What is a circular connector?
Circular connectors are connectors with a cylindrical structure and a circular mating surface, and belong to category 5 in the interconnect classification for interconnecting equipment. It broadly includes low-frequency circular connectors, RF coaxial connectors and audio connectors.
It is a straight plug steel ball quick lock circular electrical connector shell fitting, consisting of plug and socket. Plug shell fitting consists of seven parts: shell, lock sleeve, reed, pin, steel ball, shrapnel and gasket. The lock sleeve is assembled with the shell, the pin is inserted from the shell and riveted to the lock sleeve.
There is a connection between the lock sleeve and the shell. Rotate 20 degrees, there are 3-4 steel balls in the plug shell, play the role of butt locking. And the locking sleeve has a straight groove, when the steel ball is not supported, completely retracted into the shell wall. After insertion, the rotating locking sleeve supports the steel balls to protrude out of the inner wall of the shell and extend into the ring groove on the socket shell to realize the locking of the plug and socket.
What are the advantages of circular connectors?
Circular connectors also have the advantages of anti-slanting, anti-wrong plugging, excellent electrical performance and shielding performance, anti-vibration, shock resistance, environmental resistance, etc., locking and unlocking is convenient and quick, compact size, easy to use, circular connectors have a cylindrical structure with a natural robustness and strength higher than any other shape.
How are circular connectors connected?
Circular connectors on the market in a variety of models, specifications and styles, connection technology is also very good, there are four common connection methods:
- Threaded connection
Circular connector contact area is large, working in a strong vibration environment, is a common form of connection, this connection can be added fuse to prevent the connection is completed after the loosening of the connection is reliable, but the continuous unloading speed is slow.
- Plug connection
Is a multi-functional connection form, circular connector plug and socket in the connection and disconnection, the direction of movement is usually reciprocating, straight line, do not need to twist or rotate, only need a small workspace can be completed connection and disconnection. There are two common types of plug and socket structure: spherical or pin type. Due to this connection without mechanical labor-saving mechanism, once mistakenly inserted, mechanical resistance will increase significantly, and can be detected in time.
- Cabinet connection
In the need to blindly connect the equipment on the use of some close to the rack of circular connectors, can make the electrical equipment lighter, smaller, easier to maintain and more reliable. However, this type of connection makes it impossible for the operator to feel the connection. Therefore, it is necessary to design accurate positioning devices to avoid forcing the wrongly inserted circular connectors, so that the wrongly inserted circular connectors cannot be connected. Cabinet circular connectors are usually constructed with a floating or flexible contact design to ensure that they are connected correctly.
- Port connection method
This is a reliable and fast way to connect and disconnect. Most circular connectors with a mounted connection form have visual indications of proper connection and locking, which can be observed through a small hole in the female end of the circular connector.
How to choose circular connectors?
Circular connectors are available in various types and shapes, which we can choose according to our specific requirements.
- Interface Types
Circular connectors are available in a variety of different interface types, such as USB, HDMI, audio, video, and more. Please make sure that the selected connector type is compatible with the device you need to connect.
- Size and Shape
Circular connectors come in different sizes and shapes, including diameter, length and plug shape. Please make sure that the selected connector matches the connection interface of your device and is of sufficient size to fit your application scenario.
- Durability and Reliability
Select connectors with high durability and reliability, especially if the connectors are to be used for long periods of time or exposed to harsh environments. Consider the connector’s material, water resistance, corrosion resistance, and other characteristics.
- Electrical Characteristics
Select the appropriate electrical characteristics, including voltage, current, and power, according to your needs. Ensure that the connector can meet your electrical requirements to avoid damaging the equipment or causing safety hazards.
- Environmental requirements
If the connector will be used in special environments, such as high temperature, low temperature, high humidity or chemical exposure, you need to select a connector that can adapt to these environments and ensure that it can work reliably.
- Ease of use
Consider the connector’s plugging and unplugging performance, the ease of connecting and disconnecting, and whether special tools are required for installation.
Where are circular connectors used?
According to different functional and physical characteristics, circular connectors can be used in various applications, such as:
- Electronic equipment: Circular connectors are often used in electronic devices, such as computers, monitors, audio devices, video devices, etc.
- Industrial automation field: In the field of industrial automation, circular connectors are widely used in various industrial automation equipment. Industrial automation equipment needs to have a high degree of reliability and protection performance, circular connectors can meet these requirements.
- Military equipment: Circular connectors are also common in the military field. They are used to connect various weapon systems, communication equipment, radars, etc. to meet the requirements of high strength, reliability and safety.
- Energy: In the energy sector, circular connectors are used in a wide range of energy equipment. Energy equipment needs to have a high degree of reliability and protection performance, circular connectors can meet these requirements. For example, circular connectors can be used in power stations, wind power generation equipment, solar power generation equipment and so on.
- Aerospace: Circular connectors play a key role in the aerospace field. They are used to connect various systems and equipment such as airplanes, satellites and rockets, including communication, navigation and control systems.
