DOCKING UNIT BETWEEN MODULES

摘要

PURPOSE:To enable a docking unit to move to adjust docking position by providing plural expansible latch rollers on the tip end of a probe supported on a positioning unit in such a way as being controllably driven in its exit/entrance in axial direction. CONSTITUTION:An active side module 1 for making docking is provided with a freely projectable probe 8 for catching and a passive side module 40 is provided with a drogue 42 to engage with the probe 8. And the probe 8 is supported, on a motor-driven positioning unit 3 capable of moving the probe 8 freely within a plane perpendicular to its axial direction, in such a manner as being controllably driven in exit/entrance in its axial direction. Plural expansible latch rollers 21 are provided on the tip part of the probe 8. The tolerance range of a deviation of shaft center for allowing docking can be increased because it is possible for the active side probe 8 it self to adjust the position of docking by freely moving within a two-dimensional plane in response to any position change on the passive side.