A centre console unit
The centre console unit addresses the issue of space inefficiency by using a hinge mechanism to stow the lid between the console liner and a wall, maintaining compactness and efficiency in vehicle storage compartments.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JAGUAR LAND ROVER LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-23
AI Technical Summary
Existing centre console designs in road-going vehicles often require additional space when the lid is open, compromising the compactness and efficiency of the storage compartment.
A centre console unit with a hinge mechanism that allows the lid to rotate and stow between the console liner and one of the walls, utilizing a hinge track and lid track to guide the lid's motion, and a resilient member to facilitate easy operation.
The solution provides a compact and space-efficient centre console with a closable lid that minimizes the space required when open, ensuring the walls can be spaced no further apart than the width of the lid.
Smart Images
Figure EP2026050688_23072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] A CENTRE CONSOLE UNIT
[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] The present disclosure relates to a centre console unit. Aspects of the invention relate to a centre console comprising the centre console unit, and to a road-going vehicle comprising the centre console.
[0004] BACKGROUND
[0005] In a road-going passenger vehicle, a centre console is a compartment that extends between the occupant seats to provide storage, or to provide support for beverage containers. Most centre console compartments are accessible via a lid that covers the compartment when closed.
[0006] It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art.
[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Aspects of the invention are defined in the appended claims.
[0009] In one aspect of the invention there is provided a centre console unit for a vehicle comprising a console liner defining a storage compartment, a lid configured to cover an opening of the storage compartment when in a closed position and an opening mechanism configured to move the lid between the closed position and an open position in which the opening of the storage compartment is uncovered; the opening mechanism comprising:
[0010] a hinge connected to the console liner and the lid, the lid being rotatable about an axis of the hinge between the open and closed positions;
[0011] wherein the opening mechanism is configured so that, when the lid is in the open position, a majority portion of the lid is received in a volume covered by the lid in the closed position.
[0012] The centre console unit is configured for use in a centre console of a road-going vehicle. The centre console comprises two walls spaced apart and facing each other. The console liner of the centre console unit is received between the two walls with the lid spanning the tops of the walls. An advantage of the opening mechanism of the centre console unit is that, when in the open position, the lid stows between the console liner and one of the walls of the centre console, while allowing the walls to be spaced no further apart than the width of the lid. This makes for a compact and space efficient centre console with a closable lid.
[0013] In an embodiment, the opening mechanism is configured to move the hinge axis relative to the console liner in a first direction as the lid rotates about the hinge axis in a second direction, opposite to the first direction. This reduces further the space required between the centre console and the centre console liner to store the lid.
[0014] In an embodiment, the opening mechanism further comprises a hinge track that extends in the first direction, the hinge comprising a hinge follower that is set into the hinge track to follow the hinge track when the lid rotates. The hinge track ensures that the axes of the hinge either end the console liner are kept in alignment.In an embodiment, the opening mechanism further comprises a lid track, and wherein the lid comprises a lid follower that is set into the lid track to follow the lid track when the lid rotates. The lid track helps to guide the lid through its range of motion between the closed and open positions.
[0015] In an embodiment, the lid track defines an arcuate path. The arcuate path may comprise first, second and third arcuate segments arranged so that the lid follower traverses the first segment, second segment and third segment in that order as the lid rotates between the closed position and the open position. The first segment comprises a first radius, the second segment comprises a second radius and the third segment comprises a third radius.
[0016] In an embodiment, the first radius is greater that the distance between the lid follower and the hinge axis. This means that during rotation of the lid in the first direction, movement of the lid follower along the first arcuate segment causes the hinge axis to move in the second direction.
[0017] In an embodiment, the second radius is less than the first radius. This means that traversal of the second arcuate segment by the lid follower effects a greater rotation of the lid about the hinge axis than is caused by the initial movement of the follower along the first arcuate segment.
[0018] In an embodiment, the third radius is greater than the second radius. The third radius may be greater than the distance between the lid follower and the hinge axis. This means that during traversal of the follower along the third arcuate segment, the hinge axis is again pulled in the second direction toward an end of the hinge track.
[0019] In an embodiment, the hinge track and lid track are formed in an outer surface of the console liner. This means that the hinge track and the lid track are integrally formed with the console liner for a simple construction.
[0020] In an embodiment, the hinge comprises a lever arm that is rotatably connected to the console liner at a first end of the lever arm. The lever arm provides further guidance to the lid through its range of motion between the closed and open position. In addition, the lever arm forms an additional linkage of the hinge that stiffens the opening mechanism to provide the lid with a more secure feel.
[0021] In an embodiment, the hinge follower and the hinge axis are coaxial and spaced from the first end of the lever arm. This simplifies construction by providing the lever arm and the lid with a common axis of rotation.
[0022] In an embodiment, the opening mechanism further comprises a resilient member configured to rotate the lid about the hinge axis. The resilient member provides the benefit of driving the lid into the open position for easier operation of the lid.
[0023] In an embodiment, the resilient member is a torsion spring disposed coaxial with the hinge axis. This makes for a simple construction of the opening mechanism.
[0024] In an embodiment, the opening mechanism further comprises a release member movable between a first position configured to hold the lid in the closed position against the force of the resilient member, and a secondposition in which the release member disengages the lid to allow the lid to rotate about the hinge axis under the force of the resilient member. In this way the lid opening mechanism is simply operated.
[0025] In an embodiment, the opening mechanism further comprises a button disposed in an outer surface of the lid, the button being coupled to an elongate member so that, when the button is pressed, the elongate member engages the release member to move the release member from the first position into the second position. Therefore, the lid is made intuitive to operate.
[0026] In an aspect of the invention there is provided a centre console for a vehicle, the centre console comprising:
[0027] the centre console unit;
[0028] two walls spaced apart and facing each other either side the volume covered by the lid in the closed position, the console liner of the centre console unit being received in the volume between the two walls; wherein
[0029] the centre console is configured so that, in the open position, the lid is received within the volume between the console liner and one wall of the two walls.
[0030] In an aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle comprising the centre console of claim 12.
[0031] Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in anyway and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.
[0032] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0034] Figure 1 illustrates a vehicle interior comprising a centre console and a centre console unit received in the centre console;
[0035] Figure 2 illustrates a centre console unit according to one embodiment;
[0036] Figure 3 illustrates the vehicle interior of figure 2 with a lid of the centre console unit in an open position; Figure 4 illustrates the centre console unit of figure 3 with the lid in the open position;
[0037] Figure 5 illustrates a centre console unit according to one embodiment;
[0038] Figure 6 illustrates the centre console unit of figure 5 with the lid in an open position; and
[0039] Figures 7A to 7E show an end view of a centre console unit according to one embodiment.
[0040] DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] The present disclosure relates to a centre console unit. Aspects of the invention relate to a centre console comprising the centre console unit, and to a road-going vehicle comprising the centre console.As used herein, the terms x-direction and y-direction denote, respectively, a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction. By ‘longitudinal direction’ it is meant a horizontal direction that extends between the front and rear of the vehicle, wherein the term ‘front of the vehicle’ is given its normal definition (i.e. the side of the vehicle facing the normal direction of travel). By ‘transverse direction’ it is meant a horizontal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (i.e. a direction that extends between sides of the vehicle). The term ‘forward’ means in a direction toward the front of the vehicle. The relative terms ‘above’ and ‘below’ are used to mean relatively further from the ground and relatively closer to the ground, respectively.
[0042] The interior 100 of a road-going vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is described herein with reference to Figures 1 and 3. The figures show the front occupant row including a dashboard 110, a dash top 120 and a centre console 130. The illustrated vehicle is right hand drive with the nearside passenger seat removed (i.e. not shown) to provide a clear view of the centre console 130.
[0043] The centre console 130 extends between the passenger seats in the x-direction and comprises two walls 131 , 13T spaced apart in the y-direction and facing each other. The walls 131 , 13T may be planar and arranged substantially parallel as illustrated or, alternatively, the walls 131 , 131 ’ may be contoured for aesthetic or design considerations. The function of the walls 131 , 13T remains the same irrespective of their exact shape, which is to define sides of an internal volume of the centre console in which a centre console unit 200 is received.
[0044] In the illustrated example, an upper wall 132 is provided that extends across the two walls 131 , 131 ’ opposite a floor of the centre console 130 to enclose the internal volume. The walls 131 , 13T may upstand from the floor of occupant compartment so that the floor of the occupant compartment forms the floor of the centre console 130 or, alternatively, a separate centre console specific floor may be provided that is spaced from the floor of the occupant compartment.
[0045] Figures 2 and 4 illustrate a centre console unit 200 according to an embodiment of the invention. The centre console unit 200 comprises a console liner 210 and a lid 280. The console liner 210 is a receptacle that comprises a wall or walls that define a storage compartment. In the illustrated example the console liner 210 comprises facing pairs of ends walls 211 and lateral walls 212 joined at corresponding edges; and a lower wall 213 that extends across lower edges of the end walls 211 and lateral walls 212 to form a floor of the console liner 210. An opening 214 in the console liner 210 is defined between upper edges of the end walls 211 and lateral walls 212.
[0046] The console liner 210 is provided with an opening mechanism 220 configured to move the lid 280 between a closed position that covers the opening 214 and an open position in which the opening 214 is uncovered for access to the storage compartment. Figure 2 shows the console liner 210 with the lid 280 in the closed position and Figure 4 shows the console liner 210 with the lid 280 in the open position. In the illustrated embodiments, the console liner 210 is provided with two cupholders 215. Each cupholder 215 is formed by a cup sized aperture in a panel that is inset below the opening 214 of the console liner 210. It will be appreciated that the cup holders 215 are shown for illustrative purposes only and that they may be omitted. In one example, the panel may be removable so that the storage compartment may be used selectively as a cup holder or larger storage container as required.The hd 280 comprises a panel 281 and two brackets 282 that project from a lower edge of a respective longitudinal end of the panel 281. The brackets 282 extend into overlapping relation with the end walls 211 of the console liner 210 and are connected thereto by a hinge 221 of the opening mechanism 220. The hinge 221 comprises a hinge pin 222 at each bracket 282. The hinge pins 222 are axially aligned to define a hinge axis X-X of the hinge 221 about which the lid 280 is rotatable between the open and closed positions. The hinge axis X-X is offset below the panel 281 by the brackets 282.
[0047] The opening mechanism 220 also comprises a hinge track 223 formed in the outer surface of both end walls 211 of the console liner 210. The hinge 221 comprises a follower (also referred to herein as the hinge follower) associated with each pin 222 and located in a respective hinge track 223 for movement along the track 223. Each hinge follower is associated with a hinge pin 222 and is coaxial with the hinge axis X-X so that movement of the hinge follower along the hinge track 223 causes a corresponding movement of the hinge axis X-X. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge follower222 and the hinge pin 222 are synonymous as the hingerfollower 222 is a portion of the hinge pin 222 that extends into the hinge track 223. Alternatively, or additionally, the hinge follower may comprise a plain tubular bearing that fits over a projection of the pin 222 to slide within the hinge track 223.
[0048] To move the lid from the closed position shown in figure 2 to the open position shown in figure 4, the lid 280 is rotated about the hinge axis X-X in a first direction D1 , while the hinge axis X-X is moved in a second direction D2, opposite the first direction D1. Viewed from the visible end of the console unit 200, the first direction D1 is a clockwise direction and the second direction D2 is a movement toward the left side of the end wall 211. The same movement viewed from the other end of the console unit 200 would be the opposite with the lid 280 moving anticlockwise and the hinge axis X-X moving toward the right side of the end wall 211 . In other words, viewed from either end, the 12 o’clock tangential direction (shown by the dashed portion of arrow D1) of the lid 280 rotation as it moves from an initial closed position is opposite to the direction of movement D2 of the hinge axis X-X. Movement of the hinge axis X-X is caused by movement of the followers along the hinge tracks 223 in the first direction D1 . To return the lid 280 to the closed position from the open position, the opposite movement is made.
[0049] As shown in figure 2, with the lid in the closed position, a portion 285 of the lid panel 281 extends beyond a lateral wall 212 of the console liner 210. Therefore, the volume covered by the lid 280 in the closed position includes a portion not occupied by the console liner 210 - that is, the portion of the volume covered by the portion 285 of the lid panel 281 that extends beyond the lateral wall 212. When the lid 280 is in the open position as shown in figure 3, a majority portion of the lid 280 is received in the volume covered by the lid 280 in the closed position and, more specifically, within the portion of the volume not occupied by the console liner 210. This means that when the console liner 210 is received in the centre console 130, the lid 280 stows between the console liner 210 and one of the walls 131 , 131 ’ of the centre console 130 as shown in figure 3, while allowing the walls 131 , 131 ’ to be spaced no further apart than the width of the lid 280 (although in the illustrated example of figure 3 said walls 131 , 13T are further apart). This is achieved by the movement of the hinge axis X-X in the second direction D2 which pulls the lid 280 within its initial arc of rotation.Figures 5 and 6 show another embodiment of the centre console unit 200 having at least the same features of the embodiment described with reference to figures 2 and 4 - the same features retaining the same reference numbers. In this embodiment the opening mechanism 220 further comprises a lid track 224 formed in the outer surface of the end walls 211 of the console liner 210. The lid 280 comprises followers 283 (also referred to herein as the ‘lid follower 283’) that extend from lower ends of each bracket 282. The lid followers 283 comprise a projection or lug that locate in a respective lid track 224 for movement along the lid track 224 as the lid 280 rotates in the first direction D1. In addition, the hinge 221 comprises a lever arm 225. The lever arm 225 is rotatably connected to the console liner 210 at a first end 225’ of the lever arm 225 for rotation about a lever axis XL-XL. The connection may be made by a pin 226 (herein also ‘lever pin 226’) that extends from the first end 225’ to locate in a correspondingly sized hole in the end wall 211. In this way the pin 226 forms the lever axis XL-XL. A second end 225” of the lever arm 225 is rotatably connected to the lid bracket 282 at the hinge axis X-X. The connection at the second end 225” may be made by the hinge pin 222 which extends through the bracket 282 for connection with the lever arm 225. The first end 225’ of the lever arm 225 including the lever axis XL-XL is spaced below the second end 225” of the lever arm 225 including the hinge axis X-X. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 225’ of the lever arm 225 including the lever axis XL-XL is also disposed below the lid track 224.
[0050] When the lid 280 is rotated in the first direction D1 , the lever arm 225 rotates at both its first end 225’ and second end 225” about the respective lever and hinge axes XL-XL, X-X, respectively. In this way, the lever arm 225 provides additional guidance to the lid 280, smoothing out both the closing and opening operation.
[0051] While the lever arm 225 is described with reference to the visible end wall 211 of figures 5 and 6, it will be appreciated that the hinge 221 may be provided with a lever arm 225 at the other end of the console unit 200. In other words, the opening mechanism 220 may comprise, at the non-visible end wall 211 , a mirror arrangement of the features shown and described with reference to the visible end wall 211 of figures 5 and 6.
[0052] Further details of the embodiment of figures 5 and 6 are shown in figures 7A to 7E. Figures 7Ato 7E show an end wall 211 elevation of the console unit with hidden detail represented by broken line.
[0053] The opening mechanism 220 further comprises a resilient member 227 configured to rotate the lid 280 about the hinge axis X-X. In the illustrated embodiment, the resilient member 227 is a torsion spring 227 disposed coaxial with the hinge axis X-X. The torsion spring 227 is disposed in a cut out 228 in the back of the lever arm 225. By ‘back of the lever arm’ it is meant the side of the lever arm 225 facing the lid bracket 282. The torsion spring 227 is a coil spring that terminates at either end with tangentially projecting portions 227’, 227”. One of the tangentially projecting portions 227’ (herein referred to as a ‘first spring portion 227”) is configured to react against a side of the cut out 228. The other tangentially projecting portion 227” (herein referred to as a ‘second spring portion 227’”) is configured to react against a lug 229 disposed on the outer surface of the lid bracket 282. By ‘outer surface of the lid bracket’ it is meant the side of the lid bracket 282 facing the lever arm 225.
[0054] The net force resulting from the reaction of the first and second spring portions 227’, 227” against the cut out 228 and the lug 229 is a torque that acts to rotate the lid 280 in the first direction D1. To hold the lid 280 in theclosed position against the force of the torsion spring 227 the opening mechanism 220 is further provided with a release member 230 movable between a first position configured to hold the lid 280 in the closed position, and a second position in which the release member 230 disengages the lid 280 to allow the lid 280 to rotate about the hinge axis X-X under the torque of the torsion spring 227.
[0055] The release member 230 comprises a pawl 231 that pivots about a first end 231 ’ between the first and second position. In the illustrated example, a pin 232 extends from the pawl 231 and locates in a correspondingly sized hole in the end wall 211. In this way, the pin 232 defines a rotational axis for the pawl 231 to pivot about. A free end 231” of the pawl 231 is configured to engage a tooth shaped projection 284 (hereinafter simply ‘tooth 284’) at the bottom of the bracket 282. Just as a pawl operates in a ratchet, the pawl 231 in the illustrated embodiment is configured to engage the tooth 284 to prevent rotation in one direction and allow rotation in the other. This means that, with the pawl 231 in the first position, the free end 231” of the pawl 231 is in engagement with the tooth 284 to prevent rotation of the lid 280 in the first direction D1.
[0056] The pawl 231 is provided with a pawl spring 233 that biases the pawl 231 into the first position. In the illustrated embodiment, the pawl spring 233 is a torsion spring that acts between the pawl 231 and the end wall 211 to pivot the pawl 231 relative to the end wall 211. The end wall 211 may comprises a stop that defines the first position. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop is an outer edge 224’ of the lid track 224 which is located just above the pawl 231 .
[0057] The opening mechanism 220 comprises a button 234 to operate the release member 230. In the illustrated embodiment, the button 234 is provided in the lid panel 281 , but the button 234 may be provided anywhere accessible to the user. When pressed, the button 234 displaces a pusher 235 that acts on the pawl 231 to move the pawl 231 from the first position into the second position. The pusher 235 is an elongate member 235 that extends between the button 234 and the pawl 231. The pusher 235 may be slidably located in a pusher track (not shown) formed on the inside face of the lid bracket 282 (i.e. the face of the lid bracket 282 that faces the end wall 211). A coil spring (not shown) may be provided in coaxial arrangement with the pusher 235 to return the pusher 235 and the button 234 back into its pre-pressed position. For example, one end of the spring may act on a radial flange of the pusher 235, with the other end acting on a lug in the inside face of the lid bracket 282.
[0058] Use of the console unit 200 will now be described with reference to figures 7B to 7E in turn.
[0059] In figure 7B a user 300 presses the button 234 causing the pusher 235 to move the pawl 231 into the second position. With the pawl 231 in the second position, the lid 280 rotates in the first direction D1 about the hinge axis X-X, driven by the force of the torsion spring 227.
[0060] In figure 7C the lid 280 is partially rotated between the closed and open positions. The simultaneous movement of the hinge axis X-X and the lid 280 is evident, with the lid rotating in the first direction D1 and the hinge axis X-X moving in the second direction D2. Movement of the hinge axis X-X in the second direction D2 is guided by the lid track 224, which is shaped to pull the hinge axis X-X in the second direction D2 along the hinge track 223 as the lid follower 283 traverses the lid track 224.The hd track 224 defines an arcuate path comprising first, second and third arcuate segments 2241 , 2242, 2243. The arcuate segments are arranged so that the lid follower 283 traverses the first segment 2241 , second segment 2242 and third segment 2243 in that order as the lid 280 rotates between the closed position and the open position. The first segment 2241 comprises a first radius, the second segment 2242 comprises a second radius and the third segment 2243 comprises a third radius. The first radius is greater than the distance between the lid follower 283 and the hinge axis X-X when the lid 280 is in the closed position. This means that during rotation of the lid 280 in the first direction D1 , movement of the lid follower 283 along the first arcuate segment 2241 causes the hinge axis X-X to move in the second direction D2.
[0061] The second radius is less than the first radius. In other words, the second radius is tighter than the first radius. This means that traversal of the second arcuate segment 2242 by the lid follower 283 effects a greater rotation of the lid 280 about the hinge axis X-X than is caused by the initial movement of the follower 283 along the first arcuate segment 2241. It is the rotation of the lid 280 during traversal of the lid follower 283 along the second arcuate segment 2242 that does most of the rotation of the lid 280 into the open position.
[0062] The third radius is greater than the distance between the lid follower 283 and the hinge axis X-X as the lid follower 283 enters the third arcuate segment 2243. This means that during traversal of the lid follower 283 along the third arcuate segment 2243, the hinge axis X-X is again pulled in the second direction D2 toward an end of the hinge track 223. This continues until the lid follower 283 reaches an end of the lid track 224. The end of the lid track 224 defines the open position of the lid 280, as shown in figure 7D.
[0063] To return the lid 280 to the closed position, the user 300 pushes against an exposed portion of the lid 280 as shown in figure 7E. The user applies a force in the second direction D2 to cause the lid 280 to repeat the above-described movement in reverse. The user 300 must maintain a force on the lid 280 to move the lid 280 against the torsion spring 227 until the lid 280 is returned to the closed position and the pawl 231 is again engaged with the tooth 284 of the lid 280.
[0064] With reference again to figures 1 and 3, the centre console unit 200 of any of the embodiments described above may be received in the centre console 130 of the road-going vehicle. An advantage of the opening mechanism 220 of the centre console unit 200 is that, when in the open position, the lid 280 stows between the console liner 210 and one of the walls 131 , 13T of the centre console 130 as shown in figure 3, while allowing the walls 131 , 13T to be spaced no further apart than the width of the lid 280.
[0065] It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application.
Claims
CLAIMS1. A centre console unit for a vehicle comprising a console liner defining a storage compartment, a lid configured to cover an opening of the storage compartment when in a closed position and an opening mechanism configured to move the lid between the closed position and an open position in which the opening of the storage compartment is uncovered; the opening mechanism comprising: a hinge connected to the console liner and the lid, the lid being rotatable about an axis of the hinge between the open and closed positions;wherein the opening mechanism is configured so that, when the lid is in the open position, a majority portion of the lid is received in a volume covered by the lid in the closed position; and wherein the opening mechanism is configured to move the hinge axis relative to the console liner in a first direction as the lid rotates about the hinge axis in a second direction, opposite to the first direction.
2. A centre console unit according to claim 1 , wherein the opening mechanism further comprises a hinge track that extends in the first direction, the hinge comprising a hinge follower that is set into the hinge track to follow the hinge track when the lid rotates.
3. A centre console unit according to claim 2, wherein the opening mechanism further comprises a lid track, and wherein the lid comprises a lid follower that is set into the lid track to follow the lid track when the lid rotates.
4. A centre console unit according to claim 3, wherein the lid track defines an arcuate path.
5. A centre console unit according to claim 4, wherein the hinge track and lid track are formed in an outer surface of the console liner.
6. A centre console unit according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the hinge comprises a lever arm that is rotatably connected to the console liner at a first end of the lever arm.
7. A centre console unit according to claim 6, wherein the hinge follower and the hinge axis are coaxial and spaced from the first end of the lever arm.
8. A centre console unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the opening mechanism further comprises a resilient member configured to rotate the lid about the hinge axis.
9. A centre console unit according to claim 8, wherein the resilient member is a torsion spring disposed coaxial with the hinge axis.
10. A centre console unit according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the opening mechanism further comprises a release member movable between a first position configured to hold the lid in the closed position against the force of the resilient member, and a second position in which the9release member disengages the lid to allow the lid to rotate about the hinge axis under the force of the resilient member.
11. A centre console unit according to claim 10, wherein the opening mechanism further comprises a button disposed in an outer surface of the lid, the button being coupled to an elongate member so that, when the button is pressed, the elongate member engages the release member to move the release member from the first position into the second position.
12. A centre console for a vehicle, the centre console comprising:the centre console unit of any of claims 1 to 11 ;two walls spaced apart and facing each other either side the volume covered by the lid in the closed position, the console liner of the centre console unit being received in the volume between the two walls; whereinthe centre console is configured so that, in the open position, the lid is received within the volume between the console liner and one wall of the two walls.
13. A vehicle comprising the centre console of claim 12.