Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A latch assembly (100) for a service door (12) of a vehicle (10), the assembly (100) comprising:
a handle member (102) disposed on the service door (12), the handle member (102) operable to a first position (102a) for actuating the service door (12) to an open position (20) and to a second position (102b) for actuating the service door (12) to a closed position (16); and
a lever member (104) coupled to the handle member (102), the lever member (104) operable to an engaged position (108) and a disengaged position (126) corresponding to operation of the handle member (102), wherein the lever member (104) in the engaged position (108) is adapted to engage with a latch stopper (110) mounted on a chassis member (14) for securing the service door (12) in the closed position (16).

2. The latch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handle member (102) is coupled to the lever member (104) via a connector member (106).

3. The latch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the lever member (104) is operated between the engaged position (108) and the disengaged position (126) corresponding to operation of the handle member (102) a rotational mechanism (112).

4. The latch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the rotational mechanism (112) comprises:
a rotor (114) mounted onto a bottom surface (12b) of the door (12) and coupled to a connector member (106), the connector member (106) being mounted onto a top surface (12a) of the service door (12) and projecting onto the bottom surface (12b) of the service door (12) via a slot (18) defined thereon,
wherein the lever member (104) is rotatably coupled to the rotor (114) and extending radially therefrom, the lever member (104) adapted to rotate between the engaged position (108) to the disengaged position (126) upon actuation of the handle member (102).

5. The latch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4 comprises a nylock nut (116) engaged to a threaded end (106a) of the connector member (106) via a stud pin (118), wherein the nylock nut (116) and the stud pin (118) are adapted to secure the lever member (104) onto the rotor (114).

6. The latch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4 comprises a cover member (120) mounted onto the bottom surface (12b), the cover member (120) adapted to enclose the rotor (114) and a central portion (104a) of the lever member (104),
wherein the cover member (120) includes an opening (120a) for allowing a tip portion (104b) of the lever member to project therefrom for engagement with the latch stopper (110) in the engaged position (108).

7. The latch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the tip portion (104b) is provided with a plastic cap (122) for enabling cushioning upon engagement with the latch stopper (110).

8. The latch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the service door (12) is provided on a floor base panel (22) of a loading deck (44) of the vehicle (10) and positioned adjacent to a powertrain of the vehicle (10), for enabling access to the powertrain when the service door (12) is in the open position.

9. The latch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the floor base panel (22) is configured with a recessed profile (24) for receiving the service door (12), the recessed profile (24) adapted to maintain a flat surface configuration of the floor base panel (22) upon receiving the service door (12).

10. The latch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the service door (12) comprises a dipped profile (26) for receiving the handle member (102), the dipped profile (26) adapted to maintain a flat surface configuration of the service door (12) with the floor base panel (22) in the closed position (16).

11. The latch assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle (10) is a cargo vehicle.
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a latch assembly for a vehicle, particularly, the latch assembly for a service door of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Presently a vehicle, such as a cargo vehicle, includes a service door in its loading deck. The service door provides access to a power train of the vehicle for maintenance purposes. Typically, the service door of the vehicle is locked using a lock and key mechanism that is employed for locking stepney and utility box mechanism. However, the service door is subjected to heavy loads due to cargo loading on the loading deck. As such, the conventional lock and key mechanism break due to such heavy loads, which is undesirable.
[003] To overcome the aforementioned limitations, the service door can be provided with spring latch. However, a spring in the spring latch deforms or bends due to the heavy loads acting thereon upon loading of the loading deck. The deformation deteriorates spring force, rendering the spring in the spring latch unusable. Additionally, the spring may deflect due to the load thereon, which retains the spring in the corresponding position. In such a scenario, the service door cannot be opened, which is undesirable.
[004] To overcome the aforementioned limitations, the service door is provided with two-rods that protrude from the loading deck at a bottom portion of a service door panel. The service door is provided with two clamps which fits onto the rods. However, the rods or the clamps fail due to the heavy loads provided on the loading deck.
[005] In view of the above, there is a need for a latch assembly for the service door of the vehicle, which addresses one or more limitations stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In one aspect, a latch assembly for a service door of a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly includes a handle member disposed on the service door. The handle member is operable to a first position for actuating the service door to an open position and to a second position for actuating the service door to a closed position. A lever member is coupled to the handle member. The lever member is operable to an engaged position and a disengaged position corresponding to operation of the handle member. The lever member in the engaged position is adapted to engage with a latch stopper mounted on a chassis member for securing the service door in the closed position.
[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the handle member is coupled to the lever member via a connector member. Further, the lever member is operated between the engaged position and the disengaged position corresponding to operation of the handle member via a rotational mechanism. The rotational mechanism includes a rotor mounted onto a bottom surface of the door and coupled to the connector member. The connector member being mounted onto a top surface of the service door and projecting onto the bottom surface of the service door via a slot defined thereon. The lever member is rotatably coupled to the rotor and extends radially therefrom. The lever member is adapted to rotate between the engaged position to the disengaged position upon actuation of the handle member. A nylock nut is further provided, wherein the nylock nut is engaged to a threaded end of the connector member via a stud pin. The nylock nut and the stud pin are adapted to secure the lever member onto the rotor.
[008] In an embodiment of the invention, a cover member is mounted onto the bottom surface. The cover member is adapted to enclose the rotor and a central portion of the lever member. The cover member also includes an opening for allowing a tip portion of the lever member to project therefrom for engagement with the latch stopper in the engaged position. Further, the tip portion is provided with a plastic cap for enabling cushioning upon engagement with the latch stopper.
[009] In an embodiment of the invention, the service door is provided on a floor base panel of a loading deck of the vehicle and positioned adjacent to a powertrain of the vehicle for enabling access to the powertrain when the service door is in the open position.
[010] In an embodiment, the floor base panel is configured with a recessed profile for receiving the service door. The recessed profile is adapted to maintain a flat surface configuration of the floor base panel upon receiving the service door.
[011] In an embodiment, the service door includes a dipped profile for receiving the handle member. The dipped profile is adapted to maintain a flat surface configuration of the service door with the floor base panel in the closed position.
[012] In an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle is a cargo vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[013] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 is a schematic view of a vehicle including a latch assembly for a service door, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is an exploded view of the latch assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is an exploded view of the latch assembly, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a top perspective view of a handle member of the latch assembly in a first position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a bottom side perspective view of the latch assembly depicting a lever member in a disengaged position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a top perspective view of the handle member of the latch assembly in a second position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a sectional view of the latch assembly depicting the lever member in an engaged position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a perspective view of the latch assembly depicting the lever member in the engaged position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[014] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[015] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
[016] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary cargo vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The cargo vehicle 10 has an Internal combustion (IC) engine (not shown) or an electric powertrain (not shown) for driving the cargo vehicle 10. The cargo vehicle 10 has a front wheel 28, a pair of rear wheels 30, a chassis member 14, a seat assembly 32 and a fuel tank (not shown). The IC engine may be disposed on the chassis member 14 under the seat assembly 32. The chassis member 14 includes a pair of long members [not shown in Figures] that extend in a vehicle front-rear direction of the vehicle 10. The pair of long members extend in the vehicle front-rear direction substantially parallelly to each other. The chassis member 14 further has one or more cross members [not shown] that extend transversely between the pair of long members. A head pipe (not shown) supports a steering shaft and front suspensions attached to the steering shaft through a lower bracket. The front suspensions support the front wheel 28. The upper portion of the front wheel 28 is covered by a front fender 34 mounted to the lower portion of the front suspensions at the end of the steering shaft. A handlebar [not shown in Figures] is fixed to upper bracket and can rotate to both sides for maneuvering the vehicle 10.
[017] A front portion of the chassis member 14 supports a plurality of body panels to form a cabin 36, wherein the seat assembly 32 and the handlebar are disposed inside the cabin 36. A headlight 38 is provided on a front face of the cabin 36. A pair of swing arms 40 are configured to extend rearwardly from the chassis member 14 and support a pair of rear wheels 30. Generally, the swing arms 40 are further supported by a dual rear suspension (not shown). Each of the rear wheels 30 are covered by a rear fender 42 that is disposed above each of the rear wheels 30. In an embodiment, the rear wheels 30 rotate by the driving force of the Internal combustion engine transmitted from a differential unit of the IC engine through propeller shafts [not shown in Figures].
[018] The cargo vehicle 10 further has a loading deck 44 that is mounted on the chassis member 14 via mounting brackets (not shown in Figures). In an embodiment, the chassis member 14 has at least one rear longitudinal member (not shown) such that the loading deck 44 is mounted on the rear longitudinal member via the mounting brackets. The loading deck 44 includes a floor base panel 22 configured to receive cargo to be transported. The floor base panel 22 includes a service door 12 operable between a closed position 16 (figure 1) and an open position 20 [for e.g. as shown in Figure 5]. In order to retain a flat surface configuration of the floor base panel 22, a recessed profile 24 is provided for receiving or mounting the service door 12. Hence, the dimensions of the recessed profile 24 is selected based on the dimensions of the service door 12. A latch assembly 100 is provided to the vehicle 10 for operating the service door 12 between the open position 20 and the closed position 16, which would be explained with reference to figures 2-8. The service door 12 in the open position 20 provides access to the powertrain [not shown in Figures] of the vehicle 12 to a user for maintenance, while in the closed position 16 the user is restricted to access the powertrain.
[019] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the latch assembly 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The latch assembly 100 facilitates easy operation of the service door 12 between the open position 20 and the closed position 16. The latch assembly 100 is also capable of withstanding load in the loading deck 44 and is thus durable.
[020] The latch assembly 100 includes a handle member 102 disposed on the service door 12. As an example, the handle member 102 is disposed on a top surface 12a of the service door 12 [for e.g. as shown in Figure 2], in order to facilitate access of the handle member 102 to the user. The handle member 102 is disposed on the service door 12 such that, the user is able to access and actuate the handle member 102 for operate the service door 12. The handle member 102 includes a handgrip portion 124 for enabling a user to grip the handle member 102. The handle member 102 is operable to a first position 102a for actuating the service door 12 to the open position 20 and to a second position 102b for actuating the service 12 to the closed position 16. In an embodiment, the handle member 102 is operated in an anti-clockwise direction for operating to the first position 102a from the second position 102b. Accordingly, the handle member 102 is operated in a clockwise direction for operating to the second position 102b from the first position 102a. In an embodiment, the handle member 102 is operated between the first position 102a and the second position 102b about the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10.
[021] In an embodiment, the handle member 102 is operated by a rotational mechanism between the first position 102a and the second position 102b, which is explained with reference to Figures 4-8. Further, the handle member 102 is made of a material with suitable durability for enabling rotation between the first position 102a and the second position 102b. In an embodiment, the handle member 102 is made of a metallic material or a non-metallic material or a composite material as per design feasibility and requirement.
[022] In another embodiment, the dimensions of the handle member 102 is selected such that, a flat surface configuration or a substantially flat surface configuration of the floor base panel 22 [for e.g. as shown in Figure 1] is maintained, when the handle member 102 is rested thereon. In an embodiment, a dipped profile 26 is provided on the service door 12, for ensuring the flat surface configuration of the floor base panel 22 upon mounting. As such, dimensions of the dipping profile 26 is selected to ensure flat surface configuration of the service door 12.
[023] The handle member 102 is coupled to a lever member 104, so that actuation of the handle member 102 between the first position 102a and the second position 102b correspondingly operates the lever member 104 between an engaged position 108 and a disengaged position 126. In the engaged position 108, the lever member 104 is adapted to engage with a latch stopper 110 mounted on the chassis member 14 for securing the service door 12 in the closed position 16, which will be explained in description pertaining to Figures 6-8.
[024] Further, the handle member 102 is coupled to the lever member 104 via a connector member 106. The connector member 106 has a head portion 106b connected to the handle member 102 and a connecting portion 106 adapted to engage with the lever member 104. The connector member 106 transfers movement of the handle member 102 to the lever member 104 suitably, for operating the lever member 104 between the engaged position 108 to the disengaged position 126. In the present embodiment, the connector member 106 transfers rotational movement to the lever member 104 upon actuation of the handle member 102. In an embodiment, the head portion 106b includes engravings [for e.g. as shown in Figure 4] for operating the handle member 104 between the first position 102a and the second position 102b. The engravings provide indication to the user for operating the handle member 102. In an embodiment, the handle member 102 rotates between the first position 102a and the second position 102b about the connecting portion 106.
[025] Referring to Figure 3 in conjunction to Figure 2, the connecting portion 106c is coupled to the lever member 104 via a shaft 128. The shaft 128 is further coupled to a rotor 114 mounted on a bottom surface 12b of the service door 12. In an embodiment, the rotor 114 is mounted on the bottom surface 12b via a base plate 132. The base plate 132 acts as a support member to the rotor 114 for maintaining alignment during operation. In the present embodiment, the rotor 114 includes a slot 114a adapted to receive the shaft 128 therethrough, thereby coupling the rotor 114 with the connecting portion 106c. In an embodiment, the dimensions of the slot 114a and the shaft 128 are selected to ensure an interference fit therebetween. In an embodiment, the handle member 102 rotates between the first position 102a and the second position 102b about the shaft 128.
[026] The rotor 114 is further configured to receive the lever member 104. In the present embodiment, the rotor 114 is a cylindrical member adapted to receive a central portion 104a of the lever member 104. In an embodiment, the central portion 104a includes a slot 104c adapted to engage with the rotor 114. The dimensions of the slot 104c and the rotor 114 are identical to ensure an interference fit therebetween. In an embodiment. one or more washers 130 [for e.g. as shown in Figure 2] are provided over the central portion 104a for securely mounting the lever member 104 on the rotor 114. In an embodiment, the one or more washers 130 are mounted below the central portion 104a for securely mounting the lever member 104 on the rotor 114. In another embodiment, the one or more washers 130 are mounted over and below the central portion 104a for securely mounting the lever member 104 on the rotor 114. The connecting portion 106c and the shaft 128 project onto the bottom surface 12b of the service door 12 via a slot 18 for coupling with the lever member 104.
[027] From the central portion 104c, a tip portion 104b extends therefrom radially upto a required distance for engagement with the latch stopper 110. The extension between the tip portion 104b and the central portion 104c is configured with a flat profile. In the present embodiment, a stepped profile is configured between the tip portion 104b and the central portion 104c. The tip portion 104b is provided with a plastic cap 122 which is configured to engage with the latch stopper 110. The plastic cap 122 is configured to dampen vibrations during engagement between the lever member 104 and the latch stopper 110.
[028] Further, the latch stopper 110 is a member mounted on the chassis member 14, proximal to the location of the service door 12. In the present embodiment, the latch stopper 110 is a protruded member [for e.g. as shown in Figures 5, 7 and 8] adapted to receive the tip portion 104b of the lever member 104. In an alternative embodiment, the latch stopper 110 is a groove or an inward projection configured on the chassis member 14 adapted to receive the lever member 104.
[029] Furthermore, a cover member 120 is mounted onto the bottom surface 12b of the service door 12 by conventional mounting techniques such as welding, brazing, fastening and the like. The cover member 120 is adapted to enclose the rotor 114 and the central portion 104a of the lever member 104. The cover member 120 further includes an opening 120a for allowing the tip portion 104b of the lever member 104. The opening 120a allows the tip portion 104b to project from the cover member 120 for facilitating engagement with the latch stopper 110 in the engaged position 108. The cover member 120 also includes an opening 120b for receiving the shaft 128. The shaft 128 received by the cover member 120 is a threaded end 106a, which is fastened by a nylock nut 116.
[030] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the operation of the latch assembly 100, when the handle member 102 is in the first position 102a is depicted. In the first position 102a, the handle member 102 rotates the lever member 104 to the disengaged position 126 [for e.g. as shown in Figure 5]. In the present embodiment, the handle member 102 rotates the lever member 104 in the anti-clockwise direction upon actuation. In this scenario, the tip portion 104b of the lever member 104, is in disengaged position 126 [for e.g. as shown in Figure 5]. That is, the tip portion 104b is disengaged from the latch stopper 110 in the disengaged position 126. Thus, the service door 12 is operable to the open position 20 by the user. In an embodiment, the user operates the service door 12 to the open position 20, by firstly holding the handle member 102. Thereafter, the user lifts the handle member 102, which inherently lifts the service door 12 from the floor base panel 22.
[031] Referring to Figures 6 to 8, the operation of the latch assembly 100, when the handle member 102 is in the second position 102b is depicted. In the second position 102b, the handle member 102 rotates the lever member 104 to the engaged position 108 [for e.g. as shown in Figures 7 and 8]. In the present embodiment, the handle member 102, upon actuation, rotates the lever member 104 about the shaft 128 in the clockwise direction from the first position 102a. In this scenario, the tip portion 104b of the lever member 104 along with the plastic cap 122, engages with the latch stopper 110. Thus, the service door 12 is in the closed position 16 by the user. In an embodiment, the handle member 102 is operated to the second position 102b upon closing the service door 12 on the floor base panel 22.
[032] Advantageously, the present invention provides the latch assembly 100 that eases the process of locking and / or unlocking of the service door 12. The construction of the latch assembly 100 is also configured to ensure durability to withstand loads acting on the service door 12, and thus ensuring longer cycle life of the assembly 100, while being simple in operation and construction. Additionally, the construction of the latch assembly 100 ensures flush surface or flat surface configuration of the service door 12, thereby avoiding projections on the floor base panel 22. Furthermore, the latch assembly 100 provides a single lever mechanism for operating the service door 12 and for locking the service door 12 on the floor base panel 22.
[033] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.