Power connector

Abstract

An electrical power connector includes a connector housing having a base at a rear of the connector housing and a plug at a front of the connector housing configured to be inserted into a busbar assembly. The plug includes a slot between a first plug wall and a second plug wall that receives a busbar of the busbar assembly. The electrical power connector includes a power contact received in a contact channel having a mating end extending along the plug walls into the slot to mate with a busbar contact of the busbar. The electrical power connector includes a cable connector assembly coupled to the connector housing. The cable connector assembly includes a cable connector housing holding a signal contact. The signal contact is electrically connected to a signal cable of the cable connector assembly. The signal contact extends along an outer surface of the first plug wall to interface with a signal conductor of the busbar assembly when the plug is inserted into the busbar assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This article mainly deals with electrical connectors. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, power connectors are used to supply power to electrical equipment or components. In at least some electronic systems, power connectors are mounted to components, such as server racks, and connected to busbar assemblies to supply power to the server racks. Power connectors insert into busbar assemblies to receive power from them. However, during mating or unmating, such as when the power connector is hot-pluggable from the busbar assembly, damage can occur to the power connector or the busbar assembly. Some known systems use control contacts to control electrical circuits, for example, only energizing the circuit after the power connector has fully mated with the busbar assembly. Conventional systems electrically connect control contacts to the busbar to receive control power signals. Other known systems use separate power connectors to send data signals to control electrical circuits. Additional power connectors increase the cost and complexity of the system.

[0003] The problem to be solved is to provide a power connector configured to transmit power and data. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one embodiment, a power connector is provided, including a connector housing having a base at a rear portion of the connector housing and a plug extending forward from the base at a front portion of the connector housing and configured to insert into a busbar assembly. The plug includes a slot between a first plug wall and a second plug wall. The slot is configured to receive a busbar of the busbar assembly. The connector housing has contact channels extending through the base and into the slot of the plug. The power connector includes a first power contact received in a corresponding contact channel. The first power contact has a first mating end extending along the first plug wall into the slot to mate with a first busbar contact of the busbar. The first power contact has a first cable end configured to terminate to a first power cable. The power connector includes a second power contact received in a corresponding contact channel. The second power contact has a second mating end extending along the second plug wall into the slot to mate with a second busbar contact of the busbar. The second power contact has a second cable end configured to terminate to a second power cable. The power connector includes a cable connector assembly coupled to the connector housing. The cable connector assembly includes a cable connector housing that holds a signal contact. The signal contact is electrically connected to a signal cable of the cable connector assembly. When the plug is inserted into the bus assembly, the signal contact extending along the outer surface of the first plug wall mates with the signal conductor of the bus assembly.

[0005] In another embodiment, a power connector is provided, including a connector housing having a base at a rear portion of the connector housing and a plug extending forward from the base at a front portion of the connector housing and configured to insert into a busbar assembly. The plug includes a slot between a first plug wall and a second plug wall. The slot is configured to receive a busbar of the busbar assembly. The connector housing has contact channels extending through the base and into the slot of the plug. The power connector includes a first power contact received in a corresponding contact channel. The first power contact has a first mating end extending along the first plug wall into the slot to mate with a first busbar contact of the busbar. The first power contact has a first cable end configured to terminate to a first power cable. The power connector includes a second power contact received in a corresponding contact channel. The second power contact has a second mating end extending along the second plug wall into the slot to mate with a second busbar contact of the busbar. The second power contact has a second cable end configured to terminate to a second power cable. The power connector includes a grounding element coupled to the connector housing. The grounding element includes a grounding beam that, when the plug is inserted into the bus assembly, abuts against the grounding conductor of the bus assembly, extending along the outer surface of the second plug wall. The power connector includes a cable connector assembly coupled to a connector housing. The cable connector assembly includes a cable connector housing that holds signal contacts. The signal contacts are electrically connected to a signal cable of the cable connector assembly. When the plug is inserted into the bus assembly, the signal contacts, extending along the outer surface of the first plug wall, abut against the signal conductor of the bus assembly.

[0006] In a further embodiment, a power connector system is provided, including a bus assembly. The bus assembly includes a bus housing having a first sidewall and a second sidewall forming a bus cavity. The bus assembly includes a bus within the bus cavity, between the first and second sidewalls. The bus includes a first bus contact and a second bus contact, a first receiving portion defined between the first bus contact and the first sidewall, and a second receiving portion defined between the second bus and the second sidewall. The bus assembly includes a conductive structure along the first sidewall in the first receiving portion. The conductive structure includes a signal conductor. The power connector system includes a power connector coupled to the bus assembly. The power connector includes a connector housing having a base at a rear portion of the connector housing and a plug extending forward from the base at a front portion of the connector housing. The plug is inserted into the bus cavity of the bus housing. The plug includes a slot between a first plug wall and a second plug wall. The slot receives the bus of the bus assembly. The connector housing has contact channels through the base and extending to the slot of the plug. The power connector includes a first power contact received in a corresponding contact channel. The first power contact has a first mating end extending along the first plug wall into a slot to mate with a first busbar contact of the busbar. The first power contact has a first cable end configured to terminate a first power cable. The power connector includes a second power contact receiving a corresponding contact channel. The second power contact has a second mating end extending along the second plug wall into a slot to mate with a second busbar contact of the busbar. The second power contact has a second cable end configured to terminate a second power cable. The power connector includes a cable connector assembly coupled to a connector housing. The cable connector assembly includes a cable connector housing that holds a signal contact. The signal contact is electrically connected to a signal cable of the cable connector assembly. When the plug is inserted into the busbar cavity, the signal contact extending along the outer surface of the first plug wall abuts against a signal conductor of a conductive structure. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of a power connector system is shown.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a front perspective view of a power connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a rear perspective view of a cable connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a rear perspective view of a portion of a cable connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5This is a front perspective view of a cable connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of a power connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of a power connector according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the cable connector assembly as a multi-component assembly.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a rear perspective view of a power connector according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a cable connector assembly ready to be loaded into the connector housing.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a rear perspective view of the power connector in its assembled state according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Figure 1 A power connector system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The power connector system 100 includes a power connector 200 configured for electrical connection to a mating power connector 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the power connector 200 is a panel-mounted power connector configured to be mounted to a panel 102 (shown in dashed lines). In various embodiments, the power connector 200 is a cable connector disposed at one end of a cable. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating power connector 104 is a power connector configured to supply power to the power connector 200. For example, the mating power connector 104 includes a bus assembly 120 for supplying power to the power connector 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the mating power connector 104 is additionally used for transmitting data signals between the power connector 200 and the mating power connector 104.

[0018] Panel 102 may be the base, frame, housing, or other component of the power connector system 100. In various embodiments, panel 102 may be the panel of a server rack (e.g., a single rack unit), and the power connector 200 may be used to power the rack unit. Bus assembly 120 may be used to power multiple rack units within a server rack.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, panel 102 is planar and has a front surface 110 and a rear surface 112. In various embodiments, panel 102 is conductive and may be electrically grounded. For example, panel 102 may be a metal plate. Power connector 200 may be at the same potential as panel 102. Panel 102 includes a panel opening therethrough. For example, a portion of power connector 200 may mate with mating power connector 104 through the panel opening. In an exemplary embodiment, a portion of power connector 200 is coupled to the rear surface 112, and a portion of power connector 200 is coupled to the front surface 110. In an exemplary embodiment, power connector 200 may be latched to panel 102. For example, power connector 200 includes one or more latching features that may be latched to panel 102.

[0020] Busbar assembly 120 includes a busbar housing 122 for retaining busbar 130. The busbar housing 122 is made of a dielectric material, such as plastic. The busbar housing 122 includes a first sidewall 123 and a second sidewall 124 forming a busbar cavity 125. Busbar 130 is located in the busbar cavity 125, between the first sidewall 123 and the second sidewall 124. In an exemplary embodiment, the busbar housing 122 includes a central wall 126 between the first sidewall 123 and the second sidewall 124. The central wall 126 extends into the busbar cavity 125. The central wall supports busbar 130. The central wall 126 includes a cap 127 located at its front or distal end. The cap 127 is located in front of busbar 130. The cap 127 is an anti-touch feature of the busbar assembly 120, preventing unintentional contact with busbar 130.

[0021] Busbar 130 includes a first busbar contact 132 and a second busbar contact 134. The first busbar contact 132 may be a positive contact, and the second busbar contact 134 may be a negative contact. The first busbar contact 132 may be a cathode, and the second busbar contact 134 may be an anode. In an exemplary embodiment, busbar contacts 132 and 134 are metal plates. Busbar contacts 132 and 134 are separated by a central wall 126. Busbar contacts 132 and 134 are exposed in a busbar cavity 125 for mating with a power connector 200. In various embodiments, the central wall may be stacked with the busbar contacts 132 and 134, separated from the busbar housing 122, and connected to the base wall of the busbar housing 122.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the bus cavity 125 is divided into a first receiving portion 136 and a second receiving portion 138. The first receiving portion 136 is defined between a central wall 126 and a first side wall 123. The second receiving portion 138 is defined between the central wall 126 and a second side wall 124. A first bus contact 132 is exposed in the first receiving portion 136 for mating with a power connector 200. A second bus contact 134 is exposed in the second receiving portion 138 for mating with a power connector 200.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, bus assembly 120 includes a first conductive structure 140 in bus cavity 125 and a second conductive structure 142 in bus cavity 125. The first conductive structure 140 is located in a first receiving portion 136 for mating with a power connector 200. In various embodiments, the first conductive structure 140 may be a printed circuit board. In other embodiments, the first conductive structure 140 may be a connector, contact, or other conductive structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the first conductive structure 140 is coupled to the inner surface of a first sidewall 123. The first conductive structure 140 extends across the first receiving portion 136 towards the first bus contact 132. The first conductive structure 140 includes a first conductor 144. The first conductor 144 is a circuit or contact. The first conductor 144 may be a pad, trace, via, or other circuit component. In various embodiments, the first conductor 144 is a signal conductor; however, in alternative embodiments, the first conductor 144 may additionally or alternatively be a ground conductor or a power conductor. In the illustrated embodiment, the first conductive structure 140 includes a plurality of first conductors 144 (e.g., three first conductors 144) arranged at a predetermined spacing.

[0024] A second conductive structure 142 is located in a second receiving portion 138 for mating with a power connector 200. In various embodiments, the second conductive structure 142 may be a printed circuit board. In other embodiments, the second conductive structure 142 may be a connector, contact, or other conductive structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the second conductive structure 142 is coupled to the inner surface of a second sidewall 124. The second conductive structure 142 extends across the second receiving portion 138 towards a second bus contact 134. The second conductive structure 142 includes a second conductor 146. The second conductor 146 is a circuit or contact. The second conductor 146 may be a pad, trace, via, or other circuit component. In various embodiments, the second conductor 146 is a ground conductor; however, in alternative embodiments, the second conductor 146 may additionally or alternatively be a signal conductor or a power conductor. In the illustrated embodiment, the second conductive structure 142 includes a plurality of second conductors 146 arranged at a predetermined spacing (e.g., three second conductors 146). In alternative embodiments, the second conductive structure 142 may be a sheet of metal defining a ground plane or ground contact.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a front perspective view of a power connector 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. The power connector 200 includes a retaining first power contact 204 (such as...). Figure 1 (As shown) and the connector housing 202 of the second power contact 206. In an exemplary embodiment, the power connector 200 includes a cable connector assembly 300 coupled to the connector housing 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the power connector 200 includes a grounding element 400 coupled to the connector housing 202.

[0026] The first power contact 204 and the second power contact 206 are configured to be electrically connected to the mating power connector 104 (e.g., Figure 1 (As shown). For example, power contacts 204 and 206 are electrically connected to the first busbar contact 132 and the second busbar contact 134 of the busbar assembly 120 (as shown). Figure 1 (As shown). In an exemplary embodiment, power contacts 204 are disposed at the ends of power cables 205, 207 extending from connector housing 202. In an exemplary embodiment, each power contact 204, 206 includes a mating end 208 and a cable end (not shown). The mating end 208 may include a spring beam or other type of contact defining a mating interface for mating with bus assembly 120. The cable end is configured to terminate to the ends of power cables 205, 207, such as by soldering or crimping.

[0027] The cable connector assembly 300 is configured to be electrically connected to the mating power connector 104. For example, the cable connector assembly 300 is electrically connected to the first conductive structure 140 of the bus assembly 120 (e.g., Figure 1 (As shown).

[0028] Grounding element 400 is configured to be electrically connected to mating power connector 104. For example, grounding element 400 is electrically connected to the second conductive structure 142 of bus assembly 120 (e.g., Figure 1 (As shown).

[0029] Connector housing 202 includes a front portion 210 and a rear portion 212. The front portion 210 defines a mating end 214 configured to mate with a mating power connector 104. Cables 205, 207 extend from the cable ends of connector housing 202. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear portion 212 defines the cable ends. However, the power connector 200 may be a right-angle connector, wherein the cable extends from the top 216 or bottom 218 of connector housing 202, or from a first side 220 or a second side 222 of connector housing 202.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the connector housing 202 includes a base 230 at a rear portion 212 and a plug 232 at a front portion 210. The connector housing 202 includes a flange 234 extending from the base 230. In various embodiments, the flange 234 may extend from the base 230 at sides 220, 222. In other various embodiments, the flange 234 may extend from the base 230 at a top 216 and / or a bottom 218. The flange 234 is used to mount the power connector 200 to the panel 102. For example, the flange 234 may face the rear surface 112 of the panel 102. The base 230 is located behind the flange 234 and is therefore configured to be located behind the panel 102. The plug 232 extends in front of the flange 234 and is therefore configured to be located at the front of the panel 102. For example, the plug 232 is configured to extend through a panel opening for mating with a bus assembly 120.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the connector housing 202 includes a contact channel 236 for receiving power contacts 204, 206. The contact channel 236 extends into the base 230 and the plug 232. The contacts 204, 206 are configured to terminate cables 205, 207 in the base portion of the contact channel 236. The contacts 204, 206 are configured to mate with a bus assembly 120 in the plug portion of the contact channel 236.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, plug 232 includes a first plug wall 240 and a second plug wall 242 forming a slot 244 therebetween. Each plug wall 240, 242 includes an inner surface 246 and an outer surface 248. The inner surface 246 faces the slot 244. The slot 244 is open at a front portion 210 to receive a busbar 130. Contacts 204, 206 are exposed within the slot 244 for mating with corresponding first busbar contacts 132 and second busbar contacts 134 of the busbar 130. For example, contacts 204, 206 extend along the inner surface 246 of the corresponding plug walls 240, 242. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 244 extends vertically from a top 216 to a bottom 218. For example, the slot 244 is open at the top 216 and open at the bottom 218. In alternative embodiments, the slot 244 may have other shapes. In other alternative embodiments, multiple slots 244 may be provided, such as a single slot for each contact 204, 206. In the illustrated embodiment, plug walls 240, 242 are vertically oriented and disposed on a first side 220 and a second side 222 of plug 232. Additional plug walls may be provided in alternative embodiments.

[0033] The cable connector assembly 300 is coupled to the first plug wall 240. For example, the cable connector assembly 300 extends along the outer surface 248 of the first plug wall 240 for mating with the first conductive structure 140 of the bus assembly 120.

[0034] Grounding element 400 is connected to the second plug wall 242. For example, grounding element 400 extends along the outer surface 248 of the second plug wall 242 for mating with the second conductive structure 142 of the bus assembly 120. Grounding element 400 is configured to be electrically connected to the panel 102. For example, grounding element 400 is used to make the panel 102 and the bus assembly 120 common potential.

[0035] Additional reference Figure 1 The grounding element 400 is conductive. In an exemplary embodiment, the grounding element 400 is stamped from a sheet of metal. In the illustrated embodiment, the grounding element 400 includes a plug wall 402 extending along the plug 232 and a flange wall 404 extending along the flange 234. The grounding element 400 includes one or more panel tabs 406 extending from the flange wall 404 and configured to engage with the rear surface 112 of the panel 102. The panel tabs 406 are deflectable and extend beyond the plane of the flange wall 404 to abut against the panel 102. The grounding element 400 includes one or more grounding beams 408 extending from the plug wall 402 and configured to engage with the bus assembly 120. The grounding beams 408 are deflectable and extend beyond the plane of the plug wall 402 to abut against the bus assembly 120. In the illustrated embodiment, three grounding beams 408 are provided; however, more or fewer grounding beams 408 may be provided in alternative embodiments. The grounding beam 408 includes a mating interface for engaging with the busbar assembly 120. The mating interface may be outwardly oriented to engage a corresponding conductor 146 of the second conductive structure 142. The grounding element 400 may be secured to the connector housing 202 using clips, brackets, fasteners, hot melt machines, adhesives, or other fastening elements. In alternative embodiments, the grounding element 400 may have other dimensions, shapes, and / or features.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a rear perspective view of a cable connector assembly 300 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 This is a rear perspective view of a portion of a cable connector assembly 300 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0037] The cable connector assembly 300 includes a cable connector housing 302 that maintains an electrical connection to a signal contact 304 of a corresponding signal cable 306. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable connector assembly 300 includes a cable connector 350 removably coupled to the cable connector housing 302 for engaging or disengaging from the signal contact 304 at a separable mating interface. The signal cable 306 is part of the cable connector 350. The signal cable 306 is electrically connected to the signal contact 304 via the cable connector 350. However, in alternative embodiments, the signal cable 306 may be terminated directly to the signal contact 304, for example, by soldering, crimping, or another termination method without using the cable connector 350.

[0038] The cable connector housing 302 includes a front portion 310 of a front portion 312 and a rear portion 314 of a rear portion 316. A shoulder 318 is defined between the front portion 310 and the rear portion 314. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable connector housing 302 may be overmolded onto a signal contact 304. Alternatively, the cable connector housing 302 may be premolded, and the signal contact 304 may be loaded into the cable connector housing 302. The signal contact 304 may extend from the cable connector housing 302 for mating with a bus assembly 120. The signal contact 304 may extend from the cable connector housing 302 for connection to a signal cable 306.

[0039] The cable connector housing 302 includes a reservoir 320 in a rear portion 314. The reservoir 320 receives a cable connector 350 and / or a signal cable 306. A signal contact 304 extends into the reservoir 320 for connection with the cable connector 350 and / or the signal cable 306. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable connector housing 302 includes a latching feature 322 for latchably securing the cable connector 350 in the reservoir 320. The cable connector housing 302 includes an inner surface 324. The inner surface 324 is configured to face the connector housing 202 (e.g., ...). Figure 2 (As shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the cable connector housing 302 is a single-piece housing. However, in an alternative embodiment, the cable connector housing 302 may be a multi-piece housing.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, the signal contact 304 is a stamped contact. The signal contact 304 can be formed from a lead frame, and the cable connector housing 302 can be overmolded onto the lead frame. Each signal contact 304 extends between a mating end 330 and a terminating end 332. Figure 4The mating end 330 is configured to mate with the bus assembly 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the signal contact 304 includes a spring beam 334 at the mating end 330. The spring beam 334 extends in front of the front portion 312 of the cable connector housing 302. The spring beam 334 is deflectable. The spring beam 334 includes a corresponding conductor 144 for contact with the first conductive structure 140 (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (As shown) A mating interface is provided. The mating interface may be positioned near the distal end of the spring beam 334. The mating interface is outwardly oriented. A signal contact 304 extends from the cable connector housing 302 for connection to a signal cable 306. In the illustrated embodiment, the signal contact 304 includes pins 336 on a termination end 332. Pins 336 are located in a housing 320. Pins 336 are configured to mate with the cable connector 350. In alternative embodiments, other types of termination ends may be provided, such as jacks, solder pads, etc.

[0041] Figure 5 This is a front perspective view of a cable connector assembly 300 according to an exemplary embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, a cable connector assembly 300 is provided without a cable connector 350 (e.g., ...). Figure 3 (As shown). Instead, cable 306 is directly terminated to termination end 332 of signal contact 304. In the illustrated embodiment, signal contact 304 includes solder pads 338 on termination end 332. Cable 306 is soldered to solder pads 338. Solder pads 338 may be exposed on the outer surface of cable connector housing 302. Alternatively, solder pads 338 may be surrounded or enclosed within cable connector housing 302, for example in a housing, or due to the cable connector housing 302 being molded over termination end 332 and cable 306.

[0042] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the power connector 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 Showing Figure 3 The illustration shows an embodiment of a cable connector assembly 300 including a cable connector 350. The cable connector 350 includes a housing 352 that holds a cable connector contact 354. The cable connector contact 354 is electrically connected to a signal cable 306. For example, the cable connector contact 354 may be crimped or soldered to an end of the signal cable 306. The cable connector contact 354 may be a socket configured to receive a pin 336 of the signal contact 304. The housing 352 includes a latch 356 configured to be latchably coupled to a latching feature 322 of the cable connector housing 302.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the cable connector housing 302 includes a connector port 340 for receiving a cable connector assembly 300. The cable connector assembly 300 is removable from the connector housing 302, for example, for repairing or replacing a component of the power connector 200. The connector port 340 opens along the base 230 and the plug 232. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector port 340 extends via a flange 234. The cable connector assembly 300 is received in the connector port 340 extending along the outer surface 248 of the first plug wall 240. For example, the inner surface 324 of the cable connector housing 302 is configured to engage with the outer surface 248. A spring beam 334 is configured to engage with the outer surface 248 of the first plug wall 240 to interact with the signal conductor 144 of the bus assembly 120 (e.g., when the plug 232 is inserted into the bus assembly 120). Figure 1 (As shown) docking.

[0044] During assembly, the first plug wall 240 is located between the signal contact 304 and the first power contact 204. The first plug wall 240 electrically separates the signal contact 304 and the first power contact 204. In an exemplary embodiment, the spring beam 334 is configured to be received in a receiving portion 237 outside the first plug wall 240. The distal end of the first plug wall 240 may include guide surfaces 238, 239 that guide the first plug wall 240 into the receiving portion 136 of the bus assembly 120. The guide surface 238 blocks the receiving portion 237, for example to protect the distal end of the signal contact 304 from stubbing during mating of the power connector 200 with the bus assembly 120. During assembly, the spring beam 334 is configured to mate with the signal conductor 144 of the bus assembly 120 to transmit data signals between the power connector 200 and the bus assembly 120. Signals, such as proximity or control signals, can be transmitted through the cable connector assembly 300 to ensure that the power connector 200 fully mates with the bus assembly 120 to control the power circuit, for example, by turning the power circuit on / off based on the mating state of the power connector 200 and the bus assembly 120. For example, the power circuit may be off until data signals are transmitted through the system. In an exemplary embodiment, when mated with the bus assembly 120, the spring beam 334 may be compressed toward the outer surface 248 of the first plug wall 240.

[0045] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the power connector 200 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the cable connector assembly 300 as a plurality of components. Figure 8 This is a rear perspective view of a power connector 200 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a cable connector assembly 300 being prepared for loading into a connector housing 202. Figure 9 This is a rear perspective view of the power connector 200 in its assembled state according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0046] The connector housing 202 includes a connector port 340 for receiving a cable connector assembly 300. The connector port 340 extends through a base 230 and a flange 234. In an exemplary embodiment, the connector port 340 leads to a contact channel 236. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable connector assembly 300 forms a portion of the contact channel 236.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, the cable connector housing 302 of the cable connector assembly 300 is a multi-piece housing. For example, the cable connector housing 302 includes an inner housing 326 and an outer housing 328. The inner housing 326 is coupled to the outer housing 328. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner housing 326 includes an inner receiving portion 327. The receiving portion 327 may form part of a contact channel 236. For example, the receiving portion 327 may receive a portion of a power cable coupled to a power contact 204. The outer housing 328 may hold a signal contact 304. For example, the outer body 328 may be overmolded onto the signal contact 304. The inner housing 326 and / or the outer housing 328 form a receptacle 320. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer housing 328 includes a latch 329 to secure the cable connector housing 302 within the connector housing 202.

Claims

1. A power connector (200), comprising: The connector housing (202) has a base (230) at the rear (212) of the connector housing and a plug (232) at the front of the connector housing extending forward from the base and configured to insert into a busbar assembly (120). The plug includes a slot (244) between a first plug wall (240) and a second plug wall (242), the slot being configured to receive a busbar (130) of the busbar assembly. The connector housing has a contact channel (236) through the base and extending into the slot of the plug. A first power contact (204) is received in a corresponding contact channel. The first power contact has a first mating end (214) extending along the first plug wall (240) into the slot to mate with a first busbar contact (132) of the busbar. The first power contact has a first cable end configured to terminate to a first power cable (205). A second power contact (206) is received in a corresponding contact channel. The second power contact has a second mating end (330) extending along the second plug wall (242) into the slot to mate with a second busbar contact (134) of the busbar. The second power contact has a second cable end configured to terminate to a second power cable (207). as well as A cable connector assembly (300) is connected to the connector housing, the cable connector assembly including a cable connector housing (302) holding a signal contact (304) electrically connected to a signal cable (306) of the cable connector assembly, the signal contact extending along the outer surface (248) of the first plug wall (240) abutting the signal conductor of the bus assembly when the plug (232) is inserted into the bus assembly.

2. The power connector (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The first plug wall (240) is located between the signal contact (304) and the first power contact (204).

3. The power connector (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The first power contact (204) includes a spring beam (334) at the first mating end (214) that can be compressed toward the inner surface (246) of the first plug wall (240), and the signal contact (304) includes a spring beam that can be compressed toward the outer surface (248) of the first plug wall.

4. The power connector (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The signal contact (304) is a first signal contact, and the cable connector assembly (300) includes a second signal contact held by the cable connector housing (302), the second signal contact being electrically connected to a second signal cable (306).

5. The power connector (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The signal contact (304) includes a spring beam (334) at the mating end (330) of the signal contact and a pin (336) at the terminating end (332) of the signal contact. The cable connector assembly (300) also includes a cable connector (350) including a cable connector contact (354) terminating in the signal cable (306) and the cable connector contact including a socket connected to the pin to electrically connect the signal contact to the signal cable.

6. The power connector (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The signal contact (304) includes a spring beam (334) at the mating end (330) of the signal contact and a solder pad (338) at the terminating end (332) of the signal contact, to which the signal cable (306) is soldered.

7. The power connector (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The connector housing (202) includes a connector port (340) through the base (230), in which the cable connector assembly (300) is received.

8. The power connector (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The connector housing (202) includes a flange (234) extending from the base, the flange having a connector port (340) through which the cable connector assembly (300) is received in the connector port and extends through the flange along the base and along the plug (232).

9. The power connector (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The cable connector assembly (300) can be removed from the connector housing (202).

10. The power connector (200) of claim 1 further includes a grounding element (400) coupled to the connector housing (202), the grounding element including a grounding beam (408) extending along the outer surface (248) of the second plug wall (242) to abut against the grounding conductor of the bus assembly (120) when the plug (232) is inserted into the bus assembly.

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