A window unit comprising a glazing panel and a frame

Abstract

A window unit (10) comprising (i) a glazing panel (2); (ii) a rigid part (5) provided on at least a portion of the edge of the glazing panel 12, on at least one peripheral side and designed to receive a decorative strip (4), the rigid part (5) comprising at least one snap-in system (6) comprising a base (50) and at least a first and a second arm (6a; 6b); (iii) a frame profile (3) surrounding the edge of the glazing panel (12) on at least one peripheral side and made of a soft material, and overmoulded on at least a portion of the rigid part (5). According to the invention, the snap-in system (6) has at least one rigid arm (6a) and at least one flexible arm (6b).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an automotive window unit comprising an embedded glass panel, a decorative strip on at least a portion of the peripheral side of the edge of the window unit, and a frame outline. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a window unit with the decorative strip. Background Technology

[0002] Window units with fitted glass panels and frames are known. In order to manufacture a window unit with a frame surrounding the fitted glass panel, a primer and / or adhesive is applied to the edge areas of the fitted glass panel on the inner, front and outer sides before the main part (frame outline) is formed onto the edge areas of the outer periphery of the fitted glass panel.

[0003] These window units are typically equipped with decorative strips to improve the visible appearance of the window. These strips are usually made of metal or plastic and are attached to the glazing using various methods, such as: gluing; bending the strip in specific areas (harpoons); integrating metal fasteners into the frame; or overmolding the strip during the encapsulation process.

[0004] Currently, some window units have a frame encased around the glazing unit by a flexible material, and a decorative strip is secured to the glazing panel with metal fasteners (e.g., metal clips as described in DE 19818153). These metal clips are manually secured to the encased frame before the decorative strip is assembled. However, this manufacturing process is labor-intensive and increases the cost of window production.

[0005] Moreover, nowadays, there is an increasing use of thick encapsulation materials to encapsulate the frame outline, which requires the use of inserts to try to obtain window units with embedded glass panels, frames and decorative strips, and whose surface appearance quality meets the end user's expectations.

[0006] To further support the decorative strip, inserts are used in specific areas, such as the rear corners, to increase the rigidity of the encapsulated glass unit. The use of such inserts also allows for reduced manufacturing cycle time due to the higher cooling rate after injection of the encapsulating material. Typically, rigid thermoplastic materials (Young's modulus E > 1000 MPa: PP, PC / ABS, etc.) are used as the insert material.

[0007] Chinese patent CN 102272463 A discloses an insert for securing a decorative strip to a molded frame. The insert includes at least one clamp having at least an upstream mating portion that cooperates with the molded frame and a downstream mating portion that allows mating with an attachment fitting. The upstream mating portion includes a plurality of hook feet connected by a base, each foot having a deformable end. In the step of securing the decorative strip to the molded frame, the ends of the feet deform to penetrate the material of the molded strip by applying forces in two opposite directions at the ends of the feet. However, the insert has multiple hook feet and a complex shape, complicating both its own manufacturing process and its installation process, thus increasing manufacturing costs. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In view of the disadvantages of existing rigid parts or more specifically, inserts, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a window unit with an inlaid glass panel and inserts that is easy to manufacture and allows for simple fixing of decorative strips.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, the present invention relates to an improved window unit, the window unit comprising:

[0010] -Inlaid glass panel

[0011] - A rigid component disposed on at least a portion of the edge of the fitted glass panel, on at least one peripheral side, and designed to receive a decorative strip. The rigid component includes at least one engaging system comprising a base and at least a first arm and a second arm.

[0012] - A frame profile that surrounds the edge of the fitted glass panel on at least one peripheral side and is made of a soft material, and the frame profile is overmolded onto at least a portion of the rigid part.

[0013] According to the present invention, the engagement system has at least one rigid arm and at least one flexible arm.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rigid member surrounds at least a portion of the edge of the fitted glass panel on at least one peripheral side. In that case, the rigid member forms an insert for securing a decorative strip thereon.

[0015] This invention relates to the technical field of installing decorative strips on glass windows, particularly to inserts for installing bright decorative strips on the edges of automotive glass, and to glass windows comprising decorative strips, inserts, and edges.

[0016] The object of the present invention is to provide a rigid part that can be an insert for fixing to a fitted glass panel to form a window unit according to the invention, and a fixing device for a decorative strip is integrated in the insert.

[0017] According to the present invention, the insert and the fixing device are configured as a single unit and are made of the same material. Using an insert with at least one fixing device (the fixing device is integrated into the insert and the fixing device and the insert are made of the same material) results in cost reduction and improved surface appearance quality of the parts.

[0018] The fastener is integrated into the insert. Therefore, no additional fastener assembly is required after manufacturing the rigid part or, more specifically, the insert. The fastener, i.e., the engagement system, can be made of the same material as the rigid part or a different material. In the latter case, the fastener can be manufactured separately and then overmolded in the insert mold.

[0019] At least one snap-fit ​​system allows for the simple assembly of a trim strip onto the fitted glass panel. Depending on the design of the snap-fit ​​system, the strip can be removable or non-removable. In some cases, the trim strip can be removable before the module is assembled onto the car. This allows for rework of the part in case of production problems without risking the removal of the decorative trim from the car (which would be a problem in terms of security and theft risks).

[0020] It should be understood that more than one snap-fit ​​system can be integrated to securely fasten the trim strip to a rigid component. The number and location of the snap-fit ​​systems will depend on the type, shape, and material of the trim strip.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rigid arm of the engaging system disposed on the rigid part has an elasticity factor of less than 20 mm, and the flexible arm has an elasticity factor of more than 30 mm. The elasticity factor is defined as the square of the average length of the arm divided by the average thickness of the arm.

[0022] To allow assembly between the trim strip and the rigid components, displacement (y) of the flexible arm of the engagement system is required. The direction of this displacement is typically perpendicular to the line formed from the foot (base) of the arm to the top of the arm. The relationship between the arm's displacement (y) and the strain ratio (ε) at the foot of the arm is:

[0023] y = 0.67ε(l^2) / e = 0.67εEF, where the elasticity factor EF = (l^2) / e.

[0024] Therefore, for a given allowable strain ratio (ε) related to the material used maxThe maximum displacement ymax of the flexible arm (allowing it to function elastically without the risk of breakage) is proportional to the elasticity factor EF. The elasticity factor is independent of the material used but depends on the design of the flexible arm in the engagement system.

[0025] This means that the higher the EF, the greater the range of motion of the flexible arm, without the risk of damage and with appropriate rebound effect.

[0026] According to the present invention, the risk of breakage of the locking system (clamp) is reduced due to the required deformation associated with the decorative component. This allows for the safe, quick, and easy assembly of the decorative element onto the module.

[0027] Furthermore, this concept allows the trim strip to be removable after assembly using, for example, a flathead screwdriver. This allows for rework of parts in case of production issues without risking the removal of the trim from the car (which would be a security and theft concern). However, once the trim strip is assembled on the car, it may not be removable. In some cases, the trim strip can be removable before the module is assembled into the car.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rigid component for securing the trim strip is made of a hard thermoplastic material having a Young's modulus higher than 1500 MPa. Hard materials are sometimes used to make components more rigid, reduce the thickness of soft materials, and / or add functionality to encapsulated window units. In a preferred embodiment, the hard material is not visible after the encapsulated window unit is assembled into the vehicle.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rigid part for fixing the decorative strip is made of a rigid thermoplastic material selected from polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), styrene-butadiene material (ABS), polyamide (PA), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rigid part is made of a hard material including fillers (glass fiber, glass beads, calcium carbonate, talc, silica, wollastonite, clay, calcium sulfate fiber, mica).

[0031] The presence of filler can improve the adhesion of rigid parts to at least a portion of the mounted glass panel and reinforce the rigid parts.

[0032] Hard materials filled with fillers such as glass fiber, glass beads, and talc can also be at least partially covered with soft materials after the overmolding process.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the window unit is provided with a frame profile, which is an injection-molded frame.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a base adhesive is disposed between the frame profile and the edge of the mounting glass panel to bond the frame profile to the mounting glass panel.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the frame profile surrounds the edge of the fitted glass panel on at least one peripheral side and is made of a soft material having a Young's modulus of less than 1000 MPa. The soft material having a Young's modulus of less than 1000 MPa can be made of a thermoplastic elastomer system material. Styrene-based and vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers are commonly used. In another embodiment, the soft component is soft polyvinyl chloride.

[0036] Soft materials are used to give the frame its final surface finish and also to assemble window units to the vehicle body. Effectively, the material's flexibility allows for the creation of an interlock between the vehicle body and the window unit using a soft lip. Soft materials are sometimes also used to ensure a proper seal between the vehicle body and the enclosed window unit.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the frame profile surrounds the edge of the fitted glass panel on at least one peripheral side and is made of a soft material that has natural chemical cohesive adhesion to the rigid material. Therefore, good adhesion between the frame profile and the rigid component can be obtained without the need for an undercoat between the two components.

[0038] According to another embodiment of the invention, a base adhesive is disposed between the rigid part and the frame profile to bond the frame profile to the rigid part.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the engagement system for securing the rigid component of the decorative strip has a U-shape or a similar U-shape. This design allows for a good balance between the elasticity and rigidity of the engagement system to efficiently secure the decorative strip using the rigid component.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, a travel limiter is integrated into a rigid component to limit the displacement of the flexible arm of the engagement system. The travel limiter allows for limiting deformation of the second arm of the engagement, thereby preventing any engagement (clamping) degradation associated with improper operation.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide is integrated into the rigid part so as to better align the rigid part with the decorative trim by engaging the guide with the rigid arm of the decorative trim.

[0042] The use of guides allows for ensuring proper assembly; in some cases, guides can be integrated into rigid parts or, more specifically, into inserts and trim strips. This function guides the trim strip according to the rigid part (or insert) and thus ensures precise alignment between the two parts, which in turn guarantees high-quality positioning of the trim strip within the frame's contour.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the frame profile and rigid components are at least partially injected onto the mounting glass during the injection molding process. Therefore, the process for manufacturing the window unit according to the invention is simplified.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rigid part is an insert that is first produced by injection molding in a separate mold and then overmolded in a mold cavity of an encapsulation mold or mold with a frame contour made of a soft material.

[0045] Rigid parts or, more particularly, inserts can be produced and stored before being assembled onto at least one portion of the edge of the fitted glass panel, and then overmolded in a mold with a frame profile made of a soft material.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rigid part is directly molded onto at least one peripheral side of the embedded glass panel via encapsulation, and then overmolded in a second encapsulation mold or cavity using a frame profile made of a soft material. This classic 2K process makes the process easier and reduces costs.

[0047] The present invention also relates to a method for producing a window unit according to the invention, wherein the method includes an overmolding step of a rigid part disposed on at least a portion of the edge of an embedded glass panel, on at least one peripheral side, the rigid part being designed to receive a decorative strip, the rigid part including at least a first arm and a second arm to form an engagement system.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the following steps:

[0049] a. Place the mounting glass in the first packaging mold or cavity.

[0050] b. Encapsulating a rigid component on at least one peripheral side of an inlaid glass panel, with a decorative strip intended to be placed within said at least one peripheral side.

[0051] c. Transfer the thus formed embedded glass and rigid parts into a second encapsulation mold or cavity.

[0052] d. Overmolding at least a portion of the rigid part by injecting a frame profile and overmolding at least one peripheral side of the fitted glass panel by simultaneously injecting the frame profile into a second encapsulation mold or cavity.

[0053] e. Retrieve the injected module from the second encapsulation mold or mold cavity.

[0054] f. The trim strip is assembled onto the module by clamping its rigid arm onto at least one engagement system integrated into the rigid part.

[0055] Then, rigid parts, or more specifically, inserts, are directly molded onto the glass panel. In that case, a specific encapsulation mold is manufactured. The glass panel is placed in this mold and directly encapsulated with a rigid material (i.e., the rigid part). Later, the assembly made of the glass panel and the rigid part (insert) is placed in another mold or the cavity of a mold, and then overmolded with a soft material that conforms to the frame contour. The process of manufacturing glass panels with frame contours and rigid parts (inserts) designed to receive decorative strips is simplified and labor is reduced.

[0056] A rigid component equipped with at least one engaging system is directly encapsulated on an embedded glass panel and then overmolded in a specific mold. In all these embodiments, no human intervention is required to produce the component, and the fastener cannot be concealed from the insert after manufacturing.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for producing a window unit includes the following steps:

[0058] a. Injecting a rigid part equipped with at least one engaging system into a separate mold.

[0059] b. Place the mounting glass and rigid components into the encapsulation mold.

[0060] c. Encapsulating the frame profile on at least one peripheral side of the fitted glass panel and overmolding the frame profile onto at least a portion of the rigid part, wherein the decorative strip is intended to be placed within that portion.

[0061] d. Retrieve the injected module from the packaging mold.

[0062] e. The trim strip is assembled onto the module by clamping its rigid arm onto at least one engagement system integrated into the rigid part.

[0063] According to the present invention, the embedded glass panel can be a flat panel or a curved panel to fit the design of an automobile. The embedded glass panel can be processed, i.e., annealed, tempered, etc., to meet safety and anti-theft requirements. A heating system (e.g., a coating or a network of wires) can be applied to the embedded glass panel to add, for example, defrosting and / or defogging functions.

[0064] In some embodiments, the fitted glass panel is a glass panel. The glass panel includes at least one glass plate.

[0065] Alternatively, the glass panel can be a laminated glass panel. Laminated glass comprises glass sheets held together by one or more interlayers positioned between the glass sheets.

[0066] The glass sheet can be clear glass or colored glass. Colored glass is colored by using specific glass components or by applying, for example, a coating or plastic layer.

[0067] 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.

[0068] It should be noted that the present invention relates to all possible combinations of the features described in the claims.

[0069] While the following description relates to automotive window units, it should be understood that the invention is applicable 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

[0070] 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.

[0071] Figure 1 This refers to an embedded glass window unit placed in a vehicle body according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Figure 2 and Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The cross section of the fitted glass window unit at section AA.

[0073] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The cross-section of the fitted glass window unit at section BB shows a guide according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0074] Figure 5 It refers to an inlaid glass module that has a flexible frame with rigid parts and encapsulation, but no decorative strips, for inlaid glass panels. Detailed Implementation

[0075] The invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The examples provided herein illustrate the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. These examples do not represent limiting embodiments of the invention. It should be noted that the invention relates to all possible combinations of the features described in the following embodiments.

[0076] refer to Figures 1 to 3 The first embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0077] Figure 1 A window unit 10 is shown, more particularly an automotive window unit mounted on a vehicle body 1. The window unit 10 includes a fitted glass panel 2 having a decorative strip 4 fixed to a rigid member (not visible) disposed on at least a portion of the edge of the fitted glass panel 12, on at least one peripheral side. The rigid member is designed to receive the decorative strip 4.

[0078] The frame profile 3 is injection molded along the periphery of the mounting glass panel 2 on the edge 12 according to design requirements and using techniques well known to those skilled in the art. The frame profile 3 may be provided on the entire periphery of the mounting glass panel 2 or on a portion of the periphery of the mounting glass panel. In this embodiment, the frame has a frame profile and surrounds the edge of the mounting glass panel on three peripheral sides.

[0079] Window unit 10 has a polygonal shape, and specifically a triangular shape. The fitted glass panel 2 has a slightly similar shape. The frame has a frame outline and surrounds the edge of the fitted glass panel on three peripheral sides.

[0080] According to this embodiment, the rigid member 5 surrounds at least a portion of the edge 12 of the fitted glass panel 2 on at least one peripheral side. In that case, the rigid member forms an insert to secure the decorative strip 4 thereon.

[0081] According to the present invention, the frame profile 3 is made of a soft material having a Young's modulus of less than 1000 MPa. For example, the soft material is selected from thermoplastic materials, such as TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), TPV (vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer), TPE-S (styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer), soft PVC (soft polyvinyl chloride), or PU (polyurethane) or EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) elastomers, but is not limited to these thermoplastic materials; any other suitable material may be used. According to the present invention, the frame profile 3 is overmolded onto at least a portion of the rigid part 5, as in... Figure 2 As shown in the figure. Figure 2 express Figure 1 The cross section of the fitted glass window unit at section AA.

[0082] According to this embodiment, the rigid member 5 surrounds at least a portion of the edge 12 of the fitted glass panel 2 on at least one peripheral side. In that case, the rigid member forms an insert to secure the decorative strip 4 thereon.

[0083] To improve the overall appearance of the vehicle, a trim strip 4 is provided on the exterior-visible portion of the edge 12 of the automotive embedded glass panel 2. The trim strip 4 serves to cover the edge 12 of the automotive embedded glass panel. In the current description of one embodiment of the invention, the trim strip 4 is used as a decorative element on the exterior-visible portion of the edge of the embedded glass panel 2. It should be understood that the method of securing the trim strip 4 to the rigid component 5 can also be applied to other decorative products or automotive embedded glass fittings.

[0084] In order to securely fix / install the trim strip 4 on the edge 12 of the automotive window insert, the present invention provides, as follows: Figures 2 to 5 The rigid part 5 shown is illustrated.

[0085] According to the invention, the rigid part 5, and more particularly the insert, includes at least one engaging system 6, which includes a base 50 and at least a first arm 6a and a second arm 6b, the engaging system 6 having at least one rigid arm 6a and at least one flexible arm 6b.

[0086] According to the invention, the engaging system 6 is designed to receive and secure the decorative strip 2 by pushing the rigid parts, and more specifically the insert 5 and the interlocking components of the decorative strip 2 together. The engaging mechanism, as an integral attachment feature, has the advantage of having no loose parts.

[0087] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first arm 6a and the second arm 6b are respectively provided with bent portions in the form of hooks 60 and 61 at their ends. The second arm 6b can be moved toward the first arm 6a by two external forces in opposite directions, causing the two bent portions 60 and 61 to insert into and engage with the mating arm 9 of the decorative strip 4, as shown in... Figure 2 As shown, the number and position of the engaging system 6 along the rigid parts 5 will depend on the shape and material of the decorative strip.

[0088] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the rigid arm 6a has an elasticity factor of less than 20 mm, and the flexible arm 6b has an elasticity factor of greater than 30 mm. The elasticity factor is defined as the square of the average lengths l and l1 of the arms 6a and 6b divided by the average thicknesses e and e1 of the arms 6a and 6b, respectively. Figure 3 As shown above, the advantages associated with these features have been described.

[0089] Rigid part 5 can be made of a rigid thermoplastic material with a Young's modulus E higher than 1500 MPa. This material can be selected from polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), styrene-butadiene (ABS), polyamide (PA), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0090] The rigid part 5 may include fillers (glass fiber, glass beads, calcium carbonate, talc, silica, wollastonite, clay, calcium sulfate fiber, mica) to improve, for example, its mechanical properties.

[0091] The engaging system 6 of the rigid part 5 preferably has a U-shape or a similar U-shape. The U-shape or similar U-shape allows for better fixation.

[0092] According to an embodiment of the present invention and as shown in Figure 2 As shown, the travel limiter 7 can be integrated into the rigid part 5 to limit the displacement of the flexible arm 6b of the engagement system 6. The travel limiter 7 prevents excessive deformation of the flexible arm 6b of the engagement system 6, which could lead to deterioration of the arm 6b.

[0093] In this invention, when the encapsulated contour frame 3 is injection molded onto at least a portion of the edge of the embedded glass panel, the base 50 of the insert 5 and the engagement system 6 having at least the first arm 6a and the second arm 6b are fixedly connected to the encapsulated frame contour 3 by integrally injection molding the insert 5.

[0094] Therefore, the present invention also provides a method for mounting a decorative strip 4 on the edge 12 of an embedded glass panel 2 using the insert 5 mentioned above.

[0095] According to the present invention, the window unit can be manufactured as required in the description section above. The rigid part 5 (or insert) can be directly molded onto at least one peripheral side of the embedded glass panel 12 by encapsulation, and overmolded in a second encapsulation mold with a frame profile 3 made of a soft material.

[0096] Insert 4 is overmolded: it is produced in a specific injection molding tool, then placed in an encapsulation mold together with the bare insert glass panel, and then overmolded by a frame contour 3 made of soft material.

[0097] In some embodiments, the insert 4 is formed directly onto the glass panel at the visible edge 12 of the glass panel. In that case, a specific encapsulation mold is used. The glass panel 2 is placed in this mold and directly encapsulated with a rigid material. Later, a module made of glass and a rigid frame is placed in another mold or cavity and then overmolded with a frame contour 3 made of a soft material.

[0098] Sometimes rigid materials are used to make parts more rigid, reduce the thickness of soft materials, and / or add functionality to encapsulated window units such as integrating guides for rear door mounting, using fasteners to assemble the window unit to the vehicle body, etc. Rigid materials can be polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC) blends, acrylic blends, polyamides, or others. In a preferred embodiment, the rigid material is not visible after the encapsulated window unit is assembled on the vehicle.

[0099] The flexible component can be a thermoplastic elastomer system material. Styrene-based and vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers are commonly used. In another embodiment, the flexible component is flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The flexible material is used to impart the final surface appearance of the frame and also for fitting the window unit to the vehicle body. Effectively, the flexibility of the material allows for the creation of interference between the vehicle body and the window unit through the use of a soft lip. The flexible material is sometimes also used to ensure a seal between the vehicle body and the enclosed window unit.

[0100] According to the invention, the fixing device 6 is integrated into the insert 5. Therefore, no additional fixing device assembly is required after the insert 5 is manufactured. The fixing device can be made of the same material as the insert or a different material. In the latter case, the fixing device can be manufactured separately and then overmolded in the insert mold.

[0101] In another embodiment, the fastener can be directly encapsulated on the glass and then overmolded in a specific tool. In all these embodiments, no human intervention is required to produce the parts, and the fastener cannot be concealed from the insert after manufacturing.

[0102] As in Figure 4 As shown, the guide 8 can also be integrated into the rigid part 5 to align the rigid part 5 with the decorative trim 4 by engaging the guide 8 with the rigid arm 9 of the trim strip. The guide 8 is preferably made of the same material as the rigid part 5. The guide 8 ensures proper assembly, and in some cases, it can also be integrated into the insert 5 and the trim strip 4. This function guides the trim strip 2 according to the insert and thus ensures precise alignment between the two parts, which in turn guarantees high-quality positioning of the trim strip 4 within the package.

[0103] Figure 5 An inlaid glass panel with inserts 5 is shown. Inserts 5 surround the edge 12 of the inlaid glass panel 2. A frame profile 3 overmolds the inserts 5 and extends along the entire periphery of the inlaid glass panel, at least on the side where the rigid member is located. Engagement systems 6 according to the invention are distributed along the rigid member. The distance between each engagement system 6 is adapted to the decorative strip to be secured.

[0104] Once the decorative strip is fixed to the insert, the window unit 10 according to the invention will be formed.

Claims

1. A window unit (10) comprising: - a glazing panel (2), - a rigid part (5) provided on at least a portion of the edge of the glazing panel (2), on at least one peripheral side and designed to receive a decorative strip (4), the rigid part (5) comprising at least one snap system (6) comprising a base (50) and at least one rigid arm (6a) and at least one flexible arm (6b), - a frame profile (3) surrounding the edge of the glazing panel (2) on at least one peripheral side and made of a soft material, and overmoulded on at least a portion of the rigid part (5), characterized in that the rigid arm (6a) has an elastic factor lower than 20 mm and the flexible arm (6b) has an elastic factor higher than 30 mm, the elastic factor of the rigid arm (6a) being defined as the square of the average length (1) of the rigid arm (6a) divided by the average thickness (e) of the rigid arm (6a), the elastic factor of the flexible arm (6b) being defined as the square of the average length (11) of the flexible arm (6b) divided by the average thickness (el) of the flexible arm (6b).

2. The window unit (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The rigid part (5) is made of a hard thermoplastic material having a Young's modulus higher than 1500 Mpa.

3. The window unit (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that The rigid part (5) is made of a hard thermoplastic material chosen from polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), a styrene material (ABS), polyamide (PA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

4. The window unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 1-3, wherein, The rigid part (5) is made of a hard material comprising a filler.

5. The window unit (10) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 3, characterized in that, The soft material has a Young's modulus lower than 1000 Mpa.

6. The window unit (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that The soft material has a natural chemical cohesive bonding with the hard material.

7. The window unit (10) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 3, characterized in that The at least one snap system (6) of the rigid part (5) has a U shape or is similar to a U shape.

8. The window unit (10) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 3, characterized in that A travel limiter (7) is integrated to the rigid part (5) in order to limit the displacement of the flexible arm (6b) of the at least one snap system (6).

9. The window unit (10) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 3, characterized in that A guide (8) is integrated to the rigid part (5) in order to align the rigid part (5) with the decorative strip (4) by cooperating the guide (8) with a cooperating arm (9) of the decorative strip (4).

10. The window unit (10) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 3, characterized in that The frame profile (3) and the rigid part (5) are at least partially injected on the glazing panel (2) during an injection moulding process.

11. The window unit (10) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 3, characterized in that The rigid part (5) is directly moulded on at least one peripheral side of the glazing panel (2) by encapsulation and overmoulded with the frame profile (3) made of a soft material in a second encapsulation mould.

12. A method for producing a window unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The method comprises an overmolding step of a rigid part (5) provided on at least one peripheral side of the edge of the glazing panel (2), designed to receive a trim strip (4), the rigid part (5) comprising at least one rigid arm (6a) and at least one flexible arm (6b) to form a snap system (6).

13. The method for producing a window unit (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The method comprises the following steps: a. placing a glazing panel (2) in a first encapsulation mold or cavity, b. encapsulating the rigid part (5) on at least one peripheral side of the glazing panel (2), in which the trim strip (4) is intended to be placed, c. transferring the glazing panel (2) and the rigid part (5) thus formed into a second encapsulation mold or cavity, d. overmolding at least one part of the rigid part (5) by injection of the frame profile (3) and overmolding the at least one peripheral side of the glazing panel (2) by simultaneous injection of the frame profile (3) in the second encapsulation mold or cavity, e. retrieving the injected module (11) from the second encapsulation mold or cavity, f. assembling the trim strip (4) on the module (11) by clipping the mating arms (9) of the trim strip on at least one snap system (6) integrated into the rigid part (5).

14. The method for producing a window unit (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The method comprises the following steps: a. injecting the rigid part (5) provided with at least one snap system in a separate mold, b. placing a glazing panel (2) and the rigid part (5) in an encapsulation mold, c. encapsulating the frame profile (3) on at least one peripheral side of the glazing panel (2) and overmolding the frame profile on at least one part of the rigid part (5), in which the trim strip (4) is intended to be placed, d. retrieving the injected module (11) from the encapsulation mold, e. assembling the trim strip (4) on the module (11) by clipping the mating arms (9) of the trim strip on at least one snap system (6) integrated into the rigid part (5).

Images