U.S. patent application number 10/305514 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-30 for mounting assembly for night vision display unit.
Invention is credited to Haehn, Craig S., Johnson, Duane R., Matko, Mark A..
Application Number | 20030202020 10/305514 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21874937 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030202020 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Matko, Mark A. ; et
al. |
October 30, 2003 |
Mounting assembly for night vision display unit
Abstract
A mounting assembly for a night vision display unit uses
friction hinges to effectively position the display unit at a
desired position relative to the vehicle operator. In a dashboard
mounting arrangement, the friction hinge dampens movement of the
display unit. In the visor mounted arrangement, the friction hinge
assembly and catch assembly ensure convenient, effective storage
and deployment of the visor or display unit without one component
adversely impacting on the operation and use of the other
component.
Inventors: |
Matko, Mark A.; (North
Olmsted, OH) ; Haehn, Craig S.; (Avon Lake, OH)
; Johnson, Duane R.; (Wellington, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CALFEE HALTER & GRISWOLD, LLP
800 SUPERIOR AVENUE
SUITE 1400
CLEVELAND
OH
44114
US
|
Family ID: |
21874937 |
Appl. No.: |
10/305514 |
Filed: |
November 27, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10305514 |
Nov 27, 2002 |
|
|
|
10034203 |
Dec 20, 2001 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
348/836 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60K 2370/21 20190501;
B60J 3/0204 20130101; B60R 2011/0085 20130101; B60R 11/0235
20130101; B60K 2370/334 20190501; B60K 35/00 20130101; B60K 2370/67
20190501; B60R 2011/0028 20130101; B60R 2011/0082 20130101; B60R
2011/0005 20130101; G02B 23/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/905 |
International
Class: |
G09G 005/00 |
Claims
Having thus described the present invention, it is now claimed:
1. A mounting assembly for a night vision display unit in a vehicle
compartment, the mounting assembly comprising: a visor pivotally
mounted in the associated vehicle compartment position adjacent an
upper region of an associated windshield, the visor movable between
a storage position and a use position; a display unit pivotally
mounted in the associated vehicle compartment position adjacent an
upper region of an associated windshield, the display unit movable
between a storage position and a deployed position; and a first
catch for securing at least one of the display unit and visor in
their respective storage positions.
2. The mounting assembly of claim 1 further comprising a second
catch for securing the display unit in the storage position when
the visor is deployed.
3. The mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein the first catch
includes a magnet disposed on one of the visor and the display
unit, and a striker mounted on the other of the visor and display
unit.
4. The mounting assembly of claim 3 wherein the striker is mounted
in the vehicle compartment for securing the display unit in a
storage position when the visor is in a use position.
5. The mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein the visor includes a
hinge along one edge disposed adjacent the windshield.
6. The mounting assembly of claim 5 wherein the display unit
includes a hinge along one edge disposed in spaced relation from
the windshield.
7. The mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein the first catch
includes a magnet secured to one face of the display unit opposite
a display face of the display unit.
8. The mounting assembly of claim 7 wherein the visor includes a
striker secured to a first face of the visor that faces outwardly
when the visor is disposed in the storage position.
9. The mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein the display unit
includes a friction hinge that dampens the display unit in a
desired orientation between the storage and deployed positions.
10. A mounting assembly for securing a night vision display in a
vehicle compartment, the mounting assembly comprising: a night
vision display unit pivotally mounted in the associated vehicle
compartment; and a friction hinge that dampens movement of the
display unit.
11. The mounting assembly of claim 10 further comprising a striker
and a magnet assembly for retaining the display unit in a stored
position.
12. The mounting assembly of claim 11 wherein the magnet is secured
to a non-display face of the display unit and the striker is
secured to the vehicle compartment.
13. The mounting assembly of claim 12 further comprising a second
striker secured to a visor for retaining the display unit in a
stored position.
14. The mounting assembly of claim 13 wherein the visor is
pivotally secured in the vehicle compartment along a hinge mounted
adjacent the windshield and the night vision display unit is
pivotally secured in the vehicle compartment along a hinge mounted
in spaced relation to the windshield.
15. The mounting assembly of claim 10 further comprising a visor
pivotally mounted in the vehicle compartment for selective movement
between storage and deployed positions, the display unit adapted to
overlay the visor when both the visor and the display unit are in
the stored positions.
16. The mounting assembly of claim 15 wherein hinges of the visor
and the display unit, respectively, are located along opposite
edges allowing the display unit and visor to overlap when disposed
in their respective stored positions.
17. The mounting assembly of claim 15 further comprising a catch
assembly having a first component on the display unit and a second
component on the visor.
18. The mounting assembly of claim 17 wherein the first component
is a magnet secured to the display unit and the second component is
a striker secured to the visor.
19. The mounting assembly of claim 18 wherein the catch assembly
further comprises a second striker in the vehicle compartment that
selectively engages the magnet on the display unit when the visor
is deployed and the display unit is located in the stored
position.
20. A method of mounting a display unit in a vehicle compartment
that allows the display unit to be used without interfering with
operation of the visor comprising the steps of: incorporating a
friction hinge into the display unit; and securing the display unit
in the vehicle compartment with a bracket that receives the
hinge.
21. The method of claim 20 comprising the further steps of securing
a first striker to a face of a visor; securing a magnet to a face
of the display unit for selective engagement with the first
striker; and securing a second striker in the vehicle compartment
for selective engagement with the magnet when the visor is deployed
for use.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This application relates to a night vision system, and more
particularly to a new assembly for mounting a display unit.
[0002] There is an increased desire to incorporate night vision
systems into heavy vehicles such as trucks, buses, and tractors.
The night vision system provides an alternative means of improving
visibility under difficult driving conditions such as night-time
driving, low or no-light conditions, etc. For example, an infrared
camera provides an alternative forward view from the truck cab and
the view is fed to a display unit such as a heads-up display. The
display unit is preferably mounted in the vehicle or cab
compartment in a manner so that the driver's view of the road
through the windshield is not impaired. One common manner of
mounting a display unit is to use a pair of brackets disposed on
opposite sides of the display unit where the brackets are secured
to the vehicle dashboard. This provides a convenient location so
that the driver easily sees the display unit. The brackets orient
the display at a fixed angle relative to the driver so that there
is no variability of the display unit.
[0003] Another desired location to mount the display unit is from
the interior headliner of the truck cab. Heretofore, this has been
difficult because of the need to accommodate a visor, storage
compartments, etc. The visor function cannot be compromised and the
heads up display must not introduce sharp edges or protrusions
which could injure the driver. Although a swing-down hinge assembly
has been suggested, it must still allow the sun visor to be
deployed. Moreover, the display unit must not inadvertently swing
down in a manner that would either startle or potentially bother
the driver.
[0004] Accordingly, an improved mounting assembly for a night
vision display unit is desired in a vehicle compartment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The preferred mounting assembly incorporates a friction
hinge into the display unit that dampens movement of the display
unit.
[0006] A preferred mounting assembly for the night vision display
unit pivotally mounts the unit adjacent an upper region of a
windshield. The display unit is movable between storage and
deployed positions. Likewise, a visor is pivotally mounted in the
vehicle compartment adjacent an upper region of the windshield. A
catch secures at least one of the display unit and visor in its
respective storage position.
[0007] A preferred catch assembly is a magnet mounted on a rear
face of the display unit and a first striker or magnetically
attractive member secured to the visor and a second striker mounted
within the vehicle compartment. This allows the display unit to be
maintained in a storage position when the visor is either in a
deployed position or a storage position.
[0008] An existing truck cab can be easily modified to incorporate
the night vision system. The display unit is hingedly secured
within the compartment and incorporates a catch/magnet on the rear
face thereof. The second part of the latch or striker is secured to
the visor, as well as a second striker being secured to the
headliner.
[0009] The present invention advantageously provides a simple,
effective solution to the known problems.
[0010] The mounting assembly provides for effective adjustment of
the desired orientation of the display unit.
[0011] The mounting assembly also advantageously provides for a
heads-up display in the visor area without impinging on visor
function.
[0012] The preferred mounting assembly also effectively stores the
display unit during both the visor storage and deployed
positions.
[0013] Still other advantages and benefits of the present invention
will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and
understanding the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a night vision display
unit.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a rear plan view of the display unit of FIG.
1.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the display unit in a
deployed state.
[0017] FIG. 4 is schematic representation of a vehicle compartment
or truck cab illustrating mounting of the display unit.
[0018] FIGS. 5-9 are a sequential series of schematic
representations of the interaction between the visor and the
display unit.
[0019] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a friction hinge.
[0020] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a hinge support.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a preferred form of a video display
unit 20 associated with a night vision system. The display unit 20
is a generally thin, rectangular structure that includes a display
surface 22 that is viewed by a vehicle operator via a pair of
reflecting surfaces, namely, first fold mirror 24 and a second
surface or combiner 26. The combiner has an aspherical surface to
provide an augmented view of the display surface 22 as reflected
from the first fold mirror 24. Thus, when viewed from the direction
of the arrow 28 of FIG. 3, the image is viewed on the surface 22. A
video input/output 30 or multi-pin input 32 provides a signal from
a night vision camera (not shown) as displayed on screen 22. An
on/off control knob 40 and an intensity control knob 42 are
exemplary controls or switches that provide relatively simplified
operation of the display unit. A deployment latch 44 selectively
holds the mirror portions 24, 26 in a planar, folded storage
position (FIG. 1) and when the latch is opened, the mirror surfaces
24, 26 can be deployed to the angled positions as illustrated in
FIG. 3.
[0022] FIG. 4 schematically represents the interior of a vehicle
compartment such as a truck cab. Seat 50 positions the operator
relative to the dashboard 52 to allow a clear, unobstructed view of
the road ahead through windshield 54. In one embodiment, the
display unit 20' of FIGS. 1-3 is mounted to the dashboard 52, a
so-called heads down display (HDD). As represented in FIG. 2, first
and second adjustable mounting components or friction hinges 60,
62, to be described in greater detail below, are provided on
opposite sides of the display unit along a common edge 64. These
mounting components secure opposite edges of the display unit to
the dashboard. As represented by directional arrow 66 in FIG. 4,
the display unit can be tilted through a predetermined range of
movement, although in use the display unit will engage the
dashboard and the reflective mirrors provide an effective heads
down display.
[0023] Alternatively, display unit 20" is mounted adjacent a sun
visor 70 as also illustrated in FIG. 4 in a heads up display (HUD)
format and shown in greater detail in FIGS. 5-9. In this
embodiment, the visor 70 and display unit 20" are mounted adjacent
the windshield 54, shown here as being hingedly or pivotally
secured along one edge to the lower surface of a storage
compartment 72 or headliner. As shown, either the visor or the
display unit may be selectively deployed or stored. In FIG. 5, the
visor 70 is secured along a first edge 74 to a pivot or hinge 76. A
second or opposite edge 78 of the visor is free to be rotated or
pivoted downwardly from its storage position of FIG. 5 to the
deployed position of FIG. 8. The display unit 20" meanwhile is
secured along a first edge 84 and mounted for rotational movement
about a pivot or hinge 86. A second or opposite edge 88 is free to
move through an arc about the hinge 86.
[0024] Thus, in FIG. 5, the visor and display are both maintained
in substantially horizontal, storage positions. In FIG. 6, the
display unit 20" is pivoted in a counterclockwise direction as
illustrated to a generally vertical orientation. The display unit
and night vision camera system provide for improved road visibility
during low light conditions. Additionally, positioning the display
unit in the region of the visor is preferred since it is a natural,
ergonomic location that is easy for the operator to become
accustomed to. During daylight operation, the display unit is
easily rotated to the storage position of FIG. 5.
[0025] If it is desired to deploy or use the visor, the display
unit 20" is first rotated to its position shown in FIG. 6.
Subsequently, the visor edge 78 is rotated in a clockwise direction
about the hinge 76 to a deployed position illustrated in FIG. 7.
Thereafter, as is further illustrated by reference arrow 90 in FIG.
7, the display unit is rotated upwardly to the position shown in
FIG. 8, i.e., its storage position. This conveniently moves the
display unit 20" out of the way and allows the visor to be operated
in conventional fashion as desired. These steps are merely reversed
to orient the visor to the storage position of FIG. 5. That is,
rotating the display unit downwardly to the position shown in FIG.
7, then rotating the visor upwardly to the position shown in FIG.
6, and further rotating the display unit upwardly orients both the
visor and display unit in the storage positions shown in FIG.
5.
[0026] The display unit is easily used in the heads up fashion as
illustrated in FIG. 9. The visor and the display unit are oriented
in mating, horizontal positions. The display surface 22" is viewed
with the assistance of the first fold mirror 24" and the combiner
26". The visor is latched in a horizontal position to the rear of
the display unit so that the visor does not interfere with the
heads up display.
[0027] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a friction hinge and hinge
support that finds particular use with the display unit of the
present invention. The hinge 100 of FIG. 10 is secured with a
fastener (not shown) through fastening opening 102. Thus, these
friction hinges are secured at opposite sides of the display unit
(20' or 20") along one edge and cooperate with the hinge supports
104 of FIG. 11 to secure the display unit 20' to the dashboard, or
display unit 20" along a lower surface of a storage compartment,
headliner, or generally horizontal surface within the truck
cab.
[0028] Since the display unit has a predetermined weight and will
be subjected to the vibration and the rigors of road travel, a
catch assembly 110 is provided. In the preferred arrangement, the
catch assembly includes first and second strikers or catch plates
112, 114 secured to the headliner 72 and first or inner face of the
visor 70, respectively. For example, the strikers or catch plates
are formed of a ferrous material that cooperates with a catch
member or magnet 116 mounted to a rear face of the display unit. As
best illustrated in FIG. 5, magnet 116 is magnetically engaged to
the striker plate 114 on the visor. Since the hinges 76, 86 of the
visor and display unit, respectively, are located in spaced
locations, this structural arrangement advantageously retains the
visor and the display unit in their storage positions. A downwardly
imposed force of sufficient magnitude to overcome the magnetic
force allows the display unit to be swung downwardly as shown in
FIG. 6. The visor is sufficiently lightweight that it will not
inadvertently fall within or obstruct the driver's view through the
windshield.
[0029] When the visor is deployed as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the
display unit is then rotated upwardly to a generally horizontal
stored position. There, the catch magnet [116] on the rear face of
the display unit engages the striker plate [112] on the headliner.
This assures that the display unit is maintained in the stored
position and does not interfere with the driver's view of the road
while simultaneously allowing the visor to be fully functional as
desired.
[0030] Thus, the friction hinge of the present invention allows the
display unit [20'] to be conveniently secured to the dashboard for
selective orientation through a limited angle as illustrated by
reference arrow [64]. The friction hinge imposes sufficient force
so that once the display unit is located at the desired angle it
will dampen any further movement. Similarly, if the display unit is
alternatively mounted to the headliner, the friction hinge and
catch assembly [110] assure that the display unit remains in its
storage position with the visor (FIG. 5) or maintained in a storage
position when the visor is deployed (FIG. 8). This cooperation
between the visor and display unit is easily adapted to a truck cab
and does not adversely impact the conventional function or use of a
visor, nor adversely impact the operation of the display unit.
[0031] The invention has been described with reference to the
preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations
will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding
detailed description. For example, the preceding specification
refers to a magnet and striker/catch plate assembly for retaining
the visor and display unit in desired positions. Other catch
assemblies can be used with equal success and without departing
from the scope and intent of the present invention. Likewise, a
catch assembly can be used with the heads down display [20'] of
FIG. 4 to secure the display unit against the dashboard. If the
catch assembly is inadvertently released, the provision of the
friction hinge dampens potential movement of the display unit and
precludes free-swinging movement that could startle the operator.
It will also be appreciated that the magnet/catch assembly can be
mounted at various locations on the display unit, vehicle cab, etc.
The illustrated locations are merely representative of the function
and operation of the invention. It is intended that the invention
be construed as including all such modifications and alterations in
so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the
equivalents thereof.
* * * * *