The four basic structural components of automotive connectors

1、 Contact parts
      It is the core component of the automotive connector that completes the electrical connection function. Generally, a contact pair is composed of a positive contact and a negative contact, and electrical connections are completed through the insertion and connection of the negative and positive contacts. Positive contact parts are rigid parts, with shapes of cylindrical (circular pin), square cylindrical (square pin), or flat (insert). Positive contacts are generally made of brass or phosphor bronze.The negative contact piece, also known as the socket, is a key component of the contact pair. It relies on the elastic structure to undergo elastic deformation when engaged with the pin, generating elastic force and forming close contact with the positive contact piece to complete the connection. There are many types of socket structures, including cylindrical (slotted, necked), tuning fork, cantilever (longitudinally slotted), folded (longitudinally slotted, 9-shaped), box (square socket), and hyperbolic spring socket.

2、 Shell
      Also known as a shell, it is the outer cover of a car connector that provides mechanical protection for the insulated mounting plate and pins inside, and provides alignment when the plug and socket are inserted, thereby fixing the connector to the device.

3、 Insulator
      Insulators, also known as automotive connector bases or inserts, are used to arrange the contacts in the required positions and spacing, and ensure the insulation performance between the contacts and between the contacts and the housing. Good insulation resistance, voltage resistance, and ease of processing are the basic requirements for selecting insulation materials to be processed into insulators.

4、 Attachment
      The attachments are divided into structural attachments and installation attachments. Structural attachments such as snap rings, positioning keys, positioning pins, guide pins, connecting rings, cable clamps, sealing rings, gaskets, etc. Install accessories such as screws, nuts, screws, spring coils, etc. Most attachments have standard and universal parts. It is these four basic structural components that enable automotive connectors to act as bridges and operate stably.