Methods for manufacturing sliding glass windows and sliding glass windows

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a vehicle window (1) and a window (1) wherein: - an adhesive (9) is opposite to the edge of the glass (2), and - a fast-curing plastic material (8) is present on: - at least one and preferably each lateral extension and / or - at least one and preferably each lateral extension (7, 7').

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a vehicle window (especially a motor vehicle window), the window comprising glass and means for enabling the glass to have vertical translational mobility relative to the vehicle door.

[0002] The present invention also relates to glass windows manufactured by this method. Background Technology

[0003] This invention is specifically developed for car doors without a glass window frame, that is, for car doors that support the glass window at the bottom but do not include side pillars or top pillars.

[0004] Many solutions have been developed that allow windows to move vertically relative to vehicle doors. However, to date, few solutions have been able to control lateral fixed tolerances very well, i.e., tolerances in the inside-outside direction (i.e., the vehicle's tolerance in the approximate direction of the Y-axis).

[0005] International patent application WO2008074819 specifically proposes the use of two different adhesive materials to fix glass to a device that allows the glass to have the mobility to translate along a slot. The second adhesive is applied in liquid form by being laterally contained within the first adhesive.

[0006] Because the second adhesive is in a liquid state, the implementation of this method is limited. It can only be achieved by vertically orienting the glass window upside down with the bottom facing upwards. This vertical orientation complicates the proper positioning of the glass in the reference frame, because it means that only gravity can be used as a reference on the Z-axis of the glass window.

[0007] Conversely, the horizontal positioning of the glass would allow gravity to be used as a reference for the Z and Y axes, but this is incompatible with the liquid state of the second adhesive. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a manufacturing method in which, unlike the prior art, the orientation of the glass in space is irrelevant during the fixation of the means for making the glass movable.

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a manufacturing method that enables the fixing accuracy of movable glass devices (especially on the Y-axis of a vehicle) to be very high. Using the present invention, the positive and negative tolerance of the finished glass window on the Y-axis can reach 0.5 mm, while before fixing the window frame, there may be a large gap of about 1.5 to 2 mm between the window frame and the surface opposite the glass.

[0010] The present invention is based on the concept that when the window frame is positioned in the appropriate position opposite the glass, mechanical wedging of the window frame is achieved very quickly on one side of the U-shaped portion, and preferably on each side of the U-shaped portion. This prior mechanical wedging allows the window frame to be slowly chemically fixed to the glass with conventional adhesives.

[0011] The present invention also aims to provide a faster method for mass production of glass windows using a single adhesive material than before, specifically a method for removing glass windows from a reference frame without waiting for polymerization, drying, or complete curing, the reference frame being used to fix the means for making the glass movable.

[0012] The present invention aims to provide a glass window in which the means for making the glass movable are more precisely fixed, and in addition, the glass window is cheaper to manufacture due to its faster manufacturing speed.

[0013] Therefore, the present invention relates most broadly to a method for manufacturing a vehicle window according to the present invention. The window includes glass having an outer surface, an inner surface, and peripheral side surfaces, and a fixing device that allows the glass to be vertically translatably moved relative to a vehicle door. The fixing device is located in at least one fixing area and includes a window frame having a U-shaped portion. According to the method, the fixing device is fixed to the glass by performing at least the following steps:

[0014] - The glass is positioned on the reference frame, and then,

[0015] - Apply adhesive, and position the window frame opposite the edge of the glass, such that the adhesive is positioned within the U-shaped portion, at least between the glass and the window frame, and

[0016] - The window frame has at least one, and preferably multiple, lateral extensions that are separate from the U-shaped portion and opposite the glass, onto which a rapidly curing plastic material is applied:

[0017] - At least one, and preferably on each lateral extension and / or

[0018] - At least one, and preferably below each lateral extension.

[0019] Therefore, the rapidly curing plastic material mechanically weds the window frame position opposite the glass as soon as it cures. It is neither necessary nor desirable to strongly chemically adhere the rapidly curing plastic material to the lateral extension and the glass.

[0020] When adhesive is applied and the window frame is positioned opposite the edge of the glass, such that the adhesive is positioned within the U-shaped portion, at least between the glass and the window frame, the following can be achieved:

[0021] 1- Apply adhesive, for example, extruded from a spray gun, in strip form to the free opening of the U-shaped portion, and then position the window frame opposite the edge of the glass; or

[0022] 2- Apply adhesive, for example, extruded from a spray gun, in layers to the fixing area of ​​the glass, on one or more faces and / or sides of the glass, and then position the window frame opposite the edge of the glass; or

[0023] 3- First, position the window frame opposite the edge of the glass, and then apply adhesive, for example, squeezed from a spray gun, in strips through the wall of the window frame in the U-shaped section.

[0024] Preferably, in the first two cases described above, the rapidly curing plastic material is applied after the adhesive is applied.

[0025] Preferably, in the third case described above, the rapidly curing plastic material and the adhesive are applied simultaneously, which means that the two applications have a common duration, thereby shortening the manufacturing cycle time (an application can begin after one application has started and / or be completed after one application has ended, but they have a common duration).

[0026] Preferably, in the third case described above, in order to better distribute the adhesive in the U-shaped portion, the application of the adhesive through the wall of the window frame is performed on the side facing the glass.

[0027] The adhesive, after its application, forms a layer located between the U-shaped portions of the glass and the window frame.

[0028] The rapidly curing plastic material preferably cures within 60 seconds at the latest. Preferably, it is not a layer with continuous thickness, but a block of material with wavy thickness.

[0029] Preferably, the glass window can only be removed from the reference frame after the rapidly curing plastic material has cured, so as to ensure reliable fixation.

[0030] The rapidly curing plastic material is preferably a thermoplastic or thermosetting material, and preferably has a hardness of at least 60 Shore A in the cured state.

[0031] The rapidly curing plastic material is preferably not present inside the U-shaped portion of the window frame; it is preferably applied only to:

[0032] - At least one, and preferably on each lateral extension, and / or

[0033] - At least one, and preferably below each lateral extension.

[0034] Preferably, the adhesive does not extend onto or beneath the lateral extensions, thereby maintaining the integrity of the lateral extensions when bonded between the rapidly curing plastic material and the glass. Therefore, the lateral extensions are preferably part of the window frame opposite the glass, separate from the central U-shaped portion and free of adhesive. Preferably, there is a non-U-shaped joint between the central U-shaped portion and the lateral extensions, such as one or two arms or one or two connecting plates.

[0035] The adhesive is preferably present only inside the U-shaped portion after application.

[0036] However, the amount of adhesive can be preset to be sufficient to cause it to overflow from the side; in this case, preferably, each lateral extension is connected to the U-shaped portion by a connecting arm or connecting plate, so that the adhesive overflows near or in contact with the connecting arm or connecting plate.

[0037] The rapidly curing plastic material and the adhesive can be in contact with each other; specifically, the rapidly curing plastic material can cover excess adhesive overflowing from the U-shaped portion, thereby fixing the excess adhesive.

[0038] To better secure the rapidly curing plastic material, the rapidly curing plastic material is applied at least once, and preferably, each application of the rapidly curing plastic material is performed facing the side of the glass.

[0039] The application (of the rapidly curing plastic material and all of the adhesive) is preferably performed within the reference frame: preferably, the glass does not need to be moved during the injection interval, thus allowing for quick and reliable fixation. For the manufacture of the glass window, it is therefore preferable to remove the glass from the reference frame after all of the rapidly curing plastic material and all of the adhesive have been applied.

[0040] The rapidly curing plastic material preferably contacts the outer surface, inner surface, and side surface of the glass.

[0041] To reduce the weight of the glass window before it is assembled into the door, at least one, and preferably each lateral extension, of the glass window, along with a rapidly curing plastic material, can be removed after the adhesive has dried, cured, or polymerized.

[0042] The adhesive is preferably in contact with the outer surface, inner surface and side surface of the glass.

[0043] The glass can be monolithic, fully laminated, or partially laminated.

[0044] The glass may be partially laminated, and the laminated portion includes at least an outer glass sheet, an inner glass sheet, and an adhesive sheet located between the outer glass sheet and the inner glass sheet, wherein the fixed area, and preferably each fixed area, is non-laminated.

[0045] Preferably, the glass is a partially laminated glass, meaning that there are no gas voids or vacuum voids between the sheets constituting the glass.

[0046] Advantageously, the thickness of the outer glass sheet is between 2.85 mm and 4.85 mm.

[0047] Advantageously, the thickness of the inner glass sheet is between 0.30 mm and 2.60 mm.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the thickness of the inner glass sheet is between 1.00 mm and 1.20 mm.

[0049] Advantageously, when the thickness of the inner glass sheet is about 1.1 mm, about 1.6 mm, and about 2.1 mm, the maximum surface stress of the inner glass sheet is 20 MPa, 30 MPa, and 40 MPa, respectively. "About" here means a value that is considered a standard value by those skilled in the art, even though the value may vary locally within a range of plus or minus 10%.

[0050] The application of the rapidly curing plastic material is performed at least once, and preferably each time, through the holes and through the lateral extension.

[0051] In the context of this invention, the device that enables the glass to move may include a window frame or holder, or a guide rail or slide.

[0052] Preferably, the device that enables the glass to move does not include a hole that passes through the glass partially or entirely (that is, on a portion or the entire thickness of its constituent elements, or on a portion of the thickness of the glass where multiple elements are located, or even on the entire thickness of the glass).

[0053] The present invention also relates to a vehicle window, specifically a window obtained by implementing the manufacturing method according to the invention, the window comprising glass having an outer surface, an inner surface, and peripheral side surfaces, and a fixing device for enabling the glass to vertically translate relative to a vehicle door, the fixing device being located in at least one fixing area and including a window frame having a U-shaped portion, the window being characterized in that:

[0054] - The adhesive is positioned opposite the edge of the glass, such that the adhesive is located within the U-shaped portion, at least between the glass and the window frame, and

[0055] - The window frame has at least one, and preferably multiple, lateral extensions, which are separate from the U-shaped portion and opposite the glass, and contain a rapidly curing plastic material:

[0056] - At least one, and preferably on each lateral extension and / or

[0057] - At least one, and preferably below each lateral extension.

[0058] Preferably, at least one, and more preferably below each lateral extension.

[0059] In the first variation, the lateral extension is plate-shaped and contacts or is close to the surface of the glass.

[0060] In the second variation, the lateral extension is a lateral U-shape, preferably having the same cross-section as the central U-shaped portion, thereby surrounding the edge of the glass; the lateral U-shape surrounding the edge of the glass is preferably a certain distance from the face and side of the glass, but the wall of the lateral U-shape may optionally contact the face or side of the glass, depending on the shape of the glass.

[0061] Preferably, at least one and more preferably, each lateral extension is connected to the U-shaped portion by a connecting arm (relatively thin) or a connecting plate (relatively high); if the lateral extension contacts the glass, the joint preferably extends further from the glass than the lateral extension extends further, or if the lateral extension is at a certain distance from the glass, the joint extends further from the glass than the lateral extension extends further.

[0062] In this article, when explaining the central or lateral U-shaped section or shape that surrounds the edge of the glass, it must be understood that the interior of the U-shaped section or shape follows the overall shape of the two opposite faces and sides of the glass; the entire U-shaped section or shape does not fully contact the two opposite faces and sides of the glass because there is space between them for adhesives or rapidly curing plastic materials.

[0063] In this article, the boundaries of the scope are included within the scope.

[0064] "Side" or "boundary" refers to the narrow edge of a sheet, which is generally located laterally between the two main surfaces of the sheet.

[0065] Therefore, the method of manufacturing a glass window according to the invention is easier to implement because the glass can be held in any position (and especially in the position most suitable from the angle of gravity), and it is also faster to implement because there is no need to wait for the adhesive to polymerize or dry or fully cure before the glass can be removed from the reference frame; one only needs to wait for the rapidly curing plastic material to cure.

[0066] The present invention has been developed for use in glass windows fitted inside vehicle doors, wherein the vehicle door has no lateral pillars or an upper pillar at the glass window when the glass window is raised (closed).

[0067] Of particular advantage, the present invention can be used to manufacture glass windows using a device that enables glass to move, the device being fixed to the glass with very high precision (especially on the Y-axis) and with very high reliability, while also being lightweight. Attached Figure Description

[0068] The invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description and accompanying drawings of non-limiting embodiments:

[0069] Figure 1 An interior view of a single movable front window of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, with a single window frame;

[0070] Figure 2 A perspective view of a reference frame at the start of the manufacturing method according to the present invention is shown;

[0071] Figure 3 The perspective view of the reference frame is shown with the window frame as a reference.

[0072] Figure 4 A perspective view of a window frame according to a first embodiment of the variant is shown;

[0073] Figure 5 Shown with adhesive strips Figure 4 Window frame;

[0074] Figure 6 It shows Figure 4 A partial perspective view of the window frame bonding;

[0075] Figure 7 A plastic material with rapid curing is shown. Figure 6 A partial perspective view of the window frame;

[0076] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 A partial view of one side;

[0077] Figure 9 A perspective view of a window frame according to a first embodiment of the variant is shown;

[0078] Figure 10 It shows Figure 9 A partial view of one side;

[0079] Figure 11 It shows Figure 9 A partial top view of the window frame bonding; and

[0080] Figure 12 It shows Figure 11 A partial top view of the window frame adhesive, which also features a fast-curing plastic material. Detailed Implementation

[0081] For ease of reading, the components shown in the accompanying figures are not strictly proportional to the figures presented in each figure.

[0082] Figure 1 The left-side glass window 1 of the vehicle is shown as viewed from inside the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Specifically, this is the side window of a vehicle door (in Figure 1 (Not visible in the center), the side window can be moved horizontally relative to the door in a generally vertical direction between an open position and a closed position, in which the window is entirely or almost entirely inside the door, and in which the window closes the door window.

[0084] Therefore, the glass window, when closed, achieves vertical separation between the interior space I inside the vehicle and the exterior space E outside the vehicle.

[0085] Therefore, "external" and "internal" in this paper are relative to the external space E and the internal space I, respectively.

[0086] Because it is a side window, it extends roughly along the axis commonly referred to as the vehicle's "X-axis," which is the central longitudinal axis as the vehicle moves forward. The vehicle is equipped with a side window according to the invention on the left side of the vehicle, and this axis corresponds to... Figure 1 The horizontal axis within the plane containing the sheet material.

[0087] The movement of the glass window relative to the car door is roughly vertical. In this direction, this movement occurs along the Z-axis, and may have a small component along the horizontal Y-axis. Figure 1 Not shown in the image.

[0088] In the illustrated embodiment, the glass window 1 is integrally formed.

[0089] exist Figure 1 In this context, the glass window 1 comprises a single, curved (i.e., non-flat) glass 2: it is composed of a single sheet of glass or a sheet of plastic material, preferably made of glass.

[0090] Glass 2 may be more complex: bent and laminated, or even bent and partially laminated.

[0091] Figure 1 As shown, glass 2 has an outer surface 20 oriented toward the outer space E, an inner surface 22 oriented toward the inner space I, and a peripheral side surface 21 located between the two surfaces.

[0092] Glass 2 has a first lateral edge 23, a second lateral edge 24, an upper edge 25, and a lower edge 26. The first lateral edge 23 and the second lateral edge 24 are respectively disposed in the portion of the glass facing the front of the vehicle and the portion of the glass facing the rear of the vehicle. The upper edge 25 and the lower edge 26 are respectively disposed in the portion of the glass facing the roof and the portion of the glass facing the floor.

[0093] If glass 2 is partially laminated, it includes a main laminated portion in which the glass comprises, from the outside to the inside, at least: an outer glass sheet, an adhesive interlayer sheet, and an inner glass sheet; however, at least one other sheet may be inserted between the outer glass sheet and the adhesive interlayer sheet or between the adhesive interlayer sheet and the inner glass sheet.

[0094] The outer glass sheet may be a glass sheet that has undergone a hot bending process before the manufacture of partially laminated glass, and its thickness is between 2.85 and 4.85 mm, for example, 3.50 mm. The outer glass sheet may have a surface stress of at least 80 MPa and less than 200 MPa.

[0095] The inner glass sheet can be a heat-tempered or semi-tempered glass sheet with a thickness between 0.70 and 2.60 mm, or even between 0.70 and 2.50 mm, or even between 0.70 and 2.30 mm, or even between 0.70 and 2.10 mm, for example, 1.10 or 1.60 mm. Tempering or semi-tempering operations offer the advantage of very high manufacturing speeds. In fact, on average, approximately 20 glass sheets can be produced per minute. Furthermore, tempering or semi-tempering operations generate surface stresses of approximately 20 MPa, 30 MPa, and 40 MPa on glass sheets with thicknesses of approximately 1.10 mm, 1.60 mm, and 2.10 mm, respectively.

[0096] As a variation, the inner glass sheet can be a chemically tempered glass sheet with a thickness between 0.30 and 1.60 mm, or even between 0.50 and 1.50 mm, or even between 0.70 and 1.20 mm, for example, 1.10 mm. The chemical tempering process can generate a surface stress of at least 200 MPa.

[0097] The adhesive interlayer sheet is, for example, a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) sheet with a thickness between 0.30 and 1.50 mm, such as 0.78 mm. This adhesive sheet preferably has the same dimensions as the inner glass sheet, i.e., length on the X-axis and height on the Z-axis.

[0098] In cases where the glass comprises one or more sheets other than the three sizes mentioned above, the outer glass sheet is the outermost laminate.

[0099] exist Figure 1 In the diagram, the dashed line VL, referred to as the "line of sight" or "line of sight boundary," represents the top of the door frame through which the glass window 1 slides. When the glass window is viewed vertically, this line of sight VL divides the glass into a glass-covered portion HP and a glass-visible portion VP. Regardless of the position of the glass relative to the door, the glass-covered portion is located below the line of sight VL to conceal the interior of the door, while the glass-visible portion is located above the line of sight VL.

[0100] In the concealed portion of the glass window, below the straight line VL, the glass window has one or even two fixed areas F, each area designed to accommodate a device that allows the glass to have the mobility to move vertically relative to the vehicle door. In the finished glass window, each fixed area F includes a window frame 6 fixed to the glass, as will be described in more detail below.

[0101] Therefore, in addition to the glass 2, at least a portion of at least one lower edge 26 of the glass window sill also includes at least one window frame 6, which can accommodate connecting parts (not shown) for connecting the window frame to a moving system for raising and lowering the glass window. Some documents refer to this as an "adjuster" system.

[0102] Therefore, glass windows include a single window frame in their usage configuration.

[0103] In the construction of partially laminated glass, each fixed region F is non-laminated throughout the entire region: of the three elements constituting the minimum lamination in the laminated portion, at least one is not in the entire fixed region (or these).

[0104] To create a non-laminated fixed area, the lower edges of the inner glass sheet and the adhesive sheet are significantly higher than the lower edge of the outer glass sheet. The lower edges of the inner glass sheet and the lower edge of the outer glass sheet are approximately located at the midpoint of the vertical direction between the line of sight (VL) and the lower edge of the outer glass sheet.

[0105] Preferably, the fixing area F of the glass window does not include fixing holes.

[0106] The cross-section of the window frame 6 is approximately U-shaped, surrounding the longitudinal portion of the lower edge 26, and it does not contact the glass 2 itself.

[0107] In the embodiment shown here, the device for giving the glass 2 vertical translational mobility relative to the vehicle door includes at least one window frame 6, the cross-section of which is generally inverted h-shaped or tuning fork-shaped, i.e., U-shaped, with the tail extending relative to the two side walls of the U-shaped portion.

[0108] The (or each) window frame can be made of plastic materials, such as polyamide, polybutylene terephthalate, or of metal alloys, such as aluminum alloy.

[0109] Each window frame 6 has:

[0110] - The first part consists of two parallel walls 63 and 64 connected at their bottom, forming a longitudinal groove, that is, forming a U-shaped cross-section, and

[0111] - The second part consists of the tail 65, or the foot that extends relative to the bottom of the walls that connect these walls, and is opposite to the parallel walls 63, 64.

[0112] The rear end 65 is used to connect a motor drive system (not shown) so that the glass window 1 can be raised and lowered within the door. This h-shape of the window frame is particularly advantageous because it allows force to be transmitted between the window frame and the glass on a large surface corresponding to the sum of the inner surface areas of the walls 63 and 64.

[0113] The components are assembled such that the h-shaped walls 63, 64 surround the glass 2 at its bottom, and the tail 65 is approximately in the extension of the glass 2.

[0114] Assemble the window frame with glass 2 onto the reference frame 10, which controls the overall tolerances of the window frame / glass.

[0115] Before positioning and securing the window frame, the glass is first correctly positioned (“focused”) into the mounting fixture with multiple positioning stops Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, which represent the normal plane of the vehicle’s glass.

[0116] The stop components are roughly positioned along the Y-axis: Y1, Y2, Y3, and Y4 are located on the column, and are respectively RY1, RY2, RY3, and RY4.

[0117] Once glass 2 is correctly positioned and held in reference frame 10, as [ Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, the operator or the robot's articulated arm performs the second step of the method, similarly as shown in […]. Figure 2 As shown: The window frame 6 is positioned opposite the edge of the glass 2, and an adhesive strip 9 is applied such that the adhesive 9 is located in the U-shaped portion between the glass 2 and the window frame 6, for example, in the form of an adhesive layer.

[0118] To ensure the adhesive is positioned precisely within the U-shaped section, for example, adhesive strip 9 can be placed over the opening of the U-shaped section, and then the section can be arranged to surround the edge of the glass, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown in the image, its contents will be described below.

[0119] As a variation or addition, adhesive 9 may be applied to one or more surfaces of the glass 2, or even its side 21, before the U-shaped portion surrounds the edge of the glass.

[0120] As a variation or supplement, the U-shaped portion can first be made to surround the glass edge, and then the adhesive 9 can be applied to the U-shaped portion through at least one hole (not shown), preferably facing the glass edge, through the window frame wall.

[0121] Figure 3 Double arrow A indicates the correct positioning of the window frame 6 in the reference frame 10, carried by the guide device of the window frame 60, so that the U-shaped portion surrounds the edge of the glass using the adhesive 9 between the U-shaped portion and the glass 2.

[0122] The window frame 6 according to the invention has at least one, and preferably multiple, lateral extensions 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d; 7, 7' that are separate from the U-shaped portion.

[0123] The following describes in detail two construction methods for window frames.

[0124] In the first variant, such as [ Figure 4 ]to[ Figure 8 As shown, the window frame 6 has multiple lateral extensions 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d, which are separate from the U-shaped portion and each is plate-shaped, which can contact or be close to the surface of the glass 2. The plate is connected to the U-shaped portion by two horizontal connecting arms 71 and 71' (along the Z-axis).

[0125] Each lateral extension 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d further includes holes 72a, 72b, 72c, 72d, respectively.

[0126] In the illustrated version, the window frame includes four lateral extensions 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d: two lateral extensions 7a and 7b contact the inner surface 22, one located on the left side of the U-shaped portion and the other on the right side; two lateral extensions 7c and 7d contact the outer surface 20, one located on the left side of the U-shaped portion and the other on the right side. None of the lateral extensions contact the side surface 21 of the glass 2.

[0127] The four lateral extensions have the same overall shape, and the extensions located on the left and right sides of the U-shaped section are symmetrical about each other with respect to the vertical axis.

[0128] The length L7 of each extension on the X-axis is between 1 / 20 and 1 / 5 of the length L6 of the U-shaped portion; in this case, the length L7 is approximately 1 / 10 of the length L6 of the U-shaped portion.

[0129] The height H7 of each extension on the Z-axis is between 1 / 2 and 9 / 10 of the height H6 of the U-shaped portion opposite the inner surface 22 or the outer surface 20, where the height H7 is approximately 8 / 10 of the length H6. The extension does not extend above the U-shaped portion, nor does it extend to the edge between surface 20 or 22 and side surface 21, so as to leave free surfaces of surfaces 20 and 22 between the top of the extension and the line of sight VL, and between the bottom of the extension and the edge between surface 20 or 22 and side surface 21.

[0130] In the second variation, such as Figures 9 to 12 As shown, the window frame 6 has multiple lateral extensions 7, 7', which are separate from the U-shaped portion and each is laterally U-shaped when viewed in cross-section, having the same cross-section as the central U-shaped portion. Each lateral extension is used to surround the edge of the glass 2 and is spaced a certain distance from the surfaces 20, 22 and the side surface 21 of the glass 2.

[0131] Each lateral extension 7, 7' also includes holes 72, 72' opposite to the inner surface 22.

[0132] In the version shown, the window frame includes two lateral extensions 7, one located on the left side of the central U-shaped section and the other on the right side.

[0133] The two lateral extensions have the same overall shape and are symmetrical about each other with respect to the vertical axis. The lateral extensions 7 and 7' are connected to the centrally U-shaped portion of the wall 63 by horizontal connecting plates 73 and 73' (along the Z-axis) located in the lateral extension of the wall 63, and are connected to the centrally U-shaped portion of the wall 64 by horizontal connecting plates (along the Z-axis) located in the lateral extension of the wall 64.

[0134] The length L7 of each extension on the X-axis is between 1 / 20 and 1 / 5 of the length L6 of the U-shaped portion; in this case, the length L7 is approximately 1 / 10 of the length L6 of the U-shaped portion.

[0135] The height H7 of each extension on the Z-axis is between 1 / 2 and 9 / 10 of the height H6 of the central U-shaped portion opposite the inner surface 22 or the outer surface 20, where height H7 is the same as height H6. The extension will not extend above or below the central U-shaped portion, in order to leave as much free surface as possible opposite surfaces 20, 22 and side surface 21.

[0136] In both variations, the extensions are preferably made of the same material as the U-shaped portions; they are preferably integral with the U-shaped portions.

[0137] Figure 6 and Figure 11 Therefore, two variations of window frame 6 are shown respectively. Figure 3 Detailed diagram.

[0138] This positioning is the final positioning in the finished glass window.

[0139] exist Figure 6 and Figure 11 After the correct positioning steps of the visible window frame 6 are completed, the position of the window frame is fixed when performing the third step: Apply the fast-curing plastic material 8 to:

[0140] - At least one, and preferably on each of the lateral extensions 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, as in the first variant [ Figure 7 ]and[ Figure 8 As shown, or

[0141] - At least one, and preferably below each lateral extension 7, 7', as in the second variant Figure 12 As shown.

[0142] Due to geometric deviations within the fixed area F of the same series of glass panes 2, the thickness of the adhesive 9 is uneven between individual glass panes within the same series and varies depending on the actual geometric dimensions of each pane within the fixed area. The fast-curing adhesive 8 can secure the window frame and glass in specific locations, which may vary depending on the time required for the adhesive 9 to chemically bond between the window frame and glass panes within the same series.

[0143] Considering that the shape of the glass itself on the Y-axis differs from that of other glass in the same series of glass windows, the fast-curing adhesive 8 can be fixed in position on the Y-axis with very high precision.

[0144] When the rapidly curing plastic material 8 is applied to the lateral extensions 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d, the material preferably completely covers the plate 71 and overflows from the top, bottom, and sides of the plate 71, thereby fixing the positions of the lateral extensions 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d opposite to the surfaces 20 or 22 of the glass 2. If holes 72a, 72b, 72c, and 72d are present, the rapidly curing plastic material 8 contacts the surfaces 20 or 22 of the glass 2 through the holes, thus improving the wedging accuracy of the lateral extensions 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d opposite to the surfaces 20 and 22.

[0145] For each lateral extension 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, a fast-curing plastic material 8 may be applied to surround the edge of the glass 2: each application of the fast-curing plastic material 8 should be in close contact with the outer surface 20, side surface 21 and inner surface 22 within the fixed area.

[0146] Each application of the rapidly curing plastic material 8 is preferably completed in one go, because this results in a greater wedging force.

[0147] Here, the length L8 (on the X-axis) of the rapidly curing plastic material 8 applied each time is greater than the length L7 of the covered lateral extensions 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d: the rapidly curing plastic material 8 overflows from the sides of the lateral extensions 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d.

[0148] When the rapidly curing plastic material 8 is applied below the lateral extensions 7, 7', the material preferably penetrates completely into the surfaces 20, 22 of the glass 2 and its side surface 21 between the lateral extensions 7, 7', thereby fixing the position of the lateral extensions 7, 7' opposite to the glass 2. If holes 72, 72' are present, the rapidly curing plastic material 8 passes through the holes and contacts the surfaces 20 or 22 of the glass 2, thus improving the wedging accuracy of the lateral extensions 7, 7' opposite to the surfaces 20 and 22.

[0149] If holes 72, 72' are present, the application of the rapidly curing plastic material 8 is preferably accomplished through holes 72, 72', passing through the walls of the lateral extensions 7, 7'. These injection holes 80, 80' are located at the bottom of the U-shaped portion, allowing injection to be performed facing the side 21 of the glass 2, thus ensuring that the injected material is properly distributed within the U-shaped space.

[0150] For each lateral extension 7, 7', apply a fast-curing plastic material 8 to surround the edge of the glass 2: each application of the fast-curing plastic material 8 should be in close contact with the outer surface 20, side surface 21 and inner surface 22 within the fixed area.

[0151] If the amount of adhesive 9 is sufficient to overflow from the side of the U-shaped portion, the adhesive may overflow from the cavity 74, 74' near or in contact with the connecting plates 73, 73'; this will not interfere with the adhesion of the rapidly curing plastic material 8 to the lateral extensions 70, 70' and the glass 2.

[0152] Each application of the rapidly curing plastic material 8 is preferably completed in one go, because this results in a greater wedging force.

[0153] Here, the length L8 (on the X-axis) of the rapidly curing plastic material 8 applied each time is equal to the length L7 of the lateral extensions 7 and 7': the rapidly curing plastic material 8 will not overflow to the left or right from the side of the extensions 7 and 7'; the rapidly curing plastic material 8 will also not overflow from below the left or right extensions 7 and 7'.

[0154] It should be noted that the rapidly curing plastic material 8 can be applied either below the lateral extension or on the lateral extension, and can be applied to multiple lateral extensions, or even all lateral extensions of the window frame.

[0155] For window frames, the rapidly curing plastic material 8 can also be applied to one or more lateral extensions, and below one or more other lateral extensions. The available space in the door for accommodating the glass window will influence the positioning of the rapidly curing plastic material 8 relative to the lateral extensions.

[0156] Furthermore, in the same series of windows (for the same type of vehicle), the fast-curing plastic material 8 can be applied under the lateral extension of some windows in the series, as well as to the lateral extension of other windows, because the final position of the window frame depends on the actual construction of each window.

[0157] Therefore, in the mass production method of vehicle windows according to the present invention, the rapidly curing plastic material 8 can be applied to:

[0158] - On one or more lateral extensions 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d of a series of partial glass windows, and

[0159] - Below one or more lateral extensions 7, 7' of other windows in a series.

[0160] The rapidly curing plastic material 8 cures in 60 seconds or less. Here, it is a thermoplastic or thermosetting material, and preferably has a hardness of at least 60 Shore A in the cured state. Specifically, it can be a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polyamide, etc., specifically the material "hotmelt Tecbond 240-12-300".

[0161] For window frames, the application of the rapidly curing plastic material 8 is preferably performed simultaneously each time, thereby shortening the total time of the manufacturing process.

[0162] Adhesive 9 is, for example, a thermosetting resin, such as a one- or two-component polyurethane-based adhesive, with or without an accelerator. The curing time of the adhesive is irrelevant and can be long because the window frame has been properly secured to the glass by the rapidly curing plastic material 8.

[0163] From the first step to the third step, the glass 2 is held within the reference frame 10 without moving. After the third step, once the fast-curing plastic material 8 has been applied and has sufficiently cured (not necessarily completely solid), the glass window 1 can be removed from the reference frame 10 immediately; there is no need to wait for the adhesive 9 to polymerize or cure.

[0164] Advantageously, the applied material has no upper boundary (along the Z-axis). Control over the application and the amount of application is sufficient to ensure that all application space is filled with the material to be applied.

[0165] Therefore, physically wedging the window frame into the glass 2 using the plastic material 8 is quick and reliable: chemical fixation can be achieved using the adhesive 9 without the risk of the window frame moving relative to the glass. This chemical fixation is reliable and precise; there is no need to perfect it by mechanically attaching the window frame to the glass.

[0166] Although this is not desirable because it adds an extra step, it is possible to provide a window frame, specifically its tail 65, and then modify its structure as proposed in International Patent Application WO200598187.

[0167] To reduce the weight of the glass window 1, once the adhesive 9 has dried, cured, or polymerized, one, more, and preferably each of the lateral extensions 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d; 7, 7', as well as the rapidly curing plastic material 8, can be removed from the glass window 1 before it is assembled into the door.

[0168] Below the line-of-sight boundary VL, the vehicle door may have at least one pillarless portion. Therefore, the door can:

[0169] - Excluding the side forward pillars, and a portion adjacent to the body (also known in English as "pilier A" or "A-pillar") is used for window guidance, and / or

[0170] - Excluding the lateral rear pillars, and a portion of the body adjacent to the windows (also known in English as "pilier B" or "B-pillar") is used for window guidance.

[0171] The foregoing description is an exemplary description of the present invention. Note that various modifications of the invention can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the patent scope as described in, for example, the claims.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a vehicle glazing (1) comprising a glass (2) having an external face (20), an internal face (22) and a peripheral lateral face (21), and a fixing device giving the glass (2) the mobility of vertical translation with respect to a door of the vehicle, the fixing device being located within at least one fixing zone (F) and comprising a window frame (6) having a portion in the shape of a U, characterized in that, The fixing device is fixed to the glass (2) by performing at least the following steps: - Position the glass (2) on the reference frame (10), and then, - Apply adhesive (9), and position the window frame (6) opposite the edge of the glass (2), such that the adhesive (9) is positioned within the U-shaped portion, at least between the glass (2) and the window frame (6), and - The window frame (6) has at least one lateral extension (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d; 7, 7'), which is separate from the U-shaped portion and opposite to the glass (2), onto which a fast-curing plastic material (8) is applied: - On at least one lateral extension (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) and / or - Below at least one lateral extension (7, 7').

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the rapidly curing plastic material (8) is applied after the adhesive (9) is applied.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rapidly curing plastic material (8) is a thermoplastic or thermosetting material.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one application of the rapidly curing plastic material (8) is performed facing the side (21) of the glass (2).

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the application is performed within the reference frame (10).

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rapidly curing plastic material (8) contacts the outer surface (20), the inner surface (22) and the side surface (21) of the glass (2) after application.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein after the adhesive (9) dries, cures or polymerizes, at least one of the lateral extensions (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d; 7, 7') and the rapidly curing plastic material (8) are removed from the glass window.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the adhesive (9) is in contact with the outer surface (20), the inner surface (22) and the side surface (21) of the glass (2).

9. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the glass (2) is partially laminated, the laminated portion comprising at least an outer glass sheet (3), an inner glass sheet (5), and an adhesive sheet (4) located between the outer glass sheet (3) and the inner glass sheet (5), and the fixed region (F) is non-laminated.

10. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one application of the rapidly curing plastic material (8) is accomplished through holes (72a, 72b, 72c, 72d; 72, 72') and through the lateral extensions (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d; 7, 7').

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the window frame (6) has a plurality of lateral extensions (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d; 7, 7') to which a rapidly curing plastic material (8) is applied: - On each lateral extension (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) and / or - Below each lateral extension (7, 7').

12. The method according to claim 3, wherein the hardness of the rapidly curing plastic material (8) in the cured state is at least 60 Shore A.

13. The method according to claim 4, wherein each application of the rapidly curing plastic material (8) is performed facing the side (21) of the glass (2).

14. The method according to claim 7, wherein after the adhesive (9) has dried, cured or polymerized, each of the lateral extensions (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d; 7, 7') and the rapidly curing plastic material (8) are removed from the glass window.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein each fixed region (F) is unlaminated.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein each application of the rapidly curing plastic material (8) is accomplished through holes (72a, 72b, 72c, 72d; 72, 72') and through the lateral extensions (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d; 7, 7').

17. A vehicle window (1) obtained by implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, the vehicle window (1) comprising glass (2) having an outer surface (20), an inner surface (22), and a peripheral side surface (21), and a fixing device for making the glass (2) movable relative to a door of the vehicle, the fixing device being located within at least one fixing area (F), and comprising a window frame (6) having a U-shaped portion, characterized in that: - The adhesive (9) is positioned opposite the edge of the glass (2), such that the adhesive (9) is located within the U-shaped portion, at least between the glass (2) and the window frame (6), and - The window frame (6) has at least one lateral extension (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d; 7, 7'), which is separate from the U-shaped portion and opposite to the glass (2), and the rapidly curing plastic material (8) is present in: - At least one lateral extension (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) and / or - Below at least one lateral extension (7, 7').

18. The vehicle window (1) according to claim 17, wherein at least one lateral extension (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d; 7, 7') includes at least one hole (72a, 72b, 72c, 72d; 72, 72').

19. The vehicle window (1) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein - The lateral extensions (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) are plate-shaped (70) and are in direct contact with or close to the surface of the glass (2), or - The lateral extension (7, 7') is a lateral U-shape.

20. The vehicle window (1) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein at least one lateral extension (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d; 7, 7') is connected to the U-shaped portion by a connecting arm (71, 71') or a connecting plate (73, 73').

21. The vehicle window (1) according to claim 17, wherein the window frame (6) has a plurality of lateral extensions (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d; 7, 7'), and the rapidly curing plastic material (8) is present in: - On each of the laterally extended portions (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) and / or - Below each lateral extension (7, 7').

22. The vehicle window (1) according to claim 18, wherein each lateral extension (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d; 7, 7') includes at least one hole (72a, 72b, 72c, 72d; 72, 72').

23. The vehicle window (1) according to claim 19, wherein - The lateral extensions (7, 7') have the same cross-section as the central U-shaped portion, surrounding the edge of the glass (2).

24. The vehicle window (1) according to claim 20, wherein each lateral extension (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d; 7, 7') is connected to the U-shaped portion by a connecting arm (71, 71') or a connecting plate (73, 73').

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