US 8,523,600 B2Granted

Electronic device with a movable member that bends a wiring and prevents fitting of another connector in certain arrangements

AssigneesDenso Corporation, Fujikura Ltd.

InventorsToshio Hosokawa, Yasuo Takemura, Yuji Ishitani

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Abstract

An electronic device includes an electronic control unit, a wire, and a wiring-side connector. When a movable member is arranged in a first arrangement relative to a wiring-side connector main body, the movable member is in a position where the movable member does not prevent the wire from projecting from the main body to extend straight in a counter-fitting direction. When the movable member rotates from the first arrangement to a second arrangement relative to the main body, a restricting member approaches a portion of the main body from which the wire projects, to press and bend the wire, so a direction in which the wire projects from the main body is limited to a direction crossing the counter-fitting direction. When the movable member is arranged in the second arrangement and the main body is fitted to an ECU-side connector, the second arrangement is maintained.

Claims36

Dependent claims

An electronic device comprising:

an electronic control unit (ECU);
a wire that is electrically connected to the ECU;
and
a wiring side connector that is attached to an end portion of the wire on an ECU-side to electrically connect the wire and the ECU, wherein:
the ECU includes an ECU side connector that is fitted to the wiring side connector to electrically connect the wire and the ECU;
the wiring side connector includes:
a wiring side connector main body that accommodates the end portion of the wire and is fitted to the ECU side connector, the wire projecting from an inside toward an outside of the main body on a surface of the main body that is on an opposite side from a side of the main body on which the main body is fitted to the ECU side connector;
and
a movable member that is attached to the main body to be rotatable relative to the main body and that includes:
a restricting member having a shape of a plate and restricting a direction in which the wire projects from the main body;
and
an extended member fixed to the restricting member and extending from the restricting member in a direction that crosses a plate surface of the restricting member;
the extended member is engaged with the main body, such that the extended member is rigidly rotatable relative to the main body with an engagement part between the main body and the extended member serving as a rotation axis of the rotation of the extended member and that the extended member and the restricting member are thereby rigidly rotatable together relative to the main body;
when the movable member is arranged in a predetermined first arrangement relative to the main body, the movable member is in a position in which the movable member does not prevent the wire from projecting from the main body to extend straight in a counter-fitting direction, which is directly opposite from a direction in which the main body is fitted to the ECU side connector;
when the movable member is rotated from the first arrangement to a predetermined second arrangement relative to the main body, a portion of the restricting member directly engaging the wire moves closer to a portion of the main body from which the wire projects to press and bend the wire, so that the direction in which the wire projects from the main body is limited to a direction that crosses the counter-fitting direction;
when the movable member is arranged in the second arrangement relative to the main body, and the main body is fitted to the ECU side connector, the second arrangement of the movable member is maintained;
the wire is restricted to a direction of rotation of the movable member;
the ECU side connector includes a sleeve part that accommodates the main body when the ECU side connector is fitted to the main body;
and
when the movable member is not arranged in the second arrangement relative to the main body, the extended member and the sleeve part are in contact, so that the fitting of the ECU side connector to the main body is prevented.

17 more elements

A wiring unit adapted for an electronic control unit (ECU), the wiring unit comprising:

a wire that is electrically connected to the ECU;
and
a wiring side connector that is attached to an end portion of the wire on an ECU-side to electrically connect the wire and the ECU, wherein:
the ECU includes an ECU side connector that is fitted to the wiring side connector to electrically connect the wire and the ECU;
the wiring side connector includes:
a wiring side connector main body that accommodates the end portion of the wire and is fitted to the ECU side connector, the wire projecting from an inside toward an outside of the main body on a surface of the main body that is on an opposite side from a side of the main body on which the main body is fitted to the ECU side connector;
and
a movable member that is attached to the main body to be rotatable relative to the main body and that includes:
a restricting member having a shape of a plate and restricting a direction in which the wire projects from the main body;
and
an extended member fixed to the restricting member and extending from the restricting member in a direction that crosses a plate surface of the restricting member;
the extended member is engaged with the main body, such that the extended member is rigidly rotatable relative to the main body with an engagement part between the main body and the extended member serving as a rotation axis of the rotation of the extended member and that the extended member and the restricting member are thereby rigidly rotatable together relative to the main body;
when the movable member is arranged in a predetermined first arrangement relative to the main body, the movable member is in a position in which the movable member does not prevent the wire from projecting from the main body to extend straight in a counter-fitting direction, which is directly opposite from a direction in which the main body is fitted to the ECU side connector;
when the movable member is rotated from the first arrangement to a predetermined second arrangement relative to the main body, a portion of the restricting member directly engaging the wire moves closer to a portion of the main body from which the wire projects to press and bend the wire, so that the direction in which the wire projects from the main body is limited to a direction that crosses the counter-fitting direction;
when the movable member is arranged in the second arrangement relative to the main body, and the main body is fitted to the ECU side connector, the second arrangement of the movable member is maintained;
and
the wire is restricted to a direction of rotation of the movable member;
the ECU side connector includes a sleeve part that accommodates the main body when the ECU side connector is fitted to the main body;
and
when the movable member is not arranged in the second arrangement relative to the main body, the extended member and the sleeve part are in contact, so that the fitting of the ECU side connector to the main body is prevented.

17 more elements

An assembling method for fitting a wiring side connector, which is attached to an end portion of a wire, to an electronic control unit (ECU), so that the wire is electrically connected to the ECU, wherein:

the ECU includes an ECU side connector that is fitted to the wiring side connector to electrically connect the wire and the ECU;
the wire projects from an inside toward an outside of the wiring side connector on a surface of the wiring side connector that is on an opposite side from a side of the wiring side connector on which the wiring side connector is fitted to the ECU side connector;
the wiring side connector includes a mechanism that is transformable between a first state and a second state thereof;
when the mechanism is arranged in the first state, the mechanism does not prevent the wire from projecting from the wiring side connector to extend straight in a counter-fitting direction, which is directly opposite from a direction in which the wiring side connector is fitted to the ECU side connector;
when the mechanism is transformed from the first state to the second state, a portion of the mechanism directly engaging the wire moves closer to the surface of the wiring side connector and a direction in which the wire projects from the wiring side connector is limited to a direction that crosses the counter-fitting direction;
and
the wire is restricted to a direction of rotation of the movable member;
the ECU side connector includes a sleeve part that accommodates the wiring side connector when the ECU side connector is fitted to the wiring side connector;
and
when the mechanism is not arranged in the second state, the wiring side connector and the sleeve part are in contact, so that the fitting of the ECU side connector to the wiring side connector is prevented;
the method comprising:
passing the wiring side connector through a hole formed in a seat, from above the seat in a vertical direction thereof, with the mechanism in the first state;
transforming the mechanism to the second state after the passing of the wiring side connector through the hole;
and
fitting the wiring side connector to the ECU side connector with the mechanism in the second state, after the transforming of the mechanism to the second state.

12 more elements

the ECU includes an ECU side connector that is fitted to the wiring side connector to electrically connect the wire and the ECU;
the wiring side connector includes:
a wiring side connector main body that accommodates the end portion of the wire and is fitted to the ECU side connector, the wire projecting from an inside toward an outside of the main body on a surface of the main body that is on an opposite side from a side of the main body on which the main body is fitted to the ECU side connector;
and
a movable member that is attached to the main body to be displaceable relative to the main body;
when the movable member is arranged in a predetermined first arrangement relative to the main body, the movable member is in a position in which the movable member does not prevent the wire from projecting from the main body to extend straight in a counter-fitting direction, which is directly opposite from a direction in which the main body is fitted to the ECU side connector;
when the movable member is displaced from the first arrangement to a predetermined second arrangement relative to the main body, a portion of the movable member directly engaging the wire moves closer to a portion of the main body from which the wire projects to press and bend the wire, so that a direction in which the wire projects from the main body is limited to a direction that crosses the counter-fitting direction;
when the movable member is arranged in the second arrangement relative to the main body, and the main body is fitted to the ECU side connector, the second arrangement of the movable member is maintained;
and
the wire is restricted to a direction of rotation of the movable member;
the ECU side connector includes a sleeve part that accommodates the main body when the ECU side connector is fitted to the main body;
and
when the movable member is not arranged in the second arrangement relative to the main body, the wiring side connector and the sleeve part are in contact, so that the fitting of the ECU side connector to the main body is prevented,
the method comprising:
passing the wiring side connector through a hole formed in a seat, from above the seat in a vertical direction thereof, with the movable member arranged in the first arrangement relative to the main body;
displacing the movable member relative to the main body such that the movable member is arranged in the second arrangement relative to the main body, after the passing of the wiring side connector through the hole;
and
fitting the main body to the ECU side connector with the movable member arranged in the second arrangement relative to the main body, after the displacing of the movable member.

15 more elements

An electronic device comprising:

an electronic control unit (ECU);
a wire that is electrically connected to the ECU;
and
a wiring side connector that is attached to an end portion of the wire on an ECU-side to electrically connect the wire and the ECU, wherein:
the ECU includes an ECU side connector that is fitted to the wiring side connector to electrically connect the wire and the ECU;
the wiring side connector includes:
a wiring side connector main body that accommodates the end portion of the wire and is fitted to the ECU side connector, the wire projecting from an inside toward an outside of the main body on a surface of the main body that is on an opposite side from a side of the main body on which the main body is fitted to the ECU side connector;
and
a movable member that is attached to the main body to be rotatable relative to the main body and that includes:
a restricting member having a shape of a plate and restricting a direction in which the wire projects from the main body;
and
an extended member fixed to the restricting member and extending from the restricting member in a direction that crosses a plate surface of the restricting member;
the extended member is engaged with the main body, such that the extended member is rigidly rotatable relative to the main body with an engagement part between the main body and the extended member serving as a rotation axis of the rotation of the extended member and that the extended member and the restricting member are thereby rigidly rotatable together relative to the main body;
when the movable member is arranged in a predetermined first arrangement relative to the main body, the movable member is in a position in which the movable member does not prevent the wire from projecting from the main body to extend straight in a counter-fitting direction, which is directly opposite from a direction in which the main body is fitted to the ECU side connector;
when the movable member is rotated from the first arrangement to a predetermined second arrangement relative to the main body, a portion of the restricting member directly engaging the wire moves closer to a portion of the main body from which the wire projects to press and bend the wire, so that the direction in which the wire projects from the main body is limited to a direction that crosses the counter-fitting direction;
when the movable member is arranged in the second arrangement relative to the main body, and the main body is fitted to the ECU side connector, the second arrangement of the movable member is maintained;
and
the wire is restricted to a direction of rotation of the movable member;
wherein a length of the extended member in a thickness direction that is perpendicular to the counter-fitting direction and to the rotation axis in the first arrangement is larger than a length of the extended member in the thickness direction in the second arrangement.

16 more elements

An electronic device comprising:

an electronic control unit (ECU);
a wire that is electrically connected to the ECU;
and
a wiring side connector that is attached to an end portion of the wire on an ECU-side to electrically connect the wire and the ECU, wherein:
the ECU includes an ECU side connector that is fitted to the wiring side connector to electrically connect the wire and the ECU;
the wiring side connector includes:
a wiring side connector main body that accommodates the end portion of the wire and is fitted to the ECU side connector, the wire projecting from an inside toward an outside of the main body on a surface of the main body that is on an opposite side from a side of the main body on which the main body is fitted to the ECU side connector;
and
a movable member that is attached to the main body to be rotatable relative to the main body and that includes:
a restricting member having a shape of a plate and restricting a direction in which the wire projects from the main body;
and
an extended member fixed to the restricting member and extending from the restricting member in a direction that crosses a plate surface of the restricting member;
the extended member is engaged with the main body, such that the extended member is rigidly rotatable relative to the main body with an engagement part between the main body and the extended member serving as a rotation axis of the rotation of the extended member and that the extended member and the restricting member are thereby rigidly rotatable together relative to the main body;
when the movable member is arranged in a predetermined first arrangement relative to the main body, the movable member is in a position in which the movable member does not prevent the wire from projecting from the main body to extend straight in a counter-fitting direction, which is directly opposite from a direction in which the main body is fitted to the ECU side connector;
when the movable member is rotated from the first arrangement to a predetermined second arrangement relative to the main body, a portion of the restricting member directly engaging the wire moves closer to a portion of the main body from which the wire projects to press and bend the wire, so that the direction in which the wire projects from the main body is limited to a direction that crosses the counter-fitting direction;
when the movable member is arranged in the second arrangement relative to the main body, and the main body is fitted to the ECU side connector, the second arrangement of the movable member is maintained;
and
the wire is restricted to a direction of rotation of the movable member;
wherein a length of the extended member in a thickness direction that is perpendicular to the counter-fitting direction and to the rotation axis in the first arrangement is larger than a length of the extended member in the thickness direction in the second arrangement.

16 more elements

An electronic device comprising:

an electronic control unit (ECU);
a wire that is electrically connected to the ECU;
and
a wiring side connector that is attached to an end portion of the wire on an ECU-side to electrically connect the wire and the ECU, wherein:
the ECU includes an ECU side connector that is fitted to the wiring side connector to electrically connect the wire and the ECU;
the wiring side connector includes:
a wiring side connector main body that accommodates the end portion of the wire and is fitted to the ECU side connector, the wire projecting from an inside toward an outside of the main body on a surface of the main body that is on an opposite side from a side of the main body on which the main body is fitted to the ECU side connector;
and
a movable member that is attached to the main body to be rotatable relative to the main body and that includes:
a restricting member having a shape of a plate and restricting a direction in which the wire projects from the main body;
and
an extended member fixed to the restricting member and extending from the restricting member in a direction that crosses a plate surface of the restricting member;
the extended member is engaged with the main body, such that the extended member is rigidly rotatable relative to the main body with an engagement part between the main body and the extended member serving as a rotation axis of the rotation of the extended member and that the extended member and the restricting member are thereby rigidly rotatable together relative to the main body;
when the movable member is arranged in a predetermined first arrangement relative to the main body, the movable member is in a position in which the movable member does not prevent the wire from projecting from the main body to extend straight in a counter-fitting direction, which is directly opposite from a direction in which the main body is fitted to the ECU side connector;
when the movable member is rotated from the first arrangement to a predetermined second arrangement relative to the main body, a portion of the restricting member directly engaging the wire moves closer to a portion of the main body from which the wire projects to press and bend the wire, so that the direction in which the wire projects from the main body is limited to a direction that crosses the counter-fitting direction;
when the movable member is arranged in the second arrangement relative to the main body, and the main body is fitted to the ECU side connector, the second arrangement of the movable member is maintained;
and
the wire is restricted to a direction of rotation of the movable member;
wherein:
the mechanism includes:
a restricting member having a shape of a plate and restricting a direction in which the wire projects from the wiring side connector;
and
an extended member fixed to the restricting member and extending from the restricting member in a direction that crosses a plate surface of the restricting member;
and
a length of the extended member in a thickness direction that is perpendicular to the counter-fitting direction and to a rotation axis of rotation of the extended member in the first state is larger than a length of the extended member in the thickness direction in the second state.

22 more elements

An electronic device comprising:

an electronic control unit (ECU);
a wire that is electrically connected to the ECU;
and
a wiring side connector that is attached to an end portion of the wire on an ECU-side to electrically connect the wire and the ECU, wherein:
the ECU includes an ECU side connector that is fitted to the wiring side connector to electrically connect the wire and the ECU;
the wiring side connector includes:
a wiring side connector main body that accommodates the end portion of the wire and is fitted to the ECU side connector, the wire projecting from an inside toward an outside of the main body on a surface of the main body that is on an opposite side from a side of the main body on which the main body is fitted to the ECU side connector;
and
a movable member that is attached to the main body to be rotatable relative to the main body and that includes:
a restricting member having a shape of a plate and restricting a direction in which the wire projects from the main body;
and
an extended member fixed to the restricting member and extending from the restricting member in a direction that crosses a plate surface of the restricting member;
the extended member is engaged with the main body, such that the extended member is rigidly rotatable relative to the main body with an engagement part between the main body and the extended member serving as a rotation axis of the rotation of the extended member and that the extended member and the restricting member are thereby rigidly rotatable together relative to the main body;
when the movable member is arranged in a predetermined first arrangement relative to the main body, the movable member is in a position in which the movable member does not prevent the wire from projecting from the main body to extend straight in a counter-fitting direction, which is directly opposite from a direction in which the main body is fitted to the ECU side connector;
when the movable member is rotated from the first arrangement to a predetermined second arrangement relative to the main body, a portion of the restricting member directly engaging the wire moves closer to a portion of the main body from which the wire projects to press and bend the wire, so that the direction in which the wire projects from the main body is limited to a direction that crosses the counter-fitting direction;
when the movable member is arranged in the second arrangement relative to the main body, and the main body is fitted to the ECU side connector, the second arrangement of the movable member is maintained;
and
the wire is restricted to a direction of rotation of the movable member;
wherein:
the movable member includes:
a restricting member having a shape of a plate and restricting a direction in which the wire projects from the main body;
and
an extended member fixed to the restricting member and extending from the restricting member in a direction that crosses a plate surface of the restricting member;
and
a length of the extended member in a thickness direction that is perpendicular to the counter-fitting direction and to a rotation axis of rotation of the extended member in the first arrangement is larger than a length of the extended member in the thickness direction in the second arrangement.

22 more elements

An electronic device comprising:

an electronic control unit (ECU);
a wire that is electrically connected to the ECU;
and
a wiring side connector that is attached to an end portion of the wire on an ECU-side to electrically connect the wire and the ECU, wherein:
the ECU includes an ECU side connector that is fitted to the wiring side connector to electrically connect the wire and the ECU;
the wiring side connector includes:
a wiring side connector main body that accommodates the end portion of the wire and is fitted to the ECU side connector, the wire projecting from an inside toward an outside of the main body on a surface of the main body that is on an opposite side from a side of the main body on which the main body is fitted to the ECU side connector;
and
a movable member that is attached to the main body to be rotatable relative to the main body and that includes:
a restricting member having a shape of a plate and restricting a direction in which the wire projects from the main body;
and
an extended member fixed to the restricting member and extending from the restricting member in a direction that crosses a plate surface of the restricting member;
the extended member is engaged with the main body, such that the extended member is rigidly rotatable relative to the main body with an engagement part between the main body and the extended member serving as a rotation axis of the rotation of the extended member and that the extended member and the restricting member are thereby rigidly rotatable together relative to the main body;
when the movable member is arranged in a predetermined first arrangement relative to the main body, the movable member is in a position in which the movable member does not prevent the wire from projecting from the main body to extend straight in a counter-fitting direction, which is directly opposite from a direction in which the main body is fitted to the ECU side connector;
when the movable member is rotated from the first arrangement to a predetermined second arrangement relative to the main body, a portion of the restricting member directly engaging the wire moves closer to a portion of the main body from which the wire projects to press and bend the wire, so that the direction in which the wire projects from the main body is limited to a direction that crosses the counter-fitting direction;
when the movable member is arranged in the second arrangement relative to the main body, and the main body is fitted to the ECU side connector, the second arrangement of the movable member is maintained;
and
the wire is restricted to a direction of rotation of the movable member;
wherein the wire is clamped between the restricting member and the wiring side connector main body in the second arrangement so that the direction of the wire is restricted.

16 more elements

A wiring unit adapted for an electronic control unit (ECU), the wiring unit comprising:

a wire that is electrically connected to the ECU;
and
a wiring side connector that is attached to an end portion of the wire on an ECU-side to electrically connect the wire and the ECU, wherein:
the ECU includes an ECU side connector that is fitted to the wiring side connector to electrically connect the wire and the ECU;
the wiring side connector includes:
a wiring side connector main body that accommodates the end portion of the wire and is fitted to the ECU side connector, the wire projecting from an inside toward an outside of the main body on a surface of the main body that is on an opposite side from a side of the main body on which the main body is fitted to the ECU side connector;
and
a movable member that is attached to the main body to be rotatable relative to the main body and that includes:
a restricting member having a shape of a plate and restricting a direction in which the wire projects from the main body;
and
an extended member fixed to the restricting member and extending from the restricting member in a direction that crosses a plate surface of the restricting member;
the extended member is engaged with the main body, such that the extended member is rigidly rotatable relative to the main body with an engagement part between the main body and the extended member serving as a rotation axis of the rotation of the extended member and that the extended member and the restricting member are thereby rigidly rotatable together relative to the main body;
when the movable member is arranged in a predetermined first arrangement relative to the main body, the movable member is in a position in which the movable member does not prevent the wire from projecting from the main body to extend straight in a counter-fitting direction, which is directly opposite from a direction in which the main body is fitted to the ECU side connector;
when the movable member is rotated from the first arrangement to a predetermined second arrangement relative to the main body, the restricting member moves closer to a portion of the main body, from which the wire projects, to press and bend the wire, so that the direction in which the wire projects from the main body is limited to a direction that crosses the counter-fitting direction;
when the movable member is arranged in the second arrangement relative to the main body, and the main body is fitted to the ECU side connector, the second arrangement of the movable member is maintained;
and
the wire is restricted to a direction of rotation of the movable member;
wherein the wire is clamped between the restricting member and the wiring side connector main body in the second arrangement so that the direction of the wire is restricted.

15 more elements

the ECU includes an ECU side connector that is fitted to the wiring side connector to electrically connect the wire and the ECU;
the wire projects from an inside toward an outside of the wiring side connector on a surface of the wiring side connector that is on an opposite side from a side of the wiring side connector on which the wiring side connector is fitted to the ECU side connector;
the wiring side connector includes a mechanism that is transformable between a first state and a second state thereof;
when the mechanism is arranged in the first state, the mechanism does not prevent the wire from projecting from the wiring side connector to extend straight in a counter-fitting direction, which is directly opposite from a direction in which the wiring side connector is fitted to the ECU side connector;
when the mechanism is transformed from the first state to the second state, the mechanism moves closer to the surface of the wiring side connector and a direction in which the wire projects from the wiring side connector is limited to a direction that crosses the counter-fitting direction;
and
the wire is restricted to a direction of rotation of the movable member;
the method comprising:
passing the wiring side connector through a hole formed in a seat, from above the seat in a vertical direction thereof, with the mechanism in the first state;
transforming the mechanism to the second state after the passing of the wiring side connector through the hole;
and
fitting the wiring side connector to the ECU side connector with the mechanism in the second state, after the transforming of the mechanism to the second state;
wherein the wire is clamped between the surface of the wiring side connector and the mechanism in the second state so that the direction of the wire is restricted.

10 more elements

the ECU includes an ECU side connector that is fitted to the wiring side connector to electrically connect the wire and the ECU;
the wiring side connector includes:
a wiring side connector main body that accommodates the end portion of the wire and is fitted to the ECU side connector, the wire projecting from an inside toward an outside of the main body on a surface of the main body that is on an opposite side from a side of the main body on which the main body is fitted to the ECU side connector;
and
a movable member that is attached to the main body to be displaceable relative to the main body;
when the movable member is arranged in a predetermined first arrangement relative to the main body, the movable member is in a position in which the movable member does not prevent the wire from projecting from the main body to extend straight in a counter-fitting direction, which is directly opposite from a direction in which the main body is fitted to the ECU side connector;
when the movable member is displaced from the first arrangement to a predetermined second arrangement relative to the main body, the movable member moves closer to a portion of the main body, from which the wire projects, to press and bend the wire, so that a direction in which the wire projects from the main body is limited to a direction that crosses the counter-fitting direction;
when the movable member is arranged in the second arrangement relative to the main body, and the main body is fitted to the ECU side connector, the second arrangement of the movable member is maintained;
and
the wire is restricted to a direction of rotation of the movable member;
the method comprising:
passing the wiring side connector through a hole formed in a seat, from above the seat in a vertical direction thereof, with the movable member arranged in the first arrangement relative to the main body;
displacing the movable member relative to the main body such that the movable member is arranged in the second arrangement relative to the main body, after the passing of the wiring side connector through the hole;
and
fitting the main body to the ECU side connector with the movable member arranged in the second arrangement relative to the main body, after the displacing of the movable member;
wherein the wire is clamped between the movable member and the wiring side connector main body in the second arrangement so that the direction of the wire is restricted.

13 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 12/807,499Filed 7 Sep 2010
Priority: JP 2009-2080319 Sep 2009
Published: US 2011/0060479 A110 Mar 2011
Granted: 3 Sep 2013
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification5 codes

H01R 13/567
Means for preventing chafing or fracture of flexible leads at outlet from coupling part: traverse cable outlet or wire connection
H01R 43/26
Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or…
Y10T 29/49169
Conductor or circuit manufacturing: assembling electrical component directly to terminal or elongated conductor
H01R
Electrically-conductive connections