Vehicle glazing assemblies, vehicle roofs, molds, and related methods and applications

Abstract

The present invention discloses a vehicle glazing assembly comprising a glazing panel having an outer surface facing outward to a unit on which glazing is assembled, and which is designed to be fixed to a vehicle body. The glazing panel comprises at least one notch. The vehicle glazing assembly further comprises a fixing box located in one of the at least one notch, and a main portion surrounding the fixing box and connecting the fixing box to the glazing panel, the main portion being in the form of a sealing component. The fixing box allows access to the vehicle body through the fixing box, and at least a portion of the main portion is positioned flush with the outer surface. The present invention further discloses a vehicle roof comprising a vehicle glazing assembly, a vehicle roof comprising a vehicle roof, a method for manufacturing a vehicle glazing assembly, and a mold for manufacturing a vehicle glazing assembly. The present invention also discloses related methods and applications.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle glazing assembly designed to be fixed to a vehicle body, and more particularly to an improved vehicle glazing assembly provided with a fixing box that enables access to the vehicle body through the fixing box.

[0002] The vehicle glazing assembly is designed to be fixed to a vehicle body such as a vehicle with an engine / electric vehicle / hybrid vehicle, passenger car, bus, truck, train, ship, etc., for example, as part of a vehicle roof.

Background Art

[0003] Today, vehicle manufacturers are increasingly adopting more glazing assemblies to improve visibility from inside the vehicle to the external environment, particularly in the roof or ceiling windshield, the windshield extending into the vehicle roof, and thus in part of the vehicle roof.

[0004] On the other hand, the vehicle roof is an ideal location for attaching external elements such as beacons, headlights, racks, bicycle racks, roof boxes, ski boards, etc.

[0005] Various methods have been proposed for fixing such external elements to the vehicle. Usually, the vehicle roof is fixed to the vehicle body, and the external elements are fixed to the vehicle body immediately adjacent to the position of the glazing assembly.

[0006] These solutions enable the easy attachment of external elements to the roof without the risk of touching the glazing assembly.

[0007] However, this solution can cause vibrations between the fixed external element and the adjacent glazing assembly.

[0008] Furthermore, such a solution reduces the area for visualizing the surrounding environment.

[0009] Another solution involves installing a lateral rack along the edge of the roof and securing the external elements to this lateral rack.

[0010] This solution increases the dimensions, particularly the height, required to secure external elements. For external elements such as roof racks and bicycle racks, a transverse rack is needed between the external element and the lateral racks. The height is the sum of the heights of all required lateral racks, longitudinal racks, and the external element.

[0011] This solution reduces the vehicle's air penetration coefficient, increasing fuel / power consumption while simultaneously increasing the vehicle's wind resistance.

[0012] Furthermore, existing solutions require many components to integrate the system into a vehicle, increasing costs. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0013] Therefore, to solve these problems, the present invention proposes an improved vehicle glazing unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] In a first embodiment, the present invention relates to a vehicle glazing assembly designed to be fixed to a vehicle body and comprising a glazing panel, wherein the glazing panel has an outer surface facing outward from the unit on which the glazing is assembled. The glazing panel comprises at least one notch.

[0015] A solution defined in a first aspect of the present invention is based on the fact that a vehicle glazing assembly further comprises a fixed box located in at least one of the notches, and a main portion surrounding the fixed box and connecting the fixed box to the glazing panel, the main portion being in the form of a sealing component.

[0016] The solution defined in the first aspect of the present invention is also based on the fact that the fixed box allows access to the vehicle body through the fixed box.

[0017] The solution defined in the first aspect of the present invention is also based on the fact that at least a portion of the main part is arranged flush with the outer surface.

[0018] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle roof comprising a vehicle glazing assembly according to a first aspect of the present invention.

[0019] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle comprising a vehicle body and a vehicle roof according to a second aspect, wherein the vehicle body comprises at least one fastening means, each of the at least one fastening means designed to fasten an external element, and each fastening box corresponds to one of the at least one fastening means.

[0020] In a fourth embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a vehicle glazing assembly according to a first embodiment, the method comprising the following steps: Step A. To provide a glazing panel (81), Step B. Injecting the seal components (82), Step C. Provide at least one fixed box (83) Step D. Position each of at least one fixed box into the space formed in the main part (84) Includes.

[0021] In a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for attaching external elements to a vehicle according to a third aspect.

[0022] In a sixth aspect, the present invention relates to a mold for manufacturing a vehicle glazing assembly according to a first aspect of the present invention.

[0023] This mold is designed to receive at least a part of a glazing unit into which a main part is inserted, and is characterized by having a cavity for forming the main part by injection molding.

[0024] In a seventh aspect, the present invention relates to a method of attaching an external element to a vehicle body via a fixing box of a vehicle glazing assembly according to the first aspect.

[0025] Therefore, through various aspects constituting the present invention, the need to easily fix an external element to a vehicle body is solved, and at the same time, it is possible to reduce the air penetration coefficient of the vehicle.

[0026] Furthermore, according to the present invention, through various aspects constituting the present invention, the surface of the glazing can be increased, and the visibility from inside the vehicle to the external environment is improved. As a result, a significant increase in the surface of the glazing capable of accommodating the roof becomes possible. This brings a great advantage that the surface accessible via the roof is much larger compared to current vehicles, enabling an operator and / or a machine to have wider access to the interior of the vehicle. For example, the installation of seats and benches can be carried out from the roof rather than horizontally, which facilitates handling.

[0027] The present invention can also reduce the vibration between an external element and a vehicle glazing assembly through various aspects constituting the present invention.

[0028] It should be noted that the present invention relates to all possible combinations of the features described in the claims or the described embodiments.

[0029] It is understood that the following description is related to automobiles, but the present invention may also be applicable to other fields such as general transportation applications or similar fields.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] This and other aspects of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings show various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, which are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. The drawings are schematic representations and differ in scale from the actual objects. The drawings do not limit the present invention in any way. Further advantages will be described by example.

[0031] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle glazing assembly according to a first embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0032] [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle glazing assembly according to a second embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0033] [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of the glazing unit according to the third embodiment.

[0034] [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the glazing panel along with its main components and the box to be assembled.

[0035] [Figure 5] Figures 3 and 4 show schematic diagrams of a vehicle glazing assembly according to a first aspect of the present invention, using the glazing panels.

[0036] [Figure 6] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of Figure 5 along the plane BB'.

[0037] [Figure 7] This is a schematic 3D diagram showing an enlarged view of the notch according to the first aspect of the present invention in Zoom ZA.

[0038] [Figure 8] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of Figure 5 along plane AA'.

[0039] [Figure 9] This is a schematic 3D diagram of the top element of the fixed box according to the present invention.

[0040] [Figure 10] This is a schematic 3D diagram of the bottom element of the fixed box according to the present invention.

[0041] [Figure 11] This is a schematic 3D view of a fixed box assembled from the top element of Figure 10 and the bottom element of Figure 9 according to the present invention.

[0042] [Figure 12] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a vehicle glazing assembly before assembly, in which the fixed box comprises a top element and a bottom element.

[0043] [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram of a method according to a fourth aspect of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0044] This document includes various modifications, equivalents, and / or substitutions of corresponding embodiments for any particular embodiment. The same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. Other modifications may be conceivable within the scope of the claims.

[0045] In this specification, spatial or directional terms such as “inside,” “outside,” “top,” “bottom,” “summit,” and “bottom” relate to the present invention as shown in the depicted figures. However, it should be understood that the present invention can take on various alternative orientations, and therefore these terms should not be interpreted restrictively. Furthermore, all numerical values ​​used in the specification and claims to represent dimensions, physical properties, processing parameters, amounts of components, reaction conditions, etc., should always be understood modified by the term “approximately.” Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the numerical values ​​described in the following specification and claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties to be obtained by the present invention. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the expression “substantially” means within 10%, preferably within 5%.

[0046] Furthermore, all ranges disclosed herein are understood to include the starting and ending values ​​and encompass all subranges incorporated therein. For example, a range described as “1 to 10” is considered to include all subranges between the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10 (including both ends), i.e., all subranges starting with a minimum value of 1 or greater (e.g., 1 to 6.1) and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less (e.g., 5.5 to 10). Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “deposited on” or “provided on” mean deposited or provided in a state of surface contact, but not necessarily in a state of surface contact. For example, a coating “deposited on” a substrate does not exclude the presence of one or more other coating films of the same or different composition located between the deposited coating and the substrate.

[0047] Where the term “comprising” is used in this specification and claims, it does not exclude other elements and steps. Where an indefinite or definite article (e.g., “a” or “an”, “the”) is used when referring to a singular noun, unless otherwise stated, it includes the plural form of that noun. In this text, the expression “configured to be (or set to be)” can be used interchangeably in hardware and software, depending on the context, with, for example, “suitable for,” “capable to,” “modified to be,” “made to be,” “capable to be,” or “designed to be.” In any case, the expression “device configured to be” may mean that the device “can be” used in conjunction with another device or component.

[0048] Furthermore, the terms 1, 2 and similar in this description and claims are used to distinguish similar elements and are not necessarily used to describe order in time, space, ranking, or any other way. The terms used in this manner are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and it should be understood that embodiments of the invention described herein may operate in an order other than that described or illustrated. Where a component (e.g., a first component) is described as being "combined (functionally or communicatively)" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), it should be understood that this component may be directly connected to this other component or connected to this other component via another component (e.g., a third component).

[0049] The present invention aims to alleviate the above-mentioned problems.

[0050] According to a first aspect of the present invention, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5, the present invention relates to a vehicle glazing assembly 1 comprising a glazing panel 2 having at least one notch 21, a main portion 4, and a fixed box 31 located in one of the at least one notch 21.

[0051] Glazing panel In one embodiment, the glazing panel may comprise at least one glass sheet 21.

[0052] In another embodiment, to reduce deformation occurring in the glazing panel, the glazing panel may comprise a laminated glass panel, as shown in Figure 7. The laminated glass panel 2 comprises glass sheets 21, 22, which are held together by one or more interlayers 23 positioned between them. The interlayers 23 employed are typically polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and their rigidity is adjustable. These interlayers 23 hold the glass sheets together so that, even if the glass sheets are damaged, the glass does not break into large, sharp fragments.

[0053] The materials of the glass sheets 21 and 22 may independently be other materials such as soda-lime silica glass, borosilicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, or thermoplastic polymers or polycarbonates, which are particularly known in automotive applications. References to glass throughout this application should not be considered limiting.

[0054] The glass sheet may be clear or colored glass, and the coloring is achieved by the specific composition of the glass or by applying, for example, a decorative coating, paint, or plastic layer. The glass sheet may have any shape that fits the opening, such as a rectangle on a plan view, by using known cutting methods. As for cutting methods for the glass sheet, for example, a method of cutting the glass sheet by irradiating the surface of a multi-layer glazing window with laser light, or a method of mechanically cutting with a cutter wheel can be used.

[0055] Glass sheets can be manufactured independently by known manufacturing methods such as the float method, fusion method, redraw method, press molding method, or drawing method. From the viewpoint of productivity and cost, the float method is preferred for manufacturing glass sheets.

[0056] In the case of laminated glass panels, varying the thickness of the glass sheets can be advantageous in order to reduce weight and noise. Due to the deformation that occurs in the glass panel, thin glass sheets with a thickness of less than 1 mm can be used without bending or deforming. Therefore, such thin glass sheets can maintain the desired design.

[0057] The shape of a window unit in its plan view (XZ plane) is usually rectangular, especially when used as a vehicle roof window unit. Depending on the application, the shape is not limited to a rectangle and may be triangular, trapezoidal, circular, hexagonal, etc. Rounded corners are preferable.

[0058] Glass panels can be flat or curved to suit the design of the passenger car. Glass panels can be processed, such as annealing or hardening, to meet safety and security requirements. Heatable systems, such as coatings or wire networks, can be applied to the glazing panels to add features such as defrosting and / or anti-fogging.

[0059] In particular, for glazing panels used as part of a roof, the light transmittance is less than 30%, preferably less than 15%.

[0060] notch According to the present invention, a notch is a recess at the edge of a glazing panel.

[0061] In the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, the glazing panel includes a notch 21 used to secure, for example, a beacon or the like to the front or rear surface of the glazing panel.

[0062] In the second embodiment shown in Figure 2, the glazing panel has two notches positioned on the same lateral side. Such an embodiment can be used when the vehicle roof is composed of multiple vehicle glazing assemblies for securing racks. Such an embodiment can also be used to secure external elements 6 (e.g., a beacon with two fastening points, a dedicated vertical rack for skis, etc.) to one side of the glazing panel.

[0063] In such embodiments, the vehicle roof may comprise multiple glazing panels to form a larger roof and / or add functionality to the vehicle roof, such as mounting racks, beacons, openable windows, and lighting, and creating zones with the same or different functionality within the roof.

[0064] In the third embodiment shown in Figure 3, the glazing panel comprises four notches 21, 22, 23, and 24, each individually positioned in at least one of the four notches. The first notch 21 and the second notch 22 are substantially axially symmetrical with respect to the third notch 23 and the fourth notch 24, for example, with respect to the axis 20 being the longitudinal central axis of the glazing panel.

[0065] In some embodiments, a different notch can be used for a different purpose.

[0066] Such embodiments are preferably used to secure lateral racks and the like for securing external elements 6 such as bicycles, skis, snowboards, and roof boxes.

[0067] In this embodiment, longitudinal racks can also be fixed in the same manner as needed.

[0068] According to the present invention, the number of notches depends on the desired application and the method for securing one or more external elements.

[0069] In the first embodiment, one notch is sufficient for securing a beacon or the like, while in the third embodiment, there are four notches for securing a rack or the like.

[0070] It is understood that different embodiments can be combined; for example, in the glazing assembly of the same vehicle, one notch for a beacon and multiple notches for rack mounting can be combined.

[0071] According to the present invention, the dimensions of the notch depend on the application, its position on the edge of the glazing panel, the size of the fixing box, and the size of the fixing portion of the external element that is fixed through the fixing box.

[0072] In some embodiments, the notch length can be approximately 330 mm and the width approximately 80 mm.

[0073] According to the present invention, at least one notch 21, 22, 23, 24 is designed to at least partially enclose the spaces 41, 42, 43, 44 in which the corresponding fixed boxes 31, 32, 33, 34 are located, as shown in the figure.

[0074] Fixed box According to the present invention, as shown in Figure 7, the fixing box 31 allows access to the vehicle body 5 to which the vehicle glazing assembly is attached. The fixing box allows access to the vehicle body via the fixing box from the outside, that is, from the side of the outer surface 25 of the glazing panel facing outwards from the vehicle.

[0075] The phrase "through the fixing box" means that the fixing box 31 has a gap 310 that allows access to the vehicle body 5 from the outside by passing through the fixing box.

[0076] The external element 6 has a fixing means 61 that corresponds to the fixing means 51 of the vehicle body. The fixing means 61 is designed to be fixed to the corresponding fixing means 51 of the vehicle body.

[0077] To secure the external element, a portion of the external element penetrates the fixing box and is fixed to the fixing means 51 by the fixing means 61.

[0078] According to the present invention, the vehicle glazing assembly is preferably attached to the vehicle body by adhesive, and more preferably, to ensure secure fastening, a primer is provided between the adhesive and the inner surface 26 of the glass opposite the outer surface 25, as well as between the vehicle body and the adhesive.

[0079] Returning to Figures 1, 2, 5, and 7, according to the present invention, the fixed boxes 31, 32, 33, and 34 are positioned in at least one of the notches 21, 22, 23, and 24.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, a single fixed box is partially enclosed by a single notch. This means that the fixed box can protrude from the notch, as shown in the illustration.

[0081] In some specific embodiments, a single notch may comprise multiple fixing boxes.

[0082] main part As shown in Figure 1, the main portion 4 is positioned along at least a portion of the edge having at least one notch. Preferably, the main portion 4 has a frame outline and surrounds the edge of the glazing panel on at least one peripheral side.

[0083] Depending on the desired application, the main components can also be positioned at other locations along the edges of the glazing panel.

[0084] As shown in Figures 2 and 5, according to some embodiments, the main portion surrounds the glazing panel, protecting the edges while ensuring the airtightness of the glazing panel. In such embodiments, the main portion 4 has a frame outline and surrounds the edges of the glazing panel on the periphery side.

[0085] As shown in Figure 6, in some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the main portion 4 completely encloses the edge of the glazing panel. Preferably, the main portion is also attached to a portion of the bottom surface of the glazing panel to enhance overall adhesion and ensure controlled spacing of the adhesive beads 7.

[0086] In some preferred embodiments, a primer layer is placed between the main portion and the glazing panel to enhance adhesion.

[0087] The main components can be overmolded onto the glazing panel. To facilitate processing, it is preferable that the main components are injected into the mold so that they are sealed on the glazing panel.

[0088] The main portion may have a specific shape to meet the requirements of the desired application. In some embodiments, the main portion may have an extension 41 to ensure the mechanical strength of the window unit.

[0089] According to the present invention, at least a portion of the main part is arranged flush with the outer surface to reduce noise and vibration caused by air flowing along the vehicle glazing assembly.

[0090] Objects arranged flush with each other mean that the top surfaces of each object are substantially on the same plane. This arrangement is preferable for aesthetic and aerodynamic reasons.

[0091] As shown in Figures 6, 7, and 8, the upper surface 40 of the main portion is positioned flush with the outer surface 25 of the glazing panel 2.

[0092] Seal components According to the present invention, the main part 4 is in the form of a sealing component.

[0093] The sealing component is understood to be a component that seals the glass panel. Preferably, the sealing component has a Shore A of 50 to 90. More preferably, the sealing component has a Shore A of about 90.

[0094] Preferably, the sealing component is a polyurethane (PU) based material, and more preferably, the sealing component is an aromatic PU.

[0095] According to some embodiments, the sealing component can be TPE, TPV, or EPDM, depending on the desired application and process.

[0096] According to some embodiments, a primary material can be used locally to ensure adhesion with the sealing material.

[0097] In some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in Figure 6, the frame may include a secondary portion 8 in the form of a flexible component that is positioned to cover at least partially the main portion 4. The secondary portion allows the window unit to be tied (thigh) to a structure to which it is fixed. Such a structure may be a vehicle body, a building, ...

[0098] Secondary parts may be injected in a step performed after the injection step of the main part, so as to at least partially cover the main part. Preferably, the secondary part is a single piece. In some embodiments, the secondary part may be in local contact with a glazing panel to ensure the aesthetics and airtightness of the window unit.

[0099] In another embodiment, at least a portion of the secondary part is in contact with the glazing panel, preferably at least at the height of at least one release means.

[0100] The soft components have a natural chemical adhesive bond with the hard components.

[0101] The Young's modulus of the flexible component is less than 1000 MPa. Flexible components with a Young's modulus of less than 1000 MPa can be made from thermoplastic elastomer-based materials. Generally, styrene-based and vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers are used. In another embodiment, the flexible component is flexible polyvinyl chloride.

[0102] Flexible components are used to give the frame its final surface appearance and to fit the window unit to the body. Essentially, the flexibility of the material allows for interference between the body and the window unit using a flexible lip. Flexible components may also be used to ensure a sealing function between the body and the enclosed window unit.

[0103] In a preferred embodiment, the flexible component is a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)-based material.

[0104] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the frame outline surrounding the edge of the glazing panel on at least one peripheral side is made from a flexible component that has a natural chemical adhesive bond with the sealing material. This allows for good adhesion between the frame outline and the main part without the use of a primer between the two parts.

[0105] Returning to Figures 7 and 8, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the fixed box may be positioned flush with the main part in order to facilitate the reduction of the air permeability coefficient of the vehicle.

[0106] As shown in Figure 8, the outer surface 25 of the glazing panel, the main part, and the fixing box are arranged flush with each other.

[0107] According to some embodiments, the fixed box is equipped with a flap 313, which, when the external elements are not fixed to the vehicle body, closes the fixed box flush with the vehicle body, covering the gap 310, preventing air turbulence caused by this gap, and improving airflow within the box. The fixed box may be equipped with an opening means 314, such as a hinge, that allows the flap to be opened and closed. The fixed box may also be equipped with a positioning means that holds the flap in a desired position, such as an open or closed position. The fixed box may also be equipped with a stopper that blocks the flap in a desired closed position while preventing the flap from entering the gap.

[0108] In such embodiments, it is preferable that the flap be designed to reduce the vehicle's air penetration coefficient even in the open mode when the external elements are fixed to the vehicle body. Therefore, the flap needs to be opened before the external elements are fixed to the vehicle body fixing means 51.

[0109] In some embodiments, the fixed box can be inserted into the mold, the main portion can be injected around the box, and the fixed box can be connected to the glazing unit.

[0110] In some other preferred embodiments, the fixing box is retrofitted. That is, the main portion is injected together with the glazing panel, and spaces 41, 42, 43, 44 are provided for fixing the fixing box in a separate step. The fixing box is connected to the glazing panel by the main portion.

[0111] As shown in Figure 4, each of the spaces 41, 42, 43, and 44 corresponds to the space in which the main portion 4 surrounds the fixed boxes 31, 32, 33, and 34, in some embodiments in which at least one fixed box is retrofitted, and the space extends into the corresponding notches 21, 22, 23, and 24 that connect the fixed box to the glazing panel 2.

[0112] According to the present invention, the term “connecting” for this purpose means that the fixed box and the glazing panel are joined together.

[0113] According to some embodiments, particularly with respect to retrofitted embodiments, the fixed box may comprise a top element 311 and a bottom element 312, the top and bottom elements being designed to fasten the main part.

[0114] As shown in Figures 8, 9, 11, and 12, this fastening can be achieved by a specific edge shape 3110 of the top member 311 and a specific edge shape 3120 of the bottom member 312. In such embodiments, the main portion may have a flush design between the top element and the main portion, while having a specific recess that conforms to the specific edge shape.

[0115] In embodiments where a flap and a apex element are present, the apex element includes a flap.

[0116] In some embodiments, the fixed box may be without a flap, and in such embodiments, it is preferable to have a portion of an external element designed to fill the space of the fixed box in order to mitigate airflow problems.

[0117] Preferably, the top and bottom elements may be provided with clipping means 3111, 3121 for clipping the top and bottom elements together. The clipping means 3111 of the top element is designed to correspond to the clipping means 3121 of the bottom element.

[0118] In some embodiments, the clipping means 3111 of the top element may be a male clip (or more), while the clipping means 3121 of the bottom element may correspond to a female clip (or more), such as a notch or hole.

[0119] In some embodiments, the top element may be fabricated from an ABS-based material such as ABS124.

[0120] In some embodiments, the box material may be made from ABS-based material, POM-based material, or other materials.

[0121] According to some embodiments, the top element has the same composition as the bottom element.

[0122] According to some preferred embodiments, the top element is made from an ABS-based material such as ABS124+MM, and the bottom element is made from a POM-based material such as POM055.

[0123] According to the present invention, the dimensions of the box depend on the application and the external element to which it is attached. In some embodiments, where the external element may be a roof rack, the length of the box may be about 146 mm, the width about 26 mm, and the thickness about 7 mm.

[0124] In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 5, the main outline surrounds the edges of the glazing panel, protecting the glazing panel while reducing vibration when the vehicle glazing assembly is mounted to the vehicle body.

[0125] In a preferred embodiment, the main portion completely encloses the fixed box, i.e., the fixed box is completely enclosed by the main portion.

[0126] As shown in Figure 13, to manufacture a vehicle glazing panel according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the method may include step A (81) providing a glazing panel. As described above, the glazing panel may be manufactured by any known method that satisfies requirements such as quenching, lamination, bending, etc., depending on the specific application.

[0127] According to the present invention, the method may also include step (82) B of injecting a sealing component.

[0128] Preferably, the step of inserting the glazing panel into the mold precedes the injection step B.

[0129] The present invention also relates to a mold for manufacturing a window unit according to a first embodiment. The mold is designed to receive at least a portion of a glazing unit into which the main part is inserted. It is understood that only the injection-molded portion of the glazing panel, or the entire glazing panel, may be inserted into the mold.

[0130] According to the present invention, the mold comprises a cavity formed by injection molding of the main portion.

[0131] In some embodiments, the mold may also include specific designs and / or components for forming at least spaces 41, 42, 43, 44 for securing the fixed box in another step.

[0132] The mold comprises a top and a bottom. These parts can be closed to form a cavity. When these parts are closed, the cavity is sealed. The mold comprises at least one injection nozzle for injecting the main part into the cavity.

[0133] Preferably, the main portion fills the notches or openings around the corresponding fixed box where the fixed box is installed in a retrofit step.

[0134] In some embodiments, the main portion may protrude from the notch to adequately protect the fixing box.

[0135] According to the present invention, the method may also include step (83) C, which provides at least one fixed box. The at least one fixed box can be manufactured by any known process to satisfy the requirements necessary for manufacturing a fixed box according to the present invention.

[0136] Following step C, the method may include step D of positioning each of at least one fixed box 31, 32, 33, 34 in the corresponding space 41, 42, 43, 44 formed in the main part (84).

[0137] As shown in Figure 13, according to some embodiments, step D may include several substeps 841, 842, 843 for retrofitting at least one fixed box into a corresponding space formed within a main portion partially enclosed by a corresponding notch.

[0138] In such an embodiment, step D may include substep a of inserting the bottom element 312 from the bottom of the glazing panel into the opening, i.e., from the inner surface 26 into the interior of the space (841), as shown in Figure 12.

[0139] Step D may also include substep b, as shown in Figure 12, of inserting the top element 311 from the top of the glazing panel into the space, i.e., from the outer surface 25 into the interior of the space (842).

[0140] It is understood that substeps 841 and 842 can be performed independently or substantially simultaneously, with one preceding the other (841 preceding 842, or 842 preceding 841). Preferably, to facilitate fastening, the top or bottom element having the female part of the clip means is inserted before the element having the male part of the clip means.

[0141] Therefore, step D may include substep c (843) of clipping the top and bottom elements to fasten the main part, as shown in Figures 8 and 11. It is understood that the top and bottom elements are designed to be clipped together to fasten the main part while being held integrally. Preferably, the top and bottom elements are also designed to fit into a space provided in the main part (e.g., a space designed to fit into a corresponding fixing box).

[0142] The present invention also relates to a vehicle roof comprising a vehicle glazing assembly. A portion of the vehicle glazing assembly can be used as a roof windshield. The vehicle glazing assembly can also be used as part of a vehicle roof. A vehicle roof can be composed of multiple vehicle glazing assemblies.

[0143] Preferably, the vehicle roof comprises a single large vehicle glazing assembly, reducing handling during manufacturing while providing a larger area from the roof for handling the vehicle interior.

[0144] The present invention also relates to a vehicle comprising a body 5 and a vehicle roof, as shown in Figure 8. The body comprises at least one fastening means 51. Each of the at least one fastening means is designed to fasten an external element 6, and each fastening box 31, 32, 33, 34 corresponds to one of the at least one fastening means.

[0145] Therefore, the present invention also relates to a method for assembling a vehicle glazing assembly into a vehicle.

[0146] In some preferred embodiments, since the vehicle may require a beacon or the like, the vehicle glazing assembly includes notches and a fixing box to secure such a beacon.

[0147] In several other preferred embodiments, the vehicle body comprises four fastening means for securing to the lateral bars. In such embodiments, the vehicle glazing assembly comprises a glazing panel having four notches. The vehicle glazing assembly comprises at least four fastening boxes, each fastening box individually positioned in one of the at least four notches and corresponding to a fastening means.

[0148] In such embodiments, preferably, the four fixed boxes 31, 32, 33, and 34 are arranged substantially axially in pairs (31 and 32, 33 and 34), with the axis being the longitudinal central axis 20 of the glazing panel 2 (which substantially corresponds to the drive axis).

[0149] In a preferred embodiment, in order to secure the bar to the vehicle, each of the flaps of the fixing box is opened, and then a portion of the bar is inserted into the fixing box and secured to the fixing means of the vehicle body.

[0150] If no external elements are inserted, the flap is positioned in the closed position.

[0151] A vehicle may be provided with any number of fastening means, and it is understood that a vehicle glazing assembly may include any number of notches and fastening boxes required for such fastening means.

[0152] In fact, the present invention solves the shortcomings of the prior art by, in particular, facilitating assembly, reducing tooling costs, and potentially reducing the amount of material used while maintaining the same or improved performance. The present invention also reduces the risk of failure of vehicle glazing assemblies mounted on vehicles.

[0153] Furthermore, the present invention can be implemented for each fastening method, saving on additional parts (screws, tape, clips, etc.).

[0154] In this invention, the notch can maximize the usable glazing surface area compared to conventional through-holes, because conventional through-holes cannot be positioned at the edge of the glazing as the notch of this invention can. Furthermore, the notch of this invention reduces vibration to the glazing and eliminates the risk of glazing damage because the fixing box that needs to be connected to the vehicle body does not come into direct contact with the glazing. In contrast, conventional through-hole solutions required the glazing to come into direct contact with the fixing box or other elements. The main portion surrounding the fixing box enhances the vibration reduction effect and minimizes vibration transmission to the glazing. In addition to maximizing the usable glazing surface area and improving the safety of the glazing, this invention improves the aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle, thereby reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Claims

1. Designed to be fixed to the vehicle body, and, - A glazing panel (2) having an outer surface (25) and comprising at least one notch (21), A vehicle glazing assembly (1) comprising, The aforementioned vehicle glazing assembly further, - A fixed box (31) located in one of the at least one notches, - A main part (4) that surrounds the fixed box and connects the fixed box to the glazing panel, and the main part (4) is in the form of a sealing component and To be equipped, The aforementioned fixed box allows access to the vehicle body, and At least a portion of the main part is arranged flush with the outer surface. A vehicle glazing assembly (1) characterized by the following.

2. The vehicle glazing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the fixing box is positioned flush with the main portion.

3. The vehicle glazing assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sealing component is made of a polyurethane (PU)-based material.

4. The vehicle glazing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the vehicle glazing assembly comprises a secondary portion in the form of a flexible component disposed at least partially on the main portion, preferably the flexible component being made of a thermoplastic elastomer-based material.

5. The vehicle glazing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a primer layer is disposed between the main portion and the glazing panel.

6. The vehicle glazing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the glazing panel comprises a laminated glass panel.

7. The vehicle glazing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fixing box is provided with a flap for closing the fixing box in a flush position.

8. Vehicle glazing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the fixing box comprises a top element and a bottom element, and the top element and the bottom element are designed to fasten the main portion.

9. The vehicle glazing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the glazing panel comprises at least four notches, and the vehicle glazing assembly comprises at least four fixing boxes, each fixing box being individually positioned in one of the at least four notches.

10. The vehicle glazing assembly according to claim 9, wherein the at least four fixed boxes (31, 32, 33, 34) are arranged substantially axially symmetrically in pairs (31, 32 and 33, 34), the axis being the longitudinal central axis 20 of the glazing panel 2.

11. A vehicle roof comprising a vehicle glazing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A vehicle comprising a body and a vehicle roof as described in claim 11, wherein the body comprises at least one fastening means 51, each of the at least one fastening means being designed to fasten an external element, and each of the fastening boxes corresponding to each of the at least one fastening means.

13. Step A. To provide the glazing panel (81), Step B. Injecting the seal component (82), Step C. To provide at least one fixed box (83), Step D. Position each of the at least one fixed box in the space (41, 42, 43, 44) formed in the main part (84) A method for manufacturing a vehicle glazing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, including the following:

14. Step D, in which the fixed box is placed, Substep a. Inserting the bottom element from the bottom of the glazing panel into the opening (841), Substep b. Inserting the top element from the top of the glazing panel into the opening (842), Substep c. Clipping the top element and the bottom element to fasten the main portion (843) A method for manufacturing a vehicle glazing assembly according to claim 13, including the following:

15. A mold for manufacturing a vehicle glazing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the mold is designed to receive at least a portion of the glazing unit into which the main portion is inserted, and the mold comprises a cavity for forming the main portion by injection.

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