The lower hinges of the shock absorbers, the spring cables and the levers are located in the bushing. During docking the bushing is stopped and is in a forward position. It can be freed manually from the command module or the lunar module. Afterwards it is moved back by three shock absorbers; the lever mechanisms are stored like a umbrella. To reverse the arrangement of the docking mechanism the bushing is moved into a forward position manually using a manual winch. The locks of the docking frame are installed on the inner wall of the lunar module tunnel. The clamp of each lock (Figure 1.23) develops a force of 143 kN and is designed for a maximum load of 54 kN. The lock has a spring drive with an eccentric mechanism, which is elevated before each docking. The spring drive is activated automatically from a mechanical trigger in the final portion of coupling by the docking mechanism. Each lock has a handle to open the clamp before undocking. To open the mechanism, which is simultaneously raised for repeated docking, one must turn the handle once or twice with a force which does not exceed 180 N. The docking frame of the active assembly is attached to the forward flange of the hull of the transition tunnel. Tn the structure the attachment unit has built-in pyrotechnic fuses (see Figure 1.23) which, when fired, cut off the tapered part of the base. Figure 1.23. Lock of the docking frame of the Apollo docking mechanism. a. retracted position; b. elevated position. 1. lock mechanism; 2. flange of the lunar module; 3. flange of the command module; 4. drive axis; 5. rocker arm.
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