# US 7,461,871 B2 · Latch for joining two panels of an airplane structure

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- Number: US 7,461,871 B2
- Document ID: US7461871B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 10/560,254
- Filed: 2004-06-30
- Published: 2006-06-29
- Granted: 2008-12-09
- Earliest claimed: 2003-07-10
- Assignees: Aircelle
- Inventors: Guy Bernard Vauchel
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7461871B2

## CPC

- E05C 19/145: {flush}
- B64D 29/06: Attaching of nacelles, fairings or cowlings
- Y10S 292/31: Lever operator, flush
- Y10T 292/0917: Lever
- E05C: BOLTS OR FASTENING DEVICES FOR WINGS, SPECIALLY FOR DOORS OR WINDOWS (latching means for sideboard or tailgate structures for vehicles B62D, {B62D33/02}; fastening devices for constructional or engineering elements E04, F16B; locks, fastening devices structurally or operatively combined or having significant cooperation with locks E05B; means for operating or controlling wing fasteners in conjunction with mechanisms for moving the wing E05F)
- B64D: EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
- Y10S: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION

## Abstract

The invention relates to a latch (1) provided for joining two elements to one another via, on the one hand, a hook (2) capable of coming into contact with a retaining element (18) integrally connected to the first element and, on the other, via a main pin (3) to be attached in a fixed manner to the second element. Said latch has a handle (6) that is mounted so that it can pivot about an end pin (13) and has an articulation having a pair of compression links (4) mounted in a manner that enables them to pivot about the main pin (3) and about an intermediate pin (14). The invention is characterized in that the hook is inserted between the handle and the main pin, and in that at least one compression link (4) is provided with a guiding means (21) capable of coming into contact with the surface of the hook facing the handle during the opening of the latch.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A latch for joining two parts to one another, comprising:
a hook possessing a curved end arranged to engage with a retaining member connected to a first part;
a main pin designed to be attached firmly to a second part;
a single operating member pivoting about an end pin situated on the hook at an opposite end from the curved end of the hook; and
an articulation including a pair of compression links pivoting on the main pin and on an intermediate pin located on the operating member, the intermediate pin being positioned between the main pin and the end pin when the latch is closed,
wherein the hook is located between the operating member and the main pin, and at least one of the compression links is provided with a guide means contacting a surface of the hook which is nearest the operating member during the opening of the latch, such that the hook is supported by the guide means when the latch is open,
wherein the guide means consists of a spur connected to its corresponding compression link and the spur is housed in a recess formed in the surface of the hook which is nearest the operating member.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The latch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the recess is larger in an area that acts as a housing for the guide means at the end of the latch-opening operation.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The latch as claimed in claim 1, wherein in the locked position, the center of the main pin and the hook lie on either side of a line joining the center of the retaining member to the center of the intermediate pin.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The latch as claimed in claim 3, wherein the hook is provided with a projection capable of partially covering the main pin in the locked position.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The latch as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in the locked position, the center of the main pin is positioned between the hook and a line joining the center of the retaining member to the center of the intermediate pin.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The latch as claimed in claim 1, further comprises a second pair of compression links pivoting on the intermediate pin and on the end pin.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The latch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the operating member is firmly attached to the intermediate pin.

### Claim 8 (depends on 7)

The latch as claimed in claim 7, wherein the operating member is divided into a main structure having a pivoting axis and an end structure situated at an end opposite end from the end pin.

### Claim 9 (depends on 8)

The latch as claimed in claim 8, wherein a stop-piece belonging to the main structure is capable of limiting the angular travel of the end structure.

### Claim 10 (depends on 8)

The latch as claimed in claim 8, wherein, in the locked position, a spring keeps the end structure aligned with the main structure.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The latch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the operating member comprises a window giving access to the hook from the outside.

### Claim 12 (depends on 11)

The latch as claimed in claim 11, wherein the hook has a bore that can be accessed from the outside and in which a through part can be housed, preventing the opening of the latch.