Support element for a vehicle's side window that can be raised and lowered.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a retaining element for a side window of a vehicle, a side window equipped therewith, and a method for its manufacture and use.

[0002] Motor vehicles typically have opening side windows. These side windows consist of a pane of glass that can be moved (raised and lowered) primarily by vertical displacement, thus opening and closing the window. To enable the window to move, it is connected to a mechanism inside the vehicle body.

[0003] To connect the side window to the raising and lowering mechanism, the side window can be provided with one or more holes in the area of ​​its lower edge. Alternatively, one or more retaining elements can be attached to the side window in the area of ​​its lower edge, in particular by gluing. Such retaining elements typically have an essentially Y-shaped cross-section with two contact sections that are glued to the two surfaces of the side window, to which a common fastening section is connected via a step. The fastening section adjoins the lower edge of the side window and is equipped with a hole for connection to the raising and lowering mechanism. Such Y-shaped retaining elements are known, for example, from EP1936088A1, EP1936087A1, EP1935557A1, EP1935558A1, EP1745190A1, EP1299611A2 and DE4340363A1.

[0004] Typically, conventional Y-shaped retaining elements are attached to the lower edge of the side window. The adhesive is then applied, primarily by injection through filling openings in the mounting sections. To prevent adhesive from leaking out of the gap between the mounting section and the window surface, this gap must be sealed with a sealing device that rests against the side edges of the mounting sections. Alternatively, any leaked adhesive can be removed in a subsequent step. Both the use of the sealing element and the subsequent removal of leaked adhesive make attaching the retaining element a complex process.

[0005] US4762904 discloses a holding element whose contact surfaces are each equipped with a channel for the lateral injection of the adhesive. DE3320157A1 discloses a holding element whose contact surface is designed with recesses, incisions or openings to increase the contact area for the adhesive.

[0006] The present invention is based on the objective of providing an improved retaining element which can be attached to a side window without the use of a sealing device, whereby the escape of adhesive from the space between the retaining element and the window surface is prevented or at least reduced.

[0007] The object of the present invention is achieved according to the invention by a holding element according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0008] The retaining element according to the invention for a side window of a vehicle comprises at least one contact section and a fastening section connected thereto, in particular rigidly connected. The contact section is designed and suitable for being attached to a first surface of the side window. The contact section has a contact surface which is intended to face or be directed towards the first surface of the side window and to be bonded to this first surface by means of an adhesive. The fastening section projects beyond the lower edge of the side window and is designed and suitable for attachment to the vehicle. For this purpose, the fastening section is connected to a mechanism for raising and lowering the side window within the vehicle body.

[0009] According to the invention, the contact surface of the component section has channels. For the purposes of this invention, a channel is defined as an elongated depression formed in the contact surface, which otherwise spans a flat or curved surface, and in particular is flat. According to the invention, the channels are designed to influence the flow behavior, especially the flow direction, of an adhesive injected into the space between the component section and the side window, and can therefore also be referred to as flow channels. The channels are intended, in particular, to improve the distribution of the adhesive across the contact surface.To ensure sufficient wetting of the contact surface and the opposing part of the window surface, conventional retaining elements require either sealing the gap between the contact surface and the window surface or accepting a significant amount of adhesive seepage from the gap, which then has to be removed. The design of the contact surface according to the invention, with flow channels, results in improved distribution of the adhesive across the contact surface, thus achieving sufficient wetting without adhesive seepage or at least with significantly reduced seepage. This eliminates the need to seal the gap between the contact section and the side window or to perform post-processing to remove excess adhesive, which significantly simplifies and accelerates the manufacturing process. This is the advantage of the present invention.

[0010] Typically, at least one mounting section is connected to the mounting section via a stepped section. The stepped section causes the mounting section to be offset relative to the mounting section, particularly in the direction in which the mounting surface faces. To create this offset, the angles between the stepped section and the mounting section, as well as the angles between the stepped section and the mounting section, are greater than 0° and less than 180°, typically greater than or equal to 45° and less than 180°. The lateral offset between the mounting section and the mounting section allows the mounting section, which projects beyond the lower edge of the side window, to be positioned in the plane of the side window when installed. In other words, the mounting section is aligned with the lower edge of the side window. This is advantageous with regard to the location of the center of gravity and the space required within the vehicle body.

[0011] The retaining element has at least one filling opening. This refers to a passage through the retaining element designed and suitable for injecting adhesive from the side of the retaining element facing away from the side window, through the retaining element, and into the space between the contact section and the window surface. Such filling openings are also common in conventional retaining elements. The surface area of ​​the filling opening is typically from 0.5 mm² to 25 mm², preferably from 2 mm² to 12 mm². The channels are arranged in the contact surface such that adhesive injected through the filling opening into the space is distributed more evenly across the contact surface compared to a retaining element with a conventional contact surface without a channel.In particular, at least 95% of the contact surface and the area of ​​the disc surface opposite it should be coated with adhesive before the adhesive begins to seep out of the gap or overflow the contact surface. The precise arrangement of the channels can be achieved in a variety of ways.

[0012] The filling opening can be located in the plant section or in the step section, or it can span the boundary between the two areas.

[0013] The person skilled in the art can select the geometric arrangement of the channels appropriately, depending on the requirements of the individual case, in order to achieve the inventive objective of a most homogeneous distribution of the adhesive over the contact surface. The channels are directed towards the filling opening, so that the adhesive is distributed over the contact surface starting from the filling opening. In other words, the channels point towards the filling opening. The channels can extend to the filling opening; alternatively, the channel ends facing the filling opening can be spaced away from it. In principle, a single channel may also suffice, for example, one that runs around the filling opening in a spiral pattern.

[0014] The contact surface has a plurality of channels. These channels are directed towards the filling opening and are fanned out across the contact surface or a portion thereof. This means that the individual channels extend radially between the filling opening and the side edges of the contact surface. In other words, the channels radiate outwards from the filling opening, so that the distance between adjacent channels increases with increasing distance from the filling opening. The channels can extend to the side channels or terminate before reaching them. Preferably, the channels do not extend to the side edges but terminate before them, thus reducing the amount of adhesive that escapes beyond the contact surface. The distance between the channel ends and the side edge of the contact surface is preferably from 2 mm to 15 mm, and particularly preferably from 3 mm to 8 mm.The channels can extend to the filling opening or have a distance from the filling opening, the former being preferred.

[0015] The contact surface typically has a polygonal, particularly rectangular, shape. In an advantageous embodiment, at least one corner of the contact surface is assigned a channel directed towards it. Preferably, the corner(s) of the contact surface furthest from the filling opening are each assigned a channel directed towards them. Since the filling opening is typically located near the edge of the filling opening facing the fastening section, these corners are typically the corners of the contact surface furthest from the fastening section. The adhesive is then advantageously conveyed to the area of ​​these corners furthest from the filling opening, which significantly improves the homogeneity of the adhesive distribution.

[0016] The width and depth of the channels can be selected by a person skilled in the art according to the specific requirements of each case. The appropriate width and depth depend in particular on the viscosity of the adhesive, with higher viscosity requiring wider and deeper channels. The channel width is typically from 0.5 mm to 3 mm, preferably from 1 mm to 2 mm. The channel depth is typically from 0.5 mm to 2 mm, preferably from 1 mm to 1.5 mm. Good results are achieved with these values, especially when using a common adhesive with a viscosity of 1 Pa×s to 150 Pa×s. The width and / or depth of an individual channel can also be variable. For example, it may be advantageous for the width and / or depth of the channel to decrease with increasing distance from the filling opening, in order to account for the smaller quantity of adhesive to be transported in the outer areas of the application surface.

[0017] The mounting section typically has a through-hole (mounting hole) designed and suitable for attachment to the vehicle. This through-hole is for attaching the retaining element to the vehicle, particularly to the mechanism for raising and lowering the side window. The through-hole is usually substantially circular, as is the case with most conventional mounting systems. However, depending on the specific requirements, the through-hole can also have any other shape, for example, an elliptical or irregular shape. The size of the through-hole is usually at least 20 mm², particularly from 20 mm² to 2000 mm², and preferably from 80 mm² to 700 mm². Ideally, the through-hole is approximately circular with a diameter of 5 mm to 50 mm, preferably from 10 mm to 30 mm.

[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, the retaining element is a retaining element that is attached to the side window on one side. Such a retaining element is designed to be connected to only a single surface of the side window. For this purpose, the retaining element typically has exactly one contact section that is rigidly connected to the attachment section, preferably via a stepped section.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the invention, the retaining element is a retaining element that can be attached to both sides of the side window. Such a retaining element is designed to be connected to the two opposing surfaces of the side window. For this purpose, the retaining element has a first contact section and a second contact section, which are rigidly connected to the common mounting section. The first contact section is designed to be attached to the first surface of the side window. The second contact section is designed to be attached to the second surface of the side window, which is opposite the first surface. The two contact sections are arranged opposite each other so that their respective contact surfaces face each other. The retaining element has a substantially Y-shaped cross-section.The surfaces of both plant sections are preferably designed with the channels according to the invention and particularly preferably each have a filling opening towards which the channels are directed.

[0020] In a retaining element that can be attached on both sides, the first mounting section is preferably rigidly connected to the common mounting section via a first stepped section, and the second mounting section via a second stepped section. Particularly preferably, the two stepped sections have the same geometry, especially in terms of length and angle to the adjacent sections. This has the advantage that, in the installed position, the mounting section is arranged centrally between the mounting sections and in the plane of the side window, which is advantageous with regard to the location of the center of gravity and the space required in the vehicle body.

[0021] The retaining element is preferably made of a metal, a metal alloy, or a plastic, particularly preferably of aluminum, steel, stainless steel, or thermoplastic materials with or without glass fiber, glass bead, or similar reinforcements, as well as their blends with other plastics. Suitable thermoplastic materials include, for example, polyamides (PA), polybutylene terephthalates (PBT), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The retaining element is most preferably made of aluminum, PET, or polyamide 66. Suitable materials are available, for example, under the trade names Technyl, Zytel, Ultramid, Schulamid, Ultradur, Arnite, Duranex, Crastin, Bergadur, Pocan, or Grivor. Combinations of the aforementioned materials are also conceivable. Preferably, however, the entire retaining element is formed in one piece and made of the same material.If the retaining element is made of plastic, this plastic is preferably glass fiber reinforced or carbon fiber reinforced. For frameless side windows, retaining elements made of metals or metal alloys are preferred due to their greater stability. For framed side windows, retaining elements made of plastic are preferred due to their lower weight – the lower stability of the plastic retaining element compared to metal retaining elements is compensated for by the stabilizing effect of the frame when the window is closed.

[0022] The mounting section and the fastening section are plate-like, typically essentially rectangular, although other shapes are also conceivable. The material thickness of the fastening section, the mounting section, and optionally the step section is preferably from 1 mm to 10 mm, particularly preferably from 2 mm to 5 mm, for example 3.5 mm. This achieves good stability without requiring excessive space or material. Preferably, the mounting sections, the fastening sections, and optionally the step sections have the same material thickness.

[0023] The width of the mounting section, the fastening section, and optionally the step section is preferably from 1 cm to 100 cm, particularly preferably from 2 cm to 15 cm, for example 10 cm. This ensures good stability; in particular, the mounting sections provide sufficiently large adhesion surfaces for bonding with the side panel.

[0024] The length (or height) of the contact section is preferably from 1 cm to 6 cm, more preferably from 2 cm to 4 cm, for example 3 cm. This ensures good stability; in particular, the contact sections provide sufficiently large adhesion surfaces for bonding with the side panel. The area of ​​the contact section is preferably from 5 cm² to 500 cm², more preferably from 10 cm² to 50 cm², for example 30 cm².

[0025] The length (or height) of the mounting section is preferably from 2 cm to 15 cm, particularly preferably from 4 cm to 10 cm, for example 8 cm. Within this range, the mounting section is particularly well-suited for connection with conventional mechanisms for raising and lowering the side window. The length of the stepped section is, for example, from 2 mm to 10 mm.

[0026] For the purposes of the invention, width refers to the dimension along the lower edge of the side window in its installed position. Length (or height) refers to the dimension perpendicular to this, which in its installed position is essentially parallel to the plane of the side window. Thus, the contact area of ​​a component section with the side window is, for example, the product of the length and width of the component section. Material thickness is the dimension perpendicular to the plane of the side window in its installed position.

[0027] The mounting section and the attachment section can be flat. The curvature of the side window is then compensated for by the layer of adhesive. Alternatively, the attachment section and / or the mounting section can also be curved, thus adapting to and replicating the curvature of the side window, and in the case of the mounting section, continuing this curvature.

[0028] The invention further comprises a side window with a retaining element. The side window is intended as a vehicle side window to separate a vehicle interior from an external environment. The side window has an upper edge, a lower edge, a front edge, and a rear edge. The side window also has a first surface (main surface) and a second surface (main surface) opposite the first surface, between which the aforementioned edges extend. At least one retaining element according to the invention is attached to the side window in the region of the lower edge. This means that an area adjacent to the lower edge is covered by the retaining element, and the retaining element extends from there beyond the lower edge. The contact section of the retaining element is adhesively attached to the first surface of the side window, the adhesive bond being established by means of an adhesive.Typically, the lower edge of the side window is provided with two retaining elements.

[0029] The upper edge refers to the side edge of the side window that points upwards when installed. The lower edge refers to the side edge that points downwards towards the ground when installed. The front edge refers to the side edge that points forwards in the direction of travel. The rear edge refers to the side edge that points backwards in the direction of travel.

[0030] The side window according to the invention is preferably an opening, and in particular a liftable and lowerable, side window of a motor vehicle, especially a passenger car. This refers to a pane for a side window that can be opened and closed by essentially vertically sliding the side window into the vehicle body. Typically, such side windows have several, in particular two, retaining elements located in the area of ​​the lower edge, where they are concealed within the vehicle body in both the open and closed states of the window. Each retaining element has a passage for connection to a lifting mechanism located in the vehicle body, typically a vehicle door, in order to secure the pane, in particular by inserting a fastening section of the lifting mechanism, for example a fastening pin, into the passage.Side windows can be frameless or framed. A framed side window has a complete body frame around the window opening, so that when closed, all edges of the side window are overlapped by the vehicle body – the side window is essentially inserted into the body frame when raised. A frameless side window lacks such a body frame. Instead, the top, front, and rear edges of the side window are exposed when closed.

[0031] The at least one mounting section is attached to the first surface of the side window via an adhesive layer. If the mounting element is a double-sided mounting element with two mounting sections, the first mounting section is attached to the first surface of the side window via a first adhesive layer, and the second mounting section is attached to the second surface of the side window via a second adhesive layer. The thickness of a single adhesive layer is preferably from 0.5 mm to 5 mm, and particularly preferably from 1 mm to 4 mm. Conventional mounting elements are typically attached to the side window via adhesive layers approximately 1 mm thick each. In an advantageous embodiment, thicker adhesive layers are used, preferably with a thickness of 2 mm to 4 mm.This has the advantage that variations in the edge curvature of the side windows that occur within a production run can be better compensated for by the thicker adhesive layer. With conventionally attached retaining elements, the position of the connection to the lifting and lowering mechanism is also subject to variation due to the lever-like extension of the mounting section from the lower edge of the window, and can sometimes deviate considerably from the intended position. In contrast, the thicker adhesive layer allows for greater flexibility in the precise alignment of the retaining element, enabling the mounting section to be positioned more accurately, regardless of the edge curvature of the side window. This reduces variations in the positioning of the mounting point for attachment to the lifting mechanism within a production run.In the case of a retaining element that is to be attached on both sides, the thickness of the adhesive layers results from the distance between the mounting sections (typically determined by the design of the step sections) and the thickness of the side window, which must be taken into account when designing the retaining element for a specific type of side window.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive is a high-modulus adhesive. The modulus of elasticity (E-modulus) of the adhesive is preferably at least 20 MPa, particularly preferably at least 150 MPa, particularly at least 300 MPa, and most preferably from 400 MPa to 600 MPa. This ensures exceptional stability of the connection between the side window and the retaining element. This advantage is particularly beneficial for frameless side windows, where the connection between the side window and the retaining element is subjected to high stress, for example, by forces acting towards the trailing edge due to the wind. Suitable high-modulus adhesives include, for example, polyurethane, acrylate, or epoxy adhesives.

[0033] In an advantageous embodiment, the adhesive is a fast-curing adhesive, allowing direct demolding without further stabilization measures. Rapid curing can be achieved by mixing two components. Other methods include curing through external energy input, for example, by means of heat or light. The so-called open time of the two-component adhesive is between 0.5 and 10 minutes, preferably between 1 and 5 minutes. The curing or setting time of the adhesive to achieve sufficient internal strength is less than 10 minutes, preferably between 1 and 5 minutes. This has the advantage that the position of the retaining element relative to the side window is quickly fixed, thus eliminating the need for stabilizing measures after the retaining element is attached. However, the adhesive can also be a slow-curing adhesive.

[0034] The side window, as is typical for vehicle windows, is preferably curved such that the interior surface is concave and the exterior surface is convex. The exterior surface is defined as the surface facing the external environment when the vehicle is installed. The interior surface is defined as the surface facing the interior when the vehicle is installed. The first surface, as defined by the invention, can be either the interior or the exterior surface, preferably the interior surface.

[0035] In one embodiment, the side pane is designed as tempered safety glass (ESG). The side pane consists of a single glass pane that is thermally or chemically tempered (prestressed). The thickness of the glass pane is preferably between 2 mm and 5 mm.

[0036] In another embodiment, the side window is designed as a laminated safety glass (LSG). The laminated glass comprises a first glass pane and a second glass pane bonded together by a thermoplastic interlayer. The panes can also be referred to as the outer pane and inner pane, with the inner pane facing the interior and the outer pane facing the exterior when installed. The exposed surfaces of the side window, to which the retaining element is bonded, are the surfaces of the individual panes facing away from the interlayer, i.e., the outer surface of the outer pane and the interior surface of the inner pane. The outer and inner panes preferably have a thickness of 1 mm to 5 mm, whereby the thickness of the two panes can be the same (symmetrical panes) or different (asymmetrical panes).The thickness of the intermediate layer is preferably from 0.3 mm to 2 mm, and particularly preferably from 0.5 mm to 1 mm. The intermediate layer is typically formed from a polymer film, preferably from or based on polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), or polyurethane (PU). To improve thermal comfort in the vehicle, the intermediate layer can be formed from a noise-reducing polymer film, which typically comprises at least three layers, wherein the middle layer has a higher plasticity or elasticity than the surrounding outer layers, for example, due to a different proportion of plasticizers.

[0037] The glass pane(s) is / are preferably made of soda-lime glass, as is common for window panes. The glass panes can be clear and colorless, but also tinted, opaque, or colored.

[0038] The invention also includes a vehicle with a lifting mechanism arranged within the bodywork for an opening side window and a side window according to the invention, wherein the lifting mechanism is attached to the fastening section of the retaining element or retaining elements, preferably via a bracket in the passage through the fastening section.

[0039] The invention further comprises a method for manufacturing a side window with a retaining element for a vehicle. At least one retaining element according to the invention, as well as a side window with a first surface, a second surface opposite it, and a lower edge, are provided. The retaining element is arranged in the desired position relative to the side window, with the contact surface of the at least one contact section facing the first surface of the side window. The desired position here refers to the intended arrangement of the retaining element relative to the side window that the fully assembled retaining element is to occupy. An adhesive is then injected through the provided filling opening into the space between the contact surface and the first surface of the side window. The channels of the contact surface ensure a homogeneous distribution of the adhesive.The bonding surfaces can thus be sufficiently wetted without a critical amount of adhesive escaping from the gap between the contact surface and the disc surface. The process can therefore advantageously be carried out without sealing the gap.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the side panel is positioned and fixed in a tool at a defined location, for example, based on reference points on the panel. The holding element is then moved into the desired position, for example, using an assembly aid or a robot. The position of the holding element is selected such that the fastening sections of the fully assembled holding element are positioned relative to the panel at the desired location.

[0041] In an advantageous embodiment of the process, the adhesive is a fast-curing adhesive. This ensures that the position of the retaining element relative to the side window is fixed sufficiently quickly, eliminating the need for temporary stabilization measures while the adhesive cures. This simplifies and accelerates the production process. However, a slow-curing adhesive can also be used. In this case, temporary stabilization measures may be necessary, such as clamping, holding, or the use of a second adhesive, for example, a hot melt adhesive.

[0042] The retaining element itself is manufactured using standard industry processes. Plastic retaining elements are preferably produced by injection molding, while metal or metal alloy retaining elements are manufactured, for example, by continuous casting, die casting, milling, stamping, rolling, and / or welding. The channels can be formed directly by the injection mold or added through subsequent machining.

[0043] The invention also includes the use of a side window according to the invention as an opening side window of a motor vehicle, preferably a passenger car, wherein the retaining element serves for attachment to a lifting mechanism in the vehicle body.

[0044] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing and exemplary embodiments. The drawing is a schematic representation and not to scale. The drawing does not limit the invention in any way.

[0045] They show: Fig. 1 a top view of a side window with two generic retaining elements, Fig. 2 a cross-section through two side windows with different configurations of the retaining element 1, Fig. 3 a top view of the surface facing the side window 1 of a configuration of the retaining element 1, Fig. 4 a section AA' through the retaining element 1 made of Figur 3 , Fig. 5 a cross-section through a further embodiment of the side window with retaining element 1 and Fig. 6 a flowchart of an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0046] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a top view of a generic side window I, designed as an opening side window for the front side window of a passenger car. Two retaining elements 1 are attached to the lower edge U of the side window, intended for connection to a lifting mechanism inside the vehicle door. The retaining elements 1 have openings 8 to which the lifting mechanism can be attached.

[0047] Fig. 2 shows a cross-section through two different designs of a side window I with the retaining element 1. Fig. 2a A retaining element 1, attached to one side, is shown. The retaining element 1 consists of a single contact section 2, which is attached to the first surface Ia of the side window I. For this purpose, the contact surface 2a of the contact section 2 facing the side window I is glued to the surface Ia. A fastening section 3 with the feedthrough 8 is connected to the contact section 2 via a stepped section 5. The retaining element 1 covers a region of the lower edge U and an adjacent region of the surface Ia. The fastening section 3 projects beyond the lower edge U of the side window I, is laterally offset relative to the contact section 2, so that it is arranged approximately in the plane of the side window I and is directed towards its lower edge U. Fig. 2b A retaining element 1, attached to both sides, is shown with a substantially Y-shaped cross-section. The retaining element 1 comprises two opposing contact sections 2.1 and 2.2, which are attached to the two surfaces Ia and Ib in the region of the lower edge U of the side window I. For this purpose, the contact surface 2.1a of contact section 2.1 facing the side window I is bonded to surface Ia, and the contact surface 2.2a of contact section 2.2 facing the side window I is bonded to surface Ib. The retaining element 1 thus surrounds a region of the lower edge U and adjacent regions of surfaces Ia and Ib. A fastening section 3, positioned below the side window I and directed towards the lower edge U, connects to each of the contact sections 2.1 and 2.2 via an associated step section 5.1 and 5.2. The fastening section 3 also has a through-hole 8 for connection to the lifting mechanism.

[0048] The retaining elements 1 are manufactured in one piece from glass fiber reinforced polyamide 66. The mounting sections 2, 2.1, 2.2, the fastening sections 3, and the step sections 5, 5.1, 5.2 have a thickness D (material thickness) of 3 mm. The width B of the retaining elements 1 is, for example, 80 mm. The length L of the mounting sections 2, 2.1, 2.2 is, for example, 30 mm. The length L of the fastening sections 3 is, for example, 50 mm.

[0049] For simplicity, the adhesive layers between the contact surfaces 2a, 2.1a, 2.2a and the side window I are not shown. The adhesive is, for example, DOW Betaforce 9050S with a modulus of elasticity of 400 MPa, an elongation at break of 80%, a tensile strength of 15 MPa, and a pot life of 6 minutes. The thickness of the adhesive layers is, for example, 3 mm.

[0050] Side window I, for example, is made of tempered safety glass (ESG) from 3.85 mm thick soda-lime glass. For the sake of simplicity, side window I is shown flat in the figure, but in reality it has a curvature, as is common for windows in passenger cars.

[0051] Fig. 3 shows a top view of the side facing the side window I of a retaining element 1 to be attached on one side according to Figur 2a with the fastening section 3 including the feedthrough 8, the step section 5, and the mounting section 2. In the top view, the mounting surface 2a of the mounting section 2, which is connected to the side window I, can be seen. The mounting surface has a filling opening 6 near the edge facing the step section 5, through which an adhesive is injected into the space between the side window I and the mounting section 2 during the assembly of the retaining element 1. A plurality of channels 4 are provided in the mounting surface 2a. The channels 4 are designed to distribute the adhesive injected through the filling opening 6 as homogeneously as possible over the mounting surface 2a.This ensures good wetting of the contact surface 2a and the opposite area of ​​surface Ia, without the risk of excess adhesive oozing out of the gap, which would otherwise require a sealing device or rework in conventional retaining elements 1. The channels 4 are straight and directed on one side towards the filling opening 6 and on the other side towards the side edge of the contact surface 2a. The channels 4 are fan-shaped around the filling opening and run radially between the filling opening 6 and the side edge of the contact surface 2a to distribute the adhesive.

[0052] The mounting surfaces 2.1a, 2.2a of the holding element 1 according to Figur 2b are also formed with the channels 4 according to the invention around filling openings 6.

[0053] In the figure, the dimensions of width B and length L are indicated by arrows in accordance with the invention.

[0054] Fig. 4 shows a section along AA' through the retaining element 1 from Figur 3 Furthermore, the dimension of the thickness D (material thickness) within the meaning of the invention is indicated by an arrow. The channels 4, which are incorporated into the contact surface 2a, are visible. They have, for example, a width of 1.5 mm and a depth of 1 mm.

[0055] Fig. 5 Figure 1 shows a cross-section through a side panel I according to the invention with a further embodiment of the retaining element 1. The retaining element is to be attached on one side with a single contact section 2 and a fastening section 3 connected to it via a stepped section 5. The filling opening 6 for injecting the adhesive 9 is located here in the stepped section 5. In this case, it can be advantageous for the distribution of the adhesive 9 if the channels 4 extend beyond the contact section 2 into the stepped section 5.

[0056] Fig. 6Figure 1 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of the inventive method for manufacturing a side window with a retaining element according to the invention. Since the uniform distribution of the adhesive 9 is ensured by the channels 4, sealing of the gap between the retaining element 1 and the side window 1 can be omitted when injecting the adhesive 9. Reference symbol list:

[0057] (1) Retaining element for a side window of a vehicle (2) Mounting section of the retaining element 1 (2.1) First mounting section of the retaining element 1 (2.2) Second mounting section of the retaining element 1 (2a) Mounting surface of the mounting section 2 (2.1a) Mounting surface of the mounting section 2.1 (2.2a) Mounting surface of the mounting section 2.2 (3) Fastening section of the retaining element 1 (4) Channel (5) Step section of the retaining element 1 (5.1) First step section of the retaining element 1 (5.2) Second step section of the retaining element 1 (6) Filling opening (8) Feedthrough through the fastening section 3 (9) Adhesive Side window of a vehicle; First surface of the side window; Second surface of the side window (O)Upper edge of side window I (U)Lower edge of side window I (V)Front edge of side window I (H)Rear edge of side window I (L) Length / Height (B) Width (D) Thickness / Material thickness A-A's intersection line

Claims

1. Retaining element (1) for a side window (I) of a vehicle, comprising - at least one contact section (2) for securing to a first surface (Ia) of the side window (I), wherein the contact section (2) has a contact surface (2a) that is provided for being connected to the first surface (Ia) via an adhesive (9), - a securing section (3) connected to the contact section (2) and for securing to the vehicle, and - a filling opening (6) for injecting the adhesive (9) into the intermediate space between the contact section (2) and the first surface (Ia) of the side window (I), characterized in, that the contact surface (2a) has a plurality of channels (4) that are directed toward the filling opening (6) and are distributed over the contact surface (2a) in a fan-like manner.

2. Retaining element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the channels (4) are suitable for influencing the flow direction of the adhesive (9).

3. Retaining element (1) according to claim 2, wherein the channels (4) are arranged such that the adhesive (9) is distributed more evenly over the contact surface (2a) than without the channels (4).

4. Retaining element (1) according to one of claims 1 through 3, wherein a channel (4) is associated with at least one corner of the contact surface (2a), toward which it is directed.

5. Retaining element (1) according to one of claims 1 through 4, wherein the channels (4) have a depth of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm and a width of 1 mm to 2 mm.

6. Retaining element (1) according to one of claims 1 through 5, which has exactly one contact section (2), which is connected to the securing section (3) via a step section (5).

7. Retaining element (1) according to one of claims 1 through 5, which has a first contact section (2.1) for securing to the first surface (Ia) of the side window (I) and a second contact section (2.2) for securing to an opposite second surface (lb) of the side window (I), wherein the first contact section (2.1) is connected to the securing section (3) via a first step section (5.1) and the second contact section (2.2) is connected to the securing section (3) via a second step section (5.2).

8. Side window for a vehicle, having a first surface (la), a second surface (lb) opposite thereto, and a lower edge (U), and having at least one retaining element (1) according to one of claims 1 through 7 attached in the region of the lower edge (U), wherein the at least one contact section (2) is secured to the first surface (Ia) by means of an adhesive (9).

9. Side window according to claim 8, wherein the thickness of the adhesive (9) is from 0.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably from 1 mm to 4 mm, particularly preferably from 2 mm to 4 mm.

10. Side window according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the adhesive (9) has a modulus of elasticity of at least 20 MPa, preferably at least 150 MPa, most particularly preferably of 400 MPa to 600 Mpa.

11. Method for producing a side window having a retaining element for a vehicle, wherein: (a) a retaining element (1) according to one of claims 1 through 7 and a side window (I) having a first surface (la), a second surface (lb) opposite thereto, and a lower edge (U) are provided, (b) the retaining element (1) is arranged in the desired position relative to the side window (I), wherein the contact surface (2a) is directed toward the first surface (la), and (c) an adhesive (9) is injected through the filling opening (6) into the intermediate space between the contact surface (2a) and the first surface (Ia).

12. Method according to claim 11, which is carried out without sealing the intermediate space between the contact surface (2a) and the first surface (Ia).

13. Method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein at least 95 % of the contact surface (2a) is wetted with adhesive (9) before the adhesive (9) flows beyond the contact surface (2a).

14. Use of a side window according to one of claims 8 through 10 as an openable side window of a motor vehicle, preferably of a passenger car.