摘要 |
A first conduit section (12) has a first end fitting (16) at an inner end thereof and a second conduit section (14) has a second end fitting (18) at an inner end thereof. A first end fitting (20) is movably supported by the first conduit section (12) and has a first terminal (28) adjacent the first end fitting (16). Likewise, a second core element (24) is movably supported by the second conduit section (14) and has a second terminal (30) adjacent the second end fitting (18). The terminals (28 and 30) include male and female portions for snapping the terminals (28 and 30) into mechanical interlocking engagement with one another and a coupling mechanism (36) couples the end fittings (16 and 18) together. The assembly is characterized by a connection mechanism for forcing the terminals (28 and 30) into the mechanical interlocking engagement with one another and thereafter releasing the terminals (28 and 30) for rectilinear movement in response to coupling the end fittings (16 and 18) together. The connection mechanism includes a pair of positioning arms (38) having a holding position for holding the second terminal (30) spaced from an inward limit of movement as the terminals (28 and 30) are forced into the mechanical interlocking engagement with one another and a release position for allowing the engaged terminals (28 and 30) to move between limits of movement.
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