GB2568711A

GB2568711A - A connector

Info

Publication number: GB2568711A
Application number: GB1719504.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ian Jamieson Philip; Craven Ashley; Trevor Iles Adrian
Original assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Current assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority date: 2017-11-24
Filing date: 2017-11-24
Publication date: 2019-05-29
Also published as: GB201719504D0; DE102018219108A1

Abstract

A connector 60 is provided for use in a vehicle 10 to releasably couple a first component 50, typically an expanded polypropylene block forming a support, to a second component 40, for example an electrical module or part of a spare wheel stowage system. A locating part 61 on first component 50 is receivable by an attachment configuration 46 on second component 40. Connector 60 has a locking part 70 movable relative to locating part 61 between a non-engaging position and an engaging position, in which locking part 70 is inserted into the locating part 61 and acts on locating part 61 to restrict movement of locating part 61 relative to the second component 40. Locating part 61 and locking part 70 are integrally formed and a hinge 56 may be provided between them. Connector 60 may be formed from polypropylene.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a connector. Aspects of the invention relate to a connector for releasably coupling a first component to a second component in a vehicle, a vehicle, and a method of coupling a first component to a second component in a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Modular assemblies are used in a variety of different applications due to their inherent adaptability. However the interchangeable nature of modular components presents a number of challenges, particular in the automotive sector where it is essential that modular components are mounted securely. Known fastening means often involve the use of loose components, which can be easily misplaced, as well as the use of tools to facilitate fixation and removal, making any alteration to the modular system often impractical.

In view of these issues, there exists a need for a robust fastening mechanism capable of securely mounting modular components, whilst also enabling the user to easily interchange modular components of the assembly without the need for additional tooling.

At least in certain embodiments, the present invention seeks to overcome or ameliorate at least some of the shortcomings associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a connector for releasably coupling a first component to a second component in a vehicle, a vehicle, and a method of coupling a first component to a second component as claimed in the appended claims.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a connector for releasably coupling a first component to a second component in a vehicle, the connector comprising a locating part on the first component configured to be received by an attachment configuration of the second component; and a locking part movable relative to the locating part between a nonengaging position and an engaging position wherein, in the engaging position, the locking part is inserted into the locating part, the locking part being configured to act on the locating part and restrict movement of the locating part relative to the second component.

The locking part and the locating part may be integrally formed.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a connector for releasably coupling a first component to a second component in a vehicle, the connector comprising a locating part on the first component configured to be received by an attachment configuration of the second component; and a locking part movable relative to the locating part between a nonengaging position and an engaging position wherein, in the engaging position, the locking part is inserted into the locating part, the locking part being configured to act on the locating part and restrict movement of the locating part relative to the second component, wherein the locking part and the locating part are integrally formed.

An advantage of this arrangement is that the ease of use of the system is maximized and which reduces the overall assembly time when connecting the first and second components. Furthermore, the first component and the second component may be connected without the need for additional tools which, for example, enables the user to modify the assembly in a wider range of scenarios, where tools may not be available to hand, or in situations where the user has a limited capacity for performing tasks.

The locating part may comprise a resiliently deformable section.

The locking part may be configured to abut the resiliently deformable section to restrict deformation of the resiliently deformable section.

The locking part may be configured to act on the locating part to bias the locating part against the attachment configuration.

This feature helps to secure the locating part of the first component in the attachment configuration of the second component.

The locking part may be configured to act on the locating part to distend the locating part towards the attachment configuration.

The locating part may be configured to be distendable inwardly when the locking part is absent from the locating part.

As such, receipt and removal of the locating part with the attachment configuration may be simplified.

The resiliently deformable section may comprise an expanded region.

The direction of insertion of the locating part, in use, into the second component, is substantially the same as the direction of insertion of the locking part into the locating part.

As such, the locating part may be loosely secured within the attachment configuration when the connector is in the non-engaging position

The locating part may comprise a dowel. The dowel may define the resiliently deformable section. The dowel may define part of the resiliently deformable section.

The dowel may diverge from the connector base. The dowel may protrude from the connector base.

The dowel may be configured to locate against an opposing locating surface on the attachment configuration.

The locating part may comprise a connector base. The dowel may protrude from the connector base.

The locking part may be insertable into a connector base end of the dowel.

Accessibility to the connector for the user, which in turn further improves the overall ease of use of the connector, may be improved.

The locking part may further comprise an engaging element configured to engage with the locating part.

The engaging element may releasably engage the locking part in a locked condition.

The engaging element may form a snap-fit connection with the locating part in the locked condition.

As such, the locking part is further secured within the locating part when the connector is in the engaging position. This helps to minimise the likelihood of the locking part becoming unintentionally displaced from the desired engaging position to the undesired non-engaging position during use.

The locating part may comprise a locking cavity.

The shape of the locking cavity may correspond substantially to the shape of the locking part in the undeformed condition.

The locking part may be an elongate rod.

The locking part may be hingedly mounted to the locating part.

The locking part and the locating part may be integrally formed.

The first component may comprise an expanded polypropylene block.

The locking part and the locating part may be integrally formed from polypropylene.

The first component may be a support on a vehicle.

The second component may be a removable component for mounting to the support on a vehicle.

The second component may comprise an electrical module.

The second component may comprise a part of a spare wheel packaging system.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a component with a connector as set out above wherein the component and the connector are integrally formed.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a connector as set out above or a component as set out above.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of coupling a first component to a second component in a vehicle, the method comprising receiving a locating 4 part on the first component by an attachment configuration of the second component; and moving a locking part relative to the locating part between a non-engaging position and an engaging position wherein, in the engaging position, the locking part in inserted into the locating part, and the locking part acts on the locating part and restricts movement of the locating part relative to the second component.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a connector for releasably coupling a first component to a second component in a vehicle, the connector comprising a locating part on the first component configured to be received by an attachment configuration of the second component; and a locking part movable relative to the locating part between a nonengaging position and an engaging position.

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 any way 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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a vehicle;

Figure 2 is schematic perspective view of a rear end of the vehicle of Figure 1, showing a load space with a spare wheel stowage system;

Figures 3 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the load space and spare wheel stowage system of Figure 2, with an upper portion acting as a first component and a base portion acting as a second component connected by a connector;

Figure 4 is a partially exploded schematic cross-sectional side view of the spare wheel stowage system shown in Figure 3, with the base portion and upper portion separated;

Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a parts of the first and the second component, and the connector in a non-engaging position;

Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the parts of the first and second components and the connector shown in Figure 5 in a non-engaging position;

Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the connector of Figure 5 in an engaging position;

Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of the connector of Figure 5 in an engaging position; Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of parts of the first and second components connected by an alternative connector shown in an engaging position;

Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional of parts of the first and second components connected by an alternate example connector shown in a non-engaging position;

Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view of the alternate example connector of Figure 10 in a non-engaging position;

Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view ofthe alternate example connector of Figure 10 in an engaging position; and

Figure 13 is schematic perspective view ofthe alternate example connector of Figure 10 in an engaging position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 shows a vehicle 10 comprising a chassis 11, wheels 12, 13 and a door 14. The vehicle 10 has a passenger cabin 15 to accommodate a driver and/or passengers. A load space 20 is defined in the chassis 11. The load space 20 is at a rear end of the vehicle 10 however, in other embodiments, the load space may be located at a front end of the vehicle. Additional load spaces (not shown) may also be located within the passenger cabin 15.

In the following description the term ‘front’ refers to components toward the front of the vehicle and the term ‘rear’ refers to components towards the rear of the vehicle. The terms ‘forward’ and ‘rearward’ shall be construed accordingly. The position of features may be construed relative to other components, for example a forward component may be disposed on a forward side of another component, but towards the rear of the vehicle.

Referring to Figure 2, the load space 20 comprises a support 30, the support having a floor 31, side walls 32, 33, a front wall 34 and a rear wall 35. The side walls 32, 33, front wall 34 and rear wall 35 form a cuboidal load space. Alternately, the sidewalls 32, 33, front wall 34 and rear wall may form a prismatic load space. The support 30 is formed as an integrated part of the chassis 11. However, in other embodiments, the support 30 is a separate component which is mounted to the chassis 11 of the vehicle 10 by any suitable means.

The load space 20 is separated into an upper load space 20a and a lower load space 20b. The lower load space 20b is configured to house a spare wheel 21. A load floor (not shown) is disposed in the load space 20 and divides the load space 20 into the upper load space 20a and the lower load space 20b.

A spare wheel stowage system 25 is received in the lower load space 20b. The load floor (not shown) is supported on the spare wheel stowage system 25. The spare wheel stowage system 25 rests on the floor 31 of the load space 20. The spare wheel stowage system 25 defines a recess 26 which is configured to house the spare wheel 21. The spare wheel 21 is shown in Figures 2 and 3, but is omitted in Figure 4. The spare wheel 21 may be a full-size spare wheel or may be a temporary replacement spare wheel. The spare wheel 21 may also be omitted, or a tyre repair system (not shown) may be disposed in the spare wheel stowage system 25.

The term ‘tyre repair system’ is used herein to define a system which is useable to, at least temporarily, repair a damaged wheel on the vehicle, for example due to one of the vehicle tyres becoming punctured, so that the vehicle 10 is capable of being used without the need, at least temporarily, to replace the damaged wheel. For example, in one configuration the tyre repair system comprises an injectable sealant or expandable foam which is injected into the tyre through a tyre valve and an inflation means for inflating the tyre, for example a pump.

Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, the spare wheel stowage system 25 comprises a base portion 40 and an upper portion 50. The base portion 40 and the upper portion 50 are configured to be received in the lower load space 20b.

The upper portion 50 is formed as an upper stowage block. The upper stowage block is formed from expanded polypropylene. The upper stowage block may be a unitary block. The upper portion 50 comprises an upper body 51, having a top face 53 and a seating face 54. The top face 53 is configured to receive the load floor (not shown). The seating face 54 is configured to abut against the base portion 40. The upper portion 50 defines an upper part 52 of the recess 26.

The base portion 40 is formed as a lower stowage block. The lower stowage block is formed from expanded polypropylene. The lower stowage block may be a unitary block. The base portion 40 comprises a base body 41 having a connecting face 43 and a base face 44. The connecting face 43 is configured to locate against the seating face 54 of the upper portion 50. The base portion 40 defines a lower part 42 of the recess 26.The lower part 42 and upper part 52 of the recess 26 align with each other when the base and upper portions 40, 50 are connected to each other.

In the embodiments described above, the upper portion 50 and the lower portion 40 are modular parts. The upper portion 50 can be detached from the lower portion 40 in the event that the user chooses to carry the smaller temporary replacement spare wheel in place of the full-size spare wheel. When the upper portion 50 has been detached, the connecting face 43 of the base portion 40 defines a load floor supporting surface.

A connector 60 releasably couples the base portion 40 to the upper portion 50. In the following description of the connector 60, the upper portion 50 will be described as a first component, and the base portion 40 will be described as a second component, and features of the base and upper portions 40, 50 will be used. However, it will be immediately apparent that the connector 60 is not limited to use with the specific arrangement described above. For example, the second component may comprise an electrical module. In particular, the connector 60 may be feasibly used to connect any number of different components to each other. For example, the support 30 may act as the second component, and the base portion 40 may act as the first component. Alternatively, the base portion 40 may act as the first component and the upper portion 50 may act as the second component. The first component may be a support block and the second component may be a support panel. As such, reference to first and second components should not necessarily be limited to the specific configurations described herein.

The connector 60 is provided to releasably couple the seating face 54, acting as a first coupling face, of the first component 50 to the connecting face 43, acting as a second coupling face, of the second component 40. The connector 60 is configured to couple the first component 50 to the second component 40. The connector 60 will now be described in detail.

Referring to Figures 5 to 8, a portion of the first component 50 and a portion of the second component 40 is shown. The connector 60 is on the first component 50. The connector 60 is integrally formed with the first component 50. The connector 60 comprises a locating means in the form of a locating part 61. The locating part 61 is configured to be received in a cavity 46 on the second component 40. The cavity 46 acts as an attachment configuration. The attachment configuration may have a different configuration. For example, the attachment configuration may be a through hole in a plate portion of the second component 40. The locating part 61 is inserted through an opening 47 of the attachment configuration.

The connector 60 has a locking means in the form of a locking part 70. The locking part 70 is configured to be inserted into the locating part 61 to act on and lock the locating part 61 as will be described in detail below. The locking part 70 is movable about the locating part 61. The locking part 70 is pivotably connected to pivot about the locating part 61. The locking part 70 and the locating part 61 are integrally formed.

The locating part 61 comprises a connector base 63. The connector base 63, in the present embodiment, is a section of reduced thickness of the first component 50, and is formed by a recessed portion 55 of the first component 50. The locating part 61 has a dowel 64, acting as a protruding element, upstanding from the connector base 63.

The dowel 64 is integrally formed with the connector base 63. The dowel 64 is elongate with a free end 66 distal to the connector base 63. The dowel 64 has an expanded region 65. The expanded region 65 is a region of increased thickness in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the dowel 64. The expanded region 65 is a circumferentially extending protruding band, although alternative arrangements are possible. The expanded region 65 is spaced from the connector base 63, and in the present embodiment is disposed between the connector base 63 and the free end 66. The outer surface 79 of the dowel 64 comprises a first outer surface portion 79a which diverges from the connector base 63 to the expanded region 65. The dowel 64 has a free end 66, and the dowel 64 has a second outer surface portion 79b which converges from the expanded region 65 to the free end 66.

The dowel 64 has a bore 67 extending axially along the dowel 64. The bore 67 acts as a locking cavity for receiving the locking part 70. The bore 67 shall hereafter be referred to as the locking cavity 67. The locking cavity 67 extends axially through the length of the dowel 64. In other embodiments, the locking cavity extends part-way through the dowel 64. The locking cavity 67 comprises a receiving opening 68. The receiving opening 68 is on an opposing side of the connector base 63 to the dowel 64. As such, the locking cavity 67 extends through the connector base 63. The inner face of the locking cavity 67 is defined by a locking cavity wall 67a. A circumferentially extending groove 69, acting as an interacting element, is formed in the locking cavity wall 67a.

The locking part 70 has a locking base 71 and an elongate rod 72. The elongate rod 72 acts as a locking element. The elongate rod 72 protrudes from the locking base 71. The elongate rod 72 has a tip 73 at a distal end to the locking base 71 .The locking base 71 is configured to be received in the recessed portion 55 of the first component 50. The elongate rod 72 is 9 tapered. The diameter of the elongate rod 72 converges from the locking base 71 to the tip 73. In other embodiments, the elongate rod 72 may have a uniform diameter along its length. The elongate rod 72 conforms to the locking cavity 67. The locking part 70 has an engaging element 75 on the elongate rod 72. The engaging element 75 extends circumferentially about the elongate rod 72. The engaging element 75 is in the form of an annular band. In other embodiments, the engaging element 75 may be in any other suitable form.

The locking part 70 is connected to the locating part 61 by means of a live hinge 56, which is integrally formed with the locating part 61 and the locking part 70. A live hinge is thin flexible hinge or flexure bearing made from one of the same materials as the adjacent hinged sections, in this case polypropylene. Live hinges connect two adjacent rigid sections. Live hinges are typically a thinned or partially cut region which allows the rigid sections to bend along the line of the hinge.

Alternatively, the locking part 70 may be formed separately from the locating part 61 and the locking part 70 may be connected to the locating part 61 using any other suitable means. In a further alternative, the locking part 70 and the locating part 61 may be unconnected.

The locking part 70 is pivotable about the locating part 61. The locking part 70 is configured to pivot between a non-engaging position, wherein the elongate rod 72 is absent from the locking cavity 67, and an engaging position, wherein the elongate rod 72 is inserted into the locking cavity 67.

In other embodiments, the elongate rod 72 may be translatable between the non-engaging position and the engaging position.

In the non-engaging position, the locating part 61 is configured to be inserted into and removed from an attachment configuration 46 on the second component 40.

The attachment recess 46 has a locating surface 49 and an attachment base 48. The locating surface 49 has a circumferential recess 49b which defines a region of increased width extending around the inner circumference of the recess corresponding to the expanded region 65 of the dowel 64. The locating surface 49 corresponds substantially to the shape of the dowel 64. The locating surface 49 has a divergent locating surface 49a which diverges from the opening 47 to meet the convergent locating surface 49b which converges from its join with the divergent locating surface 49a to the attachment base 48. The divergent locating surface 49a and the convergent locating surface 49c define the circumferential recess 49b which 10 extends between the opening 47 and the base 48. Alternatively, the attachment configuration may be a channel, an aperture or any other suitable configuration.

The dowel 64 is resiliently deformable and is configured to distend inwardly upon the application of a radial compressive force. That is, on application of a radial force, the dowel is resiliently compressed so that its diameter is decreased. As such, the dowel 64 forms a resiliently deformable section of the locating part 61. In the distended position, the diameter of the dowel 64 is less than the diameter of the opening 47. The opening 47 of the second component 40 is configured to permit the insertion and removal of the dowel 64 when the dowel 64 is in the distended position. In other embodiments, the dowel 64 may be insertable and removable in the non-distended position.

The dowel 64 is configured to revert back to the non-distended position after the dowel 64 has been received within the attachment configuration 46. The expanded region 65 of the dowel 65 is configured to locate within the circumferential recess 49b, forming a snap fit connection, which secures the dowel 64 within the attachment configuration 46.

Referring now to Figures 7 and 8, the locking cavity 67 is configured to receive the elongate rod 72 of the locking part 70 via the receiving opening 68. The direction of insertion of the locating part 61, in use, in to the second component 40, is substantially the same as the direction of insertion of the locking part 70 into the locating part 61. Upon insertion, the engaging element 75 of the locking part 70 is received within the circumferentially extending groove 69 of the locking cavity 67. The engaging element 75 forms a snap-fit connection with the circumferentially extending groove 69 which prevents the locking part 70 from becoming dislodged from the locking cavity 67 once the locking part has been placed in the engaging position.

When the connector 60 is placed in the engaging position, the elongate rod 72 abuts against the locking cavity walls 67a which substantially restricts any inward distention of the dowel, thereby securing the dowel 64 within the attachment recess 46. The divergent locating surface 49a acts against the first outer surface portion 79a of the dowel 64, thereby preventing withdrawal of the dowel 64 from the attachment recess 46. Alternatively, the elongate rod 72 may have a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the locking cavity 67, the elongate rod 72 being configured to expand the dowel 64 when the connector 60 is placed in the engaging position.

Referring now to Figure 9, an example is described in which the first component further comprises a locking recess 58. The base 71 of the locking part 70 comprises a locking projection 76. The base 71 is formed from a resiliently deformable material. Alternatively, the base 71 may be substantially rigid and the first component may be resiliently deformable or both the base 71 and the first component may be resiliently deformable. The locking recess 58 and locking projection 76 are substantially angular. However, in other examples the locking recess 58 and the locking projection 76 may be any form of suitable connection.

When the locking part 70 of the example is placed in the engaging position, the locking projection 76 interfaces with the locking recess 58 to form a snap-fit connection between the locking projection 76 and the locking recess 58, thereby preventing the locking part 70 from becoming dislodged from within the locking cavity 67. In this example, the engaging element 75 may be omitted.

Referring back to Figure 8, the base 71 of the locking part 70 fits substantially flush within the recessed portion 55 of the first component 50 when the locking part 70 is in the engaging position.

The base 71 further comprises a base recess 77 in the form of a semi-circular groove. Alternatively, the groove may be any other suitable form. The recessed portion 55 and the base recess 77 both define a release aperture 57. However, the release mechanism may instead be in the form of a pull tab, a lever or any other suitable mechanism.

The locking part 70 is configured to be removable from the locking cavity 67 by inserting a tool (not shown) into the release aperture 57 and applying a force to the base 71 of the locking part 70 in a direction away from the locating part 61. It shall be appreciated that a tool in this case may be a human digit or may be a tool in a more traditional sense, such as a hook.

Referring to Figures 10 to 13 an alternative connector 110 is provided for releasably coupling the first component 50 to the second component 40.

Referring to Figure 10, the connector 110 is integrally formed with the first component 50. The first component 50 is substantially L-shaped having a vertically oriented sidewall 50a disposed at substantially 90 degrees from the recessed portion 55. The sidewall 50a comprises a projection 59. The projection 59 is resiliently deformable and is integrally formed within the sidewall 50a of the first component 50. The projection 59 is semi-elliptical in shape and extends substantially along the length of the sidewall 50a. However, the projection 59 may be a notch, a latch or any other suitable means.

The connector 110 comprises a locating part 80 in the form of a locating aperture 81. The locating aperture 81 is a through hole which extends through the recessed portion 55 of the first component 50. The locating aperture 81 is configured to receive a protruding feature in the form of a stud 100 located on the second component 40. The thickness of the first component 50 at the recessed portion 55 is substantially less than a length of the stud 100, which thereby permits a protruding end 102 of the stud 100 to protrude from the recessed portion 55 when the locating aperture 81 is inserted onto the stud 100. In this example, the protruding feature acts as the attachment configuration.

The connector 110 has a locking means in the form of a locking part 90. The locking part 90 is configured to receive the stud 100 of the second component 40. The locking part 90 is moveable about the stud 100. The locking part is pivotally connected to the locating part 80. In the present example, the locking part 90 and the locating part 80 are integrally formed. However, the locating part 80 and the locking part 90 may be adjoined components.

The locking part 90 is connected to the locating part 80 by a live hinge 84. The live hinge 84 is integrally formed with the locating part 80 and the locking part 90. It shall be appreciated that the live hinge 84 is equivalent to the live hinge 56 reference in Figures 5-8 and may be considered as the same component. Means for connecting the locking part 90 and the locating part 80 have already been described with reference to Figures 5 to 8 and shall not be described in any further detail with reference to Figures 10 to 13.

The locking part 90 comprises a locking body 91. The locking body is resiliently deformable and is made from an expanded polypropylene block. Alternatively, the locking body 91 may be formed from any other suitable material such as rubber. The locking body 91 has a lower face 97 and an upper face 98. The lower face 97 corresponds substantially to the shape of the recess 55. A grip element, in the form of a star washer 92, is integrally formed within the locking body 91. The star washer 92 is configured to form an interference fit with the protruding end 102 of stud 100. Alternatively, the locking part 90 may comprise any other suitable kind of grip element, such as a clamp or a screw.

The star washer 92 comprises a channel 93 which extends partially through the thickness of the locking body 91. Alternatively, the channel 93 may extend through the entire thickness of the locking body 91. The channel 93 has an opening 94 located on the lower face 97 of the 13 locking body 91. The channel 93 has a frusto-conical cross section defined by channel walls 95. The channel walls 95 are tapered and diverge towards an opening 94 of the star washer 92. The channel walls 95 form a plurality of teeth within the channel 93. Alternatively, the channel 95 may comprise a high-friction surface disposed on the channel walls 95.

The locking part 90 is pivotable about the locating part 80. The locking part 90 is configured to pivot between the non-engaging position, wherein the protruding end 102 of the stud 100 is absent from the star washer 92, and the engaging position, wherein star washer 92 is inserted onto the protruding end 102 of the stud 100.

In the non-engaging position, the locating aperture 81 is configured to be inserted onto and removed from the stud 100 of the second component 40. When the locating aperture 81 is inserted onto the stud 100, the seating face 54 of the first components abuts the connecting face 43 of the second component 40.

The stud 100 is upstanding from the upper connecting surface 43 of the second component 40. The stud 100 has an elongate shaft 101 with a substantially uniform diameter. The stud 100 is formed as a separate component and is adjoined to the second component 40. The stud 100 may be attached to the second component 40 via any suitable means. Alternatively, the stud 100 may be integrally formed with the second component 40.

The locking part 90 is configured to locate on the stud 100. Referring to Figure 12, the connector 110 is placed in the engaging position when the locking part 90 is located on the stud 100. When the locking part 90 is placed in the engaging position, the lower face 97 of the locking part 90 abuts with the recess portion 55 of the first component 50.

In the engaging position, the channel walls 95 bias against the elongate shaft 101 of the stud 100 to form an interference fit between the star washer 92 and the stud 100. The interference fit between the star washer 92 and the stud 100 substantially prevents the stud 100 from being removed from the locating part 80.

When the locking part 90 is in the engaging position, the projection 59, located on the sidewall 50a of the first component 50, is configured to abut the upper face 98 of the locking part 90. The projection 59 forms a snap-fit connection with the locking part 90. The projection 59 substantially prevents the vertical displacement of the locking part 90, thereby securing the locking part 90 in the engaging position. In other examples, the projection 59 may be rigid and the locking part 90 may be resiliency deformable. The snap fit prevents the locking part 90 from becoming dislodged during use.

Referring now to Figure 13, the locking part 90 further comprises a tab 99. The tab 99 is integrally formed within the upper face 98 the locking part body 91. The tab 99 is configured to receive a human digit in order to easily facilitate removal of the locking part 90 from the stud 100. However, in other examples, the tab 99 may be omitted.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features, whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance, it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings, whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. A connector (60) for releasably coupling a first component (50) to a second component (40) in a vehicle (10), the connector comprising:

a locating part (61) on the first component (50) configured to be received by an attachment configuration (46) ofthe second component (40); and a locking part (70) movable relative to the locating part (61) between a nonengaging position and an engaging position, wherein, in the engaging position, the locking part (70) is inserted into the locating part (61), the locking part (61) being configured to act on the locating part (61) and restrict movement of the locating part (61) relative to the second component (40), wherein the locking part (70) and the locating part (61) are integrally formed.

2. The connector (60) according to claim 1, wherein the locating part (61) comprises a resiliently deformable section (64).

3. The connector (60) according to claim 2, wherein the locking part (70) is configured to abut the resiliently deformable section (64) to restrict deformation of the resiliently deformable section (64).

4. The connector (60) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the locking part (70) is configured to act on the locating part (61) to bias the locating part against the attachment configuration (46).

5. The connector (60) according to claim 4, wherein the locking part (70) is configured to act on the locating part (61) to distend the locating part towards the attachment configuration (46).

6. The connector (60) according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the locating part (61) is configured to be distendable inwardly when the locking part (70) is absent from the locating part.

7. The connector according to any of claims 2 to 6 in which the resiliently deformable section comprises an expanded region (65).

8. The connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the direction of insertion ofthe locating part (61), in use, into the second component (40), is substantially the same as the direction of insertion ofthe locking part (70) into the locating part (61).

9 The connector according to any of claims 2 to 8, wherein the locating part (61) comprises a dowel (64), the resiliently deformable section comprising at least part of the dowel.

10. The connector (60) according to claim 9, wherein the locating part (61) comprises a connector base (63) and the dowel (64) protrudes from the connector base (63).

11. The connector (60) according to claim 10, wherein the outer surface 79 of the dowel (64) diverges from the connector base (63).

12. The connector (60) according to claim 11, wherein the dowel (64) is configured to locate against an opposing locating surface (49) on the attachment configuration (46).

13. The connector (60) according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the locking part (70) is insertable into a connector base end ofthe dowel (64).

14. The connector (60) according to any preceding claim, wherein the locking part (70) comprises an engaging element (75) configured to engage with the locating part (61) to releasably engage the locking part in a locked condition.

15. The connector (60) according to claim 14, wherein the engaging element (75) forms a snap-fit connection with the locating part (61) in the locked condition.

16. The connector (60) according to any preceding claim, wherein the locating part (61) comprises a locking cavity (67), the shape of the locking cavity corresponding substantially to the shape ofthe locking part (70) in the undeformed condition.

17. The connector (60) according to any preceding claim, in which the locking part (70) is an elongate rod (72).

18. The connector (60) according to any preceding claim, wherein the locking part (70, 90) is hingedly mounted to the locating part (61).

19. The connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the locking part (70) and the locating part (61) are integrally formed.

20. The connector (60) according to claim 19, wherein the first component (50) comprises an expanded polypropylene block, and the locking part (70) and locating part (61) are integrally formed from polypropylene.

21. The connector (60) according to any preceding claim, wherein the first component (50) is a support on a vehicle (10), and the second component (40) is a removable component for mounting to the support on a vehicle.

22. The connector (60) according to claim 21, wherein the second component (40) comprises an electrical module.

23. The connector according to claim 22, wherein the second component (40) comprises a part of a spare wheel stowage system (25).

24. A component (50) with a connector (60) according to any preceding claim, wherein the component (50) and the connector (60) are integrally formed.

25. A vehicle (10) comprising the connector (60) according to any preceding claim or the component according to claim 24.

26. A method of coupling a first component (50) to a second component (40) for a in a vehicle (10), the method comprising:

receiving a locating part (61) on the first component (50) by an attachment configuration (46) of the second component (40); and moving a locking part (70) relative to the locating part between a non-engaging position and an engaging position, wherein in the engaging position, the locking part (70) in inserted into the locating part (61), and the locking part (70) acts on the locating part (61) and restricts movement of the locating part (61) relative to the second component (40).