Vehicle windows with audio exciter

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle window comprising: – a glass sheet (4) or a glass assembly; – a plastic material component (5) partially covering the glass sheet or glass assembly; – at least one fixing system for fixing an audio exciter mounted on the glass sheet or glass assembly, the fixing system comprising a base and an attachment portion (3), the base of the fixing system being connected to the plastic material component (5); and – at least one audio exciter fixed to the attachment portion (3) of the fixing system. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a window.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a glass window of a vehicle including at least one audio exciter. Background Technology

[0002] Audio or surface exciters enable the generation of sound from any given wall (plaster, glass, wood, etc.) primarily for audio functions, but also for specific applications (such as active control of noise or vibration). Sound generation is caused by vibrations of the structure, to which the exciter is fixed via a rigid connection.

[0003] For example, document WO 2013 / 164540 discloses a glass window comprising a piezoelectric transducer formed by a piezoelectric element located between two electrodes, which is used for a variety of applications such as cleaning dust present on the glass window, as a speaker, as a microphone, as a generator, or attenuating or amplifying sound from outside or inside a building.

[0004] Specifically, new audio features are being developed in the automotive industry. Beyond traditional entertainment, advanced entertainment, active noise control, personal voice assistants, and engine sound design are new features made possible by advancements in transducer, controller, and signal processing technologies. To perform these functions, modern cars are equipped with an increasing number of sensors and audio surface exciters.

[0005] Compared to traditional speakers, audio exciters can be much lighter and more compact. Due to their compact size, they can be integrated into door panels, various trim pieces (such as roof or pillar trim), and thus positioned as close as possible to the passengers' ears within the passenger compartment. They can be used as a supplement to or replacement for standard speakers.

[0006] However, the integration of such equipment in the automotive sector is subject to specific constraints: for the safety of passengers in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, it must comply with the standards (such as ECE R21 and ECE R26) and specifications of the automaker.

[0007] There is a need to develop a vehicle audio system that is lighter, has good sound performance, and ensures passenger safety. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This invention primarily relates to a vehicle window, comprising:

[0009] – Glass sheets or glass components,

[0010] – Plastic material components that are partially covered by glass sheets or glass assemblies.

[0011] – At least one fixing system for fixing an audio exciter, the audio exciter being mounted on a glass sheet or glass assembly, the fixing system comprising a base and an attachment portion, the base of the fixing system being connected to a plastic material component, and

[0012] – At least one audio exciter, which is fixed to the attachment portion of the fixed system.

[0013] In some embodiments, the base is secured to the glass sheet or glass assembly using double-sided tape or adhesive.

[0014] In some embodiments, the audio exciter is secured to the attachment portion by screwing and / or interlocking.

[0015] In some embodiments, the glass sheet is made of plexiglass or inorganic glass, or the glass assembly includes at least one glass sheet made of plexiglass or inorganic glass.

[0016] In some embodiments, the glass window includes a glass assembly, and the glass assembly is a laminated glass window comprising at least two glass sheets with at least one viscoelastic interlayer membrane inserted between these glass sheets. The viscoelastic interlayer membrane is preferably made of PVB (polyvinyl butyral) or ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, particularly of standard PVB, or more preferably of acoustic PVB.

[0017] In some embodiments, a plastic material component is overmolded onto at least a portion of the base of the fixing system.

[0018] In some embodiments, the base of the fixing system includes a base plate mounted on a glass sheet or glass assembly and having supports thereon, the base plate projecting relative to the supports.

[0019] In some embodiments, the fixing system is made of: metallic materials, such as aluminum and / or stainless steel; thermoplastic materials, such as polyphthalamide, polyvinyl chloride and / or polyethylene terephthalate; or combinations thereof.

[0020] In some embodiments, the plastic material component is made of polyurethane, polypropylene, or a combination thereof.

[0021] In some embodiments, the base of the fixing system is thermoformed into a plastic material component; preferably, the fixing system is thermoformed into a plastic material component.

[0022] In some embodiments, the base of the plastic material component and the fixing system is made of polyethylene, thermoplastic elastomer, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, or a combination thereof.

[0023] In some embodiments, the glass window is the windshield, rear window, side window, and / or roof window of a vehicle, preferably a motor vehicle.

[0024] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a glass window as described above, the method comprising the following steps:

[0025] – Place the glass sheet or glass component into the mold;

[0026] – Position the fixing system, including the base and attachment parts, on the glass sheet or glass assembly in the mold;

[0027] – Close the mold to create a mold cavity around the base of the fixing system, with the attachment portion of the fixing system outside the mold cavity;

[0028] - Plastic material is injected into a molding cavity to form an overmolded part, which constitutes a plastic material component;

[0029] – Open the mold and demold the overmolded glass sheet or overmolded glass component;

[0030] – Attach at least one audio exciter to the attachment part of the fixed system.

[0031] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a glass window as described above, the method comprising the following steps:

[0032] – A block of plastic material is placed in a mold, which is configured to form a fixing system including a base and an attachment portion;

[0033] – Heating the block of plastic material to soften it;

[0034] – Cooling the plastic material to obtain a thermoformed part including a plastic material component and a fixing system;

[0035] – To demold the thermoformed part;

[0036] – Assemble thermoformed parts with glass sheets or glass components;

[0037] – Attach at least one audio exciter to the attachment part of the fixed system.

[0038] This invention makes it possible to meet the needs expressed above. More specifically, it provides a vehicle window with a lightweight and compact audio system that provides good sound performance. Additionally, the window according to the invention is suitable for any vehicle and makes it possible to ensure the safety of passengers in the vehicle in which it is located.

[0039] This is achieved by using a specific fixing system to combine the audio exciter with a glass sheet or glass assembly. In practice, since the glass windows in vehicles typically have large surface areas, they make it possible to provide a large surface area for the audio exciter to vibrate and generate sound, thus allowing for optimal sound performance. Furthermore, they are usually located near the ears of vehicle passengers, which allows for a better auditory experience for passengers. Additionally, the fixing system for connecting the exciter to the glass sheet or glass assembly according to the invention makes it possible to meet the safety constraints imposed by standards regarding vehicle passengers. Attached Figure Description

[0040] [ Figure 1 A schematic diagram depicts an example of a fixing system used in a glass window according to the present invention.

[0041] [ Figure 2 [A schematic diagram depicts another example of a fixing system for a glass window according to the invention.]

[0042] [ Figure 3 [A schematic diagram depicts another example of a fixing system for a glass window according to the invention.]

[0043] [ Figure 4 Another example of a fixing system for a glass window according to the invention is depicted.

[0044] [ Figure 5 [A schematic diagram depicts another example of a fixing system for a glass window according to the invention.]

[0045] [ Figure 6 [A schematic diagram depicts another example of a fixing system for a glass window according to the invention.]

[0046] [ Figure 7 [A schematic diagram depicts another example of a fixing system for a glass window according to the invention.]

[0047] [ Figure 8 [A schematic diagram depicts another example of a fixing system for a glass window according to the invention.]

[0048] [ Figure 9 [A schematic cross-sectional view depicting a portion of an example of a glass window according to the invention is shown.]

[0049] [ Figure 10 [A schematic cross-sectional view depicting a portion of another example of a glass window according to the invention is shown.]

[0050] [ Figure 11 [A schematic cross-sectional view depicting a portion of another example of a glass window according to the invention is shown.]

[0051] [ Figure 12 A schematic cross-sectional view depicting an example of a facility that allows the manufacture of a glass window according to the invention is shown. Only a portion of the mold and a portion of the glass sheet are depicted in this view. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The invention is disclosed in more detail and in a non-limiting manner in the following disclosure.

[0053] This invention relates to a glass window for a vehicle. The vehicle can be any type of vehicle including at least one glass window. Preferably, this is a land transport motor vehicle, although the invention can also be applied to glass windows for aircraft vehicles (such as helicopters, airplanes, and spacecraft). More preferably, the vehicle is a motor vehicle (automobile). Alternatively, the vehicle can be a truck, van, bus, or coach.

[0054] According to the present invention, "glass window" refers to any structure comprising at least one glass sheet or glass assembly. Thus, a glass window may, for example, comprise a single glass sheet or a glass assembly consisting of a laminated glass window composed of at least two glass sheets with an interlayer made of a viscoelastic plastic material disposed between these glass sheets. "Glass assembly" is understood to mean a multi-layered element containing glass, wherein at least one layer is a glass sheet.

[0055] The glass sheet or glass assembly can be transparent or opaque (e.g., when it is covered with an opaque coating). The opaque coating can be paint or enamel, such as black. The glass sheet or glass assembly may include a transparent portion containing glass and an opaque portion containing glass, preferably with the opaque portion surrounding the transparent portion. Alternatively, the glass sheet or glass assembly may be colored in thickness over all or part of its surface.

[0056] The glass sheet is made of plexiglass or inorganic glass. The glass sheet can be quenched glass.

[0057] More preferably, the glass window according to the invention comprises a glass assembly. The glass assembly comprises at least one glass sheet. The glass can be plexiglass or inorganic glass. The glass can be hardened. The glass assembly is preferably a laminated glass window. The term "laminated glass window" is understood to mean at least two glass sheets with at least one viscoelastic plastic interlayer membrane inserted between them. Due to the damping provided by the interlayer membrane, using a laminated glass window results in a flatter response compared to a single glass sheet, which improves the response of the audio system, particularly regarding low frequencies. The interlayer membrane, made of a viscoelastic plastic material, may comprise one or more layers of viscoelastic polymers, such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), preferably PVB. The interlayer membrane is preferably made of standard PVB, or even more preferably of acoustic PVB (such as single-layer or triple-layer acoustic PVB). Acoustic PVB typically consists of three layers: two standard PVB outer layers and an inner PVB layer with added plasticizer to make its hardness less than the outer layers. Compared to standard PVB, the use of acoustic PVB in laminated windows makes it possible to further improve low-frequency recovery and reduce vibration problems.

[0058] The glass window according to the invention can be a glass window of any vehicle. In particular, it can be a windshield, any side window (especially door windows), a rear window, and / or a roof window.

[0059] The glass window according to the invention can have any possible shape. In some embodiments, the glass window has a quadrilateral shape, particularly rectangular or substantially rectangular, or trapezoidal or substantially trapezoidal. The edges of the glass window can be straight or substantially straight (they may have slight curves) and / or curved. In particular, the glass sheet or glass assembly of the glass window can have the shapes mentioned above.

[0060] The glass window according to the invention can be glued (or intended to be glued) or unglued. The glass window can be enclosed or unenclosed. The term "enclosed glass window" is understood to mean a glass window in which at least a portion of the glass sheet or glass assembly along its edges is coated with a polymer material overmolded onto the glass sheet or glass assembly. This overmolded polymer portion is referred to as an encapsulation seal. Preferably, the encapsulation seal surrounds the edge portion of the glass sheet or glass assembly, i.e., it is positioned against the edge of the glass sheet or glass assembly and is positioned at the boundary of two opposing main surfaces of the glass sheet or glass assembly. Advantageously, the encapsulated glass window includes an encapsulation seal along the entire edge of the glass sheet or glass assembly (i.e., throughout the entire periphery of the glass sheet or glass assembly).

[0061] The glass window according to the invention includes at least one audio exciter. In this respect, it forms an audio system, i.e., a system capable of emitting sound. In some embodiments, the glass window may include a single audio exciter, or at least two audio exciters, or at least three, or at least four, or at least five, or at least ten, or at least fifteen audio exciters, for example, from 1 to 2, or from 2 to 3, or from 3 to 4, or from 4 to 5, or from 5 to 6, or from 6 to 7, or from 7 to 8, or from 8 to 9, or from 9 to 10, or from 10 to 12, or from 12 to 15, or from 15 to 20 audio exciters. When the glass window includes several audio exciters, the characteristics disclosed below may be applied to at least one of the audio exciters, independently to each audio exciter, or to all audio exciters.

[0062] The audio exciter (or actuator, or transducer) according to the invention can be any exciter that converts electric current into mechanical energy, thereby enabling the vibration of a surface used as a diaphragm to generate sound waves. In the context of the invention, the surface vibrated by the exciter includes either a glass sheet or a glass assembly.

[0063] The audio exciter can be a piezoelectric audio exciter or an electrodynamic audio exciter (or an inertial exciter). In a particularly preferred manner, the audio exciter is an electrodynamic exciter. In practice, piezoelectric exciters require very high voltages and typically include expensive, bulky electronic components.

[0064] Advantageously, the weight of the audio exciter is less than 300 g, preferably 100 to 200 g. The weight of the audio exciter may be 30 to 50 g, or 50 to 80 g, or 80 to 100 g, or 100 to 120 g, or 120 to 150 g, or 150 to 180 g, or 180 to 200 g, or 200 to 300 g.

[0065] The diameter of the audio exciter is advantageously 10 to 150 mm, for example 30 to 100 mm. Alternatively, the length of the audio exciter may be 30 to 200 mm, for example 50 to 150 mm, and / or the width may be 10 to 100 mm, for example 20 to 60 mm. The depth of the audio exciter may be 10 to 50 mm, for example 12 to 30 mm.

[0066] Audio exciters can be configured to generate high and / or mid and / or low frequencies. "High frequency" is understood to mean sound waves with frequencies above 2000 Hz. "Mid frequency" is understood to mean sound waves with frequencies ranging from 300 to 2000 Hz. "Low frequency" is understood to mean sound waves with frequencies below 300 Hz. Audio exciters may include signal filters for limiting the generated frequency band to, for example, high and / or mid and / or low frequencies. For example, a signal filter may limit the emitted frequency band to a frequency range whose lower limit is greater than or equal to 2000 Hz, or greater than or equal to 300 Hz, or greater than or equal to 150 Hz, or whose upper limit is less than or equal to 300 Hz.

[0067] The audio exciter can be placed at any point on the glass sheet or glass assembly. Preferably, it is positioned within the peripheral area of ​​the glass sheet or glass assembly. "Peripheral area of ​​the glass sheet" or "peripheral area of ​​the glass assembly" is understood to refer, respectively, to a portion of the glass sheet or glass assembly adjacent to the edge of the glass sheet or glass assembly (i.e., adjacent to the edge defining the glass sheet or glass assembly). In some embodiments, the peripheral area of ​​the glass sheet or glass assembly is an area of ​​the glass sheet or glass assembly that is adjacent to the edge of the glass sheet or glass assembly and whose width (i.e., in the plane of the glass sheet or glass assembly along a direction orthogonal to the edge of the glass sheet or glass assembly) is less than or equal to 30 cm, or less than or equal to 25 cm, or less than or equal to 20 cm, or less than or equal to 15 cm.

[0068] When a glass window is intended to be oriented vertically or substantially vertically in a vehicle (especially when it is intended to be a windshield, side window, or rear window), the actuator is advantageously located in the peripheral area of ​​the glass sheet or glass assembly adjacent to the lower edge of the glass sheet or glass assembly (i.e., the edge intended to be on the bottom side of the vehicle).

[0069] When the glass window is a windshield, the exciter may additionally or alternatively be located on the peripheral area of ​​the glass sheet or glass assembly adjacent to the upper edge of the glass sheet or glass assembly (i.e., the edge intended to be on the top side of the vehicle), preferably in the central area of ​​the upper peripheral area (e.g., in an area of ​​the upper peripheral area extending more than 30 cm, preferably 20 cm, on either side of the center of the upper edge in a direction parallel to the upper edge of the windshield). More preferably, when the windshield includes or is intended to include an interior rearview mirror, the audio exciter is placed near the interior rearview mirror fastener of the windshield (e.g., in a circular area of ​​the windshield with a radius less than or equal to 15 cm, the center of which is formed by the location of the interior rearview mirror fastener or the fastener intended to receive the rearview mirror).

[0070] The glass sheet or glass assembly may include one or more holes for allowing power to pass through the audio exciter.

[0071] The audio exciter is assembled onto a glass sheet or glass assembly via a fixing system. The fixing system includes a base mounted on the glass sheet or glass assembly and an attachment portion to which the exciter is attached. Preferably, the exciter is removably fixed to the attachment portion of the fixing system. This has the advantage of allowing easy removal and replacement of the exciter, for example, in the event of a malfunction.

[0072] The audio actuator can be screwed onto an attachment portion of the fixing system. Specifically, the attachment portion may include or consist of one or more threaded portions projecting from the base of the fixing system. In these embodiments, the audio actuator includes one or more tapped holes capable of being screwed onto the one or more threaded portions of the fixing system. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 An example of a fixing system is depicted, which includes a base consisting of a base plate 1 and a support 2, and a threaded attachment portion 3.

[0073] refer to Figure 1 The fixing system may include a threaded rod (or screw) as an attachment portion 3, which is positioned at the center of the support 2 and entirely within the central area of ​​the support (e.g., in an area centered on the center of the support, and the distance from the edge of this area to its center is half the distance from the center of the support to its edge, preferably 25%). In these embodiments, the threaded rod is intended to be screwed into a tapped hole located in the audio exciter (preferably at its center).

[0074] refer to Figure 2 The fixing system may include at least two threaded rods as attachment portions 3, located in the peripheral area of ​​the support (e.g., in an area adjacent to the edges(s) of the support 2), the width of which (in a direction orthogonal to the edges) is equal to half the distance from the edge of the support to the center of the support, preferably equal to 25% of the distance from the edge of the support to the center. These rods are preferably aligned in pairs with the center of the support 2, and more preferably symmetrically paired about the center of the support 2. In these embodiments, the threaded rods are intended to be screwed into tapped holes, preferably located in the peripheral area of ​​the audio exciter.

[0075] refer to Figure 3The fixing system may include a solid or hollow threaded rod as an attachment portion 3, the solid or hollow threaded rod being centered on the center of the support 2 and its threads being located in the peripheral area of ​​the support 2. In these embodiments, the threaded rod is intended to be screwed into a tapped hole located in the audio exciter, the tap preferably being located in the peripheral area of ​​the audio exciter.

[0076] Alternatively or additionally, the attachment portion may include or consist of one or more tapped holes present in or projecting from the base of the mounting system. In these embodiments, the audio actuator includes one or more threaded portions capable of being screwed into the one or more tapped holes of the mounting system. Figure 4 and Figure 5 An example of a fixing system is depicted, which includes a base consisting of a base plate 1 and a support 2, and a tapping attachment portion 3.

[0077] refer to Figure 4 The fixing system may include at least two tapped holes in the support 2 as attachment portions 3, the tapped holes being located in the peripheral area of ​​the support. These holes are preferably aligned in pairs with the center of the support 2, and more preferably, they are symmetrically paired about the center of the support 2. In these embodiments, the tapped holes are intended to receive the threaded rod of an audio exciter, the threaded rod being preferably located in the peripheral area of ​​the audio exciter.

[0078] refer to Figure 5 The fixing system may include a tapped hole in the support 2 as an attachment portion 3, the tapped hole being centered on the center of the support. The tap may be located in the central area or the peripheral area of ​​the support. In these embodiments, the tapped hole is intended to receive a threaded solid or hollow rod of the audio exciter, which is preferably located at the center of the audio exciter.

[0079] Alternatively or additionally, for the type of fixation by screwing, the audio actuator can be interlocked to the attachment portion of the fixing system. In these embodiments, both the attachment portion of the fixing system and the audio actuator include one or more recesses configured to interlock with each other. Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 An example of a fixing system is depicted, which includes a base consisting of a base plate 1 and a support 2, and a threaded attachment portion 3.

[0080] refer to Figure 6 The fixing system may include a protrusion as an attachment portion 3, the protrusion including at least one notch on one or more of its sides, preferably at least two notches. This notch or these notches may have any suitable shape, such as a rectangular shape.

[0081] refer to Figure 7 The fixing system may include a protrusion as an attachment portion 3, the protrusion including at least one clamping portion on one or more of its sides, preferably at least two clamping portions.

[0082] refer to Figure 8 The fixing system may include a protrusion as an attachment portion 3, the protrusion including at least one notch thereon. The notch may have any suitable shape.

[0083] The base of the fixing system may include a support 2 positioned on top of a base plate 1. The term "base plate" is understood to mean a portion in the form of a plate projecting relative to the support (along a direction orthogonal to the principal plane of the glass sheet or glass assembly). In other words, the base plate 1 preferably projects from the support 2 over its entire perimeter (in a plane parallel to the principal plane of the glass sheet or glass assembly). Preferably, the base plate 1 is fixed to the glass sheet or glass assembly. In other embodiments, the base of the fixing system consists of the support 2.

[0084] Preferably, the attachment portion 3 of the fixing system exists on or in the support 2, and more particularly on a surface of the support 2 that is opposite to the surface of the support facing the base plate 1 or the glass sheet or glass assembly.

[0085] The support 2 can have any possible shape. Advantageously, the support 2 is a prism or cylinder, and its cross-section can have any shape, such as circular or rectangular. In some embodiments, the upper surface (or cross-section) of the support 2 has a similar shape and size to, or substantially the same as, the bottom surface of the audio exciter. The diameter of the support 2 can be 10 to 150 mm, for example, 30 to 100 mm. In other embodiments, the length of the support 2 can be 30 to 200 mm, for example, 50 to 150 mm, and / or the width can be 10 to 100 mm, for example, 20 to 60 mm. The depth of the support 2 is advantageously 1 to 20 mm, for example, 3 to 8 mm.

[0086] The base plate 1 can have any shape, and is preferably circular or rectangular. The diameter of the base plate 1 can be 15 to 200 mm, for example 35 to 120 mm. In other embodiments, the length of the base plate can be 35 to 250 mm, for example 60 to 170 mm, and / or the width can be 15 to 150 mm, for example 25 to 70 mm. The depth of the base plate 1 can be 1 to 10 mm, for example 2 to 6 mm.

[0087] Preferably, the support 2 is centered on the top surface of the base plate 1.

[0088] Advantageously, the fixing system comprises or is made of metallic materials, thermoplastic materials, or combinations thereof. Examples of suitable metallic materials for the fixing system are aluminum and / or stainless steel. Examples of thermoplastic materials include polyphthalamides (such as those sold under the trademark Grivory®), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Preferably, the fixing system does not include any magnetic materials (particularly if the audio exciter is an electrodynamic exciter) so as not to interfere with the exciter's magnetic circuitry.

[0089] In particular, the attachment portion 3 and the base (and more particularly, the attachment portion 3, the support 2 and the optional base plate 1) may independently comprise or be made of the materials mentioned above.

[0090] The base (particularly the base plate 1 and / or support 2) and / or attachment portion 3 of the fixing system may be formed as a single piece, or the fixing system may include different parts (e.g., a part for the base plate 1, a part for the support 2, and possibly a part for the attachment portion 3), which are assembled together by any suitable means.

[0091] The fixing system is mounted on the glass sheet or glass assembly. The window may include one or more fixing systems, for example, at least two, three, four, five, ten, or fifteen fixing systems mounted on the glass sheet or glass assembly. In a particularly advantageous manner, the window includes an equal number of audio exciters and fixing systems, each fixing system having an audio exciter fixed to its attachment portion 3. The fixing systems may be identical or different. In particular, each fixing system may be independent as described above.

[0092] Preferably, the base of the fixing system is fixed to the glass sheet or glass assembly. More preferably, the base is fixed to the glass sheet or glass assembly by means of adhesives, tapes (especially double-sided tape) or combinations thereof. When the base of the fixing system includes a base plate 1 in a particularly preferred manner, the base plate 1 is preferably fixed to the glass sheet or glass assembly by adhesives and / or tapes (preferably double-sided tape).

[0093] The mounting system on the glass sheet or glass assembly should allow vibration to be transferred from the audio exciter to the glass sheet or glass assembly. In other words, it should provide at least one point of contact (direct or indirect) between the mounting system on which the audio exciter is mounted and the glass sheet or glass assembly.

[0094] The base of the fixing system is connected to a plastic material component that partially covers the glass sheet or glass assembly. In this application, the term "connected" is understood to mean that the base of the fixing system is fixedly mounted to the plastic material component. Therefore, compared to other fixing methods, vibration transmission from the audio exciter to the glass sheet is improved, making it possible to obtain optimal acoustic performance for the glass window.

[0095] Overmolding of the fixing system

[0096] According to the first variant, the plastic material component 5 is overmolded onto at least a portion of the base of the fixing system. In this variant, the plastic material component 5 is also referred to as an "overmolded part". Preferably, the base and its entire periphery are overmolded with plastic material.

[0097] In this first variant, the base of the fixing system advantageously comprises a support 2 and a base plate 1, as disclosed above. The base plate and support are then at least partially overmolded from a plastic material. Advantageously, the base plate 1 is completely overmolded, i.e., fully coated by the overmolded component. Preferably, the support 2 is completely overmolded except for its top surface, i.e., the support contacts the overmolded component through one or more of its sides. In a particularly preferred manner, the attachment portion 3 is not overmolded.

[0098] Advantageously, the plastic material of the overmolded part includes polyurethane, polypropylene, or combinations thereof, or is made from there.

[0099] In embodiments where the glass window is an encapsulated glass window, the overmolded component may be continuous with the encapsulated seal. (See reference) Figure 9 The fixing system is attached to the glass sheet 4. This fixing system includes a base plate 1 with a support 2 on it, and the support 2 itself has an attachment portion 3 intended for fixing an audio exciter. Alternatively, the glass sheet 4 can be replaced with a glass assembly, such as a laminated glass window. The support 2 and the base plate 1 are overmolded over their entire periphery by an overmolded member 5. The attachment portion 3 is not coated by the overmolded member 5. In this embodiment, the overmolded member 5 forms part of an encapsulation seal 6 covering the edge of the glass sheet 4. In a particularly advantageous manner, the encapsulation seal has a recess 9 between the overmolded member 5 surrounding the fixing system and the portion of the encapsulation seal 6 surrounding the edge of the glass sheet 4. This recess 9 is intended to receive an adhesive seal 7 for securing the vehicle body 8 to the glass window. The presence of this recess 9 allows the glass window to be uniformly bonded to the vehicle body 8.

[0100] Alternatively, the overmolded component may be discontinuous with the encapsulation seal. (See reference) Figure 10The fixing system is attached to the glass sheet 4. This fixing system includes a base plate 1 with a support 2 on it, and the support 2 itself has an attachment portion 3 intended for fixing an audio exciter. Alternatively, the glass sheet 4 can be replaced with a glass assembly, such as a laminated glass window. The support 2 and the base plate 1 are overmolded with an overmolded member 5 over their entire periphery. The attachment portion 3 is not coated with the overmolded member 5. In this embodiment, the overmolded member 5 is separate from the sealing member 6 covering the edge of the glass sheet 4. Therefore, there is a region 10 without plastic material between the overmolded member 5 surrounding the fixing system and the sealing member 6 surrounding the edge of the glass sheet 4. This region 10, discontinuous with the sealing member, is intended to receive an adhesive seal 7 for fixing the vehicle body 8 to the glass window. The presence of this region 10, discontinuous with the sealing member, allows the glass window to be uniformly bonded to the vehicle body 8.

[0101] In an advantageous embodiment, the fastening system and overmolding are concealed on the side of the glass sheet or glass assembly opposite to the side where the fastening system is located (this side corresponds to the exterior of the vehicle when the window is assembled in a vehicle). For example, the glass sheet or glass assembly may have been enamel-coated on the surface opposite to the surface supporting the fastening system, in the area including the region covered by the fastening system and overmolding. Alternatively, in the case of an encapsulated window, an encapsulation seal covering the edge of the glass sheet or glass assembly may extend across the area including the region covered by the fastening system and overmolding, and across the surface opposite to the surface supporting the fastening system. Figure 11 An example of this embodiment is shown. The encapsulation seal 6 surrounding the glass sheet 4 (which may alternatively be a glass assembly, such as a laminated glass window) includes a portion 11 that extends across the outer surface 12 of the glass sheet 4 (i.e., the surface opposite to the surface supporting the fixation system) to a portion sufficient to conceal the fixing system and its overmolded member 5. Figure 11 In the example shown, the sealing element 6 and the overmolded element 5 are discontinuous. Alternatively, the sealing element and the overmolded element may be continuous, and the sealing element preferably includes a recess intended to receive adhesive for securing the window to the vehicle body.

[0102] The overmolded fixing system may be located within the windshield sheet. In these embodiments, the sheet preferably includes an opening therein where the fixing system's plastic material components are overmolded. The sheet is advantageously thermoformed, and preferably made of polyethylene. The sheet may also include a rearview mirror, a rain sensor, and / or a camera.

[0103] The glass window according to the first variant can be manufactured by injection molding.

[0104] Therefore, another object of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a glass window as described above, the method comprising:

[0105] – Place the glass sheet or glass component into the mold;

[0106] – Position the fixing system, including the base and attachment parts, on the glass sheet or glass assembly in the mold;

[0107] – Close the mold to create a mold cavity around the base of the fixing system, with the attachment portion of the fixing system outside the mold cavity;

[0108] – Injecting plastic material into a molding cavity to form an overmolded part;

[0109] – Open the mold and demold the encapsulated glass sheet or glass component;

[0110] – Attach at least one audio exciter to the attachment part of the fixed system.

[0111] The mold includes at least one movable part and at least another part, which may be fixed or movable.

[0112] Preferably, during the positioning of the fixing system in the mold, the attachment portion of the fixing system is arranged in a housing formed in a part of the mold (preferably in a movable portion of the mold). Preferably, the fixing system is positioned in the mold such that the upper surface of the base (i.e., the surface opposite to the glass sheet or glass assembly) (more preferably, the upper surface of the support) is at least partially supported by the inner surface of the portion of the mold that includes the housing for the attachment portion. Optionally, a tightness seal (preferably an O-ring) may be placed around the attachment portion (more preferably, along the edge of the upper surface of the support) on the fixing system, preferably on the upper surface of the base, more preferably on the upper surface of the support.

[0113] Preferably, the base of the fixing system is secured to the glass sheet or glass assembly by means of an adhesive, tape (especially double-sided tape), or a combination thereof. Therefore, it is possible to deposit adhesive on the underside of the base (i.e., the side intended to face the glass sheet or glass assembly), and / or it is possible to remove a protective film from the double-sided tape previously adhered to the underside of the base of the fixing system.

[0114] The mold is then closed by moving a movable portion of the mold. A mold cavity is then formed around the base of the fixing system. Preferably, the base plate of the fixing system is completely contained within the molded cavity. Advantageously, the portion of the mold including the housing for the attachment portion is adjacent to the upper surface of the base (i.e., opposite the surface facing the glass sheet or glass assembly), preferably adjacent to the upper surface of the support. A tightness seal is advantageously positioned between the upper surface of the base (preferably the upper surface of the support) and the portion of the mold including the housing for the attachment portion. This ensures tightness of the housing receiving the attachment portion, preventing plastic material from reaching the attachment portion during injection. Tightness can also be achieved through direct contact between the upper surface of the base and the inner surface of the portion of the mold including the housing.

[0115] The plastic material injected into the mold cavity is preferably polyurethane, polypropylene, or a combination thereof. The plastic material is injected in a molten state. The base plate of the fixing system may include one or more openings on it (i.e., opposite the side facing the glass sheet or glass assembly), which are preferably through openings. This allows for better anchoring of the fixing system in the plastic material forming the overmolded part. Preferably, the molding cavity is completely filled with the plastic material.

[0116] The plastic material in the mold cavity is cured to form an overmolded part of plastic material on at least a portion of the base of the fixing system. The mold is then opened, preferably by moving a movable part (e.g., by means of a press). A glass sheet or glass assembly comprising the fixing system and the overmolded part (also referred to as "overmolded glass sheet" or "overmolded glass assembly," respectively) can be removed from the mold.

[0117] exist Figure 12The figure illustrates an example of the use of a mold for manufacturing an example of a glass window according to the invention. In this example, the mold used includes: a movable portion 13, which includes a housing 15; and a second portion 14, which may be fixed or movable. The mold includes a glass sheet 4 (or alternatively, a glass assembly, such as a laminated glass window), on which a fixing system is fixed. This fixing system includes a base plate 1 in the form of a plate with a cylindrical support 2 on its upper surface, the cylindrical support 2 itself having an attachment portion 3 consisting of threaded rods. The base plate 1 is bonded to the glass sheet 4 by an adhesive 16 located between the bottom of the base plate 1 and the glass sheet 4. The mold is thus closed, thereby forming a molding cavity 18 around the base plate 1 and a portion of the support 2 of the fixing system. The fixing system has been positioned such that the attachment portion 3 is placed within the housing 15 of the mold and such that a portion of the upper surface of the support 2 contacts the mold, and more particularly with the inner surface of the portion 13 of the mold including the housing 15. Thus, due to the presence of the support 2, the interior of the housing 15 is isolated from the molding cavity 18. An O-ring 17 can be inserted between the upper periphery of the support 2 and the mold portion 13. The molding cavity 18 is completely filled with a plastic material that will form an overmolded part upon hardening.

[0118] The molding cavity can have any suitable shape. In other embodiments, the molding cavity may include the edge of a glass sheet or glass assembly, such that the injection of the plastic material also forms an encapsulation seal surrounding said edge of the glass sheet or glass assembly. Preferably, the molding cavity includes a protrusion toward the interior of the cavity, thereby making it possible to create a recessed area or discontinuity between the overmolded portion surrounding the fixing system and the portion of the encapsulation seal surrounding the edge of the glass sheet or glass assembly (in which case, the protrusion extends until it contacts a portion of the glass sheet or glass assembly, thus dividing the cavity in two). The cavity may also include a portion of the outer surface of the glass sheet or glass assembly (i.e., the surface opposite to the face supporting the fixing system) within the cavity, in contact with the injected plastic material, preferably such that the formed encapsulation seal protrudes from the outer surface of the glass sheet or glass assembly in an area extending at least as far as the end of the overmolded portion surrounding the fixing system.

[0119] Thermoforming of Fixed Systems

[0120] According to the second variant, the base of the fixing system is thermoformed in (or thermoformed together with) a plastic material component. In this second variant, the plastic material component and the base of the fixing system form a single piece.

[0121] Advantageously, the components of the fixing system are thermoformed in a plastic material part (or thermoformed together with the plastic material part).

[0122] The plastic material component is preferably a sheet. The sheet may also include a rearview mirror, a rain sensor, and / or a camera. More preferably, the glass window is a windshield. More preferably, the sheet is located in the central area of ​​the upper outer perimeter of the windshield, as defined above.

[0123] The plastic material component can have any shape. Preferably, its thickness is 1 to 4 mm, for example 1.5 to 2.5 mm.

[0124] In this second variant, the base of the fixing system may include a support and a base plate or a single support.

[0125] In a particularly advantageous manner, the assembly comprising the plastic material component and the base of the fixing system is secured to the glass sheet or glass assembly by adhesive bonding. In some embodiments, the adhesive bonding is done at points. In a particularly preferred manner, the base of the fixing system is secured to the glass sheet or glass assembly by at least one adhesive point to ensure that vibrations are transferred from the audio exciter to the glass sheet or glass assembly. However, any other fixing means that make such vibration transfer possible may be used.

[0126] Preferably, the base of the plastic material component and the fixing system (preferably, the fixing system assembly) is made of polyethylene, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or a combination thereof.

[0127] The glass window according to the second variant can be manufactured using a thermoforming method. This manufacturing method may include:

[0128] – Place the plastic material block into the mold;

[0129] – Heating a block of plastic material;

[0130] – Cooling the plastic material to obtain a thermoformed part;

[0131] – To demold the thermoformed part;

[0132] – Assemble thermoformed parts with glass sheets or glass components;

[0133] – Attach at least one audio exciter to the attachment part of the fixed system.

[0134] The mold is configured to form the base of the plastic part and the fixing system, and more preferably, to form the plastic part and the fixing system including the base and the attachment portion, as described above. After being placed in the mold, the block of plastic material is heated until it softens. The plastic material then takes the shape given by the mold and is then cooled to harden. A thermoformed part is obtained, which includes the plastic material component and the base of the fixing system (preferably, the fixing system).

[0135] The plastic material block can be made of polyethylene, TPE, ABS, or a combination thereof.

[0136] Thermoformed parts are preferably assembled together with glass sheets or glass components by bonding.

[0137] vehicle

[0138] This invention is intended for use in equipping vehicles (preferably motor vehicles). Therefore, the at least one audio exciter is intended to be located in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. In other words, it is intended to be placed on the inner surface of a glass sheet or glass assembly.

[0139] The audio exciter may be intended to be covered or surrounded by the vehicle's interior trim so as to be completely or partially hidden from the vehicle's passengers.

[0140] Preferably, the vehicle may include at least two audio exciters. For example, the vehicle may include a glass window according to the invention (the glass window includes at least two audio exciters), may include at least two glass windows according to the invention, each glass window including at least one audio exciter, or may include at least one glass window according to the invention, the glass window including at least one audio exciter and at least one other audio exciter, the audio exciters being located in the glass window of the vehicle or in any other location of the vehicle (such as in a pillar, in a door, in a dashboard, or in the roof).

Claims

1. A glass window for a vehicle, comprising: – Glass sheet (4) or glass assembly, – A plastic material component (5) that partially covers the glass sheet or the glass assembly, – At least one fixing system for fixing an audio exciter mounted on the glass sheet or the glass assembly, the fixing system comprising a base and an attachment portion (3), the base of the fixing system being connected to the plastic material component (5), and – At least one audio exciter, which is fixed to the attachment portion (3) of the fixed system, In this embodiment, the plastic material component (5) is overmolded onto at least a portion of the base of the fixing system; or the base of the fixing system is thermoformed within the plastic material component (5), and The glass windows mentioned here refer to the vehicle's windshield, rear window, side windows, and / or roof window. The glass window includes a sealing element having a recess (9) between a plastic material component and the sealing element, the recess (9) being adapted to receive an adhesive seal for securing a vehicle body to the glass window.

2. The glass window according to claim 1, wherein, The base is fixed to the glass sheet or glass assembly using double-sided tape or adhesive (16).

3. The glass window according to claim 1, wherein, The audio exciter is fixed to the attachment part (3) by screwing and / or interlocking.

4. The glass window according to claim 1, wherein, The glass sheet is made of plexiglass or inorganic glass, or the glass assembly includes at least one glass sheet made of plexiglass or inorganic glass.

5. The glass window of claim 1, comprising a glass assembly, wherein, The glass assembly is a laminated glass window, which includes at least two glass sheets with at least one interlayer film made of a viscoelastic plastic material inserted between the glass sheets.

6. The glass window according to claim 5, wherein, The interlayer membrane is made of PVB or ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer.

7. The glass window according to claim 6, wherein, The interlayer membrane is made of standard PVB.

8. The glass window according to claim 7, wherein, The interlayer membrane is made of acoustic PVB.

9. The glass window according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The base of the fixing system includes a base plate (1) mounted on the glass sheet (4) or the glass assembly and having a support (2) on it, the base plate protruding relative to the support.

10. The glass window according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The fixing system is made of the following: metallic materials; thermoplastic materials or combinations thereof.

11. The glass window according to claim 10, wherein, The metallic materials include aluminum and / or stainless steel, and the thermoplastic materials include polyphthalamide, polyvinyl chloride and / or polyethylene terephthalate.

12. The glass window according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The plastic material component (5) is made of polyurethane, polypropylene or a combination thereof.

13. The glass window according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The fixing system is thermoformed in the plastic material component (5).

14. The glass window according to claim 13, wherein, The plastic material component (5) and the base of the fixing system are made of polyethylene, thermoplastic elastomer, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or a combination thereof.

15. A method for manufacturing a glass window according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the method comprising the following steps: – Place the glass sheet (4) or the glass assembly in the mold; – Position the fixing system, including the base and the attachment portion (3), in the mold onto the glass sheet (4) or the glass assembly; – Close the mold to create a mold cavity (18) around the base of the fixing system, with the attachment portion (3) of the fixing system outside the mold cavity (18); - Plastic material is injected into the mold cavity (18) to form an overmolded part, which constitutes the plastic material component (5). – Open the mold and demold the overmolded glass sheet or overmolded glass assembly; – The audio exciter is fixed to the attachment portion (3) of the fixed system.

16. A method for manufacturing a glass window according to claim 13 or 14, the method comprising the following steps: – A block of plastic material is placed in a mold, which is configured to form a fixing system including a base and an attachment portion (3); – Heating the plastic material block to soften it; – Cool the plastic material to obtain a thermoformed part including the plastic material component (5) and the fixing system; – Demold the thermoformed part; – Assemble the thermoformed part with the glass sheet (4) or glass assembly; – The audio exciter is fixed to the attachment part (3) of the fixed system.

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