Self-aligning and floating apparatus for an automatic tester

摘要

An apparatus includes coupling and supporting devices for floating and positioning a fixture to dock with another fixture. A coupling device is mounted on the fixture and coupled to an immediate plate using ball bearings to provide movements in X-Y directions as well as angular movements. The supporting device comprises a ball joint mounted between the immediate plate and a supporting plate to allow the fixture to be tilted. Sliding rods and a hinge are mounted on the supporting plate so that the fixture can be flipped over 180 degrees. Springs can be used instead of a ball joint. Sliding tracks and plates can also be used to provide movements in the X-Y directions. Guide devices each having a male guide member with a cone shaped head and a matched female guide member with a cone shaped void are used to guide the fixtures into positions for docking.