Patent ID: 6056328
Filing Date: 2000-05-02
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
A coupler for connecting a first member to a second member, comprising:a stationary member connected to said first member, and having an inner space extending in a first direction and open at one end thereof;a movable member provided between said stationary member, said second member projecting from the opening at said one end of said stationary member, and movable in said inner space in said first direction and in a direction opposite to said first direction;an elastic member accommodated in said inner space between said stationary member and said movable member, and urging said movable member in said first direction;a clamper provided between said second member and said movable member, supported by said movable member, and movable in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction and in a direction opposite to said second direction; anda converter for converting a motion of said movable member in said first direction and in said direction opposite to said first direction to a motion of said clamper in said second direction and in said direction opposite to said second direction so as to bring said clamper into surface contact with said second member through said motion of said clamper in said second direction and release said clamper from the surface contact with said second member through said motion of said clamper in said direction opposite to said second direction.