DEVICE FOR DOCKING DEVELOPED MODULES OF SPACECRAFT Russian patent published in 2004 - IPC

FIELD: space engineering; manned spacecraft operating in orbit for extended period of time. SUBSTANCE: proposed device has members of relative circular orientation of modules and docking latches; each docking latch has receiving seat on one module and active unit on other module. Active unit has threaded rod fitted for motion in axial direction. Receiving seat has body with circular holder inside it; circular holder has longitudinal slots where spring-loaded cams are mounted. One working surface of each said cam may be supported by end face of holder and other working surface is engageable with bearing surface of head of threaded rod having form of truncated cone with section for wrench. Rod is spring-loaded relative to body of active unit and is provided with nut having projections engageable with longitudinal slots of active unit body. Threaded rods are provided with retainers for holding the rods from axial motion and from spontaneous turn. Body of receiving seat of docking latches may be additionally provided with spring-loaded stop for engagement with longitudinal slots found on lateral surface of head of active unit threaded rod. EFFECT: enhanced reliability. 2 cl, 10 dwg