Apparatus for releasably connecting first and second objects in predetermined space relationship

摘要

Apparatus is disclosed for releasably connecting first and second space objects, such as a spacecraft and a space vehicle, in predetermined spaced relationship. The apparatus comprises at least one probe member (10) mounted on the first object (1), having an elongated shank portion (11), the distal end of which is provided with a tapered nose portion (12) . At least one drogue assembly (20) is mounted on the second space object (2) for releasably capturing the probe member 10 upon the first and second objects (1 and 2) being brought into close proximity with each other.PPThe drogue assembly (20) may comprise a housing (21, 28) which carries a cone subassembly (40, 41) having inwardly tapered conical surfaces (42, 43) for receiving the probe member (10). The housing (21, 28) carries a plurality of latch members (70) radially movable between retracted positions in which the latch members (70) do not project inwardly of the tapered conical surfaces (42, 43), and extended positions, in which the latch members (70) project inwardly of the tapered conical surfaces (42, 43) for engagement with the probe member (10). An operator assembly including an actuator arm (90) is carried by the housing (21, 28) and operable, when the probe (10) has been fully received, to lock the latch members (70) in the extended positions engaging the probe members (10) and releasably connecting the probe members (10) and the drogue assembly (20) in a substantially fixed axial relationship.