The docking device of the Soyuz-Salyut complex has a whole set of equipment for back-up undocking. In principle, a spacecraft can be connected by three mechanical links: the rod of the docking mechanism, and two sets of locks. Tn addition to the main, standard way, each link may be separated by two other ways, from the active mechanism or the passive mechanism. The primary link in the docking mechanism is freed by the electrical drive to the socket latches. The drive can be used multiple times. The docking mechanism may also be separated from the hatch by firing the pyrotechnic bolts. To separate the secondary locks of the docking frame the pyrotechnic bolts of the active and passive clamps can be fired. Usually the spacecraft are separated during undocking by four spring plungers creating a thrust of 3 kN. If necessary, the force of separation can be increased to approximately 10 kN, if the drive of the docking mechanism is turned on to advance the rod. Undocking may be done without depressurizing the transition tunnel by firing the pyrotechnic bolts of the clamps. The pressure in the tunnel creates an additional separation thrust of 68 kN. Docking mechanism. The rod of the docking mechanism moves in the guides (Figure 1.11). The supports insure the movement of the rod as an acting element of the longitudinal shock absorber when there are significant lateral forces. The main energy-absorbing element of the longitudinal shock absorber is the friction self- adjusting brake. When the rod moves, the drive of the friction brake acts as a protective coupling. The cam of the lever separation mechanism is kinematically linked with the nut of the bearing-screw converter. Docking mechanisms were created with four and three levers. The second variant is simpler and kinematically efficient. The middle lever is linked to the cam and is the master lever, and the two others are connected to the main lever by gears with conical pinions. The lock of the docking frame has an eccentric mechanism to tighten the active clamp. The cable connections unite all the pulleys located in the eccentric shafts of the electrical drive (Figure 1.12). To create a regulated force to tighten the locks, and to insure simultaneous operation of all the locks from one electrical drive, the passive clamps are equipped with a set of plate-like springs. The docking frame of the active docking assembly has two end resin rings to seal the joint.
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