Connectors

What is a connector?

A connector, also known as a plugin, is a device that connects two active devices to transmit current or signals. The function of the connector is to set up a bridge of communication between the blocked or isolated circuits in the circuit, so that the current can flow and the circuit can achieve the predetermined function.

Connectors generally consist of external connectors and internal terminals. Connectors are generally insulators, such as plastic materials, which are divided into male ends and female ends, which play the role of connection and fixation. The form and structure of connectors vary widely, depending on the object, frequency, power, environment, etc. For example, the connectors used for field lights and hard drives and those used for rocket ignition are very different. But no matter what kind of connector, it should ensure that the current is smooth, continuous and reliable.

Application of connectors

Connectors are characterized by ease of mass production, ease of maintenance, ease of upgrades, and increased flexibility. Electrical connectors are widely used in various fields, such as new energy vehicles, rail transit, communication and data transmission, consumer electronics, etc. It plays an important and convenient role in human life. There are many types of connectors, and different types of connectors are used in different fields. In addition to automobiles and electronic appliances such as computers and mobile phones, connectors are also used in industrial automation and machine vision applications.

In addition, connectors are used in marine and oil and gas fields. In marine applications, connectors are mainly used for components such as marine engine instruments, navigators, fish finders, GPS receivers, autopilots, wind gauges, multimedia displays, security systems, sensors and chartplotters. In oil and gas field connectors are mainly used in oil and gas exploration instruments, drilling and production equipment, geophysical equipment and logging instruments, petrochemical equipment and other equipment.

Three types of connectors for sale on ATO.com

1. Circular connector

A circular connector is a type of connector whose basic structure is cylindrical and has a circular mating surface. The cylindrical structure of the circular connector is inherently robust and provides greater strength than any other shape. Circular connector products use integral wire spring jacks, which are reliable in contact and easy to use. The plug has a grounding function. The sealing ring at the outlet of the plug can be waterproof and moisture-proof, safe and reliable.

Circular electrical connectors (aviation plugs) are low-frequency electrical connectors. The bayonet type quick connection system is adopted, which is easy to operate, reliable in connection, resistant to vibration and shock. Five keyway positioning, with blind insertion and anti-misinsertion functions. The highly reliable hyperboloid wire spring hole makes the connector plug and unplug softly, with low contact resistance and reliable operation.

Circular connectors are widely used in the connection of aerospace equipment, so they are also called aviation plugs. They have the characteristics of large current passing through, reliable contact, excellent sealing performance, connection performance, and shielding effect. ATO circular connector is used for connecting component & cable, cable & cable, easy to seal, insert and dismantle.

2. Quick connector

As an industrial production, quick connectors play a vital role in improving the efficiency of product seal testing, running tests, etc. Different industries require different types of quick connectors, and the scope of application needs to be determined according to the actual test situation.

Quick connectors are used in many industries in industrial production, such as the sealing test of motor controllers in the new energy vehicle industry, the air tightness test of the new energy battery pack, the air tightness test of the battery cooling water channel, and the engine hot test and cold test in the fuel vehicle industry. , Engine fuel port, oil rail test, etc. These industrial production processes are cumbersome. In order to improve the overall efficiency, it is necessary to streamline the process and optimize each program as much as possible. The quick connector is an important tool to improve the efficiency of product quality inspection.

Quick connectors can be divided into stainless steel quick connectors and aluminum alloy quick connectors. Stainless steel and aluminum alloy are common raw materials for industrial production and have good mechanical properties. Generally speaking, stainless steel quick connectors have better pressure resistance, and it is recommended to choose stainless steel connectors when higher pressure is used. The advantage of aluminum alloy connectors compared to stainless steel connectors is that the material is lighter, and it may be more convenient to operate quick connectors in some manual operations. ATO provides quick connectors which can quickly connect to the hoses without tools. It is M type and has a male connector with brass construction that is corrosion-resistant. Garden hose quick connect has optional 03/04/06/23mm input and output cannula diameters. Well sealed quick connect fittings are designed for water and air.

3. Heavy duty connector

Heavy duty connectors, also known as HDC connectors, are connectors that perform well in harsh environments. Its applications are not limited to manufacturing, but are designed to withstand the harshest industrial environments, such as high voltage currents, high mechanical strength, high frequency vibration and exposure to corrosive substances. Pre-installation is possible with heavy-duty connectors. Pre-installation of a large number of complex circuits can greatly improve equipment installation efficiency and reduce wiring error rate.

Heavy-duty connectors include ferrule, pin and housing. The ferrule and the pin piece form an electrical module that provides electrical connections for the device. The shell is made of metal or thermoplastic material, which has strong structural strength and mainly provides reliable mechanical protection and environmental protection for electrical connections. Heavy duty connectors not only conveniently and efficiently realize the modular structure of each functional device of the equipment, but also enable the equipment to be transported, installed, maintained and repaired conveniently and safely. It is very important in the field of power transmission and distribution.

The functions of heavy duty connectors are different from general connectors, mainly in the following aspects:

• There is electrical insulation between the connectors to avoid interference between signals.
• There is a high-strength shell to fix the position of the connector, which is conducive to the stability of insertion and removal and position.
• The high-strength shell provides mechanical protection and support for the plug.
• The protection performance reaches IP68 and above, which can reduce environmental pollution and corrosion of the connector and prolong the service life of the connector.

Heavy duty connectors are already a very important component in modern industry, and the improvement in their stability and environmental resistance means that human beings have made progress in transforming and utilizing nature. ATO 3 pin heavy duty connector has 10A working current, 250VAC working voltage, 500 insertion/withdrawal cycles and optional 5 shell items. The applicable temperature range is -40℃~+125℃ (-40℉~+257℉). The protection class of heavy duty connector is IP65.

How to classify connectors?

There is no fixed classification of connectors, but in actual use, people usually classify connectors according to their use, shape, structure and performance for better classification and management.

1. Connectors are divided into five types according to shape: circular connectors, rectangular connectors, bar connectors, curved connectors and D-type connectors, of which circular connectors and rectangular connectors are the most commoaccording to the environmental conditions of use
2. connectors are mainly divided into sealed connectors according to the environmental conditions of use: radiation-resistant connectors, high-temperature connectors, low-temperature connectors, automatic detachment and separation electrical connectors, etc.
3. Connectors can be divided into ordinary connectors, high-power connectors, high-voltage connectors, pulse connectors, low-noise connectors, noise filter connectors, low-frequency connectors, high-frequency connectors, phase modulation connectors and precision connectors according to electrical requirements.
4. Connectors are divided into threaded connectors, straight-in connectors, plug connectors and push-pull connectors according to the structure division.
5. Connectors are divided into mobile phone connectors, power connectors, high-voltage connectors, automotive connectors, aviation connectors, high-speed signal connectors, optical fiber connectors 8. according to the purpose of use.
   
   

What are the main functions of connectors?

1. Improve the production process:
   Connectors simplify the assembly process of electronic products. Also simplifies the mass production process.
2. Easy to maintain:
   If an electronic component fails, the failed component can be quickly replaced when the connector is installed.
3. Easy to upgrade:
   As technology advances, components can be updated when connectors are installed, replacing old ones with new, more complete components.
4. Improve design flexibility:
   Using connectors gives engineers greater flexibility when designing and integrating new products and when building systems from components.