A latch assembly and console box assembly

Abstract

A latch assembly for latching lid to a box body of a console assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The latch assembly comprises: a latch claw movably supported within the latch assembly for selectively engaging an opening in the box body to latch the lid to the box body; a rotor, mounted on the lid for rotation about a rotor axis, wherein the latch claw is coupled to the rotor such that rotation of the rotor urges the latch claw to move into and out of the opening, e.g. to engage and disengage the opening; a link member arranged to couple the rotor to an actuator handle of the latch assembly; and the actuator handle moveably, e.g. pivotally, mountable on the lid, e.g. for movement about a pivot axis, wherein the actuator handle and link member are arranged such that moving, e.g. pivoting, the actuator handle causes the link member to urge the rotor to rotate about the rotor axis and move the latch claw in direction perpendicular to the rotor axis to disengage from the opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a latch assembly and is particularly, although not exclusively, concerned with a latch assembly for latching a lid of a console assembly of a vehicle.Background

[0002] Console assemblies, such as centre console assemblies, for vehicles, such as motor vehicles, typically comprise a box body forming a storage compartment for occupants of the vehicle to store items in. The console assembly may comprise a lid for closing the storage space. The console assembly may further comprise a latch assembly for latching the lid in a closed position relative to the box body.

[0003] It is desirable to provide an improved latch assembly for latching the lid of a console assembly.Statements of Invention

[0004] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a latch assembly for latching lid to a box body of a console assembly for a motor vehicle, wherein the latch assembly comprises: a latch claw movably supported within the latch assembly for selectively engaging an opening in the box body to latch the lid to the box body; a rotor, mounted on the lid for rotation about a rotor axis, wherein the latch claw is coupled to the rotor such that rotation of the rotor urges the latch claw to move into and out of the opening, e.g. to engage and disengage the opening; a link member arranged to couple the rotor to an actuator handle of the latch assembly; and the actuator handle moveably, e.g. pivotally, mountable on the lid for movement about a pivot axis, wherein the actuator handle and link member are arranged such that moving, e.g. pivoting, the actuator handle causes the link member to urge the rotor to rotate about the rotor axis and move the latch claw in direction perpendicular to the rotor axis to disengage from the opening, e.g. in a lateral, Y, direction of the latch assembly.

[0005] The rotor axis may be aligned with a vertical, Z, direction of the latch assembly. The pivot axis may be aligned with the lateral, Y direction.

[0006] The latch assembly may further comprise a pin fixedly couplable to the lid. The rotor may be rotatably coupled to the pin. The pin may comprise one or more alignment surfaces parallel with the rotor axis and aligned, or parallel, with the opening. The one or more alignment surfaces may be configured to engage one or more respective complementary alignment surfaces formed on the latch claw. Engagement between the alignment surfaces and respective complementary alignment surfaces may act to maintain alignment between the latch claw and the opening in directions perpendicular to the alignment surfaces during movement of the latch claw, e.g. in a longitudinal, X, direction of the latch assembly. The alignment surfaces may be parallel with the direction in which the latch claws move into and out of the openings.

[0007] The pin may comprise a vertical alignment surface perpendicular with the rotor axis. The vertical alignment surface may be configured to engage a complementary vertical alignment surface formed on the latch claw. Engagement between the vertical alignment surfaces and complementary vertical alignment surface may be to maintain a position of the latch claw along the rotor axis.

[0008] The pin may comprise an end portion configured to pass through a slot in the rotor to assemble the rotor onto the pin. The end portion and slot may be shaped to prevent the end portion passing through the slot during latching and unlatching of the latch assembly, for example, when the rotor rotates between neutral and unlatched positions of the rotor, e.g. in which the latch claw engages or is disengage from the opening respectively.

[0009] The slot and end portion may comprise anti-symmetric portions which are not symmetric about the rotor axis. The anti-symmetric portions of the end portion and slot may be shaped to prevent the end portion passing through the slot when the rotor is rotated between the latched and unlatched positions. The pin may comprise an abutment surface formed on the end portion. The abutment surface may be configured to engage the rotor to prevent the rotor from moving the direction parallel with the rotor axis to decouple the rotor from the pin.

[0010] The latch assembly may further comprise a resilient member, such as a coil spring, configured to urge the rotor against the abutment surface of the end portion, e.g. when the rotor rotates between neutral and unlatched positions of the rotor.

[0011] The rotor may comprise a resiliently deformable member configured to deform in order to permit rotation of the rotor from an angle at which the end portion is able to pass through the slot to the neutral position of the rotor, and restrict rotation of the rotor from the neutral position towards the angle at which the end portion is able to pass through the slot.

[0012] The pin may comprise an anti-rotation member configured to engage the resiliently deformable member when the rotor is rotated from the angle at which the end portion is able to pass through the slot to the neutral position of the rotor and urge the deformable member to deform in order to move past the anti-rotation member. The anti-rotation member may be configured to engage the resiliently deformable member when the rotor is rotated from the neutral position of the rotor towards the angle at which the end portion is able to pass through the slot to resist rotation of the rotor.

[0013] The assembly may comprise a ball joint between the link member and the actuator handle. The actuator handle or link member may comprise first and second side flanges for preventing movement of a ball of the ball joint in lateral directions of the latch assembly. The actuator handle or link member may further comprise a ball retaining flange for preventing movement of the ball of the ball joint in a longitudinal direction of the latch assembly, e.g. away from the actuator handle.

[0014] The latch claw may comprise a dog-leg portion. The latch claw, e.g. the dog-leg portion, may be shaped such that the latch claw engages the opening at a position closer to the rotor axis in the longitudinal direction than the position at which the latch claw coupled to the rotor.

[0015] A console box assembly comprise: a box body forming an interior volume; a lid for closing an opening into the interior volume of the box body; and the above-mentioned latch assembly. The latch assembly may be coupled to the lid. The box body may comprise an opening to be engaged by the latch claw to latch the lid to the box body.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of assembling a latch assembly for latching lid to a box body of a console assembly for a motor vehicle. The latch assembly comprises: a latch claw configured to be movably supported within the latch assembly for engaging an opening in the box body to latch the lid to the box body; a rotor, configured to be mounted on the lid for rotation about a rotor axis, wherein the latch claw is couplable to the rotor such that rotation of the rotor urges the latch claw to move into and out of the opening; a link member to couple the rotor to an actuator handle of the latch assembly; and the actuator handle moveably, e.g. pivotally, mountable on the lid, e.g. for movement about a pivot axis, wherein the actuator handle and link member are arrangeable such that moving, e.g. pivoting, the actuator handle causes the link member to urge the rotor to rotate about the rotor axis and move the latch claw in direction perpendicular to the rotor axis to disengage from the opening. The method comprises: coupling the latch claw to the rotor; and coupling the rotor to the actuator handle by the link member.

[0017] The latch assembly may further comprise a pin fixedly couplable to the lid. The method may further comprise coupling the rotor to the pin, such that rotation of the rotor is supported by the pin.

[0018] The rotor may comprise a slot and the pin may comprise an end portion. Coupling the rotor to the pin may comprise inserting the end portion of the pin through the slot. The end portion and slot may be shaped to prevent the end portion passing through the slot during latching and unlatching of the latch assembly. Coupling the rotor to the pin may further comprise rotating the rotor into the neutral position after the end portion of the pin has passed through the slot.

[0019] The rotor may comprise a resiliently deformable member and the pin may comprise an anti-rotation member. The method may comprise rotating the rotor from the angle at which the end portion is able to pass through the slot to the neutral position of the rotor. The method may further comprise urging the deformable member to deform in order to move past the anti-rotation member.

[0020] To avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and repetition of text in the specification, certain features are described in relation to only one or several aspects or embodiments of the invention. However, it is to be understood that, where it is technically possible, features described in relation to any aspect or embodiment of the invention may also be used with any other aspect or embodiment of the invention. For example, features described in relation to the first mentioned aspect may be combined with the features of the second mentioned aspect.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1a is a rear perspective view of a console assembly for a motor vehicle according to arrangements of the present disclosure; Figure 1b is a side view of the console assembly shown in Figure 1a; Figure 2 is an exploded bottom view of a latch assembly for the console assembly shown in Figures 1a and 1b, and a lid for a console assembly; Figure 3 is a bottom perspective view of the latch assembly shown in Figure 2 in an assembled condition; Figures 4a and 4b are bottom perspective views of a latch actuator and link member of the latch assembly in neutral and actuated positions respectively; Figures 5a and 5b are bottom views of the link member, a rotor and a pin of the latch assembly in neutral and actuated positions respectively; Figures 6a and 6b are bottom views of the rotor, pin and latch claws of the latch assembly in latched and unlatched positions respectively; Figures 7a and 7b are top and side sectional views of the latch actuator and link member in the neutral position; Figure 8 is a side perspective view of the rotor, latch claws and pin; Figure 9a is a side perspective view of the rotor; Figure 9b is a side sectional view of the rotor; Figure 10a shows top and side views of the pin and the rotor at an initial, assembly position during assembly of the latch assembly; Fig 10b shows top and side views of the rotor and pin at a subsequent stage during assembly of the latch assembly, when the rotor is in the neutral position; and Figure 11 is a flow chart depicted a method of assembling a latch assembly for a console assembly according to arrangements of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0022] With reference to Figures 1a and 1b, collectively referred to as Figure 1, a console assembly 100, e.g. a centre console assembly, for a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle, according to arrangements of the present disclosure comprises a box body 102, a lid 104 and a latch assembly 200 according to arrangements of the present disclosure.

[0023] The box body 102 defines an interior space 106 for received items, e.g. items of luggage, placed into the console box by an occupant of the vehicle. The lid 104 is movably, e.g. pivotally coupled to the box body 102 and configured to selectively cover an opening into the interior space 106. For example, the lid 104 may be configured to pivot relative to the box body about a lid pivot axis A L , which may extend in a lateral direction of the console assembly. The lateral direction may be referred to as an Y direction of the console assembly. As depicted, the lid 104 may be coupled to the box body at or close to one longitudinal end of the lid, e.g. closer to one longitudinal end than a centre point of the lid in the longitudinal direction.

[0024] The latch assembly 200 is coupled to the lid and configured to releasably latch the lid 104 to the box body 102, as described in greater detail below. The latch assembly 200 may be coupled to the lid at or close to the opposite longitudinal end of the lid from the lid pivot axis. For example, the latch assembly 200 may be coupled to the lid on an opposite side of the longitudinal centre point of the lid from the lid pivot axis A L .

[0025] As illustrated in Figure 1, the box body 102 comprises one or more latch openings 108 for receiving and engaging with latch claws 206, 208, e.g. distal ends 206b, 208b of the latch claws, of the latch assembly 200, to thereby latch the lid 104 to the box body 102. In particular, the box body 102 may comprise a latch opening 108 formed on either lateral side of the box body for receiving the distal end of a latch claw of the latch assembly on either lateral side.

[0026] With reference to Figures 2 to 8, a latch assembly 200 for the console assembly 100 according to arrangements of the present disclosure will now be described. The latch assembly 200 is configured to couple to a lid, such as the lid 104, for releasable latching the lid to the box body.

[0027] The latch assembly 200 comprises a pin 202 configured to be coupled, e.g. fixedly coupled to the lid, e.g. using a fastener 203, and a rotor 204 configured to be movably, e.g. rotatably, coupled to the pin, such that the rotor 204 is rotatable relative to the pin about a rotor axis A R . As illustrated, the rotor axis A R may extend in a direction at least partially aligned with a vertical direction of the latch assembly, which may be referred to as a Z direction. The vertical direction may be perpendicular to longitudinal and lateral directions of the latch assembly, which may be referred to as X and Y directions respectively. When the latch assembly 200 is coupled to the lid 104, the longitudinal and lateral directions of the latch assembly may be substantially aligned with longitudinal and lateral directions of the lid and the console assembly (e.g. when the lid is latched to the box body).

[0028] The latch assembly 200 further comprises one or more latch claws 206, 208 coupled to the rotor 204. For example, the latch assembly 200 may comprise one or more, e.g. a corresponding number of, ball joints 210, 212 for coupling the latch claws 206, 208 to the rotor 204, e.g. at proximal ends 206a, 208a of the latch claws. In the arrangement depicted, balls 210a, 212a of the ball joints are provided on the rotor and sockets 210b, 212b of the ball joints are provided on the latch claws, e.g. at the proximal ends. However, in other arrangements, the balls may be provided on the respective latch claws and sockets may be provided on the rotor.

[0029] The latch assembly 200 is configured such that rotation of rotor 204 about the rotor axis A R causes the latch claws 206, 208, e.g. distal ends 206b, 208b of the latch claws, to move in the lateral, Y, directions of the latch assembly. For example, the latch claws may be coupled to the rotor 204 at positions spaced apart from the rotor axis in the longitudinal, X, direction of the latch assembly. When the latch assembly 200 is provided in the console assembly 100 movement of the latch claws in the lateral directions may engage or disengage the latch claws, e.g. the distal ends 206b, 208b of the latch claws, from the latch openings 108 in the box body.

[0030] In the arrangement depicted, the latch assembly comprises a latch claw 206, 208 provided on either lateral side of the latch assembly and the latch claws are configured to move in opposing lateral directions when the rotor 204 is rotated, e.g. to engage and disengage from respective latch openings at substantially the same time. For example, proximal ends 206a, 208a the latch claws may be coupled to the rotor on opposite sides of the rotor axis from one another, so that the distal ends of the latch claws move together in opposing directions into and out of the respective latch openings. In other arrangements, the latch assembly 200 may comprise a single latch claw. Further, as depicted, the latch claws may have a dog-leg shape, such that the latch claw extends at least partially about the rotor axis A R and distal ends of the latch claws are offset from the proximal ends of the latch claws in the longitudinal direction of the latch assembly.

[0031] The latch assembly 200 further comprises an actuator handle 214 configured to be mounted relative to the lid 104 so that the actuator handle 214 can be moved by a user relative to the lid and console assembly. In the arrangement depicted, the actuator handle 214 is pivotally coupled to the lid 104 for pivotal movement about an actuator pivot axis A A . As depicted, the actuator pivot axis may extend in a direction with a component in a lateral, Y, direction of the latch assembly and / or console assembly. For example, the actuator pivot axis A A may be aligned with the lateral direction. However, in other arrangements, the actuator pivot axis may extend in any other direction.

[0032] The latch assembly 200 may comprise an actuator handle pivot pin 216 which extends through openings formed in the lid 104 and the actuator handle 214 in order to support pivotal movement of the actuator handle 214 relative to the lid. In the arrangement depicted, the actuator handle pivot pin 216 is a separate component from the lid 104 and actuator handle 214. However, in other arrangements, the actuator handle pivot pin may be integrally formed with the lid or the actuator handle.

[0033] The actuator handle 214 may be moved, e.g. pivoted about the actuator pivot axis A A , relative to the lid in order to actuate the latch assembly 200, e.g. to unlatch the lid. In particular, the actuator handle may be moved, e.g. pivoted, between a neutral position, depicted in Figure 4a, and an actuated position, depicted in Figure 4b. The latch assembly 200 may comprise a resilient member 217, such as a coil spring, configured to bias the actuator handle 214 towards the neutral position.

[0034] The latch assembly 200 further comprises a link member 218 arranged to couple the actuator handle 214 to the rotor 204. The link member 218 may be arranged to transfer motion, e.g. rotation, of the actuator handle, e.g. about the actuator handle axis A A , to the rotor 204, e.g. to rotate about the rotor axis A R . As depicted, a first end 218a of the link member may be coupled to the actuator handle at a position spaced apart from the actuator pivot axis A A and a second end 218b of the link member may be coupled to the rotor 204 at a position spaced apart from the rotor axis. The link member 218 may be coupled to the actuator handle and rotor by ball joints 220, 230. For example, a ball 222 may be provided at the first end 218a of the link member to be received within a socket 224 provided on the actuator handle 214. A socket 234 may be provided at the second end 218b of the link member for receiving a ball 232 provided on the rotor. In other arrangements, a ball may be formed on the actuator handle and a socket formed at the first end of the link member, and / or a ball may be formed at the second end of the link member and a socket provided on the rotor for receiving the ball.

[0035] As can be seen in Figures 4a, 4b, 5a and 5b, the link member 218 may extend in a direction with a component in the longitudinal, X, direction of the latch assembly 200 between the first and second ends 218a, 218b, e.g. between actuator handle and the rotor. Additionally, the link member 218 may extend in a direction with a component in the vertical, Z, direction between the first and second ends 218a, 218b, e.g. between actuator handle and the rotor. In the arrangement depicted, the link member 218 is coupled to the actuator handle 214 at a position offset from the rotor axis A R in the lateral of the latch assembly. Additionally, the link member extends in a direction with a component in the lateral, Y, direction of the latch assembly between the actuator handle and the rotor. However, in other arrangements, the link member may be coupled to the actuator handle at a position substantially aligned with the rotor axis A R in the lateral of the latch assembly. Alternatively, e.g. when the link member 218 is coupled to the actuator handle 214 at a position offset from the rotor axis A R , the link member 218 may extend with substantially no component in the lateral, Y, direction of the latch assembly between the actuator handle and the rotor, e.g. in the neutral or actuated position of the latch assembly.

[0036] In use of the latch assembly 200, a user may move, e.g. pivot, the actuator handle 214, from the neutral position, depicted in Figure 4a, to the actuated position, depicted in Figure 4b. Movement of the actuator handle may move the link member 218, e.g. in a direction with a component in the longitudinal, X, direction of the latch assembly. Movement of the link member 218 may urge the rotor 204 to rotate between a neutral position of the rotor, depicted in Figure 5a, and an actuated position of the rotor, depicted in Figure 5b. Rotation of the rotor 204 may in turn urge the latch claws 206, 208 to move in the lateral, Y, directions of the latch assembly from latched positions, depicted in Figure 6a, to unlatched positions, depicted in Figure 6b, e.g. in which the latch claws are disengaged from the openings 108 formed in the box body. As illustrated in Figures 6a and 6b, in moving between the latched positions to the unlatched positions, the latch claws may move in a direction perpendicular to the rotor axis. For example, the latch claws may move inwardly towards the rotor axis A R from the latched positions to the unlatched positions, and outwardly away from the rotor axis from the unlatched positions to the latched positions.

[0037] With reference now to Figures 7a and 7b, the coupling between the link member 218 and the actuator handle will be described in greater detail. As mentioned above, the link member may be coupled to the actuator handle by a ball and socket joint 220. As depicted in the Figures, the ball 222 may be provided on the link member and the socket 224 may be provided on the actuator handle. Alternatively, the ball may be provided on the actuator handle and the socket may be provided on the link member.

[0038] The socket 224 may comprise laterally opposing side walls 224a, 224b. The ball 222 may be retained between the opposing side walls in the lateral, Y, direction, of the latch assembly 200. In some arrangements, the side walls 224a, 224b may be configured, e.g. shaped to at least partially retain the ball in longitudinal, X, and / or vertical, Z, directions of the latch assembly. For example, one or both of the side walls 224a, 224b of the socket may comprise recesses or openings for receiving the ball 222 and portions of the recessed / openings may extend around the ball 222 on either or both vertical and / or longitudinal sides of the ball 222 to at least partially resist / restrict movement of the ball in the vertical and / or lateral directions respectively. The side walls 224a, 224b of the socket 224 may extend from a base flange 224c of the socket, which may be arranged on a first longitudinal side of the ball 222 and thereby restrict movement of the ball in a first longitudinal direction towards the base flange 224c.

[0039] The socket 224 may further comprise a ball retaining flange 224d shaped to extend to an opposite side of the ball from the base flange, e.g. a second longitudinal side of the ball. The ball retaining flange may be at least partially arranged between the ball and the actuator pivot axis. The ball retaining flange may thereby act to resist or prevent movement of the ball away from the base flange in the longitudinal, X, direction of the latch assembly. In particular, the flange may prevent disengagement between the ball 222 and socket 224 when the actuator handle 214 is urged to return to the neutral position under the action of the resilient member 217. The ball retaining flange 224d may extend between the opposing side walls 224a, 224b and / or may extend from the base flange 224c. Alternatively, the ball retaining flange 224d may not be directly connected to the base flange 224c. For example, the ball retaining flange 224d may be connected to the base flange 224c via the side walls only.

[0040] With reference now to Figure 8, the pin 202 may comprise a base part 802 configured to be coupled to the lid 104 and inner and outer projecting parts 804, 806 extending away from the base part. The inner and outer projecting parts 804, 806 may extend away from the base part in a direction aligned with the rotor axis. As depicted, the inner projecting part 806 may extend a greater distance from the base part 802 than the outer projecting part 804 in the direction aligned with the rotor axis A R . The outer projecting part 804 may comprise a cylindrical outer surface 804a and a central axis of the cylindrical outer surface may correspond to the rotor axis A R .

[0041] As shown Figure 9b, the rotor 204 may comprise a recess 204a for receiving the outer projecting part 804. The recess may comprise a cylindrical internal surface which engages the cylindrical outer surface 806a when the outer projecting part 806 is received within the recess. Rotational movement of the rotor 204 about the rotor axis A R may be supported by virtue of the engagement between the outer projecting parts 806, e.g. the outer surface 806a and the recess, e.g. the internal surface of the recess. In this way, the rotor may be configured to rotate about the pin.

[0042] With reference to Figures 10a and 10b, in addition to Figure 9, the inner projecting part 806 may comprise a cylindrical portion 806a having a central axis substantially aligned with the rotor axis A R , and an end portion 806b formed at a distal end of the inner projecting part, e.g. on an opposite side of the cylindrical portion 806a from the base part 802 of the pin. The end portion 806b may have a greater cross-sectional area than the cylindrical portion 806a in a plane perpendicular to the rotor axis A R . Accordingly, a radial step may be formed between the cylindrical portion 806a and the end portion 806b. An abutment face 806c may be formed at the step between the cylindrical portion 806a and the end portion 806b. The abutment face may be substantially planar and may be perpendicular to the rotor axis A R .

[0043] The rotor 204 may comprise an opening or slot 204b extending through a portion of the rotor that forms the bottom of the recess 204a. The slot 204b and the inner projecting part of the pin, e.g. the end portion 806b, may be configured, e.g. shaped, to allow the end portion to be inserted through the slot 204b. For example, the slot and the end portion may have corresponding cross-sectional shapes in a plane perpendicular to the rotor axis A R . As described below, during assembly of the latch assembly 200, the inner and outer projecting parts 806, 804 may be inserted into the rotor recess 204a, such that the end portion 806b of the inner projecting part passes through the slot 204b. The cross-sectional shape of the slot 204b may comprise a circular portion aligned with the rotor axis and an anti-symmetric portion radially outward of the circular portion, which is not symmetric about the rotor axis. For example, a cross-sectional shape of the anti-symmetric portion of the slot may have an order of rotational symmetry about the rotor axis of 2 or less. The shape of the end portion 806b of the inner projecting part may similarly comprise a circular portion and anti-symmetric portion. For example, a shape of the end portion of the inner projecting part may comprise a cylinder and one or more radially projecting lobes. A radius of the circular portion of the slot may be greater or equal to a radius of the cylindrical portion 806a of the inner projecting part of the pin, so that cylindrical portion can be received in the circular portion of the slot.

[0044] With reference to Figures 10a and 10b, when the rotor 204 is assembled onto the pin 202, the end portion 806b of the inner projecting part may pass through the slot 204b to be arranged on an opposite side of the slot 204b from the base part 802 of the pin. As depicted in Figure 10b, when the rotor 204 is rotated into the neutral position, the shape of the end portion 806b of the inner projecting part of the pin may no longer be aligned, e.g. rotationally aligned, with the shape of slot. Hence, the rotor 204 may be prevented from moving relative to the pin 202 in a direction parallel with the rotor axis A R to remove the inner and outer projecting parts 806, 804 of the pin from the recess 204a and slot 204b of the rotor respectively. As illustrated, in Figure 2, the latch assembly 200 may comprise a resilient member 205, such as a coil spring, configured to bias the rotor 204 to move in the direction parallel with the rotor axis A R , so that the abutment face 806c of the end portion engages the bottom portion of the rotor outside the recess.

[0045] Still referring to Figures 10a and 10b, the pin 202 may comprise one or more anti-rotation members 808 projecting outwardly from the base part 802 towards the rotor 204, when the latch assembly is assembled. The anti-rotation members 808 may project principally in a direction parallel with the rotor axis. When the pin 202 comprises more than one anti-rotation member, the anti-rotation members may be spaced circumferentially around the rotor axis A R . The anti-rotation members 808 may comprise a ramped surface 808a formed on one circumferential side of the anti-rotation member and an abutment surface 808b formed on an opposite circumferential side of the anti-rotation member.

[0046] The rotor 204 may comprise one or more, e.g. a corresponding number of, complementary anti-rotation members 1002, which may comprises resiliently deformable members projecting towards the base part 802 of the pin when the latch assembly 200 is assembled. The complementary anti-rotation members 1002 may be resiliently deformable in a direction away from the base part 802 of the pin.

[0047] During assembly of the rotor 204 to the pin 202 when the rotor 204 is rotated from an initial, assembly position in which the end portion 806b of the inner projecting part of the pin is able to pass through the slot 204b into the neutral position, the complementary anti-rotation members 1002 may be urged against the anti-rotation members 808, e.g. respective ones of the anti-rotation members. In particular, the complementary anti-rotation members 1002 may be urged against the ramped surfaces 808a of the anti-rotation members. The complementary anti-rotation members 1002 may have complementary ramped faces 1002a which engage the ramped surfaces 808a of the anti-rotation members. The ramped faces 808a and complementary ramped faces 1002a may be arranged, e.g. angled, such that urging the complementary ramped faces against the ramped faces during rotation of the rotor causes the complementary anti-rotation members to be deformed away from the pin base part 802 to allow the complementary anti-rotation members 1002 to be rotated past the anti-rotation members 808. Once the complementary anti-rotation members have moved parts the anti-rotation members, the complementary anti-rotation members may return to their previous positions by virtue of their resilient nature.

[0048] The complementary anti-rotation members 1002 and the anti-rotation members 808 may be configured such that, if the rotor 204 is rotated back from the neutral position towards the initial, assembly position in which the end portion 806b of the inner projecting part of the pin is able to pass through the slot 204b, engagement between the anti-rotation members 808 and complementary anti-rotation members 1002, e.g. between the abutment surfaces 808b and respective complementary abutment faces 1002b formed on the opposite circumferential side of the complementary anti-rotation members from the complementary ramped surface 1002a, may act to resist such rotation.

[0049] Returning to Figure 8, the pin 202 may further comprise one or more alignment surfaces 810a, 810b, 812a, 812b, which may be parallel with the rotor axis and / or the vertical, Z, direction, and the lateral, Y, direction. Accordingly, the alignment surfaces 810a, 810b, 812a, 812b may be perpendicular to the longitudinal, X, direction. The alignment surfaces are configured to engage one or more, e.g. a respective number of, corresponding alignment surfaces 206c, 206d, 208c, 208d formed on the latch claws 206, 208. The alignment surfaces and corresponding alignment surfaces are configured such that engagement between the alignment surfaces and corresponding alignment surfaces acts to maintain alignment between the latch claws 206, 208 and the openings 108 formed in the box body, e.g. in the longitudinal, X, direction. As illustrated, the pin 202 may comprise a pair of alignment surfaces associated with each latch claw for engaging a complementary alignment surface formed on either longitudinal side of the latch claw to maintain alignment of the latch claw with the opening in either longitudinal direction. The alignment surfaces 810a, 810b, 812a, 812b may be provided on flanges coupled to or integrally formed with the base part 802 of the pin.

[0050] The pin 202 may further comprise one or more vertical alignment surfaces 814, 816. The vertical alignment surfaces may be configured to engage one or more, e.g. a corresponding number of, complementary vertical alignment surfaces 206e, 208e formed on the latch claws. For example, one vertical alignment surface may be associated with a corresponding complementary vertical alignment surface on each latch claw. The vertical alignment surfaces 814, 816 may be perpendicular with the rotor axis A R and / or the vertical, Z, direction of the latch assembly. Engagement between the vertical alignment surfaces 814, 816 and complementary vertical alignment surfaces 206e, 208e may thereby act to maintain a position of the latch claw along the rotor axis A R , e.g. in the vertical direction. In particular, the vertical alignment surfaces and complementary vertical alignment surfaces may be configured to engage one another in order to maintain alignment of the latch claws 206, 208 with the openings 108 in the box body in the vertical direction, e.g. the direction along the rotor axis A R .

[0051] With reference to Figure 11, a method 1100 of assembling a latch assembly, such as the latch assembly 200, will now be described. The method 1100 comprises a first step 1102, in which a latch claw or claws, such as the latch claws 206, 208, are coupled to a rotor, such as the rotor 204, of the latch assembly. In particular, the latch claws may be coupled to the rotor via respective ball and socket joint, such as ball and socket joints 210, 212. In the first step 1102, the latch claws may be positioned to be aligned, or engaged with alignment surfaces and / or vertical alignment surfaces of the pin, such as alignment surfaces 810a, 810b, 812a, 812b and / or vertical alignment surfaces 814, 816.

[0052] The method 1100 further comprises a second step 1104, in which the rotor 204 is coupled to the actuator handle 214 by a link member, such as the link member 218. In particular, first and second ends of the link member may be coupled to the actuator handle and rotor via respect ball and socket joints, such as ball and socket joints 220, 230, as described above.

[0053] The method 1100 may further comprise a rotor assembly step 1106, in which the rotor is assembled onto the pin. In particular, inner and outer projecting parts 806, 804 of the pin may be inserted into a recess 204a formed in the rotor, so that a cylindrical surface of the outer projecting part engages an inner surface of the recess and / or so that an end portion 806b of an inner projecting part of the pin passes through the slot 204b formed in the rotor.

[0054] The method 1100 may further comprises a rotor rotation step 1108, in which the rotor 204 is rotated relative to the pin 202. In particular, the rotor may be rotated from a position in which the end portion 806b of the inner projecting part of the pin is able to pass through the slot 204b into the neutral position. As described above, during the rotation of the rotor, e.g. in the rotor rotation step, the complementary ramped faces of the rotor may be urged against the ramped faces of the pin, causing the complementary anti-rotation members of the rotor to be deformed away from the pin base part to allow the complementary anti-rotation members to be rotated past the anti-rotation members.

[0055] The method 1100 may further comprise an attachment step 1110, in which the pin and rotor are coupled to a lid of a console assembly, such as the lid 104. For example, the pin may be coupled to the lid using the fastener 203, e.g. a threaded fastener. The actuator attachment step 1110 may be performed before the first and second steps 1102, 1104.

[0056] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although the invention has been described by way of example, with reference to one or more exemplary examples, it is not limited to the disclosed examples and that alternative examples could be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0022]With reference to Figures 1a and 1b, collectively referred to as Figure 1, a console assembly 100, e.g. a centre console assembly, for a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle, according to arrangements of the present disclosure comprises a box body 102, a lid 104 and a latch assembly 200 according to arrangements of the present disclosure.

[0023]The box body 102 defines an interior space 106 for received items, e.g. items of luggage, placed into the console box by an occupant of the vehicle. The lid 104 is movably, e.g. pivotally coupled to the box body 102 and configured to selectively cover an opening into the interior space 106. For example, the lid 104 may be configured to pivot relative to the box body about a lid pivot axis A L , which may extend in a lateral direction of the console assembly. The lateral direction may be referred to as an Y direction of the console assembly. As depicted, the lid 104 may be coupled to the box body at or close to one longitudinal end of the lid...

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a latch assembly and is particularly, although not exclusively, concerned with a latch assembly for latching a lid of a console assembly of a vehicle.Background

[0002] Console assemblies, such as centre console assemblies, for vehicles, such as motor vehicles, typically comprise a box body forming a storage compartment for occupants of the vehicle to store items in. The console assembly may comprise a lid for closing the storage space. The console assembly may further comprise a latch assembly for latching the lid in a closed position relative to the box body.

[0003] It is desirable to provide an improved latch assembly for latching the lid of a console assembly.Statements of Invention

[0004] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a latch assembly for latching lid to a box body of a console assembly for a motor vehicle, wherein the latch assembly comprises: a latch claw movably supported within the latch assembly for selectively engaging an opening in the box body to latch the lid to the box body; a rotor, mounted on the lid for rotation about a rotor axis, wherein the latch claw is coupled to the rotor such that rotation of the rotor urges the latch claw to move into and out of the opening, e.g. to engage and disengage the opening; a link member arranged to couple the rotor to an actuator handle of the latch assembly; and the actuator handle moveably, e.g. pivotally, mountable on the lid for movement about a pivot axis, wherein the actuator handle and link member are arranged such that moving, e.g. pivoting, the actuator handle causes the link member to urge the rotor to rotate about the rotor axis and move the latch claw in direction perpendicular to the rotor axis to disengage from the opening, e.g. in a lateral, Y, direction of the latch assembly.

[0005] The rotor axis may be aligned with a vertical, Z, direction of the latch assembly. The pivot axis may be aligned with the lateral, Y direction.

[0006] The latch assembly may further comprise a pin fixedly couplable to the lid. The rotor may be rotatably coupled to the pin. The pin may comprise one or more alignment surfaces parallel with the rotor axis and aligned, or parallel, with the opening. The one or more alignment surfaces may be configured to engage one or more respective complementary alignment surfaces formed on the latch claw. Engagement between the alignment surfaces and respective complementary alignment surfaces may act to maintain alignment between the latch claw and the opening in directions perpendicular to the alignment surfaces during movement of the latch claw, e.g. in a longitudinal, X, direction of the latch assembly. The alignment surfaces may be parallel with the direction in which the latch claws move into and out of the openings.

[0007] The pin may comprise a vertical alignment surface perpendicular with the rotor axis. The vertical alignment surface may be configured to engage a complementary vertical alignment surface formed on the latch claw. Engagement between the vertical alignment surfaces and complementary vertical alignment surface may be to maintain a position of the latch claw along the rotor axis.

[0008] The pin may comprise an end portion configured to pass through a slot in the rotor to assemble the rotor onto the pin. The end portion and slot may be shaped to prevent the end portion passing through the slot during latching and unlatching of the latch assembly, for example, when the rotor rotates between neutral and unlatched positions of the rotor, e.g. in which the latch claw engages or is disengage from the opening respectively.

[0009] The slot and end portion may comprise anti-symmetric portions which are not symmetric about the rotor axis. The anti-symmetric portions of the end portion and slot may be shaped to prevent the end portion passing through the slot when the rotor is rotated between the latched and unlatched positions. The pin may comprise an abutment surface formed on the end portion. The abutment surface may be configured to engage the rotor to prevent the rotor from moving the direction parallel with the rotor axis to decouple the rotor from the pin.

[0010] The latch assembly may further comprise a resilient member, such as a coil spring, configured to urge the rotor against the abutment surface of the end portion, e.g. when the rotor rotates between neutral and unlatched positions of the rotor.

[0011] The rotor may comprise a resiliently deformable member configured to deform in order to permit rotation of the rotor from an angle at which the end portion is able to pass through the slot to the neutral position of the rotor, and restrict rotation of the rotor from the neutral position towards the angle at which the end portion is able to pass through the slot.

[0012] The pin may comprise an anti-rotation member configured to engage the resiliently deformable member when the rotor is rotated from the angle at which the end portion is able to pass through the slot to the neutral position of the rotor and urge the deformable member to deform in order to move past the anti-rotation member. The anti-rotation member may be configured to engage the resiliently deformable member when the rotor is rotated from the neutral position of the rotor towards the angle at which the end portion is able to pass through the slot to resist rotation of the rotor.

[0013] The assembly may comprise a ball joint between the link member and the actuator handle. The actuator handle or link member may comprise first and second side flanges for preventing movement of a ball of the ball joint in lateral directions of the latch assembly. The actuator handle or link member may further comprise a ball retaining flange for preventing movement of the ball of the ball joint in a longitudinal direction of the latch assembly, e.g. away from the actuator handle.

[0014] The latch claw may comprise a dog-leg portion. The latch claw, e.g. the dog-leg portion, may be shaped such that the latch claw engages the opening at a position closer to the rotor axis in the longitudinal direction than the position at which the latch claw coupled to the rotor.

[0015] A console box assembly comprise: a box body forming an interior volume; a lid for closing an opening into the interior volume of the box body; and the above-mentioned latch assembly. The latch assembly may be coupled to the lid. The box body may comprise an opening to be engaged by the latch claw to latch the lid to the box body.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of assembling a latch assembly for latching lid to a box body of a console assembly for a motor vehicle. The latch assembly comprises: a latch claw configured to be movably supported within the latch assembly for engaging an opening in the box body to latch the lid to the box body; a rotor, configured to be mounted on the lid for rotation about a rotor axis, wherein the latch claw is couplable to the rotor such that rotation of the rotor urges the latch claw to move into and out of the opening; a link member to couple the rotor to an actuator handle of the latch assembly; and the actuator handle moveably, e.g. pivotally, mountable on the lid, e.g. for movement about a pivot axis, wherein the actuator handle and link member are arrangeable such that moving, e.g. pivoting, the actuator handle causes the link member to urge the rotor to rotate about the rotor axis and move the latch claw in direction perpendicular to the rotor axis to disengage from the opening. The method comprises: coupling the latch claw to the rotor; and coupling the rotor to the actuator handle by the link member.

[0017] The latch assembly may further comprise a pin fixedly couplable to the lid. The method may further comprise coupling the rotor to the pin, such that rotation of the rotor is supported by the pin.

[0018] The rotor may comprise a slot and the pin may comprise an end portion. Coupling the rotor to the pin may comprise inserting the end portion of the pin through the slot. The end portion and slot may be shaped to prevent the end portion passing through the slot during latching and unlatching of the latch assembly. Coupling the rotor to the pin may further comprise rotating the rotor into the neutral position after the end portion of the pin has passed through the slot.

[0019] The rotor may comprise a resiliently deformable member and the pin may comprise an anti-rotation member. The method may comprise rotating the rotor from the angle at which the end portion is able to pass through the slot to the neutral position of the rotor. The method may further comprise urging the deformable member to deform in order to move past the anti-rotation member.

[0020] To avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and repetition of text in the specification, certain features are described in relation to only one or several aspects or embodiments of the invention. However, it is to be understood that, where it is technically possible, features described in relation to any aspect or embodiment of the invention may also be used with any other aspect or embodiment of the invention. For example, features described in relation to the first mentioned aspect may be combined with the features of the second mentioned aspect.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1a is a rear perspective view of a console assembly for a motor vehicle according to arrangements of the present disclosure; Figure 1b is a side view of the console assembly shown in Figure 1a; Figure 2 is an exploded bottom view of a latch assembly for the console assembly shown in Figures 1a and 1b, and a lid for a console assembly; Figure 3 is a bottom perspective view of the latch assembly shown in Figure 2 in an assembled condition; Figures 4a and 4b are bottom perspective views of a latch actuator and link member of the latch assembly in neutral and actuated positions respectively; Figures 5a and 5b are bottom views of the link member, a rotor and a pin of the latch assembly in neutral and actuated positions respectively; Figures 6a and 6b are bottom views of the rotor, pin and latch claws of the latch assembly in latched and unlatched positions respectively; Figures 7a and 7b are top and side sectional views of the latch actuator and link member in the neutral position; Figure 8 is a side perspective view of the rotor, latch claws and pin; Figure 9a is a side perspective view of the rotor; Figure 9b is a side sectional view of the rotor; Figure 10a shows top and side views of the pin and the rotor at an initial, assembly position during assembly of the latch assembly; Fig 10b shows top and side views of the rotor and pin at a subsequent stage during assembly of the latch assembly, when the rotor is in the neutral position; and Figure 11 is a flow chart depicted a method of assembling a latch assembly for a console assembly according to arrangements of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0022] With reference to Figures 1a and 1b, collectively referred to as Figure 1, a console assembly 100, e.g. a centre console assembly, for a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle, according to arrangements of the present disclosure comprises a box body 102, a lid 104 and a latch assembly 200 according to arrangements of the present disclosure.

[0023] The box body 102 defines an interior space 106 for received items, e.g. items of luggage, placed into the console box by an occupant of the vehicle. The lid 104 is movably, e.g. pivotally coupled to the box body 102 and configured to selectively cover an opening into the interior space 106. For example, the lid 104 may be configured to pivot relative to the box body about a lid pivot axis A L , which may extend in a lateral direction of the console assembly. The lateral direction may be referred to as an Y direction of the console assembly. As depicted, the lid 104 may be coupled to the box body at or close to one longitudinal end of the lid, e.g. closer to one longitudinal end than a centre point of the lid in the longitudinal direction.

[0024] The latch assembly 200 is coupled to the lid and configured to releasably latch the lid 104 to the box body 102, as described in greater detail below. The latch assembly 200 may be coupled to the lid at or close to the opposite longitudinal end of the lid from the lid pivot axis. For example, the latch assembly 200 may be coupled to the lid on an opposite side of the longitudinal centre point of the lid from the lid pivot axis A L .

[0025] As illustrated in Figure 1, the box body 102 comprises one or more latch openings 108 for receiving and engaging with latch claws 206, 208, e.g. distal ends 206b, 208b of the latch claws, of the latch assembly 200, to thereby latch the lid 104 to the box body 102. In particular, the box body 102 may comprise a latch opening 108 formed on either lateral side of the box body for receiving the distal end of a latch claw of the latch assembly on either lateral side.

[0026] With reference to Figures 2 to 8, a latch assembly 200 for the console assembly 100 according to arrangements of the present disclosure will now be described. The latch assembly 200 is configured to couple to a lid, such as the lid 104, for releasable latching the lid to the box body.

[0027] The latch assembly 200 comprises a pin 202 configured to be coupled, e.g. fixedly coupled to the lid, e.g. using a fastener 203, and a rotor 204 configured to be movably, e.g. rotatably, coupled to the pin, such that the rotor 204 is rotatable relative to the pin about a rotor axis A R . As illustrated, the rotor axis A R may extend in a direction at least partially aligned with a vertical direction of the latch assembly, which may be referred to as a Z direction. The vertical direction may be perpendicular to longitudinal and lateral directions of the latch assembly, which may be referred to as X and Y directions respectively. When the latch assembly 200 is coupled to the lid 104, the longitudinal and lateral directions of the latch assembly may be substantially aligned with longitudinal and lateral directions of the lid and the console assembly (e.g. when the lid is latched to the box body).

[0028] The latch assembly 200 further comprises one or more latch claws 206, 208 coupled to the rotor 204. For example, the latch assembly 200 may comprise one or more, e.g. a corresponding number of, ball joints 210, 212 for coupling the latch claws 206, 208 to the rotor 204, e.g. at proximal ends 206a, 208a of the latch claws. In the arrangement depicted, balls 210a, 212a of the ball joints are provided on the rotor and sockets 210b, 212b of the ball joints are provided on the latch claws, e.g. at the proximal ends. However, in other arrangements, the balls may be provided on the respective latch claws and sockets may be provided on the rotor.

[0029] The latch assembly 200 is configured such that rotation of rotor 204 about the rotor axis A R causes the latch claws 206, 208, e.g. distal ends 206b, 208b of the latch claws, to move in the lateral, Y, directions of the latch assembly. For example, the latch claws may be coupled to the rotor 204 at positions spaced apart from the rotor axis in the longitudinal, X, direction of the latch assembly. When the latch assembly 200 is provided in the console assembly 100 movement of the latch claws in the lateral directions may engage or disengage the latch claws, e.g. the distal ends 206b, 208b of the latch claws, from the latch openings 108 in the box body.

[0030] In the arrangement depicted, the latch assembly comprises a latch claw 206, 208 provided on either lateral side of the latch assembly and the latch claws are configured to move in opposing lateral directions when the rotor 204 is rotated, e.g. to engage and disengage from respective latch openings at substantially the same time. For example, proximal ends 206a, 208a the latch claws may be coupled to the rotor on opposite sides of the rotor axis from one another, so that the distal ends of the latch claws move together in opposing directions into and out of the respective latch openings. In other arrangements, the latch assembly 200 may comprise a single latch claw. Further, as depicted, the latch claws may have a dog-leg shape, such that the latch claw extends at least partially about the rotor axis A R and distal ends of the latch claws are offset from the proximal ends of the latch claws in the longitudinal direction of the latch assembly.

[0031] The latch assembly 200 further comprises an actuator handle 214 configured to be mounted relative to the lid 104 so that the actuator handle 214 can be moved by a user relative to the lid and console assembly. In the arrangement depicted, the actuator handle 214 is pivotally coupled to the lid 104 for pivotal movement about an actuator pivot axis A A . As depicted, the actuator pivot axis may extend in a direction with a component in a lateral, Y, direction of the latch assembly and / or console assembly. For example, the actuator pivot axis A A may be aligned with the lateral direction. However, in other arrangements, the actuator pivot axis may extend in any other direction.

[0032] The latch assembly 200 may comprise an actuator handle pivot pin 216 which extends through openings formed in the lid 104 and the actuator handle 214 in order to support pivotal movement of the actuator handle 214 relative to the lid. In the arrangement depicted, the actuator handle pivot pin 216 is a separate component from the lid 104 and actuator handle 214. However, in other arrangements, the actuator handle pivot pin may be integrally formed with the lid or the actuator handle.

[0033] The actuator handle 214 may be moved, e.g. pivoted about the actuator pivot axis A A , relative to the lid in order to actuate the latch assembly 200, e.g. to unlatch the lid. In particular, the actuator handle may be moved, e.g. pivoted, between a neutral position, depicted in Figure 4a, and an actuated position, depicted in Figure 4b. The latch assembly 200 may comprise a resilient member 217, such as a coil spring, configured to bias the actuator handle 214 towards the neutral position.

[0034] The latch assembly 200 further comprises a link member 218 arranged to couple the actuator handle 214 to the rotor 204. The link member 218 may be arranged to transfer motion, e.g. rotation, of the actuator handle, e.g. about the actuator handle axis A A , to the rotor 204, e.g. to rotate about the rotor axis A R . As depicted, a first end 218a of the link member may be coupled to the actuator handle at a position spaced apart from the actuator pivot axis A A and a second end 218b of the link member may be coupled to the rotor 204 at a position spaced apart from the rotor axis. The link member 218 may be coupled to the actuator handle and rotor by ball joints 220, 230. For example, a ball 222 may be provided at the first end 218a of the link member to be received within a socket 224 provided on the actuator handle 214. A socket 234 may be provided at the second end 218b of the link member for receiving a ball 232 provided on the rotor. In other arrangements, a ball may be formed on the actuator handle and a socket formed at the first end of the link member, and / or a ball may be formed at the second end of the link member and a socket provided on the rotor for receiving the ball.

[0035] As can be seen in Figures 4a, 4b, 5a and 5b, the link member 218 may extend in a direction with a component in the longitudinal, X, direction of the latch assembly 200 between the first and second ends 218a, 218b, e.g. between actuator handle and the rotor. Additionally, the link member 218 may extend in a direction with a component in the vertical, Z, direction between the first and second ends 218a, 218b, e.g. between actuator handle and the rotor. In the arrangement depicted, the link member 218 is coupled to the actuator handle 214 at a position offset from the rotor axis A R in the lateral of the latch assembly. Additionally, the link member extends in a direction with a component in the lateral, Y, direction of the latch assembly between the actuator handle and the rotor. However, in other arrangements, the link member may be coupled to the actuator handle at a position substantially aligned with the rotor axis A R in the lateral of the latch assembly. Alternatively, e.g. when the link member 218 is coupled to the actuator handle 214 at a position offset from the rotor axis A R , the link member 218 may extend with substantially no component in the lateral, Y, direction of the latch assembly between the actuator handle and the rotor, e.g. in the neutral or actuated position of the latch assembly.

[0036] In use of the latch assembly 200, a user may move, e.g. pivot, the actuator handle 214, from the neutral position, depicted in Figure 4a, to the actuated position, depicted in Figure 4b. Movement of the actuator handle may move the link member 218, e.g. in a direction with a component in the longitudinal, X, direction of the latch assembly. Movement of the link member 218 may urge the rotor 204 to rotate between a neutral position of the rotor, depicted in Figure 5a, and an actuated position of the rotor, depicted in Figure 5b. Rotation of the rotor 204 may in turn urge the latch claws 206, 208 to move in the lateral, Y, directions of the latch assembly from latched positions, depicted in Figure 6a, to unlatched positions, depicted in Figure 6b, e.g. in which the latch claws are disengaged from the openings 108 formed in the box body. As illustrated in Figures 6a and 6b, in moving between the latched positions to the unlatched positions, the latch claws may move in a direction perpendicular to the rotor axis. For example, the latch claws may move inwardly towards the rotor axis A R from the latched positions to the unlatched positions, and outwardly away from the rotor axis from the unlatched positions to the latched positions.

[0037] With reference now to Figures 7a and 7b, the coupling between the link member 218 and the actuator handle will be described in greater detail. As mentioned above, the link member may be coupled to the actuator handle by a ball and socket joint 220. As depicted in the Figures, the ball 222 may be provided on the link member and the socket 224 may be provided on the actuator handle. Alternatively, the ball may be provided on the actuator handle and the socket may be provided on the link member.

[0038] The socket 224 may comprise laterally opposing side walls 224a, 224b. The ball 222 may be retained between the opposing side walls in the lateral, Y, direction, of the latch assembly 200. In some arrangements, the side walls 224a, 224b may be configured, e.g. shaped to at least partially retain the ball in longitudinal, X, and / or vertical, Z, directions of the latch assembly. For example, one or both of the side walls 224a, 224b of the socket may comprise recesses or openings for receiving the ball 222 and portions of the recessed / openings may extend around the ball 222 on either or both vertical and / or longitudinal sides of the ball 222 to at least partially resist / restrict movement of the ball in the vertical and / or lateral directions respectively. The side walls 224a, 224b of the socket 224 may extend from a base flange 224c of the socket, which may be arranged on a first longitudinal side of the ball 222 and thereby restrict movement of the ball in a first longitudinal direction towards the base flange 224c.

[0039] The socket 224 may further comprise a ball retaining flange 224d shaped to extend to an opposite side of the ball from the base flange, e.g. a second longitudinal side of the ball. The ball retaining flange may be at least partially arranged between the ball and the actuator pivot axis. The ball retaining flange may thereby act to resist or prevent movement of the ball away from the base flange in the longitudinal, X, direction of the latch assembly. In particular, the flange may prevent disengagement between the ball 222 and socket 224 when the actuator handle 214 is urged to return to the neutral position under the action of the resilient member 217. The ball retaining flange 224d may extend between the opposing side walls 224a, 224b and / or may extend from the base flange 224c. Alternatively, the ball retaining flange 224d may not be directly connected to the base flange 224c. For example, the ball retaining flange 224d may be connected to the base flange 224c via the side walls only.

[0040] With reference now to Figure 8, the pin 202 may comprise a base part 802 configured to be coupled to the lid 104 and inner and outer projecting parts 804, 806 extending away from the base part. The inner and outer projecting parts 804, 806 may extend away from the base part in a direction aligned with the rotor axis. As depicted, the inner projecting part 806 may extend a greater distance from the base part 802 than the outer projecting part 804 in the direction aligned with the rotor axis A R . The outer projecting part 804 may comprise a cylindrical outer surface 804a and a central axis of the cylindrical outer surface may correspond to the rotor axis A R .

[0041] As shown Figure 9b, the rotor 204 may comprise a recess 204a for receiving the outer projecting part 804. The recess may comprise a cylindrical internal surface which engages the cylindrical outer surface 806a when the outer projecting part 806 is received within the recess. Rotational movement of the rotor 204 about the rotor axis A R may be supported by virtue of the engagement between the outer projecting parts 806, e.g. the outer surface 806a and the recess, e.g. the internal surface of the recess. In this way, the rotor may be configured to rotate about the pin.

[0042] With reference to Figures 10a and 10b, in addition to Figure 9, the inner projecting part 806 may comprise a cylindrical portion 806a having a central axis substantially aligned with the rotor axis A R , and an end portion 806b formed at a distal end of the inner projecting part, e.g. on an opposite side of the cylindrical portion 806a from the base part 802 of the pin. The end portion 806b may have a greater cross-sectional area than the cylindrical portion 806a in a plane perpendicular to the rotor axis A R . Accordingly, a radial step may be formed between the cylindrical portion 806a and the end portion 806b. An abutment face 806c may be formed at the step between the cylindrical portion 806a and the end portion 806b. The abutment face may be substantially planar and may be perpendicular to the rotor axis A R .

[0043] The rotor 204 may comprise an opening or slot 204b extending through a portion of the rotor that forms the bottom of the recess 204a. The slot 204b and the inner projecting part of the pin, e.g. the end portion 806b, may be configured, e.g. shaped, to allow the end portion to be inserted through the slot 204b. For example, the slot and the end portion may have corresponding cross-sectional shapes in a plane perpendicular to the rotor axis A R . As described below, during assembly of the latch assembly 200, the inner and outer projecting parts 806, 804 may be inserted into the rotor recess 204a, such that the end portion 806b of the inner projecting part passes through the slot 204b. The cross-sectional shape of the slot 204b may comprise a circular portion aligned with the rotor axis and an anti-symmetric portion radially outward of the circular portion, which is not symmetric about the rotor axis. For example, a cross-sectional shape of the anti-symmetric portion of the slot may have an order of rotational symmetry about the rotor axis of 2 or less. The shape of the end portion 806b of the inner projecting part may similarly comprise a circular portion and anti-symmetric portion. For example, a shape of the end portion of the inner projecting part may comprise a cylinder and one or more radially projecting lobes. A radius of the circular portion of the slot may be greater or equal to a radius of the cylindrical portion 806a of the inner projecting part of the pin, so that cylindrical portion can be received in the circular portion of the slot.

[0044] With reference to Figures 10a and 10b, when the rotor 204 is assembled onto the pin 202, the end portion 806b of the inner projecting part may pass through the slot 204b to be arranged on an opposite side of the slot 204b from the base part 802 of the pin. As depicted in Figure 10b, when the rotor 204 is rotated into the neutral position, the shape of the end portion 806b of the inner projecting part of the pin may no longer be aligned, e.g. rotationally aligned, with the shape of slot. Hence, the rotor 204 may be prevented from moving relative to the pin 202 in a direction parallel with the rotor axis A R to remove the inner and outer projecting parts 806, 804 of the pin from the recess 204a and slot 204b of the rotor respectively. As illustrated, in Figure 2, the latch assembly 200 may comprise a resilient member 205, such as a coil spring, configured to bias the rotor 204 to move in the direction parallel with the rotor axis A R , so that the abutment face 806c of the end portion engages the bottom portion of the rotor outside the recess.

[0045] Still referring to Figures 10a and 10b, the pin 202 may comprise one or more anti-rotation members 808 projecting outwardly from the base part 802 towards the rotor 204, when the latch assembly is assembled. The anti-rotation members 808 may project principally in a direction parallel with the rotor axis. When the pin 202 comprises more than one anti-rotation member, the anti-rotation members may be spaced circumferentially around the rotor axis A R . The anti-rotation members 808 may comprise a ramped surface 808a formed on one circumferential side of the anti-rotation member and an abutment surface 808b formed on an opposite circumferential side of the anti-rotation member.

[0046] The rotor 204 may comprise one or more, e.g. a corresponding number of, complementary anti-rotation members 1002, which may comprises resiliently deformable members projecting towards the base part 802 of the pin when the latch assembly 200 is assembled. The complementary anti-rotation members 1002 may be resiliently deformable in a direction away from the base part 802 of the pin.

[0047] During assembly of the rotor 204 to the pin 202 when the rotor 204 is rotated from an initial, assembly position in which the end portion 806b of the inner projecting part of the pin is able to pass through the slot 204b into the neutral position, the complementary anti-rotation members 1002 may be urged against the anti-rotation members 808, e.g. respective ones of the anti-rotation members. In particular, the complementary anti-rotation members 1002 may be urged against the ramped surfaces 808a of the anti-rotation members. The complementary anti-rotation members 1002 may have complementary ramped faces 1002a which engage the ramped surfaces 808a of the anti-rotation members. The ramped faces 808a and complementary ramped faces 1002a may be arranged, e.g. angled, such that urging the complementary ramped faces against the ramped faces during rotation of the rotor causes the complementary anti-rotation members to be deformed away from the pin base part 802 to allow the complementary anti-rotation members 1002 to be rotated past the anti-rotation members 808. Once the complementary anti-rotation members have moved parts the anti-rotation members, the complementary anti-rotation members may return to their previous positions by virtue of their resilient nature.

[0048] The complementary anti-rotation members 1002 and the anti-rotation members 808 may be configured such that, if the rotor 204 is rotated back from the neutral position towards the initial, assembly position in which the end portion 806b of the inner projecting part of the pin is able to pass through the slot 204b, engagement between the anti-rotation members 808 and complementary anti-rotation members 1002, e.g. between the abutment surfaces 808b and respective complementary abutment faces 1002b formed on the opposite circumferential side of the complementary anti-rotation members from the complementary ramped surface 1002a, may act to resist such rotation.

[0049] Returning to Figure 8, the pin 202 may further comprise one or more alignment surfaces 810a, 810b, 812a, 812b, which may be parallel with the rotor axis and / or the vertical, Z, direction, and the lateral, Y, direction. Accordingly, the alignment surfaces 810a, 810b, 812a, 812b may be perpendicular to the longitudinal, X, direction. The alignment surfaces are configured to engage one or more, e.g. a respective number of, corresponding alignment surfaces 206c, 206d, 208c, 208d formed on the latch claws 206, 208. The alignment surfaces and corresponding alignment surfaces are configured such that engagement between the alignment surfaces and corresponding alignment surfaces acts to maintain alignment between the latch claws 206, 208 and the openings 108 formed in the box body, e.g. in the longitudinal, X, direction. As illustrated, the pin 202 may comprise a pair of alignment surfaces associated with each latch claw for engaging a complementary alignment surface formed on either longitudinal side of the latch claw to maintain alignment of the latch claw with the opening in either longitudinal direction. The alignment surfaces 810a, 810b, 812a, 812b may be provided on flanges coupled to or integrally formed with the base part 802 of the pin.

[0050] The pin 202 may further comprise one or more vertical alignment surfaces 814, 816. The vertical alignment surfaces may be configured to engage one or more, e.g. a corresponding number of, complementary vertical alignment surfaces 206e, 208e formed on the latch claws. For example, one vertical alignment surface may be associated with a corresponding complementary vertical alignment surface on each latch claw. The vertical alignment surfaces 814, 816 may be perpendicular with the rotor axis A R and / or the vertical, Z, direction of the latch assembly. Engagement between the vertical alignment surfaces 814, 816 and complementary vertical alignment surfaces 206e, 208e may thereby act to maintain a position of the latch claw along the rotor axis A R , e.g. in the vertical direction. In particular, the vertical alignment surfaces and complementary vertical alignment surfaces may be configured to engage one another in order to maintain alignment of the latch claws 206, 208 with the openings 108 in the box body in the vertical direction, e.g. the direction along the rotor axis A R .

[0051] With reference to Figure 11, a method 1100 of assembling a latch assembly, such as the latch assembly 200, will now be described. The method 1100 comprises a first step 1102, in which a latch claw or claws, such as the latch claws 206, 208, are coupled to a rotor, such as the rotor 204, of the latch assembly. In particular, the latch claws may be coupled to the rotor via respective ball and socket joint, such as ball and socket joints 210, 212. In the first step 1102, the latch claws may be positioned to be aligned, or engaged with alignment surfaces and / or vertical alignment surfaces of the pin, such as alignment surfaces 810a, 810b, 812a, 812b and / or vertical alignment surfaces 814, 816.

[0052] The method 1100 further comprises a second step 1104, in which the rotor 204 is coupled to the actuator handle 214 by a link member, such as the link member 218. In particular, first and second ends of the link member may be coupled to the actuator handle and rotor via respect ball and socket joints, such as ball and socket joints 220, 230, as described above.

[0053] The method 1100 may further comprise a rotor assembly step 1106, in which the rotor is assembled onto the pin. In particular, inner and outer projecting parts 806, 804 of the pin may be inserted into a recess 204a formed in the rotor, so that a cylindrical surface of the outer projecting part engages an inner surface of the recess and / or so that an end portion 806b of an inner projecting part of the pin passes through the slot 204b formed in the rotor.

[0054] The method 1100 may further comprises a rotor rotation step 1108, in which the rotor 204 is rotated relative to the pin 202. In particular, the rotor may be rotated from a position in which the end portion 806b of the inner projecting part of the pin is able to pass through the slot 204b into the neutral position. As described above, during the rotation of the rotor, e.g. in the rotor rotation step, the complementary ramped faces of the rotor may be urged against the ramped faces of the pin, causing the complementary anti-rotation members of the rotor to be deformed away from the pin base part to allow the complementary anti-rotation members to be rotated past the anti-rotation members.

[0055] The method 1100 may further comprise an attachment step 1110, in which the pin and rotor are coupled to a lid of a console assembly, such as the lid 104. For example, the pin may be coupled to the lid using the fastener 203, e.g. a threaded fastener. The actuator attachment step 1110 may be performed before the first and second steps 1102, 1104.

[0056] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although the invention has been described by way of example, with reference to one or more exemplary examples, it is not limited to the disclosed examples and that alternative examples could be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0022]With reference to Figures 1a and 1b, collectively referred to as Figure 1, a console assembly 100, e.g. a centre console assembly, for a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle, according to arrangements of the present disclosure comprises a box body 102, a lid 104 and a latch assembly 200 according to arrangements of the present disclosure.

[0023]The box body 102 defines an interior space 106 for received items, e.g. items of luggage, placed into the console box by an occupant of the vehicle. The lid 104 is movably, e.g. pivotally coupled to the box body 102 and configured to selectively cover an opening into the interior space 106. For example, the lid 104 may be configured to pivot relative to the box body about a lid pivot axis A L , which may extend in a lateral direction of the console assembly. The lateral direction may be referred to as an Y direction of the console assembly. As depicted, the lid 104 may be coupled to the box body at or close to one longitudinal end of the lid...

Claims

1. A latch assembly for latching a lid to a box body of a console assembly for a motor vehicle, wherein the latch assembly comprises: a latch claw movably supported within the latch assembly for selectively engaging an opening in the box body to latch the lid to the box body; a rotor, mountable on the lid for rotation about a rotor axis, wherein the latch claw is coupled to the rotor such that rotation of the rotor urges the latch claw to move into and out of the opening, e.g. to engage and disengage the opening; a link member arranged to couple the rotor to an actuator handle of the latch assembly; and the actuator handle moveably mountable on the lid, wherein the actuator handle and link member are arranged such that moving the actuator handle causes the link member to urge the rotor to rotate about the rotor axis and move the latch claw in direction perpendicular to the rotor axis to engage or disengage from the opening.

2. The latch assembly of claim 1, wherein the latch assembly further comprises a pin fixedly couplable to the lid, wherein the rotor is rotatably coupled to the pin.

3. The latch assembly of claim 2, wherein the pin comprises one or more alignment surfaces parallel with the rotor axis and aligned, or parallel, with the opening, wherein the one or more alignment surfaces are configured to engage one or more respective complementary alignment surfaces formed on the latch claw, wherein engagement between the alignment surfaces and respective complementary alignment surfaces acts to maintain alignment between the latch claw and the opening in directions perpendicular to the alignment surfaces during movement of the latch claw, e.g. in a longitudinal, X, direction of the latch assembly.

4. The latch assembly of claim 2 or 3, wherein the pin comprises a vertical alignment surface perpendicular to the rotor axis, wherein the vertical alignment surface is configured to engage a complementary vertical alignment surface formed on the latch claw, wherein engagement between the vertical alignment surfaces and complementary vertical alignment surface is to maintain a position of the latch claw along the rotor axis.

5. The latch assembly of any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the pin comprises an end portion configured to pass through a slot in the rotor to assemble the rotor onto the pin, wherein the end portion and slot are shaped to prevent the end portion passing through the slot during latching and unlatching of the latch assembly.

6. The latch assembly of any of claim 5, wherein the slot and end portion comprise anti-symmetric portions which are not symmetric about the rotor axis, wherein the anti-symmetric portions of the end portion and slot are shaped to prevent the end portion passing through the slot when the rotor is rotated between latched and unlatched positions.

7. The latch assembly of any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the pin comprises an abutment surface formed on the end portion, wherein the abutment surface is configured to engage the rotor to prevent the rotor from moving the direction parallel with the rotor axis to decouple the rotor from the pin.

8. The latch assembly of claim 7, wherein the latch assembly further comprises resilient member, such as a coil spring, configured to urge the rotor against the abutment surface of the end portion.

9. The latch assembly of any of claims 5 to 8, wherein the rotor comprises a resiliently deformable member configured to deform in order to permit rotation of the rotor from an angle at which the end portion is able to pass through the slot to a neutral position of the rotor, and restrict rotation of the rotor from the neutral position towards the angle at which the end portion is able to pass through the slot.

10. The latch assembly of claim 9, wherein the pin comprises an anti-rotation member configured to engage the resiliently deformable member when the rotor is rotated from the angle at which the end portion is able to pass through the slot to the neutral position of the rotor and urge the deformable member to deform in order to move past the anti-rotation member; and wherein the anti-rotation member is configured to engage the resiliently deformable member when the rotor is rotated from the neutral position of the rotor towards the angle at which the end portion is able to pass through the slot to resist rotation of the rotor.

11. The latch assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly comprises a ball joint between the link member and the actuator handle.

12. The latch assembly of claim 11, wherein the actuator handle or link member comprises first and second side flanges for preventing movement of a ball of the ball joint in lateral directions of the latch assembly, and a ball retaining flange for preventing movement of the ball of the ball joint in a longitudinal direction of the latch assembly, e.g. away from the actuator handle.

13. The latch assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the latch claw comprises a dog-leg portion, wherein the latch claw is shaped such that the latch claw engages the opening at a position closer to the rotor axis in the longitudinal direction than the position at which the latch claw coupled to the rotor.

14. A console box assembly comprising: a box body forming an interior volume; a lid for closing an opening into the interior volume of the box body; and the latch assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the latch assembly is coupled to the lid and wherein the box body comprises an opening to be engaged by the latch claw to latch the lid to the box body.

15. A method of assembling a latch assembly for latching lid to a box body of a console assembly for a motor vehicle, wherein the latch assembly comprises: a latch claw configured to be movably supported within the latch assembly for engaging an opening in the box body to latch the lid to the box body; a rotor, configured to be mounted on the lid for rotation about a rotor axis, wherein the latch claw is couplable to the rotor such that rotation of the rotor urges the latch claw to move into and out of the opening; a link member to couple the rotor to an actuator handle of the latch assembly; and the actuator handle moveably mountable on the lid, wherein the actuator handle and link member are arrangeable such that moving the actuator handle causes the link member to urge the rotor to rotate about the rotor axis and move the latch claw in direction perpendicular to the rotor axis to engage or disengage from the opening; and wherein the method comprises: coupling the latch claw to the rotor; and coupling the rotor to the actuator handle by the link member.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the latch assembly further comprises a pin fixedly couplable to the lid, wherein the method further comprises: coupling the rotor to the pin, such that rotation of the rotor is supported by the pin.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the rotor comprises a slot and the pin comprises an end portion, wherein coupling the rotor to the pin comprises inserting the end portion of the pin through the slot.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the end portion and slot are shaped to prevent the end portion passing through the slot during latching and unlatching of the latch assembly, wherein coupling the rotor to the pin further comprises rotating the rotor into a neutral position after the end portion of the pin has passed through the slot.

19. The latch assembly of claim 17 or 18, wherein the rotor comprises a resiliently deformable member and the pin comprises an anti-rotation member, wherein the method comprises rotating the rotor from the angle at which the end portion is able to pass through the slot to the neutral position of the rotor, and urging the deformable member to deform in order to move past the anti-rotation member.

Images