Display system releasably attached to windshield assembly and method thereof

Abstract

The motor vehicle includes a display system that is releasably attachable to an inwardly facing curved glass surface of the front windshield assembly. In one embodiment, a front windshield assembly includes at least two spaced apart rigid pins that are adhesively bonded to the front windshield assembly. The display system includes a rigid bracket including a keyhole portion configured for sliding engagement with the at least two pins. A display, such as a non-transparent display, a transparent display, or a head-up display, may be mounted to the stand. A decorative cover overlies the entirety of the rigid bracket and can be easily removed to provide access for releasing the rigid backing from the at least two pins. The front windshield may also include a closure formed of a compressible thermoplastic elastomer configured to compress and form a sealed cavity to prevent ingress of dust, debris, and moisture when the rigid bracket is in sliding engagement with the at least two pins.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display system for releasably attaching to a vehicle windshield assembly that provides serviceability, aesthetics, condensation mitigation, and the like. Background Art

[0002] Current display systems inside vehicles are typically located in the instrument panel below the front windshield to display speed, engine rpm, fuel consumption, tire pressure, etc. In addition, many vehicles include a multi-function center console display, which may include functions for providing entertainment, navigation, etc. Like the instrument panel display, the center console display is also located below the front windshield. Therefore, the driver is typically required to move his sight away from the area of ​​the front windshield, resulting in potential distraction.

[0003] Additionally, current instrument panel and / or center console locations for various display systems are typically permanently attached to the vehicle substructure, which makes accessing, servicing, and / or replacing the electronics driving the display system as well as the display itself very difficult. Typically, service of a display system requires complete disassembly of the instrument panel and / or center console in order to access the display system and assess repair or replacement requirements, which may require specialized skills.

[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a display system that is serviceable, easily accessible and / or replaceable, and that can be easily integrated with vehicle components. Summary of the invention

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment, a motor vehicle includes a front windshield assembly, the front windshield assembly includes at least two spaced rigid pins, the rigid pins are adhesively bonded to an inwardly facing curved glass surface. Each of the at least two spaced rigid pins includes a bottom flat surface substantially coplanar with the inwardly facing glass surface, and a rod portion extending from the bottom flat surface to an end head. The front windshield assembly also includes a closure, which is injection molded onto the inwardly facing curved glass surface formed by a compressible thermoplastic elastomer. A display system releasably attached to the inwardly facing glass surface includes a display mounted to a rigid bracket. The rigid bracket includes a flange extending outwardly relative to the mounted display on each side thereof. The flange includes a keyhole-shaped opening (keyhole-shaped opening), the keyhole-shaped opening including an opening portion and a slot opening portion, the opening portion and the slot opening portion being configured to be used for sliding engagement and disengagement of the rigid bracket with at least two spaced rigid pins. The injection molded closure is compressed when the rigid bracket is slidingly engaged to at least two spaced apart rigid pins to form a sealed cavity between the mounted display and the interior facing glass surface.

[0006] In addition to one or more features described herein, the injection molded closure can be formed of a thermoplastic elastomer having a Shore hardness equal to or less than about 50, and the rigid bracket can be formed of a thermoplastic having a Shore hardness equal to or greater than about 75. When the rigid bracket is slidably engaged, the closure is compressed by at least 25%. In one or more aspects, the sealed cavity prevents dust, debris and moisture from entering the sealed cavity. In one or more other aspects, the flange includes a molded snap-fit ​​feature, which includes a flexible portion covering the opening portion of the keyhole opening, wherein the flexible portion is configured to bend upward when the end head of the pin is inserted. The rigid bracket can be slidably engaged with a stop position at the end of the slot opening portion and lockedly engaged at the stop position, and when the molded snap-fit ​​feature is flexed upward and the bracket is slidably engaged to the opening portion away from the end, the rigid bracket is disengaged from at least two pins. The display mounted to the rigid bracket can include a non-transparent display, a transparent display or a head-up display. The size of the opening portion and the slot opening portion of the keyhole-shaped opening is equal to or slightly larger than the size of the end head and the rod portion, respectively. The releasable display system is located below the 5 degree line specified in Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) Regulation No. 1125. In one or more aspects, the releasable display system further comprises a decorative cover that snap fits to the rigid bracket and completely covers the rigid bracket, the decorative cover comprising an opening for viewing the display mounted to the rigid bracket.

[0007] In another exemplary embodiment, a motor vehicle includes a front windshield assembly, the front windshield assembly including an outwardly facing curved glass surface and an inwardly facing curved glass surface, wherein the inwardly facing curved glass surface includes at least two pins, the at least two pins being adhesively bonded to the inwardly facing curved glass surface. Each of the at least two pins includes a bottom flat surface coplanar with the inwardly facing glass surface, and a rod portion extending from the bottom flat surface to an end head. A closure is injection molded onto the inwardly facing glass surface formed by a compressible thermoplastic elastomer. A display system releasably attached to the inwardly facing curved glass surface includes a display mounted to a rigid bracket. The decorative housing completely covers the rigid bracket. The rigid bracket includes a flange extending outwardly relative to the mounted display on each side thereof, wherein the flange includes a keyhole-shaped opening. The keyhole-shaped opening includes an opening portion and a slot opening portion, the opening portion being configured to accommodate the size of the end head of the pin, and the slot opening portion being configured to accommodate the size of the rod portion. A molded snap-fit ​​feature including a flexible portion covers the opening portion and is configured to flex upward when the end head of the pin is inserted, wherein the rigid bracket can be slidably and lockingly engaged in the keyhole opening at a stop position at the end of the slot opening portion. When the molded snap-fit ​​feature is manually flexed upward and the rigid bracket is slidably engaged to the opening portion away from the end, the rigid bracket can be slidably disengaged from the at least two pins.

[0008] The at least two pins are used as a reference for releasably attaching the rigid support during assembly and for injection molding the closure onto the glass surface facing the interior. The molded snap feature includes a notched end configured to lockably engage the end head at the stop position when the pin is at the end of the slot opening portion. In one or more aspects, the mounted display is raised relative to the flange. The compressible thermoplastic elastomer includes a Shore hardness equal to or less than 50, and the rigid support includes a Shore hardness equal to or greater than about 75. When the rigid support is engaged with the at least two pins, the closure is compressed by at least 25%. The closure and the rigid support can have a shape that effectively forms a sealed cavity to prevent dust, debris and moisture from entering therein when the rigid support is compressed and engaged with the closure. In one or more aspects, the rigid support includes a vent, and the display is programmed to be powered on and release heat to the glass surface facing the interior around the display system when a condensation state is detected. The decorative housing covering the rigid support is snap-fitted to the rigid support and can be removed relative to the rigid support. The display system is located below the 5 degree line as specified in Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) Regulation No. 1125.

[0009] In yet another exemplary embodiment, a method of releasably attaching a display system to a front windshield assembly includes incorporating at least two metal or plastic reference retention features onto an interior-facing glass surface of the front windshield assembly. The display system is releasably attached to the reference retention features, wherein the display system includes a rigid bracket including flanges extending outwardly on each side of a display mounted to the rigid bracket. Each flange includes a keyhole-shaped opening including an opening portion, a slot opening portion, and a molded snap-fit ​​feature covering the opening portion. Releasably attaching the display system includes: lockingly engaging the reference retention feature in a stop position at the end of the slot opening portion when engaged with the molded snap-fit ​​feature; and releasing the display system, including upward flexing of the molded snap-fit ​​feature and sliding engagement of the rigid bracket away from the end of the slot opening portion to the opening portion, wherein the rigid bracket can be completely disengaged from the retention feature.

[0010] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure are apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Other features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only, from the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle including a display system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 2 is an exploded view of an exemplary windshield assembly;

[0014] Figure 3 is a partial front perspective exterior view of a vehicle including a display system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a windshield assembly including a pin bonded to an interior-facing glass surface according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 5 is an exploded side perspective view of a non-transparent display system releasably attached to a windshield assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 6 According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 5 A front cross-sectional view of a bracket of a non-transparent display system;

[0018] Figure 7 is a device that is releasably attached to an edge of a windshield assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a release mechanism for a non-transparent display system taken along line AA;

[0019] Figure 8 is a top perspective view of a non-transparent display system releasably attached to a windshield assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] Fig. 9 is a bottom-up perspective view of a non-transparent display system releasably attached to a windshield assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] Fig.10 is a front cross-sectional view of a bracket for a transparent display system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] Fig.11 is a perspective exterior view of a head-up display system releasably attached to a windshield assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] Fig.12 According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure Fig.11 An exploded perspective exterior view of the head-up display system;

[0024] Fig.13 is a top cross-sectional view of a bracket and a heads-up display releasably attached to a windshield assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0025] Fig.14 is a front view of a stand and a heads-up display according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0027] According to an exemplary embodiment, a display system is disclosed herein that is removably attached via a bracket fixedly coupled to a vehicle windshield to provide improved access and serviceability to the display system and, if necessary, ease of replacement.

[0028] Windshields are typically formed from a laminated glass structure that includes a laminate layer, such as polyvinyl butyral, ethylene vinyl acetate, ionoplast, thermoplastic polyurethane, etc., between two sheets of tempered glass (ie, glass panes).

[0029] The laminated glass structure provides some flexibility to the windshield. An opaque plastic, ceramic, ceramic-metal or metal frame is typically formed around the perimeter of the laminated windshield structure for attachment to the vehicle. As will be described in more detail, the display system is removably attached to the vehicle windshield via a bracket at the lower portion of the windshield so that the display system can be located on the dashboard, although not directly attached to the dashboard. In one or more embodiments, the display in the display system is positioned below the approximately 5 degree line as specified in the forward field of view requirements for vehicles in Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) Regulation No. 1125. When mounted to the windshield, the angle of the data plane provided by the visible display portion of the display is different from the angle of the windshield so that the driver and / or passenger can easily view any information provided by the display, i.e., the plane angle of the display is closer to vertical relative to the ground than the angle of the windshield.

[0030] Once the display system is mounted to the bracket, the display system is configured to provide a seal between the bracket and the windshield via a sealing material to prevent dust, debris, water and other contaminants from accumulating in any space between the display system and the windshield. In addition, the display system and the bracket can be configured to aesthetically enclose an opaque portion of the windshield, which is commonly referred to as a mask around the perimeter of the windshield. In addition, when used, the display system can be used to provide a heat source to mitigate condensation on the windshield by utilizing waste heat from the operation of the display. In one or more embodiments, the control system of the vehicle can be configured to automatically actuate the display system to effectively cause a temperature increase on the inner surface of the windshield when the control system detects a potential condensation condition based on detected internal and external environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, etc.). The display system is not intended to be limited and may include a transparent or opaque micro-LED display or a projection display for providing a head-up display (HUD) on the windshield.

[0031] A micro-LED display is a type of display technology that typically includes an array of tiny light-emitting diode (LED) chips, each of which is only a few microns in size, that emit light when current is applied to them via positive and negative wires that are in electrical communication with the circuit that drives the LED chips to produce high-resolution images and videos. Transparent micro-LED display technology works by using a transparent conductive layer sandwiched between the LED chip and the substrate. These layers provide the necessary electrical connections for the LED chip while also allowing light to pass through them. The result is a display that can show vivid images while also allowing the viewer to see through the display. In contrast, opaque micro-LED displays are typically mounted on a rigid opaque substrate (such as a glass or plastic panel) and connected to an electronic circuit that controls its operation. For head-up displays (HUDs), these types of displays project information such as speed, navigation instructions, vehicle warning messages, etc. onto the windshield, where the image is typically projected within the driver's line of sight. HUDs work by using a projector that projects an image onto a specially designed reflective surface set on the windshield. The surface reflects the image back to the driver, who sees the information as if it were floating in front of them. HUDs are designed to help drivers keep their eyes on the road and minimize distractions. By displaying information directly in the driver's line of sight, HUDs allow drivers to quickly and easily access information without taking their eyes off the road.

[0032] The terms "one" and "an" do not indicate a limitation of quantity, but rather indicate the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term "or" means "and / or". References to "aspects" throughout the specification mean that a particular element (e.g., a feature, structure, step, or characteristic) described in conjunction with that aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein, and may or may not be present in other aspects. In addition, it should be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in the various aspects.

[0033] When an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0034] Unless otherwise indicated herein, all test standards are the most current standards in effect as of the filing date of this application or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the test standards appear.

[0035] Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0036] Now go to Figure 1 , depicting a perspective view of a vehicle, generally indicated by reference numeral 10, including a display system 12 removably attached to a front windshield assembly 14 of the vehicle 10. As will be described in more detail below, the display system 12 may be a transparent or opaque micro-LED display system or a head-up reflective display system configured to provide digital information to a driver and / or passenger of the vehicle. The display system 12 may be powered by a positive wire and a negative wire (not shown) electrically connected to a circuit driving the LEDs, as known in the art. Direct current may be utilized to power the display system via a control system (not shown). The display system 12 may be used to supplement or replace a multi-meter instrument cluster mounted in an instrument panel 18, the instrument panel 18 being just above a steering wheel 20 attached to a steering column (not shown), wherein the instrument panel 18 is typically located below the 1 degree line as specified in Economic Commission for Europe Regulation No. 1125 (ECE line). The display system 12 may be removably attached to the windshield assembly 14 at a position below about the 5 degree ECE line.

[0037] exist Figure 2 , an exploded perspective view of an exemplary windshield assembly 30 suitable for use with the present disclosure is depicted. The windshield assembly 30 includes a first curved outer glass panel 32 and a second curved inner glass panel 34 that are laminated together under heat and pressure using a laminating material (not shown) such as polyvinyl butyral or ethylene vinyl acetate. The first curved outer glass panel 32 includes an outer-facing surface 36 and an inner-facing surface 38. Similarly, the second curved inner glass panel 34 includes an inner-facing surface 40 and an inner-facing glass surface 42. It should be apparent that the term "inwardly facing" refers to the opposing glass surfaces 38, 40 that are in direct contact with the laminating material.

[0038] A selected one of the inner surfaces 38 or 40 may include an opaque frit material 44 formed of a ceramic, ceramic metal, or metal applied to its perimeter (e.g., inner surface 38 as shown). The opaque frit material 44 may be characterized as a black enamel-like substance that, once applied, acts as a barrier against the elements, preventing moisture and dirt from entering the laminate via the windshield edge, and also serves to create a clean finished appearance. Some windshield assemblies may also include sensors and / or accessories (not shown) embedded within the laminated windshield 30.

[0039] A metal frame 46 is disposed around the laminated first glass panel 32 and the second glass panel 34, and the metal frame 46 is typically made of steel, aluminum, or other strong and durable metal. The metal frame 46 includes several components for securing the laminated glass panels to corresponding openings in the vehicle. The windshield assembly may also include weather stripping or rubber molding 48 surrounding at least a portion of the metal frame 46 to prevent water from entering the vehicle, and is typically designed to direct water away from the windshield and into the vehicle's drainage system.

[0040] The resulting windshield frame assembly 30 is placed into a corresponding frame opening (not shown) in the vehicle, and a polyurethane adhesive is applied to the edges of the frame and windshield assembly. The windshield assembly 30 is then pressed into place and held there until the adhesive dries and sets. Once the adhesive is cured, excess adhesive is trimmed off, and the exterior-facing surface 36 of the first curved exterior glass panel 32 and the interior-facing glass surface 42 of the second curved exterior glass panel 34 are cleaned and inspected for any defects or damage. As will be described in more detail below, the windshield assembly 30 also includes a pair of spaced-apart rigid pins (see FIG. 1 ) on the interior-facing surface 42 of the second curved glass surface 34. Figure 3 , pins 50, 52) for releasably engaging with a bracket of the display system 12.

[0041] Figure 3 A partial front perspective exterior view of the front windshield assembly 30 of a viewing vehicle is shown depicting the display system 12 attached thereto and positioned above the steering wheel 20 below the 5 degree ECE line. As shown, an opaque frit material 44 surrounds a peripheral portion of the windshield assembly 30, which may also include a transparent portion 49 that does not include the opaque frit material 44; this may be desirable to provide visible access to an underlying vehicle identification number permanently attached to the vehicle or the like.

[0042] Figure 4A top cross-sectional view taken along a plane of a windshield assembly 30 according to the present disclosure is shown, the windshield assembly 30 including at least two spaced apart rigid pins 50, 52 adhesively bonded to the interior facing surface 42 (side 4) of the windshield assembly 30 at precise locations that also serve as a reference for subsequently releasably attaching the display system 12 to the windshield assembly 30. The at least two spaced apart pins 50, 52 (also referred to herein as retaining features) may be fixedly positioned or robotically placed at precise locations on the interior facing glass surface 42 of the windshield assembly 30. Although the present disclosure will refer to two pins 50, 52 for convenience and ease of understanding, additional pins may be used to attach an elongated display system that may extend longitudinally through a majority of or through the entire windshield assembly 30 (e.g., from the driver side A-pillar to the passenger side A-pillar of the vehicle, as desired for different applications). The length of the display system 12 is not intended to be limited. Furthermore, while the pins 50 , 52 are typically located above the steering wheel 20 , the pins 50 , 52 and releasably attached display system 12 may be placed anywhere on the windshield assembly 30 as long as the display system is below the 5 degree ECE line to comply with forward visibility requirements.

[0043] Each pin 50 and 52 can have the same size and include a stem portion 54 and a head portion 56 at its end, wherein the stem portion 54 includes a flat bottom surface 58 that bonds to the interior-facing glass surface 42. The stem portion 54 has a diameter d1. The flat bottom surface 58 can have the same diameter as the stem portion 54 or a larger diameter than the stem portion 54, wherein the stem portion 54 has a shape suitable for providing a larger surface area of ​​adhesive attachment to the interior-facing glass surface 42. The head portion 56 can be circular with a diameter d2, wherein the diameter d2 is greater than the diameter d1 of the stem portion 54. The pins 50, 52 can be a unitary structure formed of a rigid material such as metal, plastic, etc. The windshield assembly 30 also includes a seal 62 formed of a relatively soft thermoplastic elastomer on the interior-facing surface 42 of the windshield assembly 30 (see, for example Figure 5 , edge sealing portion 62), which will be described in more detail herein.

[0044] Now go to Figure 5-9 , depicting various views of a non-transparent display system 60 for releasably attaching to a windshield assembly 30 , wherein the non-transparent display system 60 includes a reflective display 66 .

[0045] exist Figure 5, an exploded perspective view of a non-transparent display system 60 releasably attached to pins 50, 52 coupled to a windshield assembly 30 is shown. The non-transparent display system 60 generally includes a bracket 64 for releasably engaging the pins 50, 52; an opaque reflective micro-LED display 66 mounted to the bracket 64; and a housing 68 covering the entirety of the bracket 60 and the pins 50, 52, the housing 68 including an opening 70 for visual access to the opaque micro-LED display 66 in use. The non-transparent display system 60 is generally located above the instrument panel cover below the 5 degree ECE line. As described above, the windshield assembly 30 includes a closure portion 62 disposed thereon, which has a shape complementary to the contact surface of the bracket 64 when attached to the pins 50, 52. During manufacture of the windshield assembly 30, the closure portion 62 can be injection molded directly onto the interior-facing surface 42, wherein the pins 50, 52 can be used as a reference for precise positioning of the closure portion.

[0046] The bracket 64 is formed of a rigid plastic, which may be fiber reinforced, having a Shore durometer equal to about 75A or greater. When the bracket 64 is releasably attached to the pins 50 , 52 , the bracket 64 compresses the closure portion 62 at the contact surface by at least 25%, which effectively seals the bracket 64 against the closure portion 62 such that the cavity defined by the structure of the bracket 64 is effectively sealed when attached to the windshield assembly 30 .

[0047] Advantageously, when the non-transparent display system 60 is attached to the pins 50, 52 via the brackets 64, the sealing engagement of the brackets 64 with the closure 62 prevents moisture, dust, debris, etc. from entering the cavity behind the display 66. Additionally, the closure 62 formed of a compressible thermoplastic elastomer can compensate for changes in the curvature of the interior-facing surface 42 and still provide an effective seal.

[0048] The housing 68 can be releasably attached to the bracket 64 and formed of a thermoplastic olefin that is typically decorative and used to cover the bracket 64. The housing 68 can be configured to snap fit to the bracket 64 and be easily removed as needed to provide access to a releasable mechanism for the bracket 64, as will be described in more detail herein. In this way, the non-transparent display system 60 can be installed by the automobile manufacturer during vehicle assembly, but easily serviced by automobile dealers or repair personnel with the bracket 64 releasably attached to the pins 50, 52 and the easily removable housing 68 to access the bracket release mechanism. In one or more other embodiments, if desired, the housing 68 and optional bracket 64 can also include vents (not shown) so that the increase in heat from operating the non-transparent display system 60 can be directed to heat the interior-facing surface 42 of the windshield assembly 30 at a position above the 5-degree line. In this way, the non-transparent display system 60 can be programmed to actuate and generate heat when a potential condensation condition is detected to prevent condensation from occurring.

[0049] Figure 6 is a top plan view of a bracket 64 for a non-transparent display system 60. The bracket 64 includes first and second outwardly extending flanges 74, 76 having surfaces that are substantially coplanar with the interior-facing surface 42 of the windshield assembly 30 when releasably attached to the windshield assembly 30, and a housing portion 78 defined by sidewalls 80 extending perpendicularly from the flanges 74, 76 and a planar surface 82 extending between the sidewalls 80, which together form a cavity behind the non-transparent display 66. The planar surface 82 is raised relative to the flanges 74, 76, wherein the resulting cavity can be used for electronics associated with actuating the non-transparent display 66. The flanges 74, 76 extend outwardly relative to the sidewalls 80 on each side of the bracket 64. The planar surface 82 can also include means for coupling the non-transparent display 66 to the planar surface 82. For example, planar surface 82 may be recessed relative to sidewall 80 (not shown) to accommodate the size of non-transparent display 66 and subsequent attachment to planar surface 82 .

[0050] Each flange 74 and 76 includes a keyhole-shaped opening 84, which includes an opening portion 86, and the size of the opening portion 86 is designed to receive the head portion 56 of the pin 50 or 52, that is, the keyhole-shaped opening 84 includes the opening portion 86 and the slot opening portion 88, the diameter of the opening portion 86 is equal to or slightly larger than the diameter d2 of the circular head 56, and the size of the slot opening portion 88 is designed to receive the shaft portion 54 of each corresponding pin 50 or 52, that is, the width (w1) is equal to or slightly larger than the diameter d1 of the shaft portion 54. In this way, the bracket 64 can be slidably engaged with the pins 50, 52 when the head portions 54 of the pins 50, 52 are aligned and inserted into the corresponding opening portions 86, and then the bracket 64 is slidably moved so that the shaft portion 54 of each corresponding pin 50, 52 is slidably engaged in the slot opening portion 88 of the corresponding flange 74 or 76. The flanges 74 , 76 also include a molded snap-fit ​​feature 90 covering the opening portion 86 that is configured to flex upwardly when the rounded head 56 of the corresponding pin 50 or 52 is inserted into the keyhole-shaped opening 84 .

[0051] Figure 7 is along Figure 3 9, showing the engagement of the bracket 64 with a corresponding pin (e.g., the pin 50). As shown, the bottom surface 58 of the pin 50 is directly adhesively bonded to the interior-facing glass surface 42 of the windshield assembly 30 with an adhesive 94. The bracket 64 is slidably engaged with the pin 50 so that the rod portion 54 is positioned within the narrow slot opening portion 88, as shown. The molded snap-fit ​​feature 90 includes a stop feature, such as a notched end 92, which is configured to lockably engage the rounded head 56 of the pin 50 once the bracket 64 is slidingly moved to the end of the narrow slot opening portion 88, which prevents the bracket 64 from moving laterally rearward toward the opening portion 86. To achieve the release of the bracket 64 from the pin 50, the molded snap-fit ​​feature 90 is manually lifted upward relative to the corresponding flange 74 so that lateral movement within the narrow slot opening portion 88 to the opening portion 86 is no longer prevented. In this way, the non-transparent display system 60 can be easily repaired and / or replaced as needed.

[0052] Figure 8-9 Top and bottom views of the non-transparent display system 60 are shown releasably engaged with the pins 50 , 52 adhesively bonded to the interior-facing glass surface 42 of the windshield assembly 30 , as described above.

[0053] Fig.10A front view of a bracket 100 suitable for a transparent display system is shown. The transparent display system is substantially the same as described above for the non-transparent display system 60, although the bracket 100 is modified to include a through-hole opening 102, and the display is a transparent display (not shown) mounted around the perimeter of the opening 102. The bracket 100 includes first and second outwardly extending flanges 104, 106 having surfaces that are substantially coplanar with the interior-facing glass surface 42 of the windshield assembly 30 when releasably attached to the pins 50, 52 thereon. The flanges 104, 106 extend outwardly relative to a side wall 110 extending perpendicularly from the flanges 104, 106. A cross member 112 is transverse to the side wall 110 to define the opening 102. The cross member 112 is elevated relative to the flanges 104, 106. The cross member 112 may also include means for coupling the transparent display to the bracket 100.

[0054] Each flange 104 and 106 includes a keyhole-shaped opening 114, which includes an opening portion 116 and a slot opening portion 118. The opening portion 116 is sized to accommodate the circular head 56 of the pin 50 or 52, that is, the diameter is equal to or slightly larger than the diameter d2 of the circular head 56, and the slot opening portion 118 is sized to accommodate the shaft portion 54 of each corresponding pin 50 or 52, that is, the width (w1) is equal to or slightly larger than the diameter d1 of the shaft portion 54. In this way, when the circular heads 54 of the pins 50, 52 are aligned and inserted into the corresponding opening portions 116 as described above, the bracket 100 can be slidably engaged with the pins 50, 52, and then the bracket 100 is slidably moved so that the shaft portion 54 of each corresponding pin 50, 52 is slidably engaged in the slot opening portion 118 of the corresponding flange 104 or 106. The flanges 104, 106 also include a molded snap-fit ​​feature 120 covering each opening portion 116, which is configured to flex upward when the rounded head 56 of the corresponding pin 50 or 52 is inserted into the keyhole-shaped opening 114 of the bracket 100. The molded snap-fit ​​feature 120 also includes a notched free end (see Figure 7 106 ), which is configured to lockingly engage the rounded head portion 54 and provide a stop position when the bracket 100 is slidingly engaged so that the stem portion 54 of the corresponding pin 50, 52 abuts the end of the bracket slot opening portion 118, which prevents the bracket 100 from lateral movement rearward toward the opening portion 116. To achieve release of the bracket 100 from the pins 50, 52, the molded snap-fit ​​feature 120 is manually lifted upward relative to the flanges 104, 106, respectively, so that lateral movement within the slot opening 118 to the opening portion 116 is no longer prevented. In this way, the transparent display system can be easily repaired and / or replaced as needed.

[0055] Figure 11-14Various views of a heads-up display (HUD) system 150 are shown. Fig.11 A partial top perspective view of the front windshield assembly 30 taken from outside the vehicle is shown depicting the HUD system 150 attached thereto by pins 50, 52, which are generally shown positioned above the instrument panel 18, which is below the 5 degree ECE line 152. The HUD display system 150 is configured to project a digital image 154 onto the interior facing surface 42 of the windshield assembly 30 in a manner generally known in the art. The interior facing surface 42 may include a reflective coating for displaying the digital image.

[0056] exist Fig.12 , an exploded perspective view of the HUD system 150 is shown as being releasably connected to a pair of spaced apart rigid pins 50, 52, which are adhesively bonded to the interior-facing surface 42 of the windshield assembly 30, wherein the windshield assembly 30 also includes a rectangular-shaped closure portion 74 formed from a relatively soft thermoplastic elastomer formed on the interior-facing surface 42 as previously described.

[0057] The HUD system 150 includes a bracket 160 for releasably engaging the pins 50 , 52 , a heads-up display 162 mounted to the bracket 160 resulting in at least 25% compression of the closure 74 , and a housing 164 covering the bracket 160 .

[0058] The bracket 160 is formed of a rigid plastic that may be fiber reinforced with a Shore hardness of about 75A or greater. The housing 164 may be a thermoplastic olefin and is typically decorative. The housing 164 may be snap-fitted to the bracket 160 and easily removed as needed to provide access to a releasable mechanism of the bracket 160, as will be described in more detail below. The housing 164 is typically placed on the surface of the instrument panel 18 but is not attached to the surface of the instrument panel 18.

[0059] exist Figure 13-14 , a top cross-sectional view and a front elevation view of a bracket 160 and a head-up display 162 are shown, respectively. The bracket 160 includes a first outwardly extending flange 170 and a second outwardly extending flange 172, the first outwardly extending flange 170 and the second outwardly extending flange 172 including planar surfaces that are substantially coplanar with the interior-facing surface 42 of the windshield assembly 30 when releasably attached to the windshield assembly 30. A sidewall 174 extends perpendicularly from each flange 170 and 172 such that the flanges 170, 172 extend outwardly relative to the sidewalls 174. A transverse cross member 176 is integrally joined to the sidewalls 174 to define an opening 178, and the head-up display 162 is mounted in the opening 178. As shown in FIG. Fig.13As more clearly shown in , the bracket 160 generally has a top hat shape in cross-section.

[0060] Each flange 170 and 172 includes a keyhole-shaped opening 180, which includes an opening portion 182 and a slot opening portion 184, wherein the opening portion 182 is sized to accommodate the circular head portion 56 of the pin 50 or 52, i.e., the diameter is equal to or slightly greater than the diameter d2 of the circular head portion 56, and the slot opening portion 184 is sized to accommodate the shaft portion 54 of each corresponding pin 50 or 52, i.e., the width (w1) is equal to or slightly greater than the diameter d1 of the shaft portion 54. In this manner, the bracket 160 can be slidably engaged with the pins 50, 52, which are adhesively bonded to the interior-facing glass surface 42, when the sliding movement of the support 160 after the circular head portions 54 of the pins 50, 52 are aligned and inserted into the corresponding opening portions 182 causes the shaft portion 54 of each corresponding pin 50, 52 to slidably engage the slot opening 184 of the corresponding flange 170, 172. The bracket also includes a molded snap-fit ​​feature 186 covering the opening portion 182, so that the molded snap-fit ​​feature 186 flexes upward when the rounded head 56 of the pin 50 or 52 is inserted into the keyhole-shaped opening 180. The molded snap-fit ​​feature 186 also includes a notched free end as previously described (see Figure 7 ), the notched free end is configured to lockingly engage the rounded head portion 54 to prevent lateral movement of the bracket 160 rearwardly toward the open portion 182. To effect release of the bracket 160 from the pins 50, 52, the molded snap-fit ​​feature 186 can be manually lifted upward relative to the flanges 170, 172 so that lateral movement is no longer prevented.

[0061] The HUD system 160 is effective to compress the closure portion 62 on the interior facing glass surface 42 by at least 25% when the bracket 160 engages the pins 50, 52. When engaged with the pins 50, 52, the closure portion 62 has a U-shape corresponding to the mating surface of the bracket 160.

[0062] The process of attaching the above-described display system to the windshield assembly 30 typically includes bonding metal or plastic bonded reference retention features (e.g., the above-described pins 50, 52) directly to the interior-facing glass surface 42 of the windshield assembly 30 and providing a compressible closure portion that is complementary in shape to the contact surface of the bracket. The display system 12 is then removably attached to these retention features, wherein a display for the display system 12 can be injection molded together with a releasable bracket for attaching to the retention features. The bracket is configured with positioning references and retention features for attaching to the sealing material, and is releasably attached to the metal or plastic windshield retention features. As previously described, a softer thermoplastic elastomer is used as a sealing material to seal access to the cavity space between the display and the windshield assembly. The bracket can be used to provide a location of a soft sealing thermoplastic elastomer to the glass surface of the windshield assembly, which can accommodate variations in glass thickness and provide effective sealing.

[0063] Although the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for its elements without departing from its scope. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the basic scope of the disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

1. A motor vehicle comprising: A front windshield assembly comprising at least two spaced apart rigid pins adhesively bonded to an interior-facing curved glass surface, wherein each of the at least two spaced apart rigid pins comprises a bottom planar surface substantially coplanar with the interior-facing glass surface, and a stem portion extending from the bottom planar surface to an end head, and wherein the front windshield assembly further comprises a closure formed of a compressible thermoplastic elastomer injection molded on the interior-facing curved glass surface; as well as A display system releasably attached to the inward-facing glass surface, the display system comprising a display mounted to a rigid bracket, the rigid bracket including a flange extending outwardly relative to the mounted display on each side thereof, each of the flanges including a keyhole-shaped opening, the keyhole-shaped opening including an opening portion and a narrow slot opening portion, the opening portion and the narrow slot opening portion being configured to enable the rigid bracket to slide into and out of engagement with the at least two spaced-apart rigid pins, wherein the closure is compressed when the rigid bracket is slidably engaged to the at least two spaced-apart rigid pins to form a sealed cavity between the mounted display and the inward-facing glass surface.

2. A motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The closure is formed of a thermoplastic elastomer having a Shore hardness of about 50 or less, and the rigid bracket is formed of a thermoplastic having a Shore hardness of about 75 or greater.

3. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The closure compresses at least 25% when the rigid bracket is slidably engaged.

4. The motor vehicle of claim 1, wherein the sealed cavity prevents dust, debris, and moisture from entering the sealed cavity.

5. The motor vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the flange includes a molded snap-fit ​​feature, the molded snap-fit ​​feature including a flexible portion covering the opening portion of the keyhole opening, wherein the flexible portion is configured to flex upwardly when the end head of the pin is inserted, wherein The rigid bracket is capable of slidingly engaging and lockingly engaging a stop position at the end of the narrow slot opening portion and slidingly disengaging from the at least two pins when the molded snap-fit ​​feature flexes upward and the rigid bracket slides away from the end to engage the opening portion.

6. The automotive vehicle of claim 1, wherein the display mounted to the rigid bracket comprises an opaque display, a transparent display, or a heads-up display.

7. The motor vehicle of claim 1, wherein the opening portion and the slot opening portion of the keyhole-shaped opening have sizes equal to or slightly larger than sizes of the end head and the stem, respectively.

8. The motor vehicle of claim 1, wherein the releasable display system is located below the 5 degree line as specified in Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) Regulation No. 1125.

9. The motor vehicle of claim 1 wherein the releasable display system further comprises a decorative cover that snaps into place with the rigid bracket and completely covers the rigid bracket, the decorative cover including an opening for viewing the display mounted to the rigid bracket.

10. A method of releasably attaching a display system to a front windshield assembly, comprising: bonding at least two metal or plastic datum retention features to an interior facing glass surface of said front windshield assembly; releasably attaching the display system to the datum retention feature, wherein the display system comprises a rigid bracket including flanges extending outwardly on each side of a display mounted to the rigid bracket, each of the flanges including a keyhole-shaped opening, the keyhole-shaped opening including an opening portion, a slot opening portion, and a molded snap-fit ​​feature covering the opening portion, wherein the attaching of the display system comprises lockingly engaging the datum retention feature in a stop position at a distal end of the slot opening portion when engaged with the molded snap-fit ​​feature; and The release indication system includes upward deflection of the molded snap-fit ​​feature and sliding engagement of the end of the rigid bracket distal from the slot opening portion into the opening portion, wherein the rigid bracket can be completely disengaged from the datum retention feature.

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