IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO CONNECTORS

摘要

A connector comprises a first coupling assembly comprising a first coupling member associated with an annular body from which extend a plurality of radially flexible fingers provided at their ends with engagement ribs engageable in grooves in a second coupling member to be abutted against the first coupling member. The fingers are held in their radially inner engaged position by a locking ring axially movable relative to the annular body between a locking position and an inoperative position. The locking ring may be associated a disengagement portion which, as the locking ring moves to its inoperative position, engages the ends of the fingers to move them radially outwardly to disengage the ribs from the grooves. The annular body may be axially movable relative to the first coupling member or fixed relative thereto. When fixed, guide vanes may be provided between the fingers to define a guide surface in the region of the ribs which lies between the operative and inoperative positions of the fingers to prevent inadvertent contact of the ribs and grooves when the fingers are in their inoperative positions.