of the first and second slots  480  and  484  expand to accommodate the busbar  426 . When the busbar  426  is received by the first and second slots  480  and  484 , the mating ends  450   a  and  450   b  bias toward the unmated position thereby creating a frictional fit with the busbar  426 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9B , the upper and lower ends  474  and  478  of the first connector housing  440  include longitudinally extending rows of ventilation windows  500  that extend transversely through the housing body  454 . In particular, the upper and lower ends  474  and  478  each include a first row  504  of ventilation windows  500  that are laterally elongate, and extend transversely through the upper and lower ends  474  and  478  such that the windows  500  that extend through the upper end  474  are aligned with the windows  500  that extend through the lower end  478 . The upper and lower ends  474  and  478  of the connector housing  440  can further include a second row  508  of windows  500  that are laterally offset from the first row  504  of windows  500 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 8A-8B ,  9 A, and  9 C, the first connector housing  440  can include first and second attachment members  512  that are configured to attach the busbar  426  to the first connector housing  440 . That is, the housing body  454  can carry first and second attachment members  512  that are configured to lockingly attach the busbar  426  to the first electrical power connector  414 . As shown, the first and second attachment members  512  can be spaced from each other along the third direction L and can extend from the end walls  482  and  486 , respectively. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8A ,  8 B, and  9 A, each end wall  482  and  486  of the first housing  440  defines an outer surface  516  and an inner surface  520  that is spaced from the outer surface  516  along the third direction L. The inner surfaces  520  at least partially define the first and second receptacles  458  and  462 . As shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , each of the first and second attachment members  512  is configured as a latch  522  that includes an arm  524  and a protrusion  528  that extends from the arm  524 . 
     The arms  524  extend from a respective hinge  530  such that the arms  524  are configured to flex outwardly as the busbar  426  is being inserted into the slots  480  and  484 . That is, each arm  524  can be resiliently flexible between an insertion position and a latched position such that as the busbar  426  is inserted into the first and second slots  480  and  484 , the busbar  426  biases the latches  522  outward such that the protrusions  528  ride along respective outer surfaces of the busbar  426  until the busbar  426  is fully inserted into the slots  480  and  484 , whereby the protrusions are aligned with corresponding attachment members of the busbar  426  and the arms  524  spring bias inward so as to attach the busbar  426  to the first electrical connector  414 . 
     The protrusions  528  can extend from the arms  524  along the third direction L such that the protrusions  528  of the first and second attachment members  512  face each other along the third direction L. Each protrusion  528  can include an inner sloped surface  547  that slopes from respective outer surface and toward a longitudinal centerline of the first connector housing  440 . Therefore, the inner sloped surfaces  547  of the first and second attachment members  512  slope toward each other as they extend inward. Each sloped surface  547  can terminate at an abutment surface  549  that faces the respective first and second receptacles  458  and  462 . The sloped surfaces  547  are configured to ride against the respective outer surfaces of the busbar  426 , and the abutment surfaces  549  are configured to abut respective abutment surfaces of the busbar  426  to thereby lockingly attach the busbar  426  to the first electrical connector  414 . In this way it can be said that the first and second attachment members  512  are configured to mate with respective attachment members of the busbar  426  to thereby interfere with the busbar  426  so as to prevent the busbar  426  from moving along the second direction A with respect to the first housing  440 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 7 , the second electrical connector  422  can also be configured as a receptacle connector. The second electrical connector  422  can be substantially identical as the first electrical power connector  414  and includes like structure and can operate in a similar manner. It should be appreciated, however, that while the second electrical connector  422  can be identical to the first electrical connector  414 , the second electrical connector  422  can include structure that differs from the first electrical connector  414  so long as the second electrical connector  422  can receive the busbar  426 . 
     Now in reference to  FIGS. 10A and 10B , the busbar  426  is electrically conductive and includes a busbar housing  615  and a plurality of electrically conductive busbar contacts  616  that are supported by the busbar housing  615 . The busbar contacts  616  can each define a first end  610 , a second end  614  opposite the first end  610 . The busbar  426  can further define a pair of attachment members  618  that are each configured to mate with a respective attachment member  512  so as to attach the busbar  426  to the first connector housing  440 . The first end  610  of the busbar contacts  616  are configured to be received by the first and second receptacles  458  and  462  of the first electrical connector  414  in a mating direction that is substantially parallel to the second direction such that the first end  610  of the busbar contacts  616  are brought into physical and electrical contact with the at least two mating ends  450   a  of each of the first and second rows  442   a  and  446   a  in the first slot  480  and the at least two mating ends  450   b  of each of the first and second rows  442   b  and  446   b  in the second slot  484 . The second end  614  of the busbar contacts  616  are configured to be received by the first and second receptacles  458  and  462  of the second electrical connector  422  in a mating direction that is parallel to the second direction such that the second end  614  of the busbar contacts  616  are brought into physical and electrical contact with the at least two mating ends  450   a  of each of the first and second rows  442   a  and  446   a  in the first slot  480  and the at least two mating ends  450   b  of each of the first and second rows  442   b  and  446   b  in the second slot  484  of the second electrical connector  422 . 
     The busbar housing  615  can defines first body portion  624 , a second body portion  628 , and a bridge portion  632  that connects the first body portion  624  to the second body portion  628  such that a pair of divider receiving channels  634  are defined between the first and second body portions  624  and  628 . As shown in  FIG. 8B , the first body portion  624  is configured to be received by the first receptacles  458  and the second body portion  628  is configured to be received by the second receptacles  462 . As shown in  FIG. 8B , the divider receiving channels  634  are configured to receive the dividers  466  when the busbar  426  is mated with the first and second electrical connectors  414  and  422 . The channels  634  can thus be configured as alignment mechanisms. The busbar  426  can have a thickness D 5  measured along the first direction that is greater than the height of the slots when the mating ends are in the unmated position. In the illustrated embodiment the busbar  426  has a thickness that is between about 1.5 mm and about 2.0 mm. It should be appreciated, however, that the busbar  426  can have any thickness as desired. 
     The busbar housing  615  can further define beveled ends  660  that are adjacent the first and second ends of the busbar contacts. The beveled ends  660  can aid in the insertion of the busbar into the receptacles of the first and second electrical connectors  414  and  422 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , the first body portion  624  can support a plurality of power contacts  616   a  and the second body portion  628  can support a plurality of signal contacts  616   b . Each power contact  616   a  can common the mating ends of respective power contacts of the first and second electrical connectors  414  and  422  and each signal contact  616   b  can electrically couple to the mating ends of respective signal contacts of the first and second electrical connectors  414  and  422 . It should be appreciated, that the busbar contacts  616   a  and  616   b  can be monolithic or can include an intermediate conductive element between their respective first and second ends. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10B , the busbar  426  can include a pair of attachment members  618  that are configured to mate with the attachment members  612  so as to attach the busbar  426  to the first connector housing  440 . The attachment members  618  of the busbar  426  can be configured as recesses  644  that are defined by the busbar housing  615  and can be sized to receive the protrusions  528  so as to cause the attachment members  618  of the busbar  426  to mate with the attachment members  512 . In particular, the recesses  644  can be at least partially defined by abutment surfaces  648  that are configured to abut the abutment surfaces  549  of the protrusions  528  to thereby lockingly attach the busbar  426  to the first electrical connector  414 . As shown in  FIG. 10B , the attachment members  640  can extend into the sides of the first and second body portions  624  and  628  as illustrated and can extend at least partially toward the second ends  614 . Therefore when the busbar  426  is fully received by the first and second slots  480  and  484  of the first and second electrical connectors  414  and  422 , the busbar  426  attaches to the first electrical connector  414 , such that as the first electrical connector is moved away from the second electrical connector  422 , the busbar  426  moves with the first electrical connector  414  such that the second ends of the busbar contacts withdraw from the first and second slots  480  and  484  of the second electrical connector  422 . 
     The embodiments described in connection with the illustrated embodiments have been presented by way of illustration, and the present invention is therefore not intended to be limited to the disclosed embodiments. Furthermore, the structure and features of each the embodiments described above can be applied to the other embodiments described herein, unless otherwise indicated. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will realize that the invention is intended to encompass all modifications and alternative arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the invention, for instance as set forth by the appended claims.