Window units including fitted glass panels and frames

Abstract

The present invention discloses a window unit comprising an inlaid glass panel and a frame having a frame outline and surrounding the edge of the inlaid glass panel on at least one peripheral side, and the frame comprising a plastic main part, characterized in that the main part comprises at least 10% by weight of recycled material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a window unit comprising an inlaid glass panel, a frame having a frame outline and surrounding the edge of the inlaid glass panel on at least one peripheral side, and the frame comprising a plastic main part. Background Technology

[0002] Window units with fitted glass panels and frames are known. In order to manufacture the frame that extends around the window, a primer or adhesive is applied to the edge areas of the window, on the inside, front, and outside, before the main part is formed onto the edge areas of the outer periphery of the glass panel.

[0003] Currently, the total amount of material used for overmolded window units in the automotive industry is very high. Depending on the car, we can estimate that the weight of each vehicle ranges from approximately 300gr to 1000gr. This represents a large amount of raw material used to produce such overmolded window units. Therefore, it is highly resource-intensive.

[0004] As we all know, the management of plastic waste and plastic resources is a global issue. Plastic pollution has become a challenge that every country must address.

[0005] Microplastic ingestion, marine pollution, and the existence of plastic waste circulation are some examples related to this global problem. Plastic consumption continues to grow, causing medium- to long-term problems for our environment and, consequently, for our human society.

[0006] Today, plastic waste can be managed in three different ways: recycling, energy recovery, and landfill. The distinction between these three categories varies depending on the region of the world. Landfill should be minimized as much as possible to reduce our negative environmental footprint.

[0007] According to ISO 14021, recycled materials are either pre-consumer materials, i.e., waste from the manufacturing process other than that used to produce parts, or post-consumer materials, i.e., materials reused after the product's lifespan.

[0008] It is well known that pre-consumer materials generally have a higher quality level compared to post-consumer materials. Pre-consumer materials are typically a type of constituent material for which information about the product's origin and characteristics is more readily available. Even if the impact is small, it still has an effect on the material's properties. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to alleviate these problems and to provide a framed window unit that reduces the environmental footprint, minimizes landfill, and reduces the negative impact of plastic use.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention, the present invention relates to an improved window unit comprising an inlaid glass panel, a frame having a frame profile and surrounding the edge of the inlaid glass panel on at least one peripheral side, and the frame comprising a plastic main portion.

[0011] The solution defined in the first aspect of the invention is based on recycled material comprising at least 10% by weight of the total polymer material of the main component. The recycled material has the same polymer matrix as the original material of the main component.

[0012] Proper management of plastic waste and the appropriate sorting and mixing of recycled and virgin materials can reduce or eliminate the disadvantages mentioned in the background section. This is a common application of mixing virgin and recycled materials. Cold runners and sprues are examples of recycled materials that are directly reused in standard production. Regarding the ISO standard cited above, this recycled material is not considered a recycled material.

[0013] According to standards, a Möbius loop, with a weight percentage written inside the ring, can be placed on a window unit as a marker to demonstrate the level of recycling of specific components of the window unit, particularly the frame. Thus, the source and quantity of recycled materials can be verified through the marker used and / or by using procurement documents and other available records.

[0014] On the other hand, the use of recycled thermoplastics also has some disadvantages: negative impact on the properties of recycled materials (lower mechanical resistance), deterioration of surface appearance quality, increased viscosity, increased range of material properties, and the potential presence of hazardous materials associated with poor classification...

[0015] Increased recycling of plastics could mean reduced energy recovery and / or landfill management, savings in virgin material consumption, and the development of new technologies and jobs to increase the level of plastics that can be reused at the end of their lifespan, giving companies using these materials a greener image…

[0016] More specifically, the present invention uses recycled materials to a certain extent, thereby significantly reducing the consumption of original materials.

[0017] In some embodiments, the frame has a frame outline and surrounds the edge of the fitted glass panel on at least two peripheral sides, and the frame includes a plastic main portion.

[0018] The main portion can be overmolded onto the mounting glass panel, meaning the main portion is formed prior to the mounting glass panel, placed in a mold along with the mounting glass panel, and then secured to the mounting glass panel with another material (such as a secondary portion). To facilitate this process, the main portion can be injected into the mold for direct encapsulation onto the mounting glass panel. In some other embodiments, the main portion can be formed prior to the mounting glass panel and then secured to it using a fastening device (such as adhesive).

[0019] Alternatively, the main component is in the form of a hard component.

[0020] Sometimes rigid materials are used to increase the stiffness of components, reduce the thickness of soft materials, and / or enhance the functionality of encapsulated window units: guides integrated into rear door fasteners for assembling window units to the vehicle body… Rigid materials can be polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC)-based blends, acrylic-based blends, polyamides, or others. In a preferred embodiment, the rigid material is invisible after the encapsulated window unit is assembled onto the vehicle. Rigid materials filled with fillers such as glass fibers, glass beads, or talc can also be covered by soft materials after an overmolding process. In a preferred embodiment, the rigid component is a polypropylene-based material. Other rigid materials with a Young's modulus higher than 1000 MPa, such as polyamides and styrene, can also be used.

[0021] Alternatively, to reinforce the main component, the main component may include glass fiber mixed with a rigid material.

[0022] Alternatively, the main component is in the form of a soft component. The soft component can be a thermoplastic elastomer-based material. Styrene-based and vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers are commonly used. In another embodiment, the soft component is flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The soft material is used to give the frame its final surface appearance and also to assemble the window unit to the vehicle body. Effectively, the material's flexibility allows for the creation of an interference between the vehicle body and the window unit through the use of a soft lip. The soft material is sometimes also used to ensure a seal between the vehicle body and the encapsulated window unit.

[0023] In some embodiments of the invention, the frame includes a secondary portion, which is in the form of a soft component and is at least partially placed on the main portion. The secondary portion allows the window unit to be secured to the structure to which it is fixed. Such a structure can be a vehicle body, a building, etc.

[0024] The secondary portion may be at least partially injected onto the primary portion in the second step. Preferably, the secondary portion is a single portion. In some embodiments, the secondary portion may partially contact the fitted glass panel to ensure the aesthetics and sealing of the window unit.

[0025] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the secondary portion contacts the embedded glass panel.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the soft component is a thermoplastic elastomer-based material. Styrene-based and vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers are typically used. In another embodiment, the soft component is flexible polyvinyl chloride.

[0027] In some embodiments, the soft component of the primary and / or secondary portions may be a thermoplastic elastomer-based material. In some embodiments, the soft component of the primary and / or secondary portions may be a PMMA-based material.

[0028] In some embodiments, the main portion is in direct contact with the embedded glass panel.

[0029] The embedded glass panel can be flat or curved to fit the design of the vehicle. The embedded glass panel can be processed, i.e., annealed, tempered, etc., to meet safety and anti-theft specifications. Heating systems (such as coatings or wiring networks) can be applied to the embedded glass panel to, for example, add defrosting and / or defogging functions.

[0030] In some embodiments of the invention, the main portion is in direct contact with the mounting glass panel, meaning the main portion is injected onto the mounting glass panel. The mounting glass panel may have localized adhesive or primer materials to ensure tightness and / or facilitate the encapsulation of the main portion on the mounting glass panel.

[0031] The main components can be overmolded onto the mounting glass panel. To facilitate this process, the main components can be injected into a mold to encapsulate them onto the mounting glass panel.

[0032] In some embodiments, the fitted glass panel is a glass panel. The glass panel includes at least one glass plate.

[0033] Alternatively, the glass panel can be a laminated glass panel. Laminated glass comprises glass sheets held together by one or more interlayers located between the glass sheets. The interlayers used are typically polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), whose hardness can be adjusted. These interlayers keep the glass sheets bonded together even in the event of breakage, thus preventing the glass from shattering into numerous sharp fragments.

[0034] The glass sheet can be clear glass or colored glass. Colored glass is colored with a specific glass composition or by applying, for example, a coating or plastic layer.

[0035] In embodiments where the fitted glass panel is a laminated glass panel, it may be advantageous to use glass sheets of different thicknesses to reduce weight and noise. Since fitted glass panels are prone to deformation, thin glass sheets less than 1 mm thick can be used without bending or deforming. Therefore, such thin glass sheets can maintain the desired design.

[0036] In some embodiments, the main portion may include a core portion. The core portion may be in direct contact with the mounting glass panel, meaning the core portion is injected into the mounting glass panel. The mounting glass panel may have a localized adhesive or primer material to ensure tightness and / or facilitate encapsulation of the core portion on the mounting glass panel. The core portion may be overmolded onto the mounting glass panel, meaning the core portion is previously formed, placed in a mold along with the mounting glass panel, and then secured to the mounting glass panel with another material (such as the surrounding portion). To facilitate this process, the core portion may be injected into a mold for encapsulation onto the mounting glass panel. In some other embodiments, the core portion may be previously formed and then secured to the mounting glass panel by a fastening device (such as adhesive).

[0037] In these embodiments, the main portion comprises two parts: a core portion and a peripheral portion, the peripheral portion being at least partially placed on the core portion. The peripheral portion may be in partial direct contact with the mounting glass panel, meaning that the peripheral portion is at least partially injected onto the mounting glass panel from the core portion. The mounting glass panel may be partially covered with an adhesive or primer material to ensure tightness and / or facilitate the encapsulation of the peripheral portion on the mounting glass panel.

[0038] A method for producing window units according to these embodiments, the method comprising the following steps:

[0039] 1. Insert the glass panel and core into the mold.

[0040] 2. Close the mold, forming at least one cavity around the glass panel and / or the core portion.

[0041] 3. Inject the portion surrounding the main part into at least one cavity.

[0042] 4. Open the mold.

[0043] 5. Remove the window unit from the mold.

[0044] In these embodiments, the frame may include secondary portions as described below. The secondary portions are injected after the surrounding portions.

[0045] In some embodiments, the weight percentage (ratio) of the recycled material in the core portion of the main component is higher than the weight percentage of the recycled material in the surrounding portion. The weight percentage of the recycled material in the main component is the total weight of the recycled material in the core and surrounding portions divided by the sum of the original and recycled materials in the core and surrounding portions multiplied by 100.

[0046] In some embodiments, the frame may include decorative elements attached to a major or minor portion of the frame.

[0047] The present invention also relates to a method for producing a window unit according to the invention, the method comprising the following steps:

[0048] 1. Insert the glass panel into the mold.

[0049] 2. Close the mold, forming at least one cavity around the glass panel.

[0050] 3. Inject the main component into at least one cavity.

[0051] 4. Open the mold.

[0052] 5. Remove the window unit from the mold.

[0053] In some embodiments, the secondary portion may be injected after the primary portion.

[0054] In some embodiments, the main portion is not injected onto the glass panel, but can be placed in a mold together with the glass panel and overmolded by the secondary portion.

[0055] The window unit of the present invention can be arranged in an opening in a vehicle body, window frame, or door frame.

[0056] It should be noted that the present invention relates to all possible combinations of the features described in the claims.

[0057] The following description relates to automotive window units, but it should be understood that the invention can be applied to other fields, such as transportation vehicles (e.g., trains, buses, ships, etc.), or building windows, which may provide encapsulation around the edge of the window on at least one peripheral side. Attached Figure Description

[0058] This and other aspects of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate various exemplary embodiments of the invention and are provided by way of illustration rather than limitation. These drawings are schematic and not to scale. They do not limit the invention in any way. Further advantages will be illustrated by example.

[0059] Figure 1a This is a schematic diagram of a window unit placed in a vehicle body according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 1b It is based on Figure 1a The cross section AA.

[0061] Figure 1c It is based on Figure 1a The cross section of BB.

[0062] Figure 2a This is a schematic diagram of a window unit placed in a vehicle body according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 2b It is based on Figure 2a The cross section AA.

[0064] Figure 2c It is based on Figure 2a The cross section of BB.

[0065] Figure 2d It is based on Figure 2a The cross section of CC.

[0066] Figure 2e It is based on Figure 2a The cross section of DD.

[0067] Figure 3a This is a schematic diagram of a window unit placed in a vehicle body according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 3b It is based on Figure 3a The cross section AA.

[0069] Figure 3c It is based on Figure 3a The cross section of BB.

[0070] Figure 3d It is based on Figure 3a The cross section of CC.

[0071] Figure 3e It is based on Figure 3a The cross section of DD.

[0072] Figure 3e It is based on Figure 3a The cross section of DD.

[0073] Figure 3f This is a schematic diagram of the region of section BB.

[0074] Figure 4aThis is a schematic diagram of a window unit placed in a vehicle body according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Figure 4b This is a schematic diagram of a glass panel and a core portion of a main part according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Figure 4c It is based on Figure 4a The cross section AA. Detailed Implementation

[0077] The examples provided herein illustrate the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. These examples do not represent, in any way, limiting embodiments of the invention. Note that the invention relates to all possible combinations of the features described in the following embodiments.

[0078] refer to Figures 1a to 1c The first embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0079] Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 1c A window unit 100 is shown, comprising a fitted glass panel 101 and a frame 102 having a frame outline and surrounding the edge of the fitted glass panel 101. A main component 103 is injected directly onto the glass panel, which is pre-placed in a mold. The main component comprises at least 10% by weight of recycled material, meaning that the polymer matrix of the main component comprises at least 10% by weight of recycled material and up to 90% virgin material of the total polymer material of the main component. The main component, in the form of a rigid component, comprises polypropylene-based virgin material. The recycled material is a polypropylene-based material, meaning that the recycled material has the same polymer matrix as the virgin material of the main component.

[0080] Window unit 100 has a polygonal shape, particularly a trapezoidal shape. The fitted glass panel 101 has a slightly similar shape. The frame has a frame outline and surrounds the edges of the fitted glass panel on four peripheral sides.

[0081] In these embodiments, the main portion comprises at least 50% by weight and up to 100% by weight of recycled material. In this embodiment, the percentage of polypropylene is between 50% by weight and 70% by weight of recycled material. Advantageously, since most of the main portion is not visible, the polymer material of the main portion can have a higher weight percentage of recycled material.

[0082] The main part may include other materials (such as fiberglass) to reinforce the main part.

[0083] The frame also includes a secondary portion 104. The secondary portion 104 is a TPE-based material. In some embodiments, the percentage of recycled material in the polymer material of the secondary portion is lower than the percentage of recycled material in the primary portion.

[0084] In some embodiments, the TPE material may contain some polypropylene, or recycled polypropylene may be used. In these embodiments, since the maximum amount of polypropylene is approximately 20% to 25% by weight, even if we consider using only recycled polypropylene, the percentage of recycled material in the secondary portion is limited for the TPE.

[0085] The fitted glass panel may include a fastening device 106 capable of securing the window unit 100 to another element, such as a vehicle body C, a door frame, etc. The fastening device 106 is secured to the frame, within the main portion 102. In some embodiments, the fastening device may be overmolded together with the main portion. In some embodiments, the fastening device is injected together with the main portion. Other fastening devices, such as spacers, may be used.

[0086] In some embodiments, the primary portion may have a specific design to meet requirements and reinforce the frame and window unit 100. The secondary portion may have a specific design with a lip… to seal the window unit 100. For example… Figure 1b and Figure 1c As shown, the frame has a frame outline and surrounds the edge of the fitted glass panel. A main portion surrounds the edge of the fitted glass panel. The main portion contacts the two main surfaces and the edge of the fitted glass panel. A secondary portion is located on at least a portion of the main portion. In this embodiment, the secondary portion contacts one main surface of the fitted glass panel.

[0087] The secondary part includes a lip 104a that allows for a seal between the window unit and the body C.

[0088] In this embodiment, the window unit is manufactured using a multi-component injection molding process. This method includes the following steps:

[0089] 1. Insert the glass panel into the mold.

[0090] 2. Close the mold, forming at least one cavity around the glass panel.

[0091] 3. Inject the main component into at least one cavity.

[0092] 4. Transfer the glass panel with the main part onto the second part of the mold with different cavities.

[0093] 5. Inject the secondary components into different cavities.

[0094] 6. Open the mold.

[0095] 7. Remove the window unit from the mold.

[0096] like Figures 2a to 2e The second embodiment of the present invention is described as shown.

[0097] Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 2c , Figure 2d and Figure 2e A window unit 200 is shown, comprising a fitted glass panel 201 and a frame 202 having a frame outline and surrounding the edge of the fitted glass panel 201. A main component is injected onto the glass panel pre-placed in a mold. The main component comprises at least 10% by weight of recycled material, meaning the polymer matrix of the main component comprises at least 10% by weight of recycled material and up to 90% virgin material of the total polymer material of the main component. The main component, in the form of a soft component, comprises TPE-based virgin material. The recycled material is TPE-based, meaning the recycled material has the same polymer matrix as the virgin material of the main component.

[0098] Window unit 200 has a polygonal shape, particularly a trapezoidal shape. The fitted glass panel 201 has a slightly similar shape. The frame has a frame outline and surrounds the edges of the fitted glass panel on four peripheral sides.

[0099] In these embodiments, the main portion comprises at least 50% by weight and up to 100% by weight of recycled material. In this embodiment, the TPE percentage is between 50% by weight and 70% by weight of recycled material. Advantageously, since most of the main portion is not visible, the polymer material of the main portion can have a higher weight percentage of recycled material.

[0100] The main part may include other materials (such as fiberglass) to reinforce the main part.

[0101] The frame also includes decorative elements 205. These decorative elements can be single elements that at least partially surround the top of the frame, such as... Figure 2a As shown. In some embodiments, the decorative element may be several pieces fixed to the main part. The decorative element may cover only a portion of the main part. In this embodiment, the decorative element covers three of the four sides of the window unit.

[0102] Decorative elements can be made of plastic or metal, and can be made with different top finishes (such as a metallic finish). Decorative elements can be fixed to the main part by fasteners, or can be overmolded together with the main part.

[0103] The fitted glass panel may include a fastening device 206 capable of securing the window unit 200 to another element, such as the vehicle body C, door frame, etc. The fastening device 206 is secured to the frame, within the main portion 202. In some embodiments, the fastening device may be overmolded together with the main portion. In some embodiments, the fastening device is injected together with the main portion. Other fastening devices, such as spacers, may be used.

[0104] In some embodiments, the main portion may have a specific design to meet requirements and reinforce the frame and window unit 200. The secondary portions and / or the main portion may have a specific design with a lip… to seal the window unit 200. For example… Figures 2b to 2e As shown, the frame has a frame outline and surrounds the edge of the fitted glass panel. The main portion surrounds the edge of the fitted glass panel. The main portion contacts the two main surfaces and the edge of the fitted glass panel.

[0105] The main component includes a lip 203a that allows for a seal between the window unit and the body C.

[0106] In this embodiment, the window unit is manufactured using an injection molding process. This method includes the following steps:

[0107] 1. Insert the glass panel into the mold.

[0108] 2. Close the mold, forming at least one cavity around the glass panel.

[0109] 3. Inject the main component into at least one cavity.

[0110] 4. Open the mold.

[0111] 5. Remove the window unit from the mold.

[0112] 6. Secure the decorative elements to the main body.

[0113] Decorative elements can also be overmolded from the main part, meaning that the decorative strip is inserted into the mold along with the glass panel, and then the main part is injected into at least one cavity, rather than being fixed after the injection step.

[0114] refer to Figures 3a to 3f The first embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0115] Figure 3a , Figure 3b , Figure 3c , Figure 3d , Figure 3e and Figure 3fA window unit 300 is shown, comprising a fitted glass panel 301 and a frame 302 having a frame outline and surrounding the edge of the fitted glass panel 301. A main component is injected onto the glass panel pre-placed in a mold. The main component comprises at least 10% by weight of recycled material, meaning that the polymer matrix of the main component comprises at least 10% by weight of recycled material and up to 90% virgin material of the total polymer material of the main component. The main component, in the form of a rigid component, comprises polypropylene-based virgin material. The recycled material is a polypropylene-based material, meaning that the recycled material has the same polymer matrix as the virgin material of the main component.

[0116] Window unit 300 has a polygonal shape, particularly a trapezoidal shape. The fitted glass panel 301 has a slightly similar shape. The frame has a frame outline and surrounds the edge of the fitted glass panel on three outer sides.

[0117] In these embodiments, the main portion comprises at least 50% by weight and up to 100% by weight of recycled material. In this embodiment, the percentage of polypropylene is between 50% by weight and 70% by weight of pre-consumer recycled material. Advantageously, since most of the main portion is not visible, the polymer material of the main portion can have a higher weight percentage of recycled material.

[0118] The main part may include other materials (such as fiberglass) to reinforce the main part.

[0119] The framework also includes a secondary portion. The secondary portion is a TPE-based material. In some embodiments, the percentage of recycled material in the polymer material of the secondary portion is lower than the percentage of recycled material in the primary portion.

[0120] In some embodiments, the TPE material may contain some polypropylene, or recycled polypropylene may be used. In these embodiments, since the maximum amount of polypropylene is approximately 20% to 25% by weight, even if we consider using only recycled polypropylene, the percentage of recycled material in the secondary portion is limited for the TPE.

[0121] The fitted glass panel may include a fastening device 306 capable of securing the window unit 300 to another element, such as the vehicle body C, door frame, etc. The fastening device 306 is secured to the frame, within the main portion 302. In some embodiments, the fastening device may be overmolded together with the main portion. In some embodiments, the fastening device is injected together with the main portion. Other fastening devices, such as spacers, may be used.

[0122] In some embodiments, the primary portion may have a specific design to meet requirements and reinforce the frame and window unit 300. The secondary portion may have a specific design with a lip… to seal the window unit 300. For example… Figures 3b to 3f As shown, the frame has a frame outline and surrounds the edge of the fitted glass panel. A main portion surrounds the edge of the fitted glass panel. The main portion contacts the two main surfaces and the edge of the fitted glass panel. A secondary portion is located on at least a portion of the main portion. In this embodiment, the secondary portion contacts one main surface of the fitted glass panel.

[0123] The main and secondary parts have different shapes on each side of the glass unit, depending on the local requirements for sealing and fixation.

[0124] exist Figure 3b In the middle, the secondary part surrounds most of the surface of the primary part. Figure 3c In the middle, the secondary part is on a small portion of the surface of the main part. Figure 3d In the middle, the secondary parts are only partially placed to ensure a seal with the body C via the lip edge 304a. Figure 3e In this configuration, the secondary portion is in direct contact with the fitted glass panel and is partially placed on the primary portion to assemble with the partition cover 308, thereby allowing the second fitted glass panel to move within the U-shaped partition strip thus formed, which has a rear gasket 309.

[0125] exist Figure 3f In the middle, the secondary part is on a part of the main part, and the main part has a fixing device 306 that can fix the window unit to the vehicle body.

[0126] In this embodiment, most of the main portion is not covered by the secondary portion. This main portion is hidden by the body components.

[0127] The secondary part includes a lip 304a that allows for a seal between the window unit and the body C.

[0128] In this embodiment, the window unit is manufactured using a multi-component injection molding process. This method includes the following steps:

[0129] 1. Insert the glass panel into the mold.

[0130] 2. Close the mold, forming at least one cavity around the glass panel.

[0131] 3. Inject the main component into at least one cavity.

[0132] 4. Transfer the glass panel with the main part onto the second part of the mold with different cavities.

[0133] 5. Inject the secondary components into different cavities.

[0134] 6. Open the mold.

[0135] 7. Remove the window unit from the mold.

[0136] refer to Figures 4a to 4c The first embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0137] Figure 4a , Figure 4b and Figure 4c A window unit 400 is shown, comprising an inlaid glass panel 401 and a frame 402 having a frame outline and surrounding the edge of the inlaid glass panel 401. A main component is injected onto the glass panel pre-placed in a mold. The main component comprises at least 10% by weight of recycled material, meaning that the polymer matrix of the main component comprises at least 10% by weight of recycled material and up to 90% virgin material of the total polymer material of the main component. The main component, in the form of a soft component, comprises TPE-based virgin material. The recycled material is TPE-based, meaning that the recycled material has the same polymer matrix as the virgin material of the main component.

[0138] Window unit 400 has a polygonal shape, particularly a triangular shape. The fitted glass panel 401 has a slightly similar shape. The frame has a frame outline and surrounds the edges of the fitted glass panel on four peripheral sides.

[0139] In these embodiments, the main portion comprises at least 50% by weight and up to 100% by weight of recycled material. In this embodiment, the TPE percentage is between 50% by weight and 70% by weight of pre-consumer recycled material. Advantageously, since most of the main portion is not visible, the polymer material of the main portion can have a higher weight percentage of recycled material.

[0140] The main part may include other materials (such as fiberglass) to reinforce the main part.

[0141] The main parts include the core part 403b and the surrounding part 403c.

[0142] The core portion comprises at least 50% by weight and up to 100% by weight of recycled material. The percentage of recycled material in the surrounding portion is lower than that in the core portion.

[0143] In some embodiments, the main portion may have a specific design to meet requirements and reinforce the frame and window unit 400. The surrounding portion may have a specific design with a lip… to seal the window unit 400. For example… Figures 4b to 4c As shown, the frame has a frame outline and surrounds the edge of the fitted glass panel. A main portion surrounds the edge of the fitted glass panel. The main portion contacts the two main surfaces and the edge of the fitted glass panel. A secondary portion is located on at least a portion of the main portion. In this embodiment, the secondary portion contacts one main surface of the fitted glass panel.

[0144] In this embodiment, the core portion is molded together with the surrounding portion.

[0145] The surrounding portion encloses most of the surface of the core portion. The surrounding portion is in direct contact with the glass panel, even at the edges of the glass panel.

[0146] This core portion is hidden by the surrounding parts.

[0147] In this embodiment, the window unit is manufactured using an injection molding process. This method includes the following steps:

[0148] 1. Insert the glass panel and the core of the main body into the mold.

[0149] 2. Close the mold, forming at least one cavity around the glass panel and core portion; 3. Inject the surrounding portion into at least one cavity.

[0150] 4. Open the mold.

[0151] 5. Remove the window unit from the mold.

[0152] The core portion can also be injected into the glass panel. Therefore, the method includes the following steps:

[0153] 1. Insert the glass panel into the mold.

[0154] 2. Close the mold, forming at least one cavity around the glass panel.

[0155] 3. Inject the core portion into at least one cavity.

[0156] 4. Transfer the glass panel with the core portion onto the second part of the mold with different cavities.

[0157] 5. Inject the surrounding portion into different cavities.

[0158] 6. Open the mold.

[0159] 7. Remove the window unit from the mold.

Claims

1. A window unit (100, 200, 300, 400) comprising a glazing panel (101, 201, 301, 401), a frame (102, 202, 302, 402) having a frame profile and surrounding edges of the glazing panel on at least one peripheral side and the frame comprising a plastic main portion (103, 203, 303, 403), characterized in that, The main portion comprises at least 10% by weight of recycled material of the total polymeric material of the main portion, wherein the main portion is in the form of a rigid component, the rigid component being a polypropylene-based material, the frame comprising a secondary portion (104) in the form of a soft component, the secondary portion being at least partially placed on the main portion, the secondary portion (104) being a TPE-based material.

2. The window unit of claim 1, wherein, The percentage of recycled material of the polymeric material of the secondary portion is lower than the percentage of recycled material of the main portion.

3. The window unit of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The rigid component comprises glass fibers.

4. The window unit of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The secondary portion is in contact with one major surface of the glazing panel.

5. The window unit of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The main portion is in direct contact with the glazing panel.

6. The window unit of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The glazing panel is a laminated glass panel.

7. The window unit of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The main portion (403) comprises a core portion (403b) and a surrounding portion (403c), the surrounding portion being at least partially placed on the core portion.

8. The window unit of claim 7, wherein, The composition of the core portion of the main portion comprises a higher proportion of recycled material than the composition of the surrounding portion.

9. The window unit of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The frame comprises a decorative element (105) attached to the main portion of the frame.

10. A method of producing a window unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The method comprises the steps of: inserting a glazing panel into a mold, closing the mold, forming at least one cavity around the glazing panel, injecting the main portion into the at least one cavity, opening the mold, removing the window unit from the mold.

11. A method of producing a window unit according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The method comprises the steps of: inserting a glazing panel and the core portion into a mold, closing the mold, forming at least one cavity around the glazing panel and / or around the core portion, injecting the surrounding portion of the main portion into the at least one cavity, opening the mold, removing the window unit from the mold.

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