Patent ID: 6870362

Claim:
A docking apparatus for coupling a first apparatus consisting of a handler or prober to a second apparatus consisting of a testing head for electronic components, comprising: a docking plate attachable to one of the apparatuses, to which docking plate at least one locking unit is provided, at least one locking pin arranged at the other apparatus, capable of being brought into locking engagement with the associated locking unit, and an actuating means for locking and unlocking the locking pin inserted in the locking unit, characterized in that the locking unit comprises: an axial insertion opening for inserting the locking pin, a plurality of balls arranged in the area of the insertion opening, between which the locking pin is insertable, a ball clamping sleeve enabling, in a first axial position, a radial position of the balls outside of the insertion area of the locking pin, in which the locking pin is insertable between the balls, and locking, in a second axial position, the balls in a locking position, in which the balls protrude into a circumferential groove of the inserted locking pin.