| 摘要 |
A connector and method is provided for coupling sections of tubing 102, 104 together wherein each of the tube sections 102, 104 includes a respective connector member 106, 108 attached at an end thereof. The second connector member 108 has a spring 111 associated therewith for providing an axial force to assist in fully engaging the two connector members 106, 108 upon introduction of the first connector member 106 into the second connector member 108. A plurality of load members 112 hold the spring 111 in a compressed state prior to the coupling of the connector members 106, 108. As the connector members 106, 108 are coupled, the spring 111 is released and a plurality of latch pins 116, connected to the load members 112, engage a circumferential flange 120 on the first connector member 106. The force of the spring 111 is thus translated to the first connector member 106 to assist in the insertion of the first connector member 106 into the second connector member 108. The latch pins 116 may include curved tab portions 116a which extend through the housing 109 of the connector 100 to hold the tubes 102, 104 in the engaged position. To release the tubes 102, 104, the tab portions 116a are pressed downward toward the center axis of the connector 100.
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